November 29, 2017 BHEC-RES ALBERTA LP

Transcription

1 BHEC-RES ALBERTA LP Forty Mile Wind Power Project - Noise Impact Assessment Update Submitted to: Lucas Reindler Project Development Manager Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. as agent for BHEC-RES Alberta LP 300 Leo-Pariseau, Suite 2516 Montreal, Quebec H2X 4B3 REPORT Report Number:

2 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION PROJECT DESCRIPTION ASSESSMENT APPROACH Assessment Cases Noise Study Area and Receptors Compliance Criteria Broadband Noise Low Frequency Noise Noise Prediction Methodology NOISE EMISSIONS Baseline Case Application Case ASSESSMENT RESULTS Baseline Case Broadband Noise Low Frequency Noise Application Case Broadband Noise Low Frequency Noise SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION ACOUSTICAL PRACTITIONER INFORMATION REFERENCES Report No i

3 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE TABLES Table 1: Project Noise Source Locations and Operating Modes... 3 Table 2: Noise Receptors within the Project Noise Study Area... 9 Table 3: Permissible Sound Levels and Ambient Sound Levels Table 4: Environmental Inputs to Computer Noise Models Table 5: Baseline Case Noise Emissions Table 6: Noise Emissions from Project Wind Turbine Generators (Siemens ) as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Table 7: Noise Emissions for Project Substation Table 8: Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Levels Daytime Table 9: Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Levels Nighttime Table 10: Baseline Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis Table 11: Application Case Cumulative Noise Levels - Summary Table 12: Application Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis - Daytime Table 13: Application Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis - Nighttime FIGURES Figure 1: Noise Study Area Figure 2: Project Noise Levels; Receptor Height 1.5 m; Daytime Figure 3: Project Noise Levels; Receptor Height 4.5 m; Daytime Figure 4: Project Noise Levels; Receptor Height 1.5 m; Nighttime Figure 5: Project Noise Levels; Receptor Height 4.5 m; Nighttime APPENDICES APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations APPENDIX B Octave-Band Noise Emissions for Project Wind Turbine Generators as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed APPENDIX C Project Noise Level Predictions as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Report No ii

4 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE 1.0 INTRODUCTION Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (RES), as agent for BHEC-RES Alberta L.P. (the Proponent), is proposing to develop the Forty Mile Wind Power Project ( the Project ) in the County of Forty Mile No. 8, approximately five kilometres (km) east of Bow Island, Alberta. The Project will be located within portions of townships 8 to 11, ranges 8 to 10, west of the fourth meridian (). The Project will have a total installed nameplate capacity of up to megawatts (MW) for delivery to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES). The Project will consist of 115 Siemens Gamesa G megawatt (MW) s and one electrical substation. The Project s will have a hub height of metres (m) and a blade length of 66 m. Power generating facilities in Alberta are regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). In particular, the AUC regulates power generating facilities through Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations, and Hydro Developments (AUC 2016), which will hereafter be referred to as Rule 007, and through Rule 012: Noise Control (AUC 2017), which will hereafter be referred to as Rule 012. Rule 007 lays out general requirements for regulatory applications and Rule 012 provides specific methods and criteria for assessing potential environmental noise impacts. The Proponent retained Golder Associates Ltd. (Golder) to complete a noise impact assessment (NIA) for the Project. Golder conducted the Project NIA in accordance with guidance and methodology specified in Rule 012. The results of the Project NIA are summarized in this report. The Project NIA report is structured as follows: Section 1 provides an introduction to the Project NIA; Section 2 presents a brief description of Project equipment and planned operations; Section 3 outlines the assessment approach used in the Project NIA, including a description of: assessment cases considered in the Project NIA; noise study area and relevant receptor locations; applicable broadband and low frequency noise (LFN) compliance criteria; and methodology used to predict Project noise levels. Section 4 presents noise emissions values for sources considered in the Project NIA; Section 5 presents results for each assessment case, including a comparison of noise level predictions to Rule 012 compliance criteria; Section 6 summarizes and discusses results of the Project NIA; Section 7 provides information about the acoustical practitioners that completed the Project NIA; Appendix A describes field measurements and desktop calculation techniques used to establish noise emissions from third-party industrial facilities considered in the Project NIA; Report No

5 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Appendix B presents tables of octave-band noise emissions for Project s as a function of wind speed; and Appendix C presents tables of Project noise level predictions as a function of wind speed. 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Project consists of 115 Siemens s and one electrical Project substation. The Project s will have a hub height of metres (m). The Project s will operate for hub height wind speeds ranging from three to 25 metres per second (m/s). Depending on the time of day, individual Project s will operate in one of five different modes: standard full power (STD); noise reduced mode 1 (NL1); noise reduced mode 2 (NL2); noise reduced mode 3 (NL3); and noise reduced mode 4 (NL4). The operating mode for Project s will not be adjusted based on wind speed, but will be adjusted based on time of day. During the daytime period, defined by Rule 012 as 7 am to 10 pm (AUC 2017), all 115 Project s will operate in STD mode. During the nighttime period, defined by Rule 012 as 10 pm to 7 am: 107 Project s will operate in STD mode; four Project s will operate in NL1 mode; one Project will operate in NL2 mode; two Project s will operate in NL3 mode; and one Project will operate in NL4 mode. The major noise sources associated with the Project substation will be three 150 megavolt-ampere (MVA) electrical transformers. Maximum noise emissions from the Project substation will occur when all three transformers operate in Oil Natural Air Forced 2 nd -Stage Cooling (ONAF2) mode. Table 1 presents locations and operating modes for Project noise sources. As required by Rule 012, the operating modes specified in Table 1 correspond to the maximum noise emitted when the wind turbine operates under the planned maximum operating conditions for both the daytime and the nighttime period (AUC 2017), where daytime is the period from 7 am to 10 pm and nighttime is the period from 10 pm to 7 am. A map showing the locations of Project noise sources is presented in Section 3.2 of this report. Additional details on noise emissions from Project sources are provided in Section 4.2 and Appendix B of this report. The noise emissions data in Appendix B were calculated from sound power level information for the Project wind turbine generators provided by the manufacturer, Siemens Gamesa, that were submitted in the Proponent s November 17, 2017 responses to the AUC Information Request Round 2. Report No

6 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Each Project will have its operating mode configured to match the operation plan described in Table 1. Operating modes for individual s will be set and changed remotely from the control room using the control software system. At the start of each nighttime period the control software will automatically adjust the operating modes of individual turbines to match the operation plan described in Table 1. For example, at the start of each nighttime period (i.e., 10 pm), turbine T37 will automatically switch from STD operating mode into NL1 operating mode and will remain in NL1 mode for the duration of the nighttime period. At the start of each daytime period (i.e., 7 am), turbine T37 will automatically switch back to STD operating mode. Table 1: Project Noise Source Locations and Operating Modes Source Identification Code SS T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T17 Source Description Project substation (three 150 MVA transformers) Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Source Operating Mode (a) Easting [m] Northing [m] Daytime Nighttime ONAF2 ONAF STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD Report No

7 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 1: Project Noise Source Locations and Operating Modes Source Identification Code T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23 T24 T25 T26 T27 T28 T29 T30 T31 T32 T33 T34 T35 T36 T37 T38 T41 T42 Source Description Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Source Operating Mode (a) Easting [m] Northing [m] Daytime Nighttime STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD NL STD STD STD STD STD STD Report No

8 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 1: Project Noise Source Locations and Operating Modes Source Identification Code T43 T44 T45 T46 T47 T48 T50 T51 T52 T53 T54 T55 T59 T61 T62 T63 T64 T66 T67 T68 T69 T70 T71 Source Description Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Source Operating Mode (a) Easting [m] Northing [m] Daytime Nighttime STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD NL STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD NL STD NL STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD Report No

9 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 1: Project Noise Source Locations and Operating Modes Source Identification Code T72 T73 T75 T76 T77 T78 T79 T80 T81 T82 T83 T84 T85 T86 T87 T88 T89 T90 T91 T92 T93 T94 T95 Source Description Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Source Operating Mode (a) Easting [m] Northing [m] Daytime Nighttime STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD Report No

10 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 1: Project Noise Source Locations and Operating Modes Source Identification Code T96 T98 T99 T100 T101 T102 T103 T104 T106 T107 T111 T112 T113 T115 T116 T117 T118 T119 T120 T121 T122 T123 T124 Source Description Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Source Operating Mode (a) Easting [m] Northing [m] Daytime Nighttime STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD NL STD NL STD NL STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD Report No

