1.0 INTRODUCTION SITE PLAN DESCRIPTION OF SITE PLAN COMPONENTS TURBINE LOCATIONS CLOSURE... 2.

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2 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT DRAFT SITE PLAN REPORT Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION SITE PLAN DESCRIPTION OF SITE PLAN COMPONENTS TURBINE LOCATIONS CLOSURE REFERENCES List of Tables Table 2.1: Site Plan Components Table 2.2: Turbine and Transformer Station Coordinates List of Appendices Appendix A Draft Site Plan Appendix B Noise Assessment Reports i

3 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT DRAFT SITE PLAN REPORT 1.0 Introduction Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. (GVWF) is proposing to develop, construct, operate and decommission the 40 megawatt (MW) Grand Valley Wind Farms - Phase 3 Wind Project (the Project) in the Town of Grand Valley and Township of Amaranth, Dufferin County in response to the Government of Ontario s initiative to promote the development of renewable electricity in the province. The Project Study Area is generally bordered on the north by Highway 89, on the south by County Road 109, on the east by 9th Line and on the west by East West Luther Townline. The proposed Project Location includes all parts of the land in, on or over which the Project is proposed (the construction area for the Project). The proposed Project Location and Project Study Area are shown in Figures 1 and 2, Appendix A. The basic components of the Project include: Between 14 and 17 wind turbine generators (Siemens SWT and/or SWT turbine) with a total maximum installed nameplate capacity of 40MW. The turbine models are identical in structure, and would be de-rated, generating less electricity per turbine to meet the contract nameplate capacity. Noise Assessment Reports have been completed for both turbine models as part of the Renewable Energy Approval (REA) process; A 34.5 kv underground power line collector system that would transport the electricity generated from the Project to the Hydro One Networks Inc. (HONI) transmission system.; Fibreoptic cabling laid with the underground collector lines; Turbine access roads; Crane pads; One connection point to the existing HONI electrical transmission system; Existing operations and maintenance facilities to be leased by the Project (joining the current facilities for the operation of the Grand Valley Phase 1 and 2 Wind Projects). The currently municipally-serviced office facility is located at 35A Main Street South, Grand Valley and the currently unserviced warehouse facility is located at 27 Mill Street West, Grand Valley; Existing parking (owned) and gravel quarry (leased) sites to be used for employee parking and temporary construction trailer sites ( and County Road 25, Grand Valley);A 34.5 kv/230 kv 45 MVA transformer station; and, Meteorological equipment, including an approximately 100 m MET tower or a surface mounted SoDAR unit. 1.1

4 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT DRAFT SITE PLAN REPORT Introduction April 2013 Temporary components include: Work and storage areas during construction at the turbine locations and along the underground power line collector system; and, Office, parking and storage areas during construction for the work crews during the construction phase of the Project. GVWF retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) to prepare the REA application with input from Zephyr North Ltd., and Archaeological Services Inc. The REA application is a requirement under Ontario Regulation 359/09 - Renewable Energy Approvals under Part V.0.1 of the Environmental Protection Act (O. Reg. 359/09), as amended. According to subsection 6 (3) of O. Reg. 359/09, the Project is classified as a Class 4 Wind Facility and will follow the requirements identified in O. Reg. 359/09 for such a facility. 1.2

5 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT DRAFT SITE PLAN REPORT 2.0 Site Plan This Draft Site Plan Report has been prepared for the Project in accordance with section 54.1 of O. Reg. 359/09. The purpose of this report is to crystalize the Project thereby fixing the location of noise receptors as defined by O. Reg. 359/09. The Draft Site Plan identifies the following information at the Project Location, or within 300 m of the Project Location: Buildings and structures (e.g. turbines, collector and transmission lines, transformer station, substation, etc.); Roads; Utility corridors; Rights-of-way and easements; Noise receptors within 2 km of the turbine locations; and Wind turbines from proposed and existing facilities. The Draft Site Plan for the Project is attached in Appendix A. 2.1 DESCRIPTION OF SITE PLAN COMPONENTS Table 2.1 provides a description of each component of the Draft Site Plan. Table 2.1: Site Plan Components Site Plan Component Description Project Components Buildings or structures The following buildings or structures are shown on the Draft Site Plan: Turbines Transformer Station Site Meteorological tower Electrical and data collection system New temporary construction storage, parking, and trailer areas Roads Permanent Project access roads for turbine access. Utility corridors, rights of way or easements Easements associated with participating properties are for certain access roads and collector system elements. Existing Features within 300 m of the Project Location Buildings or structures Buildings are shown on the aerial imagery on the Draft Site Plan; these are primarily rural residences, but also include other types of buildings such as agricultural outbuildings and commercial and/or institutional buildings. Roads Municipal roads located throughout the Project Area. Highway 89 is located in the northern portion of the Project Area. Utility corridors, rights of way, and easements A 230 kv HONI corridor traverses the General Project Area, to which the Project would connect. Utilities located within the road allowances. 2.1

6 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT DRAFT SITE PLAN REPORT Site Plan April 2013 Table 2.1: Site Plan Components Site Plan Component Other Site Plan Components Noise receptors Wind Turbines from Existing or Proposed Facilities Description Noise receptors are shown, and include: Participating receptors: properties participating in the Project, and to which noise setbacks and limits do not apply; Non-participating receptors: properties not participating in the Project that have dwellings, buildings used for institutional purposes (educational facility, day nursery, health care facility, community centre or place of worship), and buildings planned for construction that have a building permit; and Vacant lot receptors: vacant land zoned to allow construction of potential noise receptors; location selected with regard to the typical building pattern in the area. All proposed turbines are located at least 550 m from the nearest non-participating or vacant lot receptor; these receptors are included in the Noise Assessment. Operating wind turbines in the vicinity of the Project include: Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. Phase 1 and 2 Wind Projects TransAlta Melancthon 1 and 2 Wind Projects 2.2 TURBINE LOCATIONS Table 2.2 identifies the turbine locations as shown in the Draft Site Plan (Appendix A). UTM coordinates of receptors within 1.5 km of turbine locations and UTM coordinates of other existing and proposed turbines are provided in the Noise Assessment Reports prepared for the Project, included as Appendix B to this report. Table 2.2: Turbine and Transformer Station Coordinates Turbine # UTM Easting UTM Northing Transformer Station

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8 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT DRAFT SITE PLAN REPORT 3.0 References Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Technical Guide to Renewable Energy Approvals. Ontario Regulation 359/09 made under the Environmental Protection Act Renewable Energy Approvals Under Part V.0.1 of the Act. 3.1

9 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT DRAFT SITE PLAN REPORT Appendix A Draft Site Plan

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14 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT DRAFT SITE PLAN REPORT Appendix B Noise Assessment Reports

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16 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES This Report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. any person acting on its behalf: (a) (b) Makes any warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, (i) with respect to the use of any information, apparatus, method, process, or similar item disclosed in this report, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or (ii) that such use does not infringe on or interfere with privately owned rights, including any party's intellectual property, or (iii) that this report is suitable to any particular user's circumstance, or Assumes responsibility for any damages or other liability whatsoever resulting from your selection or use of this report or any information, apparatus, method, process or similar item disclosed in this report. 2

17 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION Purpose Revision Revision Revision Brief Project Description Reporting Details Sound Level Limits for Wind Farms PROJECT LAYOUT Project Site Project Details Municipal Zoning Adjacent Projects Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & Phase 2 Wind Farm Project Melancthon Wind Facility Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Melancthon Wind Facility DESCRIPTION OF RECEPTORS Definition Determination Vacant Lots Methodology Concordance Table DESCRIPTION OF SOURCES Wind Turbines Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Melancthon Wind Facility

18 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Transformer Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Melancthon Wind Facility NOISE EMISSION RATINGS Turbine Noise Definition Standard Wind Turbines Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221kW) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126kW) Melancthon Wind Facility GE Wind 1.5sle Turbine Site-Specific Vertical Wind Shear Exponent Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Substation Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Substation Melancthon Wind Facility Substation IMPACT ASSESSMENT Methodology Specific Parameters Additional parameters and conditions Results NOISE LEVEL SUMMARY TABLES NOISE LEVEL ISOPLETH MAP EXAMPLE CALCULATION Method of Calculation Example CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES APPENDIX A TURBINE, RECEPTOR, VACANT LOT AND PARTICIPANT LOCATIONS APPENDIX B ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION

19 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision List of Figures Figure 1-1 Project location map...7 Figure 2-1 Project site map...12 Figure 5-1 SWT (MP 2221 kw) wind speed sensitivity test...23 Figure 5-2 SWT (MP 2126 kw) wind speed sensitivity test...25 Figure dba noise isopleth map for 1.5 and 4.5 m receptor heights...43 List of Tables Table 3-1 GVWFP3 GVWFP1&2 receptor and VLSR concordance table...16 Table 5-1 Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...24 Table 5-2 Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...25 Table 5-3 Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221kW) Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...27 Table 5-4 Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126kW) Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...28 Table 5-5 GE Wind 1.5sle Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...29 Table 5-6 GVWFP3 transformer acoustic emissions summary...30 Table 5-7 GVWFP1&2 transformer acoustic emissions summary...31 Table 5-8 Melancthon WF transformer acoustic emissions summary...32 Table 6-1 Highest noise levels at receptors...35 Table 7-1 Receptor noise level summary table...36 Table 7-2 Vacant lot surrogate receptor noise level summary table...39 Table 7-3 Participant noise level summary table...41 Table 9-1 Sample calculation for receptor and turbine...45 Table 9-2 Sample calculation for single receptor and multiple turbines

20 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose This Noise Assessment Report (NAR) describes the results of a noise impact study for Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc.'s proposed Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project (GVWFP3). 1.2 Revision Revision was the original Noise Assessment Report. 1.3 Revision Revision included the following changes. Revision was based on a full set (for 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1 wind speeds) of updated octave band source sound power levels provided by Siemens Wind Power Canada for all relevant members of the Siemens SWT turbine family. Analysis of the data demonstrated that the MoE-defined predictable worst case occurred for the 6 ms -1 octave band set for both the SWT (Max Power 2221 kw) and SWT (Max Power 2126 kw) turbine models. These predictable worst case values were used for that report s noise assessment. For clarity in distinguishing them from Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project turbines, project turbines were renumbered. Turbines were added, and turbines were relocated. Also, some turbine model nomenclature was modified to correspond more closely to that used by the manufacturer. Melancthon Wind Facility substation transformers were added. Substation transformer data were updated. A concordance table between the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project and Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm project receptors was included. 6

21 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Updates and changes were made to receptor, participant, and VLSR data. Minor corrections, revisions, and updates were included. 1.4 Revision The present Revision (2-2.3) includes the following changes. Turbines T111 and T116 have been deleted from the project. The wind farm now consists of 17 turbines The location of turbine T102 has changed. However, it remains on the same property. The location of transformer Tr119 has changed. However, it remains on the same property. Based in part on project stakeholder feedback, updates, corrections, and changes have been made to receptor, participant and VLSR data. Minor corrections, revisions, and updates are included. 1.5 Brief Project Description The Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project will be located to the northwest of the town of Grand Valley in Dufferin County. The project described herein features 17 wind turbines with a nominal project capacity of 37.6 MW. Turbines from the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project (GVWFP1&2) are interspersed with turbines of the presently-described project. Melancthon Wind Facility turbines are located to the northeast. Figure 1-1 shows the location of the project within the province of Ontario. 1.6 Reporting Details This report has been prepared to meet all reporting requirements related to wind project noise for a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act 2009 (Government of Ontario, 2009) A noise impact assessment was carried out for this project under Section 55.(3) of O. Reg 359/09 (Government of Ontario, 2009b) and amendments (O.Reg. 521/10, Government of Ontario, 2010; O.Reg. 231/11, Government of Ontario, 2011; Figure 1-1 Project location map. 7

22 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision O.Reg. 195/12, Government of Ontario, 2012). The assessment methodology and calculations conform to the ISO International Standard (ISO, 1996). Results of the analysis have been interpreted using Ministry of Environment Guidelines (MoE, 2008). This latter document generally provides guidelines and clarifications for the application of MoE regulations document NPC-232 (MoE, 1995) to wind farm projects. The MoE (2008) Guidelines document prescribes receptor noise level limits based on an analysis of typical wind-induced background noise levels, and tabulates these limits as functions of the ambient 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1 wind speeds measured at 10 m above ground level (a.g.l.). Note that the receptor noise level limits must be met for noise produced by other project hardware such as substation transformers in addition to noise produced by the wind turbines. This report will show that the estimated noise levels generated by the project turbines and other hardware meet the MoE (2008) prescribed limits at all qualified receptors. 1.7 Sound Level Limits for Wind Farms MoE (2008) lists the sound level limits for wind farms (based on the NPC-205 and NPC-232 publications and a consideration of the background ambient windinduced sound level) as follows. Note that noise contributions from project switching, transformer, and substations must be included. Summary of Sound Level Limits for Wind Turbines Wind speed (ms -1 ) at 10 m height Wind turbine sound level limits Class 3 Area, dba Wind turbine sound level limits Class 1 Area, dba Reference wind induced background sound level L 90, dba

23 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision PROJECT LAYOUT 2.1 Project Site Figure 2-1 shows the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project. Typical topographic map features along with project details are shown on the map. Within the project domain, the topography can be characterized as gently rolling with a topographic elevation in the project area of approximately 490 m above sea level (a.s.l). The surface roughness of the project domain is typical of Ontario rural terrain with a heterogeneous mixture of agricultural fields, woodlots, farm buildings, dwellings, and rural settlements. The primary activity in this area is agriculture. The GVWFP3 site features a population density typical of southern Ontario rural communities a relatively sparse population in the countryside except for a small number of settlement clusters (villages and towns). The town of Grand Valley lies immediately to the southeast of the project site. 2.2 Project Details Figure 2-1 shows the properties that have been optioned for lease to the project proponent (Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc.) along with prospective turbine, point of reception (receptor), vacant lot surrogate receptor (VLSR), participating point of reception (participant), and vacant lot locations. Turbine numbers are designated with the prefix T, receptors with R, VLSRs with V, and participants with P. As specified by O.Reg 359/09, the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project is a Class 4 Wind Project. The GVWFP3 as described here will consist of 17 Siemens noise and power derated SWT turbines for a project capacity of approximately 37.6 MW. The specific turbine models proposed are the SWT (Max Power 2,221kW) and the SWT (Max Power 2,126kW). Turbines T101, T102, T103, T104, T105, T106, T108, T109, T110, T112, T113, T114, T115, T117, T118 will be the proposed SWT- 9

