Rule 012: Noise Control

Class B durations of exactly 1 day and 7 days

Table 3 lists less than 1 day, less than 7 days, 60 days or less, and more than 60 days. This profile reads the signs as written: an activity of exactly 1 day is B2, and an activity of exactly 7 days is B3.

Changes Class B adjustment

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(11), table 3

Amount of the seasonal adjustment

Table 2 gives +5 for the seasonal adjustment and says that it may be used for a wintertime noise complaint. It does not say who decides. This profile adds 5 dB when the run is a complaint and the caller says that the adjustment is used, and 0 dB if not.

Changes Seasonal adjustment (A1)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10), table 2

Rounding for the ambient monitoring adjustment

The rule says to determine the difference between the basic sound level and the measured ambient sound level to the nearest whole number. This profile takes the measured level to the nearest whole number first, a half upward. The basic sound level is a whole number, so only a level that ends in .5 can read differently. For the daytime it uses the basic sound level plus the daytime adjustment, as example 1 does.

Changes Nighttime ambient monitoring adjustment (A2)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10)(g)(i) and appendix 6, example 1

Range of the Class A adjustment

The note to table 2 says that the sum of A1 and A2 is not to exceed plus or minus 10 dB(A). Example 1 says that only a maximum of 10 is allowed. This profile keeps the sum between -10 dB and +10 dB.

Changes Nighttime Class A adjustment

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10), table 2 note and appendix 6, example 1, step 8

Levels with no dwelling within 1.5 km

The rule says that the permissible sound level at a point 1.5 km from the facility is determined as section 2 states, and table 1 speaks only of dwellings. Example 3 uses 40 dB(A) for the nighttime and an assumed ambient sound level of 35 dB(A). This profile uses the basic sound level of category 1 with 1 to 8 dwellings, adds the daytime adjustment for the daytime, and gives no Class A, B or C adjustment at such a point.

Changes Nighttime basic sound level at 1.5 km

Rule 012: Noise Control, 1.3, 2.1(1) and appendix 6, example 3

Existing sound level at a new dwelling

Section 2.3 uses the sound level that existed at the start of the construction of the dwelling. Section 2.4 uses the modelled cumulative sound level of the facility application. This profile takes one existing level from the caller and uses the greater of it and the calculated level. Without that level it uses the calculated level.

Changes Nighttime permissible sound level

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.3(1) and 2.4(3)

Ambient sound level in the cumulative sound level

The rule says that the cumulative sound level includes the assumed or measured ambient sound level. This profile uses the measured level when the ambient monitoring adjustment is approved, and the assumed level if not.

Changes Nighttime ambient sound level

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.6(1)(a)

Levels are worked out to one decimal

The rule says that predicted and measured sound levels are presented to one decimal. This profile rounds each cumulative level to one decimal, and compares the margins of 3 dB and 0.4 dB with the rounded levels.

Changes Cumulative nighttime sound level

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.6(6), 2.8(2) and 3.1(7)(a)

Levels are compared as whole numbers

The rule says that a predicted cumulative sound level or a measured comprehensive sound level may be rounded to the nearest whole number before it is compared with the permissible sound level. This profile rounds the level to one decimal first and then to the nearest whole number, a half upward, in assessments and in surveys. A level that is over the permissible sound level by 0.4 dB or less then meets it, as in section 2.8(2), and a level that is over by 0.5 dB does not.

Changes Nighttime level to judge

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.6(6) and 2.8(2)

What no net increase compares

The rule says that the applicant may assume baseline compliance, and that the predicted cumulative sound level must not exceed the permissible sound level by more than 0.4 dB. This profile takes a baseline sound level equal to the permissible sound level, adds the level of the facility, and compares the sum to one decimal with the permissible sound level plus 0.4 dB. Step 5.1 of the flowchart and example 3 do the same.

Changes Cumulative nighttime sound level with a compliant baseline

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.8(2), appendix 9 and appendix 6, example 3

Class C with an ambient monitoring or Class B adjustment

The rule says that a Class C adjustment may not be combined with a Class A2 or Class B adjustment. It does not say which one stays. This profile gives no Class C adjustment for a period that has an A2 or a Class B adjustment that is not 0.