11 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 1: Project Noise Source Locations and Operating Modes Source Identification Code T125 T126 T127 T128 T129 T130 Source Description (a) Planned operating mode corresponding to maximum noise emissions n/a = not applicable. 3.0 ASSESSMENT APPROACH Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Source Operating Mode (a) Easting [m] Northing [m] Daytime Nighttime STD STD STD NL STD STD STD STD STD STD STD STD The purpose of the Project NIA was to assess potential environmental noise impacts from the Project within the context of regulatory requirements specified by Rule 012. Specific regulatory requirements are described in Section 3.3 of this report. In general, to demonstrate regulatory compliance, Rule 012 requires that cumulative noise levels at relevant receptors be compared to a mandated Permissible Sound Level (PSL) limit. Rule 012 considers relevant receptors to be the most impacted dwelling(s) from the centre point of the tower of the closest wind turbine, or from the boundary of [the] substation (AUC 2017). Rule 012 indicates that cumulative noise levels should be calculated as the sum of: an assumed Ambient Sound Level (ASL) meant to represent the contribution of natural and non-industrial noise sources; the noise contribution from existing and approved industrial facilities in the area; and the noise contribution from the Project under planned maximum operating conditions (AUC 2017). 3.1 Assessment Cases The Project NIA considered two assessment cases: the Baseline Case, which consists of cumulative noise levels associated with natural and non-industrial noise sources in combination with existing and approved industrial facilities; and the Application Case, which consists of cumulative noise levels associated with the Baseline Case in combination with the Project. For both assessment cases, the cumulative noise level at each receptor was compared to the Rule 012 PSL. Noise contributions from existing and approved industrial facilities and noise contributions from the Project were predicted using a computer model developed in accordance with a widely-accepted calculation standard for the propagation of environmental noise (ISO 1996). Both the Baseline Case and the Application Case modelled Report No

12 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE existing and approved industrial facilities under representative operating conditions. The Application Case modelled Project noise sources under planned maximum operating conditions (AUC 2017). Section 4.1 and Appendix A of this report provide additional detail on existing and approved industrial facilities included in the Baseline Case. Section 2.0, Section 4.2, and Appendix B of this report provide additional detail on the Project noise sources included in the Application Case. Section 3.4 of this report provides additional detail on the computer modelling conducted for the Baseline Case and the Application Case. 3.2 Noise Study Area and Receptors Rule 012 regulates noise from a receptor perspective and considers relevant receptors to be the most impacted dwelling(s) from the centre point of the tower of the closest wind turbine, or from the boundary of [the] substation (AUC 2017). Because Project noise sources will be spread across several townships, it was not feasible to identify a single most impacted dwelling or even a small number of most impacted dwellings. Instead, the Project NIA established a 2 km buffer surrounding the Project s and substation, and assessed potential Project noise impacts at all occupied dwellings located within this buffer. A 2 km receptor buffer was selected based on the Rule 007 requirement that proponents notify all residents living within 2 km of a proposed facility (AUC 2016). In other words, specific receptors for the Project NIA were selected such that discrete noise level predictions and assessment results would be available for all residents that the Proponent was required to notify as part of the AUC regulatory process for the Project. In the interest of fully characterizing all potential noise impacts from the Project, the NIA also considered several occupied dwellings located just outside of the 2 km receptor buffer. Rule 012 does not specify appropriate receptor heights for use in noise assessments. However, Rule 012 does indicate that monitoring equipment should be deployed at 1.5 m above ground when measuring noise levels associated with s, except in cases of a dwelling with a second storey bedroom. In the case of a second storey bedroom, Rule 012 indicates that monitoring equipment should be deployed 4.5 m above ground. For consistency with Rule 012 guidance on appropriate deployment locations for noise monitoring equipment, the Project NIA modelled receptors corresponding to one storey dwellings at 1.5 m above ground and modelled receptors corresponding to two storey dwellings at 4.5 m above ground. Table 2 presents locations and heights for the 72 receptors considered in the Project NIA. For each receptor, Table 2 also identifies and provides the distance to the closest Project. Figure 1 presents a map showing the noise study area, including the locations of receptors, Project noise sources, and third-party industrial facilities considered in the Project NIA. Section 4.1 and Appendix A of this report provide additional detail on existing and approved third-party industrial facilities considered in the Project NIA. Table 2: Noise Receptors within the Project Noise Study Area Receptor Identification Code Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Easting [m] Northing [m] Receptor Height [m] Dwelling Description Closest Wind Turbine Generator Distance to Closest Wind Turbine Generator [m] one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T two-storey T Report No

13 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 2: Noise Receptors within the Project Noise Study Area Receptor Identification Code Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Receptor Height [m] Dwelling Description Closest Wind Turbine Generator Distance to Closest Wind Turbine Generator one-storey T two-storey T two-storey T (a) two-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T two-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T two-storey T one-storey T one-storey T two-storey T two-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T two-storey T two-storey T two-storey T two-storey T two-storey T two-storey T two-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T Report No

14 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 2: Noise Receptors within the Project Noise Study Area Receptor Identification Code Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Receptor Height [m] Dwelling Description Closest Wind Turbine Generator Distance to Closest Wind Turbine Generator two-storey T one-storey T two-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T two-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T two-storey T two-storey T one-storey T one-storey T one-storey T (a) This receptor is located within 1.5 km of the Project substation Report No

15 PATH:I:\CLIENTS\RESCa na d a \ \Ma pping\mx D\Noise\NoiseAssessm entreport\ _ Figs1-5_ NoiseLevels.m xd PRINTED O N: AT:10:15:08AM Twp.11Rge.11 W 4M BOW ISLAND Twp.11Rge.10 W 4M T T T T T T115 9 T116 T111 T112 T T101 T102 T T T T67 T128 T68 T89 T90 T92 T93 T94 T69 T T62 T95 T T T71 T72 T63 T96 T85 19 T50 T64 T73 T86 Twp.10Rge.9 T80 W 4M 147 T44 T T T75 T81 T52 20 T T82 T76 Twp.10Rge.11 T46 T T48 Twp.10Rge.8 T77 W 4M T47 T87 W 4M T78 T T54 T79 T38 T T Twp.10Rge W 4M T126 "/ 61 T T T59 T121 T31 41 T32 T122 T33 T34 T35 T41 T130 T T T22 T T123 T36 T43 T124 T24 T125 T T T10 T26 T27 40 T11 T28 T T T T14 T30 UV 885 T15 T T T18 Twp.9Rge.11 Twp.9Rge.9 T19 Twp.9Rge.8 W 4M Twp.9Rge W 4M W 4M W 4M T ÃÄ 3 91 T21 T1 T T3 10 T T8 T117 T118 T119 T T T T Twp.11Rge.9 W 4M # Twp.11Rge.8 W 4M Whitla Coulee Creek Twp.8Rge.11 Twp.8Rge.10 Twp.8Rge.9 Twp.8Rge.8 W 4M W 4M W 4M W 4M LEGEND 13 PROJECT NOISE SOURCES "/ SUBSTATIO N TURBINE THIRD-PARTY INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES #0 #0 CO MPRESSO RSTATIO N (96960) GASGATHERING SYSTEM / BATTERY(58070) DWELLING TYPES O NE-STO REYRESIDENCE TW O -STO REYRESIDENCE NO ISESTUDYAREA QUARTERSECTIO NS CO NTAINING PRO JECT FO O TPRINT BASE FEATURES PRIMARYHIGHW AY SECO NDARYHIGHW AY LO CALRO AD RAILRO AD W ATERCO URSE PO PULATEDPLACE W ATERBO DY # ,000 4,000 1:100,000 METRES REFERENCE(S) 1.ALBERTADIGITALBASEDATAO BTAINEDFRO M ALTALIS LTD. GO VERNMENT O FALBERTA2014.ALLRIGHTSRESERVED,CANVEC,GEO BASE,IHSENERGYINC. PRO JECTIO N:UTM ZO NE12 DATUM:NAD83 Granlea Reservoir CLIENT BHEC RESALBERTALP PRO JECT FO RTYMILEW INDPO W ERPRO JECT TITLE NOISE STUDY AREA CO NSULTANT YYYY-MM-DD DESIGNED PREPARED REVIEW ED APPRO VED VY LMS PRO JECTNO. REV. FIGURE VY AF IFTHISMEASUREMENTDO ESNO TMATCH W HATISSHO W N,THESHEETSIZEHASBEEN MO DIFIED FRO M:ANSIB 25m m 0

16 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE 3.3 Compliance Criteria Broadband Noise Rule 012 requires that broadband noise compliance be assessed by comparing cumulative noise levels to a mandated PSL limit. Cumulative noise levels include the contribution from natural and non-industrial sources, existing and approved industrial facilities, and the Project. The noise contribution from natural and non-industrial sources is characterized via an ASL. Appropriate PSL limits and ASL values for individual receptors are calculated using a desktop technique outlined in Rule 012. The Rule 012 calculation technique accounts for time of day, population density, and proximity to transportation infrastructure such as heavily-travelled roads and railways. For receptors located in areas with population density less than nine dwellings per quarter section and more than 500 m from heavily-travelled roads and railways, Rule 012 sets: the daytime PSL at 50 A-weighted decibels (dba); the nighttime PSL at 40 dba; the daytime ASL at 45 dba; and the nighttime ASL at 35 dba. These PSL limits and ASL values are consistent with a quiet rural environment. The quiet rural environment PSL limits and ASL values are applicable at 50 of the 72 receptors considered in the Project NIA. Rule 012 defines a heavily-travelled road as highways and any other road where 90 or more vehicles travel during the nine-hour nighttime period consistently for any one month period of the year (AUC 2017). Based on this definition, Highway 3 is the only heavily-travelled road in the noise study area (Alberta 2016). There are a total of five noise receptors located within 500 m of Highway 3. The PSL limits and ASL values for these five receptors are adjusted to account for the influence of road noise. In particular, for these five receptors, Rule 012 sets: the daytime PSL at 55 dba; the nighttime PSL at 45 dba; the daytime ASL at 50 dba; and the nighttime ASL at 40 dba. There are a total of 17 receptors located in areas with population density between nine and 160 dwellings per quarter section. The PSL limits and ASL values for these 17 receptors are adjusted to account for increased population density. In particular, for these 17 receptors, Rule 012 sets: the daytime PSL at 53 dba; the nighttime PSL at 43 dba; the daytime ASL at 48 dba; and the nighttime ASL at 38 dba. Report No

