- BENJAMIN C. MUELLER, P.E., PRINCIPAL
- JOSEPH A. KEEFE, PRINCIPAL
- MICHAEL T. CONAWAY, P.E., SENIOR ENGINEER
- JOHN T. BALDASSANO, JR., STAFF CONSULTANT
- DANIEL J. YOUNG, STAFF ENGINEER
EXPERT IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL NOISE CONTROL
Mr. Mueller is a principal of Ostergaard Acoustical Associates and a licensed acoustical professional engineer. He oversees on-site acoustical testing, analysis, and the development of solutions for environmental, industrial, and architectural projects. He also provides scientific counsel. Project expertise across the Tri-State area and nationwide includes:
3-Dimensional Environmental Acoustical Evaluations
Evaluation of existing and future site emissions from commercial and industrial facilities. A thorough approach traditionally includes on-site acoustical testing, development of 3-D acoustical models, development of noise control solutions, and expert witness testimony for planning / zoning boards. Representative clients major public utility companies, pharmaceutical campuses, and major logistics facilities across the country.
Evaluation of existing and future site emissions from commercial and industrial facilities. A thorough approach traditionally includes on-site acoustical testing, development of 3-D acoustical models, development of noise control solutions, and expert witness testimony for planning / zoning boards. Representative clients major public utility companies, pharmaceutical campuses, and major logistics facilities across the country.
Manufacturing and Occupational Noise Exposure
Evaluation of noise in manufacturing environments, and identification of noise control measures to conserve hearing and create workable acoustical environments. Solutions are developed for individual equipment or whole facilities as appropriate. Clients served include Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Philadelphia Gas Works, Gerdau AmeriSteel, OraSure Technologies, and DePuy Synthes.
Evaluation of noise in manufacturing environments, and identification of noise control measures to conserve hearing and create workable acoustical environments. Solutions are developed for individual equipment or whole facilities as appropriate. Clients served include Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Philadelphia Gas Works, Gerdau AmeriSteel, OraSure Technologies, and DePuy Synthes.
Interior Acoustical Evaluations
Consultation regarding interior HVAC system noise including analyses for noise-sensitive spaces such as board or conference rooms, laboratories, and classrooms. Consultations also include the design, specification, and final tuning check of masking sound systems for commercial facilities.
Consultation regarding interior HVAC system noise including analyses for noise-sensitive spaces such as board or conference rooms, laboratories, and classrooms. Consultations also include the design, specification, and final tuning check of masking sound systems for commercial facilities.
Noise Complaint Evaluation and Resolution
Application of acoustical expertise to assist with evaluation and resolution of interior and exterior noise complaints ranging from nighttime trucking operations to office mechanical rooms. Optimized solutions are recommended that balance cost, feasibility, and noise reduction.
Application of acoustical expertise to assist with evaluation and resolution of interior and exterior noise complaints ranging from nighttime trucking operations to office mechanical rooms. Optimized solutions are recommended that balance cost, feasibility, and noise reduction.
Generator Noise Control
Assistance with the design and specification of custom acoustical barriers and enclosures for emergency generators to meet noise code limits and minimize the potential for noise complaints. Generators range in size from smaller than 100 kW to as large as 2.5 MW for various sites including hospitals, electrical substations, pharmaceutical campuses, and telecommunication shelters.
Assistance with the design and specification of custom acoustical barriers and enclosures for emergency generators to meet noise code limits and minimize the potential for noise complaints. Generators range in size from smaller than 100 kW to as large as 2.5 MW for various sites including hospitals, electrical substations, pharmaceutical campuses, and telecommunication shelters.
Construction Noise Mitigation Plans
Acoustical evaluations to estimate construction noise levels using the Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM), and development of noise mitigation plans to meet project goals specified by PANYNJ or others. Acted as Noise Control Officer (NCO) for the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project and others.
