Background Noise Survey Report SANTA ISABEL WIND FARM PROJECT

Transcription

1 Background Noise Survey Report SANTA ISABEL WIND FARM PROJECT OCTOBER 2010 Prepared for: Prepared By:

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY Study Area and Noise Receptors Noise Monitoring Data Analysis RESULTS Regulatory Noise Criteria Existing Sound Levels REFERENCES APPENDICES TABLES Table 1. Receptors Description... 7 Table 2. Sound Level Meter Specifications... 8 Table 3. EQB Noise Emission Limits [db(a)] [Noise Level Exceeded in 10% of the Measurement Period (L10)] according to the current 1987 Regulation Table 4. EQB Noise Emission Limits [db(a)] [Noise Level Exceeded in Table 5. Allowable Adjustments to EQB Noise Level Criteria Table 6. Existing Sound Levels Table 7. Background Sound Levels (L 10 ) and EQB Noise Level Limits in db(a) per Current Regulation (EQB, 1987) Table 8. Background Sound Levels (L 10 ) and EQB Noise Level Limits in db(a) per Proposed Regulation (EQB, 2010) i

3 FIGURES Figure 1. Location Map... 4 Figure 2. Receptors Location... 6 Figure 3. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-1 Daytime Figure 4. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-1 Nighttime Figure 5. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-2 Daytime Figure 6. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-2 Nighttime Figure 7. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-3 Daytime Figure 8. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-3 Nighttime Figure 9. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-4 Daytime Figure 10. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-4 Nighttime Figure 11. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-5 Daytime Figure 12. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-5 Nighttime Figure 13. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-6 Daytime Figure 14. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-6 Nighttime Figure 15. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-7 Daytime Figure 16. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-7 Nighttime Figure 17. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-8 Daytime Figure 18. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-8 Nighttime Figure 19. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-9 Daytime Figure 20. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-9 Nighttime Figure 21. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-10 Daytime Figure 22. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-10 Nighttime Figure 23. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-11 Daytime Figure 24. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-11 Nighttime Figure 25. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-12 Daytime Figure 26. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-12 Nighttime Figure 27. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-13 Daytime Figure 28. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-13 Nighttime Figure 29. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-14 Daytime Figure 30. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-14 Nighttime Figure 31. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-15 Daytime Figure 32. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-15 Nighttime APPENDICES Appendix A: Sound Level Meter Instruction Manual and Calibration Certificate Appendix B: Registry of Sound Measurements Appendix C: Sound Level Data ii

4 1 INTRODUCTION CSA Architects & Engineers / CSA Group, Inc. (CSA) was contracted by Pattern Santa Isabel, LLC. to conduct a Background Noise Survey as part of the environmental studies that are being performed for the planning phase of the Santa Isabel Wind Farm Project (the Project). The Project would be located in the Municipality of Santa Isabel in agricultural lands owned by the Land Authority of Puerto Rico (Figure 1. Location Map). The Project site has an area of approximately 3,819 cuerdas (3,709 acres) and is divided into two main parcels, one on the east side of the Rio Coamo, and one on the west side. CSA conducted a background noise survey at fifteen (15) receptors in the project area that could be impacted by noise associated with the construction and operation of the proposed project. Noise measurements were performed following the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Noise Regulation. Field activities were carried out on August 23 to 25, 2010 and September 1 to 2, This report described the field activities carried out, methodology, and the results obtained as part of the noise survey. The Report also includes a discussion of the regulatory noise level criteria according to the current noise regulation (1987) and the 2010 proposed amendments to noise regulation (pending EQB final approval). Adjustments to the regulatory limits depending of the levels of background noise, as applicable per EQB regulation are also considered in the analysis. 3