Changes Nighttime Class C adjustment

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12)(b)

The 50 dB(A) maximum of Class C1

Table 4 says that five dB over the value of table 1 may be added to a maximum value of 50 dB(A) for the nighttime. This profile adds up to 5 dB, and only as much as keeps the nighttime level at 50 dB(A) or less. The adjustment never lowers a level that is already above 50 dB(A).

Changes Nighttime Class C adjustment

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12), table 4

Whole decibels of Class C2

The rule says that the difference in increments of one dB is the Class C2 adjustment. This profile rounds the difference down to a whole decibel, and gives the adjustment only for a wind speed of 3 m/s or more.

Changes Nighttime Class C adjustment

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12)(n)(ii) and 4.6.3(1)

Level judged with a Class C adjustment

Table 4 says that a Class C adjustment is for the noise from the wind turbines only. This profile adds it to the permissible sound level of a wind turbine project and judges the same cumulative or comprehensive sound level. The caller gives the levels that are present at the wind speed of the run.

Changes Nighttime sum

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12), table 4 and 2.1(12)(k)

Events in a year

The rule says that an event that occurs more than four times a year at a facility is not unplanned. It does not say if the year is a calendar year. The caller counts the events; with no count, this profile treats the event as unplanned.

Changes Is the event unplanned?

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(3)

Low frequency noise at exactly 20 dB

Section 4.5(2)(a) says the difference is equal to or greater than 20 dB. The glossary says it exceeds 20 dB. This profile uses equal to or greater than 20 dB.

Changes Low frequency noise penalty, nighttime

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(2)(a) and appendix 1, low frequency noise

The tonal test

Section 4.5(2)(b) tests the linear level of each band between 20 Hz and 250 Hz. The glossary says at or below 250 Hz, and the example of appendix 5 adds that the tone is pronounced within the spectrum. This profile uses the two tests of section 4.5(2)(b) for the bands from 20 Hz to 250 Hz, both included.

Changes Rule 012 low frequency tonal test

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(2)(b), appendix 1 and appendix 5

Level judged from a survey

Section 4.1(1) compares the measured comprehensive sound level with the permissible sound level. Section 4.3(2) says that the contributions of the licensee's facility are evaluated. This profile judges the comprehensive sound level, with abnormal noise events and invalid data removed. The isolation analysis of section 4.8.1(4) is a control.

Changes Nighttime comprehensive sound level

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(1), 4.3(2) and 4.8.1(4)

Valid data in combined periods

Section 4.1(4)(a) asks for three cumulative hours of valid data in each period. Section 4.1(4)(b) allows data from several periods to be combined when each holds 30 minutes or more and the average levels are within 3 dB. It does not state a total. This profile asks for three hours in total in both cases, as table 8 does.

Changes Is there enough nighttime data?

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(4) and table 8

Levels in the flowchart

With no dwelling within 1.5 km, the flowchart uses 35 dB(A) and 40 dB(A). They are the ambient sound level and the permissible sound level that this profile uses at 1.5 km. For a dwelling, this profile uses the nighttime ambient sound level and permissible sound level of that dwelling. It works out each sum to one decimal.

Changes Sum with the ambient sound level

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 9

A level that the Commission set

Section 1.4(2)(a) says that the Commission can set a permissible sound level above or below the one of section 2 on a site-specific basis. The rule does not say how such a level joins the calculated one. This profile takes a level that the Commission set as the permissible sound level for the period it is set for, and keeps the calculated level for a period with none. No net increase with an assumed compliant baseline then uses that level as the baseline. The level is for a dwelling; the point at 1.5 km keeps its levels.

Changes Levels that the Commission set

Rule 012: Noise Control, 1.4(2)(a)

Nighttime permissible sound level

The sound level judged at the noise receptor for the nighttime is at most the nighttime permissible sound level. For an assessment before construction it is the predicted cumulative sound level. For a survey it is the measured comprehensive sound level, with the low frequency noise penalty when it applies.

The amount judged is at most psl_night

Judged in Compare with the nighttime permissible sound level (Noise impact assessment), Compare with the nighttime permissible sound level (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 1.3(1), 2.6(1), 3.1(2), 4.1(1) and 5.1(1)

Daytime permissible sound level

The sound level judged at the noise receptor for the daytime is at most the daytime permissible sound level. It is judged when day and night operations differ, and in a survey unless valid daytime data are not needed.

