Noise Impact Assessments are not one-size-fits-all. Regional regulations and bylaws typically require the completion of a Noise Impact Assessment to predict and identify major facility noise sources, and any impacts to surrounding residences or communities. Even though the term Noise Impact Assessment is used to cover every report, in reality, each assessment can be very different from each other depending on site-specific characteristics.

Starting with SoundComply lets you easily assess noise-related risk early-on in a project’s lifecycle, and tailors your next steps for regulatory compliance to this risk. With the right information entered, SoundComply can determine if a Screening Noise Impact Assessment (NIA), or a more detailed NIA is appropriate for a particular facility, based on its location, type of equipment and proximity of neighbouring facilities and residences.

Before you start, gather together the following information as you will need it to complete your SoundComply risk assessment: 

Name, location, and type of subject facility
Location of nearby residences (within 1500 m)
Total HP of your facility
Overall quantity and type(s) of equipment

If you don’t have all the information required, don’t worry… you can save your progress at any step in SoundComply and come back at any time to complete the process.

ASSESS, DETAIL, APPLY: 

Cut through the noise with SoundComply’s proven 3 stage process. Designed to be used at any project stage, this flexible online tool provides an overview of facility noise compliance with Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) Directive 03 and provides a starting point to different noise assessment options.

Assess Your Risk: With details about your facility location and high-level equipment specifications, SoundComply confirms the study area by assessing adjacent facilities and nearby residences. During this stage, SoundComply will determine noise-related risk and produce a report indicating whether your facility falls within the recommended Directive 038 Permissible Sound Levels (PSL).
Detail Your Equipment: This stage involves entering more detailed equipment specifications and expands upon the information previously entered in Stage 1 to determine eligibility for a Screening Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) for AER Directive 038.
Apply for a Screening NIA: Once you’ve entered your equipment, you can proceed through the entire Screening NIA process free of charge. If you qualify for a Screening NIA based on the information provided, you are given the option to purchase for a $1,200 CDN fee.

WHAT IS A SCREENING NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (NIA)? 

Smaller facilities situated in remote areas without adjacent facilities or nearby dwellings, or those with less noise-related risk, may be eligible to complete an online Screening Noise Impact Assessment – a document approved by the Alberta Energy Regulator as sufficient to demonstrate compliance with Directive 038: Noise Control regulations.

You can proceed through the entire Screening NIA process free of charge, however, if you qualify for a Screening NIA based on the information provided, you are given the option to purchase for a $1,200 CDN fee. If you choose to purchase the Screening NIA, the information entered in the Screening NIA will be analyzed by experienced acousticians and P.Eng.-stamped report will then be sent to you, which can be submitted to the AER to demonstrate Directive 038 compliance.

DETAILED NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 

As projects increase in complexity, such as those involving multiple stakeholders or located in sensitive areas, more robust noise assessments involving detailed measurements and noise modelling are required.

Alternatively, if your noise regulations differ from those in the tool, your facility may still meet less stringent regulations. Patching Associates can help you navigate through all these options.

Why SoundComply?

SoundComply is the first step in Patching Associates’ best-practice noise management system and helps ensure smoother energy and resource projects with lower risk for resident complaints or regulatory delays.

Leveraging Patching Associates’ database, SoundComply, and its built-in Screening NIA tool, assesses the risk of noise impacts early in the project and establishes the level planning required, tailored to the risk. This look into the study area of a proposed, existing or expanding facility enables owners and designers to use their time and data more efficiently during project planning.

SoundComply lets you determine your facility’s noise-related risk. Lower-risk projects can often avoid overspending on noise studies and noise control measures. Comparatively, SoundComply can identify higher-risk projects early on without incurring costs for a full Noise Impact Assessment. This helps you avoid surprises, allows for better budgeting, and saves time during planning.

SCREENING NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT TOOL