5 "REUSE OF DOCUMENTS: THIS DOCUMENT, AND THE IDEAS AND DESIGNS INCORPORATED HEREIN, AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, IS THE PROPERTY OF CSA ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS, LLP/CSA GROUP, INC. AND IS NOT TO BE USED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FOR ANY OTHER PROJECT WITHOUT THE WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF CSA GROUP." Juana Diaz Canal de Juana Diaz 545 Río Coamo Santa Isabel Legend: Scale: 1:30, ,800 Meters Hidrography¹ Río Descalabrado 5536 Rio Coamo Roads² Municipal Limit³ ProjectArea N:\08PR015\C00\Z-GIS\jul-dic2010\mxd\10sep13_Topo_11x17_final.mxd gisteam rdarcher 13 sep Sources: 1. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) database, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Municipalities, Map Number 72000C1965H, 72000C1715H, 72000C2060J, and 72000C2080J. November 18, Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (ACT by it acronym in Spanish), June Information provided by the Puerto Rico Planning Board 4. United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map. Coamo, Río Descalabrado, Salinas and Santa Isabel maps; revised on 1972 except Salinas 1970 and photorevised on The original map scale is 1:20,000. Mar Caribe Coordinate System: State Plane NAD83 Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands FIPS 5200 (Meters) Mar Caribe Atlantic Ocean Caribbean Sea Figure 1: Location Map Finca de Viento Santa Isabel/Santa Isabel, PR

6 2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 STUDY AREA AND NOISE RECEPTORS A field investigation was performed from August 23 to 25, 2010 and September 1 to 2, 2010, with the purpose of determining existing background noise (sound) levels around the Proposed Project area. CSA, in coordination with RMT, (project consultants) identified fifteen (15) receptors (identified as SIWF-1 through SIWF-15) that could be impacted by noise associated with the construction and operation of the proposed Project. Receptors identified as SIWF-3 and SIWF-10, were located within the agricultural lands, where the project is proposed in order to evaluate the existing noise conditions related to the agricultural activities in the area and evaluate the potential impacts from noise increases due to the operation of the proposed Project (refer to Figure 2. Receptors Location). These receptors were distributed throughout Residential, Commercial, Quiet, and Industrial Zones, as defined by the EQB Noise Regulation (1987). The selected receptors represent the set of environmental noise conditions that characterize the proposed site and its surroundings. The description and location of each receptor is summarized in Table 1. 5

7 Río nal Ca G58 G5 A8 SIWF-4 (Central Cortada Old Sugar Mill Residences) SIWF-14 (East Commercial Zone) SIWF-3 (Packing Site) G14 ra d o G2 G1 De s ca lab G13 G11 Río Santa Isabel G3 G12 A1 G10 A4 o am Co SIWF-15 (West Side residences) G48 G49 G42 G G31 G40 G30 G24 G29 G53 G38 G Municipal Limit4 Property Limit G57 G SIWF-7 (Taino Residences) SIWF-11 (Jauca Residences) Coordinate System: State Plane NAD83 Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands FIPS 5200 (Meters) Roads³ SIWF-8 (Hospital) Residential Hidrography² G52 M ar C ar ib e SIWF-12 (Ana Valldejuli School) 538 Sources: 1. Field data by CSA Group 2. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) database, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Municipalities, Map Number 72000C1965H, 72000C1715H, 72000C2060J, andm72000c2080j. November 18, 2009 ar C a rtransportation 3. Puerto Rico Highway and Authority ibe (ACT by it acronym in Spanish), June Information provided by the Puerto Rico Planning Board 5. Ortho images provided by U.S. Corps of Engineers, November 2006 February 2007 G51 G39 G N:\08PR015\C00\Z-GIS\jul-dic2010\mxd\10sep13_NoiseStudy_11x17_draft.mxd gisteam rdarcher 13 septiembre 2010 AV 9.2 G19 G41 Industrial Tranquility u res G56 G7 G8 G25 Commercial SIWF-13 (Prados del Sur Housing Development) Cay G20 G47 G43 G32 SIWF-9 (Ponce Cash N' Carry) Noise Receptors¹ G44 G35 SIWF-10 (East Industrial Zone) Tower Location G46 G45 G36 G34 A2 SIWF-6 (Playita Cortada Residences) 1,800 Meters Legend: Río 1 A3 o Ri 7 SIWF-5 (Gas Station) G4 A6 G15 J 52 z Dia 450 G16 A7 G6 de a u an mo Coa Scale: 1:32, Juana Diaz 0 SIWF-2 (Ollas Residences) SIWF-1 (Ollas School) "REUSE OF DOCUMENTS: THIS DOCUMENT, AND THE IDEAS AND DESIGNS INCORPORATED HEREIN, AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, IS THE PROPERTY OF CSA ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS, LLP/CSA GROUP, INC. AND IS NOT TO BE USED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FOR ANY OTHER PROJECT WITHOUT THE W RITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF CSA GROUP." Océano Atlántico Mar Caribe Figure 2: Noise Receptors Location Finca de Viento Santa Isabel/Santa Isabel, PR