24 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision (Max Power 2,221kW) model. Turbines T107 & T120 will be the proposed SWT (Max Power 2,126kW) model. Project turbines are numbered T101 through T120 in Figure 2-1. (Note that Tr119 is a project power transformer.) A listing of all GVWFP3 turbine locations can be found in Section 12 (Appendix A). The project stretches for a distance of about 12 km east-to-west and about 15 km north-to-south. The Ontario NPC designation for the project properties would generally be Class 3 Rural. Typical background sound levels for these areas would be generated by residential, agricultural, and small commercial activities, ambient sound from wind, and vehicle noise from regional roads. For the purpose of this report, all areas have been considered to be NPC Class Municipal Zoning Typically, the project area is zoned as Agricultural. 2.4 Adjacent Projects Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & Phase 2 Wind Farm Project Figure 2-1 also shows the locations of existing turbines in the Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc.'s Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & Phase 2 Wind Farm Project. These turbines are located generally to the north and on the eastern side of the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project. The combination of Phase 1 and 2 projects is comprised of 9x Siemens noise and power derated SWT turbines. The specific models are the SWT (MP 2,221kW) and the SWT (MP 2,126kW) for a total project capacity of 19.8 MW. The Phase 1 and 2 turbines are numbered T2 to T24 in Figure 2-1 Details of these turbines are provided further below. All turbines in the Phase 1 and 2 projects within 5 km of any receptor of the GVWFP3 have been included in the noise assessment of the subject project Melancthon Wind Facility Figure 2-1 also shows the locations of existing turbines in the Trans-Alta Melancthon Wind Facility (MWF). These turbines are located mainly to the northeast. There are 21x (from a total of 133x MWF project turbines) GE-1.5sle Melancthon Wind Facility turbines within 5 km of any receptor for the GVWFP3. These turbines are numbered T352 to T503 in Figure 2-1. Details of the GE-1.5sle turbine are provided further below. All Melancthon Wind Facility turbines within 5 km of any receptor of the GVWFP3 have been included in the noise assessment of the subject project. 10

25 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project The GVWFP3 will include a substation with a relatively small power transformer for conversion of the collection voltage to distribution-level voltage. This transformer is shown as Tr119 in Figure 2-1. Noise from this transformer has been included in all the reported noise calculations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project The combination Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project is served by a single substation encompassing two relatively small power transformers for conversion of the collection voltage to distribution-level voltage. These transformers are shown as Tr25 and Tr26 in Figure 2-1. Noise from these transformers has been included in all the reported noise calculations Melancthon Wind Facility The Melancthon Wind Facility contains one substation with two large power transformers. These convert the project collection-level voltage to transmission system voltage (230 kv). They are shown in Figure 2-1 as Tr598 and Tr599. Noise from these transformers has been included in all the reported noise calculations. 11

26 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Figure 2-1 Project site map. 12

27 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision DESCRIPTION OF RECEPTORS 3.1 Definition Receptors (non-participating points of reception), vacant lot surrogate receptors (VLSRs), and participants (participating points of reception) are defined in Ontario MoE NPC-232 (MoE, 1995b) and Noise Guidelines (MoE, 2008) publications, and in Ontario O.Reg. 359/09 and proposed amendments (Government of Ontario; 2009b, 2010, 2011, 2012). 3.2 Determination Receptor and participant data (location, type, dwelling height, etc.) were supplied by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. These were used in this noise assessment report. Receptors and participants were identified through mapping, aerial photographs, and on-site surveys of the area by a third party on behalf of Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. Typically, for this area receptors are residential dwellings of individuals and families not associated with the subject project. Section 12 (Appendix A) lists the locations and details of all known receptors and participants situated within the project area. Their locations are also shown in Figure 2-1. All receptors within 1.5 km of any GVWFP3 wind turbine or transformer have been included and reported in this noise impact analysis. All receptors have been considered to be designated as rural (NPC Class 3). For the purposes of noise assessment, participants have been defined as dwellings occupied by landowners who receive financial compensation for the placement of project hardware (turbines, cables, roads, substations, etc.) on their properties. For information, 203 receptors, 134 VLSRs, and 8 participants (total 345) have been identified within 2 km of any GVWFP3 turbine; 178 vacant lots have also been identified within 2 km of any project turbine. 13

28 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Vacant Lots The MoE (2008) Noise Guidelines also require prediction of the noise levels on...vacant lots that have been zoned by the local municipality to permit residential or similar noise-sensitive uses.... Therefore, all vacant lots within 1.5 km of any turbine or substation in the GVWFP3 were identified as those lots defined by the complete set of cadastral parcel fabric which did not contain a receptor dwelling, nor a participant dwelling, nor project infrastructure (turbine, cable, substation, etc.), and were obviously not road rights-of-way, public property, industrial or commercial property, etc. A 1 ha building envelope within the vacant lot property that would reasonably be expected to contain the use, and that conforms with the municipal zoning by-laws in effect was also identified for each of the vacant lots by determining a location within the lot where the predicted noise level would be below the allowed maxima. A vacant lot surrogate receptor (VLSR) located in the 1 ha building envelope and designated with a height of 4.5 m was created for the purpose of noise estimation. The VLSRs are listed in Section 12 (Appendix A). 3.4 Methodology ISO modelling was carried out for all receptors, participants and VLSRs. Typically, a resultant sound pressure level for each receptor/ VLSR/participant is determined as stipulated in Section of MoE (2008) where there is no qualifying transformer within the project, and as stipulated in Section where there is a qualifying transformer. In the case of this project, which includes a substation, Section was used. The heights of dwellings designated as 1-, 2-, and 3-storeys were set to be 1.5, 4.5, and 7.5 m respectively. For areas where there is such a high density of receptors that it would be impractical (and tedious for the reader) to include them all, a comprehensive selection of sample receptors (HDSRs, High Density Sample Receptors) were designated. These specific receptors were sampled so as to represent the cluster of all receptors in such a way that the sample receptors would be those subject to the maximum sound pressure levels from the surrounding turbines. Typically, receptors at all corners, along all boundaries, and in the centre of the high density cluster were chosen with (generally) a maximum separation of 200 m between sample receptors where possible. All sample receptors were assigned a height of 4.5 m to ensure that any 2-storey residences within the cluster were represented. As noted above, participating receptors (referred to herein as participants) have also been surveyed and are shown in Figure 2-1 and listed in Section 12 (Appendix A). Estimates of sound pressure levels were made for the participant locations. It should be noted that the receptors, participants and VLSRs listed in Section 12 include those that are closer than or equal to 1,500 m from any project turbine or qualifying substation transformer (if existent) noise source. 14

29 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Concordance Table As requested by MoE, a concordance table that rationalizes the identification of receptors and VLSRs between the GVWFP3 and the adjacent GVWFP1&2 has been included here. Table 3-1 lists receptors and VLSRs which are located mutually within 1.5 km of any wind turbine in the GVWFP3 and the GVWFP1&2. (Note that there were no mutual receptors with the neighbouring Melancthon Wind Facility.) The next paragraphs describe the concordance table s columns. The first pair of columns in the table lists the UTM coordinates (NAD83, UTM17N) of the receptor or VLSR as determined for the GVWFP3. The second pair of columns lists the coordinates as provided by HGC Engineering (2013) and listed in the GVWFP1&2 noise assessment report. Note that for receptors, the values in these pairs of columns are generally only slightly different. The differences can be attributed to the choice of the exact location of the dwelling in question and the precision of the GIS data including base mapping and air or satellite photography. However, in the case of VLSRs, the locations can be significantly different since the VLSR need only be located on the vacant property in question, although it must be surrounded by at least 1 ha of available land, zoned to permit residential or similar uses, conform with local building codes, and be consistent with the typical building pattern in the area. In some instances, it is possible for the two project designers to reasonably choose two VLSRs which are hundreds of metres apart but still located on the same vacant lot property. Note that there are some receptors and VLSRs in each of the projects that do not appear to have matches in the other project. These have been indicated by n/a in the table. The fifth column in the table lists the distance between the two locations (GVWFP3 designated or GVWFP1&2 designated) determined for the receptor or VLSR. The next pair of columns lists the receptor or VLSR identifier first as used for the GVWFP3, and second as used for the GVWFP1&2. Naturally, these would not be expected to be the same. As noted above, there are some receptors/vlsrs that are found in one project and not in the other. Again, this is indicated by n/a. The next pair of columns lists the distances from the receptor or VLSR to the nearest noise source (turbine or transformer) first for the GVWFP3, and second for the GVWFP1&2. While it might seem logical that these distances should be identical for receptors, again the precision of the receptor location as discussed above can lead to different results where the receptor is almost equidistant from two different noise sources. In the case of VLSRs, the differences can be significant since, as noted previously, VLSRs for each of the projects can be located in quite different places on the same vacant lot. The next three columns list the receptor/vlsr sound pressure levels the first for the case where only GVWFP3 noise sources are included, the second where only GVWFP1&2 noise sources are included, and the third where noise sources from both projects are included. Note that the sound pressure levels are listed for the 15

30 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision GVWFP3 receptor/vlsr locations. They have not been determined for the GVWFP1&2 receptor/vlsr locations. In most cases, these should be quite similar but there could be significant differences where there is a substantial separation between GVWFP3/GVWFP1&2 receptor/vlsr pairs. This would more likely occur in the case of the VLSRs. Note that the Total Level has been determined from a full analysis including both the GVWFP3 and the GVWFP1&2 noise sources at GVWFP3 receptors/vlsrs. Table 3-1 GVWFP3 GVWFP1&2 receptor and VLSR concordance table. UTM coordinates GVWFP3 Easting (m) Northing (m) Easting (m) UTM coordinates GVWFP1&2 Northing (m) Difference (m) Noise receptor ID GVWFP3 GVWFP 1&2 GVWFP3 Distance to nearest source (m) Nearest source ID Level of farm (dba) GVWFP 1&2 GVWFP3 GVWFP 1&2 GVWFP3 Level (dba) GVWFP 1&2 Total 552,385 4,868,686 n/a n/a n/a V618 n/a 1436 n/a T105 n/a 29.5 n/a n/a 552,467 4,868, ,467 4,868, R169 RV T105 T ,560 4,868, ,561 4,868,629 1 R173 R T105 T n/a n/a 553,028 4,869,160 n/a n/a R030 n/a 1264 n/a T8 n/a n/a n/a 553,121 4,869, ,119 4,869,327 2 R190 R T105 T ,400 4,869,276 n/a n/a n/a R1555 n/a 896 n/a T105 n/a 35.9 n/a n/a 553,287 4,868, ,287 4,868,875 1 P193 R T105 T ,612 4,868, ,611 4,868,939 1 R202 R T120 T n/a n/a 553,617 4,868,755 n/a n/a RV09 n/a 957 n/a T6 n/a n/a n/a 553,653 4,868, ,658 4,868,496 6 R206 R T120 T

31 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision DESCRIPTION OF SOURCES 4.1 Wind Turbines Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project The turbines proposed for the GVWFP3 are manufactured by Siemens Wind Systems A/S ( of Germany. Siemens Wind Power A/S is a relative newcomer to the ranks of wind turbine manufacturers. However, it entered the market by purchasing the long-standing and experienced Bonus turbine manufacturing company. The turbine models proposed for the GVWFP3 are noiseand power-reduced variants of the SWT Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) The Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) is a noise- and power-reduced member of the Siemens SWT turbine family. The following table summarizes this turbine s characteristics. Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Type, number of blades, rotor orientation horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine Rated power 2,221 kw Rotor diameter; swept area m; 10,000 m 2 Operational rotation rate 6.0 to 13.0 rpm; variable speed Hub height; tower type 99.5 m; steel tubular tower Power regulation pitch regulation with variable speed Cut-in wind speed 3 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 to 13 ms -1 Gearbox yes; 3 stage planetary/helical 17

32 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Generator; speed Turbine transformer Braking system Yaw system synchronous permanent magnet generator external transformer; step-up transformer on concrete pad at the base of the turbine aerodynamic primary brake by full-span pitching with hydraulic activation; 3 caliper hydraulic brake at generator rear end active, externally geared, passive friction brake Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) The Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) is a noise- and power-reduced member of the Siemens SWT turbine family. The following table summarizes this turbine s characteristics. Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 KW) Type, number of blades, rotor orientation horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine Rated power 2,126 kw Rotor diameter; swept area m; 10,000 m 2 Operational rotation rate 6.0 to 13.0 rpm; variable speed Hub height; tower type 99.5 m; steel tubular tower Power regulation pitch regulation with variable speed Cut-in wind speed 3 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 to 13 ms -1 Gearbox yes; 3 stage planetary/helical Generator; speed synchronous permanent magnet generator Turbine transformer external transformer; step-up transformer on concrete pad at the base of the turbine aerodynamic primary brake by full-span pitching Braking system with hydraulic activation; 3 caliper hydraulic brake at generator rear end Yaw system active, externally geared, passive friction brake Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project In addition to the GVWFP3 turbines, there are 7x Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) and 2x Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) turbines in the Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project. 18