The amount judged is at most psl_day, when day_required is true

Judged in Compare with the daytime permissible sound level (Noise impact assessment), Compare with the daytime permissible sound level (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 1.3(1), 2.1(4), 3.2(9)(a), 4.1(1) and 4.1(8)

No net increase, nighttime

When the assessment assumes that the baseline sound level meets the permissible sound level, the predicted cumulative sound level is over the nighttime permissible sound level by no more than 0.4 dB. This criterion then replaces the nighttime permissible sound level criterion.

The amount judged is at most (psl_night + No net increase tolerance (0.4 dB)) rounded to 1 decimal, when baseline_assumed_compliant is true

Judged in No net increase, nighttime (Noise impact assessment)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.8(2) and 2.9(1)

No net increase, daytime

When the assessment assumes that the baseline sound level meets the permissible sound level, the predicted cumulative sound level is over the daytime permissible sound level by no more than 0.4 dB.

The amount judged is at most (psl_day + No net increase tolerance (0.4 dB)) rounded to 1 decimal, when baseline_assumed_compliant is true and day_required is true

Judged in No net increase, daytime (Noise impact assessment)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.8(2) and 2.9(1)

Valid nighttime data

The survey holds at least 3 cumulative hours of valid data for the nighttime under representative conditions.

The amount judged is at least Least valid survey data (3 h)

Judged in Is there enough nighttime data? (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(4)(a) and table 8

Valid daytime data

When the daytime is judged, the survey holds at least 3 cumulative hours of valid data for the daytime under representative conditions.

The amount judged is at least Least valid survey data (3 h), when day_required is true

Judged in Is there enough daytime data? (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(4)(a) and table 8

Valid data in each combined period

When the data of several nighttime periods or daytime periods are combined, each period holds at least 30 minutes of valid data after the isolation analysis.

The amount judged is at least Least valid data in a combined period (30 min)

Judged in Does each combined nighttime period hold enough data? (Noise complaint investigation), Does each combined daytime period hold enough data? (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(4)(b)(ii)

Difference between combined periods

When the data of several periods are combined, their average sound levels differ by no more than 3 dB.

The amount judged is at most Largest difference between combined periods (3 dB)

Judged in Are the combined nighttime periods consistent? (Noise complaint investigation), Are the combined daytime periods consistent? (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(4)(b)(ii)

Margin below the permissible sound level

The facility's level plus the ambient sound level is at least 3 dB below the nighttime permissible sound level. A noise impact assessment is then not required.

The amount judged is at least Margin for the summary form (3 dB)

Judged in Is the difference 3 dB or more? (Noise impact assessment flowchart)

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 9, steps 2.1.2, 3.0, 5.2.1 and 7.0

No net increase near existing facilities

With existing facilities within 1.5 km of the nearest dwelling, the facility's level plus the nighttime permissible sound level is over that permissible sound level by no more than 0.4 dB. A noise impact assessment is then not required.

The amount judged is at most (psl_night + No net increase tolerance (0.4 dB)) rounded to 1 decimal

Judged in Is the sum over the permissible sound level by no more than 0.4 dB? (Noise impact assessment flowchart)

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 9, steps 5.1 and 6.0

Time extension request

A request for a time extension holds a new noise impact assessment when the most affected noise receptor has changed or new energy-related facilities are near. When it holds none, the applicant confirms that neither has changed.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 1.5

Documents for a heavily travelled road

Documents that show that a road is heavily travelled go with the noise impact assessment when it uses category 2 or category 3 of table 1.

Recorded in Documents for a heavily travelled road (Permissible sound level)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(7)

Approval of the ambient monitoring adjustment

The Commission grants the ambient monitoring adjustment (A2) when it decides on the facility application. A licensee can also request it for an approved facility. It applies only when the ambient sound levels assumed from table 1 do not represent the area and the ambient sound level was measured.

