Request for Quotations Acoustic Consultant Services DESCRIPTION The Cape Cod Commission is seeking an experienced, qualified acoustic consultant to assist the Commission in developing a methodology for wind turbine sound propagation modeling for projects under review as Developments of Regional Impact (DRI). This methodology would become part of a technical bulletin that will assist applicants for Wind Energy Conversion Facility projects. DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT (DRI) REVIEW PROCESS The Cape Cod Commission is a regional planning and regulatory agency for all fifteen towns within Barnstable County. The Cape Cod Commission has regulatory review authority over proposed development projects that exceed thresholds identified in Barnstable County Ordinance 90-12, the DRI Enabling Regulations. The Commission s regulatory review must be completed within specific timeframes governed by the Cape Cod Commission Act and is guided by the Regional Policy Plan (RPP) for Barnstable County. Projects reviewed as DRIs must comply with the RPP s goals and minimum performance standards to be considered for approval. The RPP was recently amended to include Minimum Performance Standards (MPS) for Wind Energy Conversion Facilities (WECFs). The standards address Clear Area setbacks, Noise, Shadow Flicker, Decommissioning, Municipal Waivers and Visual Impacts. These standards will be applied to wind energy projects that undergo Development of Regional Impact (DRI) review. Request for Quotations Acoustic Consultant Page 1
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR WIND ENERGY FACILITIES E1.7 CLEAR AREA All WECFs shall maintain a Clear Area surrounding the base of the turbine equal to at least 1.5 times the height of the WECF, or the WECF manufacturer s fall zone, setback, or clear area specification, whichever is greater. The Clear Area setback shall be measured from the base of the turbine. E1.8 NOISE All Applicants for a WECF greater than 660 KW shall perform a noise study and fund a Cape Cod Commission approved consultant s review of the noise study, and adhere to a setback of 10 times the rotor diameter of the proposed turbine from the nearest receptor, or residentially zoned parcel, unless the applicant can demonstrate through a noise study, to the satisfaction of the Cape Cod Commission, that the projected sound levels, including both ambient and infrasound, would result in minimal impacts to occupants within a reduced setback. All DRIs shall, after consulting with the Commission s noise consultant, prepare a plan which specifies reduced operating procedures, including decommissioning plans, which address and mitigate noise complaints that may arise during operation of the WECF. Components of a noise study can be found in Technical Bulletin 11-001. E1.9 SHADOW FLICKER All Applicants for a WECF shall conduct an impact study of shadow flicker on receptors which will be affected by the proposed WECF. All DRIs with shadow flicker effects on receptors shall require the Applicant to submit for review and approval by the Commission a mitigation plan which specifies operational controls, landscaping, or other means that mitigate shadow flicker events to less than 10 hours per year. E1.10 DECOMMISSIONING Any WECF that has not been operational for more than 120 consecutive days shall be dismantled and removed from the site by the owner, Page 2 Request for Quotations Acoustic Consultant
operator, and/or other parties as designated by the decommissioning plan unless a written waiver is obtained for good cause shown from the Cape Cod Commission s Executive Director. The Applicant shall also provide security in a form and amount satisfactory to the Cape Cod Commission. The security shall cover over the life the WECF the cost of decommissioning and removing any abandoned or damaged WECF. This security shall be in place and payable to the Town or Commission on demand for the life of the WECF. All WECF DRI decisions shall contain a written decommissioning plan, which also addresses removal of the meteorological (or met ) tower. E1.11 MUNICIPAL WECF WAIVER Because of the procedural, legal and political safeguards applicable to town appropriations and the use of town-owned land, Minimum Performance Standards E1.8 E1.10 shall not apply to one Municipal WECF 250 KW or less on a single parcel. SCOPE OF WORK The Cape Cod Commission is preparing to develop a Technical Bulletin to offer guidance to DRI applicants seeking compliance with the minimum performance standards for WEFs, and is seeking the expertise of an acoustical consultant to assist in developing aspects of the bulletin that relate to the noise standard (MPS E1.8). Specifically, the acoustic consultant will be tasked with developing a methodology for applicant s conducting a wind turbine sound propagation study which will address the following minimum considerations: Sound power and sound pressure levels Aerodynamic noise Wind shear Sound characteristics of stall regulated vs. pitch regulated turbine technology Best practices for defining community noise levels Request for Quotations Acoustic Consultant Page 3
Defining ambient noise levels and acceptable levels above ambient Consideration for differences in daytime and nighttime sound characteristics Appropriate types of, and locations for, sound equipment receptors Acceptable duration and time of year for data collection Intervals at which measurements are taken Acceptable ranges of audible and low frequency sound, and infrasound Mitigation options for unanticipated noise impacts A Literature Review supporting recommendations An Advisory Committee will be assembled to develop other aspects of the bulletin; however this group will have a considerable interest in development of the methodology for wind turbine sound propagation studies. It is expected that the acoustical consultant will work both independently, and assist this Advisory Committee. DELIVERABLES A written report, in Technical Bulletin format, detailing the methodology for wind turbine sound propagation modeling to support MPS E1.8. PROJECT SCHEDULE The Commission anticipates four-to-five (4-5) meetings of the Advisory Committee, one to two (1 2) hours in duration each, of which the acoustic consultant would attend no less than two (2). The first meeting would serve as the kick-off meeting, and would include a presentation by the acoustic consultant. The final meeting of the Advisory Committee would entail a second presentation by the acoustic consultant of the draft sound propagation methodology in a prescribed format. Consultation with Commission staff will occur on-going, as needed. The timeline for completing the technical bulletin, including the wind turbine sound Page 4 Request for Quotations Acoustic Consultant
propagation study methodology, is three (3) months, beginning July 1 st, 2011. Upon award of the contract, the consultant will meet with Commission staff to refine the scope of work, schedule, and deliverables. The Commission may seek additional services in the future, as needed, under separate contract. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR FIRMS SUBMITTING QUOTES: 1. Demonstrated knowledge of the acoustic factors that pertain to wind turbine projects including direct drive turbine technology, sound pressure and sound power levels, low frequency and infrasound, and ambient noise level measurements. 2. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing, and through graphic presentation. 3. Key personnel should include a registered acoustic engineer with a minimum of five (5) years experience. 4. Satisfactory references. 5. No conflict of interest on any matter under Commission review or consideration. The above list in no way limits the Cape Cod Commission s ability to make such investigation as it deems necessary to determine the qualifications of any responding firm and its ability to do the work. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: 1. A description of the firm s history and experience with respect to work similar to that being requested, particularly for a municipal or public entity. 1. Samples of work similar to the scope of work above from at least five (5) clients, three (3) of which must be municipal or public entities including contact name, address and phone number. 3. Resume(s) of all personnel assigned to the project. Request for Quotations Acoustic Consultant Page 5
4. Cost quotation. Quotations should represent the total cost to complete the work including travel, all presentations, equipment and materials. Quotations should also specify the hourly rate(s) of project personnel and estimate of level of effort for each. SUBMISSION OF QUOTATIONS Quotations may be mailed or e-mailed to: Ryan Christenberry, Planner Cape Cod Commission P.O. Box 226 Barnstable, MA 02630 508.362.3828 rchristenberry@capecodcommission.org Questions may be directed to the staff contact listed above. Copies of the Regional Policy Plan and sample Technical Bulletins are available on the Cape Cod Commission website at www.capecodcommission.org Quotations must be received on or before 3:30 PM, June 8, 2011. CONSULTANT SELECTION A contract will be awarded on the basis of the lowest cost quotation from a qualified individual/firm. Page 6 Request for Quotations Acoustic Consultant