Environmental Baseline Study: Noise. Total E&P Canada Ltd. Calgary, Alberta

Transcription

1 Environmental Baseline Study: Noise Total E&P Canada Ltd. Calgary, Alberta

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3 Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Introduction Background Focus of Baseline Investigations Study Area Environmental Noise Descriptors Methods Review of Existing Data Other Applicable Environmental Assessments Calculation of Permissible Sound Levels Mapping and Terrain Data Sound-Level Measurements Measurement Equipment Sound-Level Measurements 24-hour Meteorological Conditions During Sound-Level Measurements Ground Conditions During Sound-Level Measurements Quality Assurance and Quality Control Results Long-term Measurement Results Key Findings Summary References List of Tables Table Locations of Selected Residence Receptors Table Basic Sound-Level Determination for Nighttime Table EUB Nighttime Permissible Sound Levels Table EUB Daytime Permissible Sound Levels Table Summary of Measured Baseline Comprehensive Sound Level List of Figures Figure TOTAL Lands Figure Noise Study Area and Noise Receptors Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring Results at Receptor Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring Results at Receptor Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring at Receptor Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring at Receptor Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring at Receptor TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page i

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5 Acronyms and Abbreviations Environmental Baseline Study: Noise Acronyms and Abbreviations ASL... ambient sound level BSL... basic sound level CSL... comprehensive sound level dba... A-weighted decibel EUB... Alberta Energy and Utilities Board EIA... environmental impact assessment GPS... global positioning system km... kilometre Leq... energy-equivalent sound level m... metre LSA... local study area PSL... permissible sound level RSA... regional study area TOTAL... TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page iii

6 Acronyms and Abbreviations December 2007 Page iv TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.

7 Section 1: Introduction 1 Introduction 1.1 Background TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. (TOTAL) owns a parcel of land in Alberta s Industrial Heartland near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta (see Figure 1.1-1). The parcel is situated in the following portions of Township 55, Range 21, West of the 4 th Meridian: Section 18: portions of legal subdivisions (LSDs) 11, 12 all of LSDs 13 and 14 Section 19 Section 20: portion of LSD 3 all of LSDs 4, 5 and 6 northwest quarter Throughout this document, this land (including small inholdings that TOTAL is intending to acquire) is referred to as the TOTAL lands. This report is one of a series of studies prepared to document the environmental baseline conditions of the TOTAL lands and surrounding area. 1.2 Focus of Baseline Investigations 1.3 Study Area The noise baseline study focused on determining the existing baseline sound environment and permissible sound level (PSL) on selected residences in the vicinity of the TOTAL lands. Activities affecting existing sound levels in the area include noise sources such as road traffic along Highway 15 and other access roads, operation of existing industrial facilities, railway traffic, other human-related activities and nature sounds (e.g., occasional wind noise, birds chirping). Existing industrial facilities in the area include: Shell Scotford Upgrader Shell Chemical Canada Scotford Plant Shell Scotford Refinery Air Liquide Canada Provident/Williams Energy Plant Agrium Redwater Fertilizer Plant Degussa Huls Plant Dow Chemicals TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 1-1

8 WESTLOCK COUNTY COUNTY OF THORNHILD NO.7 Redwater River 831 SMOKY LAKE COUNTY Legal Redwater North Saskatchewan River Manawan Lake Morinville 2 STURGEON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT Bon Accord Sturgeon River 28A Gibbons Bruderheim LAMONT COUNTY Lamont Fort Saskatchewan 21 STRATHCONA COUNTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Edmonton Devon Beaumont Cooking Lake Tofield Beaverhill Lake Leduc LEDUC COUNTY BEAVER COUNTY TITLE FIGURE TOTAL LANDS* SCALE