33 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Information on the rating and noise characteristics of these turbines has been supplied by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc.. All of the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project turbines have been included in the present assessment Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) The following table describes this turbine's major characteristics. Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Type, number of blades, rotor orientation horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine Rated power 2,221 kw Rotor diameter; swept area m; 8,000 m 2 Operational rotation rate 6.0 to 16.0 rpm; variable speed Hub height; tower type 99.5 m; steel tubular tower Power regulation pitch regulation with variable speed Cut-in wind speed 4 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 to 13 ms -1 Gearbox yes; 3 stage planetary/helical Generator; speed asynchronous with squirrel-cage rotor, without slip rings; variable speed Turbine transformer internal (within tower) aerodynamic primary brake by full-span Braking system feathering of individual blades; mechanical disk brake on high-speed shaft which has two hydraulic calipers Yaw system active electric externally geared slewring; passive friction brake Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) The following table describes this turbine's major characteristics. Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Type, number of blades, rotor orientation Rated power Rotor diameter; swept area Operational rotation rate Hub height; tower type horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine 2,126 kw m; 8,000 m to 16.0 rpm; variable speed 99.5 m; steel tubular tower 19

34 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Power regulation pitch regulation with variable speed Cut-in wind speed 4 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 to 13 ms -1 Gearbox yes; 3 stage planetary/helical Generator; speed asynchronous with squirrel-cage rotor, without slip rings; variable speed Turbine transformer internal (within tower) aerodynamic primary brake by full-span Braking system feathering of individual blades; mechanical disk brake on high-speed shaft which has two hydraulic calipers Yaw system active electric externally geared slewring; passive friction brake Melancthon Wind Facility There are 21x GE Wind 1.5sle turbines in the Melancthon Wind Facility within 5,000m of any Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project receptors. All of these turbines have been included in the present assessment. The following table describes the turbine's major characteristics. Type, number of blades, rotor orientation Rated power Rotor diameter; swept area Operational rotation rate Hub height; tower type Power regulation GE Wind 1.5sle horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine 1,500 kw 77.0 m; 4,657 m to 20.4 rpm; variable speed 80.0 m; steel tubular tower Individual full span pitch control; variable speed with pulse-width modulated IGBT frequency converter Cut-in wind speed 3.5 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 ms -1 Gearbox yes; 3 stage planetary/helical Generator; speed Turbine transformer Braking system Asynchronous; double fed induction; 1,500 to 1,800 rpm External transformer; step-up transformer on concrete pad at the base of the turbine aerodynamic primary brake by feathering 20

35 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision GE Wind 1.5sle Yaw system blades; emergency hydraulic disc brake electromechanical 4.2 Transformer Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project A single transformer is proposed for the single substation included in this project. The substation location is shown in Figure 2-1 as Tr119. At the present stage of this project, Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. states that only limited information is available for the transformer. Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. has undertaken to provide a full description of the substation and transformer as soon as details are finalized. Noise characteristics and additional details are provided in Section Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project There is a pair of Northern Transformer Incorporated 7.5/10.0 MVA ONAN/ONAF transformers located at the GVWFP1&2 substation. These are shown in Figure 2-1 as Tr25 and Tr26. There are limited details available in the project noise assessment report (HGC Engineering, 2011). Noise characteristic and additional details of these transformers are given in Section Melancthon Wind Facility There are two collocated transformers at one substation in the Melancthon Wind Facility. These are shown in Figure 2-1 as Tr504 and Tr505. There are limited details available in the project noise assessment reports (Helimax Energy Inc., 2006, 2007). However, it has been determined that both transformers are presently 100 MVA Siemens TP-720 models. (The first-installed transformer had been replaced in 2008.) It is also understood that both transformers are now surrounded by a single, continuous acoustic barrier. The operating voltages of the transformers are 34.5 kv (low side) and 230 kv (high side). The transformers are each rated at 100 MVA. Noise characteristics and additional details of these transformers are given in Section

36 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision NOISE EMISSION RATINGS 5.1 Turbine Noise Definition Standard The commonly accepted global wind turbine noise definition Standard is IEC (IEC, 2002). The MoE (2008) Guidelines require that,...acoustic emission information must be determined and reported in accordance with the international standard CAN/CSA-C Fortunately, these two Standards are completely equivalent as confirmed in the preamble to the description of the CAN/CSA-C Standard (CSA, 2007) as follows. CSA Preface This is the first edition of CAN/CSA-C , Wind turbine generator systems - Part 11: Acoustic noise measurement techniques, which is an adoption without modification of the identically titled IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standard (edition 2:2002 consolidated with amendment 1:2006). At the time of publication, IEC :2002+A1:2006 is available from IEC in English only. CSA will publish the French version when it becomes available from IEC. In this report, the IEC and CAN/CSA-C Standards have been used interchangeably. 5.2 Wind Turbines Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) turbine source sound power level broadband data for 10 m wind speeds of 3 to 12 ms -1 to cut-out (25 ms -1 ) and octave band data for 10 m wind speeds of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1 were provided in Siemens Wind Power A/S documentation supplied by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. This documentation is shown in Section 13 (Appendix B). The broadband and octave band noise information was used with a power law wind shear exponent of 0.50 (see below for derivation) to synthesize / interpolate / 22

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40 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221kW) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221kW) turbine source sound power level broadband data for 10 m wind speeds of 3 ms -1 to turbine cutout (25 ms -1 ) and octave band data for 10 m wind speeds of 6 and 8 ms -1 were provided in Siemens A/S documentation supplied by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. The documentation confirms that the source noise values were obtained...with reference to the code IEC with amendment 1 dated This documentation is shown in Section 13 (Appendix B). The broadband and octave band noise information was used with the site-specific power law wind shear exponent of 0.50 (see below for derivation) to synthesize / interpolate / extrapolate octave band source sound power levels for 10 m a.g.l. wind speeds of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1 for use in the ISO estimates of receptor noise levels. Siemens states in a private communication (A. Jensen, 2011/01/10), The Wind test Report WT 4498/05 [see Windtest, 2005 in References] for the SWT wind turbine generator is relevant for assessment of the SWT wind turbine generator tonality as the nacelle and frequency converter are identical for both the SWT and the SWT There are no other components on the SWT that result in ascertainable tonalities determined in accordance with IEC No tonal penalty has been applied to this turbine. The 10 m broadband and octave band source sound power levels for the Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221kW) turbine for a hub height of 99.5 m are shown in Table 5-3. Note that the Manufacturer s emission levels for octave band source sound power levels were provided only for 6 and 8 ms -1. For 7 ms -1, octave band sound power levels have been interpolated; the 9 and 10 ms -1 sound power levels have been set equal to the 8 ms -1 sound power levels. 26

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44 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision adjustments for hub-height winds speeds with respect to determination of Adjusted emission levels. 5.4 Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Substation As noted above, only limited details are available at this time for the transformer source noise for the GVWFP3 substation. However, Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. has undertaken to ensure that the procurement specification for this transformer will stipulate a maximum broadband source sound power level of 88 dba. In addition, Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. may choose to further mitigate the transformer noise transmission with sound barriers. Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. has also undertaken to transmit all required information to the Ministry as soon as it is available. For design purposes, octave band source sound power levels characteristic of a typical power transformer were adjusted to reflect the specified broadband level (88 dba). They are listed in Table 5-6 along with source sound power levels that include a 5 db tonal penalty (for all octave bands, for an overall penalty of 5 db). The tonal penalty was included in this assessment. No attenuation due to sound barriers has been included in this assessment. As noted above, noise (including the tonal penalty) from this substation transformer was used in all calculations. Table 5-6 GVWFP3 transformer acoustic emissions summary. Make and Model: To be finalized Operating voltage: 34.5 / 230 kv Rating: 45 MVA Core tank size: To be finalized Source height (m): 4.0 (to be finalized) Source location: outside Sound characteristics: steady, tonal Noise control measures: uncontrolled Frequency Source sound power level Tonal penalty (Hz) (dblin) (db) (dblin) Broadband (dba) Net source sound power level

45 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Substation There is a pair of Northern Transformer Incorporated 7.5/10.0 MVA ONAN/ONAF transformers located at the GVWFP1&2 substation. Only limited noise information with respect to those transformers is available from that project s noise assessment report (HGC Engineering, 2011). However, it is known that it was designed to a limiting broadband source sound power level of approximately 88.4 dba. A summary of the acoustic emissions characteristics as provided in that project s noise assessment report is contained in Table 5-7. Noise (including the tonal penalty) from these transformers was used in all calculations Melancthon Wind Facility Substation Only limited information with respect to the pair of Melancthon Wind Facility transformers is available from that project s noise assessment reports (Helimax Energy Inc., 2006, 2007). However, it has been determined that both transformers are presently 100 MVA Siemens TP-720 models. (The first-installed transformer had been replaced in 2008.) It is also understood that both transformers are now surrounded by a single, continuous acoustic barrier. It is known (Helimax Energy Inc., 2006) that the original design of the project included a transformer broadband source sound power level specification of 83 dba, so, for design purposes, octave band source sound power levels characteristic of a typical power transformer were adjusted to reflect this specified broadband level. They are listed in Table 5-8 along with source sound power levels that include a 5 db tonal penalty (for all octave bands, for an overall penalty of 5 db). The tonal penalty was included in this assessment. No attenuation due to sound barriers has been included in this assessment. Noise from these transformers was used in all calculations. Table 5-7 GVWFP1&2 transformer acoustic emissions summary. Make and Model: Northern Transformer Incorporated. ONAN/ONAF Sealed Transformer Operating voltage: 34.5 / 44 kv Rating: 7.5 / 10 MVA Core tank size: 5,978 l Source height (m): Unknown (4.0 used) Source location: outside Sound characteristics: steady, tonal Noise control measures: uncontrolled Frequency Source sound power level Tonal penalty (Hz) (dblin) (db) (dblin) Broadband (dba) Net source sound power level

46 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table 5-8 Melancthon WF transformer acoustic emissions summary. Make and Model: Siemens TP-720 AC power transformer Operating voltage: 34.5 kv / 230 kv Rating: 100 MVA Core tank size: Unknown Source height (m): Unknown (4.0 used) Source location: outside Sound characteristics: steady, tonal Noise control measures: acoustic barrier Frequency Source sound power level Tonal penalty (Hz) (dblin) (db) (dblin) Broadband (dba) Net source sound power level

47 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision IMPACT ASSESSMENT 6.1 Methodology Cumulative turbine and transformer sound levels were estimated at each of the receptors using the methodology of the ISO Standard (ISO, 1996). Wind turbine and transformer (where existent) octave band and A-weighted sound power values, standardized meteorological conditions, turbine/transformer locations, receptor/ VLSR/ participant locations, and characteristics were used to determine the A-weighted sound pressure levels at all receptors. 6.2 Specific Parameters a) Analysis was carried out for turbine source sound power levels in eight octave bands (63 to 8,000 Hz) corresponding to 10 m (a.g.l.) ambient wind speeds of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1. b) ISO parameters, as prescribed in the MoE (2008) Noise Guidelines were set as follows: Ambient air temperature: 10 C Ambient humidity: 70 % The required atmospheric attenuation coefficients to be used in the ISO modelling of noise propagation are prescribed in MoE (2008). These have been used in the present assessment, and are shown in the following table. Atmospheric Absorption Coefficients Centre Octave Band Frequency (Hz) Atmospheric Absorption Coefficient (db/km) from MoE (2008)

48 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision c) The ISO Standard term for Ground Attenuation was calculated using the General Method (Section of the Standard). Ground factors were assigned the following values. Source ground factor: 1.0 (soft ground) Middle ground factor: 0.8 (soft ground) Receptor ground factor: 0.5 (hard/soft ground) 6.3 Additional parameters and conditions Sound pressure levels were not calculated for any receptor for which there was no GVWFP3 turbine or transformer (if existent) closer than 1,500 m. For any receptor, turbines or transformers (if existent) further than 5,000 m away were not included in the calculations. No additional adjustments were made for wind speed or direction since the ISO Standard assumes worst-case conditions for these parameters with respect to noise impact. 6.4 Results Results are reported in Tables 7-1, 7-2 and 7-3 found in Section 7 and the noise level isopleth map of Section 8. As a brief summary, Table 6-1 below is a sorted list of the receptors and VLSRs with the 25 highest sound pressure levels determined in the analysis. 34

49 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table 6-1 Highest noise levels at receptors. Receptor ID SPrL (dba) Height (m) Nearest Turbine Project / Other Distance (m) R T8 O 552 V T107 P 596 R T6 O 597 R T120 P 569 V T6 O 715 R T115 P 560 R T6 O 652 R Tr119 P 580 R T120 P 578 R T114 P 581 V T120 P 568 R T8 O 655 R T112 P 568 R Tr119 P 374 R T6 O 600 R T8 O 662 R T115 P 610 V T115 P 645 R T115 P 706 V T106 P 691 V T107 P 599 V T110 P 555 R T8 O 692 V T8 O 736 R T8 O 653 V T117 P 662 WindFarm layout file: VGV11-Trbn-WFL017-SWT-2p3-113.csv 35

50 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision NOISE LEVEL SUMMARY TABLES Table 7-1 Receptor noise level summary table. Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) R2 Receptor T R3 Receptor T R4 Receptor T R5 Receptor T R6 Receptor T R8 Receptor T R10 Receptor T R11 Receptor T R12 Receptor T R13 Receptor T R14 Receptor T R15 Receptor T R16 Receptor T R17 Receptor T R18 Receptor T R19 Receptor T R22 Receptor T R26 Receptor T R34 Receptor T R44 Receptor T R45 Receptor T R48 Receptor T R50 Receptor T R51 Receptor T R52 Receptor T R55 Receptor T R58 Receptor T R72 Receptor T R76 Receptor T R77 Receptor T

51 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) R78 Receptor T R80 Receptor T R86 Receptor T R89 Receptor T R93 Receptor T R95 Receptor T R97 Receptor T R99 Receptor T R100 Receptor T R101 Receptor T R103 Receptor T R109 Receptor T R112 Receptor T R113 Receptor T R117 Receptor T R118 Receptor T R119 Receptor T R120 Receptor T R122 Receptor T R124 Receptor T R128 Receptor T R134 Receptor T R136 Receptor T R139 Receptor T R140 Receptor T R143 Receptor T R145 Receptor T R146 Receptor T R148 Receptor T R149 Receptor T R152 Receptor T R156 Receptor T R157 Receptor T R158 Receptor T R159 Receptor T R161 Receptor T R164 Receptor T R165 Receptor T R169 Receptor T R171 Receptor T R173 Receptor T R174 Receptor T R177 Receptor T R179 Receptor T R182 Receptor T R184 Receptor T R190 Receptor Tr R194 Receptor T R198 Receptor T

