PCR prepared the EIR and associated technical sections for the Harvard-Westlake Middle School Campus Improvement Project located on 15 acres in the Bel Air/Beverly Crest Community of the City of Los Angeles. Considerable controversy emerged with regard to the proposal. Among the primary the concerns of neighboring residents, specifically was the mobile noise related to the idling and circulation of school buses.

To address the concern, PCR conducted on-site sound measurements using a Type 1 sound level meter to ascertain school noise levels while idling, braking, and accelerating. PCR then used observed sound levels to calibrate a computer simulation model. Using predicted traffic volumes that would likely result from project development and the computer simulation model discussed above, PCR estimated future noise levels. PCR's predicted noise levels were then compared to City of Los Angeles significance thresholds and appropriate mitigation measures were recommended.

PCR worked closely with City of Los Angeles staff, the project team and a large team of attorneys to design a process, and the documentation resulting from it, to thwart litigation as an opponent's strategy. Despite the controversy, the design was successful and no litigation ensued.