Appendix Environmental Noise and Vibration Assessment

Transcription

1 Appendix Environmental Noise and Vibration Assessment

2 BKL CONSULTANTS LTD acoustics noise vibration PREPARED FOR: POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS LTD. APRIL 2014

3 APRIL A REVISION 0 Revision Description Date A Issued as draft for client review 28 Feb Revised and issued as Final 30 Apr 2014 PREPARED FOR: POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS LTD. PREPARED BY: BKL CONSULTANTS LTD acoustics noise vibration # LYNN VALLEY ROAD, NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA V7J 2A2 T: F: sound@bkl.ca

4 NOTICE BKL Consultants Ltd. (BKL) has prepared this report for the sole and exclusive benefit of Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants Ltd. (the Client) in support of the Project s environmental assessment under applicable regulations. BKL disclaims any liability to the Client and to third parties in respect of the publication, reference, quoting, or distribution of this report or any of its contents to and reliance thereon by any third party. This document contains the expression of the professional opinion of BKL, at the time of its preparation, as to the matters set out herein, using its professional judgment and reasonable care. The information provided in this report was compiled from existing documents and data provided by the Client, spectral sound power level data compiled and calculated by BKL, and by applying currently accepted industry practice and modelling methods. Unless expressly stated otherwise, assumptions, data and information supplied by, or gathered from other sources (including the Client, other consultants, testing laboratories and equipment suppliers, etc.) upon which BKL s opinion as set out herein is based has not been verified by BKL; BKL makes no representation as to its accuracy and disclaims all liability with respect thereto. This document is meant to be read as a whole, and sections or parts thereof should thus not be read or relied upon out of context. BKL reserves the right to modify the contents of this report, in whole or in part, to reflect any new information that becomes available. If any conditions become apparent that differ significantly from the understanding of conditions as presented in this report, BKL should be notified immediately to reassess the conclusions provided herein. i PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS LTD.

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BKL Consultants Ltd. (BKL) has been retained by Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants Ltd. (PGL) to provide an environmental noise assessment for the proposed Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant (the Project). This report provides an environmental noise assessment based on baseline noise monitoring and noise modelling predictions. The Project comprises the construction and operation of a lime quarry, a processing plant and the means of transporting the material and personnel between the two. The Project is located approximately 27 kilometres east-northeast of Prince George, British Columbia. The proposed lime processing plant is located on Graymont owned land, approximately 1 km east northeast of the settlement of Giscome. The proposed limestone quarry is to be located on Crown land on an area footprint measuring approximately 200 hectares and is located approximately 4 km south east of the settlement of Giscome. This study is inclusive of the Project and an area within roughly a 6km area from the Project centre. The objectives of the assessment were to perform baseline noise monitoring, to predict sound levels for both the Construction and Operation phases due to activity at the plant site, quarry site, open pit blasting, and access road traffic and rail sound sources, to perform a noise and vibration effects assessment and to recommend mitigation where appropriate. Vibration and its adverse effects on people is almost invariably experienced inside buildings or other structures. There are no buildings or otherwise sensitive receivers located within a close enough range to the Project to be affected by any vibrations potentially generated by its construction or operation. Therefore, no quantitative vibration assessment has been performed. Noise assessments were completed for the five permanent sensitive receivers within approximately 6 km of the Plant. The World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Community Noise was used to assess continuous noise and short duration noise events for sleep disturbance and speech interference, and, as suggested by Health Canada, the percentage highly annoyed (%HA) was calculated at receivers that would be exposed to long term construction or operations noise. Noise modelling was completed using nationally and internationally recognized standards (ISO , ANSI S , SRM II and NMPB-Routes-2008), as implemented in the outdoor sound propagation software Cadna/A and in-house developed Matlab programs. No offsite receivers were predicted to receive noise levels higher than the limits suggested by WHO or Health Canada under various assessments of speech interference, sleep disturbance and annoyance. There are no receivers located within a close enough range to the Project to be affected by any vibrations potentially generated by its operation. Therefore, no specific noise or vibration mitigation should be required during the construction or operation of the Project although it is best practice to implement a noise management plan to maintain low noise levels throughout the life of project. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL 2014 ii PAGE

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Notice... i Executive Summary... ii Table of Contents... iii List of Tables... iv List of Figures... v List of Appendices... vi List of Abbreviations and Acronyms... vii 1 Introduction Project description Study Objectives Baseline Noise Measurements Noise Predictions Vibration Predictions Human Health Effects Assessment Mitigation Identification of Potential Effects Sleep Disturbance Interference with Speech Communication High Annoyance Assessment Criteria Construction Noise Impact Criteria Operations Noise Impact Criteria Mitigation Criteria Spatial & Temporal Boundaries Spatial Boundaries Temporal Boundaries Existing Environmental Conditions Measurements Inventory of Noise Sensitive Receivers Noise Modelling Methodology Acoustic Model Standards Ground Absorption Meteorological Conditions Geometric Data: Topography Obstacles Model Calibration iii PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS LTD.

7 8.2 Construction Noise Prediction Details Hauling Route Construction Plant Construction Quarry Site Construction Operations Noise Prediction Details Plant Operations Material Transport and Hauling Operations Quarry Operations Blasting Receivers Limitations Noise Prediction Existing Noise Prediction Construction Noise Prediction Road Construction Plant and Quarry Construction Operations Noise Prediction Quarry and Lime Plant Operations Blasting Noise Assessment Construction Noise Assessment Road Construction Plant and Quarry Construction Operations Noise Assessment Quarry and Lime Plant Operations Blasting Vibration Assessment Potential Mitigation Conclusions References List of Tables Table 5-1 Project Operations Criteria... 7 Table 7-1: Long-Term Noise Measurement Data Summary... 9 Table 8-1 Calculation Standards and Software Programs Table 8-2 Road Construction Source Table 8-3 Plant Construction Source Table 8-4 Quarry Construction Source Table 8-5 Plant Operation Sources Table 8-6 Material Transport Route Sources BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL 2014 iv PAGE

8 Table 8-7 Quarry Operation Sources Table 8-8 Blasting Input Data Table 8-9 Modelled Receivers Table 9-1 Existing Noise Levels at Modelled Receivers Table 9-2 Road Construction Average Noise Level Contribution at Modelled Receivers Table 9-3 Total Noise Levels Modelled at Receivers during Road Construction Table 9-4 Plant and Quarry Construction Noise Levels at Modelled Receivers Table 9-5 Total Noise Levels During Plant and Quarry Construction at Modelled Receivers Table 9-6 Plant and Quarry Contribution to Operation Noise Levels Table 9-7 Plant and Quarry Total Operation Noise Levels Table 9-8 Modelled Quarry Blast Levels Table 10-1 Predicted Levels at Receiver 2 from Project Construction Table 10-2 Predicted Noise Level during Project Operation Table 10-3 Predicted Peak Noise Level resulting from Blasts List of Figures Figure 2-1: Project Location... 2 Figure 2-2: Project Map... 3 Figure 8-1 Modelled Receivers Figure 9-1 Existing Noise at Modelled Receivers Figure 9-2: Average Noise Level versus Distance from Road Construction over Flat Ground Figure 9-3: Road Construction Average Noise Level Contours (with Terrain Effects) Figure 9-4 Total Noise Levels Modelled at Receiver during Road Construction Figure 9-5: Plant and Quarry Noise Level Contours at Modelled Receivers Figure 9-6: Total Noise Level Contours During Plant and Quarry Construction at Modelled Receivers Figure 9-7: Daytime (Ld) Plant and Quarry Noise Level Contours Figure 9-8 Daytime (Ld) Plant and Quarry Total Noise Levels Figure 9-9 Worst Case Blast Instantaneous Levels (Lpeak) v PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS LTD.