52 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) R199 Receptor T R202 Receptor Tr R206 Church Tr R210 Receptor Tr R215 Receptor T R216 Receptor T R217 Receptor T R219 Receptor T R222 Receptor T R226 Receptor T R230 Receptor T R231 Receptor T R232 Receptor T R233 Receptor T R235 Receptor T R236 Receptor T R238 Receptor T R239 Receptor T R241 Receptor T R243 Receptor T R244 Receptor T R245 Receptor T R248 Receptor T R249 Receptor T R253 Receptor T R254 Receptor T R258 Receptor T R263 Receptor T R270 Receptor T R304 Receptor T R305 Receptor T R306 Receptor T R307 Receptor T R308 Receptor T R310 Receptor T R311 Receptor T R312 Receptor T R313 Receptor T R673 Receptor T R1555 Receptor Tr

53 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table 7-2 Vacant lot surrogate receptor noise level summary table. Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) V360 VLSR T V361 VLSR T V366 VLSR T V367 VLSR T V374 VLSR T V408 VLSR T V409 VLSR T V410 VLSR T V411 VLSR T V412 VLSR T V414 VLSR T V415 VLSR T V416 VLSR T V429 VLSR T V446 VLSR T V481 VLSR T V482 VLSR T V483 VLSR T V484 VLSR T V528 VLSR T V608 VLSR T V613 VLSR T V614 VLSR T V617 VLSR T V618 VLSR T V620 VLSR T V621 VLSR T V627 VLSR T V668 VLSR T V671 VLSR T V672 VLSR T V674 VLSR T V677 VLSR T V687 VLSR T V692 VLSR T V693 VLSR T V725 VLSR T V726 VLSR T V727 VLSR T V731 VLSR T V732 VLSR T V733 VLSR T V734 VLSR T V735 VLSR T V1136 VLSR T V1137 VLSR T

54 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) V1138 VLSR T V1433 VLSR T V1436 VLSR T V1487 VLSR T V1493 VLSR T V1496 VLSR T V1512 VLSR T V1519 VLSR T V1521 VLSR T V1526 VLSR T V1527 VLSR T V1528 VLSR T V1531 VLSR T V1544 VLSR T V1546 VLSR T V1553 VLSR T V1556 VLSR T V1557 VLSR T V1519 VLSR T V1521 VLSR T V1526 VLSR T V1527 VLSR T V1528 VLSR T V1529 VLSR T V1530 VLSR T V1531 VLSR T V1544 VLSR T V1546 VLSR T V1547 VLSR T V1553 VLSR T V1556 VLSR T V1557 VLSR T

55 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table 7-3 Participant noise level summary table. Participating Receptor ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine ID Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) P75 Receptor T P98 Receptor T P111 Receptor T P123 Receptor T P125 Receptor T P193 Receptor Tr P204 Receptor T P271 Receptor T

56 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision NOISE LEVEL ISOPLETH MAP Figure 8-1 is a noise-level isopleth map of the A-weighted sound pressure levels (dba) generated by all qualified sources over the project region. Note that this map does not correspond to any specific 10 m a.g.l. wind speed. This is because the MoE predictable worst case (or equivalent for neighbouring turbines) octave band source sound power levels have been used for the project and neighbouring turbine types (see Section 5.2 ). For information, the predictable worst case for the project turbines has been determined to occur for a 10 m a.g.l. wind speed of 6 ms -1 for both the SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) and SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) project turbine models. The noise levels are calculated for receptors with 1.5 m (1 storey) and 4.5 m (2 storeys) heights. 42

57 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Figure dba noise isopleth map for 1.5 and 4.5 m receptor heights. 43

58 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision EXAMPLE CALCULATION 9.1 Method of Calculation The calculation of cumulative receptor noise levels from turbines and transformers uses the methodology of ISO (ISO, 1996). The calculation is based on equation (5) from ISO shown here: where L AT (DW) is the equivalent continuous A-weighted downwind sound pressure level at a receptor location, n is the number of turbines, A f (j) is the standard A-weighting for octave band j, j is an index indicating the eight standard octave-band mid-band frequencies from 63 Hz to 8 khz, L ft (ij) L ft (DW) is the equivalent continuous downwind octave-band sound pressure level at a receptor location for turbine i and octave band j, and is given by where L AT DW =10 log 10{ i=1 L W is the octave-band sound power level, in decibels, produced by the point sound source relative to a reference sound power of one picowatt, D C is the directivity correction in decibels, n L ft DW = L W D C A [ [ L ft ij A f j=1 j ]]} 44

59 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision A is the octave-band attenuation, in decibels, that occurs during propagation from the turbine to receptor, and is given by where A div is the attenuation due to geometrical divergence, A atm is the attenuation due to atmospheric absorption, A gr is the attenuation due to the ground effect, A bar is the attenuation due to a barrier, A misc is the attenuation due to miscellaneous other effects, A atm is given by A= A div A atm A gr A bar A misc A = d 1000 where α is the atmospheric attenuation coefficient, in decibels per kilometre, for each octave band at the midband frequency, d is the distance from the turbine to the receptor. Note also that A bar and A misc are not used here. 9.1 Example The following sample calculation presents intermediate octave-band results of calculations for A- weighted sound pressure levels. All model parameters are the same as previously tabulated. Table 9-1 lists the intermediate sound pressure levels calculated at receptor R112 due to the single turbine T115. Receptor and turbine are separated by 560 m. Note Table 9-1 Sample calculation for receptor and turbine. Intermediate calculations for receptor R112 and turbine T115 Mid-band Octave frequency L ft (DW) band (Hz) L W (dba) A div (db) A atm (db) A gr (db) (dba)

60 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision that the resultant A-weighted sound pressure level at R112 due to turbine T115 alone is 36.8 dba. In the table: L W is the octave-band sound power level, in decibels, produced by the point sound source relative to a reference sound power of one picowatt, A div is the attenuation due to geometrical divergence, A atm is the attenuation due to atmospheric absorption, A gr is the attenuation due to the ground effect,l ft (DW) is the equivalent continuous downwind octave-band sound pressure level. Table 9-2 shows intermediate octave band values of the calculations for the A- weighted sound pressure levels at receptor R112 due to all turbines and transformers (if existent) within 5,000 m of the receptor. The resultant A-weighted sound pressure level at R112 due to all turbines is 39.2 dba. Table 9-2 Sample calculation for single receptor and multiple turbines. Turbine ID Distance (m) Intermediate calculations for R112 and multiple turbines Turbine L ft contribution (db) in frequency band (Hz) Turbine L AT (dba) T T T T T T T T T T

61 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision CONCLUSIONS This noise impact assessment for the proposed Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project has determined that the estimated sound pressure levels at receptors and vacant lot surrogate receptors (VLSRs) in the project area comply with the Ontario Ministry of Environment sound level limits at all qualified points of reception. 47

62 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision REFERENCES Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 2007: CAN/CSA-C Wind Turbine Generator Systems Part 11: Acoustic Noise Measurement Techniques (Adopted IEC : A1:2006, edition 2.1, ). Government of Ontario, 1990: Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E Government of Ontario, 1990: Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E Government of Ontario, 2009: Green Energy Act, 2009, search=browsestatutes&context=#bk7 Government of Ontario, 2009b: Ontario Regulation 359/09, made under the Environmental Protection Act, Renewable Energy Approvals under Part V.0.1 of the Act b33d386b4/1/frame/?search=browseStatutes&context= Government of Ontario, 2010, O.Reg. 521/10 made under the Environmental Protection Act amending O.Reg. 359/09. Government of Ontario, 2011, O.Reg. 231/11 made under the Environmental Protection Act amending O.Reg. 359/09. Government of Ontario, 2012, O.Reg. 195/12 made under the Environmental Protection Act amending O.Reg. 359/09. Helimax Energy Inc., 2006: Environmental Noise Impact Assessment, Melancthon II Project. GL Garrad Hassan Canada Inc., 4100 rue Molson, Bureau 100, Montréal, Quebec, H1Y 3N1. Tel Fax

63 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Helimax Energy Inc., 2007: Environmental Noise Impact Assessment Addendum, Melancthon II Project. GL Garrad Hassan Canada Inc., 4100 rue Molson, Bureau 100, Montréal, Quebec, H1Y 3N1. Tel Fax HGC Engineering, 2011: Grand Valley Wind Farm Project, Grand Valley Ontario. Howe Gastmeier Chapnik Limited, 2000 Argentia Road, Plaza 1, Suite 203, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 1P7. Tel HGC Engineering, 2013: Private on 2013/02/01 from HGC Engineering including spreadsheet listing of receptors, participants, and VLSRs from original Grand Valley Wind Farm Phase 1 & 2 Noise Assessment Report. Howe Gastmeier Chapnik Limited, 2000 Argentia Road, Plaza 1, Suite 203, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 1P7. Tel International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 2002: International Standard, Wind turbine generator systems Part 11: Acoustic noise measurement techniques. Second edition International Standards Organization (ISO), 1993: International Standard: Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors Part 1: Calculation of the absorption of sound by the atmosphere. International Standards Organization (ISO), 1996: International Standard: Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors Part 2: General method of calculation. Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MoE), 1995a: Sound Level Limits for Stationary Sources in Class 1 & 2 Areas (Urban) Publication NPC-205. October Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MoE), 1995b: Sound Level Limits for Stationary Sources in Class 3 Areas (Rural) Publication NPC-232. October Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MoE), 2008: MoE Noise Guidelines for Wind Farms; Interpretation for Applying MOE NPC Publications to Wind Power Generation Facilities. October pp. Windtest, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog GmbH, 2005: Report of acoustical emissions of a Siemens wind turbine generator system of the type 2.3 MW Mk II near Hovsore in Denmark. September Report WT 4498/05. 49

64 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision APPENDIX A TURBINE, RECEPTOR, VACANT LOT AND PARTICIPANT LOCATIONS This appendix contains lists of turbine, receptor, vacant lot surrogate receptor (VLSR), and participant locations. Coordinates are given in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 17 North projection. The datum is North American Datum 1983 (NAD83, Canada). Turbines Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17N Equipment Identifier Make and Model X(E,m) Y(N,m) Remarks T2 Siemens SWT (MP2126kW) GVWFP1&2 T3 Siemens SWT (MP2126kW) GVWFP1&2 T5 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T6 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T8 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T13 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T15 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T23 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T24 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T101 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T102 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T103 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T104 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T105 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T106 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T107 Siemens SWT (MP2126kW) GVWFP3 T108 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T109 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 50

65 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision T110 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T112 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T113 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T114 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T115 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T117 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T118 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP3 T120 Siemens SWT (MP2126kW) GVWFP3 T352 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T354 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T355 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T356 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T357 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T359 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T360 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T361 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T364 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T365 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T366 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T367 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T368 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T369 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T370 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T371 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T377 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T401 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T402 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T502 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T503 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF Transformer Stations Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17N Equipment Identifier Make and Model X(E,m) Y(N,m) Remarks Tr119 To be determined GVWFP3 Tr25 Northern Transformer GVWFP1&2 Tr26 Northern Transformer GVWFP1&2 Tr504 Siemens TP Melancthon WF Tr505 Siemens TP Melancthon WF Points of Reception (Receptors) Table - Point of Reception Locations Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17N Point of Reception Height NPC ID Description (m) Class X(E,m) Y(N,m) R2 Receptor R3 Receptor R4 Receptor R5 Receptor R6 Receptor

66 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision R8 Receptor R10 Receptor R11 Receptor R12 Receptor R13 Receptor R14 Receptor R15 Receptor R16 Receptor R17 Receptor R18 Receptor R19 Receptor R22 Receptor R26 Receptor R34 Receptor R44 Receptor R45 Receptor R48 Receptor R50 Receptor R51 Receptor R52 Receptor R55 Receptor R58 Receptor R72 Receptor R76 Receptor R77 Receptor R78 Receptor R80 Receptor R86 Receptor R89 Receptor R93 Receptor R95 Receptor R97 Receptor R99 Receptor R100 Receptor R101 Receptor R103 Receptor R109 Receptor R112 Receptor R113 Receptor R117 Receptor R118 Receptor R119 Receptor R120 Receptor R122 Receptor R124 Receptor R128 Receptor R134 Receptor R136 Receptor R139 Receptor R140 Receptor R143 Receptor R145 Receptor R146 Receptor R148 Receptor R149 Receptor R152 Receptor R156 Receptor R157 Receptor R158 Receptor R159 Receptor

67 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision R161 Receptor R164 Receptor R165 Receptor R169 Receptor R171 Receptor R173 Receptor R174 Receptor R177 Receptor R179 Receptor R182 Receptor R184 Receptor R190 Receptor R194 Receptor R198 Receptor R199 Receptor R202 Receptor R206 Church R210 Receptor R215 Receptor R216 Receptor R217 Receptor R219 Receptor R222 Receptor R226 Receptor R230 Receptor R231 Receptor R232 Receptor R233 Receptor R235 Receptor R236 Receptor R238 Receptor R239 Receptor R241 Receptor R243 Receptor R244 Receptor R245 Receptor R248 Receptor R249 Receptor R253 Receptor R254 Receptor R258 Receptor R263 Receptor R270 Receptor R304 Receptor R305 Receptor R306 Receptor R307 Receptor R308 Receptor R310 Receptor R311 Receptor R312 Receptor R313 Receptor R673 Receptor R1555 Receptor