Recorded in Approval of the ambient monitoring adjustment (Permissible sound level)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10)(c), 2.1(10)(e) and 2.5(3)

Ambient sound level survey

The ambient sound level is measured under conditions that are typical for the area, with a wind speed at the noise receptor of 3 m/s or less, and with the noise of energy-related facilities isolated. For an approved facility the survey is at the noise receptor with the facility not operating, or at a proxy location that is similar and far enough from the facility.

maximum wind speed

3 m/s

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10)(a), 2.1(10)(f), 2.5(1), 2.5(5) and 4.1(7)

Information for an ambient monitoring adjustment

The applicant gives all measurements that support the adjustment, shows the predicted results with and without it, includes it in the participant involvement program, and names the noise receptors or area, the energy-related facilities in the area and what influences the acoustic environment.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10)(d), 2.1(10)(h) and 2.1(10)(i)

Request before a downward adjustment

For a pristine area or a populated area, a request goes to the Commission before the ambient sound level survey. The Commission decides if an ambient monitoring adjustment is appropriate and sets the measurement requirements.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.5(4)

Adjustment used at similar noise receptors

An ambient monitoring adjustment or a Class C2 adjustment for one noise receptor is used at other noise receptors of the same study area only with proof that their acoustic environments are similar: background noise, layout, and the size and type of vegetation and structures.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10)(b) and 2.1(12)(o)

Ambient sound level from a traffic noise model

A traffic noise model sets the ambient sound level only when table 1 does not represent the noise receptor, traffic noise is dominant and a survey is not practical. The model uses a recognized method, such as the Traffic Noise Model of the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, and the assessment explains why and gives the traffic data.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.5(6)

Residents informed of a temporary activity

Before a Class B adjustment is used, the licensee informs the residents who may be affected of the duration and the character of the noise.

Recorded in Residents informed of a temporary activity (Permissible sound level)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(11)

Approval of a Class C adjustment

The Commission approves a Class C1 or Class C2 adjustment before the applicant or licensee of a wind turbine project adds it to the permissible sound level.

Recorded in Approval of a Class C adjustment (Permissible sound level)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12)(g)

Information for a Class C adjustment

For Class C1, the applicant files how the wind turbine operation is adjusted when the wind speed is less than 12 m/s. For Class C2, the applicant files an ambient wind sound level survey and how the operation is adjusted for the variability of the wind, and includes the request in the participant involvement program. The noise impact assessment is submitted with and without the adjustment.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12)(e), 2.1(12)(i), 2.1(12)(j), 2.1(12)(l) and 2.1(12)(m)

Wind speed records

The wind speed near the noise receptor where a Class C adjustment applies is recorded with the time and date. The records are kept for at least the previous year of operation.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12)(d)

Ambient wind sound level survey

The ambient wind sound level is measured for each whole wind speed of 3 m/s or more, as the L90 in dB(A) of 10-minute intervals with the average wind speed of the same interval. The samples are grouped in wind bins of plus or minus 0.5 m/s. The value of a bin is the arithmetic average of its L90 values.

interval

PT10M

statistic

L90

wind bin

0.5 m/s

minimum wind speed

3 m/s

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12)(c) and 4.6.3

Information for a new dwelling

On request, the licensee gives the owner or resident of a new dwelling the permissible sound level, the noise impact assessment and the modelled cumulative sound levels at the dwelling. With no noise impact assessment, the licensee makes a comprehensive sound level survey at the dwelling and gives the results. The licensee keeps records of what it gave.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.3(3), 2.4(5) and 2.4(6)

New dwellings near a facility that is late

When an approved facility is not complete by the date in its approval, the licensee looks for new dwellings within 1.5 km, runs the noise model again for each, and takes the steps that are necessary to meet the permissible sound levels or applies for an amendment.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.4(7) and 2.4(8)

Noise management plan

A noise management plan names the noise sources, assesses the mitigation in place, states how well the noise control devices perform and how noise is measured, and has best practices and continuous improvement programs. The licensee discusses the plan with all affected persons and reports their outstanding concerns.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.7(2) and 2.7(3)

Reasons to assume a compliant baseline

The assessment assumes that the baseline sound level meets the permissible sound level only when it is not practical or efficient to characterize the baseline, or when the applicant shows that the baseline predictions are too conservative. The assessment gives the reasons.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.8(2), 2.9(1) and appendix 10

Construction noise

The licensee does construction work between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., tells nearby residents of significant noisy activities, keeps engines maintained with muffler systems, and acts promptly on a complaint during construction.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.10

Noise impact assessment required

An applicant makes a noise impact assessment for a proposed facility under normal operating conditions at the most affected noise receptors. None is needed when no noise-emitting equipment is added or changed, or when the facility is expected to make negligible noise; the application then says why.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.1(1), 3.1(4) and 3.1(6)

Facility that can use the flowchart

The noise impact assessment flowchart is used only for a facility that is exempt from a Rule 007 application or that can file a checklist application.