17 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 3 presents Rule 012 PSL limits and ASL values applicable at each receptor considered in the Project NIA. Table 3: Permissible Sound Levels and Ambient Sound Levels Receptor Identification Code Permissible Sound Level [dba] Ambient Sound Level [dba] Daytime Nighttime Daytime Nighttime Report No

18 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 3: Permissible Sound Levels and Ambient Sound Levels Receptor Identification Code Permissible Sound Level [dba] Ambient Sound Level [dba] Report No

19 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Low Frequency Noise Low Frequency Noise can be an issue even when broadband noise levels are otherwise acceptable. Consequently, Rule 012 requires a separate assessment of potential LFN impacts. Rule 012 indicates that a LFN issue exists if the following two conditions are met: the value of the cumulative noise level, expressed in C-weighted decibels (dbc), minus the value of the cumulative noise level, expressed in dba, is greater than or equal to 20; and a clear tone is present in a one-third octave-band at or below 250 Hertz (Hz). Rule 012 provides the following definition of a clear tone: For the one-third octave frequency bands between 20 and 250 Hz and below: a) the linear sound level in one band must be at least 10 db [decibels] or more above the adjacent bands within two one-third octave bandwidths b) 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 loud level (AUC 2017). To be clear, Rule 012 requires that both conditions i.e., a dbc minus dba difference greater than or equal to 20 and a clear tone at or below 250 Hz be present for an LFN issue to exist. Satisfaction of one condition does not result in a LFN issue. 3.4 Noise Prediction Methodology Computer noise models of existing and approved industrial facilities and the Project were developed using the CadnaA Version software package. In accordance with Rule 012, CadnaA implements the noise propagation algorithm described in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) technical standard (ISO 1996). The computer models were used to calculate Baseline Case and Application Case cumulative noise levels at the receptors listed in Table 2. Inputs to the computer models consisted of source emissions in the form of octaveband sound power levels and environmental conditions such as ground cover, temperature, humidity, and wind conditions known to impact noise propagation. Noise source emissions for the Baseline Case and the Application Case are discussed in detail in Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 of this report, respectively. A summary of environmental inputs to the computer models is provided in Table 4. Table 4: Environmental Inputs to Computer Noise Models Parameter Model Setting Description/Notes Standard Source Type Ground Factor Temperature / Humidity Wind Conditions ISO (ISO 1996) Point 0.5 throughout the noise study area 10 degrees Celsius / 70% relative humidity 1 m/s to 5 m/s from source to receptor. Models treated noise sources, noise attenuation, and noise propagation in accordance with this standard Point sources were used to measure noise emissions from Project wind turbine generators, the Project substation, and third-party industrial facilities This value represents the acoustic properties of the ground in accordance with ISO A value of 0.5 represents the mid-point between hard/reflective ground and porous/absorptive ground. These are typical default values for ISO intended to represent nighttime summer conditions. These represent default ISO wind conditions moderate temperature inversion, wind from source to receptor 100% of the time. Terrain Terrain considered Ground elevation contours at 8 m intervals were included in the models. Report No

20 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE When calculating noise levels at receptors, the ISO algorithm used the environmental inputs listed in Table 4 to account for four noise attenuation mechanisms: geometric divergence; atmospheric absorption; ground absorption; and screening by barriers. Geometric divergence accounts for the fact that a given noise source radiates a finite amount of acoustic energy and as this finite amount of energy propagates into the environment it is spread out over a larger and larger area (i.e., the surface of an ever-expanding sphere). This geometric spreading means that the farther away a receptor is located from a source, the less energy will be received (i.e., the lower the observed noise level). Atmospheric absorption accounts for the fact that the acoustic energy associated with a given noise source is absorbed via interaction with molecules in the air through which it propagates. Attenuation effects associated with atmospheric absorption are most substantial at high frequencies but can be important at lower frequencies for large propagation distances. Ground absorption accounts for the fact that each time the acoustic energy emitted by a noise source interacts with the ground some of it is absorbed. The amount of energy absorbed depends on the type of ground surface. During interactions with the hard ground very little energy is absorbed but during interactions with porous ground a substantial amount of energy is absorbed. As a result, if all other factors are held constant, observed noise levels associated with sources operating in an area of hard ground will be higher than observed noise levels associated with sources operating in an area of porous ground. Screening by barriers accounts for the fact that a physical object (either terrain-based or anthropogenic) placed between a noise source and receptor can block acoustic energy and reduce observed noise levels at the receptor. According to the ISO standard, the overall accuracy of the propagation algorithm used in the Project NIA computer models is ±3 dba for distances between source and receptor up to 1 km. The accuracy for propagation distances greater than 1 km is not stated in the standard. Model accuracy also depends on the accuracy of the noise emissions inputs, which is often ±2 dba for measured sources. Accounting for both these sources of uncertainty, the overall accuracy of the noise level predictions presented in this Project NIA is expected to be ±3.6 dba. A number of conservative assumptions regarding propagation conditions, Project operations, and Project noise emissions were made to account for the level of uncertainty inherent in the noise level predictions. Each receptor was assumed to be downwind from each source 100% of the time. Because downwind conditions tend to enhance noise propagation, this assumption is conservative and likely overestimates the noise impact of the Project. Report No

21 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Ground conditions in most of the noise study area meet the definition of porous ground provided in ISO : ground covered by grass, trees or other vegetation, and all other ground surfaces suitable for the growth of vegetation, such as farming land (ISO 1996). As such, for consistency with ISO , a ground factor of 1.0 should be used in the computer models. Instead, the computer models used a substantially more reflective ground factor of 0.5 to represent conditions in the noise study area. Because reflective ground tends to enhance noise propagation, this approach is conservative and likely overestimates the noise impact of the Project. The s and substation associated with the Project were modelled with maximum noise emissions 100% of the time. Because Project noise sources will often operate with less than maximum noise emissions, this modelling approach is conservative and likely overestimates the noise impact of the Project. 4.0 NOISE EMISSIONS 4.1 Baseline Case Golder identified two existing and approved third-party industrial facilities with the potential to influence cumulative noise levels at the receptors listed in Table 2. The Baseline Case of the Project NIA considered the noise contribution from these two existing and approved third-party industrial facilities. Noise emissions for the two facilities considered in the Baseline Case of the Project NIA are presented in Table 5. Noise emissions are presented in the form of octave-band sound power levels, expressed in unweighted decibels (dbz), and total sound power levels, expressed in dba. Table 5 also provides a brief description and physical coordinates for each of the Baseline Case facilities. Appendix A describes the procedure used to identify relevant Baseline Case facilities. Appendix A also describes field measurements and desktop calculation techniques used to estimate noise emissions from these facilities. Report No

22 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 5: Baseline Case Noise Emissions Source Identification Code Source Description Gas Gathering System / Battery (Chinook Energy Inc.) Compressor Station (Bellatrix Exploration Ltd.) Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Easting [m] Northing [m] 31.5 Hz 63 Hz Octave-Band Sound Power Level [dbz] 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1 khz 2 khz 4 khz 8 khz Total Sound Power Level [dba] Report No

23 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE 4.2 Application Case Project noise sources considered in the Application Case consist of 115 Siemens Gamesa G MW s and one electrical Project substation. In accordance with Rule 012, all Project noise sources were modelled using the maximum noise emitted when the wind turbine operates under the planned maximum operating conditions for both the daytime and nighttime period (AUC 2017). Noise emissions data for the Project s were provided by the vendor. As discussed in Section 2.0 of the Project NIA report, all 115 Project s will operate in STD mode during the daytime period. During the nighttime period: 107 Project s will operate in STD mode; four Project s will operate in NL1 mode; one Project will operate in NL2 mode; two Project s will operate in NL3 mode; and one Project will operate in NL4 mode. For each of the relevant operating modes, Table 6 presents total noise emissions from the Project wind turbine generators as a function of hub height wind speed. Table 6 shows that maximum noise emissions from the Project s will occur for a hub wind speed of 10.0 m/s. However, because the emissions spectra change with wind speed, it may be that maximum noise impacts for some receptors occur at wind speeds other than 10.0 m/s. To fully characterize potential noise impacts from the Project, the Application Case of the Project NIA modelled noise emissions from the s for wind speeds from 8.5 m/s up to 13.0 m/s. Octave-band noise emissions spectra for the Project s are presented in Appendix B for hub height wind speeds from 8.5 m/s to 13.0 m/s. The noise emissions data in Appendix B were calculated from sound power level information for the Project s provided by the manufacturer, Siemens Gamesa, that were submitted in the Proponent s November 17, 2017 responses to the AUC Information Request Round 2. Report No

24 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 6: Noise Emissions from Project Wind Turbine Generators (Siemens ) as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Total Sound Power Level [dba] Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] STD NL1 Mode NL2 Mode NL3 Mode NL4 Mode Table 7: Noise Emissions for Project Substation Operating Mode Octave-Band Sound Power Level [dbz] Total Sound Power Level [dba] 31.5 Hz 63 Hz 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1 khz 2 khz 4 khz 8 khz ONAF Report No