68 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Vacant Lot Surrogate Receptors Table - Vacant Lot Surrogate Receptor Locations Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17 Point of Reception Height NPC ID Description (m) Class X(E,m) Y(N,m) V360 VLSR V361 VLSR V366 VLSR V367 VLSR V374 VLSR V408 VLSR V409 VLSR V410 VLSR V411 VLSR V412 VLSR V414 VLSR V415 VLSR V416 VLSR V429 VLSR V446 VLSR V481 VLSR V482 VLSR V483 VLSR V484 VLSR V528 VLSR V608 VLSR V613 VLSR V614 VLSR V617 VLSR V618 VLSR V620 VLSR V621 VLSR V627 VLSR V668 VLSR V671 VLSR V672 VLSR V674 VLSR V677 VLSR V687 VLSR V692 VLSR V693 VLSR V725 VLSR V726 VLSR V727 VLSR V731 VLSR V732 VLSR V733 VLSR V734 VLSR V735 VLSR V1136 VLSR V1137 VLSR V1138 VLSR V1433 VLSR V1436 VLSR

69 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision V1487 VLSR V1493 VLSR V1496 VLSR V1512 VLSR V1519 VLSR V1521 VLSR V1526 VLSR V1527 VLSR V1528 VLSR V1531 VLSR V1544 VLSR V1546 VLSR V1553 VLSR V1556 VLSR V1557 VLSR Participating Receptors (Participants) Table - Participating Receptor Locations Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17N Point of Reception Height NPC ID Description (m) Class X(E,m) Y(N,m) P75 Receptor P98 Receptor P111 Receptor P123 Receptor P125 Receptor P193 Receptor P204 Receptor P271 Receptor

70 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision APPENDIX B ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION The following documents have been included in this Appendix. Siemens Wind Power A/S: SWT , Rev.1, Max. Power 2221 kw Contract Acoustic Emission, Hub Height 99.5 m Ontario - Canada This document provides broadband, octave band, and tonality data for this model of the GVWFP3 project turbines. The noise data contained in this specification have been used for the noise assessment of the subject project. Siemens Wind Power A/S: SWT , Rev.1, Max. Power 2126 kw Contract Acoustic Emission, Hub Height 99.5 m Ontario - Canada This document provides broadband, octave band, and tonality data for this model of the GVWFP3 project turbines. The noise data contained in this specification have been used for the noise assessment of the subject project. Siemens Wind Power A/S: SWT , Max. Power 2221 kw Contract Acoustic Emission, Hub Height 99.5 m. This document provides broadband and octave band data for this model of the GVWFP1&2 project turbines. The noise data contained in this specification have been used for the noise assessment of the subject project. Siemens Wind Power A/S: SWT , Max. Power 2126 kw Contract Acoustic Emission, Hub Height 99.5 m. This document provides broadband and octave band data for this model of the GVWFP1&2 project turbines. The noise data contained in this specification have been used for the noise assessment of the subject project. 56

71 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Siemens Energy Inc.: Letter from Anders J. Jensen This letter provides a statement re. tonality for SWT turbines. GE Energy: Technical Documentation Wind turbine Generator System GE 1.5sl/sle 50 & 60 Hz Noise emission characteristics Normal operation according to IEC This document provides broadband, octave band, and tonality data for the Melancthon Wind Facility turbines. The noise data contained in this specification have been used for the noise assessment of the subject project. Note that for economy of space, three uninformative pages of this document have been omitted. 57

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83 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES This Report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. any person acting on its behalf: (a) (b) Makes any warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, (i) with respect to the use of any information, apparatus, method, process, or similar item disclosed in this report, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or (ii) that such use does not infringe on or interfere with privately owned rights, including any party's intellectual property, or (iii) that this report is suitable to any particular user's circumstance, or Assumes responsibility for any damages or other liability whatsoever resulting from your selection or use of this report or any information, apparatus, method, process or similar item disclosed in this report. 2

84 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION Purpose Revision Revision Revision Brief Project Description Reporting Details Sound Level Limits for Wind Farms PROJECT LAYOUT Project Site Project Details Municipal Zoning Adjacent Projects Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & Phase 2 Wind Farm Project Melancthon Wind Facility Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Melancthon Wind Facility DESCRIPTION OF RECEPTORS Definition Determination Vacant Lots Methodology Concordance Table DESCRIPTION OF SOURCES Wind Turbines Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,648 kw) Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Melancthon Wind Facility

85 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Transformer Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Melancthon Wind Facility NOISE EMISSION RATINGS Turbine Noise Definition Standard Wind Turbines Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,648 kw) Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Melancthon Wind Facility GE Wind 1.5sle Turbine Site-Specific Vertical Wind Shear Exponent Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Substation Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Substation Melancthon Wind Facility Substation IMPACT ASSESSMENT Methodology Specific Parameters Additional parameters and conditions Results NOISE LEVEL SUMMARY TABLES NOISE LEVEL ISOPLETH MAP EXAMPLE CALCULATION Method of Calculation Example CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES APPENDIX A TURBINE, RECEPTOR, VACANT LOT AND PARTICIPANT LOCATIONS APPENDIX B ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION

86 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision List of Figures Figure 1-1 Project location map...7 Figure 2-1 Project site map...12 Figure 5-1 SWT (Max Power 2,772 kw) wind speed sensitivity test Figure 5-2 SWT (Max Power 2,648 kw) wind speed sensitivity test Figure dba noise isopleth map for 1.5 and 4.5 m receptor heights...43 List of Tables Table 3-1 GVWFP3 GVWFP1&2 receptor and VLSR concordance table...16 Table 5-1 Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 kw) Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...24 Table 5-2 Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,648 kw) Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...25 Table 5-3 Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...27 Table 5-4 Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...28 Table 5-5 GE Wind 1.5sle Wind turbine acoustic emissions summary...29 Table 5-6 GVWFP3 transformer acoustic emissions summary...30 Table 5-7 GVWFP1&2 transformer acoustic emissions summary...31 Table 5-8 Melancthon WF transformer acoustic emissions summary...32 Table 6-1 Highest noise levels at receptors...35 Table 7-1 Receptor noise level summary table...36 Table 7-2 Vacant lot surrogate receptor noise level summary table...39 Table 7-3 Participant noise level summary table...41 Table 9-1 Sample calculation for receptor and turbine...45 Table 9-2 Sample calculation for single receptor and multiple turbines

87 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose This Noise Assessment Report (NAR) describes the results of a noise impact study for Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc.'s proposed Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project (GVWFP3). 1.2 Revision Revision was the original Noise Assessment Report. 1.3 Revision For clarity in distinguishing them from Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project turbines, project turbines were renumbered. Turbines were added, and turbines were relocated. Also, some turbine model nomenclature was modified to correspond more closely to that used by the manufacturer. Melancthon Wind Facility substation transformers were added. Substation transformer data were updated. A concordance table between the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project and Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project receptors was included. Updates and changes were made to receptor, participant, and VLSR data. Minor corrections, revisions, and updates were included. 1.4 Revision The present Revision (2-3.0) includes the following changes. Turbine models have been changed for the project layout described in this noise assessment report. All Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,897kW) turbines from 6

88 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision the layout described in the previous revision have been replaced by Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772kW) models. All Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,710kW) turbines have been replaced by Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,648kW) models. Turbines T111 and T116 have been deleted from the project. The wind farm now consists of 17 turbines The location of turbine T102 has changed. However, it remains on the same property. The location of transformer Tr119 has changed. However, it remains on the same property. Based in part on feedback from the local community, updates, corrections, and changes have been made to receptor, participant and VLSR data. Minor corrections, revisions, and updates are included. 1.5 Brief Project Description The Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project will be located to the northwest of the town of Grand Valley in Dufferin County. The project described herein features 17 wind turbines with a nominal project capacity of 46.9 MW. During project final design, this will be limited to 40.0 MW through the removal or de-rating of turbines. Turbines from the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project (GVWFP1&2) are interspersed with turbines of the subject project. Melancthon Wind Facility turbines are located to the northeast. Figure 1-1 shows the location of the project within the province of Ontario. 1.6 Reporting Details This report has been prepared to meet all reporting requirements related to wind project noise for a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act 2009 (Government of Ontario, 2009) A noise impact assessment was carried out for this project under Section 55.(3) of O. Reg 359/09 (Government of Ontario, 2009b) and amendments (O.Reg. 521/10, Government of Ontario, 2010; O.Reg. 231/11, Government of Ontario, 2011; O.Reg. 195/12, Government of Ontario, 2012). The assessment methodology and Figure 1-1 Project location map. 7

89 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision calculations conform to the ISO International Standard (ISO, 1996). Results of the analysis have been interpreted using Ministry of Environment Guidelines (MoE, 2008). This latter document generally provides guidelines and clarifications for the application of MoE regulations document NPC-232 (MoE, 1995) to wind farm projects. The MoE (2008) Guidelines document prescribes receptor noise level limits based on an analysis of typical wind-induced background noise levels, and tabulates these limits as functions of the ambient 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1 wind speeds measured at 10 m above ground level (a.g.l.). Note that the receptor noise level limits must be met for noise produced by other project hardware such as substation transformers in addition to noise produced by the wind turbines. This report will show that the estimated noise levels generated by the project turbines and other hardware meet the MoE (2008) prescribed limits at all qualified receptors. 1.7 Sound Level Limits for Wind Farms MoE (2008) lists the sound level limits for wind farms (based on the NPC-205 and NPC-232 publications and a consideration of the background ambient windinduced sound level) as follows. Note that noise contributions from project switching, transformer, and substations must be included. Summary of Sound Level Limits for Wind Turbines Wind speed (ms -1 ) at 10 m height Wind turbine sound level limits Class 3 Area, dba Wind turbine sound level limits Class 1 Area, dba Reference wind induced background sound level L 90, dba

90 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision PROJECT LAYOUT 2.1 Project Site Figure 2-1 shows the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project. Typical topographic map features along with project details are shown on the map. Within the project domain, the topography can be characterized as gently rolling with a topographic elevation in the project area of approximately 490 m above sea level (a.s.l). The surface roughness of the project domain is typical of Ontario rural terrain with a heterogeneous mixture of agricultural fields, woodlots, farm buildings, dwellings, and rural settlements. The primary activity in this area is agriculture. The GVWFP3 site features a population density typical of southern Ontario rural communities a relatively sparse population in the countryside except for a small number of settlement clusters (villages and towns). The town of Grand Valley lies immediately to the southeast of the project site. 2.2 Project Details Figure 2-1 shows the properties that have been optioned for lease to the project proponent (Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc.) along with prospective turbine, point of reception (receptor), vacant lot surrogate receptor (VLSR), participating point of reception (participant), and vacant lot locations. Turbine numbers are designated with the prefix T, receptors with R, VLSRs with V, and participants with P. As specified by O.Reg 359/09, the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project is a Class 4 Wind Project. The GVWFP3 as described here will consist of 17 Siemens noise and power derated SWT turbines for a project capacity of approximately 46.9 MW. During project final design, this will be limited to 40.0 MW through the removal or derating of turbines. The specific turbine models proposed are the SWT (Max Power 2,772kW) and the SWT (Max Power 2,648kW). T101, T102, T103, 9

91 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision T104, T105, T106, T108, T109, T110, T112, T113, T114, T115, T117, T118 will be the proposed SWT (Max Power 2,772kW) model. Turbines T107 and T120 will be the proposed SWT (Max Power 2,648kW) model. Project turbines are numbered T101 through T120 in Figure 2-1. (Note that Tr119 is a project power transformer.) A listing of all GVWFP3 turbine locations can be found in Section 12 (Appendix A). The project stretches for a distance of about 12 km east-to-west and about 15 km north-to-south. The Ontario NPC designation for the project properties would generally be Class 3 Rural. Typical background sound levels for these areas would be generated by residential, agricultural, and small commercial activities, ambient sound from wind, and vehicle noise from regional roads. For the purpose of this report, all areas have been considered to be NPC Class Municipal Zoning Typically, the project area is zoned as Agricultural. 2.4 Adjacent Projects Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & Phase 2 Wind Farm Project Figure 2-1 also shows the locations of existing turbines in the Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc.'s Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & Phase 2 Wind Farm Project. These turbines are located generally to the north and on the eastern side of the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project. The combination of Phase 1 and 2 projects is comprised of 9x Siemens noise and power derated SWT turbines. The specific models are the SWT (Max Power 2,221kW) and the SWT (Max Power 2,126kW) for a total project capacity of 19.8 MW. The Phase 1 and 2 turbines are numbered T2 to T24 in Figure 2-1 Details of these turbines are provided further below. All turbines in the Phase 1 and 2 projects within 5 km of any receptor of the GVWFP3 have been included in the noise assessment of the subject project Melancthon Wind Facility Figure 2-1 also shows the locations of existing turbines in the Trans-Alta Melancthon Wind Facility (MWF). These turbines are located mainly to the northeast. There is a total of 133 GE-1.5sle turbines in the MWF. Of these, 21 lie within 5 km of any receptor for the GVWFP3. The MWF turbines are numbered T352 to T503 in Figure 2-1. Details of the GE-1.5sle turbine are provided further below. All Melancthon Wind Facility turbines within 5 km of any receptor of the GVWFP3 have been included in this noise assessment of the subject project. 10

92 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project The GVWFP3 will include a substation with a relatively small power transformer for conversion of the collection voltage to distribution-level voltage. This transformer is shown as Tr119 in Figure 2-1. Noise from this transformer has been included in all the reported noise calculations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project The combination Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project is served by a single substation comprised of two relatively small power transformers for conversion of the collection voltage to distribution-level voltage. These transformers are shown as Tr25 and Tr26 in Figure 2-1. Noise from these transformers has been included in all the reported noise calculations Melancthon Wind Facility The Melancthon Wind Facility contains one substation with two large power transformers. These convert the project collection-level voltage to transmission system voltage (230 kv). They are shown in Figure 2-1 as Tr598 and Tr599. Noise from these transformers has been included in all the reported noise calculations. 11

93 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Figure 2-1 Project site map. 12

