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WHITLA WIND PROJECT AUC RULE 007 FACILITY APPLICATION

Attachment 7 Noise Impact Assessment October 2017

A7.1

NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Whitla Wind Project Noise Impact Assessment

Prepared for: Capital Power (Whitla) L.P.

Prepared by: Stantec Consulting Inc.

October 19, 2017

WHITLA WIND PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. I

ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................................... II

GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................... III

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1.1

2.0 ASSESSMENT AREA AND RECEPTORS ........................................................................... 2.1

3.0 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................... 3.1

4.0 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 4.1 4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE DESCRIPTORS ......................................................................... 4.1 4.2 ASSESSMENT APPROACH ................................................................................................. 4.1 4.3 FIELD MEASUREMENTS ...................................................................................................... 4.1 4.4 ACOUSTIC MODELLING ................................................................................................... 4.2

5.0 BASELINE CASE ............................................................................................................. 5.1 5.1 AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL .................................................................................................... 5.1 5.2 EXISTING REGULATED FACILITIES ..................................................................................... 5.1 5.3 BASELINE CASE SOUND LEVELS ....................................................................................... 5.2

6.0 PROJECT CASE .............................................................................................................. 6.1 6.1 NOISE EMISSION SOURCES .............................................................................................. 6.1 6.2 MODELLING RESULTS ........................................................................................................ 6.2 6.3 LOW FREQUENCY NOISE ANALYSIS ................................................................................ 6.7

7.0 APPLICATION CASE ...................................................................................................... 7.1

8.0 CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................. 8.1

9.0 ACOUSTIC PRACTITIONER’S INFORMATION ................................................................ 9.1

10.0 REFERENCES................................................................................................................. 10.1


LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Receptor Locations and Closest Wind Turbine Generator Location ................ 2.1 Table 2 Calculated Daytime and Nighttime Permissible Sound Levels .......................... 3.2 Table 3 Acoustic Modelling Parameters .............................................................................. 4.2 Table 4 Sound Power Level of Existing Regulated Facilities .............................................. 5.2 Table 5 Baseline Case Sound Levels ..................................................................................... 5.3 Table 6 Wind Turbine Generator and Substation Sound Power Level ............................ 6.1 Table 7 Project Only Noise Effect .......................................................................................... 6.5 Table 8 Low Frequency Noise Assessment ........................................................................... 6.7 Table 9 Cumulative Sound Levels Results ............................................................................ 7.1 Table 10 Noise Practitioners’ Summary .................................................................................. 9.1

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Noise Study Area ........................................................................................................ 2.5 Figure 2 Predicted Noise Contour Map – Existing Regulated Facilities ............................ 5.5 Figure 3 Predicted Noise Contour Map – Project Only ....................................................... 6.3

LIST OF APPENDICES

WIND TURBINE GENERATOR AND SUBSTATION LOCATIONS ................... A.1


i

Executive Summary

The Capital Power Whitla Wind Project is a proposed 298.8 megawatt (MW) wind power facility (the Project) located approximately 44 km south west of Medicine Hat in the County of Forty Mile, Alberta. The Project consists of 83 [83 turbine locations + 5 alternate locations] Vestas V136 – 3.6-megawatt (MW) wind turbines locations and a substation, and was selected due to its attractive wind resource. Capital Power is applying for the entire 298.8 MW Project, but intends to develop the Project in two phases. Phase I will be comprised of 56 turbines (56 turbines plus 2 alternates) for a nameplate capacity of 201.6 MW. Phase II will be comprised of 27 turbines (27 turbines plus 3 alternates) for a nameplate capacity of 97.2 MW.

There are fourty-four (44) permanent or seasonal dwellings (receptors) located within 1.5 kilometres (km) of the Project Area (Figure 1). The Project’s noise effects have been predicted at the receptors. The prediction results are compared to AUC Rule 012: Noise Control to assess compliance with the Permissible Sound Level (PSL).

Field visits were conducted on October 5 and 6, 2016 to quantify noise emission levels from existing oil and gas facilities within 3 kilometres (km) of the Project Area (Figure 1). An acoustic model was then used to determine the Baseline Case sound level from the existing oil and gas facilities at the receptors. The Baseline Case sound level at a receptor includes the ambient sound level and noise effects from the existing oil and gas facilities. Results indicate that the Baseline Case sound levels are below the daytime and nighttime PSL of 40 dBA at all receptors.

Project-only noise effects were predicted at all receptors. The Project only noise effects (Project Case) are combined with the Baseline Case sound level to determine the cumulative sound level in the Application Case. The cumulative sound level at all receptors is below the PSL. The prediction results indicate no low frequency noise (LFN) effects at all receptors. Therefore, this assessment concludes that the Project noise level meets the AUC Rule 012 requirement.


ii

Abbreviations

AER Alberta Energy Regulator ANSI American National Standards Institute ASL Ambient Sound Level AUC Alberta Utilities Commission BSL Basic Sound Level dBA A-Weighted Decibel dBC C-Weighted Decibel ISO International Organization for Standardization Leq Energy Equivalent Sound Level ONAN “O” – Oil

“N” - Natural convection “A” - Air “N” - Natural Convection

km kilometre m metre MW MVA MVAr

Megawatt Mega Volt Ampere Mega Volt Ampere - reactive

NIA Noise Impact Assessment PSL Permissible Sound Level PWL Sound Power Level re 10-12 Watt Rule 012 AUC Rule 012: Noise Control SPL Sound Pressure Level re 20 µPa WTG Wind Turbine Generator


iii

Glossary

Ambient Noise All noises that exist in an area and are not related to a facility. Ambient noise includes sound from other industrial noise not being measured, transportation sources, animals, and nature. Ambient noise is the same as background sound level

Ambient Sound Level (ASL) The ASL consists of all noise in an area that is not related to regulated facilities. This noise includes sound from other non-regulated industrial facilities, transportation sources, animals and nature. The ASL does not include any energy-related industrial component and must be measured without it. The ASL can be measured when the sound level in an area is not felt to be represented by the BSLs. The ASL must be measured under representative conditions. As with comprehensive sound levels, representative conditions do not constitute absolute worst-case conditions (i.e., the quietest day in this case) but conditions that portray typical conditions for the area

Background Sound Level (i.e., Baseline)

It includes noise from all sources other than the sound of interest (i.e., sound from other industrial noise not being measured, transportation sources, animals, and nature)

Bands (octave, 1/3 octave) A series of electronic filters separate sound into discrete frequency bands, making it possible to know how sound energy is distributed as a function of frequency. Each octave band has a centre frequency that is double the centre frequency of the octave band preceding it

Basic Sound Level (BSL) The A-weighted Leq sound level commonly observed to occur in the designated land-use categories with industrial presence. The BSL is assumed to be 5 dBA above the ASL and is set out in Table 1 of AUC Rule 012 (AUC 2017)