8 Table 1. Receptors Description Receptor Zone Classification 1 Coordinates (NAD83) Location Description Latitude Longitude West Area -Public School and Head Star. Felicita Olivieri SIWF-1 Zone I Residential Santini School and Head Start Ollas I y II located at Las Ollas Community. West Area - Residences Sector SIWF-2 Zone I Residential Las Ollas West Area - Packing Plant M.S. SIWF-3 Zone III Industrial Farm, Inc. (agricultural areas within Project Site) SIWF-4 Zone I Residential West Area Central Cortada Old Sugar Mill Residences located at PR-536, Km 0.8 West Area- Agrocentro Santa Isabel and the Gas Station SIWF-5 Zone II Commercial located at PR-1 Km 1.0, Playita Cortada ward. West Area- Residential Area SIWF-6 Zone I Residential located at the Urb. Playita Cortada located at PR-537. SIWF-7 Zone I Residential West Area- Residential Area located at the Urb. El Taino located at PR-153 West Area-Centro Diagnóstico y Tratamiento de Santa SIWF-8 Zone IV Quiet Isabel/Head Start (Hospital) located at PR-153 SIWF-9 Zone II Commercial East Area-Ponce Cash n' Carry SIWF-10 Zone III Industrial SIWF-11 Zone I Residential SIWF-12 Zone I Residential SIWF-13 Zone I Residential East Area-Agricultural area located within the project site (East Parcel) East Area- Residential zone at Jauca ward East Area-School (Ana Valldejuly) at Jauca Ward. East Area-Prados del Sur Residential Area (south area) SIWF-14 Zone II Commercial East Area -Commercial zone SIWF-15 Zone I Residential Residences located west from the Project east parcel 1 Receptor classification based on current EQB Noise Control Regulation. Please note that the current EQB Noise Control Regulation (1987) includes schools as Zone 1 (Residential) while the proposed amended version (2010) reclassifies Schools in Zone IV (Quiet Zones). 7

9 2.2 NOISE MONITORING Noise measurements were performed following the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Noise Regulation (Reglamento para el Control de la Contaminación por Ruidos de la Junta de Calidad Ambiental, versión enmendada 1987). An EXTECH sound level meter (model ) was used to obtain baseline sound measurements. This sound level meter allows for the digital analysis of 1/3 octave bands real time, and meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Using the signal produced by a single microphone, the EXTECH sound monitor can determine and store sound pressure levels. Table 2 below summarizes the technical specifications of the sound level meter. The Instrument specifications and calibration certificate are included in Appendix A. Equipment Table 2. Sound Level Meter Specifications Model Manufacturer Class Range Accuracy Uses Scale Sound Level Calibrator Range Datalogging Sound Level Meter EXTECH Instruments Corporation 285 Bear Hill Road Waltham, MA Type 2 portable db ± 1.5 db (under reference conditions) Compliance with OSHA and DOT, noise levels vs. time analysis, noise surveys A 94 and 114 db 8