25 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE As discussed in Section 2.0 of the Project NIA, maximum noise emissions from the Project substation will occur when the three 150 MVA transformers operate in ONAF2 mode. Noise emissions for the Project substation in ONAF2 mode are presented in Table 7. Noise emissions in Table 7 are presented in the form of octave-band sound power levels, expressed in dbz, and total sound power level, expressed in dba. Noise emissions data presented in Table 7 were calculated using transformer noise specifications supplied by the Proponent, augmented by spectral data from a widely-accepted acoustics handbook (Crocker 2007). As discussed in Section of this report, Rule 012 sets out a two-part test for LFN issues. The second part of the LFN test requires the presence of a clear tone in a one-third octave-band at or below 250 Hz. Rule 012 sets out a specific procedure for testing for a clear tone. If there is no such tone, then no LFN issues can exist. The Rule 012 procedure for identifying a clear tone was applied to the vendor-supplied one-third octave-band noise emissions. Based on the Rule 012 definition, the G132 noise emissions do not include a clear tone at or below 250 Hz. As such, Project noise sources are not expected to produce LFN issues, regardless of the outcome of the first part of the LFN test. In other words, even if the difference between dbc and dba noise levels was found to be greater than 20, the absence of a clear tone in the Project noise emissions precludes the presence of a Project-related LFN issue. 5.0 ASSESSMENT RESULTS 5.1 Baseline Case Broadband Noise As discussed in Section 3.1 of this report, Baseline Case cumulative noise levels were calculated by summing the contribution from natural and non-industrial sources with the contribution from the two existing and approved industrial facilities listed in Table 5. The noise contribution from natural and non-industrial sources was characterized using Rule 012 ASL values (see Table 3) and the noise contribution from existing and approved industrial facilities was characterized using a computer model. Baseline Case cumulative noise levels for the daytime period are presented in Table 8. Baseline Case cumulative noise levels for the nighttime period are presented in Table 9. Table 8: Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Levels Daytime Receptor Identification Code Ambient Sound Level [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] (a) (a) (a) (a) Report No

26 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 8: Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Levels Daytime Receptor Identification Code Ambient Sound Level [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Report No

27 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 8: Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Levels Daytime Receptor Identification Code Ambient Sound Level [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Noise contribution too small to be meaningfully quantified Table 9: Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Levels Nighttime Receptor Identification Code Ambient Sound Level [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Report No

28 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 9: Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Levels Nighttime Receptor Identification Code Ambient Sound Level [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Report No

29 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 9: Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Levels Nighttime Receptor Identification Code Ambient Sound Level [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Baseline Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Noise contribution too small to be meaningfully quantified Table 8 shows that Baseline Case cumulative noise levels are predicted to be below the Rule 012 daytime PSL for all 72 receptors considered in the Project NIA. Likewise, Table 9 shows that Baseline Case cumulative noise levels are predicted to be below the Rule 012 nighttime PSL for all 72 receptors considered in the Project NIA. In other words, Baseline Case cumulative noise levels are predicted to comply with Rule 012 during the daytime period and the nighttime period Low Frequency Noise As discussed in Section of this report, Rule 012 sets out a two-part test for LFN issues. The first part of the LFN test compares noise levels expressed in dba to noise levels expressed in dbc. It is understood that the first part of the LFN test should be applied to cumulative noise levels i.e., noise levels that include the contribution from natural and non-industrial sources and from industrial facilities but Rule 012 does not provide ASL values in dbc. Therefore, when applying the first part of the LFN test, it is necessary to omit the noise contribution from natural and non-industrial sources. In the case of the Baseline Case for the Project NIA, this meant applying the first part of the LFN test to the noise contribution from the two existing and approved industrial facilities listed in Table 5. Table 10 presents a Baseline Case LFN analysis based on the first part of two-part LFN test and omitting the contribution from natural and non-industrial sources. Because the two existing and approved facilities considered in the Baseline Case are assumed to operate continuously 24 hours per day, there is no need to conduct separate LFN analyses for the daytime and nighttime periods. Report No

30 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 10: Baseline Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis Receptor Identification Code Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dbc] Difference: dbc minus dba Rule 012 LFN Threshold Potential for LFN Issue (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no yes no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no yes yes no yes (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no yes yes no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no yes yes yes yes yes (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Report No

31 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 10: Baseline Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis Receptor Identification Code Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dbc] Difference: dbc minus dba Rule 012 LFN Threshold Potential for LFN Issue (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no yes (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no yes (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) -- (a) n/a 20 no (a) Noise contribution too small to be meaningfully quantified Report No

32 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Results from Table 10 suggest that the difference between Baseline Case noise levels expressed in dba and dbc is greater than or equal to 20 for 20 receptors. At these 20 receptors, there is a potential for Baseline Case LFN issues based on the first part of the Rule 012 LFN test. However, it is likely that the difference between Baseline Case dba and dbc noise levels would be reduced if ASL values were included in the LFN analysis. In particular, the noise contribution from existing and approved industrial facilities is more than 10 dba below the nighttime ASL for all receptors at which there is a potential Baseline Case LFN issue; this means that natural and non-industrial noise sources can be expected to dominate the noise contribution from existing and approved industrial facilities. Therefore, it is unlikely that a Baseline Case LFN issue exists for any of the receptors considered in the Project NIA. 5.2 Application Case Broadband Noise As discussed in Section 3.2 of this report, Application Case cumulative noise levels were calculated by summing the contribution from natural and non-industrial sources, the contribution from existing and approved industrial facilities, and the contribution from the Project itself under planned maximum operating conditions. The noise contribution from natural and non-industrial sources was characterized using Rule 012 ASL values (see Table 3). Noise contributions from existing and approved industrial facilities and from the Project were characterized using computer models. Application Case cumulative noise levels for the daytime and nighttime periods are presented in Appendix C for hub height wind speeds ranging from 8.5 m/s to 13.0 m/s. Table 11 summarizes the data from Appendix C by presenting the maximum daytime and nighttime Application Case cumulative noise level for each receptor across all relevant hub height wind speeds. Report No

33 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 11: Application Case Cumulative Noise Levels - Summary Daytime Receptor Identification Code Maximum Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] Maximum Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Nighttime Permissible Sound Level [dba] Report No

34 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 11: Application Case Cumulative Noise Levels - Summary Daytime Receptor Identification Code Maximum Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] Maximum Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Nighttime Permissible Sound Level [dba] Report No

35 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 11: Application Case Cumulative Noise Levels - Summary Daytime Receptor Identification Code Maximum Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Permissible Sound Level [dba] Maximum Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] Nighttime Permissible Sound Level [dba] Report No

36 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 11 shows that there are no receptors at which Application Case cumulative noise levels are predicted to exceed the daytime PSL. In other words, Application Case cumulative noise levels are predicted to comply with Rule 012 during the daytime period. Table 11 also shows that there are no receptors at which Application Case cumulative noise levels are predicted to exceed the nighttime PSL. In other words, Application Case cumulative noise levels are predicted to comply with Rule 012 during the nighttime period. Figure 2 presents Project noise level contours for the daytime period at a height of 1.5 m above ground (i.e., corresponding to the receptor height for a one-storey dwelling). Figure 3 presents Project noise level contours for the daytime period at a height of 4.5 m above ground (i.e., corresponding to the receptor height for a two-storey dwelling). Figure 4 presents Project noise level contours for the nighttime period at a height of 1.5 m above ground (i.e., corresponding to the receptor height for a one-storey dwelling). Figure 5 presents Project noise level contours for the nighttime period at a height of 4.5 m above ground (i.e., corresponding to the receptor height for a two-storey dwelling). The Project noise level contours presented in the figures below all correspond to a hub height wind speed of 10.0 m/s, but the contours are generally representative of all hub height wind speeds between 8.5 m/s and 13.0 m/s. Report No

37 PATH:I:\CLIENTS\RESCanada\ \M apping\m XD\Noise\NoiseAssessm entreport\ _ Figs1-5_ NoiseLevels.m xd PRINTED ON: AT:10:15:17AM Tw p.11rge BOW ISLAND Tw p.11rge T T T T T T115 9 T116 T111 T112 T T101 T102 T T T T67 T128 T68 T89 T90 T92 T93 T94 T69 T T62 T95 T T T71 T72 T63 T96 T85 19 T50 T64 T73 T86 Tw p.10rge.9 T T44 T T T75 T81 T52 20 T T82 T76 Tw p.10rge.11 T46 T T48 Tw p.10rge.8 T77 T47 T87 T78 T T54 T79 T38 T T Tw p.10rge T126 "/ 61 T T T59 T121 T31 41 T32 T122 T33 T34 T35 T41 T130 T T T22 T T123 T36 T43 T124 T24 T125 T T T10 T26 T27 40 T11 T28 T T T T14 T30 UV 885 T15 T T T18 Tw p.9rge.11 Tw p.9rge.9 T19 Tw p.9rge.8 Tw p.9rge T ÃÄ 3 91 T21 T1 T T3 10 T T8 T117 T118 T119 T T T T Tw p.11rge # Tw p.11rge Whitla Coulee Creek Tw p.8rge.11 Tw p.8rge.10 Tw p.8rge.9 Tw p.8rge LEGEND 13 PROJECT NOISE SOURCES "/ SU BSTATION TU RBINE THIRD-PARTY INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES #0 #0 COM PRESSORSTATION (96960) GASGATHERING SY STEM / BATTERY (58070) DWELLING TYPES ONE-STOREY RESIDENCE TWO-STOREY RESIDENCE NOISESTU DY AREA QU ARTERSECTIONS CONTAINING PROJECT FOOTPRINT BASE FEATURES PRIM ARY HIGHWAY SECONDARY HIGHWAY LOCALROAD RAILROAD WATERCOU RSE POPU LATEDPLACE WATERBODY NOISE CONTOUR (dba) < # ,000 4,000 1:100,000 M ETRES REFERENCE(S) 1.ALBERTADIGITALBASEDATAOBTAINEDFROM ALTALIS LTD. GOV ERNM ENT OFALBERTA2014.ALLRIGHTSRESERV ED,CANV EC,GEOBASE,IHSENERGY INC. PROJECTION:U TM Z ONE12 DATU M :NAD83 Granlea Reservoir CLIENT BHEC RESALBERTALP PROJECT FORTY M ILEWINDPOWERPROJECT TITLE PROJECT NOISE LEVELS; RECEPTOR HEIGHT 1.5 m; DAYTIME CONSU LTANT Y Y Y Y -M M -DD DESIGNED PREPARED REV IEWED APPROV ED V Y LM S PROJECTNO. REV. FIGU RE V Y AF IFTHISM EASU REM ENTDOESNOTM ATCH WHATISSHOWN,THESHEETSIZ EHASBEEN M ODIFIED FROM :ANSIB 25m m 0

