Alternative Energy Draft EA - NASA Visitor Center at Wallops Flight ...

Affected Environment
The Accomack County code states that “...any loud, disturbing, or unreasonable noise in the
county, which noise is of such character, intensity, or duration as to be detrimental to the life,
health, or safety of any person, or to disturb the quiet, comfort, or response of any reasonable
person” is prohibited (Accomack County, 2001). Table 11 shows the specific noise limitations
by land use as regulated by Accomack County.
Table 11: Accomack County Noise Guidelines by Land Use
District/Land Use Daytime Level (dBA) Nighttime Level (dBA)
Residential 65 55
Agricultural 65 55
Business 70 60
Industrial 70 60
Barrier Island 65 55
Source: Accomack County, 2001
As a general rule, the above levels should not be exceeded; however, exceptions to the rule exist.
According to Article II, Section 38-35 of the Accomack County code, “This article shall not
apply to noises generated by commercial or industrial operations except for those noises that
emanate from the boundaries of such commercial or industrial site and affect persons who are
not working onsite at such commercial or industrial operation.”
Noise sources associated with activities at WFF include vehicular and air traffic, and noise at
Wallops Island also includes target and rocket launches. In general, vehicular traffic at WFF, and
especially Wallops Island, is minimal, and rocket launches are relatively infrequent and of short
duration. WFF and U.S. Navy air traffic from the Main Base flies over Wallops Mainland and
Wallops Island. Wind, wildlife, and wave action are the predominant sources of naturally
occurring noise on Wallops Island.
During a 1992 noise monitoring program at Wallops Island, a wide range of background noise
levels was found. At the northern portion of Wallops Island, natural sounds of wind, trees, and
birds are the predominant source of the 53-dBA noise level. At the southern end of the island, as
well as along the eastern seawall, the sounds of water and waves generate a noise level of about
64 dBA. In the interior of the island, near roads and buildings, noise levels are about 61 dBA
during off-peak traffic periods and 64 to 65 dBA during peak a.m. and p.m. traffic (NASA,
2005).
3.1.8 Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste
3.1.8.1 Hazardous Materials Management
The WFF Integrated Contingency Plan (ICP), developed to meet the requirements of 40 CFR
112 (Oil Pollution Prevention and Response), 40 CFR 265 Subparts C and D (Hazardous Waste
Contingency Plan), and 9 VAC 25-91-10 (Oil Discharge Contingency Plan), serves as the
facility’s primary guidance document for the prevention and management of oil, hazardous
material, and hazardous waste releases. The ICP includes the following procedures:
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