Recorded in Facility that can use the flowchart (Noise impact assessment flowchart)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.1(5)(a) and appendix 9

Most affected noise receptors

The assessment names the most affected dwelling for each area of similar acoustic environment, with its direction and distance from the facility. With no dwelling within 1.5 km and an adjacent facility whose 1.5 km boundary overlaps, the level is assessed on the part of the boundary that does not overlap and at the points where the boundaries cross.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.1(3), 3.2(3) and appendix 10

Modelled under operating conditions

The assessment states the design conditions, such as doors and windows open or closed, or restricted modes of operation. The facility then operates under them.

Recorded in Modelled under operating conditions (Noise impact assessment)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.2(4) and 4.8.1(1)

Factors the model includes

The model includes geometric spreading, barrier effects, atmospheric absorption, the size, location and elevation of each source, intermittency of noise, a mild downwind or a temperature inversion, source directivity and the height of the noise receptor.

factors

geometric spreading; barrier effects; atmospheric absorption; source size, location and elevation; intermittency of noise; mild downwind or temperature inversion; source directivity; noise receptor height

Recorded in Factors the model includes (Noise impact assessment)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.2(5)

Summertime conditions for the model

The assessment report states the meteorological parameters: a temperature of 0 to 25 degrees Celsius, a relative humidity of 70 to 90 per cent and a wind speed of 5 to 7.5 km/h. It also states the ground conditions, the terrain and the reflection parameters.

wind speed

5 km/h to 7.5 km/h

air temperature

0 degC to 25 degC

relative humidity

70 % to 90 %

Recorded in Summertime conditions for the model (Noise impact assessment)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(2) and 3.2(6)

Standard for the model

The model meets accepted protocols and international standards. ISO 9613 is the primary standard. CONCAWE Report No. 4/81 can support it.

standards

ISO 9613; CONCAWE Report No. 4/81

Recorded in Standard for the model (Noise impact assessment)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.2(11) and appendix 10

Facility that operates part of a period

The predicted or measured level of a facility that operates for part of the daytime or nighttime is the level while it operates. It is not an average over the whole period.

Recorded in Facility that operates part of a period (Noise impact assessment)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.2(12) and 4.1(6)

Sound power of wind turbines

The sound power level of a wind turbine is the highest it emits under the planned maximum operating conditions, for the daytime and the nighttime. The assessment states those conditions and each restriction.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.2(15)

Contents of the assessment

The assessment holds the permissible sound level and how it was worked out, the sources and their sound levels in octave bands, the noise receptors, the operating conditions, the parameters of the model, a map of the study area, the baseline and cumulative sound levels compared with the permissible sound levels, the attenuation measures, and the acoustical practitioner.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.2(1) to 3.2(10) and 3.2(14)

C-weighted less A-weighted level in the assessment

Where data are available, the assessment gives the C-weighted level less the A-weighted level to show if low frequency noise is possible. The value is for information only.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.2(13)

Assessment submitted and kept

The assessment goes to the Commission with the Rule 007 application. The proponent or licensee keeps the assessment or flowchart analysis and its records until the facility is decommissioned and salvaged.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.3

Conditions for the simplified estimate

A level from the estimate of 6 dB for each doubling of distance is used only for a small, stationary facility with a single source, with no cumulative effect from an existing energy-related facility and flat ground to the noise receptor. Both distances are about five times the size of the source or more, or the first distance is at least 50 m. The assessment shows that these conditions hold.

minimum distance

50 m

Recorded in Conditions for the simplified estimate (Simplified estimate of a level at another distance)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.6(4), 3.2(8) and appendix 2, 2.5.1

Acoustical practitioner

When the simplified estimate is not acceptable, an acoustical practitioner predicts the cumulative sound level. The applicant shows that the acoustical practices, equipment and techniques are suitable.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.6(5)

Measurement position

The measurements are made 15 m from the most affected noise receptor in the direction of the facility, unless that is physically impracticable or acoustically illogical.

distance

15 m

Recorded in Measurement position (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(2)

Survey duration

A comprehensive sound level survey measures sound and weather for at least a full 24 hours.