38 PATH:I:\CLIENTS\RESCanada\ \M apping\m XD\Noise\NoiseAssessm entreport\ _ Figs1-5_ NoiseLevels.m xd PRINTED ON: AT:10:15:26AM Tw p.11rge BOW ISLAND Tw p.11rge T T T T T T115 9 T116 T111 T112 T T101 T102 T T T T67 T128 T68 T89 T90 T92 T93 T94 T69 T T62 T95 T T T71 T72 T63 T96 T85 19 T50 T64 T73 T86 Tw p.10rge.9 T T44 T T T75 T81 T52 20 T T82 T76 Tw p.10rge.11 T46 T T48 Tw p.10rge.8 T77 T47 T87 T78 T T54 T79 T38 T T Tw p.10rge T126 "/ 61 T T T59 T121 T31 41 T32 T122 T33 T34 T35 T41 T130 T T T22 T T123 T36 T43 T124 T24 T125 T T T10 T26 T27 40 T11 T28 T T T T14 T30 UV 885 T15 T T T18 Tw p.9rge.11 Tw p.9rge.9 T19 Tw p.9rge.8 Tw p.9rge T ÃÄ 3 91 T21 T1 T T3 10 T T8 T117 T118 T119 T T T T Tw p.11rge # Tw p.11rge Whitla Coulee Creek Tw p.8rge.11 Tw p.8rge.10 Tw p.8rge.9 Tw p.8rge LEGEND 13 PROJECT NOISE SOURCES "/ SU BSTATION TU RBINE THIRD-PARTY INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES #0 #0 COM PRESSORSTATION (96960) GASGATHERING SY STEM / BATTERY (58070) DWELLING TYPES ONE-STOREY RESIDENCE TWO-STOREY RESIDENCE NOISESTU DY AREA QU ARTERSECTIONS CONTAINING PROJECT FOOTPRINT BASE FEATURES PRIM ARY HIGHWAY SECONDARY HIGHWAY LOCALROAD RAILROAD WATERCOU RSE POPU LATEDPLACE WATERBODY NOISE CONTOUR (dba) < # ,000 4,000 1:100,000 M ETRES REFERENCE(S) 1.ALBERTADIGITALBASEDATAOBTAINEDFROM ALTALIS LTD. GOV ERNM ENT OFALBERTA2014.ALLRIGHTSRESERV ED,CANV EC,GEOBASE,IHSENERGY INC. PROJECTION:U TM Z ONE12 DATU M :NAD83 Granlea Reservoir CLIENT BHEC RESALBERTALP PROJECT FORTY M ILEWINDPOWERPROJECT TITLE PROJECT NOISE LEVELS; RECEPTOR HEIGHT 4.5 m; DAYTIME CONSU LTANT Y Y Y Y -M M -DD DESIGNED PREPARED REV IEWED APPROV ED V Y LM S PROJECTNO. REV. FIGU RE V Y AF IFTHISM EASU REM ENTDOESNOTM ATCH WHATISSHOWN,THESHEETSIZ EHASBEEN M ODIFIED FROM :ANSIB 25m m 0

39 PATH:I:\CLIENTS\RESCanada\ \M apping\m XD\Noise\NoiseAssessm entreport\ _ Figs1-5_ NoiseLevels.m xd PRINTED ON: AT:10:15:35AM Tw p.11rge BOW ISLAND Tw p.11rge T T T T T T115 9 T116 T111 T112 T T101 T102 T T T T67 T128 T68 T89 T90 T92 T93 T94 T69 T T62 T95 T T T71 T72 T63 T96 T85 19 T50 T64 T73 T86 Tw p.10rge.9 T T44 T T T75 T81 T52 20 T T82 T76 Tw p.10rge.11 T46 T T48 Tw p.10rge.8 T77 T47 T87 T78 T T54 T79 T38 T T Tw p.10rge T126 "/ 61 T T T59 T121 T31 41 T32 T122 T33 T34 T35 T41 T130 T T T22 T T123 T36 T43 T124 T24 T125 T T T10 T26 T27 40 T11 T28 T T T T14 T30 UV 885 T15 T T T18 Tw p.9rge.11 Tw p.9rge.9 T19 Tw p.9rge.8 Tw p.9rge T ÃÄ 3 91 T21 T1 T T3 10 T T8 T117 T118 T119 T T T T Tw p.11rge # Tw p.11rge Whitla Coulee Creek Tw p.8rge.11 Tw p.8rge.10 Tw p.8rge.9 Tw p.8rge LEGEND 13 PROJECT NOISE SOURCES "/ SU BSTATION TU RBINE THIRD-PARTY INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES #0 #0 COM PRESSORSTATION (96960) GASGATHERING SY STEM / BATTERY (58070) DWELLING TYPES ONE-STOREY RESIDENCE TWO-STOREY RESIDENCE NOISESTU DY AREA QU ARTERSECTIONS CONTAINING PROJECT FOOTPRINT BASE FEATURES PRIM ARY HIGHWAY SECONDARY HIGHWAY LOCALROAD RAILROAD WATERCOU RSE POPU LATEDPLACE WATERBODY NOISE CONTOUR (dba) < # ,000 4,000 1:100,000 M ETRES REFERENCE(S) 1.ALBERTADIGITALBASEDATAOBTAINEDFROM ALTALIS LTD. GOV ERNM ENT OFALBERTA2014.ALLRIGHTSRESERV ED,CANV EC,GEOBASE,IHSENERGY INC. PROJECTION:U TM Z ONE12 DATU M :NAD83 Granlea Reservoir CLIENT BHEC RESALBERTALP PROJECT FORTY M ILEWINDPOWERPROJECT TITLE PROJECT NOISE LEVELS; RECEPTOR HEIGHT 1.5 m; NIGHTTIME CONSU LTANT Y Y Y Y -M M -DD DESIGNED PREPARED REV IEWED APPROV ED V Y LM S PROJECTNO. REV. FIGU RE V Y AF IFTHISM EASU REM ENTDOESNOTM ATCH WHATISSHOWN,THESHEETSIZ EHASBEEN M ODIFIED FROM :ANSIB 25m m 0

40 PATH:I:\CLIENTS\RESCanada\ \M apping\m XD\Noise\NoiseAssessm entreport\ _ Figs1-5_ NoiseLevels.m xd PRINTED ON: AT:10:15:45AM Tw p.11rge BOW ISLAND Tw p.11rge T T T T T T115 9 T116 T111 T112 T T101 T102 T T T T67 T128 T68 T89 T90 T92 T93 T94 T69 T T62 T95 T T T71 T72 T63 T96 T85 19 T50 T64 T73 T86 Tw p.10rge.9 T T44 T T T75 T81 T52 20 T T82 T76 Tw p.10rge.11 T46 T T48 Tw p.10rge.8 T77 T47 T87 T78 T T54 T79 T38 T T Tw p.10rge T126 "/ 61 T T T59 T121 T31 41 T32 T122 T33 T34 T35 T41 T130 T T T22 T T123 T36 T43 T124 T24 T125 T T T10 T26 T27 40 T11 T28 T T T T14 T30 UV 885 T15 T T T18 Tw p.9rge.11 Tw p.9rge.9 T19 Tw p.9rge.8 Tw p.9rge T ÃÄ 3 91 T21 T1 T T3 10 T T8 T117 T118 T119 T T T T Tw p.11rge # Tw p.11rge Whitla Coulee Creek Tw p.8rge.11 Tw p.8rge.10 Tw p.8rge.9 Tw p.8rge LEGEND 13 PROJECT NOISE SOURCES "/ SU BSTATION TU RBINE THIRD-PARTY INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES #0 #0 COM PRESSORSTATION (96960) GASGATHERING SY STEM / BATTERY (58070) DWELLING TYPES ONE-STOREY RESIDENCE TWO-STOREY RESIDENCE NOISESTU DY AREA QU ARTERSECTIONS CONTAINING PROJECT FOOTPRINT BASE FEATURES PRIM ARY HIGHWAY SECONDARY HIGHWAY LOCALROAD RAILROAD WATERCOU RSE POPU LATEDPLACE WATERBODY NOISE CONTOUR (dba) < # ,000 4,000 1:100,000 M ETRES REFERENCE(S) 1.ALBERTADIGITALBASEDATAOBTAINEDFROM ALTALIS LTD. GOV ERNM ENT OFALBERTA2014.ALLRIGHTSRESERV ED,CANV EC,GEOBASE,IHSENERGY INC. PROJECTION:U TM Z ONE12 DATU M :NAD83 Granlea Reservoir CLIENT BHEC RESALBERTALP PROJECT FORTY M ILEWINDPOWERPROJECT TITLE PROJECT NOISE LEVELS; RECEPTOR HEIGHT 4.5 m; NIGHTTIME CONSU LTANT Y Y Y Y -M M -DD DESIGNED PREPARED REV IEWED APPROV ED V Y LM S PROJECTNO. REV. FIGU RE V Y AF IFTHISM EASU REM ENTDOESNOTM ATCH WHATISSHOWN,THESHEETSIZ EHASBEEN M ODIFIED FROM :ANSIB 25m m 0