94 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision DESCRIPTION OF RECEPTORS 3.1 Definition Receptors (non-participating points of reception), vacant lot surrogate receptors (VLSRs), and participants (participating points of reception) are defined in Ontario MoE NPC-232 (MoE, 1995b) and Noise Guidelines (MoE, 2008) publications, and in Ontario O.Reg. 359/09 and proposed amendments (Government of Ontario; 2009b, 2010, 2011, 2012). 3.2 Determination Receptor and participant data (location, type, dwelling height, etc.) were supplied by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. These were used in this noise assessment report. Receptors and participants were identified through mapping, aerial photographs, and on-site surveys of the area by a third party on behalf of Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. Typically, for this area receptors are residential dwellings of individuals and families not associated with the subject project. Section 12 (Appendix A) lists the locations and details of all known receptors and participants situated within the project area. Their locations are also shown in Figure 2-1. All receptors within 1.5 km of any GVWFP3 wind turbine or transformer have been included and reported in this noise impact analysis. All receptors have been considered to be designated as rural (NPC Class 3). For the purpose of this noise assessment, participants have been defined as dwellings occupied by landowners who receive financial compensation for the placement of project hardware (turbines, cables, roads, substations, etc.) on their properties. For information, 203 receptors, 134 VLSRs, and 8 participants (total 345) have been identified within 2 km of any GVWFP3 turbine; 178 vacant lots have also been identified within 2 km of any project turbine. 13

95 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Vacant Lots The MoE (2008) Noise Guidelines also require prediction of the noise levels on...vacant lots that have been zoned by the local municipality to permit residential or similar noise-sensitive uses.... Therefore, all vacant lots within 1.5 km of any turbine or substation in the GVWFP3 were identified as those lots defined by the complete set of cadastral parcel fabric which did not contain a receptor dwelling, nor a participant dwelling, nor project infrastructure (turbine, cable, substation, etc.), and were obviously not road rights-of-way, public property, industrial or commercial property, etc. A 1 ha building envelope within the vacant lot property that would reasonably be expected to contain the use, and that conforms with the municipal zoning by-laws in effect was also identified for each of the vacant lots by determining a location within the lot where the predicted noise level would be below the allowed maxima. A vacant lot surrogate receptor (VLSR) located in the 1 ha building envelope and designated with a height of 4.5 m was created for the purpose of noise estimation. The VLSRs are listed in Section 12 (Appendix A). 3.4 Methodology ISO modelling was carried out for all receptors, participants and VLSRs. Typically, a resultant sound pressure level for each receptor/ VLSR/participant is determined as stipulated in Section of MoE (2008) where there is no qualifying transformer within the project, and as stipulated in Section where there is a qualifying transformer. In the case of this project, which includes a substation, Section was used. The heights of dwellings designated as 1-, 2-, and 3-storeys were set to be 1.5, 4.5, and 7.5 m respectively. For areas where there is such a high density of receptors that it would be impractical (and tedious for the reader) to include them all, a comprehensive selection of sample receptors (HDSRs, High Density Sample Receptors) were designated. These specific receptors were sampled so as to represent the cluster of all receptors in such a way that the sample receptors would be those subject to the maximum sound pressure levels from the surrounding turbines. Typically, receptors at all corners, along all boundaries, and in the centre of the high density cluster were chosen with (generally) a maximum separation of 200 m between sample receptors where possible. All sample receptors were assigned a height of 4.5 m to ensure that any 2-storey residences within the cluster were represented. As noted above, participating receptors (referred to herein as participants) have also been surveyed and are shown in Figure 2-1 and listed in Section 12 (Appendix A). Estimates of sound pressure levels were made for the participant locations. It should be noted that the receptors, participants and VLSRs listed in Section 12 include those that are closer than or equal to 1,500 m from any project turbine or qualifying substation transformer (if existent) noise source. 14

96 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Concordance Table As requested by MoE, a concordance table that rationalizes the identification of receptors and VLSRs between the GVWFP3 and the adjacent GVWFP1&2 has been included here. Table 3-1 lists receptors and VLSRs which are located mutually within 1.5 km of any wind turbine in the GVWFP3 and the GVWFP1&2. (Note that there were no mutual receptors with the neighbouring Melancthon Wind Facility.) The next paragraphs describe the concordance table s columns. The first pair of columns in the table lists the UTM coordinates (NAD83, UTM17N) of the receptor or VLSR as determined for the GVWFP3. The second pair of columns lists the coordinates as provided by HGC Engineering (2013) and listed in the GVWFP1&2 noise assessment report. Note that for receptors, the values in these pairs of columns are generally only slightly different. The differences can be attributed to the choice of the exact location of the dwelling in question and the precision of the GIS data including base mapping and air or satellite photography. However, in the case of VLSRs, the locations can be significantly different since the VLSR need only be located on the vacant property in question, although it must be surrounded by at least 1 ha of available land, zoned to permit residential or similar uses, conform with local building codes, and be consistent with the typical building pattern in the area. In some instances, it is possible for the two project designers to reasonably choose two VLSRs which are hundreds of metres apart but still located on the same vacant lot property. Note that there are some receptors and VLSRs in each of the projects that do not appear to have matches in the other project. These have been indicated by n/a in the table. The fifth column in the table lists the distance between the two locations (GVWFP3 designated or GVWFP1&2 designated) determined for the receptor or VLSR. The next pair of columns lists the receptor or VLSR identifier first as used for the GVWFP3, and second as used for the GVWFP1&2. Naturally, these would not be expected to be the same. As noted above, there are some receptors/vlsrs that are found in one project and not in the other. Again, this is indicated by n/a. The next pair of columns lists the distances from the receptor or VLSR to the nearest noise source (turbine or transformer) first for the GVWFP3, and second for the GVWFP1&2. While it might seem logical that these distances should be identical for receptors, again the precision of the receptor location as discussed above can lead to different results where the receptor is almost equidistant from two different noise sources. In the case of VLSRs, the differences can be significant since, as noted previously, VLSRs for each of the projects can be located in quite different places on the same vacant lot. The next three columns list the receptor/vlsr sound pressure levels the first for the case where only GVWFP3 noise sources are included, the second where only GVWFP1&2 noise sources are included, and the third where noise sources from both projects are included. Note that the sound pressure levels are listed for the 15

97 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision GVWFP3 receptor/vlsr locations. They have not been determined for the GVWFP1&2 receptor/vlsr locations. In most cases, these should be quite similar but there could be significant differences where there is a substantial separation between GVWFP3/GVWFP1&2 receptor/vlsr pairs. This would more likely occur in the case of the VLSRs. Note that the Total Level has been determined from a full analysis including both the GVWFP3 and the GVWFP1&2 noise sources at GVWFP3 receptors/vlsrs. Table 3-1 GVWFP3 GVWFP1&2 receptor and VLSR concordance table. UTM coordinates GVWFP3 Easting (m) Northing (m) Easting (m) UTM coordinates GVWFP 1&2 Northing (m) Difference (m) Noise receptor ID GVWFP3 GVWFP 1&2 GVWFP3 Distance to nearest source (m) Nearest source ID Level of farm (dba) GVWFP 1&2 GVWFP3 GVWFP 1&2 GVWFP3 Level (dba) GVWFP 1&2 Total 552,385 4,868,686 n/a n/a n/a V618 n/a 1436 n/a T105 n/a 29.4 n/a n/a 552,467 4,868, ,467 4,868, R169 RV T105 T ,560 4,868, ,561 4,868,629 1 R173 R T105 T n/a n/a 553,028 4,869,160 n/a n/a R030 n/a 1264 n/a T8 n/a n/a n/a 553,121 4,869, ,119 4,869,327 2 R190 R T105 T ,400 4,869,276 n/a n/a n/a R1555 n/a 896 n/a T105 n/a 35.5 n/a n/a 553,287 4,868, ,287 4,868,875 1 P193 R T105 T ,612 4,868, ,611 4,868,939 1 R202 R T120 T n/a n/a 553,617 4,868,755 n/a n/a RV09 n/a 957 n/a T6 n/a n/a n/a 553,653 4,868, ,658 4,868,496 6 R206 R T120 T

98 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision DESCRIPTION OF SOURCES 4.1 Wind Turbines Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project The turbines proposed for the GVWFP3 are manufactured by Siemens Wind Systems A/S ( of Germany. Siemens Wind Power A/S is a relative newcomer to the ranks of wind turbine manufacturers. However, it entered the market by purchasing the long-standing and experienced Bonus turbine manufacturing company. The turbine models proposed for the GVWFP3 are noiseand power-reduced variants of the SWT Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 kw) The Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 kw) is a noise- and power-reduced member of the Siemens SWT turbine family. The following table summarizes this turbine s characteristics. Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 KW) Type, number of blades, rotor orientation horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine Rated power 2,772 kw Rotor diameter; swept area m; 10,000 m 2 Operational rotation rate 6.0 to 15.5 rpm; variable speed Hub height; tower type 99.5 m; steel tubular tower Power regulation pitch regulation with variable speed Cut-in wind speed 3 to 5 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 to 13 ms -1 Gearbox no 17

99 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 KW) Generator; speed Turbine transformer Braking system Yaw system synchronous permanent magnet generator external transformer; step-up transformer on concrete pad at the base of the turbine aerodynamic primary brake by full-span pitching with hydraulic activation active, externally geared, passive friction brake Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,648 kw) The Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,648 kw) is a noise- and power-reduced member of the Siemens SWT turbine family. The following table summarizes this turbine s characteristics. Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,648 KW) Type, number of blades, rotor orientation horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine Rated power 2,648 kw Rotor diameter; swept area m; 10,000 m 2 Operational rotation rate 6.0 to 15.5 rpm; variable speed Hub height; tower type 99.5 m; steel tubular tower Power regulation pitch regulation with variable speed Cut-in wind speed 3 to 5 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 to 13 ms -1 Gearbox no Generator; speed synchronous permanent magnet generator Turbine transformer external transformer; step-up transformer on concrete pad at the base of the turbine Braking system aerodynamic primary brake by full-span pitching with hydraulic activation Yaw system active, externally geared, passive friction brake Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project In addition to the GVWFP3 turbines, there are 7x Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) and 2x Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126k W) turbines in the Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project. Information on the rating and noise characteristics of these turbines has been supplied by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. 18

100 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision All of the Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project turbines have been included in the present assessment Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) The following table describes this turbine's major characteristics. Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Type, number of blades, rotor orientation horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine Rated power 2,221 kw Rotor diameter; swept area m; 8,000 m 2 Operational rotation rate 6.0 to 16.0 rpm; variable speed Hub height; tower type 99.5 m; steel tubular tower Power regulation pitch regulation with variable speed Cut-in wind speed 4 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 to 13 ms -1 Gearbox yes; 3 stage planetary/helical Generator; speed asynchronous with squirrel-cage rotor, without slip rings; variable speed Turbine transformer internal transformer aerodynamic primary brake by full-span Braking system feathering of individual blades; mechanical disk brake on high-speed shaft which has two hydraulic calipers Yaw system active electric externally geared slewring; passive friction brake Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) The following table describes this turbine's major characteristics. Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Type, number of blades, rotor orientation horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine Rated power 2,126 kw Rotor diameter; swept area m; 8,000 m 2 Operational rotation rate 6.0 to 16.0 rpm; variable speed Hub height; tower type 99.5 m; steel tubular tower Power regulation pitch regulation with variable speed Cut-in wind speed 4 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 19

101 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,126 kw) Rated wind speed 12 to 13 ms -1 Gearbox yes; 3 stage planetary/helical Generator; speed asynchronous with squirrel-cage rotor, without slip rings; variable speed Turbine transformer internal transformer aerodynamic primary brake by full-span Braking system feathering of individual blades; mechanical disk brake on high-speed shaft which has two hydraulic calipers Yaw system active electric externally geared slewring; passive friction brake Melancthon Wind Facility There are 21 GE Wind 1.5sle turbines in the Melancthon Wind Facility within 5,000 m of any Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project receptors. All of these turbines have been included in the present assessment. The following table describes the turbine's major characteristics. GE Wind 1.5sle Type, number of blades, rotor orientation horizontal-axis, 3-bladed, upwind wind turbine Rated power 1,500 kw Rotor diameter; swept area 77.0 m; 4,657 m 2 Operational rotation rate 10.1 to 20.4 rpm; variable speed Hub height; tower type 80.0 m; steel tubular tower Individual full span pitch control; variable speed Power regulation with pulse-width modulated IGBT frequency converter Cut-in wind speed 3.5 ms -1 Cut-out wind speed 25 ms -1 Rated wind speed 12 ms -1 Gearbox yes; 3 stage planetary/helical Generator; speed Asynchronous; double fed induction; 1,500 to 1,800 rpm Turbine transformer External transformer; step-up transformer on concrete pad at the base of the turbine Braking system aerodynamic primary brake by feathering blades; emergency hydraulic disc brake Yaw system electromechanical 20

102 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Transformer Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project A single transformer is proposed for the single substation included in this project. The substation location is shown in Figure 2-1 as Tr119. At the present stage of this project, Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. states that only limited information is available for the transformer. Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. has undertaken to provide a full description of the substation and transformer as soon as details are finalized. Noise characteristics and additional details are provided in Section Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project There is a pair of Northern Transformer Incorporated 7.5/10.0 MVA ONAN/ONAF transformers located at the GVWFP1&2 substation. These are shown in Figure 2-1 as Tr25 and Tr26. There are only limited details of these transformers available in the GVWFP1&2 project noise assessment report (HGC Engineering, 2011). Noise characteristics and additional details of these transformers are given in Section Melancthon Wind Facility There are two collocated transformers at one substation in the Melancthon Wind Facility. These are shown in Figure 2-1 as Tr504 and Tr505. There are only limited details available in the project noise assessment reports (Helimax Energy Inc., 2006, 2007) for the MWF. However, it has been determined that both transformers are presently 100 MVA Siemens TP-720 models. (The firstinstalled transformer had been replaced in 2008.) It is also understood that both transformers are now surrounded by a single, continuous acoustic barrier. The operating voltages of the transformers are 34.5 kv (low side) and 230 kv (high side). The transformers are each rated at 100 MVA. Noise characteristics and additional details of these transformers are given in Section

