Jonathan is currently the Vibration and Noise Specialist for the Vibra-Tech Corporate office in Hazleton, PA. He is responsible for developing scope of work and cost proposals for vibration, noise, dust and geotechnical monitoring projects. In addition, he provides project management and assistance to office managers within the company.
Education:
- M.S. – Science and Ecology, Pennsylvania State University, 1996
- B.S. – Science, Pennsylvania State University, 1991
Continuing Education:
- CadnaA Noise Projection Analysis, DataKustik
- Applied Acoustics and Noise Control Theory and Applications, AVNC Consulting Engineers in Acoustics and Vibration, 3.0 CEU
- Efficient Blasting Techniques, Blast Dynamics Inc., 3.0 CEU
- 5th Soil Dynamics Short Course, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 16 Professional Development Hrs.
- Geotechnical Instrumentation for Field Measurements, University of Florida, 1.5 CEU
- Structural and Geotechnical Monitoring, Campbell Scientific, 3.8 CEU
- Structural Vibration Analysis, Design and Troubleshooting, American Society of Civil Engineers, 3.1 CEU
- Air Dispersion Modeling-AERMOD Regulatory Dispersion Model, Trinity Consultants, 2.0 CEU
- Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring Workshop, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2.0 CEU
- CR1000/Loggernet Training and Programming, Campbell Scientific, 2.8 CEU
- Visible Emissions Evaluation Program – EPA FRM 9, The Pennsylvania State University, 1.0 CEU
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 40 Hr. Hazardous Waste Training
- MSHA-HAZCOM Surface, Metal, Non-Metal, Underground Safety Trained
- New York City – MTA Track Safety Training
- Philadelphia – PATCO Track Safety Training
Professional Background:
Jonathan has over 15 years of experience in the areas of community noise monitoring, on-site and remote noise monitoring equipment, noise projection and impact analysis, and project management. He has completed numerous sound level studies in relation to construction, mining, transportation and the oil and gas industry. Jonathan has provided noise consulting services, legal deposition and expert witness testimony for numerous community noise related zoning and legal matters. With regard to noise impact assessment, Jonathan uses the most current noise monitoring equipment, noise projection software, internal cloud-based data infrastructure and experience to provide a complete noise measurement analysis. This analysis includes an accurate and representative ambient noise survey, prediction of expected noise, comparison of ambient to expected noise and applicable noise criteria, and a comprehensive noise monitoring plan for long term noise evaluation and compliance. Following the completion of the impact analysis and establishment of a monitoring program, Jonathan provides education and training in understanding and interpreting the noise data to assist clients in making informed decisions regarding noise impact and compliance issues.
Professional Experience:
- City/County of Broomfield (CCOB) Colorado – Extraction Oil and Gas Well Pad Development, Broomfield, Colorado
Vibra-Tech was retained by the City and County of Broomfield (CCOB) to provide fully automated remote monitoring of noise associated with four new gas well pads that were being developed in their community. As part of this monitoring service, Vibra-Tech provided a cloud-based web suite for data presentation and analysis. Eleven (11) remote noise monitoring stations were established to provide both A and C weighted noise levels as per project specifications. Systems were also put into place to record sound audio files for noise levels above a threshold limit and automatically send files to the data base for review and identification of the noise source. The allowable noise limits for the well pad development were based in part on the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and an operator’s agreement between the oil and gas extraction company and CCOB. Vibra-Tech provided noise projecting analysis, consulting, training of inspectors on use and operation of equipment, documentation, test procedures and enforcement program guidance for the project as CCOB local officials must understand and constantly analyze the data in order to protect the citizens of their community.
- Lhoist North American – Marble Falls Operation, Burnet, Texas
Lhoist North America retained Vibra-Tech to measure and document the existing noise levels from the Marble Falls operation and to conduct a noise level projection analysis for the entire operation. The Lhoist Marble Falls operation is comprised of aggregate and limestone mining and processing equipment as well as a material bagging and hot mix plant. By taking reference noise measurements from individual pieces of equipment at the site, an overall noise level projection model for the entire operation was completed. Once the model was developed, noise attenuation from individual and groups of equipment was made to receptor locations in the surrounding community. The noise projection modeling provides the ability to project Marble Falls operational noise attenuation due to distance, but also provides the ability to consider only noise from this particular operation and exclude other extraneous noise sources in the area or other noise sources closer to a receptor point than the Marble Falls operation.
- Coronado Global Resources – Mon Valley Minerals Mine, Monongahela, Pennsylvania
Coronado Global Resources was in the process of developing a green field site for establishing the new Mon Valley Minerals Mine located in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. As part of this process, Vibra-Tech provided noise level projection and an impact analysis for a proposed mining operation. To complete this analysis, Vibra-Tech visited a Buchanan Mine in Raven, VA to measure reference noise levels from individual pieces of equipment. These pieces of equipment would be the same or similar to equipment being proposed for the new mine in Monongahela. Utilizing the reference noise levels for all equipment, an AutoCAD file of the proposed mine layout, and the coordinates for each piece of equipment, the projected noise from the proposed mine to the surrounding community was completed. The results of this type of sound level projection yield an overall or combined noise level from the proposed mine operation to a particular receptor location. An assessment can then be made by comparing the projected operational noise levels to a particular ordinance or criteria of acceptable noise levels. - Pennsy Supply Inc.—Small Mountain Quarry, Dorrance, Pennsylvania
Vibra-Tech was retained as consultant to determine potential noise impacts to surrounding community resulting from relocation of quarry equipment closer to residential homes. Conducted ambient noise monitoring and noise level projection analysis. Provided expert testimony to local zoning hearing board. - Preferred Real Estate Investment, Inc.—Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Vibra-Tech conducted a sound and vibration study to record levels relative to the operation of a nearby SEPTA Regional Rail at the Chestnut Hill Branch. Sound level measurements were taken outside the building at a single location to determine background noise levels for this area and also inside the building at four to five locations on each floor. Collected data was compared to the American Public Transit Association and the Federal Transit Administration Noise Impact Criteria. Vibration levels were measured at six locations on the first, second and fourth floors. Vibration data was compared to the Federal Transit Administration and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Vibration Criteria. All sound and vibration levels were measured with and without the influence of the train passing the building.
Publications:
- “Noise and Dust: A Sound Approach to a Cloudy Issue,” AGG1 2013 Academy and Expo, San Antonio, TX (2013)
- “Particulate Matter as an Air Pollutant, Past, Present, and Future,” Proceedings of the 5th Biennial Blasting Vibration Technology Conference, Key West, FL (2004)
- “Particulate Matter as an Air Pollutant – Measurement Methods and Federal Regulations,” Environmental Resource Management 430 – Penn State University, University Park, PA Guest Lecturer – 2003 to 2008