9 List of Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Glossary Introduction to sound and Environmental Noise Assessment B.1 Sound Character Adjustments B.2 Rating Level B.3 %HA Appendix C Measurement setup Appendix D Noise Source Tables D.1 Raw Material Haul Route Construction Total Continuous Noise Sources D.2 Processing Plant Construction Total Continuous Noise Sources D.3 Quarry Construction Total Continuous Noise Sources D.4 Raw Material Haul Route Operation Total Continuous Noise Sources D.5 Processing Plant Operation Total Continuous Noise Sources D.6 Quarry Operation Total Continuous Noise Sources D.7 Blasting Calculations BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL 2014 vi PAGE

10 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Abbreviation/Acronym %HA ANFO ANSI ASA BC BKL db dba dbc dbz EA Hz ISO khz km km 2 Kph / Km/h L AFmax L CE L d L dn L eq L n L peak L w m NIHL Project TNT WHO Definition Percent Highly Annoyed Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (explosive) American National Standards Institute Acoustical Society of America British Columbia BKL Consultants Ltd. Decibel A-weighted decibel C-weighted decibel Un-weighted decibel Environmental Assessment Hertz International Organization for Standardization Kilohertz Kilometre Square kilometre Kilometres per hour Maximum A-weighted, fast time constant sound level C-weighted sound exposure level Daytime (07:00 to 22:00) equivalent sound level Day-night equivalent sound level Equivalent sound level Nighttime (22:00 to 07:00) equivalent sound level The maximum absolute value of the instantaneous sound pressure Sound power level Metre Noise Induced Hearing Loss The Graymont Giscome Lime Quarry and Processing Plant Project Trinitrotoluene (explosive) World Health Organization vii PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS LTD.

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12 1 INTRODUCTION BKL Consultants Ltd. (BKL) has been retained by Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants Ltd. (PGL) to provide an environmental noise assessment for the proposed Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant (the Project). This report documents the predicted noise and vibration effects at potentially impacted human receiver locations nearby during construction and operation of the Project. A glossary and introduction to sound and environmental noise assessment are presented in Appendices A and B. 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Proponent (Graymont Western Canada Inc.) is proposing to construct and operate a lime processing facility and associated quarry (the Project) in the Giscome area of British Columbia. The proposed Project will produce high quality lime products for use in environmental and industrial applications and limestone products for use as construction stone. The principle markets for the proposed Giscome lime plant will be flue gas desulphurization and mining applications. The proposed Project is well suited to development of a lime manufacturing facility because of its proximity to the Canadian National Railway and the presence of high quality limestone deposits. The Project is located approximately 27 kilometres east-northeast of Prince George, British Columbia. The proposed lime processing plant is located on Graymont owned land, approximately 1 km east northeast of the settlement of Giscome. The proposed lime processing plant site is level and is located immediately to the south of Eaglet Lake at an elevation of approximately 600 m above sea level. It is proposed that an adjacent CN Rail line will be the main form of access to the site. Road access to the site will be along an existing road which currently connects to the south western edge of the proposed plant area. New routes may be developed to access the Quarry. The proposed limestone quarry is to be located on Crown land on an area footprint measuring approximately 200 hectares and is located approximately 4 km south east of the settlement of Giscome. The topography in the vicinity of the proposed quarry is characterized by rolling hills separated by low-lying, generally swampy areas. Elevations range up to 855 m in the hills to the northeast. The proposed limestone quarry will be accessed by one of multiple haul road or conveyor alternatives. The regional setting of the Project is illustrated in Figure 2-1:, and the local setting and Project location are illustrated in Figure PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

13 Figure 2-1: Project Location BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

14 Figure 2-2: Project Map 3 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

15 3 STUDY OBJECTIVES The Project footprint consists of both undeveloped and previously developed land. Outside of the existing rail activity, there are no additional noise or vibration impacts relating to industrial activity. The construction and operation of the Project will introduce environmental noise and vibration sources largely in the form of construction equipment; haul vehicles, blasting as well as vehicle traffic. The objective of this study is therefore to determine the noise impact of the Project by: Measuring existing noise levels in the community, Predicting the noise generated by the Project in the construction and operation phases, Performing a qualitative assessment of Project vibration, Assessing the project related impact on sensitive receivers in the Project vicinity, and Recommending mitigation, as needed, to minimize and/or eliminate any adverse impacts related to noise and vibration. 3.1 Baseline Noise Measurements Baseline noise measurements were conducted in order to establish the existing conditions of the project site and any sensitive receivers near the Project that have been identified. The establishment of the existing conditions can have an effect on the determination of the impacts that the Project has on the closest residents and schools. Applicable Bylaws and guidelines provide both absolute and relative limits to the noise that should be experienced as a result of the Project. Baseline measurements help establish the threshold for the relative impact assessments. 3.2 Noise Predictions Construction Noise Using information on the proposed construction techniques and equipment, typical construction scenarios were modelled using the outdoor sound propagation software Cadna/A. These models do not provide detailed day to day noise level predictions but provide long term estimates of the average noise levels to be expected (shown graphically on figures as sound contours) and the anticipated extent of any noise impacts. Operations Noise Using the noise level of the proposed Project equipment and data on the projected onsite usage, road and rail movements, the probable noise increase (over ambient) from the operations of the Project were modelled using Cadna/A. Noise impacts from operations of the processing plant including loading and crushing activities (if not undertaken at the quarry) were determined using the Cadna/A noise model. The Cadna/A model provides both spot estimates of noise levels and noise contours resulting from operation of the plant for the areas surrounding the plant. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

16 3.3 Vibration Predictions Potential Project-related sources for vibration include road construction, rail activity at the Plant during operation and blasting activity at the quarry during operation. Using information provided by the Proponent and information about conventional quarry mining methods, it has been determined that no vibration impacts will occur. As a result, no quantitative analysis is necessary. 3.4 Human Health Effects Assessment Using both the noise exposure increases and absolute noise exposure levels, and comparing them to the criteria established, incremental noise impacts were derived along the alignment. 3.5 Mitigation Where the incremental impact warrants, and taking into account the geometry of the representative selected sites, appropriate means of noise mitigation are prescribed. Such mitigation measures considered include (but not necessarily be limited to) property line berms and barriers and building facade upgrades and administrative controls. 4 IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS This section introduces several acoustic terms and metrics which are used throughout the study. Please consult Appendix A (Glossary) and Appendix B (Introduction to Sound and Environmental Noise Assessment) for definitions and information on these. 4.1 Sleep Disturbance Sleep disturbance includes the following effects from noise: difficulty falling asleep, awakenings, curtailed sleep duration, alterations of sleep stages or depth, and increased body movements during sleep. The recommendations and guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding sleep disturbance have been used to assess these adverse health effects. The WHO Guidelines for Community Noise (WHO 1999) reports: If negative effects on sleep are to be avoided the equivalent sound pressure level should not exceed 30 dba indoors for continuous noise ; and, For a good sleep, it is believed that indoor sound pressure levels should not exceed approximately 45 db L Amax more than times per night. Sound is attenuated as it is transmitted indoors and the amount of reduction mostly depends on whether windows are open or not. An outdoor-to-indoor noise reduction of 15 db if windows are slightly open, or 27 db reduction if windows are closed, can be used to estimate the inside noise level (EPA 1974). The actual reduction depends on construction materials, geometry, etc. of the room. This assessment assumes that all residence windows will be open (15 db noise reduction) and all school windows will be closed (27 db noise reduction). 5 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

