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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MARCH 15, 2021 6 <br /> <br />Mr. Larson added that they equipment is significantly more efficient installed directly adjacent to <br />the space and overhead for ductwork and air returns. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes said it seemed from the last noise study they are right at the limit <br />borderline. <br /> <br />Mr. Larson reiterated they are working on the design to make sure additional sound is mitigated <br />and the new equipment won’t add to the noise. <br /> <br />Boston Scientific Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Sue Thompson stated that <br />Boston Scientific is currently at 48.9 decibels. Adding in the additional units will only raise the <br />decibels by about .8, and not make a drastic change on the amount of noise. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes suggested that Boston Scientific appoint a neighborhood liaison so <br />neighbors have a particular person to contact with concerns. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked if they will be reusing the space once the existing HVAC equipment is <br />removed. <br /> <br />Boston Scientific Facilities Director Lorne Rothbauer said there is one piece of equipment on <br />the north side of the building that can be eliminated once the new addition is built. There will still <br />be some equipment on that side of the building but most of the noise the neighbors are hearing is <br />the chiller that will be eliminated when it needs to be replaced. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden asked if as if the sound gets louder as the equipment ages. <br /> <br />Mr. Hejl responded that may be true if the equipment wasn’t maintained but they have a <br />preventative maintenance program and equipment is inspected and repaired quarterly. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung asked about receptor placement during the noise studies, he wondered <br />if they were at the height of a person, or possibly at the height of a deck or second story bedroom. <br /> <br />Mr. Ford said receptors are put at the height of the person who would be receiving the noise. <br /> <br />Mr. Rothbauer said they can ask to have the study modified. <br /> <br />Boston Scientific Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Nicole Lancaster explained the <br />site operates under a permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Boston <br />Scientific has held the permit since 1995 and they must complete emissions reporting to show <br />they are in compliance. They are not close to the threshold and aren’t concerned about the <br />building expansion having a negative impact to the neighbors. There won’t be any change in <br />types of emissions coming from the facility. Boston Scientific has no knowledge of historical <br />spills or leakage. <br /> <br />Ms. Lancaster said in regard to land and water testing, they have done some testing. In 2019 they <br />had soil testing that was mitigated to the MPCA’s satisfaction in October of 2020. They also <br />partner with the Rice Creek Water District; each construction project has to be approved by the