Environmental Noise Control

The outdoor acoustical environment can vary in both magnitude and characteristic throughout most communities. Sound levels depend on the time of day or season, the type of noise, and where the listener is located. Further, there are usually a multitude of noise sources, however transportation vehicles are generally the worst offenders, with construction and industrial plants a solid second. With these factors, it is clear that the control of community noise is neither simple or straightforward.

Environmental noise control is defined by the following categories:

(1) Noise Impact/Feasibility Statements,
(2) Environmental Noise Assessments, and
(3) Certificate of Approval (Air & Noise).

Experience

SACL's experience in Environmental projects includes a broad range of Environmental Noise and Environmental Vibration Control projects. Major projects including both noise assessment and the design of noise controls include a five-year study for a new Petro Chemical Plant for Petrosar Limited, the Molson Indy (Toronto), CNE Bandshell, CP Rail Agincourt Yards, Metro Conservation Authority, Cold Creek Shooting Range, Ontario Hydro Lambton TGS and Pickering NGS Facilities, National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place Toronto, Regional Municipality of Clarington Re; Outdoor Rock Music Concerts and Auto Racing, City of Vaughan (Canada's Wonderland). Recent successful MOE Certificate of Approval applications were the Niagara Falls Casino and a large automotive part paint spraying operation in Windsor.

Many Environmental projects have been completed as part of residential and commercial construction including assessment for Mechanical Equipment, for example, exhaust fans and diesel generator sets. Special construction has been designed for exterior noise sources such as aircraft and traffic.

Noise and vibration control projects have been completed for OEM Manufacturers, particularly for high voltage electrical equipment. Numerous Noise Impact Statements have been completed for residential developments including high-rise, townhouse and single family developments considering the noise associated with transportation sources and vibration associated with railways.