17 4.2 Interference with Speech Communication If continuous project noise indoors or outdoors is high enough, the Project could interfere with speech communication, such that speakers will need to increase their vocal effort or move closer to each other. WHO (1999) suggests that when listening to complicated messages (at school, listening to foreign languages, telephone conversation) the signal-to-noise ratio should be at least 15 db. Assuming normal indoor speaking levels of dba (Levitt and Webster 1991), potential effects could occur if indoor noise levels exceed 40 dba. Speech interference is less likely to occur outdoors since humans naturally tend to speak louder when outdoors. An outdoor noise level of 55 dba or lower should enable good speech comprehension (EPA 1974). 4.3 High Annoyance The response to noise is subjective and is affected by many factors such as the: Difference between the Specific Sound (sound from the Project) and the Residual Sound (noise in the absence of the Specific Sound); Characteristics of the sound (e.g. if it contains tones, impulses, etc.); Absolute level of sound; Time of day; Local attitudes to the Project; and Expectations for quiet. Studies have found a consistent relationship between the percentage of a community that is highly annoyed by noise and the noise level. Health Canada (2010) suggests that the Percent Highly Annoyed or %HA metric, which is calculated using the adjusted L dn (ANSI 2005, ISO 2003) or Rating Level pre- and post-project, is an appropriate indicator of noise-induced human health effects for project operations noise and for long-term construction noise exposure. Health Canada suggests that mitigation be proposed if the predicted change in %HA at a specific receptor is greater than 6.5% between project and baseline noise environments, or when the project-related noise (L dn ) is in excess of 75 dba. According to the US EPA (EPA 1974), little or no public annoyance is expected to result from any number of daytime sonic booms per day (N) if the measured or predicted peak level is less than ( log N) dbz and this criterion is sometimes applied to noise from blasting 5 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 5.1 Construction Noise Impact Criteria Noise from construction activities often has the potential to negatively impact nearby receptors, and is often the loudest noise source of project related noise. Health Canada (2010) advises the following assessments for construction noise: BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

18 If construction noise lasts for less than 2 months at receptors it may be considered temporary, and community consultation is advised. If the construction period is less than one year, the assessment can be based on the US Environmental Protection Agency method (EPA 1974), where mitigation should be implemented if it is determined that the noise levels produced could cause widespread complaints. For construction noise at receptors with durations of more than one year, the health impact can be evaluated based on the change in percentage of the population who become highly annoyed (%HA). Mitigation should be proposed if the change in %HA at the receptor exceeds 6.5% from baseline measurements. In this assessment it is assumed that road construction activities will have durations of less than two months at any noise sensitive receptor as the construction will be continuously moving throughout the entire road construction period. 5.2 Operations Noise Impact Criteria Based on the previous identification of potential effects, six criteria have been chosen to rate potential effects. All of these criteria are for offsite residences or at Giscome Elementary School, although only the daytime criteria would apply at the school. A significant effect is likely to occur if any of the following occur at any receptor outdoors: Table 5-1 Project Operations Criteria Project Metric Description Limit Ld Day-time noise level for assessing speech interference outdoors and at residences Day-time noise level for assessing speech interference at Giscome Elementary School classrooms 55 dba 67 dba Ln Night-time noise level (indoor) for assessing sleep disturbance 45 dba Ldn Project noise mitigation required 75 dba %HA Increase in % HA metric before and after Project initiation 6.5% Lpeak Peak sound pressure level for assessing public annoyance to impulsive blasting noise occurring N times per day log N dbz The maximum night-time sound level (L AFmax ) was not included because no night-time blasting, road traffic or other non-continuous noise is expected. Therefore, the night-time equivalent sound level, L n, should provide a comprehensive assessment of sleep disturbance. 5.3 Mitigation Criteria If the noise impact assessment criteria are exceeded at any receptors, noise mitigation options using the Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost (BATNEEC) approach should be investigated to avoid significant adverse effects. The interpretation of excessive cost will depend on the significance of the noise impact. 7 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

19 The BATNEEC approach involves the assessment of all factors that contribute to the resulting noise impact, such as whether: The quietest available equipment is being used; The site layout has been optimized to minimize the noise impact, e.g. through the use of natural screens such as buildings, open doors facing away from residences, distance attenuation, etc.; Site procedures have been optimized to minimize the noise impact, e.g. keeping doors closed, conducting noisy procedures indoors; Hours of operation for noisy procedures have been optimized to minimize the noise impact and/or restricted to specific hours so that the community knows when to expect particularly annoying noise events; Other aspects of site operations are being conducted in the most noise conscious manner; and whether Additional noise enclosures or barriers can be used to minimize the noise impact. Depending on the available information and constraints, these measures can be considered in the environmental assessment phase, be written into a Noise Management Plan and/or be addressed in the detailed design phase. 6 SPATIAL & TEMPORAL BOUNDARIES 6.1 Spatial Boundaries The spatial boundary considered in noise modelling extends approximately 2.4 km westward from the Lime Processing Site to Eaglet Creek Road. This boundary was selected because it was the closest accessible house not in disrepair and also represents a baseline reference for residential rail noise. The modelled area also includes the area extending as far north as Eaglet Lake, as well as approximately 5km to the east and 3km south of the Quarry. 6.2 Temporal Boundaries Noise predictions were completed during two phases of the Project: The worst-case period during the construction phase; and, The operations phase that immediately follows completion of construction. Noise impacts during the decommissioning phase are expected to be less than those from the construction and operation phases and therefore have not been included in the scope of this assessment. Potential future expansions are not considered in this assessment. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

20 7 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 7.1 Measurements A series of long-term sound level measurements were conducted during a two-day project site survey (from the 26 th 27 th of June 2013) to characterize the existing noise environment near the Project. The measurement location LT1 was conducted in the immediate proximity of an elementary school, Upper Fraser and Giscome South Roads and the Canadian National (CN) Rail line. LT2 was conducted on an existing, but private road and represents the closest sensitive receiver to the proposed Processing Plant site, potential haul roads and the Quarry. LT3 was conducted in a manner that is representative of a residential receiver in close proximity to the rail line. The long-term measurements were conducted using three, ANSI Type I, sound level meters: a Bruel & Kjaer 2250, Larson Davis 824 and a Larson Davis 820. With only the microphones and windscreens exposed to the outdoor environment, the meters were placed in a locked, weatherresistant case. The long-term measurements consisted of consecutive 1 second averages in excess of 24 hours. The instruments were checked for calibration and adjusted as needed in the field before and after each measurement period with acoustic calibrators. Weather conditions during the survey period were warm and dry with clear skies and no precipitation. The observed air temperature readings ranged from 17 to 31 degrees Celsius. Winds were intermittent and gusty. All sound level meters were equipped with windscreens and set for slow time-response and usage of the dba scale. The instruments were field-calibrated before and after each measurement period with acoustic calibrators. All sound level measurements conducted were in accordance with the International Standards Organization (ISO) (ISO 2007). Table 7-1 summarizes the results from the synchronous long-term measurements taken at the indicated ambient measurement locations. Descriptions of the conditions observed at each measurement location follow. Table 7-1: Long-Term Noise Measurement Data Summary Measurement Location Start Date Measurement Period Start Time Duration (hh:mm) 24-hour Measurement Results (dba) Leq L10 L50 L90 Ld Ln Ldn ML Upper Fraser Road 26 June : ML2 Bateman Creek Road 26 June : ML Eaglet Creek Road 26 June : PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