Category A classification of a dwelling unit in relation to transportation routes used to arrive at a BSL


iv

Class A Adjustment Consists of the sum of adjustments that account for the seasonal nature of the noise source, absence of both tonal and impulse/impact components, and the actual ASL in an area. It cannot exceed +10 dBA. The Class A adjustment is added to the BSL, the daytime adjustment, and the Class B adjustment to arrive at a permissible sound level

Class B Adjustment An adjustment based on the duration of a noisy activity that recognizes that additional noise can be tolerated if it is known that the duration will be limited. An adjustment of B1, B2, B3, or B4 may be selected as applicable

Comprehensive Sound Level (CSL)

The sound level that is a composite of different airborne sounds from many sources far away from and near the point of measurement. The CSL does include industrial components and must be measured with them, but it should exclude abnormal noise events

Daytime The hours from 07:00 to 22:00

Daytime Adjustment An adjustment that allows a 10 dBA increase because daytime sound levels are generally about 10 dBA higher than nighttime values

dB - Decibel A logarithmic unit associated with sound pressure levels and sound power levels

dBA - Decibel, A-Weighted A logarithmic unit where the recorded sound has been filtered using the A frequency weighting scale. A-weighting somewhat mimics the response of the human ear to sounds at different frequencies. A-weighted sound pressure levels are denoted by the suffix ‘A’ (i.e., dBA), and the term pressure is normally omitted from the description (i.e., sound level or noise level)

dBC - Decibel, C-Weighted The logarithmic units associated with a sound pressure level, where the sound pressure signals has been filtered using a frequency weighting. The C-weighting approximates the sensitivity of human hearing at industrial noise levels (above about 85 dBA). C-weighted sound pressure levels are denoted by the suffix ‘C’ (i.e., dBC). C-weighted levels are often used in low-frequency noise analysis, as the filtering effect is nearly flat at lower frequencies


v

Decibel Addition In acoustics, due to the logarithmic nature of the decibel scale, the addition of two or more sound pressure levels (denoted as SPL1, SPL2 … SPLn) is done as follows:

SPL1 + SPL2 + …SPLn = 10 log (10 (SPL1/10) + 10(SPL2/10) + …+ 10(SPLn/10))

As an example:

50 dB + 50 dB = 53 dB

Dwelling Unit Any permanently or seasonally occupied structure used for habitation for the purpose of human rest; including a nursing home or hospital with the exception of an employee or worker residence, dormitory, or construction camp located within an energy-related industrial plant boundary. Trailer parks and campgrounds may qualify as a dwelling if it can be demonstrated that they are in regular and consistent use.

A permanent dwelling is a fixed residence occupied on a full-time basis.

In the case of a condominium or apartment complex, each unit is considered a dwelling.

A seasonally occupied dwelling is a fixed residence that, while not being occupied on a full-time basis, is occupied on a regular basis. A regular basis does not imply a scheduled occupancy but implies use of six weeks per year or more. The dwelling must not be mobile and should have some sort of foundation or features of permanence (e.g., electrical power, domestic water supply, septic system) associated with it. Summer cottages or manufactured homes are examples of seasonally-occupied dwellings, while a holiday trailer simply pulled onto a site is not.


vi

Dwelling Unit (most affected) The most impacted dwelling(s) are those subject to the highest average weighted sound level relative to the permissible sound level.

The nearest dwelling unit may not necessarily be the one most adversely affected because of factors such as topography or man-made features. For example, the nearest dwelling unit to a facility may be located behind an intervening ridge, while a more distant dwelling unit may be in direct line of sight with the facility. Care must be taken in determining the most impacted dwelling unit

Energy Equivalent Sound Level (Leq)

An energy-average sound level taken over a specified period of time. It represents the average sound pressure encountered for the period. The time period is often added as a suffix to the label (e.g., Leq (24) for the 24-hour equivalent sound level). Leq is usually A-weighted. An Leq value expressed in dBA is a good, single value descriptor of the annoyance of noise

Frequency Number of cycles per unit of time. In acoustics frequency is expressed in hertz (Hz), i.e. cycles per second

Frequent Aircraft Flyovers Used in the assessment of categories as part of a site specific analysis for dwellings that lie within a contour area with a noise exposure forecast (NEF) 25 or greater, as designated by Transport Canada. In the absence of any NEF contours for local airport, Transport Canada is to be contacted for current air traffic statistics. In this case, to qualify for the BSL adjustment, a dwelling must be within 5 km of an airport that has a minimum of nine aircraft takeoffs or landings over the nighttime period

Heavily Travelled Road Generally includes highways and any other road where the average traffic count is at least 10 vehicles per hour over the nighttime period. It is acknowledged that highways are sometimes lightly travelled during the nighttime period, which is usually the period of greatest concern

Hertz (Hz) Unit of measurement of frequency, numerically equal to cycles per second


vii

Low Frequency Noise (LFN) Noise in the low frequency range (AUC definition), 20 Hz up to 250 Hz, where a clear tone is present below and including 250 Hz and the difference between the overall C-weighted sound level and the overall A-weighted sound level exceeds 20 dB

Nighttime the hours from 22:00 to 07:00

Noise Unwanted sound

Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) The NEF contours are site specific to each airport and take into account such factors as traffic levels, proximity to runways, flight paths, and aircraft type and size

Noise Impact Assessment (NIA)

An NIA identifies the expected sound level emanating from a facility as measured 15 m from the nearest or most impacted permanently or seasonally occupied dwelling. It also identifies what the permissible sound level is and how it was calculated

Noise Level Same as Sound Level, except applied to unwanted sounds

No Net Increase The logarithmic addition of sound pressure levels when predicting noise where the sum does not exceed the permissible sound level by more than 0.4 dB

Permanent Facility Any existing or proposed facility that will be at a location longer than two months

Permanently Occupied Dwelling

A fixed dwelling occupied on a full-time basis

Permissible Sound Level (PSL) The maximum sound level that a facility should not exceed at a point 15 m from the nearest or most impacted dwelling unit. The PSL is the sum of the BSL, daytime adjustment, Class A adjustment, and Class B adjustment

Seasonally Occupied Dwelling

A fixed dwelling that, while not being occupied on a full-time basis, is occupied on a regular basis. A regular basis does not imply a scheduled occupancy but implies use of six weeks per year or more. The dwelling must not be mobile and should have some sort of foundation or features of permanence (e.g., electrical power, domestic water supply, septic system) associated with it. Summer cottages or mobile homes are examples of seasonally occupied dwellings, while a holiday trailer simply pulled onto a site is not


viii

Sound A dynamic (fluctuating) pressure

Sound Pressure Level (SPL) The logarithmic ratio of the root mean square sound pressure to the sound pressure at the threshold of hearing. The sound pressure level is defined by equation below where P is the RMS pressure due to a sound and P0 is the reference pressure. P0 is usually taken as 2.0 × 10-5 Pascals.