duration

PT24H

Recorded in Survey duration (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(3)

Daytime data

A survey after construction holds daytime and nighttime data. Valid daytime data are not needed when the facilities operate the same by day and by night, there is no complaint about daytime noise, and the licensee shows its efforts to collect them.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(8) and 4.1(9)

Isolation analysis

Abnormal noise events and invalid data are removed from the measured level, and each removal is documented with a recording, an operating log or an event log. When the level is over the permissible sound level and the facility may not be the cause, an isolation analysis separates the facility's contribution.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(5), 4.3 and 4.8.1(4)

Multiple noise sources

The method to assess several facilities or to isolate one relies on the judgement of an acoustical practitioner and is documented. When several facilities contribute to a level over the permissible sound level, the report explains the relative contributions.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.2

Representative survey

The survey measures noise during representative conditions, over several nights when needed. Representative conditions are not the absolute worst case.

Recorded in Representative survey (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.4(1), 4.4(3) and 4.8.1(3)

Measurements for low frequency noise

When low frequency noise is an issue, the C-weighted and A-weighted levels are measured at the same time, and only when the atmospheric conditions are favourable. The local wind is measured through the assessment period at the height of the microphone.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(1), 4.5(4) and appendix 5, 5.1.3

Follow-up after low frequency noise control

When the level with the low frequency noise penalty is over the permissible sound level, the licensee finds the source and attenuates it. A follow-up comprehensive sound level survey and complaint investigation then confirm the result.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(3)

Contents of the survey report

The survey report holds the measurement procedures, the locations and equipment, the calibration records, the survey periods, the weather and ground conditions, graphs of the levels and the isolation analysis, a summary table with the permissible sound level and the valid hours, the low frequency noise analysis when it was done, and the acoustical practitioner.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.6(1)

Survey location

The survey is at the noise receptors the Commission names, or at the complainant's noise receptor. When the complainant lives more than 1.5 km from the facility and no dwelling is within 1.5 km, it is at the most affected place 1.5 km from the facility property boundary.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.6.1(1)

Survey for a wind power project

The dominant wind turbines operate no more than 1 dB below the planned maximum sound power level, with the noise receptor downwind of them. The survey follows table 5, and the wind is measured at the hub height and near the sound level meter.

power margin

1 dB

dominant within

3 dB

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.6.1(4), 4.6.2 and 4.8.2

Instruments

Sound level meters measure the energy equivalent sound level and meet Class 1 of IEC 61672 or ANSI S1.4. Filters for one-third octave bands meet Class 1 of IEC 61260 or ANSI S1.11.

class

1

standards

IEC 61672; ANSI S1.4; IEC 61260; ANSI S1.11

Recorded in Instruments (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.7.1

Calibration

The meter is calibrated in the field just before the measurement and checked just after it with the same Class 1 calibrator, and by the maker or an authorized facility within the two years before. The calibrator is recertified each year. A meter that reads more than 1 dB off in a field check is not used, and its data are not used.

calibrator interval

P1Y

meter interval

P2Y

tolerance

1 dB

Recorded in Calibration (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.7.2 and 4.7.4

Instruments for wind measurement

The anemometer has a resolution of 0.1 m/s and a precision of plus or minus 0.2 m/s. It is within 100 m of the sound level meter, towards the nearest noise sources, at the height of the microphone, with a sampling period of 10 minutes at most.

resolution

0.1 m/s

precision

0.2 m/s

distance

100 m

sampling period

PT10M

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.7.3, table 7

Weather during the survey

The survey data are taken in the conditions of table 8, applied with judgement. Gusts shorter than five minutes of up to 20 km/h can be acceptable. The wind limits do not apply to surveys for wind turbines.

ground cover

No snow, water or ice.

precipitation

No steady precipitation.

wind speed limits

Less than 500 m from the source, downwind 15 km/h; 500 m to 1000 m from the source, downwind 10 km/h; More than 1000 m from the source, downwind 10 km/h

gust

20 km/h

gust duration

PT5M

wind height

1.2 m to 10 m

Recorded in Weather during the survey (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.8.1(5) to 4.8.1(7), table 8

Complaint resolution

The licensee first makes direct contact with the complainant, records each call and meeting, and makes every reasonable attempt to resolve the complaint in a timely manner. When the facility is not compliant, the licensee gives a mitigation plan and a timeline.

