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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I . SECTlOITHREE AUected Environments and Environmental Consequences 3.5.2.3 Alternative 3 -Improve Routing of Pawnee Creek Flood Flows Impacts associated with Alternative 2 would also apply to Alternative 3. 3.6 AIR QUALITY The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency define the allowable concentrations of pollutants that may be reached but not exceeded in a given time period to protect human health (primary standard) and welfare (secondary standard) with a reasonable margin of safety. The standards include maximum concentrations for ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less. Logan County is classified as a NAAQS Attainment Area (Cooper 2002), which indicates existing concentrations of air pollutants are below the established standard(s), and limited emissions are allowable. 3.6.1 Alternative 1 . No Action The No Action Alternative would not impact air quality in the project vicinity or surrounding areas because no construction would occur. 3.6.2 Alternative 2 . Sterling Flood Control Interceptor Channel (Proposed Action) Alternative 2 would result in minor changes in air quality during construction activities due to exhaust from heavy equipment and possible increased dust levels. Any adverse changes in air quality would be localized, minor, and short-term. No permit would be required. However, if dust becomes a problem, the contractor would have to implement dust control procedures (i.e., water down the work area). 3.6.3 Alternative 3 . Improve Routing of Pawnee Creek Flood Flows The effects of Alternative 3 on air quality would be the same as discussed for Alternative 2. 3.7 NOISE Sounds that disrupt normal activities or otherwise diminish the quality of the environment are designated as noise. Noise can be stationary or transient, intermittent or continuous. Noise events that occur during the night (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) are more annoying than those that occur during normal wake hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Noise events within the project vicinity are presently associated with climatic conditions (wind, thunder, etc.), transportation noise (traffic on existing roads), farm equipment, and "life sounds" (children playing in a park, dogs barking, etc.). Neither Sterling nor Logan County currently have specific noise ordinances. Noise problems in Sterling are handled under the City's nuisance provisions in their Code of Ordinances (Kiolbasa 2002). 3-10