21 ML1 This measurement was conducted within the yard of the elementary school located at Upper Fraser Road with the permission of the school principal. This school yard is located on the corner of Upper Fraser Road and Giscome South Road. The measurement was conducted along the northern fence line of the school property, approximately 100 meters north of the school building and 48 meters east of Upper Fraser Road. The measurement setup is shown in photos 1 through 4 of Appendix C, Measurement Setup. This was primarily an unattended long-term measurement. Noise sources observed while setting up and checking the sound monitor included the rail road crossing signal at Upper Fraser Road, playground activity from the children at the school, roadway traffic on both Upper Fraser Road and Giscome South Roads and rail traffic. The official time monitoring period for this long-term measurement was from 7pm June 26th to 7pm June 27th, The measurement is summarized in Table 7-1: Long-Term Noise Measurement Data Summary. The L dn for this period was 73 dba and was clearly dominated by rail related noise. ML2 This measurement was conducted alongside Bateman Creek Road, the location of a proposed haul road for the Project Quarry. This location is midway between the Plant and the closest residence to the Project, immediately north of the bridge on the roadway, and 190 meters south of the intersection of Giscome South Road and Bateman Creek Road. The monitor was located along the fence line. The measurement setup is shown in photos 5 through 8 of Appendix C, Measurement Setup. This was primarily an unattended long-term measurement. Noise sources observed while setting up and checking the sound monitor included the distant rail activity and insect noises. The official time monitoring period for this long-term measurement was from 7pm June 26th to 7pm June 27th, The measurement is summarized in Table 7-1: Long-Term Noise Measurement Data Summary. The L dn for this period was 53 dba ML3 This measurement was conducted at the property line of the residence at Eaglet Creek Road. Eaglet Creek Road is an unpaved road that extends north of Upper Fraser Road when Upper Fraser Road is going in an east/west direction. Eaglet terminates at the railroad. The precise measurement location was along the fence line approximately 170 meters north Upper Fraser Road and 320 meters south of the rail line. The measurement setup is shown in photos 9 through 12 of Appendix C, Measurement Setup. This was primarily an unattended long-term measurement. Noise sources observed while setting up and checking the sound monitor included the rail traffic noise, insect and brief livestock vocalizations and vehicles driving on Eaglet Creek Road. The official time monitoring period for this long-term measurement was from 7pm June 26th to 7pm June 27th, The measurement is summarized in Table 7-1: Long-Term Noise Measurement Data Summary. The L dn for this period was 53 dba BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

22 7.2 Inventory of Noise Sensitive Receivers This section describes the existing noise environment on-site and within a 6 km radius of the Project. Some land uses are considered sensitive to noise. Residences, hospitals, libraries, schools, places of worship, or other facilities where quiet is an important attribute of the environment are considered to be noise-sensitive land uses. Receiver #1 This sensitive receiver is the Giscome Elementary School at Upper Fraser Road; it is close to Measurement Location 1. The facility is comprised of 2 portable buildings and an extensive playground area. The buildings are located approximately 110 metres south of the rail road. There are 2 classrooms and 22 students. Receiver #2 This receiver is the presumed single family residence located at Upper Fraser Road. This residence was not accessible due to a locked gate at the property entrance. The residence is physically located approximately 900 metres east of the entrance gate and has an elevation increase of approximately 18 metres. This residence is the closest residence to the Project, its distance to the plant, the quarry and the closest haul route being 120 m, 2930 m and 120m, respectively. Receiver #3 This receiver is the single family residence that corresponds with Measurement Location #3 at Eaglet Creek Road. The residence is located approximately 170 meters north Upper Fraser Road and 320 meters south of the rail line. Receiver #4 This receiver is the presumed residence located the furthest north along Upper Fraser Road, approximately 4.1 km north of the intersection of Upper Fraser Road and the CN rail line. This residence was not included in the baseline noise survey. Receiver #5 This receiver is the presumed residence located north along Upper Fraser Road, approximately 1.5 km north of the railroad. This residence was not included in the baseline noise survey. 11 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

23 8 NOISE MODELLING METHODOLOGY 8.1 Acoustic Model Standards Transportation and industrial noise levels have been predicted using the ISO (ISO 1996), NMPB-Routes-2008 (NMPB 2009a, 2009b), SRM II and ANSI S2.20 (ANSI 1983) standards implemented in the outdoor sound propagation software Cadna/A, version 4.3. The Good Practice Guide for Noise Mapping (WG-AEN 2007) points out that these industrial and road noise calculation standards (or previous versions) are recommended by the European Commission as current best practice to obtain accurate prediction results. There are no Canadian federal guidelines that prescribe or outline preferred noise calculation standards. ISO 9613 describes a method for calculating the attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors in order to predict the levels of environmental noise at a distance from a variety of sources. The method predicts the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level under meteorological conditions favourable for sound propagation. It has been used to predict noise transmission from industrial sources. NMPB-Routes-2008 is the new version of the current European Union preferred road traffic noise prediction model. It specifies third-octave band sound power levels for roadways, dependant on traffic volumes, average travel speed, percentage of heavy vehicles (i.e. trucks, buses), road gradient and the flow conditions factor (continuous, accelerating, decelerating vehicles). BKL has found that this model provides a high level of agreement with traffic noise measurements conducted in BC. ANSI S standards, as implemented in BKL s in-house Matlab program, were used to calculate the blasting parameters. The blast noise level at receivers is dependent on the distance between the blast location and the receiver, the amount of explosive used as well as the depth at which each charge is buried. The relevant diffraction over terrain surrounding the Project site was performed using ISO 9613 as implemented in Cadna/A. One order of reflection was used in the noise model. Due to the small number of reflective surfaces, and based on BKL s experience, higher orders of reflection were not considered to be significant and were therefore not modelled. Model calculations were performed in octave bands, considering ground cover, topography and shielding objects (see following sections) Ground Absorption The acoustic properties of the ground surface can have a considerable effect on the propagation of noise. Flat non-porous surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, buildings, calm water etc. are highly reflective to noise, and according to ISO have a ground constant of G=0. Soft, porous surfaces such as foliage, loam, soft grass, fresh snow etc., are highly absorptive to noise, and have a ground constant of G=1. The ISO standard does not use intermediate ground constants. The ground surface has generally been modelled as absorptive (G=1) due to the predominant presence of grass, trees and other foliage. Railway right-of-ways are modelled as absorptive. Roads and buildings are reflective (G=0). BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

24 8.1.3 Meteorological Conditions Model calculations were performed in octave bands, considering ground cover, topography and shielding objects (see following sections). A temperature of 10ºC and relative humidity of 70% were used in the model settings. Changing the temperature and humidity setting in the model has generally little effect on the overall noise propagation. A moderate temperature inversion was assumed to represent conditions favourable to efficient sound propagation but not absolute worst case conditions. Table 8-2 summarizes the scenarios and sound level outputs. Table 8-1 Calculation Standards and Software Programs Sound Source Calculation Standards Software Implementation Mechanical sources (except road & rail traffic) ISO Cadna/A Version 4.3 Blasting ANSI S ANSI S ISO (diffraction over terrain) In-house computer programming of ANSI calculation formulas and Cadna/A Version 4.3 Road traffic NMPB 2008 Cadna/A Version 4.3 Rail traffic SRM II Cadna/A Version Geometric Data: Topography The intervening terrain has been modelled by directly importing ground contours provided by the Client. The contours used represent the terrain effects prior to construction and mining activity. Obstacles No buildings or other obstacles were modelled. The buildings were deemed insignificant in attenuating noise at the distances in question Model Calibration The noise model was calibrated using ML1, the property line of Giscome Elementary School and ML3, the residence located at Eaglet Creek Road, with all measured and observed noise sources possible in order to show accurate correlation between the measurement and the noise model. The predicted noise levels using the noise model are within 0.1 db of the measured level at the reference locations on site. 13 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