9 Section 1: Introduction The noise study area is the area considered to reflect the limit of predictable increments of existing sound levels in the area (see Figure 1.3-1). Experience suggests that within 3 km of the TOTAL lands is a conservative estimate of this area. Based on consultation with the EUB and TOTAL, five residences were identified as residence noise receptors because they are situated in the noise study area (see Table and Figure 1.3-1) and absence of noise screening from other existing facilities. Table Locations of Selected Residence Receptors Receptor Number UTM Coordinates (Zone 12, NAD 83) (m) Easting Northing Orientation to TOTAL Lands Approximate Distance to Nearest Boundary of TOTAL Lands (km) South Northeast East southeast East southeast East southeast Environmental Noise Descriptors Environmental noise is typically not steady and continuous, but constantly varies over time. To account for the time-varying nature of environmental noise, a single-number descriptor known as the energy equivalent sound level (L eq ) is used. The L eq value, expressed in dba, is the energy averaged, A-weighted sound level for the complete period. It is defined as the steady, continuous sound level, over a specified time, that has the same acoustic energy as the actual varying sound levels over the same time. The unit for Leq is A-weighted decibels (dba), which reflects the response of the human ear to different sound frequencies. Periods commonly used by the EUB are daytime (07:00 to 22:00) and nighttime (22:00 to 07:00). Daytime Leq is the 15-hour A-weighted energy equivalent sound level, denoted as Leq (15) or Leq day value. Similarly, the nighttime Leq is a 9-hour A-weighted energy-equivalent sound level, denoted as Leq (9) or Leq night. TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 1-3

10 North West Upgrading Synenco Northern Lights Upgrader Agrium Redwater Fort Hills Energy LP Sturgeon Upgrader Degussa Access Pipelines North Saskatchewan River Kinder Morgan(Terasen) BA Energy Upgrader Enbridge Pipelines Provident Energy TransCanada Energy Shell Scotford Refinery Shell Scotford Upgrader Air Liquide Shell Chemicals StatoilHydro Upgrader Aux Sable BP Canada Gem Sod Farms 15 Astotin Creek Shell Scotford Expansion 1 and Upgrader Keyera Energy Dow Chemical 3 Noise Receptors Praxair Fort Saskatchewan Industrial Facilities Base Case TransAlta Cogen LP Agrium Fort Sask. Planned Development Case Noise Study Area Umicore Sherritt International 830 TOTAL Lands Paved Access Unpaved Access Railway Watercourse Marsulex Inc. Urban Area ATCO Midstream TITLE FIGURE NOISE STUDY AREA AND NOISE RECEPTORS SCALE Distance in Kilometres

11 Section 2: Methods 2 Methods This baseline study used an approach consistent with the requirements of EUB Directive 38 Noise Control Directive (EUB 2007). EUB Directive 38 considers noise from a receptor perspective, thus controlling sound levels at receptor locations, not at facility fencelines. A noise-sensitive receptor is defined in Directive 38 as a permanent or seasonally occupied human dwelling located in proximity to the source or sources of noise under consideration. A seasonally occupied human dwelling is defined as a fixed residence that is used regularly for at least six weeks per year. For the noise-sensitive receptors, daytime and nighttime PSLs were determined according to the requirements of Directive 38. The PSL is the maximum sound level that a facility must not exceed at the nearest or most-affected residence. The EUB considers Alberta s Industrial Heartland region as a special case in Directive 38. The Industrial Heartland comprises about 40 industrial facilities, half of which are regulated by the EUB, and half that do not fall under EUB jurisdiction and therefore would not be required to meet EUB requirements. The PSLs for most of the residences in Alberta s Industrial Heartland are based in part on ambient sound-level data dating back to 1980, when there were few EUB-regulated facilities in the area. The noise baseline study was completed in phases, as follows: 1. During a preliminary site visit, representative receptors closest to the TOTAL lands were identified. 2. The EUB was consulted to select potential monitoring locations and obtain additional guidance on determination of PSLs for the five residences. 3. Long-term baseline noise monitoring, consisting of at least 24-hour periods, was conducted at each of the five residences. 2.1 Review of Existing Data Other Applicable Environmental Assessments Noise impact assessments and sound monitoring programs for other planned and approved projects in the area were reviewed to obtain additional information on the sound environment and identify the approved PSLs for the residences in the area. The projects considered in this work included: Shell Scotford Upgrader Expansion 1 (Shell 2005) Sturgeon Upgrader (Fort Hills 2006) North West Upgrader (North West 2006) BA Energy Heartland Upgrader (BA Energy 2004) Based on review of the EIAs for these projects, PSLs were established for a number of receptors located north of Highway 15. The nighttime PSLs for the residences in this area range from 40 to 47 dba L eq and the daytime PSLs range from 50 to 57 dba L eq. TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 2-5