Recorded in Complaint resolution (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 5.1(3), 5.2(1) and 5.2(2)

Noise complaint investigation forms

The licensee completes the noise complaint investigation forms for each complaint. They set the representative conditions for the survey. The complainant gets a copy and the survey report holds one. When the complainant's event log is missing, the licensee says how it chose the representative conditions.

Recorded in Noise complaint investigation forms (Noise complaint investigation)

Rule 012: Noise Control, 5.2(3) to 5.2(5) and 5.3

Nighttime: 22:00 to 07:00 (America/Edmonton)

The hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(4) and appendix 1, nighttime

Daytime: 07:00 to 22:00 (America/Edmonton)

The hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(4) and appendix 1, daytime

Average rural ambient sound level at night

The average nighttime ambient sound level in rural Alberta.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.5(2)

Allowance above the ambient sound level

The assumed ambient sound level is this much below the basic sound level.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(9) and 2.5(7)

Basic sound level, category 1, 1 to 8 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 1 with 1 to 8 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 1, 9 to 160 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 1 with 9 to 160 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 1, 161 to 400 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 1 with 161 to 400 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 1, 401 to 1,000 dwellings (suburban)

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 1 with 401 to 1,000 dwellings (suburban) in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 1, more than 1,000 dwellings (urban)

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 1 with more than 1,000 dwellings (urban) in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 2, 1 to 8 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 2 with 1 to 8 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 2, 9 to 160 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 2 with 9 to 160 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 2, 161 to 400 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 2 with 161 to 400 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 2, 401 to 1,000 dwellings (suburban)

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 2 with 401 to 1,000 dwellings (suburban) in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 2, more than 1,000 dwellings (urban)

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 2 with more than 1,000 dwellings (urban) in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 3, 1 to 8 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 3 with 1 to 8 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 3, 9 to 160 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 3 with 9 to 160 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 3, 161 to 400 dwellings

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 3 with 161 to 400 dwellings in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 3, 401 to 1,000 dwellings (suburban)

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 3 with 401 to 1,000 dwellings (suburban) in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Basic sound level, category 3, more than 1,000 dwellings (urban)

The nighttime basic sound level of table 1 for a dwelling in category 3 with more than 1,000 dwellings (urban) in the quarter section.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Most dwellings in the 1 to 8 column

A quarter section with more dwellings than this is in a higher column of table 1.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Most dwellings in the 9 to 160 column

A quarter section with more dwellings than this is in a higher column of table 1.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Most dwellings in the 161 to 400 column

A quarter section with more dwellings than this is in a higher column of table 1.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Most dwellings in the 401 to 1,000 column

A quarter section with more dwellings than this is in the last column of table 1.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1

Category 3 distance

A dwelling closer than this to a heavily travelled road or a rail line is in category 3.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1 notes 2 and 3

Category 2 distance

A dwelling closer than this to a heavily travelled road or a rail line, and not in category 3, is in category 2. A dwelling at this distance or more is in category 1.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1 notes 1 and 2

Radius of the quarter section

The dwellings are counted in a circle of this radius with the affected dwelling at its centre.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(6), table 1 note 4

Vehicles on a heavily travelled road

A road is heavily travelled when at least this many vehicles travel in the nine-hour nighttime, consistently for any one month of a year. Highways are heavily travelled.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 1, heavily travelled road

Nighttime share of daily traffic

When the traffic volume is an annual average daily value, this share of it can be taken as the nighttime traffic.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 1, heavily travelled road

Cars of a train on a rail line

A rail line has at least one train of this many cars in every nighttime.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 1, rail lines

Aircraft movements for frequent flyovers

A location has frequent aircraft flyovers with at least this many takeoffs or landings over the nighttime.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 1, frequent aircraft flyovers

Airport distance for frequent flyovers

A noise receptor must be within this distance of the airport to qualify.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 1, frequent aircraft flyovers

Noise exposure forecast for frequent flyovers

A noise receptor inside a noise exposure forecast contour of this value or more qualifies.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 1, frequent aircraft flyovers

Daytime adjustment

The daytime basic sound level is this much above the nighttime one.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(8)

Seasonal adjustment (A1)

The adjustment for wintertime conditions. It is used only for a wintertime noise complaint.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10), table 2