SPL (dB) = 20 log(PRMS/P0)

Sound Power Level (PWL) The logarithmic ratio of the instantaneous sound power of a noise source to that of the reference power. The sound power level is defined by equation below where W is the sound power of the source in watts, and Wo is the reference power of 10-12 watts

PWL (dB) = 10 log(W/W0)

Spectrum The description of a sound wave's resolution into its components of frequency and amplitude

Tonal Components Often industrial facilities exhibit tonal components. Examples of tonal components are transformer hum, sirens, and piping noise. The test for the presence of tonal components consists of two parts (as per tonality prescribed in AUC Rule 012). The first part must demonstrate that the sound pressure level of any one of the slow-response, A-weighted, 1/3-octave bands between 20 and 16 kHz is 10 dBA or more than the sound pressure level of at least one of the adjacent bands within two 1/3-octave bandwidths. In addition, there must be a minimum of a 5 dBA drop from the band containing the tone within 2 bandwidths on the opposite side. The second part is that the tonal component must be a pronounced peak clearly obvious within the spectrum


Introduction October 19, 2017

1.1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Capital Power (Whitla) L.P. (Capital Power) retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) to conduct a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) for the Whitla Wind Project (the “Project”) to support the regulatory application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The Project is a 298.8 megawatt (MW) wind power facility approximately 44 km south west of Medicine Hat in the County of Forty Mile, Alberta. The Project consists of 83 [83 turbine locations + 5 alternate locations] Vestas V136 – 3.6-megawatt (MW) wind turbines and a substation. The wind turbine generator (WTG) have a rated power generation output of 3.6 MW, tower heights of 105 m and blade rotor diameters of 136 m.

The objective of this NIA is to determine the Project noise effects and assess compliance with AUC Rule 012: Noise Control (AUC 2017). The methodologies used and results are described in this report. The prediction results have been generated from technical standards, manufacturer’s information, and computer noise propagation modelling in accordance with the AUC Rule 012.


Assessment Area and Receptors October 19, 2017

2.1

2.0 ASSESSMENT AREA AND RECEPTORS

The Project is located in the County of Forty Mile, Alberta and is approximately44 km south west of Medicine Hat, Alberta. The closest town is Bow Island, approximately 15 km north of the Project. The Project Area is shown on Figure 1 and encompasses the facility infrastructure and all leased lands. The total area of the Project Area is approximately 13,150 hectares (ha). It consists mostly of fields used for farming (crops), interspersed with meadows (grazing). As such, the Project Area will be mostly vegetated during summer.

The Noise Study Area is defined as a 3.0 km buffer around the Project Area to include any potential cumulative noise effects from other third party regulated facilities. Other Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) regulated facilities were identified within 3 km of the Project Area. The Noise Study Area, wind turbine generator (WTG) locations, and third party regulated facilities are shown in Figure 1.

In accordance with AUC Rule 012, the permissible sound level (PSL) must be met at the most impacted dwelling(s) within 1.5 km of a project boundary (AUC 1.5 km criteria boundary). There are fourty-four (44) permanent or seasonal dwellings (i.e. receptors) located within the AUC 1.5 km criteria boundary. The receptor locations and the AUC 1.5 km criteria boundary are shown in Figure 1. The receptor locations and the approximate distance to the closest WTG location are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Receptor Locations and Closest Wind Turbine Generator Location

Receptor ID

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Coordinates 1 Approximate

Distance to the closest WTG

(m) Closest WTG ID Easting

(m) Northing

(m)

R01 472421 5509218 1482 1 R02 472528 5506677 1133 3 R03 472261 5504248 665 10 R04 472396 5502799 822 11 R05 470951 5501021 1822 14 R06 474463 5500401 971 18 R07 474567 5500410 885 18 R08 474462 5500238 1080 18 R09 474571 5500237 1007 18 R10 475749 5498607 812 25



2.2


Receptor ID




(m) Northing

(m)

R11 474165 5497009 935 26 R12 475434 5491079 3299 34 R13 479026 5495020 1160 63 R14 478885 5501445 815 58 R15 476668 5501160 1453 18 R16 478037 5501985 1001 50 R19 482190 5503449 1093 76 R20 480760 5500950 1458 58 R21 480718 5501005 1425 58 R22 482938 5492240 1400 71 R23 486336 5492286 2004 105 R24 487796 5492331 1740 105 R25 490275 5492935 2363 104 R26 486294 5495510 1123 86 R27 487048 5497892 1136 98 R28 487013 5497916 1099 98 R29 488612 5497642 1004 100 R30 488669 5497691 1062 100 R31 483826 5501698 1522 89 R32 483986 5500976 1376 79 R33 486284 5501794 741 90 R34 484348 5504622 772 72 R35 483733 5505792 1597 72 R38 486793 5505431 1805 72 R39 487484 5504145 859 88 R40 489057 5501970 1504 91 R41 490258 5501292 2877 91 R42 490447 5496088 1958 102 R43 490468 5496434 2002 100



2.3


Receptor ID




(m) Northing

(m)

R44 492578 5498394 4456 100 R45 492602 5498391 4477 100 R46 494544 5497990 6212 100 R47 490462 5495878 1956 102 R48 483768 5501844 1418 76

NOTE: 1 UTM Zone 12 NAD 83



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Project Area

W:\Clients\Capital_Power\Whitla_Wind_Project\Figures\123512223-034.mxd sbudhwani

NAD 1983 UTM Zone 12N 123512223-034

Disclaimer: This map is for illustrative purposes to support this Stantec project; questions can be directed to the issuing agency.

Figure 1

Noise Study AreaSources: Base Data - Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, CanVec, ESRIService Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

CAPITAL POWER CORPORATION LTD.

0 1 2 3 4 5

kilometres Project Area


Regulatory Framework October 19, 2017

3.1

3.0 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The AUC Rule 012: Noise Control (AUC 2017) provides regulatory limits for the noise effects associated with power generation facilities. In this application, assessment criteria are applied in accordance with AUC Rule 012.

The PSL is the sum of Basic Sound Levels (BSLs), daytime adjustment, Class A adjustment, and Class B adjustment. Class A Adjustment is divided into A1 and A2 adjustments. A1 Seasonal Adjustment is based on the seasonal nature of the industrial activities. The A2 Ambient Monitoring Adjustment is based on the actual ambient sound levels (A2). As the Project will operate throughout the year, there is no A1 adjustment for this location. The ambient monitoring adjustment is applicable only when the BSLs are thought not to be representative of the actual sound environment, and when ambient sound levels (ASLs) have been determined without the presence of other industrial facilities and associated activities. A2 Ambient Monitoring Adjustment is not applied in this assessment. Class B Adjustment is applicable to noise activities with durations less than 60 days. The PSL would be increased by 5 dB for noise activities longer than one week, but less than or equal to 60 days. As the Project will operate throughout the year, there is no Class B adjustment.