12 Section 2: Methods Based on information from the approved Shell Scotford Expansion 1 Project, the nighttime PSL for Residence 15 is 47 dba L eq and the daytime PSL is 57 dba L eq. This residence is north of Highway 15 and was identified as Receptor 22 in the Shell Scotford Expansion Project EIA (Shell 2005). For the other four residences where PSLs have not been determined or approved from prior studies in the area, PSLs were calculated according to the requirements of Directive 38. This is consistent with EUB recommendations during the consultation process. 2.2 Calculation of Permissible Sound Levels To calculate the PSLs, EUB Directive 38 first defines the basic sound level (BSL) for nighttime, which is the allowable sound level including industrial presence based on the nearby residence dwelling unit density and the proximity to transportation noise sources during nighttime periods. This concept was used because typical ambient sounds are usually dominated by the extent of local development, and by the effects of transportation in the area. Additive adjustments to the nighttime BSL set out in Directive 38 (EUB 2007) to account for certain sound characteristics that can affect human responses to noise include the following: daytime adjustment Class A adjustments: seasonal adjustment absence of both tonal and impulse/impact components adjustments ambient noise monitoring adjustment Class B adjustment: duration of activity adjustment For an outline of the EUB method for determining the nighttime BSL, see Table The PSL is equal to the BSL plus the allowable adjustments. The PSLs are applicable to activities with a duration of two months or more. For shorter-term noise sources, PSLs would be increased by: 5 dba for noise sources active longer than one week but less than two months 10 dba for noise sources active more than one day but less than one week 15 dba for noise sources active for one day or less For results of the nighttime PSL evaluation for Residences 3, 520, 6 and 50, see Table and for daytime conditions, see Table There is no Class A adjustment because: a seasonal adjustment applies to activities that occur in the winter only an adjustment for absence of both tonal and impulse/impact components is not permitted for new facilities an ambient monitoring adjustment is applicable only when the BSLs are thought not to be representative of the actual sound environment, and when ambient sound levels (ASLs) have been determined without the presence of energy-related facilities and associated activities. There is also no Class B adjustment, since such an adjustment applies to activities with a duration less than or equal to two months. December 2007 Page 2-6 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.

13 Section 2: Methods Table Basic Sound-Level Determination for Nighttime Proximity to Transportation Dwelling Unit Density per Quarter Section of Land 1 to 8 Dwellings 9 to 160 Dwellings More than 160 Dwellings 22:00 07:00 (nighttime) (dba L eq [9]) 22:00 07:00 (nighttime) (dba L eq [9]) 22:00 07:00 (nighttime) (dba L eq [9]) Category Category Category NOTES: Category 1: Dwelling units more than 500 m from heavily travelled roads or rail lines and not subject to frequent aircraft flyovers. Category 2: Dwelling units more than 30 m but less than 500 m from heavily travelled roads or rail lines and not subject to frequent aircraft flyovers. Category 3: Dwelling units less than 30 m from heavily travelled roads or rail lines and subject to frequent aircraft flyovers Mapping and Terrain Data Terrain in the LSA is mainly flat. Terrain at each of the receptors is flat and during the monitoring period was soft and porous. Soft and porous ground absorbs sound more readily than hard ground, and ground attenuation is primarily dependent on ground conditions at the source and the receptor. Sparse vegetation surrounds the residences at each of the receptors. Table EUB Nighttime Permissible Sound Levels Residence ID Dwelling Unit Density Per Quarter Section (Number of Dwellings) Proximity to Transportation (Category) Nighttime Basic Sound Level (dba L eq [9]) Class A Adjustment Class B Adjustment Nighttime Permissible Sound Level (dba L eq [9]) 3 1 to 8 Category to 8 Category to 8 Category to 160 Category Table EUB Daytime Permissible Sound Levels Residence ID Dwelling Unit Density Per Quarter Section (Number of Dwellings) Proximity to Transportation (Category) Nighttime Basic Sound Level (dba L eq [9]) Class A Adjustment Class B Adjustment Daytime Adjustment Daytime Permissible Sound Level (dba L eq [15]) 3 1 to 8 Category to 8 Category to 8 Category to 160 Category TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 2-7