25 8.2 Construction Noise Prediction Details The following sections outline the noise sources, assumptions made and any other details relevant to noise predictions for each component of the construction noise assessment Hauling Route Construction The transport of material from the quarry to the plant will be conducted along one of five route alternatives. Four are via roadways using trucks. One is via a conveyor system. There is an associated maintenance road constructed along the conveyor route for pick up traffic; therefore it will be a lower use road. Calculation of the noise sources for the modelling of road and conveyor construction was completed in the same noise model and had the following assumptions: Road construction passing by any receiver will be for a period of less than 2months; The entire activity will take place during the daytime; and, The loudest case scenario is modelled. Table 8-2 Road Construction Source lists the simplified noise source incorporated in the noise modelling along with the calculated SWL. Appendix D has a detailed breakdown of each of the noise sources. Table 8-2 Road Construction Source Source SWL [dba] Average of road and/or conveyor construction noise sources 123 All of the equipment for each road alternative was modelled as a line source spread over a distance of 200 meters. This represents the cascading footprint of the roadway construction at any given time Plant Construction The Plant Site, the corresponding rail spur and commuter traffic were all considered in the same noise model, with the following assumptions: Plant construction is for a period of 17 months; Construction activity takes place during the daytime; and Construction-related commuter traffic takes place during the day time hours over 17 months. Table 8-3 lists the simplified noise source incorporated in the noise modelling along with the calculated SWL. Appendix D has a detailed breakdown of each of the noise sources. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

26 Table 8-3 Plant Construction Source Source Average of processing plant construction noise sources, including rail spur construction SWL [dba] Quarry Site Construction The Quarry construction has been assumed to require the same level of effort and methods as the Plant Site construction. Noise sources were all considered in the same noise model, with the following assumptions: Quarry construction is for a period of 17 months; and, Construction activity takes place during the daytime. Table 8-4 lists the simplified noise source incorporated in the noise modelling along with the calculated SWL. Appendix D has a detailed breakdown of each of the noise sources. Table 8-4 Quarry Construction Source Source SWL [dba] Average of Quarry construction noise sources Operations Noise Prediction Details The Cadna/A model of the total noise environment considered noise from the following sources: Plant Operations Material Transport and Hauling Operations Quarry Operations Blasting Plant Operations The Plant operations were modelled using several noise sources that each represented a larger group of equipment. Appendix D, Noise Source Tables shows the aggregate levels of the noise sources modelled for this assessment. These groups of equipment were based on equipment lists supplied by the Proponent. BKL has estimated the sound power level for each equipment item based on similar equipment items or empirical formulae. The worst case long-term noise scenario was modelled. The calculated sound power levels (SWL) represent time averaged noise emissions. Table 8-5 lists the simplified noise sources incorporated in the noise modelling along with the calculated SWL. Appendix D has detailed breakdown of each of the noise sources. 15 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

27 Table 8-5 Plant Operation Sources Plant Sources SWL [dba] Modelling Description Average of Plant area noise sources 125 Area source covering the footprint of the proposed non-kiln operation equipment Average of kiln noise sources 118 Elevated Point sources The Plant s volume for lime product transport projects 25% of capacity will be going via road on trucks. Three kilns represent the maximum capacity and is the basis of the model. On average, for three kilns, this will equal 8.6 trucks per day, 7 days a week. During operation, there will be two trucks per day, 5 days a week, delivering supplies. Rail delivery of fuel will require 15 cars a week. Lime product transport on rail will involve 3 kilns and 86 cars per week. A network of over land and underground conveyors will distribute the lime products around the facility; the total combined length of conveyors is approximately 1km. Three vertical kilns, with approximately 17 point sources, were modelled with sources at their corresponding height above the ground. The kilns are adjacent to each other and were modelled at the eastern extreme of the Plant site Material Transport and Hauling Operations Two alternatives were modelled to represent the method in which lime will be transported from the Quarry to the Plant. The first alternative is an elevated conveyor system. The second alternative is ground-based truck pickup and delivery. The noise levels for each are shown in Table 8-6. Appendix D has a detailed breakdown of each of the noise sources. Table 8-6 Material Transport Route Sources Material Transport Method SWL/m [dba] Average of conveyor belt with supporting service road 82 Average of truck-based transport noise sources 82 The conveyor would require an approximately 4.6 km long path from the Quarry to the Plant. This alternative would also have a road aligned adjacent to it for service access and for hauling fines once per day from the Plant back to the Quarry. In use, conveyor sources typically run continuously during operation hours. Hauling by trucks would require 2 trucks running 11 hours per day, for 5 days out of the week and 47 weeks (or 235 days) in a year. The travel speed was modelled at 50 km/h; the trucks will not drive slower than 30 km/h at any given time according to the Proponent. During operation, the BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

28 intermittent passage of trucks would create short term peaks in noise level between periods of inactivity. The worst-case scenario modelled includes the ground based haul method closest to the nearest identified sensitive receiver since it would create the highest levels that would be experienced by the identified sensitive receivers Quarry Operations Quarry operations such as: stripping, drilling, loading, crushing, screening and blasting (addressed separately in section 8.4.4) would take place during daylight hours. The site comprises the typical equipment required for the aforementioned tasks and an estimated 1 km of conveyor routes. The average noise level is presented in Table 8-7. Appendix D has a detailed breakdown of each of the noise sources. Table 8-7 Quarry Operation Sources Material Transport Method SWL [dba] Average of Quarry operation noise sources Blasting Blasting would take place during daylight hours only. Three different blast locations on the Quarry site were modelled within 600 meters of each other. The typical worst case noise propagation was predicted to estimate the noise impact from any blast location. The explosive to be used is Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), so ANSI S has been used to convert the explosive mass to be a Trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalent in order to permit noise predictions. The table below summarizes the input data used to calculate blasting noise levels. Table 8-8 Blasting Input Data Input Type 1 Frozen gravel deposits ANFO per hole (kg) 122 TNT mass equivalent per hole (kg) 96 Holes per delay 1 Charge burial depth (m) 10 The blasting design parameters shown above are commonly used in limestone quarries to start production in a quarry. Improvements will be made as the production operations progress. These improvements will result in greater efficiency with regard to the amount of explosives needed for a determined amount of yield, resulting in less explosive per blast. Consequentially, due to 17 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

29 improvements and increased barrier effects from the terrain as mine operations progress, the worst-case scenario of blast noise would occur during the initial stages of operation. 8.4 Receivers Grid calculations were performed for assumed receiver heights of 4m above the ground in order to minimize the direct ground effect close to receivers. In addition, sound contours were calculated on 50 m by 50 m grids for the full study area. Accurate addresses were not always readily available for all of the identified sensitive receivers considered in this study. Consequentially, the convention in Table 8-9 was used. A visual is provided in Figure 8-1 Modelled Receivers: Table 8-9 Modelled Receivers Identified Receivers Receiver #1 Receiver #2 Receiver #3 Receiver #4 Receiver #5 Address / Location Giscome Elementary School Upper Fraser Road Residence Upper Fraser Road Residence Upper Fraser Road (@Eaglet Creek Road) Residence North of Lake 1 Residence North of Lake Limitations For sound calculated using the ISO 9613 standard, the indicated accuracy is ± 3 dba at source to receiver distances of up to 1000 m and unknown at distances above 1000 m. The estimated sound power levels for mobile equipment are generally based on new, wellmaintained equipment. Older pieces of mobile equipment would likely produce higher noise emissions. For individually modelled noise sources (fixed and mobile equipment and roads), the estimated accuracy of the sound power levels is ± 5 dba. The Cadna/A noise model was used to predict receiver noise levels for both construction and operations phases. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