Largest ambient monitoring adjustment (A2)

The ambient monitoring adjustment is from minus this amount to plus this amount.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10), table 2 and figure 1

Largest Class A adjustment

The sum of A1 and A2 is from minus this amount to plus this amount.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(10), table 2 note

Class B1 adjustment

For an activity that lasts less than 1 day.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(11), table 3

Class B2 adjustment

For an activity that lasts less than 7 days.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(11), table 3

Class B3 adjustment

For an activity that lasts 60 days or less.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(11), table 3

Class B1 duration

An activity shorter than this has the Class B1 adjustment.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(11), table 3

Class B2 duration

An activity shorter than this, and not Class B1, has the Class B2 adjustment.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(11), table 3

Longest temporary activity

An activity that lasts longer than this is not temporary and has no Class B adjustment.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(11), table 3

Class C1 adjustment

Added to the nighttime permissible sound level of a wind turbine project at high wind speeds.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12), table 4

Class C1 wind speed

The Class C1 adjustment applies when the 10-minute average wind speed near the noise receptor is this much or more.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12), table 4

Highest nighttime level with Class C1

The Class C1 adjustment raises the nighttime permissible sound level to this level at most.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12), table 4

Largest Class C2 adjustment

The Class C2 adjustment is from 1 dB to this amount.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(12), table 4

Lowest wind speed for a Class C adjustment

Wind noise masking is measured for each wind speed of this much or more.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.6.3(1) and appendix 1, Class C adjustment

Most emergency events in a year

An event that occurs more often than this in a year at a facility is not an unplanned event.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.1(3)

Remote distance

A noise receptor is a dwelling within this distance of the facility property boundary. With no dwelling within it, a noise receptor is a point at this distance.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 1.3 and appendix 1, noise receptor

No net increase tolerance

A predicted cumulative sound level that is over the permissible sound level by no more than this amount is no net increase.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.8(2)

Margin for the summary form

A cumulative sound level this much or more below the permissible sound level allows the noise impact assessment summary form. The noise impact assessment flowchart uses the same margin.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 3.1(7)(a) and appendix 9

Low frequency noise difference

A C-weighted level this much above the A-weighted level, with a tone, is low frequency noise.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(2)(a)

Lowest frequency of a low frequency tone

The tone is in a one-third octave band from this frequency.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(2)(b)

Low frequency noise tone limit

The tone is in a one-third octave band up to this frequency.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(2)(b)

Rise of a tone

A band with a tone is this much or more above a band within two one-third octave bands on one side.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(2)(b)(i)

Drop beside a tone

The level drops by this much or more within two one-third octave bands on the other side of the tone.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(2)(b)(ii)

Low frequency noise penalty

Added to the comprehensive sound level when low frequency noise is present.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.5(3)

Least valid survey data

The least time of valid data for each period of a comprehensive sound level survey.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(4)(a) and table 8

Least valid data in a combined period

When several nighttime periods or daytime periods are combined, each of them holds at least this much valid data.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(4)(b)(ii)

Largest difference between combined periods

When several periods are combined, their average sound levels differ by no more than this amount.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(4)(b)(ii)

Least survey duration

A comprehensive sound level survey measures sound and weather for at least this long.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(3)

Measurement distance from the noise receptor

Sound levels are measured, and the permissible sound level applies, this far from the noise receptor in the direction of the facility.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 4.1(2) and appendix 1, permissible sound level

Highest wind speed for an ambient sound level survey

An ambient sound level survey uses data with a wind speed at the noise receptor of this much or less.

Rule 012: Noise Control, 2.5(5)(b)

Distance factor of a point source

The level of a point source falls by this factor times the logarithm of the ratio of the distances: 6 dB for each doubling of distance.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 2, 2.5.1

Distance factor of a line source

The level of a line source falls by this factor times the logarithm of the ratio of the distances: 3 dB for each doubling of distance.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 2, 2.5.2

Constant for half sphere radiation

The sound pressure level is the sound power level less 20 times the logarithm of the distance in metres, less this amount, for a source that radiates into a half sphere.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 9, notes 1 and 3

Constant for full sphere radiation

The sound pressure level is the sound power level less 20 times the logarithm of the distance in metres, less this amount, for a source that radiates into a full sphere.

Rule 012: Noise Control, appendix 9, notes 1 and 3