14 Section 2: Methods 2.3 Sound-Level Measurements Measurement Equipment Three Larson Davis 824, Type 1 integrating sound-level meters that meet the requirements of Directive 38 were used for the baseline noise survey. Sound recordings were made using three Olympus digital recording units that permit direct, gain-adjustable, line-in recordings in MP3 format. These recorders were custom modified to accept larger batteries capable of operating the devices for longer than 24 hours. The UTM coordinates of the measurement locations were determined using a Garmin Legend global positioning system (GPS) receiver Sound-Level Measurements 24-hour At each of the five monitoring locations, a sound-level meter was set up, calibrated and run for at least 24 hours to record sound levels during daytime (07:00 to 22:00) and nighttime (22:00 to 07:00). Sound monitoring incorporates all sounds at each monitoring location, including contributions from road and rail traffic, sounds of nature and existing facilities. The sound-level meter was used to capture 1-minute energy-averaged and percentile exceedance sound levels throughout the monitoring period. Measured sound-level data at each residence were analyzed to determine daytime and nighttime baseline comprehensive sound levels (CSLs). Simultaneous audio recordings allowed subsequent interpretation of the sound-level meter data. Following data collection, the recordings were reviewed to identify the sound characteristics and sources contributing to the measured sound levels. Sound-level data acquired during abnormal noise events (e.g., high-wind noise, rainfall, lawnmower operation, dog barking) were not included in the analysis as per the requirements of Directive 38. The sound-level meters were calibrated in accordance with EUB Directive 38 measurement protocols. The microphone was set on a tripod at a height 1.5 m above the ground and was protected from adverse weather conditions Meteorological Conditions During Sound-Level Measurements Meteorological conditions during the sound-level measurements from June 21 to June 23, 2007 varied among sites in terms of temperature and relative humidity; wind speed and direction, but were mostly favourable. As stipulated in Directive 38, all measurement data adversely affected by weather conditions (e.g., rainfall) were not included in the analysis Ground Conditions During Sound-Level Measurements Ground conditions during the measurements varied among sites in terms of softness, hardness and porosity. Typical summer conditions of soft and porous ground occurred at most sites and the surrounding area. December 2007 Page 2-8 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.

15 2.4 Quality Assurance and Quality Control Environmental Baseline Study: Noise Section 2: Methods The sound-level meters were calibrated in accordance with EUB Directive 38 measurement protocols. The noise surveys followed procedures recommended in Directive 38. Senior noise personnel trained all field personnel in equipment use and function before the field surveys. All measured data were reviewed by senior noise personnel. Reliable software used in data processing and analysis included the Larson Davis software, Audacity, Goldwave and Windows Media Player. TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 2-9

16 Section 2: Methods December 2007 Page 2-10 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.

17 Section 3: Results 3 Results 3.1 Long-term Measurement Results For graphic representations of the measured 1-minute L eq sound levels at each of the five residential locations, see Figure to Figure The L eq value is the energy-averaged A-weighted sound level during each 1-minute interval. For a summary of the measured baseline CSLs after isolation of abnormal noise events at each of the five residential locations, see Table Table Summary of Measured Baseline Comprehensive Sound Level Residence Number Measurement Date Measured Daytime CSL (dba L eq [15]) Day 1 Day 2 Measured Nighttime CSL (dba L eq [9]) 3 June 21 22, June 22 23, June 21 22, June 22 23, June 21 22, NOTE: Measured daytime and nighttime baseline CSLs exclude abnormal noise events (e.g., rainfall, high wind, dog barking, lawnmower noise). TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 3-1

18 Section 3: Results Start Date: June 21, 2007 End Date: June 22, 2007 Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring Results at Receptor 3 December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. Page 3-2

19 Section 3: Results Start Date: June 22, 2007 End Date: June 23, 2007 Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring Results at Receptor 15 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 3-3

20 Section 3: Results Start Date: June 21, 2007 End Date: June 22, 2007 Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring at Receptor 520 December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. Page 3-4

21 Section 3: Results Start Date: June 22, 2007 End Date: June 23, 2007 Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring at Receptor 6 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 3-5

22 Section 3: Results Start Date: June 21, 2007 End Date: June 22, 2007 Figure Baseline Sound Monitoring at Receptor 50 December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. Page 3-6

23 Section 3: Results 3.2 Key Findings Review of the long-term baseline sound monitoring results at each of the five residences indicates the following key findings: The measured sound level including all abnormal noise events at Residence 3 ranged from 54 to 58 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 53 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. After isolation of abnormal noise events like loud traffic noise and high-pitched bird noise, measured CSLs were 49 to 52 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 45 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. The daytime PSL for this residence was 55 dba Leq (15) and the nighttime PSL was 45 dba Leq (9). The measured sound level including all abnormal noise events at Residence 15 ranged from 48 to 52 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 47 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. After isolation of abnormal noise events like rainfall noise, dog barking noise and high-pitched bird noise, measured CSLs were 46 to 47 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 41 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. The daytime PSL for this residence was 57 dba Leq (15) and the nighttime PSL was 47 dba Leq (9). The measured sound level including all abnormal noise events at Residence 520 ranged from 57 to 67 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 46 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. After isolation of abnormal noise events like lawnmower operation noise and high-pitched bird noise, measured CSLs were 45 to 46 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 42 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. The daytime PSL for this residence was 55 dba Leq (15) and the nighttime PSL was 45 dba Leq (9). The measured sound level including all abnormal noise events at Residence 6 ranged from 56 to 62 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 45 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. After isolation of abnormal noise events like rainfall noise, loud traffic noise, dog barking noise and high-pitched bird noise, the measured CSLs were 44 to 49 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 37 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. The daytime PSL for this residence was 50 dba Leq (15) and the nighttime PSL was 40 dba Leq (9). The measured sound level including all abnormal noise events at Residence 50 ranged from 54 to 58 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 53 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. After isolation of abnormal noise events like loud traffic noise and high-pitched bird noise, measured CSLs were 50 to 52 dba Leq (15) over the entire daytime period and 48 dba Leq (9) over the entire nighttime period. The daytime PSL for this residence was 58 dba Leq (15) and the nighttime PSL was 48 dba Leq (9). TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 3-7

24 Section 3: Results December 2007 Page 3-8 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.

25 Section 4: Summary 4 Summary The PSLs determined for the five residences near the TOTAL lands ranged between 55 and 58 dba Leq (15) during the daytime, and between 45 to 48 dba Leq (9) during nighttime. The daytime and nighttime baseline CSLs at the five residential locations were measured continuously for at least 24 hours. Depending on the monitoring location, measurement results indicate that baseline CSLs, after isolation of abnormal noise events (e.g., loud traffic noise, lawnmower operation noise, rainfall, high-pitched bird noise), range between 44 and 52 dba L eq (15) during the daytime, and between 41 and 49 dba L eq (9) during nighttime. TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 4-1

26 Section 4: Summary December 2007 Page 4-2 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.

27 Section 5: References 5 References BA Energy (BA Energy Inc.) BA Energy Heartland Upgrader Volume 2: Environmental Impact Assessment. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. EUB (Alberta Energy and Utilities Board) Directive 38: Noise Control. Available at: Accessed February Fort Hills (Fort Hills Energy LP) Application for Approval of the Sturgeon Upgrader. Volume 2: Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Assessment. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. December North West (North West Upgrading) North West Upgrader Project: Integrated Application for Approval. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. January Shell (Shell Canada Limited) Application for Approval of the Scotford Upgrader Expansion Project. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. April TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 5-1

28 Section 5: References December 2007 Page 5-2 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.