30 Figure 8-1 Modelled Receivers 19 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

31 9 NOISE PREDICTION 9.1 Existing Noise Prediction Using the calibrated noise model discussed in Section 8.1.5, noise levels generated from the Project Site were predicted at each sensitive receiver in order to separate the contribution from the Project from existing sources. Table 9-1 shows the levels of all of the identified sensitive receivers as predicted. Figure 9-1 illustrates the corresponding noise contours. Table 9-1 Existing Noise Levels at Modelled Receivers Receiver Location Receiver #1: Giscome Elementary School Upper Fraser Road Receiver #2: Single Family Residence Upper Fraser Road Receiver #3: LT3: Single Family Residence Upper Fraser Road Creek Road) Existing Condition Noise Level (dba) Ld Ln Ldn Receiver #4: North of Lake Receiver #5: North of Lake BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

32 Figure 9-1 Existing Noise at Modelled Receivers 21 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

33 9.2 Construction Noise Prediction Road Construction The predicted noise levels from road construction activities, when assuming the terrain is flat (worst case), are presented in Figure 9-2.This figure illustrates the average noise levels as it relates to the distance between the road construction noise source and the receiver. The modelled length of road that the construction is taking place on is relatively short, so it can be assumed that the predicted noise levels occur in any direction from the construction. 95 Average Noise Levels (dba) Distance from Road Construiction (m) Figure 9-2: Average Noise Level versus Distance from Road Construction over Flat Ground BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

34 Realistically, the noise will be less at a given distance than that shown in Figure 9-2. This is because the terrain is not flat and will likely provide some noise shielding. The more precisely predicted noise levels at the identified sensitive receivers are as indicated in Table 9-2. Since construction will only take place during daytime hours, the daytime level, L d, is the only level shown. Table 9-2 Road Construction Average Noise Level Contribution at Modelled Receivers Receiver Location Receiver #1 :: Giscome Elementary School :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #2 :: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #3 :: LT3: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road (@Eaglet Creek Road) Roadway Construction Noise Level, Ld (dba) <35 58 <35 Receiver #4 :: North of Lake 1 <35 Receiver #5:: North of Lake 2 <35 A visual example of this is presented in Figure 9-3 where the road construction has been modelled on a section of road closest to Receiver #2. 23 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

35 Figure 9-3: Road Construction Average Noise Level Contours (with Terrain Effects) BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

36 The predicted total noise levels that will be experienced at the identified sensitive receivers are as indicated in Table 9-3. These represent a combination of the existing noise in addition to the contribution of worst case haul route construction. The Plant and Quarry sites are assumed to begin once this route is completed. Since construction will only take place during daytime hours, the daytime level, L d, is the only level shown. Table 9-3 Total Noise Levels Modelled at Receivers during Road Construction Receiver Location Receiver #1 :: Giscome Elementary School :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #2 :: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #3 :: LT3: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road (@Eaglet Creek Road) Roadway Construction Noise Level, Ld (dba) Receiver #4 :: North of Lake 1 56 Receiver #5:: North of Lake 2 47 A visual example of this is presented in Figure 9-4 where the road construction has been modelled on a section of road closest to a Receiver # PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

37 Figure 9-4 Total Noise Levels Modelled at Receiver during Road Construction BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

38 9.2.2 Plant and Quarry Construction A Project-only construction scenario was modelled in order to demonstrate the actual contribution of the project during the long-term construction period, after the completion of the initial haul route. This scenario includes construction activity for the Plant, Quarry and truck activity along the haul route closest to the identified sensitive receivers. The predicted construction-only noise levels are as indicated in Table 9-4. Since construction will only take place during daytime hours, the daytime level, L d, is the only level shown. Table 9-4 Plant and Quarry Construction Noise Levels at Modelled Receivers Receiver Location Receiver #1 :: Giscome Elementary School :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #2 :: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #3 :: LT3: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road (@Eaglet Creek Road) Plant and Quarry Construction Noise Level, Ld (dba) Receiver #4 :: North of Lake 1 <35 Receiver #5:: North of Lake 2 39 A visual example of this is presented in Figure 9-5 where the plant and quarry construction have been modelled PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

39 place holder page number figure Figure 9-5: Plant and Quarry Noise Level Contours at Modelled Receivers BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

40 A composite worst case construction scenario was modelled in order to calculate a comprehensive prediction of the noise environment as it would be experienced by a receiver near the Project s construction. This comprehensive model is inclusive of the existing noise, as measured and listed in Section 7.1. The predicted total noise levels are indicated in Table 9-5. Since construction will only take place during daytime hours, the daytime level, L d, is the only level shown. Figure 9-6 shows the noise contours for the worst case scenario during construction. Table 9-5 Total Noise Levels During Plant and Quarry Construction at Modelled Receivers Receiver Location Receiver #1 :: Giscome Elementary School :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #2 :: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #3 :: LT3: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road (@Eaglet Creek Road) Plant and Quarry Construction Noise Level, Ld (dba) Receiver #4 :: North of Lake 1 56 Receiver #5:: North of Lake PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

41 place holder page number figure Figure 9-6: Total Noise Level Contours During Plant and Quarry Construction at Modelled Receivers BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

42 9.3 Operations Noise Prediction Quarry and Lime Plant Operations Table 9-6 lists the noise levels contributed by the Project during its operation. The plant will operate for 24 hours at times and therefore the levels of concerns expand over a 24 hour period. The table accounts for this by showing the Ld, Ln and Ldn. A visual example of this is presented in Figure 9-7 showing the daytime noise contours (Ld) for the worst case scenario during Project operation. Table 9-6 Plant and Quarry Contribution to Operation Noise Levels Receivers Receiver #1 :: Giscome Elementary School Upper Fraser Road Receiver #2 :: Residence Upper Fraser Road Receiver #3 :: Residence Upper Fraser Road (Eaglet Creek Rd) Operation Noise Levels, dba Ld Ln Ldn <35 <35 <35 Receiver #4 :: Residence Lake #1 Receiver #5 :: Residence Lake #2 North of North of <35 <35 < PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

43 Figure 9-7: Daytime (Ld) Plant and Quarry Noise Level Contours BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

44 A composite worst case operation scenario was modelled in order to calculate a comprehensive prediction of the long term noise environment as it would be experienced by a receiver near the Project during the life of the project. This comprehensive model is inclusive of the existing noise, as measured and listed in Section 7.1. The plant will operate for 24 hours at times and therefore the Ld, Ln and Ldn are given in Table 9-7. Figure 9-8 shows the daytime noise contours (Ld) for the worst case scenario during Project operation.. Table 9-7 Plant and Quarry Total Operation Noise Levels Receivers Receiver #1 :: Giscome Elementary School Upper Fraser Road Receiver #2 :: Residence Upper Fraser Road Receiver #3 :: Residence Upper Fraser Road (Eaglet Creek Rd) Operation Noise Levels, dba Ld Ln Ldn Receiver #4 :: Residence Lake #1 Receiver #5 :: Residence Lake #2 North of North of PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

45 Figure 9-8 Daytime (Ld) Plant and Quarry Total Noise Levels BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

46 9.3.2 Blasting The predicted noise levels from blasting alone are shown in Table 9-8. The metric for blast noise is Lpeak. Lpeak is used as a measure of instantaneous impulse noise levels, not an averaged noise level over a period of time.peak noise levels from the worst-case blasting scenario at the Quarry are presented as a noise contour map in Figure 9-9. Table 9-8 Modelled Quarry Blast Levels Receiver Location Receiver #1 :: Giscome Elementary School :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #2 :: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road Receiver #3 :: LT3: Single Family Residence :: Upper Fraser Road (@Eaglet Creek Road) Blast Level, Lpeak (db) Receiver #4 :: North of Lake 1 80 Receiver #5:: North of Lake PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