10 For this survey the sound level measurements were recorded using the Scale A Weighting (Frequency) and Slow Response settings. The sound level meter was programmed to measure and collect the noise data every 2 seconds over a period of time of at least 30 minutes. Sound pressure level measurements were taken using a pre-polarized condenser microphone. The field calibration, which was performed after sample collection at each receptor, was done with the unit calibrator, using a 94/114 db Acoustical Calibrator. Whenever feasible, the line of vision was used as a criterion to locate the sound level meter. The microphone was placed over a tripod, at a height of approximately 1.2 to 1.5 meters and a distance of, at least, 5 meters from any vertical surface capable of reflecting the noise. The tip of the instrument was pointed towards the direction of the main source of noise at each receptor location. The main source of noise per receptor is described in the noise survey field registry included in Appendix B. Noise measurements were taken during suitable climatologic conditions: never during periods of precipitation or when wind velocity exceeded 18 km/hr. EQB Noise Pollution Control Regulation establishes different sound level criteria for daytime and nighttime hours. To evaluate existing sound levels against those limits, sound level measurements were taken during the daytime and nighttime hours, for each one of the previously identified receptors. As defined by the EQB, the daytime period begins at 7:01 AM and ends at 10:00 PM, with the nighttime period beginning at 10:01 PM and ends at 7:00 AM. During sample period, a written registry of general field conditions was prepared. The registry includes the following information: Instrument model and serial number; 9

11 General climatic conditions, such as temperature, wind direction and speed, humidity, and weather conditions at the time of the measurement; Site diagram, showing sound source and receptor location; Sample ID; Date and time of sample collection; Location and type of the receptor; and, Relevant observations of the sample location. Copies of these registries (noise survey field notes) are included in Appendix B of this report. The measurements taken are summarized in the graphs included in Section DATA ANALYSIS Noise data was analyzed to determine sound levels at each receptor location for each sampling period (day and night). The following levels of pressure of sound were considered: L eq Level of pressure of equivalent sound, defined like the level of constant noise that on a period of specific time, 30 minutes in this case, would produce the energy equivalent to the fluctuating sound that happens in the reality. L 10 Level of sound pressure that exceeds 10% the time of which the sound is measured. L max and L min maximum and minimum sound level during the sampling period. The L 10 parameter was compared to the noise emission levels established by the EQB regulation (1987). Also, the draft proposed Noise Pollution Control Regulation 10

12 amended version (EQB, 2010), which includes specific dispositions for wind energy projects, was used to evaluate the background noise conditions in the study area. Although uncertain the proposed amended version could be in effect by the time the Project is constructed and operating. Adjustments to the regulatory limits depending of the levels of background noise, as applicable per EQB regulation, will also be considered in the analysis. 11

13 3 RESULTS 3.1 REGULATORY NOISE CRITERIA The Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Regulation Num for the Control of Noise Pollution (Reglamento para el Control de la Contaminación por Ruidos de la Junta de Calidad Ambiental, versión enmendada 1987) establish standards and requirements for the control, reduction or elimination of noise that might be harmful to health and disrupt the public welfare. EQB Noise Regulation establish noise emission levels for different receptors zones, noise emissions levels from motor vehicles, and procedures relating to the noise level measurements. There are no noise-related federal policies or regulations applicable to the proposed project. Currently, EQB is proposing an amendment to the Regulation for the Control of Noise Pollution. Although uncertain, the proposed amended version could be in effect by the time the Project is constructed and operating. The 2010 Draft Noise Regulation stipulates the following regarding wind farm projects: Rule 3 Definitions: o Define a wind energy system, as one or more wind generators with its associate components, and classifies the wind energy systems in three categories: Small scale systems capacity up to 20 kw Medium Scale Systems up to five (5) turbines that combined can generate more than 20 kw, but none of the turbines can generate more than 1 MW individually. Industrial Scale Systems more than five (5) turbines or systems with less than five turbines with at least one turbine with an individual capacity of 1MW or more. Rule 24 Noise Level Limits for Wind Turbines or Wind Energy Systems 12