Acoustical evaluations to estimate construction noise levels using the Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM), and development of noise mitigation plans to meet project goals specified by PANYNJ or others. Acted as Noise Control Officer (NCO) for the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project and others.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, 1999
- Master of Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in noise and vibration control, Stevens Institute of Technology, 2010
REGISTRATION
- Professional Engineer, New Jersey and Oregon
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Acoustical Society of America
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Institute of Noise Control Engineering
- National Society of Professional Engineers
EXPERT IN ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS
Mr. Keefe is a principal of Ostergaard Acoustical Associates. He is a musician and physicist with over fifteen years of acoustical consulting experience, with a passion for performing arts venues. He oversees projects involving room acoustics, sound-isolating constructions, sound system design, HVAC system noise control, and environmental and community noise evaluation and control. Representative projects include:
Monroe Community College Theater, Rochester, NY
Renovation of a multipurpose theater, including shaping and material selection for new wall and ceiling panels, sound system design/specification, and remediation of HVAC sound levels.
Renovation of a multipurpose theater, including shaping and material selection for new wall and ceiling panels, sound system design/specification, and remediation of HVAC sound levels.
34th-Street Hudson Yards Subway Station, New York, NY
Consultation on station acoustics, public address system design, and interior and exterior HVAC system noise control for the No. 7 Subway line expansion to the Hudson Yards development area.
Consultation on station acoustics, public address system design, and interior and exterior HVAC system noise control for the No. 7 Subway line expansion to the Hudson Yards development area.
PS-464M, Manhattan, NY
Carried out room acoustics, sound isolation, HVAC noise control analyses for this challenging 9-story school located within a high-rise mixed use building in downtown Manhattan. Concerns included sound isolation from 1st-floor retail spaces into the school envelope, from the school to residential spaces above school, and from inbound environmental noise due to city traffic. The consultation also involved the design/specification of the gymatorium and multi-purpose room sound systems, as well as detailed coordination with the separate design team for the non-school portion of the high-rise building.
Carried out room acoustics, sound isolation, HVAC noise control analyses for this challenging 9-story school located within a high-rise mixed use building in downtown Manhattan. Concerns included sound isolation from 1st-floor retail spaces into the school envelope, from the school to residential spaces above school, and from inbound environmental noise due to city traffic. The consultation also involved the design/specification of the gymatorium and multi-purpose room sound systems, as well as detailed coordination with the separate design team for the non-school portion of the high-rise building.
NY Jets Training Facility, Hempstead, NY and Florham Park, NJ
Assisted the NY Jets NFL team with ambient noise evaluations at their then-current Hempstead, NY, facility and their new facility in Florham Park, NJ.
Assisted the NY Jets NFL team with ambient noise evaluations at their then-current Hempstead, NY, facility and their new facility in Florham Park, NJ.
Recording Studio, Bloomfield College, Bloomfield, NJ
Provided assistance with room shaping, selection of finishes, HVAC system noise control, and sound isolation for a new recording studio and associated control room. The HVAC system in the recording studio and control room achieves a remarkably-quiet NC-15 background sound level, while special partition, door, and ceiling constructions achieve significant acoustical separation between these two basement spaces as well as to the multipurpose room above.
Provided assistance with room shaping, selection of finishes, HVAC system noise control, and sound isolation for a new recording studio and associated control room. The HVAC system in the recording studio and control room achieves a remarkably-quiet NC-15 background sound level, while special partition, door, and ceiling constructions achieve significant acoustical separation between these two basement spaces as well as to the multipurpose room above.
Metro-North Railroad
Assisted with the development of a horn test protocol and ensuing ANSI Standard S12.69.
Assisted with the development of a horn test protocol and ensuing ANSI Standard S12.69.
Grounds for Sculpture East Gallery, Hamilton, NJ
Consultation regarding conversion of an unoccupied storage warehouse to a multipurpose space to be used as an art gallery, event venue, and music performance space. Assisted the design team with room shaping and finishes, isolation of sound from adjacent spaces, and a new quiet HVAC system.
