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Record Of Decision <br />procedures allow the noise from some equipment to exceed the 65-decibel limit established.by both <br />. Eugene and Springfield. Noise at the construction site could occasionally exceed the 65-decibel limit <br />during some phases of construction. In general, however, noise levels are not expected to exceed <br />allowable levels for construction noise (with the exception of exempt equipment such as jackhammers). <br />-- ' Operation of the courthouse would contribute little to the area's ambient noise levels at either of the <br />alternative sites. Traffic flow in and around the selected site during operation of the courthouse would <br />create some noise but would not contribute significantly to ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the <br />site. <br />Hazardous Materials <br />Potential impacts associated with existing contaminated sites would be limited to short-term <br />construction impacts, for the most part. However, long-term impacts may occur where acquired <br />properties have ongoing cleanup responsibility. Such impacts are typically associated with ground water <br />contamination found on larger, more complex sites. <br />The Alternative 1, option A site in Springfield has had one documented release of hazardous materials <br />on the site, but none on adjacent properties. Moderate soil and ground water contamination-from former <br />underground storage tanks located on the site at Norm's Auto Repair were detected during a Phase II <br />environmental site investigation performed in 2000. Two hydraulic lift systems located at Norm's Auto <br />Repair may potentially affect soil and ground water quality. <br />The Alternative 1, option B site in Springfield has had no documented release of hazardous materials <br />onsite or on adjacent properties. <br />Site reconnaissance of the Alternative 1 site in Springfield revealed evidence of potential asbestos- <br />containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing fluorescent light ballasts and electrical <br />transformer equipment, and lead-based paint in portions of the structures. Much of the asbestos- <br />containing material has been abated in the buildings of the Island Park professional center; however, <br />based on the age and lack of renovations to portions of the other buildings on the property, there is <br />potential for these materials to be present in varying quantities. <br />Documented releases at or around the Alternative 2 site in Eugene include petroleum hydrocarbon soil <br />contamination in the top few feet of soil. Potential release locations include the AutoCraft property. <br />Evidence of potential asbestos-containing materials, PCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts and <br />electrical transformer equipment, and lead-based paint has been identified in portions of structures on <br />the site. <br />Mitigation measures that would be undertaken for any of the action alternatives likely would preclude <br />all significant adverse impacts that could result from contaminated soil or ground water. Required <br />mitigation would not be determined until the extent of contamination has been delineated at Norm's <br />Auto Repair for Alternative 1, option A. <br />--' Socioeconomics <br />During construction, some increase in population and housing demand would be expected under either <br />of the alternatives, although sufficient housing appears to be available in Eugene or Springfield to meet <br />this temporary demand. Construction activity would temporarily increase economic activity in the <br />Eugene/Springfield area. <br />No long-term effects on population, housing, demographics, employment, or income are anticipated <br />under either of the alternatives. Selection of either of the action alternatives would not affect <br />neighborhood quality or community cohesion. Environmental consequences affecting low-income or <br />New Federal Courthouse Page S of 8 March 2001 <br />