The BSLs and PSLs for each receptor were determined in accordance with AUC Rule 012. The population density, proximity to transportation classification, applicable adjustments, and PSL for each receptor are summarized in Table 2. The BSL used to calculate the PSL at all receptors is 40 dBA Leq nighttime. No adjustment is Class A, Class B, and Class C adjustments are applicable at the receptors. The daytime and nighttime PSLs at all receptors are 50 dBA and 40 dBA, respectively.

All regulated facilities must meet a daytime (07:00 to 22:00) and nighttime (22:00 to 07:00) PSL at a distance of 1.5 km (AUC 1.5 km criteria boundary) from the Project Footprint or at the most impacted dwelling(s). Only structures that are permanently or seasonally occupied for habitation for the purpose of human rest are defined as dwellings. Exceptions to this definition include any employee or worker residence, dormitory, or construction camp located within an industrial energy-related plant boundary. If there are no dwellings within the AUC 1.5 km criteria boundary, then the PSL is applicable along this criteria boundary.


Regulatory Framework October 19, 2017

3.2

Table 2 Calculated Daytime and Nighttime Permissible Sound Levels

Receptor ID

Dwelling Unit Density per

Quarter Section 1

of land

Proximity to Transportation

Category 2

Nighttime Basic Sound Level (dBA)

Daytime Adjustments

(dB)

Daytime Permissible

Sound Level (dBA)

Nighttime Permissible

Sound level (dBA)

R1 to R48 1 to 8 Dwellings Category 1 40 10 50 40 NOTES: 1 Refers to a quarter section or a 451 m radius, with the most likely affected dwelling at the centre

(AUC 2017). For quarter sections with various land uses or with mixed densities, the density chosen should be factored for the area under consideration. Quarter section is an area of one-fourth of a square mile.

2 Definition of transportation proximity category as follows: Category 1—dwelling units more than 500 m from heavily travelled roads and rail lines and not subject to frequent aircraft flyovers. Category 2—dwelling units more than 30 m but less than 500 m from heavily travelled roads and rail lines and not subject to frequent aircraft flyovers. Category 3—dwelling units less than 30 m from heavily travelled roads and rail lines and/or subject to frequent aircraft flyovers.

As part of the NIA requirements in AUC Rule 012, the potential for low frequency noise (LFN) effects from a project should be considered. The LFN effect is assessed at a receptor where the difference between the overall C-weighted sound level and the overall A-weighted sound level exceeds 20 dB and a clear tone is present at or below 250 Hz. The presence of both conditions at a receptor indicates the potential for LFN concerns, according to AUC Rule 012.

In Section 4.5 of the AUC Rule 012, low frequency tonality is quantified by assessing the one-third octave frequency bands sound levels between 20 to 250 Hz. The following two conditions are prescribed for the tonality analysis:

• the linear sound level of one band must be at least 10 dB or more above one of the adjacent bands within two one-third octave bandwidths

• there must be at least a five dB drop in level within two bandwidths on the opposite side of the frequency band exhibiting the high sound level


Methodology October 19, 2017

4.1

4.0 METHODOLOGY

4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE DESCRIPTORS

Environmental noise typically varies over time. To account for this variation, a single number descriptor known as the energy equivalent sound level (Leq) is used. It is defined as the steady, continuous sound level over that specified time that has the same acoustic energy as the actual varying sound levels over the same time. The unit for Leq is dBA or dBC. dBA reflects the response of the human ear to different sound frequencies. For LFN analysis, the dBC unit is required. The regulatory definition for time periods used for Leq measurements are daytime (07:00 to 22:00) and nighttime (22:00 to 07:00). The daytime Leq is the 15-hour A-weighted energy equivalent sound level. Similarly, the nighttime Leq is a 9-hour A-weighted energy equivalent sound level.

For a summary of acronyms and additional details on commonly used noise terminology, refer to the Glossary.

4.2 ASSESSMENT APPROACH

The approach used to assess the potential noise effects at all receptors during normal operations of the Project is summarized as follows:

1. Quantify the Baseline Case sound level; 2. Predict Project Case noise levels from the Project operations; 3. Predict the cumulative sound levels at all receptors (Application Case); and 4. Assess compliance with the AUC Rule 012 by comparing the cumulative sound level to the

PSL at all receptors.

4.3 FIELD MEASUREMENTS

Short-term measurements were conducted at the existing facility fence line under representative weather conditions (i.e., wind speed less than 15 km/hr, no precipitation) by an acoustic practitioner (see Section 9) to quantify the noise emission for the Baseline Case. The measurement methods were based on guidance from ANSI S12.36 (ANSI 1990). One third octave band center frequency sound pressure levels were collected. The measured equipment noise level was continuous and steady (i.e., did not vary over time), so short-term measurements were sufficient to characterize the noise emissions.

The sound level meter used in the field visit was a NTI Audio XL2 Type 1 Sound Level Meter with a Type 1 M2230 microphone and 75 mm windscreen. The meter meets the ANSI S1.43-1997 instrumentation requirement prescribed in AUC Rule 012. The sound level meter was laboratory calibrated within the past 12 months and calibrated by using NTI CAL200 calibrator before and after the survey. All calibrators and sound level meters have current laboratory certification.


Methodology October 19, 2017

4.2

Laboratory calibration certificates for the sound level meters, calibrators, and detailed field calibration records are available upon request.

4.4 ACOUSTIC MODELLING

Noise prediction was conducted using Cadna/A acoustic modeling software (DataKustik 2015), based on the internationally accepted sound propagation algorithms (ISO 1993, 1996). The modelling parameters used in the assessment are summarized in Table 3.

Values of 10°C (temperature) and 70% relative humidity are used in the model settings to represent summer nighttime conditions. The wind speed is based on ISO 9613-2 standard, which assumes 1 to 5 m/s downwind condition from the source to the receptor in the sound propagation calculation. Ground absorption factor (G) of 0.5 is used in the model to represent the Project Study Area. G is an index with value ranges from 0 to 1 where 0 represents reflective ground and 1 represent absorptive ground condition. Ground terrain is not incorporated in the noise model as the Project Area is relatively flat. This assumption represents a conservative approach to the modeling. The reflection parameter of one represents the order of reflection with the sound emission incident ray hits a structure.

