New EUB Noise Control Directive 038
The EUB Noise Control Interim Directive ID 99-8 has been under revision for several years. On February 16, 2007 the revised noise control directive (Directive 038) was issued. Directive 038 contains several changes that will affect Oil and Gas Operators. In general, the requirements of the new directive are more prescriptive than the requirements of the old directive.
Major Changes to the EUB Noise Control Directive
Remote Facilities: For facilities where there are no residences within 1500 metres, the 40 dBA Permissible Sound Level (PSL) was a “recommended” guide. In the new directive this 40 dBA PSL at 1500 metres is a requirement.
Ambient Sound Levels: The typical 40 dBA PSL at the nearest residence now includes the ambient sound levels without energy industry facilities. The EUB sets the typical ambient sound level for rural Alberta at 35 dBA. In order for the facility to be compliant its sound level plus the ambient sound level must be less than 40 dBA. This effectively tightens the design target for new facilities to approximately 38 dBA for Noise Impact Assessments.
Noise Modeling: The new directive contains a list of parameters that must be included in noise models when predicting noise propagation. Previously these parameter values were left to each modeller to determine.
Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) Reporting Requirements: Directive 038 contains a detailed list of information that must be included in order for a NIA to be acceptable and compliant.
Complaint Investigation Forms: If a comprehensive sound survey is to be conducted in order to establish the actual sound level for compliance purposes; the licensee, or their representative, and the resident must complete a complaint investigation form. This form is intended to identify conditions when the noise is a problem. Also, more attention is now being paid to environmental and wind conditions.
Low Frequency Noise (LFN): Extra consideration is now afforded to residents in regards to low frequency noise generated by industry. This is causing more “scare factor” than is perhaps warranted, and we believe that economic facility design will remain viable in the vast majority of cases, provided it is addressed in the design stage. Nonetheless, this aspect of the Directive 038 seems to be generating more interest in total sound absorptive building re-design. In some cases this will be necessary; the key issue will be to know which cases. PAAE is currently surveying suppliers to see which have 1/3 octave data to design out any potential LFN.
This is a very brief overview of some significant changes to the directive. For a full text version of the directive visit our website where you will find a link to the official EUB website and the Noise Control Directive 038. Some situations will still need to be dealt with on a case by case basis and will require special consideration by the EUB.
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