Consultation regarding conversion of an unoccupied storage warehouse to a multipurpose space to be used as an art gallery, event venue, and music performance space. Assisted the design team with room shaping and finishes, isolation of sound from adjacent spaces, and a new quiet HVAC system.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Music, Duke University, 2004
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Acoustical Society of America
- Institute of Noise Control Engineering
- ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics
TECHNICAL TRAINING
- AutoCAD Authorized Training
- EASE Modeling Software, Level II Training
- Listen Level 2 Loop Consultant Partner
Mr. Conaway is a licensed OAA senior engineer with a strong background in engineering specializing in acoustics. He manages and contributes to projects involving environmental and community noise evaluation and control, HVAC system noise control, sound system design, and room acoustics design. Representative projects include:
Various Electric and Gas Utility Stations, Tri-state Area
Project managing, field evaluations, and modelling studies of sound emissions from electric switching stations, electric substations, and gas metering and regulating stations throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Project managing, field evaluations, and modelling studies of sound emissions from electric switching stations, electric substations, and gas metering and regulating stations throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Trinity Place School (PS-464M), New York, NY
Designed the gymatorium and multipurpose room sound systems, as well as mechanical system interior and exterior noise control features school-wide, for a school to be accommodated on the lower floors of a residential high-rise in downtown Manhattan.
Designed the gymatorium and multipurpose room sound systems, as well as mechanical system interior and exterior noise control features school-wide, for a school to be accommodated on the lower floors of a residential high-rise in downtown Manhattan.
Logistics Distribution Facilities, Nationwide
Evaluation of site noise and neighborhood impact, including on-site noise measurements, site sound emissions computer modelling, and an analysis of mitigation measures. Site noise sources include HVAC equipment, heavy trucks, delivery vehicles, and personal vehicles.
Evaluation of site noise and neighborhood impact, including on-site noise measurements, site sound emissions computer modelling, and an analysis of mitigation measures. Site noise sources include HVAC equipment, heavy trucks, delivery vehicles, and personal vehicles.
Donald M. Payne, Sr., Vocational Technical School, Newark, NJ
Identified needed noise control measures for mechanical systems to meet community noise regulations and interior noise goals.
Identified needed noise control measures for mechanical systems to meet community noise regulations and interior noise goals.
Aircraft Noise Abatement, Tri-state Area
Analyses of the effectiveness of aircraft noise abatement measures at PS-398Q in Queens, NY; Becton High School in East Rutherford, NJ; and Kearny High School in Kearny, NJ.
Analyses of the effectiveness of aircraft noise abatement measures at PS-398Q in Queens, NY; Becton High School in East Rutherford, NJ; and Kearny High School in Kearny, NJ.
NYC School Construction Authority Schools, NYC
Prediction of HVAC system noise and design of noise control features to meet project criteria at schools including PS-32K, PS-46X, PS-97X, PS-106X, PS-128Q, PS-335Q, PS-398Q, and IS-419Q.
Prediction of HVAC system noise and design of noise control features to meet project criteria at schools including PS-32K, PS-46X, PS-97X, PS-106X, PS-128Q, PS-335Q, PS-398Q, and IS-419Q.
Construction Noise Evaluation, Tri-state Area
Documentation of Whitestone Bridge construction noise associated with an excavator fitted with a pneumatic hammer, as well as documentation of noise due to various construction activities associated with the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project.
Documentation of Whitestone Bridge construction noise associated with an excavator fitted with a pneumatic hammer, as well as documentation of noise due to various construction activities associated with the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project.
Noise Complaint Evaluation
Evaluation of noise complaints for residents and municipalities, including daytime and nighttime measurements as well as comparison to applicable regulatory limits.
Evaluation of noise complaints for residents and municipalities, including daytime and nighttime measurements as well as comparison to applicable regulatory limits.
Crestwood Village, Whiting, NJ
Evaluation of room acoustics and development of recommendations to remediate of excess reverberation in a recreation room.