103 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision NOISE EMISSION RATINGS 5.1 Turbine Noise Definition Standard The commonly accepted global wind turbine noise definition Standard is IEC (IEC, 2002). The MoE (2008) Guidelines require that,...acoustic emission information must be determined and reported in accordance with the international standard CAN/CSA-C Fortunately, these two Standards are completely equivalent as confirmed in the preamble to the description of the CAN/CSA-C Standard (CSA, 2007) as follows. CSA Preface This is the first edition of CAN/CSA-C , Wind turbine generator systems - Part 11: Acoustic noise measurement techniques, which is an adoption without modification of the identically titled IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standard (edition 2:2002 consolidated with amendment 1:2006). At the time of publication, IEC :2002+A1:2006 is available from IEC in English only. CSA will publish the French version when it becomes available from IEC. In this report, the IEC and CAN/CSA-C Standards have been used interchangeably. 5.2 Wind Turbines Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,772 kw) turbine source sound power level broadband data for 10 m wind speeds of 4 to 12 ms -1 to cut-out (25 ms -1 ) and octave band data for 10 m wind speeds of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1 were provided in Siemens Wind Power A/S documentation supplied by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. This documentation is shown in Section 13 (Appendix B). The broadband and octave band noise information was used with a power law wind shear exponent of 0.50 (see below for derivation) to synthesize / interpolate / 22

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107 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) turbine source sound power level broadband data for 10 m wind speeds of 3 ms -1 to turbine cutout (25 ms -1 ) and octave band data for 10 m wind speeds of 6 and 8 ms -1 were provided in Siemens A/S documentation supplied by Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. The documentation confirms that the source noise values were obtained...with reference to the code IEC with amendment 1 dated This documentation is shown in Section 13 (Appendix B). The broadband and octave band noise information was used with the site-specific power law wind shear exponent of 0.50 (see below for derivation) to synthesize / interpolate / extrapolate octave band source sound power levels for 10 m a.g.l. wind speeds of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1 for use in the ISO estimates of receptor noise levels. Siemens states in a private communication (A. Jensen, 2011/01/10), The Wind test Report WT 4498/05 [see Windtest, 2005 in References] for the SWT wind turbine generator is relevant for assessment of the SWT wind turbine generator tonality as the nacelle and frequency converter are identical for both the SWT and the SWT There are no other components on the SWT that result in ascertainable tonalities determined in accordance with IEC No tonal penalty has been applied to this turbine. The 10 m a.g.l. broadband and octave band source sound power levels for the Siemens SWT (Max Power 2,221 kw) turbine for a hub height of 99.5 m are shown in Table 5-3. Note that the Manufacturer s emission levels for octave band source sound power levels were provided only for 6 and 8 ms -1. For 7 ms -1, octave band sound power levels have been interpolated; the 9 and 10 ms -1 sound power levels have been set equal to the 8 ms -1 sound power levels. 26

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111 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision adjustments for hub-height winds speeds with respect to determination of Adjusted emission levels. 5.4 Substations Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Substation As noted above, only limited details are available at this time for the transformer source noise for the GVWFP3 substation. However, Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. has undertaken to ensure that the procurement specification for this transformer will stipulate a maximum broadband source sound power level of 88 dba. In addition, Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. may choose to further mitigate the transformer noise transmission with sound barriers. Grand Valley Wind Farms Inc. has also undertaken to transmit all required information to the Ministry as soon as it is available. For design purposes, octave band source sound power levels characteristic of a typical power transformer were adjusted to reflect the specified broadband level (88 dba). They are listed in Error: Reference source not found along with source sound power levels that include a 5 db tonal penalty (for all octave bands, for an overall penalty of 5 db). The tonal penalty was included in this assessment. No attenuation due to sound barriers has been included in this assessment. As noted above, noise (including the tonal penalty) from this substation transformer was used in all calculations. Table 5-6 GVWFP3 transformer acoustic emissions summary. Make and Model: To be finalized Operating voltage: 34.5 / 230 kv Rating: 45 MVA Core tank size: To be finalized Source height (m): 4.0 (to be finalized) Source location: outside Sound characteristics: steady, tonal Noise control measures: uncontrolled Frequency Source sound power level Tonal penalty (Hz) (dblin) (db) (dblin) Broadband (dba) Net source sound power level

112 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 1 & 2 Wind Farm Project Substation There is a pair of Northern Transformer Incorporated 7.5/10.0 MVA ONAN/ONAF transformers located at the GVWFP1&2 substation. Only limited noise information with respect to those transformers is available from that project s noise assessment report (HGC Engineering, 2011). However, it is known that it was designed to a limiting broadband source sound power level of approximately 88.4 dba. A summary of the acoustic emissions characteristics as provided in that project s noise assessment report is contained in Table 5-7. Noise (including the tonal penalty) from these transformers was used in all calculations Melancthon Wind Facility Substation Only limited information with respect to the pair of Melancthon Wind Facility transformers is available from that project s noise assessment reports (Helimax Energy Inc., 2006, 2007). However, it has been determined that both transformers are presently 100 MVA Siemens TP-720 models. (The first-installed transformer had been replaced in 2008.) It is also understood that both transformers are now surrounded by a single, continuous acoustic barrier. It is known (Helimax Energy Inc., 2006) that the original design of the project included a transformer broadband source sound power level specification of 83 dba, so, for design purposes, octave band source sound power levels characteristic of a typical power transformer were adjusted to reflect this specified broadband level. They are listed in Table 5-8 along with source sound power levels that include a 5 db tonal penalty (for all octave bands, for an overall penalty of 5 db). The tonal penalty was included in this assessment. No attenuation due to sound barriers for these transformers has been included in this assessment. Noise from these transformers was used in all calculations. Table 5-7 GVWFP1&2 transformer acoustic emissions summary. Make and Model: Northern Transformer Incorporated. ONAN/ONAF Sealed Transformer Operating voltage: 34.5 / 44 kv Rating: 7.5 / 10 MVA Core tank size: 5,978 l Source height (m): Unknown (4.0 used) Source location: outside Sound characteristics: steady, tonal Noise control measures: uncontrolled Frequency Source sound power level Tonal penalty (Hz) (dblin) (db) (dblin) Broadband (dba) Net source sound power level

113 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table 5-8 Melancthon WF transformer acoustic emissions summary. Make and Model: Siemens TP-720 AC power transformer Operating voltage: 34.5 kv / 230 kv Rating: 100 MVA Core tank size: Unknown Source height (m): Unknown (4.0 used) Source location: outside Sound characteristics: steady, tonal Noise control measures: acoustic barrier Frequency Source sound power level Tonal penalty (Hz) (dblin) (db) (dblin) Broadband (dba) Net source sound power level

114 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision IMPACT ASSESSMENT 6.1 Methodology Cumulative turbine and transformer sound levels were estimated at each of the receptors using the methodology of the ISO Standard (ISO, 1996). Wind turbine and transformer (where existent) octave band and A-weighted sound power values, standardized meteorological conditions, turbine/transformer locations, receptor / VLSR / participant locations, and characteristics were used to determine the A-weighted sound pressure levels at all receptors. 6.2 Specific Parameters a) Analysis was carried out for turbine source sound power levels in eight octave bands (63 to 8,000 Hz) corresponding to 10 m (a.g.l.) ambient wind speeds of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ms -1. b) ISO parameters, as prescribed in the MoE (2008) Noise Guidelines were set as follows: Ambient air temperature: 10 C Ambient humidity: 70 % The required atmospheric attenuation coefficients to be used in the ISO modelling of noise propagation are prescribed in MoE (2008). These have been used in the present assessment, and are shown in the following table. Atmospheric Absorption Coefficients Centre Octave Band Frequency (Hz) Atmospheric Absorption Coefficient (db/km) from MoE (2008)

115 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision c) The ISO Standard term for Ground Attenuation was calculated using the General Method (Section of the Standard). Ground factors were assigned the following values. Source ground factor: 1.0 (soft ground) Middle ground factor: 0.8 (soft ground) Receptor ground factor: 0.5 (hard/soft ground) 6.3 Additional parameters and conditions Sound pressure levels were not calculated for any receptor for which there was no GVWFP3 turbine or transformer (if existent) closer than 1,500 m. For any receptor, turbines or transformers (if existent) further than 5,000 m away were not included in the calculations. No additional adjustments were made for wind speed or direction since the ISO Standard assumes worst-case conditions for these parameters with respect to noise impact. 6.4 Results Results are reported in Tables 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 found in Section 7 and the noise level isopleth map of Section 8. As a brief summary, Table 6-1 below is a sorted list of the receptors and VLSRs with the 25 highest sound pressure levels determined in the analysis. 34

116 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table 6-1 Highest noise levels at receptors. Receptor ID SPrL (dba) Height (m) Nearest Turbine Project / Other Distance (m) R T8 O 552 R T6 O 597 V T6 O 715 R T6 O 652 R Tr119 P 579 V T107 P 596 R T120 P 569 R T8 O 655 R T6 O 600 R T8 O 662 R Tr119 P 373 R T115 P 560 R T120 P 578 R T114 P 581 V T120 P 568 R T8 O 692 R T112 P 568 R T8 O 653 V T8 O 736 R T115 P 610 V T115 P 645 R T115 P 706 R T8 O 650 V T106 P 691 V T107 P 599 V T110 P 555 WindFarm layout file: VGV11-Trbn-WFL018-SWT-3p0-113.csv 35

117 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision NOISE LEVEL SUMMARY TABLES Table 7-1 Receptor noise level summary table. Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) R2 Receptor T R3 Receptor T R4 Receptor T R5 Receptor T R6 Receptor T R8 Receptor T R10 Receptor T R11 Receptor T R12 Receptor T R13 Receptor T R14 Receptor T R15 Receptor T R16 Receptor T R17 Receptor T R18 Receptor T R19 Receptor T R22 Receptor T R26 Receptor T R34 Receptor T R44 Receptor T R45 Receptor T R48 Receptor T R50 Receptor T R51 Receptor T R52 Receptor T R55 Receptor T R58 Receptor T R72 Receptor T R76 Receptor T R77 Receptor T

118 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) R78 Receptor T R80 Receptor T R86 Receptor T R89 Receptor T R93 Receptor T R95 Receptor T R97 Receptor T R99 Receptor T R100 Receptor T R101 Receptor T R103 Receptor T R109 Receptor T R112 Receptor T R113 Receptor T R117 Receptor T R118 Receptor T R119 Receptor T R120 Receptor T R122 Receptor T R124 Receptor T R128 Receptor T R134 Receptor T R136 Receptor T R139 Receptor T R140 Receptor T R143 Receptor T R145 Receptor T R146 Receptor T R148 Receptor T R149 Receptor T R152 Receptor T R156 Receptor T R157 Receptor T R158 Receptor T R159 Receptor T R161 Receptor T R164 Receptor T R165 Receptor T R169 Receptor T R171 Receptor T R173 Receptor T R174 Receptor T R177 Receptor T R179 Receptor T R182 Receptor T R184 Receptor T R190 Receptor Tr R194 Receptor T R198 Receptor T

119 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) R199 Receptor T R202 Receptor Tr R206 Church Tr R210 Receptor Tr R215 Receptor T R216 Receptor T R217 Receptor T R219 Receptor T R222 Receptor T R226 Receptor T R230 Receptor T R231 Receptor T R232 Receptor T R233 Receptor T R235 Receptor T R236 Receptor T R238 Receptor T R239 Receptor T R241 Receptor T R243 Receptor T R244 Receptor T R245 Receptor T R248 Receptor T R249 Receptor T R253 Receptor T R254 Receptor T R258 Receptor T R263 Receptor T R270 Receptor T R304 Receptor T R305 Receptor T R306 Receptor T R307 Receptor T R308 Receptor T R310 Receptor T R311 Receptor T R312 Receptor T R313 Receptor T R673 Receptor T R1555 Receptor Tr

120 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table 7-2 Vacant lot surrogate receptor noise level summary table. Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) V360 VLSR T V361 VLSR T V366 VLSR T V367 VLSR T V374 VLSR T V408 VLSR T V409 VLSR T V410 VLSR T V411 VLSR T V412 VLSR T V414 VLSR T V415 VLSR T V416 VLSR T V429 VLSR T V446 VLSR T V481 VLSR T V482 VLSR T V483 VLSR T V484 VLSR T V528 VLSR T V608 VLSR T V613 VLSR T V614 VLSR T V617 VLSR T V618 VLSR T V620 VLSR T V621 VLSR T V627 VLSR T V668 VLSR T V671 VLSR T V672 VLSR T V674 VLSR T V677 VLSR T V687 VLSR T V692 VLSR T V693 VLSR T V725 VLSR T V726 VLSR T V727 VLSR T V731 VLSR T V732 VLSR T V733 VLSR T V734 VLSR T V735 VLSR T V1136 VLSR T

121 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Point of Reception ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) Sound Level Limit (dba) V1137 VLSR T V1138 VLSR T V1433 VLSR T V1436 VLSR T V1487 VLSR T V1493 VLSR T V1496 VLSR T V1512 VLSR T V1519 VLSR T V1521 VLSR T V1526 VLSR T V1527 VLSR T V1528 VLSR T V1531 VLSR T V1544 VLSR T V1546 VLSR T V1553 VLSR T V1556 VLSR T V1557 VLSR T V1519 VLSR T V1521 VLSR T V1526 VLSR T V1527 VLSR T V1528 VLSR T V1529 VLSR T V1530 VLSR T V1531 VLSR T V1544 VLSR T V1546 VLSR T V1547 VLSR T V1553 VLSR T V1556 VLSR T V1557 VLSR T

122 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Table 7-3 Participant noise level summary table. Participating Receptor ID Description Height (m) Distance to Nearest Turbine (m) Nearest Turbine ID Calculated Sound Level at Selected Wind Speeds (dba) P75 Receptor T P98 Receptor T P111 Receptor T P123 Receptor T P125 Receptor T P193 Receptor Tr P204 Receptor T P271 Receptor T