14 o Provides the following adjustment to regulatory noise levels: Increases the noise level limit for residential receptors (Zone I) for the nocturnal period by 5 db(a) (increased from 50 db(a) to 55 db(a)). Increases the noise level limit for quiet zones (Zone IV) for the nocturnal period by 5 db(a) (increased from 50 db(a) to 55 db(a)). The EQB noise level criteria according to the current noise regulation and the 2010 proposed regulation are summarized in Tables 3 and 4, respectively. Table 3. EQB Noise Emission Limits [db(a)] [Noise Level Exceeded in 10% of the Measurement Period (L10)] according to the current 1987 Regulation. Emitting Source Zone I (Residential) Zone II (Commercial) Zone III (Industrial) Zone IV (Tranquility) Day Night Day Night Day Night Day Night Zone I Zone II Zone III Zone IV The proposed project is considered an Industrial (Zone III) emitting source. 2. The daytime period corresponds to the hours between 7:01 AM and 10:00 PM. 3. The nighttime period corresponds to the hours between 10:01 PM and 7:00 AM. 4. Source: Environmental Quality Board s Noise Pollution Control Rules, amended version (EQB, 1987) 13

15 Table 4. EQB Noise Emission Limits [db(a)] [Noise Level Exceeded in 10% of the Measurement Period (L10)] according to the proposed 2010 amended version. Emitting Source Zone I (Residential) Zone II (Commercial) Zone III (Industrial) Zone IV (Tranquility) Day Night Day Night Day Night Day Night Zone I Zone II Zone III (55) (55) 2 Zone IV The proposed project will be considered an Industrial (Zone III) emitting source. 2. (55 dba) applicable noise level for wind energy emission source. 3. The daytime period corresponds to the hours between 7:01 AM and 10:00 PM. 4. The nighttime period corresponds to the hours between 10:01 PM and 7:00 AM. 5. Source: Proposed Environmental Quality Board s Noise Pollution Control Rules, amended version (June 25, 2010, pdf version available at According to EQB regulation, adjustments to the regulatory noise limits (Tables 3 and 4) are allowable depending of the levels of background noise (see Table 5). 14

16 Table 5. Allowable Adjustments to EQB Noise Level Criteria EQB Current Noise Regulation (1987) If existing (ambient) sound levels are less than the EQB noise level limits by more (>) than 5dB(A), then no adjustment to the limits are made. If existing (ambient) sound levels are less than the EQB noise level limits by less (<) than 5dB(A), then 3 db(a) are added to the noise levels limits. If existing (ambient) sound levels are greater (>) than EQB noise level limits, then 5 db(a) are added to noise levels limits. For any stationary noise-emitting source that emits noises in changing cycles, or repetitions of impulse noises, the EQB noise limits are reduced by 5 dba. EQB Proposed Noise Regulation (2010 Amendment) If existing (ambient) sound levels are less than the EQB noise level limits by more (>) than 10 db(a), then no adjustment to the limits are made. If the difference between the EQB noise level limits and the existing (ambient) sound levels is between 10 and 6 db(a), then 1 db(a) are added to the noise levels limits. If the difference between the EQB noise level limits and the existing (ambient) sound levels is between 6 and 3 db(a), then 2 db(a) are added to the noise levels limits. If the difference between the EQB noise level limits and the existing (ambient) sound levels is between 3 and 0 db(a), then 3 db(a) are added to the noise levels limits. According to the draft regulation, the adjustment (corrections) applies when background noise levels are below the EQB noise limits. Although the draft regulation available for public review does not specify applicable correction when background noise levels exceed the EQB noise limits, EQB s Noise Control Division has informed that a 5 dba increase is being included in the proposed final regulation. 15

17 3.2 EXISTING SOUND LEVELS Existing sound levels at the selected receptors for each survey period are summarized below in Table 6. The sound level data obtained at each receptor are illustrated (graphs) in Figures 3 to 32 at the end of the section. Detailed noise level data for each receptor is included in Appendix C. EQB Zones 1 Receptors (ID) Table 6. Existing Sound Levels Daytime Nighttime L min L max L 10 L eq L min L max L 10 L eq SIWF SIWF SIWF Zone I (Residential) SIWF SIWF SIWF SIWF SIWF SIWF Zone II (Commercial) SIWF SIWF SIWF Zone III (Industrial) Zone IV (Quiet Zone) SIWF SIWF SIWF Receptor classification based on current EQB Noise Control Regulation. Please note that the current EQB Noise Control Regulation (1987) includes schools as Zone 1 (Residential) while the proposed amended version (2010) reclassifies Schools in Zone IV (Quiet Zones). Schools receptors are in italics 16

18 The values corresponding to the L 10 parameter for each receptor were compared against the noise levels limits established by the EQB in the current and proposed regulation (See Tables 7 and 8). For this evaluation, the emitting source is the Proposed Project site. The proposed Project will be considered as Industrial (zone III) emitting source. Table 7. Background Sound Levels (L 10 ) and EQB Noise Level Limits in db(a) per Current Regulation (EQB, 1987) Receptor Background Noise (L 10 ) Day EQB Noise Limits Corrected Noise Limits 1 Background Noise (L 10 ) Night EQB Noise Limits Corrected Noise Limits 1 SIWF-1 (Zone I) SIWF-2 (Zone I) SIWF-3 (Zone III) SIWF-4 (Zone I) SIWF-5 (Zone II) SIWF-6 (Zone I) SIWF-7 (Zone I) SIWF-8 (Zone IV) SIWF-9 (Zone II) SIWF-10 (Zone III) SIWF-11 (Zone I) SIWF-12 (Zone I) SIWF-13 (Zone I) SIWF-14 (Zone II) SIWF-15 (Zone I) Correction in noise level limits for background noise. 17

19 Table 8. Background Sound Levels (L 10 ) and EQB Noise Level Limits in db(a) per Proposed Regulation (EQB, 2010) Receptor SIWF-1 (Zone IV) SIWF-2 (Zone I) SIWF-3 (Zone III) SIWF-4 (Zone I) SIWF-5 (Zone II) SIWF-6 (Zone I) SIWF-7 (Zone I) SIWF-8 (Zone IV) SIWF-9 (Zone II) SIWF-10 (Zone III) SIWF-11 (Zone I) SIWF-12 (Zone IV) SIWF-13 (Zone I) SIWF-14 (Zone II) Background Noise (L 10 ) Day EQB Noise Limits Corrected Noise Limits 1 Background Noise (L 10 ) Night EQB Noise Limits Corrected Noise Limits SIWF-15 (Zone I) Correction in noise level limits for background noise.. 18

20 Ambient sound levels (L 10 ) in residential areas in the vicinity of the proposed project site ranged from 44.0 to 64.1 db(a) during the day and from 51.8 to 60 db(a) during the nighttime period. For receptors located in commercial zones (Zone II), the ambient sound levels (L 10 ) ranged from 67.9 to 74.6 db(a) for the daytime period and from 57.5 to 69.7 db(a) for the nighttime period. Ambient sound levels in receptors located within the project site classified Industrial (Zone III) ranged from 49.6 (at east parcel) to 61 db(a) (at west parcel) during the day and from 51 to 57.9 db(a) for the nighttime period. Sound levels (L 10 ) recorded at Receptor SIWF-8 located at the Santa Isabel CDT Hospital (Zone IV Quiet Zone) were 59.4 db(a) during the day and 55.2 db(a) during the night. Ambient sound levels (L 10 ) during the daytime at receptors located in school areas, SIWF-1 and SIWF-12, were 66.2 and 55.2 db(a) during daytime, and 53.1 and 56.4 db(a) during the night, respectively. These receptors are zoned as Residential (Zone I) in the current noise regulation and as Quiet Zone (Zone IV) in the proposed regulation. During the daytime period, existing sound levels exceeded the regulatory limit (according to the current noise regulation) at the following receptors: SIWF-1 (Zone 1 Residential), SIWF-5 (Zone II Commercial), and SIWF-8 (Zone IV Quiet Zone). Corrections to the noise level limits were applied for background noise as allowable by EQB regulation (1987). However, sound levels at receptor SIWF-8 (59.4 db(a)) still exceed the corrected noise level limit of 55 db(a). Receptor SIWF- 8 represents a quiet zone (hospital) but is located adjacent to the PR-153 were high volume of vehicular traffic is present on a daily basis. Also, high vehicular traffic within the CDT facility was observed during the sampling period. During the nighttime period, the current noise regulatory limits were exceeded in ten (10) receptors (SIWF-1, SIWF-2, SIWF-4, SIWF-5, SIWF-6, SIWF-8, SIWF-11, SIWF-12, SIWF-13, and SIWF-15). Sound levels at receptors SIWF-4 (Zone I Residential), SIWF-8 (Quiet Zone), SIWF-12 (Zone 1 Residential), and SIWF-15 19

21 (Zone 1 Residential) still exceeded the corrected noise limits for the nighttime period. Noise levels at receptor SIWF-1 is mostly influenced by the vehicular and motorcycle (scooters) traffic during the nighttime period. Receptors SIWF-4 nighttime noise levels was mostly influenced by dogs barking and the local fauna (insects). Meanwhile, receptors SIWF-8 and SIWF-15 nighttime noise levels are mostly influenced by the traffic along PR-153 and noises coming from local fauna like insects and birds. Also, Receptor SIWF-12 is mostly influenced by noise coming from local fauna, like insects. Sound levels (L 10 ) at each receptor were also compared against the noise levels limits proposed in the 2010 amended draft Noise Regulation (See Table 8). During the daytime period, existing sound levels exceeded the proposed regulatory limits (EQB, 2010) at the following receptors: SIWF-1 (Zone 1 Residential), SIWF-5 (Zone II Commercial), SIWF-12 (Zone IV Quiet Zone), and SIWF-8 (Zone IV Quiet Zone). Of these, receptor SIWF-1 (66.2 db(a) also exceeded the corrected noise level limit of 60 db(a). During the nighttime period, the proposed noise regulatory limits (EQB, 2010) were exceeded at the following receptors: SIWF-4, SIWF-5, SIWF-8, SIWF-12, and SIWF- 15). 20

22 Figure 3. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-1 Daytime 21

23 Figure 4. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-1 Nighttime 22

24 Figure 5. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-2 Daytime 23

25 Figure 6. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-2 Nighttime 24

26 Figure 7. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-3 Daytime 25

27 Figure 8. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-3 Nighttime 26

28 Figure 9. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-4 Daytime 27

29 Figure 10. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-4 Nighttime 28

30 Figure 11. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-5 Daytime 29

31 Figure 12. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-5 Nighttime 30

32 Figure 13. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-6 Daytime 31

33 Figure 14. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-6 Nighttime 32

34 Figure 15. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-7 Daytime 33

35 Figure 16. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-7 Nighttime 34

36 Figure 17. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-8 Daytime 35

37 Figure 18. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-8 Nighttime 36

38 Figure 19. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-9 Daytime 37

39 Figure 20. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-9 Nighttime 38

40 Figure 21. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-10 Daytime 39

41 Figure 22. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-10 Nighttime 40

42 Figure 23. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-11 Daytime 41

43 Figure 24. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-11 Nighttime 42

44 Figure 25. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-12 Daytime 43

45 Figure 26. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-12 Nighttime 44

46 Figure 27. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-13 Daytime 45

47 Figure 28. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-13 Nighttime 46

48 Figure 29. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-14 Daytime 47

49 Figure 30. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-14 Nighttime 48

50 Figure 31. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-15 Daytime 49

51 Figure 32. Measured Sound Levels Receptor SIWF-15 Nighttime 50

52 September REFERENCES Environmental Quality Board (EQB), Regulation for the Control of Noise Pollution (amended version), February Environmental Quality Board (EQB), Draft Regulation for the Control of Noise Pollution (amended version 2010). Digital file (pdf format) dated June 25,

53 September 2010 APPENDICES Appendix A: Sound Level Meter Instruction Manual and Calibration Certificate Appendix B: Registry of Sound Measurements Appendix C: Sound Level Data 52

54 September 2010 Appendix A: Sound Level Meter Specifications and Calibration Certificate

55 September 2010 Appendix B: Registry of Sound Measurements

56 Appendix C: Sound Level Data