Table 3 Acoustic Modelling Parameters

Item Model Parameters Model Setting

1 Temperature 10 °C 2 Relative humidity 70 % 3 Wind speed Downwind condition, as per ISO 9613-2 standard

downwind setting (wind speed of 1 to 5 m/s) 4 Noise propagation software Cadna/A (DataKustik 2017) 5 Noise propagation calculation standard ISO 9613 6 Ground conditions and attenuation factor ground absorption (G) of 0.5 7 Terrain Parameters (terrain resolution) No terrain data incorporated 8 Reflection parameters 1 order of reflection


Baseline Case October 19, 2017

5.1

5.0 BASELINE CASE

The Baseline Case includes the noise effect from the ambient sound levels and other regulated (i.e., AUC or AER) existing or approved energy related facilities.

5.1 AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL

The ASL is defined in AUC Rule 012 as the sound level that is a composite of different airborne sounds from many sources far away from and near the point of measurement. In the absence of actual measurements, AUC Rule 012 recommends that the daytime and nighttime ASL be 5 dBA below the Basic Sound Level (BSL). Using this recommendation, the ASL for all locations along the AUC 1.5 km criteria boundary for the Project are calculated to be 45 dBA and 35 dBA for the daytime and nighttime period, respectively.

5.2 EXISTING REGULATED FACILITIES

Information on the existing regulated facilities is based on the following sources:

• AER database (2016); • Land agent’s information; and • Field visits to the Noise Study Area.

The field study was conducted on October 5 and 6, 2016 within the Noise Study Area. Existing AUC and AER regulated facilities within 3 km of the Project Footprint include compressor stations and a substation.

Noise measurements were conducted at one active compressor station and one active substation to determine representative noise emission levels.

A summary of the regulated facility noise emission sources is presented in Table 4. The measured sound power level of the operating Craft Oil Ltd. compressor station at 15-13-8-10-W4M is 110.8 dBA. The inactive Pine Cliff Energy Ltd compressor station is licensed to Spur Resources, but shown as Pine Cliff Compressor station at the fence line signage. In a conservative approach, the inactive compressor station was included as a regulated facility noise source in the model. If operation resumes at this compressor station, the noise effect may affect the closest receptor. The sound power level was based on the measurement results conducted at the Craft Oil compressor station.

There are two (2) identical shunt reactors rated at 240 kV 75 MVAr at the AltaLink substation (Whitla 251S). The shunt reactors were not audible during the field visit. Construction of a shunt reactor is similar to that of a transformer; therefore, the noise emission of the shunt reactor is similar to a transformer rated at 75 MVA. Both shunt reactors have radiators, but no cooling fans.



5.2

Therefore, they will operate only in Oil Natural Air Natural (ONAN) cooling mode only. The sound power level of 99.2 dBA was estimated from acoustic literature (Crocker 2007) for a 75 MVA transformer with ONAN cooling method.

Table 4 Sound Power Level of Existing Regulated Facilities

ID LSD Description Noise Sources

Sound Power level (dBA)

AER1 15-13-8-10-W4M Craft Oil Ltd Compressor Station

Compressor Station 110.8

AER2 15-19-7-09 W4M Pine Cliff 40 Mile North Compressor Station

Compressor Station 110.8 1

AUC1 13-33-7-9-W4M AltaLink substation Whitla 251S

Two (2) shunt reactors rated at 240 kV 75 MVAr, no cooling fans (operates only in ONAN mode)

99.2 2

NOTES: 1 Assumed sound power level based on the sound power level of the Craft Oil Ltd facility (AER1) 2 Based on theoretical prediction from acoustic literature (Crocker 2007)

5.3 BASELINE CASE SOUND LEVELS

The Baseline Case sound level is the combined noise effect from the ASL and existing regulated facilities. An acoustic model was used to determine the noise effect from the existing regulated facilities along the AUC 1.5 km criteria boundary. The acoustic model was based on the measured and assumed noise emissions summarized in Table 4.

Table 5 summarizes the ASL and the predicted noise levels from the existing regulated facilities at all receptors. Figure 2 presents the noise contour results from the existing regulated facilities only.

The Baseline Case sound level results at all receptors are presented in Table 5. Results show that daytime and nighttime Baseline Case sound levels at all locations are below the daytime and nighttime PSL of 50 dBA and 40 dBA, respectively.



5.3

Table 5 Baseline Case Sound Levels

Receptor ID

Ambient Sound Level Noise Effect from Existing

Regulated Facilities Baseline Case Sound Level

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

R01 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R02 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R03 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R04 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R05 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R06 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R07 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R08 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R09 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R10 45.0 35.0 9.5 9.5 45.0 35.0 R11 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R12 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R13 45.0 35.0 14.4 14.4 45.0 35.0 R14 45.0 35.0 17.5 17.5 45.0 35.1 R15 45.0 35.0 11.6 11.6 45.0 35.0 R16 45.0 35.0 14.5 14.5 45.0 35.0 R19 45.0 35.0 21.5 21.5 45.0 35.2 R20 45.0 35.0 25.9 25.9 45.1 35.5 R21 45.0 35.0 25.6 25.6 45.0 35.5 R22 45.0 35.0 30.3 30.3 45.1 36.3 R23 45.0 35.0 32.6 32.6 45.2 37.0 R24 45.0 35.0 23.7 23.7 45.0 35.3 R25 45.0 35.0 15.4 15.4 45.0 35.0 R26 45.0 35.0 26.2 26.2 45.1 35.5 R27 45.0 35.0 19.5 19.5 45.0 35.1 R28 45.0 35.0 21.2 21.2 45.0 35.2 R29 45.0 35.0 17.5 17.5 45.0 35.1 R30 45.0 35.0 17.3 17.3 45.0 35.1 R31 45.0 35.0 31.2 31.2 45.2 36.5 R32 45.0 35.0 35.3 35.3 45.4 38.2



5.4

Table 5 Baseline Case Sound Levels

Receptor ID

Ambient Sound Level Noise Effect from Existing

Regulated Facilities Baseline Case Sound Level

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

R33 45.0 35.0 20.6 20.6 45.0 35.2 R34 45.0 35.0 16.9 16.9 45.0 35.1 R35 45.0 35.0 15.4 15.4 45.0 35.0 R38 45.0 35.0 11.9 11.9 45.0 35.0 R39 45.0 35.0 13.1 13.1 45.0 35.0 R40 45.0 35.0 12.5 12.5 45.0 35.0 R41 45.0 35.0 10.5 10.5 45.0 35.0 R42 45.0 35.0 14.2 14.2 45.0 35.0 R43 45.0 35.0 13.7 13.7 45.0 35.0 R44 45.0 35.0 2.0 2.0 45.0 35.0 R45 45.0 35.0 1.9 1.9 45.0 35.0 R46 45.0 35.0 - - 45.0 35.0 R47 45.0 35.0 14.4 14.4 45.0 35.0 R48 45.0 35.0 30.4 30.4 45.1 36.3

NOTE: “-“ Noise effect is negligible because the existing facilities are located more than 7.5 km away from the

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66

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2525

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1010

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3535

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Figure 2

Predicted Noise Contour Map – Existing Regulated FacilitiesSources: Base Data - Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, CanVec, ESRIService Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community


0 1 2 3 4 5



Project Case October 19, 2017

6.1

6.0 PROJECT CASE

The Project Case includes noise effects from the Project only.