47 - Figure 9-9 Worst Case Blast Instantaneous Levels (Lpeak) BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

48 10 NOISE ASSESSMENT This section summarizes the assessment of environmental noise on human receptors Construction Noise Assessment Road Construction The expected duration of road construction activities and noise due to construction activities is expected to last for less than two months at receptors and is thus considered temporary. As a result, there is no long term negative impact created by roadway construction noise although community consultation is advised Plant and Quarry Construction The percentage increase in high annoyance at the closest sensitive receiver, Upper Fraser Road, to the Project due to a worst case scenario of long-term (more than 1 year) construction noise sources is shown in Table Only one receptor experienced a substantial increase in noise levels. Table 10-1 Predicted Levels at Receiver 2 from Project Construction Noise Source Assessment Criteria Predicted Increase Exceeds Criteria? Plant and Quarry Construction %HA 6.5% 4.7% No 10.2 Operations Noise Assessment Quarry and Lime Plant Operations Table 10-2 provides the daytime, night time and the day/night average sound levels generated by operation of both the Plant and the Quarry. Given the location of the receivers relative to the Project, the Plant is the significant contributor in all cases. Table 10-2 Predicted Noise Level during Project Operation Noise Source Assessment Criteria Prediction Exceeds Criteria? Receiver #1 Ld [dba] No Receiver #1 Ln (dba) No Receiver #1 Ldn (dba) No Receiver #2 Ld (dba) No Receiver #2 Ln (dba) No 37 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

49 Receiver #2 Ldn (dba) No Receiver #3 Ld (dba) No Receiver #3 Ln (dba) No Receiver #3 Ldn (dba) No Receiver #4 Ld (dba) No Receiver #4 Ln (dba) No Receiver #4 Ldn (dba) No Blasting Receiver #5 Ld (dba) No Receiver #5 Ln (dba) No Receiver #5 Ldn (dba) No The peak sound pressure level for assessing public annoyance to impulsive blasting noise is dependent on the number of blasts per day. The logarithmic sum of all blasts in a day should not exceed 125 db. The projected blast frequency is 4 times per month, and thus not expected to reach more than one blast a day. The levels calculated for each blast at each receiver is provided in Table Table 10-3 Predicted Peak Noise Level resulting from Blasts Noise Source Assessment Criteria Prediction Exceeds Criteria? Receiver #1 Peak SPL, Lpeak (db) No Receiver #2 Peak SPL, Lpeak (db) No Receiver #3 Peak SPL, Lpeak (db) No Receiver #4 Peak SPL, Lpeak (db) No Receiver #5 Peak SPL, Lpeak (db) No BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

50 10.3 Vibration Assessment Potential sources for vibration include road construction, rail activity at the plant during operation and blasting activity at the quarry during operation. The haul route alternatives that are examined in this study are in excess of 150 metres from any existing structure. Consequentially, no construction induced vibration impacts are expected. Rail activity on the existing CN line will not produce any activity that will exceed the existing conditions. Consequentially, no rail induced vibration impacts are expected. The small magnitude of the blasts located at the quarry will not generate any significant vibration beyond the footprint of the quarry at any point in time. Consequentially, no blast induced vibration impacts are expected. 11 POTENTIAL MITIGATION Based on analysis of the proposed design, as provided by the Proponent, no mitigation is required. However, it is still good practice to minimize Project noise. Mitigation options to minimize noise effects include: Maintain community consultation during road construction and manage to ensure that noisy activities are kept to a minimum during night time when in close vicinity to Receiver #3. Implement a noise management program that includes the following: o o o o Community consultation before and during construction; Regular maintenance of acoustic seals, mufflers, anti-vibration mounts and other noise reducing features on vehicles and equipment; Turn off equipment when not in use and avoid unnecessary idling when practical; and Implement a buy quiet policy for new equipment, When implementing noise controls, it is recommended to use the BATNEEC approach described in Section CONCLUSIONS The objectives of this assessment were to assess potential noise and vibration effects for the construction and operation of the Project, considering activities at the plant and quarry sites as well as open pit blasting, conveyors, truck traffic and rail traffic. No sensitive receivers were predicted to experience noise levels higher than the limits suggested by Health Canada and the World Health Organization for avoidance of speech interference, sleep disturbance and general health effects including annoyance. There are no receivers located within a close enough range to the Project to be affected by any vibrations potentially generated by its operation. Therefore, no specific noise or vibration mitigation should be required during the construction or operation of the Project although it is best practice to implement a noise management plan to maintain low noise levels throughout the life of project. 39 PAGE POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

51 13 REFERENCES American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Estimating Airblast Characteristics for Single Point Explosions in Air, With a Guide to Evaluation of Atmospheric Propagation and Effects. Reference No. ANSI S Standards Secretariat Acoustical Society of America. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Impulse Sound Propagation for Environmental Noise Assessment. Reference No. ANSI S New York, Acoustical Society of America. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety. Washington DC, Environmental Protection Agency. European Commission Working Group Assessment of Exposure to Noise (WG-AEN) Good Practice Guide for Strategic Noise Mapping and the Production of Associated Data on Noise Exposure. Brussels, European Commission. Health Canada Useful Information for Environmental Assessments. Ottawa, Health Canada. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Acoustics - Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors - Part 2: General Method of Calculation. Reference No. ISO :1996. Geneva, International Organization for Standardization. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Acoustics - Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise - Part 2: Determination of Environment Noise Levels. Reference No. ISO :2007. Geneva, International Organization for Standardization. NMPB-Routes a. Guide méthodologique, Prévision du bruit routier, Volume 1: Calcul des émissions sonores dues au trafic routier. Référence Sétra: SETRA (Service d'études sur les transports, les routes et leurs aménagements). NMPB-Routes b. Methodological guide, Road noise prediction, volume 2: NMPB Noise propagation computation including meteorological effects. Référence: LRS SETRA (Service d'études sur les transports, les routes et leurs aménagements). World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Community Noise. Geneva, World Health Organization. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL PAGE

52 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

53 A-weighting (dba) A standardized filter used to alter the sensitivity of a sound level meter with respect to frequency so that the instrument is less sensitive at low and high frequencies where the human ear is less sensitive. Acoustics The science of sound, including its production, transmission, and effects. Background sound level (L 90 ) The A-frequency-weighted, fast-time-weighted, sound pressure level of the residual sound at the assessment position that is exceeded for 90% of a given time interval. Baseline noise level - The pre-project noise level. C-weighting (dbc) The C-weighting provides a more discriminating measure of the low frequency sound pressures associated with high-energy impulsive sounds such as blasting than provided by A- weighting. Measurement of high-energy impulsive sounds such as blasting in terms of C-weighted sound levels provides better correlation with human response than does A-weighted sound levels. Also written as dbc. Calculation standard A set of standard algorithms to calculate the sound pressure level at arbitrary locations from measured or predicted sound emission and sound attenuation data Continuous Sound Level The A-weighted sound level, for any sound occurring for a duration of more than three minutes in a fifteen minute period. Day-night equivalent sound level (L dn ) The sound exposure level for a 24-hour day calculated by adding the sound exposure level obtained during the daytime (7:00 am to 10:00 pm) to 10 times the sound exposure level obtained during the nighttime (10:00 pm to 7:00 am) to account for greater human sensitivity to nighttime noise. Daytime equivalent sound level (L d ) The equivalent sound level over the daytime hours (07:00 to 22:00). Decibel (db) The standard unit of measurement for sound pressure and sound power levels. It is the unit of level which denotes the ratio between two quantities that are proportional to pressure or power. The decibel is 10 times the logarithm of this ration. Equivalent sound level (L eq ) The value of the sound pressure level of a continuous, steady sound that, within a specified time interval, has the same energy as the actual time-varying sound level, and is expressed in decibels (db), e.g. the LAeq,1h is the A-frequency-weighted equivalent sound level for a 1 hour time interval. Although it is, in a sense, an average, it is strongly influenced by the loudest events because they contain the majority of the sound energy. Fluctuating sound Continuous sound whose sound pressure level varies significantly, but not in an impulsive manner, during observation. Frequency Analogous to musical pitch, the basic unit for measuring frequency is the number of cycles per second, or Hertz (Hz), where bass tones are low frequency/low Hertz values and treble tones are high frequency/high Hertz values. Audible sound occurs over a wide frequency range, from approximately 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Frequency spectrum Distribution of frequency components of a noise or vibration signal. Hertz The unit of frequency measurement, representing the number of cycles per second. Impulsive Sound Non-continuous sound characterised by brief bursts of sound pressure. The duration of a single burst of sound is usually less than one second. Infrasound Sound at frequencies below the audible range, below about 15 Hz. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL 2014