Evaluation of room acoustics and development of recommendations to remediate of excess reverberation in a recreation room.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Purdue University, 2014
- Major: Acoustical Engineering
- Minors: Mechanical Engineering, Theater Design and Production, Music History and Theory
- Masters of Engineering in Acoustics, Pennsylvania State University, 2018
REGISTRATION
- Professional Engineer, New Jersey
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Acoustical Society of America
- Institute of Noise Control Engineering
- Audio Engineering Society
- National Society of Professional Engineers
Mr. Baldassano is an OAA staff consultant with a strong background in applied room acoustics investigations. He contributes to projects involving room acoustics design, sound system design, HVAC system noise control, and environmental and community noise evaluation and control. Representative projects include:
Logistics Distribution Facilities, Nationwide
Evaluation of site noise and neighborhood impact, including on-site noise measurements, site sound emissions computer modeling, and analysis of mitigation measures. Site noise sources include HVAC equipment, heavy trucks, delivery vehicles, and personal vehicles.
Evaluation of site noise and neighborhood impact, including on-site noise measurements, site sound emissions computer modeling, and analysis of mitigation measures. Site noise sources include HVAC equipment, heavy trucks, delivery vehicles, and personal vehicles.
TVA Operations Center, Meigs County, TN
Design of a sprawling operations center for command and control of the Tennessee Valley Authority electrical grid. Interior consultation included analyses of reverberation time, selection of appropriate room finishes, calculations of HVAC system noise, and recommendations for HVAC noise control. Exterior consultation included evaluation of exterior noise from rooftop air handlers, ventilation louvers, dry coolers, emergency generators, and a load bank. Exterior design criteria were complicated by an extremely low ambient nighttime sound level.
Design of a sprawling operations center for command and control of the Tennessee Valley Authority electrical grid. Interior consultation included analyses of reverberation time, selection of appropriate room finishes, calculations of HVAC system noise, and recommendations for HVAC noise control. Exterior consultation included evaluation of exterior noise from rooftop air handlers, ventilation louvers, dry coolers, emergency generators, and a load bank. Exterior design criteria were complicated by an extremely low ambient nighttime sound level.
PSE&G Switching Stations and Substations, New Jersey
Field evaluations and modeling studies of sound emissions from PSE&G electric substations including Bergen, Dumont, East Rutherford, Ironbound, Lawrence, Maywood, and Newport.
Field evaluations and modeling studies of sound emissions from PSE&G electric substations including Bergen, Dumont, East Rutherford, Ironbound, Lawrence, Maywood, and Newport.
Haklar Residence, Edison, NJ
Calculation of standing room modes and development of recommendations for tuned low-frequency absorption to mitigate complaint of attic ventilation fan noise from an adjacent neighbor.
Calculation of standing room modes and development of recommendations for tuned low-frequency absorption to mitigate complaint of attic ventilation fan noise from an adjacent neighbor.
Chatham Middle School, Chatham, NJ
Design and specification of a high-quality permanently installed auditorium sound system, including loudspeaker location/aiming, preparation of contract drawings, and preparation of specification text.
Design and specification of a high-quality permanently installed auditorium sound system, including loudspeaker location/aiming, preparation of contract drawings, and preparation of specification text.
Brookhaven National Laboratory, Brookhaven, NY
Analysis of background sound level measurements in central chilled water facility, comparison with project criteria, and analyses of potential changes to employee hearing protection devices with an emphasis on high-frequency tonal noise exposure.
Analysis of background sound level measurements in central chilled water facility, comparison with project criteria, and analyses of potential changes to employee hearing protection devices with an emphasis on high-frequency tonal noise exposure.
South Beach Psychiatric Center, Staten Island, NY
Measurement of Apparent Transmission Loss values and calculation of ASTC results in accordance with ASTM Standards E336, E2235, and E413.