123 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision NOISE LEVEL ISOPLETH MAP Figure 8-1 is a noise-level isopleth map of the A-weighted 40 dba sound pressure levels (dba) generated by all qualified sources over the project region. Note that this map does not correspond to any specific 10 m a.g.l. wind speed. This is because the MoE predictable worst case (or equivalent for neighbouring turbines) octave band source sound power levels have been used for the project and neighbouring turbine types (see Section 5.2 ). The noise levels are calculated for receptors with 1.5 m (1 storey) and 4.5 m (2 storeys) heights. 42

124 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Figure dba noise isopleth map for 1.5 and 4.5 m receptor heights. 43

125 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision EXAMPLE CALCULATION 9.1 Method of Calculation The calculation of cumulative receptor noise levels from turbines and transformers uses the methodology of ISO (ISO, 1996). The calculation is based on equation (5) from ISO shown here: where L AT (DW) is the equivalent continuous A-weighted downwind sound pressure level at a receptor location, n is the number of turbines, A f (j) is the standard A-weighting for octave band j, j is an index indicating the eight standard octave-band mid-band frequencies from 63 Hz to 8 khz, L ft (ij) L ft (DW) is the equivalent continuous downwind octave-band sound pressure level at a receptor location for turbine i and octave band j, and is given by where L AT DW =10 log 10{ i=1 L W is the octave-band sound power level, in decibels, produced by the point sound source relative to a reference sound power of one picowatt, D C is the directivity correction in decibels, n L ft DW = L W D C A [ [ L ft ij A f j=1 j ]]} 44

126 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision A is the octave-band attenuation, in decibels, that occurs during propagation from the turbine to receptor, and is given by where A div is the attenuation due to geometrical divergence, A atm is the attenuation due to atmospheric absorption, A gr is the attenuation due to the ground effect, A bar is the attenuation due to a barrier, A misc is the attenuation due to miscellaneous other effects, A atm is given by A= A div A atm A gr A bar A misc A = d 1000 where α is the atmospheric attenuation coefficient, in decibels per kilometre, for each octave band at the midband frequency, d is the distance from the turbine to the receptor. Note also that A bar and A misc are not used here. 9.1 Example The following sample calculation presents intermediate octave-band results of calculations for A- weighted sound pressure levels. All model parameters are the same as previously tabulated. Table 9-1 lists the intermediate sound pressure levels calculated at receptor R112 due to the single turbine T115. Receptor and turbine are separated by 560 m. Note Table 9-1 Sample calculation for receptor and turbine. Intermediate calculations for receptor R112 and turbine T115 Mid-band Octave frequency L ft (DW) band (Hz) L W (dba) A div (db) A atm (db) A gr (db) (dba)

127 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision that the resultant A-weighted sound pressure level at R112 due to turbine T115 alone is 36.0 dba. In the table: L W is the octave-band sound power level, in decibels, produced by the point sound source relative to a reference sound power of one picowatt, A div is the attenuation due to geometrical divergence, A atm is the attenuation due to atmospheric absorption, A gr is the attenuation due to the ground effect,l ft (DW) is the equivalent continuous downwind octave-band sound pressure level. Table 9-2 shows intermediate octave band values of the calculations for the A- weighted sound pressure levels at receptor R112 due to all turbines and transformers (if existent) within 5,000 m of the receptor. The resultant A-weighted sound pressure level at R112 due to all turbines is 38.6 dba. Table 9-2 Sample calculation for single receptor and multiple turbines. Turbine ID Distance (m) Intermediate calculations for R112 and multiple turbines Turbine L ft contribution (db) in frequency band (Hz) Turbine L AT (dba) T T T T T T T

128 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision CONCLUSIONS This noise impact assessment for the proposed Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project has determined that the estimated sound pressure levels at receptors and vacant lot surrogate receptors (VLSRs) in the project area comply with the Ontario Ministry of Environment sound level limits at all qualified points of reception. 47

129 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision REFERENCES Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 2007: CAN/CSA-C Wind Turbine Generator Systems Part 11: Acoustic Noise Measurement Techniques (Adopted IEC : A1:2006, edition 2.1, ). Government of Ontario, 1990: Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E Government of Ontario, 1990: Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E Government of Ontario, 2009: Green Energy Act, 2009, search=browsestatutes&context=#bk7 Government of Ontario, 2009b: Ontario Regulation 359/09, made under the Environmental Protection Act, Renewable Energy Approvals under Part V.0.1 of the Act b33d386b4/1/frame/?search=browseStatutes&context= Government of Ontario, 2010, O.Reg. 521/10 made under the Environmental Protection Act amending O.Reg. 359/09. Government of Ontario, 2011, O.Reg. 231/11 made under the Environmental Protection Act amending O.Reg. 359/09. Government of Ontario, 2012, O.Reg. 195/12 made under the Environmental Protection Act amending O.Reg. 359/09. Helimax Energy Inc., 2006: Environmental Noise Impact Assessment, Melancthon II Project. GL Garrad Hassan Canada Inc., 4100 rue Molson, Bureau 100, Montréal, Quebec, H1Y 3N1. Tel Fax

130 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Helimax Energy Inc., 2007: Environmental Noise Impact Assessment Addendum, Melancthon II Project. GL Garrad Hassan Canada Inc., 4100 rue Molson, Bureau 100, Montréal, Quebec, H1Y 3N1. Tel Fax HGC Engineering, 2011: Grand Valley Wind Farm Project, Grand Valley Ontario. Howe Gastmeier Chapnik Limited, 2000 Argentia Road, Plaza 1, Suite 203, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 1P7. Tel HGC Engineering, 2013: Private on 2013/02/01 from HGC Engineering including spreadsheet listing of receptors, participants, and VLSRs from original Grand Valley Wind Farm Phase 1 & 2 Noise Assessment Report. Howe Gastmeier Chapnik Limited, 2000 Argentia Road, Plaza 1, Suite 203, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 1P7. Tel International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 2002: International Standard, Wind turbine generator systems Part 11: Acoustic noise measurement techniques. Second edition International Standards Organization (ISO), 1993: International Standard: Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors Part 1: Calculation of the absorption of sound by the atmosphere. International Standards Organization (ISO), 1996: International Standard: Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors Part 2: General method of calculation. Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MoE), 1995a: Sound Level Limits for Stationary Sources in Class 1 & 2 Areas (Urban) Publication NPC-205. October Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MoE), 1995b: Sound Level Limits for Stationary Sources in Class 3 Areas (Rural) Publication NPC-232. October Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MoE), 2008: MoE Noise Guidelines for Wind Farms; Interpretation for Applying MOE NPC Publications to Wind Power Generation Facilities. October pp. Windtest, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog GmbH, 2005: Report of acoustical emissions of a Siemens wind turbine generator system of the type 2.3 MW Mk II near Hovsore in Denmark. September Report WT 4498/05. 49

131 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision APPENDIX A TURBINE, RECEPTOR, VACANT LOT AND PARTICIPANT LOCATIONS This appendix contains lists of turbine, receptor, vacant lot surrogate receptor (VLSR), and participant locations. Coordinates are given in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 17 North projection. The datum is North American Datum 1983 (NAD83, Canada). Turbines Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17N Equipment Identifier Make and Model X(E,m) Y(N,m) Remarks T2 Siemens SWT (MP2126kW) GVWFP1&2 T3 Siemens SWT (MP2126kW) GVWFP1&2 T5 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T6 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T8 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T13 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T15 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T23 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T24 Siemens SWT (MP2221kW) GVWFP1&2 T101 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T102 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T103 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T104 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T105 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T106 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T107 Siemens SWT (MP26480kW) GVWFP3 T108 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T109 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 50

132 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision T110 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T112 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T113 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T114 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T115 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T117 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T118 Siemens SWT (MP27720kW) GVWFP3 T120 Siemens SWT (MP26480kW) GVWFP3 T352 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T354 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T355 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T356 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T357 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T359 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T360 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T361 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T364 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T365 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T366 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T367 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T368 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T369 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T370 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T371 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T377 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T401 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T402 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T502 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF T503 GE Wind 1.5sle Melancthon WF Transformer Stations Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17N Equipment Identifier Make and Model X(E,m) Y(N,m) Remarks Tr119 To be determined GVWFP3 Tr25 Northern Transformer GVWFP1&2 Tr26 Northern Transformer GVWFP1&2 Tr504 Siemens TP Melancthon WF Tr505 Siemens TP Melancthon WF Points of Reception (Receptors) Table - Point of Reception Locations Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17N Point of Reception Height NPC ID Description (m) Class X(E,m) Y(N,m) R2 Receptor R3 Receptor R4 Receptor R5 Receptor R6 Receptor

133 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision R8 Receptor R10 Receptor R11 Receptor R12 Receptor R13 Receptor R14 Receptor R15 Receptor R16 Receptor R17 Receptor R18 Receptor R19 Receptor R22 Receptor R26 Receptor R34 Receptor R44 Receptor R45 Receptor R48 Receptor R50 Receptor R51 Receptor R52 Receptor R55 Receptor R58 Receptor R72 Receptor R76 Receptor R77 Receptor R78 Receptor R80 Receptor R86 Receptor R89 Receptor R93 Receptor R95 Receptor R97 Receptor R99 Receptor R100 Receptor R101 Receptor R103 Receptor R109 Receptor R112 Receptor R113 Receptor R117 Receptor R118 Receptor R119 Receptor R120 Receptor R122 Receptor R124 Receptor R128 Receptor R134 Receptor R136 Receptor R139 Receptor R140 Receptor R143 Receptor R145 Receptor R146 Receptor R148 Receptor R149 Receptor R152 Receptor R156 Receptor R157 Receptor R158 Receptor R159 Receptor

134 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision R161 Receptor R164 Receptor R165 Receptor R169 Receptor R171 Receptor R173 Receptor R174 Receptor R177 Receptor R179 Receptor R182 Receptor R184 Receptor R190 Receptor R194 Receptor R198 Receptor R199 Receptor R202 Receptor R206 Church R210 Receptor R215 Receptor R216 Receptor R217 Receptor R219 Receptor R222 Receptor R226 Receptor R230 Receptor R231 Receptor R232 Receptor R233 Receptor R235 Receptor R236 Receptor R238 Receptor R239 Receptor R241 Receptor R243 Receptor R244 Receptor R245 Receptor R248 Receptor R249 Receptor R253 Receptor R254 Receptor R258 Receptor R263 Receptor R270 Receptor R304 Receptor R305 Receptor R306 Receptor R307 Receptor R308 Receptor R310 Receptor R311 Receptor R312 Receptor R313 Receptor R673 Receptor R1555 Receptor

135 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision Vacant Lot Surrogate Receptors Table - Vacant Lot Surrogate Receptor Locations Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17 Point of Reception Height NPC ID Description (m) Class X(E,m) Y(N,m) V360 VLSR V361 VLSR V366 VLSR V367 VLSR V374 VLSR V408 VLSR V409 VLSR V410 VLSR V411 VLSR V412 VLSR V414 VLSR V415 VLSR V416 VLSR V429 VLSR V446 VLSR V481 VLSR V482 VLSR V483 VLSR V484 VLSR V528 VLSR V608 VLSR V613 VLSR V614 VLSR V617 VLSR V618 VLSR V620 VLSR V621 VLSR V627 VLSR V668 VLSR V671 VLSR V672 VLSR V674 VLSR V677 VLSR V687 VLSR V692 VLSR V693 VLSR V725 VLSR V726 VLSR V727 VLSR V731 VLSR V732 VLSR V733 VLSR V734 VLSR V735 VLSR V1136 VLSR V1137 VLSR V1138 VLSR V1433 VLSR V1436 VLSR

136 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision V1487 VLSR V1493 VLSR V1496 VLSR V1512 VLSR V1519 VLSR V1521 VLSR V1526 VLSR V1527 VLSR V1528 VLSR V1531 VLSR V1544 VLSR V1546 VLSR V1553 VLSR V1556 VLSR V1557 VLSR Participating Receptors (Participants) Table - Participating Receptor Locations Project Name: Grand Valley Wind Farms Phase 3 Wind Project Datum and Projection: NAD83 (Canada); UTM 17N Point of Reception Height NPC ID Description (m) Class X(E,m) Y(N,m) P75 Receptor P98 Receptor P111 Receptor P123 Receptor P125 Receptor P193 Receptor P204 Receptor P271 Receptor

137 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision APPENDIX B ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION The following documents have been included in this Appendix. Siemens Wind Power A/S: SWT , Rev.0, Max. Power 2772 kw Acoustic Emission, Hub Height 99.5 m Ontario - Canada This document provides broadband and octave band data for this model of the GVWFP3 project turbines. Siemens Wind Power A/S: SWT , Rev. 0, Max. Power 2648 kw Acoustic Emission, Hub Height 99.5 m Ontario - Canada This document provides broadband and octave band data for this model of the GVWFP3 project turbines. Siemens Wind Power A/S: SWT , Max. Power 2221 kw Contract Acoustic Emission, Hub Height 99.5 m. This document provides broadband and octave band data for this model of the GVWFP1&2 project turbines. Siemens Wind Power A/S: SWT , Max. Power 2126 kw Contract Acoustic Emission, Hub Height 99.5 m. This document provides broadband and octave band data for this model of the GVWFP1&2 project turbines. Siemens Energy Inc.: Letter from Anders J. Jensen This letter provides a statement re. tonality for SWT turbines. 56

138 GRAND VALLEY WIND FARMS PHASE 3 WIND PROJECT Noise Assessment Report Revision GE Energy: Technical Documentation Wind turbine Generator System GE 1.5sl/sle 50 & 60 Hz Noise emission characteristics Normal operation according to IEC This document provides broadband, octave band, and tonality data for the Melancthon Wind Facility turbines. Note that for economy of space, three uninformative pages of this document have been omitted. 57

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