41 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Low Frequency Noise As discussed in Section 4.2 of this report, there are no clear tones in the noise emissions spectra of the Project s that satisfy the second part of the Rule 012 LFN test. As such, the Project is not expected to produce LFN issues, regardless of the outcome of the first part of the LFN test. In other words, even if the difference between dbc and dba noise levels is greater than 20, the absence of a clear tone in the Project noise emissions precludes the presence of a Project-related LFN issue. Notwithstanding the fact that the Project is not expected to produce LFN issues, Application Case LFN analyses were conducted for hub height wind speeds ranging from 8.5 m/s up to 13.0 m/s based on the first part of the Rule 012 LFN test. Table 12 and Table 13 present the maximum difference between dba and dbc noise levels for each receptor across all relevant hub height wind speeds. Natural and non-industrial sources must be omitted from the LFN analysis because Rule 012 does not provide ASL values in dbc. Report No

42 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 12: Application Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis - Daytime A-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Receptor Identification Project Code Contribution Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities C-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Project Contribution Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Maximum Difference (All Wind Speeds): dbc minus dba (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Rule 012 LFN Threshold Report No

43 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 12: Application Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis - Daytime A-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Receptor Identification Project Code Contribution Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities C-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Project Contribution Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Maximum Difference (All Wind Speeds): dbc minus dba (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Rule 012 LFN Threshold Report No

44 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 12: Application Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis - Daytime A-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Receptor Identification Project Code Contribution Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities C-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Project Contribution Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Maximum Difference (All Wind Speeds): dbc minus dba (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Noise contribution too small to be meaningfully quantified Rule 012 LFN Threshold Report No

45 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 13: Application Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis - Nighttime A-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Receptor Identification Project Code Contribution Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities C-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Project Contribution Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Maximum Difference (All Wind Speeds): dbc minus dba (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Rule 012 LFN Threshold Report No

46 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 13: Application Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis - Nighttime A-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Receptor Identification Project Code Contribution Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities C-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Project Contribution Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Maximum Difference (All Wind Speeds): dbc minus dba (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Rule 012 LFN Threshold Report No

47 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Table 13: Application Case Low Frequency Noise Analysis - Nighttime A-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Receptor Identification Project Code Contribution Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities C-Weighted Noise Levels [dba] Project Contribution Application Case Cumulative Noise Level Maximum Difference (All Wind Speeds): dbc minus dba (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Noise contribution too small to be meaningfully quantified Rule 012 LFN Threshold Report No

48 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Results from Table 12 suggest that, during the daytime period, the maximum difference between Application Case noise levels expressed in dba and dbc is predicted to be greater than or equal to 20 for 31 receptors. Results from Table 13 suggest that, during the nighttime period, the maximum difference between Application Case noise levels expressed in dba and dbc is predicted to be greater than or equal to 20 for 31 receptors. At these receptors, a potential for Application Case LFN issues could exist based on the first part of the Rule 012 LFN test. However, it is likely that the difference between Application Case dba and dbc noise levels would be reduced if ASL values were included in the LFN analysis. In addition, the first part of the LFN test only identifies potential LFN issues. As discussed in Section of this report, both the first part and the second part of the Rule 012 LFN test must be satisfied for a LFN issue to exist. Detailed analysis of one-third octave-band noise emissions data for the Project s showed no clear tones that would satisfy the second part of the Rule 012 LFN test. As such, the Project is not expected to produce LFN issues, regardless of the outcome of the first part of the LFN test. In other words, even though the maximum difference between Application Case dbc and dba noise levels is predicted to be greater than 20 for some receptors, the absence of a clear tone in the Project noise emissions precludes the presence of a Project-related LFN issue for any of the receptors considered in the Project NIA. 6.0 SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION A NIA was conducted for the Project to meet the requirements of Rule 007. The Project NIA was conducted in accordance with assessment methods presented in Rule 012. The NIA characterized potential noise impacts from the Project in the context of broadband and LFN compliance criteria specified by Rule 012. As required by Rule 012, the Project NIA assessed the maximum noise emitted when the wind turbine operates under the planned maximum operating conditions for both the daytime and nighttime period (AUC 2017). For both the daytime period and the nighttime period, the Project NIA predicts that Application Case cumulative noise levels (which include the contribution from natural and non-industrial sources, existing and approved industrial facilities, and the Project) will comply with applicable Rule 012 PSL limits for all receptors at all operating wind speeds. Based on detailed analysis of the noise emissions spectra for the Project s, the Project NIA also predicts that there will be no Project-related LFN issues at any receptors for any operating wind speeds. In other words, the Project NIA predicts daytime and nighttime compliance with applicable broadband and LFN criteria for all receptors and for all operating wind speeds. Report No

49 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE 7.0 ACOUSTICAL PRACTITIONER INFORMATION Andrew Faszer, BSc, INCE, PEng, was responsible for senior technical review of all field measurements, emissions calculations, modelling, and reporting related to the Project NIA. Andrew is a senior acoustical engineer with a broad environmental and industrial background, and over 18 years of consulting experience. Andrew s experience includes noise studies for oil and gas developments, conventional and wind power projects, industrial, and mining projects. Victor Young, MSc, performed noise emissions calculations, developed the computer noise model, and authored the Project NIA report. Victor has worked as an acoustic scientist in the Golder Calgary office for more than six years. During this time, Victor has been involved in a variety of energy, utilities, and mining projects throughout Western Canada. Victor s experience includes field measurements and data analysis, computer noise modelling, and preparation of noise assessment reports. Tomasz Nowak, MSc, MEng, conducted the field program to measure noise emissions from existing industrial facilities (see Appendix A). Tomasz is an acoustic scientist in the Golder Edmonton office. Tomasz has more than four years of consulting experience and has worked on a variety of energy, utilities, and mining projects throughout Western Canada. Report No

50 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE Report Signature Page GOLDER ASSOCIATES LTD. Victor Young, MSc Acoustic Scientist Andrew Faszer, BSc, INCE, PEng Senior Acoustical Engineer VY/AF/TC/al Golder, Golder Associates and the GA globe design are trademarks of Golder Associates Corporation. Report No

51 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE 8.0 REFERENCES Alberta (Government of Alberta) Alberta Highways 1 to 986 Traffic Volume History Produced February 18, AUC (Alberta Utilities Commission) Rule 012: Noise Control. Effective July 4, AUC Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations, and Hydro Developments. Effective February 1, Crocker, M.J Handbook of Noise and Vibration Control. John Wiley & Sons. New York, NY. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) ISO Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors Part 2: General method of calculation. Dated December 15, nia update/update for layout 138 (23 nov 2017)/ _res_fortymile_nia_gamesaupdate_layout138.docx Report No

52 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Report No

53 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations 1.0 INTRODUCTION Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (RES), as agent for BHEC-RES Alberta L.P. (the Proponent), retained Golder Associates Ltd. (Golder) to conduct a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) for the proposed Forty Mile Wind Power Project ( the Project ). The results of the Project NIA are presented in the NIA report, to which this technical appendix is attached. The Project NIA was conducted in accordance with Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Rule 012: Noise Control (AUC 2017). Rule 012 requires an assessment of cumulative noise impacts, which considers the contribution of existing and approved industrial facilities. This technical appendix to the main NIA document describes the steps taken by Golder to identify existing and approved industrial facilities with the potential to contribute to cumulative noise levels at dwelling receptors in the Project area. In addition, this technical appendix describes the steps taken by Golder to quantify emissions from these baseline facilities. 2.0 IDENTIFICATION OF RELEVANT FACILITIES There are three classes of regulated baseline facilities with the potential to contribute to cumulative noise levels at dwelling receptors in the Project area: oil & gas facilities, which are regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER); oil & gas wells, which are regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER); and electrical facilities, which are regulated by the AUC. 2.1 Oil & Gas Facilities IHS Inc. (IHS) maintains a database of existing and approved oil & gas facilities in Alberta. Golder queried to the IHS database seeking a list of oil & gas facilities located within 3 km of the lands optioned by the Proponent for development of the Project. A search buffer of 3 km was selected to capture all oil & gas facilities that might contribute to cumulative noise levels at dwelling receptors in the Project area. In response to Golder s query, the IHS database identified 49 existing and approved oil & gas facilities, consisting of: 22 batteries; four compressor stations; four gas gathering systems; two gas processing plants; one meter station; and 16 regulator stations. Golder filtered the initial list of 49 oil & gas facilities based on the status field included in the IHS database. In particular, Golder eliminated from further consideration any oil & gas facilities with status fields other than Operating or Permitted. For example, Golder eliminated oil & gas facilities with the status fields Abandoned or Suspended since these facilities were assumed not to emit noise. Project No A-1

54 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations After filtering based on the IHS status field, a total of 28 potentially-relevant oil & gas facilities remained, consisting of: eight batteries; three compressor stations; one gas gathering system; and 16 regulator stations. A baseline field program was undertaken to quantify noise emissions from potentially-relevant oil & gas facilities. In advance of the field program, Golder identified a subset of 18 oil & gas facilities that were representative of the larger data set and that would be targeted during the field program. The 18 oil & gas facilities targeted during the baseline field program consisted of: eight batteries (i.e., all potentially-relevant batteries); three compressor stations (i.e., all potentially-relevant compressor stations); one gas gathering system (i.e., all potentially-relevant gas gathering systems); and six regulator stations (i.e., a representative subset of potentially-relevant regulator stations). A three-day baseline field program was conducted by Tomasz Nowak, MSc, MEng, an experienced member of the Golder noise team. The baseline field program began on October 26, 2016 and concluded on October 28, Permission to access oil & gas facilities was coordinated through the Proponent s land agent. Table A-1 lists the potentially-relevant oil & gas facilities that were targeted during the baseline field program and provides a summary of field observations. Table A-1: Summary of Baseline Field Survey to Characterize Existing and Approved Oil & Gas Facilities Identification Code Facility Type Operator Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Easting [m] Northing [m] Battery AVALON ENERGY LTD Compressor Station Battery Compressor Station Compressor Station BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD Field Observations no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site above-ground noiseemitting equipment was measured in the field Project No A-2

55 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Table A-1: Summary of Baseline Field Survey to Characterize Existing and Approved Oil & Gas Facilities Identification Code Facility Type Gas Gathering System Battery Battery Regulator Station Regulator Station Regulator Station Regulator Station Regulator Station Regulator Station Battery Battery Battery Battery Operator CHINOOK ENERGY INC. CHINOOK ENERGY INC. DINOSAUR GAS CO- OP LTD. FORTY MILE GAS CO- OP LTD. FORTY MILE GAS CO- OP LTD. FORTY MILE GAS CO- OP LTD. FORTY MILE GAS CO- OP LTD. FORTY MILE GAS CO- OP LTD. FORTY MILE GAS CO- OP LTD. HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LIMITED HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LIMITED LONG RUN EXPLORATION LTD. TALLGRASS ENERGY CORP. Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Easting [m] Northing [m] Field Observations same facility as (i.e., two licences for one facility); above-ground noise-emitting equipment was measured in the field same facility as (i.e., two licences for one facility); above-ground noise-emitting equipment was measured in the field no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site Project No A-3

56 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations As indicated in Table A-1, there was no above-ground noise-emitting equipment present at 15 of the 18 facilities targeted during the baseline field program. These 15 facilities were eliminated from further consideration in the Project NIA. In addition, because each of the six regulator stations targeted during the baseline field program was found to be effectively silent (i.e., no above-ground noise-emitting equipment present on site), it was concluded that the ten regulator stations not targeted in the field would also likely be silent. Consequently, these ten regulator stations were eliminated from further consideration in the Project NIA, as well. As described in more detail in Section 3.0 and Section 4.0 of this appendix, noise emissions from the remaining three facilities were measured in the field. As described in the main NIA document, noise emissions measurements for these facilities were used as inputs to a computer model of the Baseline Case. Note that two of the facilities for which noise emissions were measured during the baseline field program i.e., gas gathering system #58070 and battery # were found to be the same facility (i.e., one facility with multiple AER licences). For ease of reference, the single facility code #58070 is used to identify this multi-licence facility. Table A-2 lists the two oil & gas facilities that were measured in the field and ultimately included in the Baseline Case for the Project NIA. Table A-2: Noise-Emitting Oil & Gas Facilities Included in the Baseline Case Identification Code Facility Type Compressor Station (a) Gas Gathering System / Battery (a) This facility has multiple AER licences Operator BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Easting [m] Northing [m] CHINOOK ENERGY INC Oil & Gas Wells IHS maintains a database of existing and approved oil & gas wells in Alberta. Golder submitted a query to the IHS database seeking a list of oil & gas wells located within 3 km of the lands optioned by the Proponent for development of the Project. A search buffer of 3 km was selected to capture all oil & gas wells that might contribute to cumulative noise levels at dwelling receptors in the Project area. In response to Golder s query, the IHS database identified 541 existing and approved oil & gas wells, consisting of: 244 abandoned wells; 16 suspended wells; nine farm wells; 232 gas wells; 37 standing wells; one pumping oil well; one licenced well; and one observation well. Project No A-4

57 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Golder filtered the initial list of 541 oil & gas wells based on the status field included in the IHS database. In particular, Golder eliminated from further consideration all abandoned, suspended, and farm wells since these wells were assumed not to emit noise. After filtering based on the IHS status field, a total of 272 potentially-relevant oil & gas facilities remained, consisting of: 232 gas wells; 37 standing wells; one pumping oil well; one licenced well; and one observation well. A baseline field program was undertaken to quantify noise emissions from potentially-relevant oil & gas wells. However, it was not practical to visit and measure each and every one of the 272 potentially-relevant oil & gas wells during the field program. Instead, in advance of the field program, Golder identified a subset of 18 oil & gas wells that were representative of the larger data set and that would be targeted during the field program. The 18 oil & gas wells targeted during the baseline field program consisted of: 12 gas wells (i.e., a representative subset of potentially-relevant gas wells); three standing wells (i.e., a representative subset of potentially-relevant standing wells); one pumping oil well (i.e., all potentially-relevant pumping oil wells); one licenced well (i.e., all potentially-relevant licenced wells); and one observation well (i.e., all potentially-relevant observation wells). A three-day baseline field program was conducted by Tomasz Nowak, MSc, MEng, an experienced member of the Golder noise team. The baseline field program to study oil & gas wells was conducted coincidently with the baseline field program to study oil & gas facilities. In particular, the baseline field program began on October 26, 2016 and concluded on October 28, Permission to access oil & gas wells was coordinated through the Proponent s land agent. Table A-3 lists the potentially-relevant oil & gas wells that were targeted during the baseline field program and provides a summary of field observations. Project No A-5

58 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Table A-3: Summary of Baseline Field Survey to Characterize Existing and Approved Oil & Gas Wells Identification Code Well Type PUMPING OIL LICENSED FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS FLOWING GAS OBSERVATION STANDING Operator AVALON ENERGY LTD. AVALON ENERGY LTD. BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. BELLATRIX EXPLORATION LTD. CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LIMITED HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LIMITED PENGROWTH ENERGY CORPORATION Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Easting [m] Northing [m] Field Observations no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site Project No A-6

59 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Table A-3: Summary of Baseline Field Survey to Characterize Existing and Approved Oil & Gas Wells Identification Code Well Type STANDING STANDING Operator SPYGLASS RESOURCES CORP. WOLF COULEE RESOURCES INC. Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates [NAD83, Zone 12] Easting [m] Northing [m] Field Observations no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site no above-ground noiseemitting equipment present on this site As indicated in Table A-3, there was no above-ground noise-emitting equipment present at any of the 18 oil & gas wells targeted during the baseline field program. These 18 wells were eliminated from further consideration in the Project NIA. In addition, because all of the oil & gas wells targeted during the baseline field program were found to be effectively silent (i.e., no above-ground noise-emitting equipment present on site), it was concluded that the 254 oil & gas wells not targeted in the field would also likely be silent. Consequently, these 254 oil & gas wells were eliminated from further consideration in the Project NIA, as well. 2.3 Electrical Facilities The Alberta Electrical System Operator (AESO) maintains maps of existing and approved electrical facilities in Alberta. Golder reviewed the AESO maps and found no existing and approved electrical facilities located within 3 km of the lands optioned by the Proponent for development of the Project. Consequently, existing and approved electrical facilities were not considered in the Baseline Case of the Project NIA. Note that a search buffer of 3 km was selected to capture all electrical facilities that might contribute to cumulative noise levels at dwelling receptors in the Project area. 3.0 BASELINE FIELD PROGRAM As discussed above, a three-day baseline field program was undertaken to characterize noise emissions from existing and approved oil & gas facilities and wells. The baseline field program was conducted by Tomasz Nowak, MSc, MEng, an experienced member of the Golder noise team. The baseline field program began on October 26 and concluded on October 28, Permission to access oil & gas facilities and wells was coordinated through the Proponent s land agent. In accordance with Rule 012, baseline field measurements were completed using a Brüel and Kjær Model 2250 Type I sound level meter (serial number ), which had been calibrated by the instrument manufacturer within a two-year period immediately preceding the measurements (AUC 2017). A copy of the relevant calibration certificate for the sound level meter is presented in Figure A-1. Also in accordance with Rule 012, the sound level meter was field calibrated with a Brüel and Kjær Mode 4231 Type I calibrator unit (serial number ) immediately prior to the measurement... (AUC 2017) and had its calibration checked immediately after the measurement using the same calibrator (AUC 2017). As required by Rule 012, the calibrator unit was calibrated by the instrument manufacturer less than one year prior to the field program. A copy of the relevant calibration certificate for the calibrator unit is presented in Figure A-2. Project No A-7

60 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Figure A-1: Calibration Certificate for Sound Level Meter Project No A-8

61 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Figure A-2: Calibration Certificate for Calibrator Unit Project No A-9

62 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations As discussed in Section 2.1 and Section 2.2 of this technical appendix, the baseline field program targeted 18 oil & gas facilities and 18 oil & gas wells. However, most of the facilities and all of the wells targeted during the field program had no noise emitting equipment on site. Ultimately, noise emissions were measured for two facilities: compressor station #96960 and gas gathering system / battery # A photograph of compressor station #96960 is presented as Figure A-3. A photograph of gas gathering system / battery #58070 is presented as Figure A-4. Figure A-3: Compressor Station #96960 Figure A-4: Gas Gathering System / Battery #58070 Project No A-10

63 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations 4.0 NOISE EMISSIONS FOR BASELINE CASE FACILITIES 4.1 Compressor Station #96960 Golder had permission from the facility operator, Belatrix Exploration Ltd., to access and measure noise emissions from compressor station #96960 during the baseline field program. Golder collected a total of seven noise measurements at this facility. Table A-4 presents the raw noise data measured at compressor station # Noise measurement data are presented in the form of octave-band sound pressure levels, expressed in unweighted decibels (dbz), and total sound pressure levels, expressed in A-weighted decibels (dba). As discussed in the main NIA document, noise emissions must be input to the Baseline Case computer model in the form of octave-band sound power levels. The formula below was used to convert the octave-band sound pressure levels from Table A-4 into corresponding octave-band sound power levels, which are presented in Table A-5. In the formula below, PWL represents sound power level, SPL represents sound pressure level, and D represents the measurement distance (expressed in metres). PPPPPP = SSSSSS + 10 log 10 (2ππDD 2 ) For the sake of conservatism, the maximum sound power level from Table A-5 (i.e., the sound power level corresponding to measurement 009) was used to represent compressor station #96960 in the Baseline Case computer model. Project No A-11

64 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Table A-4: Field Measurements from Compressor Station #96960 Measurement Identification Code Measurement Location Distance from Compressor Station [m] Octave-Band Sound Pressure Level [dbz] 31.5 Hz 63 Hz 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1 khz 2 khz 4 khz 8 khz Total Sound Pressure Level [dba] 003 north side north side west side west side west side south side south side Table A-5: Compressor Station #96960 Sound Power Levels Calculated from Field Measurements Measurement Identification Code Octave-Band Sound Power Level [dbz] 31.5 Hz 63 Hz 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1 khz 2 khz 4 khz 8 khz Total Sound Power Level [dba] (a) (a) This sound power level was used to represent the facility in the Project NIA Project No A-12

65 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations 4.2 Gas Gathering System / Battery #58070 Golder did not have permission from the facility operator, Chinook Energy Inc., to access gas gathering system / battery #58070 during the baseline field program. Furthermore, Golder did not have permission from the relevant landowner to approach the fence line of this facility. As such, Golder had to collect noise measurements for this facility from the nearest point on a publicly-accessible road. The measurement point was approximately 750 m east of the facility. Golder collected two noise measurements from this point. Table A-6 presents the raw noise data measured for gas gathering system / battery # Noise measurement data are presented in the form of octave-band sound pressure levels, expressed in dbz, and total sound pressure levels, expressed in dba. Field observations indicate that the measurements presented in Table A-6 include the noise contribution from the facility but are substantially contaminated by noise from natural sources. Because of the large measurement distance, the formula presented in Section 4.1 of this technical appendix was not appropriate for calculating sound power levels from gas gathering system / battery # Instead, Golder estimated sound power levels form this facility using a simple computer model. In particular, Golder created a model consisting of a generic noise source at the location of the facility and a receptor at the location of the measurements. In accordance with Rule 012, the computer model used a widely-accepted standard to account for propagation effects (ISO 1996) based on environmental conditions (wind speed, wind direction, temperature, relative humidity) that existed at the time of the measurement. Golder adjusted the octave-band noise emissions from the generic source until the noise level predicted at the receptor location agreed reasonably well with the measurement data from Table A-6. The octave-band noise emissions for gas gathering system / battery #58070 that resulted from this modelling exercise are presented in Table A-7 in the form of octave-band sound power levels, expressed in dbz, and total sound power level, expressed in dba. The noise emissions data from Table A-7 were used to represent gas gathering system / battery #58070 in the Baseline Case computer model. Note that because the raw measurement data were contaminated by natural sources, the emissions values presented in Table A-7 likely overestimate the actual noise emissions from gas gathering system / battery # Project No A-13

66 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations Table A-6: Field Measurements from Gas Gathering System / Battery #58070 Distance from Gas Octave-Band Sound Pressure Level [dbz] Measurement Measurement Gathering System / Identification Code Location Battery [m] 31.5 Hz 63 Hz 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1 khz 2 khz 4 khz 8 khz Total Sound Pressure Level [dba] 001 east of facility east of facility Table A-7: Gas Gathering System / Battery #58070Sound Power Levels Calculated from Field Measurements Octave-Band Sound Power Level [dbz] Total Sound Power Level [dba] 31.5 Hz 63 Hz 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1 khz 2 khz 4 khz 8 khz Project No A-14

67 APPENDIX A Baseline Case Noise Measurements and Emissions Calculations 5.0 REFERENCES AUC (Alberta Utilities Commission) Rule 012: Noise Control. Effective July 4, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) ISO Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors Part 2: General method of calculation. Dated December 15, nia update/update for layout 138 (23 nov 2017)/appendixa_baselineandfield.docx Project No A-15

68 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE APPENDIX B Octave-Band Noise Emissions for Project Wind Turbine Generators as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Report No

69 APPENDIX B Octave-Band Noise Emissions for Project Wind Turbine Generators as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Noise emissions from the Project s are presented in Table B-1 for hub height wind speeds from 8.5 m/s to 13.0 m/s. Noise emissions in Table B-1 are presented in the form of octave-band sound power levels, expressed in unweighted decibels (dbz), and total sound power levels, expressed in A-weighted decibels (dba). The standard full power mode (STD) emissions spectra from Table B-1 were calculated directly from one-third octave-band data supplied by the vendor. Spectral data for the noise reduced modes (i.e., NL1, NL2, NL3, and NL4) was not available from the vendor and so emissions spectra for these operating modes were calculated as linear shifts of the STD mode emissions spectra. For each noise reduced mode (i.e., NL1, NL2, NL3, and NL4), the magnitude of the linear shift was established to match vendor-supplied total emissions levels. Table B-1: Noise Emissions for Project Wind Turbine Generators (Vestas V MW) Operating Mode Standard Full Power Mode (STD) Noise Reduced Mode 1 (NL1) Noise Reduced Mode 2 (NL2) Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] Octave-Band Sound Power Level [dbz] 31.5 Hz 63 Hz 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1 khz 2 khz 4 khz 8 khz Total Sound Power Level [dba] Project No B-1

70 APPENDIX B Octave-Band Noise Emissions for Project Wind Turbine Generators as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Table B-1: Noise Emissions for Project Wind Turbine Generators (Vestas V MW) Operating Mode Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] Octave-Band Sound Power Level [dbz] 31.5 Hz 63 Hz 125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1 khz 2 khz 4 khz 8 khz Total Sound Power Level [dba] Noise Reduced Mode 3 (NL3) Noise Reduced Mode 4 (NL4) nia update/update for layout 138 (23 nov 2017)/appendixb_octband_noiseemissions.docx Project No B-2

71 FORTY MILE WIND POWER PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT UPDATE APPENDIX C Project Noise Level Predictions as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Report No

72 APPENDIX C Project Noise Level Predictions as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Application Case cumulative noise levels for the daytime period are presented in Table C-1. Application Case cumulative noise levels for the nighttime period are presented in Table C-2. As discussed in the main NIA document, Application Case cumulative noise levels are presented for hub height wind speeds ranging from 8.5 m/s up to 13.0 m/s. Table C-1: Application Case Cumulative Noise Levels - Daytime Receptor Identification Code ASL [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Project Noise Level [dba] as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] as Function of Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Project No C-1

73 APPENDIX C Project Noise Level Predictions as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Table C-1: Application Case Cumulative Noise Levels - Daytime Receptor Identification Code ASL [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Project Noise Level [dba] as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] as Function of Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Noise contribution too small to be meaningfully quantified Project No C-2

74 APPENDIX C Project Noise Level Predictions as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Table C-2: Application Case Cumulative Noise Levels - Nighttime Receptor Identification Code ASL [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Project Noise Level [dba] as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] as Function of Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Project No C-3

75 APPENDIX C Project Noise Level Predictions as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed Table C-2: Application Case Cumulative Noise Levels - Nighttime Receptor Identification Code ASL [dba] Existing and Approved Industrial Facilities [dba] Project Noise Level [dba] as a Function of Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] Application Case Cumulative Noise Level [dba] as Function of Hub Height Wind Speed [m/s] (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) Noise contribution too small to be meaningfully quantified nia update/update for layout 138 (23 nov 2017)/appendixc_noisepredictions_gamesa_layout138.docx Project No C-4

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