6.1 NOISE EMISSION SOURCES

The Project will be developed in two phases. Phase 1 will generate 201.6 MW. Phase 2 will generate 97.2 MW. This NIA includes noise emission sources from all 88 WTGs, only 83 WTG will be constructed. The 88 WTGs includes 56 WTGs for Phase 1, 27 WTGs for Phase 2, and 5 WTGs as alternative locations. The substation is proposed to be constructed in two phases to coincide with the two phases for constructing the WTG for the Project. All 88 WTGs are Vestas V136 - 3.6 MW model with serrated blade design and a hub height of 105 m. Phase 1 of the substation development includes one 222 MVA transformer and Phase 2 includes one 111 MVA transformer.

Table 6 summarizes the sound power levels for the WTG and substation. The WTG and substation locations are shown in Figure 1. The UTM coordinates for the WTG and substation locations are presented in Appendix A.

The sound power level for the WTG was established using noise data information provided by the Vestas. The sound power levels represent the WTG operation during a hub height wind speed of 20 m/s under a high wind operation mode “P-01 (HWO) mode”. The sound power level for the substation transformers under ONAF operation conditions were estimated by theoretical predication methods from acoustic literature (Crocker 2007).

Table 6 Wind Turbine Generator and Substation Sound Power Level

Noise Source

PWL (dB) in Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) per Unit Overall dBA 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

Vestas V136 3.6 MW wind turbine generator

118 114 110 107 102 100 98 91 74 105.5

Phase 1 substation (222 MVA transformer 1)

102 108 110 105 105 99 94 89 82 105.0

Phase 2 substation (111 MVA Transformer 1)

97 103 105 100 100 94 89 84 77 100.7

NOTE: 1 Based on theoretical prediction from acoustic literature (Crocker 2007)



6.2

6.2 MODELLING RESULTS

Table 7 summarizes the predicted Project only noise effect at all receptors. Figure 3 presents the Project only noise contour results within the Noise Study Area. The model assumes that all WTGs and substation transformers are operating continuously during both the daytime and nighttime period; therefore, prediction results are the same for both periods. R34 is the receptor location with the highest predicted noise level of 37.7 dBA, it is located approximately 770 m from the closest WTG (ID#72). The results indicate that the Project noise effect is below the nighttime PSL of 40 dBA at all receptor locations.

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1212

1818

1212 1010

14141414

1414

1414

1414

1010

1010 1010

1010 1010

1212

1515

1313

1313

15151515

1515 1515

1717

1919

1919

13131515

17171717

1717

1717 1717

1919

1919

1919

99

99

99

22

22

99

99 99

22

88

8888

88

88

22

7777

77

77

55

55

55

55

44

88

44 22

22 33 33

33 33

44 44

1

23

4

5 6

7

89

1011 12

13

1415

16 1718

19 212324

25

2627

2829 30

31

3233

34

35

3637

38

4142

4345

46 47 4950

51 53

56

58

59

6162

63 6566

67 68

6970

71

72

7374

76

77

78 79

80

81 8283

8485 86

88

89 9091

94

95

96 97

98

100

101 102

103

104105

R01

R02

R03

R04

R05

R06R07

R08R09

R10

R11

R12

R13

R14R15 R16

R19

R21

R20

R22 R23 R24R25

R26

R27

R28 R30R29

R48R31

R32

R33

R34

R35 R38

R39

R40

R41

R43R42

R47

R44 R45R46

AUC1

AER2

AER1

UV879

UV885

Rang

e Roa

d 113

Township Road 74

Rang

e Roa

d 121

Township Road 92

Township Road 94

Township Road 84

Rang

e Roa

d 120

Township Road 90

Township Road 82

Rang

e Roa

d 105

Rang

e Roa

d 101

Rang

e Roa

d 100

Township Road 72

Township Road 80

Rang

e Roa

d 102

Rang

e Roa

d 104

Rang

e Roa

d 111

Rang

e Roa

d 115

Rang

e Roa

d 112

Rang

e Roa

d 95

Rang

e Roa

d 122

Rang

e Roa

d 110

Rang

e Roa

d 92

Rang

e Roa

d 94

Rang

e Roa

d 103

Rang

e Roa

d 85

Range Road 123

Range Road 120A

Range Road 93

Range Road 90

Township Road 74A

TWP9RGE12W4M

TWP9RGE11W4M

TWP7RGE11W4M

TWP7RGE8W4M

TWP8RGE12W4M

TWP9RGE9W4M

TWP9RGE8W4M

TWP8RGE8W4M

TWP7RGE9W4M

TWP7RGE10W4M

TWP8RGE9W4M

TWP7RGE12W4M

TWP9RGE10W4M

TWP8RGE11W4M

TWP8RGE10W4M

AB SK

BC

($$¯

!( Receptor)" Phase 1 and Phase 2 Substation")© Third Party Facility

") TurbineNoise Contour

25 to 30 dBA 30 to 35 dBA 35 to 40 dBA Greater than 40 dBA

Noise Assessment AreaAUC 1.5 km Criteria Boundary Noise Study Area

Project Area


NAD 1983 UTM Zone 12N 123512223-036


Figure 3

Predicted Noise Contour Map – Project OnlySources: Base Data - Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, CanVec, ESRIService Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community


0 1 2 3 4 5




6.4



6.5

Table 7 Project Only Noise Effect

Receptor ID

Project Only Noise Effect (dBA)

Daytime Nighttime

R01 30.8 30.8 R02 34.3 34.3 R03 37.6 37.6 R04 37.4 37.4 R05 30.6 30.6 R06 37.5 37.5 R07 37.7 37.7 R08 37.0 37.0 R09 37.0 37.0 R10 37.6 37.6 R11 36.0 36.0 R12 25.6 25.6 R13 35.9 35.9 R14 37.4 37.4 R15 34.8 34.8 R16 36.4 36.4 R19 35.9 35.9 R20 35.4 35.4 R21 35.4 35.4 R22 33.8 33.8 R23 28.7 28.7 R24 29.2 29.2 R25 26.4 26.4 R26 35.8 35.8 R27 34.4 34.4 R28 36.1 36.1 R29 34.0 34.0 R30 33.6 33.6 R31 34.6 34.6 R32 35.0 35.0



