1-14 Noise

Please identify the details of the expected noise to be generated during construction operations.

 

RESPONSE:

As indicated in Section 6.9 of our EFSB application and on page 30 of Appendix E, as summarized in Table 11 and Appendix N6, (Construction Noise Modeling Results) construction noise levels (LAEQ) are predicted to range from a low of 27 dBA to a high of 53 dBA at residential receivers.  These levels represent those observed outdoors, and a home or building would provide significant reduction.  Specifically, noise levels within a home would be up to 27 dBA lower assuming closed windows.  Even with open windows, indoor levels would be up to 15 dBA lower than levels observed outside.[1]

                      

Table 11: Projected CREC Construction Noise Levels (LAEQ)*

 

Construction Phase

Location

Grading

& Excavation

Concrete Pouring

Steel Erection

Equipment Installation

Finishing

Existing Daytime Ambient Range (LAEQ)

M1

49

45

49

44

39

52 to 53

M2

53

49

53

48

43

50 to 52

M3

41

37

41

36

31

36 to 44

M4

47

43

47

42

37

50 to 51

M5

37

33

37

32

27

45 to 52

*Rounded to the nearest whole decibel

 

 

As such, construction of the CREC is not expected to result in any significant community noise impact.

 

 

RESPONDENT:

 

John Niland, Director, Business Development, Invenergy and

Maureen Chlebek, P.E., PTOE, Senior Project Manager, McMahon Associates

 

DATE:

March 31, 2016

 

8 - Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, USEPA Report 550/9-74-004 (March 1974).