54 Intermittent Sound Non-continuous sounds that are present at the observer only during certain time periods that occur at regular or irregular time intervals and are such that the duration of each occurrence is more than about five seconds, e.g. train noise, air-compressor noise. Intervening terrain The terrain in between the noise/vibration source and sensitive receiver. Loudness The intensive attribute of sound by which sounds are classified from quiet to loud. Low Frequency Noise (LFN) Sound containing frequencies of interest within the range covering the one-third octave bands from 10 Hz to 200 Hz. Maximum sound level The highest exponential time-averaged sound level, in decibels, that occurs during a stated time period. The standardized time periods are 1 second for "slow" and seconds for "fast" exponential weightings. Metric Measurement parameter or descriptor. N percent exceedance level Time-weighted and frequency-weighted sound pressure level that is exceeded for N% of the time interval considered and expressed in decibels (db), e.g. the LAF90,1h is the A-frequency-weighted, F-time-weighted sound pressure level exceeded for 90% of 1 hour. Night-time equivalent sound level (L n ) The equivalent sound level over the night-time hours (22:00 to 07:00). Non-Continuous Sound Level - The maximum A-weighted sound level using the slow time constant. Noise - Noise is unwanted sound, which carries no useful information and tends to interfere with the ability to receive and interpret useful sound. Octave band A standardized division of a frequency spectrum in which the interval between two divisions is a frequency ratio of 2. Percent heavy vehicles The percentage of vehicles, out of the total number of vehicles, with weight greater than 3500 kg Percent highly annoyed (%HA) A descriptor for noise annoyance in a population derived from a doseresponse relationship between the percentage of a population expressing high annoyance to long-term noise exposure and the corresponding A-weighted day-night sound level (Ldn). Prediction method Subset of a calculation method, intended for the calculation of future noise levels. Rating level Any predicted or measured acoustic level to which an adjustment has been added, e.g. the L dn is the measured L Aeq,24h with an adjustment to account for increased sensitivity to noise in the nighttime period. Receiver/Receptor A stationary far-field position at which noise or vibration levels are specified. Sound The fluctuating motion of air or other elastic medium which can produce the sensation of sound when incident upon the ear. Sound pressure level (SPL or L p ) The magnitude of sound pressure experienced by a receiver, typically measured with a sound level meter and one of its weighting networks. When A-weighting is used, the sound level is given in dba. Sound level meter An electronic instrument for measuring the sound level in accordance with accepted national and/or international standards. Sound power The total sound energy radiated by a source per unit time. POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

55 Sound power level (SWL, PWL or L w ) The fundamental measure of sound power of a source. Defined as: L w = 10 log W/W o db, where W is the RMS value of sound power in watts, and W o is 1 pw. Time constant (slow, fast) Used to describe the exponential time weighting of a signal. The standardised time periods are 1 second for slow and seconds for fast exponential weightings. Z-weighting (db or dbz) An unfiltered or unweighted metric of a sound. No suppression of any frequency is applied, thus resulting in a higher quantity sound level. Instantaneous peak sound levels and sound spectra are expressed in an unweighted fashion. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A REVISION 0 APRIL 2014

56 APPENDIX B INTRODUCTION TO SOUND AND ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE ASSESSMENT POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

57 The two principle components used to characterize sound are loudness (magnitude) and pitch (frequency). The basic unit for measuring magnitude is the decibel (db), which represents a logarithmic ratio of the pressure fluctuations in air relative to a reference pressure. The basic unit for measuring pitch is the number of cycles per second, or Hertz (Hz). Bass tones are low frequency and treble tones are high frequency. Audible sound occurs over a wide frequency range, from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, but the human ear is less sensitive to low and very high frequency sounds than to sounds in the mid frequency range (500 to 4,000 Hz). A-weighting networks are commonly employed in sound level meters to simulate the frequency response of human hearing, and A-weighted sound levels are often designated dba rather than db. If a continuous sound has an abrupt change in level of 3 db it will generally be noticed while the same change in level over an extended period of time will probably go unnoticed. A change of 6 db is clearly noticeable subjectively and an increase of 10 db is generally perceived as being twice as loud. While the decibel or A-weighted decibel is the basic unit used for noise measurement, other indices are also used to describe environmental noise. The Equivalent Sound Level, abbreviated L eq, is commonly used to indicate the average sound level over a period of time. The L eq represents the steady level of sound which would contain the same amount of sound energy as the actual time-varying sound level. Although the L eq is an average, it is strongly influenced by the loudest events occurring during the time period, because these loudest events contain most of the sound energy. Another common metric used is the L 90, which represents the sound level exceeded for 90% of a time interval and is typically referred to as the background noise level. The L eq can be measured over any period of time using an integrating sound level meter. Some common time periods used are 24 hours, noted as the L eq24, daytime hours (07:00 to 22:00), noted as the L d, and nighttime hours (22:00 to 07:00), noted as the L n. As the impact of noise on people is judged differently during the day and during the night, 24 hour noise metrics have been developed that reflect this. The day-night equivalent sound level (L dn ) is one metric commonly used to represent community noise levels. It is derived from the L d and the L n with a 10 db penalty applied to the L n to account for increased sensitivity to nighttime noise. BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A APRIL 2014

58 B.1 Sound Character Adjustments Tonal Tonal penalty was added to all mobile sources containing a backup beeper as follows: _ L_ 5 Regular Impulsive Impulsive adjustment was added to all dump trucks tipping their load as follows: _ L _ 5 B.2 Rating Level Rural Area Adjustment Both baseline and project noise receive a 10dB adjustment in order to shift the relative position on the %HA curve to be more representative of annoyance statistics _ 10 log10 10 B.3 %HA 100 % 1.. POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

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60 APPENDIX C MEASUREMENT SETUP POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

61 Measurement Location 1 Facing Southwest Giscome Elementary Measurement Location 1 Facing Northeast Proposed plant site/canada Rail Measurement Location 1 Facing Northwest Canada Rail Line Measurement Location 1 Facing West Upper Fraser Road BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A APRIL 2014

62 Measurement Location 2 Facing Southwest Receiver 2: Upper Fraser Rd. Measurement Location 2 Facing North Proposed plant site/canada Rail Measurement Location 2 Facing West Upper Fraser Rd. / Giscome Elementary Measurement Location 2 Facing West BKL CONSULTANTS LTD A APRIL 2014

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64 Measurement Location 3 Facing North Canada Rail Measurement Location 3 Facing West Adjacent Property Measurement Location 3 Facing South Upper Fraser Rd. Measurement Location 3 Facing East Receiver 3 :: Upper Fraser Rd. POTTINGER GAHERTY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS