Technical information is only so good as (1) it is correct and (2) it actually applies and entirely covers and explicates the exact location and all its complexities. In other words you won't know just how bad it is until you implement it.

In this case PB et al are using "technical information" for downplaying and oovering up the potential blighting effects of their scheme. They are making a fortune off of it so they are not a trustworthy source. The Ranch obviously is not buying any of this crap - they have their own experts and lobbyists - and they don't want to have anything whatsover to do with HSR. Clearly they figure it is going to lower the value of their vast real estate empire. Dump CAHSR on the poor folk.

The noise issue with HSR is in your face enough that it makes it onto French TV - owned by same government that owns SNCF. It is more than a few querulous "NIMBY'S". So be proactive like the Ranch and sell out before you have a BART on steroids in your garden. What do you think the din is going to be like on hollow core viaduct at 200mph?