Measurement of Apparent Transmission Loss values and calculation of ASTC results in accordance with ASTM Standards E336, E2235, and E413.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts in Music and Technology, Stevens Institute of Technology, 2014
- Master of Science in Architectural Sciences with a concentration in Acoustics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2018
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Acoustical Society of America
- Institute of Noise Control Engineering
CERTIFICATIONS
- Infocomm Certified Technology Specialist (CTS)
Mr. Young is an OAA staff engineer with a strong background in engineering specializing in acoustics. He contributes to projects involving environmental and community noise evaluation and control, HVAC system noise control, sound system design, and room acoustics design. Representative projects include:
Logistics Distribution Facilities, Nationwide
Evaluation of site noise and neighborhood impact, site sound emissions computer modelling, and analysis of mitigation measures. Site noise sources include HVAC equipment, heavy trucks, delivery vehicles, and personal vehicles.
Evaluation of site noise and neighborhood impact, site sound emissions computer modelling, and analysis of mitigation measures. Site noise sources include HVAC equipment, heavy trucks, delivery vehicles, and personal vehicles.
Chelsea at Pascack, Washington, Bergen County, NJ
Modelling studies of sound emissions from exterior HVAC noises associated with a proposed assisted living facility. Concerns included noise from VTAC units, rooftop air handlers, exhaust fans, and emergency generator. Sound emissions were evaluated at residential and commercial property lines.
Modelling studies of sound emissions from exterior HVAC noises associated with a proposed assisted living facility. Concerns included noise from VTAC units, rooftop air handlers, exhaust fans, and emergency generator. Sound emissions were evaluated at residential and commercial property lines.
Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center, Rochester, NY
Carried out interior room acoustics and HVAC noise analyses to support the interior fit-out design of a former Eastman Kodak space to a vocational education center.
Carried out interior room acoustics and HVAC noise analyses to support the interior fit-out design of a former Eastman Kodak space to a vocational education center.
PSE&G Switching Stations and Substations, New Jersey
Field evaluations and modelling studies of sound emissions from PSE&G electric switching and substations including Orange Heights, Camden Switch, Howe Avenue, Lawnside, Rancocas, and Hamilton.
Field evaluations and modelling studies of sound emissions from PSE&G electric switching and substations including Orange Heights, Camden Switch, Howe Avenue, Lawnside, Rancocas, and Hamilton.
PS-468X, Bronx, NY
Carried out interior and exterior HVAC noise analyses to predict equipment sound emissions, compare predictions to project criteria, develop noise control recommendations, and assist with preparation of client report.
Carried out interior and exterior HVAC noise analyses to predict equipment sound emissions, compare predictions to project criteria, develop noise control recommendations, and assist with preparation of client report.
PSE&G Gas Metering and Regulation Stations, New Jersey
Familiarity with surveying and modelling of specialized noise sources associated with gas facilities.
Familiarity with surveying and modelling of specialized noise sources associated with gas facilities.
Curaleaf, Bellmawr, NJ
Carried out site visit, reverberation time measurements, and room acoustics analyses in order to develop recommendations for remediation of excessive reverberation and customer noise for a cannabis dispensary.
Carried out site visit, reverberation time measurements, and room acoustics analyses in order to develop recommendations for remediation of excessive reverberation and customer noise for a cannabis dispensary.
The Promenade at Toms River, Toms River, NJ
Carried out long-term measurements of environmental noise at proposed multi-family housing site and nearby existing neighborhood locations. Analyses were carried out to determine acoustical suitability of proposed housing site as well as compare sound levels at proposed site to existing residences.
Carried out long-term measurements of environmental noise at proposed multi-family housing site and nearby existing neighborhood locations. Analyses were carried out to determine acoustical suitability of proposed housing site as well as compare sound levels at proposed site to existing residences.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Purdue University, 2020
- Major: Acoustical Engineering
- Minor: Theater Design and Production
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Acoustical Society of America
CERTIFICATIONS
- Dante Certification Level 1 for digital audio distribution
- AFMG EASE Online Training