6.6

Table 7 Project Only Noise Effect

Receptor ID

Project Only Noise Effect (dBA)

Daytime Nighttime

R33 37.2 37.2 R34 1 37.7 37.7 R35 32.3 32.3 R38 29.2 29.2 R39 34.7 34.7 R40 30.5 30.5 R41 26.1 26.1 R42 29.7 29.7 R43 29.5 29.5 R44 22.1 22.1 R45 22.0 22.0 R46 16.5 16.5 R47 29.8 29.8 R48 34.7 34.7

NOTE: 1 Highest predicted noise level due to the Project



6.7

6.3 LOW FREQUENCY NOISE ANALYSIS

As part of the NIA requirements in AUC Rule 012, the potential for LFN effects from a project should be considered. The LFN effect is assessed at a receptor where the following two conditions exist:

• difference between the overall C-weighted sound level and the overall A-weighted sound level exceeds 20 dB and;

• a clear tone is present at or below 250 Hz

The presence of both conditions at a receptor indicates the potential for LFN concerns. If the dBC minus dBA value is above 20 dB, potential LFN effects are deemed further assessment.

Table 8 presents the prediction results in dBA and C-weighted (dBC) sound levels for all receptors. The dBC minus dBA values are above 20 decibels (dB) at most locations. As the difference between dBC and dBA exceeds 20 dB, further assessment of low frequency tonality is required.

Table 8 Low Frequency Noise Assessment

Receptor ID

Project Only Noise Contribution dBC minus dBA (dB) (dBA) (dBC)

R01 30.8 52.2 21 R02 34.3 55.0 21 R03 37.6 57.1 20 R04 37.4 57.4 20 R05 30.6 52.8 22 R06 37.5 57.8 20 R07 37.7 57.9 20 R08 37.0 57.5 21 R09 37.0 57.5 21 R10 37.6 57.9 20 R11 36.0 56.3 20 R12 25.6 48.4 23 R13 35.9 56.6 21 R14 37.4 57.8 20 R15 34.8 56.6 22 R16 36.4 57.4 21 R19 35.9 56.6 21



6.8

Table 8 Low Frequency Noise Assessment

Receptor ID

Project Only Noise Contribution dBC minus dBA (dB) (dBA) (dBC)

R20 35.4 56.9 22 R21 35.4 56.9 22 R22 33.8 53.8 20 R23 28.7 51.4 23 R24 29.2 51.3 22 R25 26.4 49.1 23 R26 35.8 56.3 21 R27 34.4 55.6 21 R28 36.1 55.7 20 R29 34.0 54.7 21 R30 33.6 54.4 21 R31 34.6 56 21 R32 35.0 56.4 21 R33 37.2 57 20 R34 37.7 57 19 R35 32.3 52.8 21 R38 29.2 51.2 22 R39 34.7 54.5 20 R40 30.5 52.3 22 R41 26.1 49.8 24 R42 29.7 51.6 22 R43 29.5 51.6 22 R44 22.1 46.9 25 R45 22.0 46.8 25 R46 16.5 41.8 25 R47 29.8 51.6 22 R48 34.7 56.1 21

The other AUC Rule 012 condition for LFN noise analysis is the indication of low frequency tonality at a receptor. The manufacturer Vestas confirms that that low frequency tonality in the WTG sound power level is not present. As a result, low frequency tonality at a receptor due to the WTG is unlikely. Therefore, LFN effects due to the Project at all receptor locations are not predicted.


Application Case October 19, 2017

7.1

7.0 APPLICATION CASE

The Application Case assesses the cumulative noise effects including the contribution from the Project Case and the Baseline Case (see Table 5). The cumulative sound level results are compared to the PSLs to verify compliance with AUC Rule 012 requirements.

Table 9 summarizes the cumulative sound level at all receptors. The daytime cumulative sound levels at all receptors are below the daytime PSL of 50 dBA. The nighttime cumulative sound levels at all receptors are below the nighttime PSL of 40 dBA. Therefore, the Project noise effect is compliance with AUC Rule 012 requirements. The highest predicted cumulative nighttime sound level is 39.9 dBA at R32, marginally close to the the nighttime PSL of 40 dBA. There is high confidence that the Project will be in compliance due to the conservative assumptions within this assessment. Conservative assumptions include the use of ground absorption factor 0.5, all WTGs operates at 100% at all times, and receptor is downwind of all WTGs at different directions.

Table 9 Cumulative Sound Levels Results

Receptor ID

Baseline Case Sound Level

Project Only Noise Effect

Cumulative Sound Level

Meet AUC PSL requirements?

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

R01 45.0 35.0 30.8 30.8 45.2 36.4 Yes R02 45.0 35.0 34.3 34.3 45.4 37.7 Yes R03 45.0 35.0 37.6 37.6 45.7 39.5 Yes R04 45.0 35.0 37.4 37.4 45.7 39.4 Yes R05 45.0 35.0 30.6 30.6 45.2 36.3 Yes R06 45.0 35.0 37.5 37.5 45.7 39.5 Yes R07 45.0 35.0 37.7 37.7 45.7 39.5 Yes R08 45.0 35.0 37.0 37.0 45.6 39.1 Yes R09 45.0 35.0 37.0 37.0 45.6 39.1 Yes R10 45.0 35.0 37.6 37.6 45.7 39.5 Yes R11 45.0 35.0 36.0 36.0 45.5 38.5 Yes R12 45.0 35.0 25.6 25.6 45.0 35.5 Yes R13 45.0 35.0 35.9 35.9 45.5 38.5 Yes R14 45.0 35.1 37.4 37.4 45.7 39.4 Yes R15 45.0 35.0 34.8 34.8 45.4 37.9 Yes R16 45.0 35.0 36.4 36.4 45.6 38.8 Yes


Application Case October 19, 2017

7.2

Table 9 Cumulative Sound Levels Results

Receptor ID

Baseline Case Sound Level

Project Only Noise Effect

Cumulative Sound Level

Meet AUC PSL requirements?

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

Daytime (dBA)

Nighttime (dBA)

R19 45.0 35.2 35.9 35.9 45.5 38.6 Yes R20 45.1 35.5 35.4 35.4 45.5 38.5 Yes R21 45.0 35.5 35.4 35.4 45.5 38.4 Yes R22 45.1 36.3 33.8 33.8 45.5 38.2 Yes R23 45.2 37.0 28.7 28.7 45.3 37.6 Yes R24 45.0 35.3 29.2 29.2 45.1 36.3 Yes R25 45.0 35.0 26.4 26.4 45.1 35.6 Yes R26 45.1 35.5 35.8 35.8 45.5 38.7 Yes R27 45.0 35.1 34.4 34.4 45.4 37.8 Yes R28 45.0 35.2 36.1 36.1 45.5 38.7 Yes R29 45.0 35.1 34.0 34.0 45.3 37.6 Yes R30 45.0 35.1 33.6 33.6 45.3 37.4 Yes R31 45.2 36.5 34.6 34.6 45.5 38.7 Yes

R32 1 45.4 38.2 35.0 35.0 45.8 39.9 Yes R33 45.0 35.2 37.2 37.2 45.7 39.3 Yes R34 45.0 35.1 37.7 37.7 45.7 39.6 Yes R35 45.0 35.0 32.3 32.3 45.2 36.9 Yes R38 45.0 35.0 29.2 29.2 45.1 36.0 Yes R39 45.0 35.0 34.7 34.7 45.4 37.9 Yes R40 45.0 35.0 30.5 30.5 45.2 36.3 Yes R41 45.0 35.0 26.1 26.1 45.1 35.5 Yes R42 45.0 35.0 29.7 29.7 45.1 36.2 Yes R43 45.0 35.0 29.5 29.5 45.1 36.1 Yes R44 45.0 35.0 22.1 22.1 45.0 35.2 Yes R45 45.0 35.0 22.0 22.0 45.0 35.2 Yes R46 45.0 35.0 16.5 16.5 45.0 35.1 Yes R47 45.0 35.0 29.8 29.8 45.1 36.2 Yes R48 45.1 36.3 34.7 34.7 45.5 38.6 Yes

NOTE: 1 Highest cumulative sound level result


Conclusions October 19, 2017

8.1

8.0 CONCLUSIONS

Project noise effects have been predicted at fourty-four (44) receptor locations along the AUC 1.5 km criteria boundary. This assessment concludes that the Project noise level meets the AUC Rule 012 requirement due to the following results:

• Results of the assessment indicate that for both the daytime period and the nighttime period, the NIA predicts that Application Case cumulative noise levels (which include the AUC prescribed ambient sound level, existing and approved industrial facilities, and the Project itself) will comply with applicable AUC Rule 012 permissible sounds level limits for all receptors at all operating wind speeds.

• Based on detailed analysis of the noise emissions spectra for the Project wind turbine generators, the Project NIA also predicts that there will be no Project-related low frequency noise issues at any receptors for any operating wind speeds. In other words, the Project NIA predicts daytime and nighttime compliance with the permissible sound level and low frequency noise criteria for all receptors and for all operating wind speeds.


Acoustic Practitioner’s Information October 19, 2017

9.1

9.0 ACOUSTIC PRACTITIONER’S INFORMATION

Table 10 describes Stantec’s noise practitioners' roles, training, and experience.

Table 10 Noise Practitioners’ Summary

Name Jonathan Chui, P.Eng, INCE Henk De Haan, Eur. Ing, INCE Bd. Cert.

Title Senior Noise Specialist Senior Noise Specialist Role • Discipline lead

• Field program coordinator • Noise emission and modelling • NIA report author

• Field reconnaissance study • Quality reviewer

Training and experience

• Over 15 years of experience in acoustic consulting

• Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and a member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineers of the USA (INCE)

• Over 27 years of experience in acoustic consulting

• Member of the Canadian Acoustical Association (CAA)

• Board-Certified member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineers of the USA (INCE)

• Member of the Acoustical Society of American

• Member of the Royal Dutch Engineering Society (KIVI Engineering)


References October 19, 2017

10.1

10.0 REFERENCES

ANSI 1990. American National Standard Survey Methods for the Determination of Sound Power Levels of Noise Sources

ANSI S12.9-2005/Part 4. American National Standard, Quantities and Procedures for Description and Measurement of Environmental Sound – Part 4: Noise Assessment and Prediction of Long-term Community Response, ANSI S12.9-2005/Part 4.

Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), 2017. Rule 012, Noise Control, version July 4, 2017 – present. Alberta, Canada.

Crocker 2007. Handbook of Noise and Vibration Control. Malcolm J. Crocker. 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

DataKustik. 2017. Cadna/A Computer Aided Noise Abatement Model, Version 4.5.151. Munich, Germany.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 1993. International Standard ISO 9613-1, Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors. Part 1: Calculation of Absorption of Sound by the Atmosphere. Geneva, Switzerland.

ISO. 1996. International Standard ISO 9613-2, Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors. Part 2: General Method of Calculation. Geneva, Switzerland.

APPENDICES


Appendix A Wind Turbine Generator and Substation Locations October 19, 2017

A.1

WIND TURBINE GENERATOR AND SUBSTATION LOCATIONS


Appendix A Wind Turbine Generator and Substation Locations October 19, 2017

A.2

Table A-1 Wind Turbine Generator and Substation Locations

WTG ID

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Coordinates 1

WTG ID


WTG ID


Easting (m)

Northing (m)

Easting (m)

Northing (m)

Easting (m)

Northing (m)

1 473503 5508206 35 475936 5504599 78 481994 5499740 2 473541 5507697 38 475921 5502460 79 483293 5499790 3 473612 5507009 41 477963 5504941 80 482681 5498190 4 474707 5508198 42 478671 5504953 81 482526 5497351 5 474800 5507424 43 479301 5504918 82 483518 5497346 6 475517 5507376 45 477791 5504086 83 484425 5496851 7 474998 5505790 46 479197 5503704 84 485187 5496340 8 474516 5504971 47 480265 5503679 85 484062 5495723 9 474507 5504451 49 481108 5503865 86 485180 5495646

10 472922 5504175 50 477671 5502918 88 487603 5503296 11 473015 5503342 51 479262 5502617 89 485183 5502387 12 473800 5503013 53 480384 5502592 90 486590 5502469 13 474492 5502606 56 479950 5498909 91 487656 5502519 14 472657 5501662 58 479315 5500754 94 484894 5499679 15 472821 5500865 59 478713 5498206 95 484864 5498981 16 473414 5501557 61 479293 5497295 96 486146 5499818 19 473689 5499357 62 480354 5497667 97 486888 5499865 21 479279 5499117 63 478440 5496024 98 486539 5498908 23 477536 5498254 65 480041 5495678 100 488478 5496649 24 476849 5497751 66 480363 5496132 101 487600 5495651 25 475014 5498264 67 480833 5494951 102 488506 5495836 26 474661 5497801 68 481977 5495174 103 488511 5495154 27 475460 5496996 69 482417 5493631 104 488477 5494469 28 475904 5496746 70 483485 5494262 105 487351 5494014 29 476576 5496734 71 483478 5493533 30 477100 5496813 72 485064 5504912 31 476103 5495692 73 484466 5503738 32 476756 5495030 74 483638 5503760 33 477096 5494412 76 482461 5502394 34 477637 5493537 77 482440 5500663

NOTE: 1 UTM Zone 12 NAD 83

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