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Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011 Table of Contents SECTION 5.0 – NOISE TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 5.0 NOISE ............................................................................................................................ 5-1 5.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 5-1 5.2 Study Area .......................................................................................................... 5-1 5.3 Assessment Approach ....................................................................................... 5-3 5.4 Methods .............................................................................................................. 5-5 5.4.1 Computer Modelling ........................................................................... 5-5 5.4.2 Terrain................................................................................................ 5-6 5.4.3 Meteorology ....................................................................................... 5-6 5.4.4 Sound Attenuation from Buildings...................................................... 5-6 5.5 Baseline Case .................................................................................................... 5-7 5.5.1 Ambient Noise Levels ........................................................................ 5-7 5.5.2 Baseline Case Noise Level Predictions ............................................. 5-7 5.6 Application Case ................................................................................................ 5-8 5.6.1 Noise Emission Sources .................................................................... 5-8 5.6.2 Application Case Noise Level Predictions ......................................... 5-8 5.6.3 Application Case Noise Impact Assessment ..................................... 5-8 5.6.4 Construction and Decommissioning ................................................ 5-12 5.7 Planned Development Case ............................................................................. 5-12 5.8 Low Frequency Noise Assessment .................................................................. 5-12 5.9 Monitoring ......................................................................................................... 5-13 5.10 Summary .......................................................................................................... 5-13 5.11 Literature Cited ................................................................................................. 5-14

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Page 1: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Table of Contents

SECTION 5.0 – NOISE TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

5.0  NOISE ............................................................................................................................ 5-1 5.1  Introduction ......................................................................................................... 5-1 5.2  Study Area .......................................................................................................... 5-1 5.3  Assessment Approach ....................................................................................... 5-3 5.4  Methods .............................................................................................................. 5-5 

5.4.1  Computer Modelling ........................................................................... 5-5 5.4.2  Terrain ................................................................................................ 5-6 5.4.3  Meteorology ....................................................................................... 5-6 5.4.4  Sound Attenuation from Buildings ...................................................... 5-6 

5.5  Baseline Case .................................................................................................... 5-7 5.5.1  Ambient Noise Levels ........................................................................ 5-7 5.5.2  Baseline Case Noise Level Predictions ............................................. 5-7 

5.6  Application Case ................................................................................................ 5-8 5.6.1  Noise Emission Sources .................................................................... 5-8 5.6.2  Application Case Noise Level Predictions ......................................... 5-8 5.6.3  Application Case Noise Impact Assessment ..................................... 5-8 5.6.4  Construction and Decommissioning ................................................ 5-12 

5.7  Planned Development Case ............................................................................. 5-12 5.8  Low Frequency Noise Assessment .................................................................. 5-12 5.9  Monitoring ......................................................................................................... 5-13 5.10  Summary .......................................................................................................... 5-13 5.11  Literature Cited ................................................................................................. 5-14 

Page 2: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont) PAGE

LIST OF TABLES

Table 5.2-1: Noise Receptor Location ..................................................................................... 5-1 Table 5.3-1: Developments Included in Each Assessment Case ........................................... 5-3 Table 5.4-1: Sound Transmission Loss and Standard Transmission Class of Standard

Building Panels .................................................................................................... 5-6 Table 5.4-2: Ventilation Insertion Loss ..................................................................................... 5-7 Table 5.5-1: Baseline Case Noise Results Summary ............................................................. 5-7 Table 5.6-1: Application Case Predicted Noise Levels ........................................................... 5-8 Table 5.6-2: Application Case Noise Effect Assessment ...................................................... 5-11 

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 5.2-1:  Noise Local and Regional Study Areas ............................................................... 5-2 Figure 5.6-1:  Noise Level Predictions – Application Case Daytime ......................................... 5-9 Figure 5.6-2:  Noise Level Predictions – Application Case Nighttime ..................................... 5-10 

Page 3: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-1

5.0 NOISE

5.1 Introduction

The noise impact assessment describes potential environmental noise effects of the Telephone Lake Project (Project) and identifies sound emission sources from the Project that could potentially affect cumulative noise levels from a local and regional perspective, as required in Section 4.2.2 of the Project Terms of Reference (Volume 1, Attachment 1). In Alberta, energy facility noise emissions are regulated by the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) through Directive 038: Noise Control (ERCB 2007). Directive 038 applies to all facilities under the ERCB's jurisdiction, including new and existing facilities, either temporary or permanent. New or modified facilities that contain continuous noise sources require a noise impact assessment (NIA). The Terms of Reference requires that the assessment identify and evaluate sources of noise and the effects on both people and wildlife. This assessment focuses on the effects of noise on people, per Directive 038. The wildlife assessment considers the results of the noise assessment and can be found in Volume 2, Section 12.0.

5.2 Study Area

Directive 038 is a receptor-based noise regulation that defines a noise receptor as any permanent or seasonally occupied dwelling. In remote areas such as the Proposed Project Area (PPA), where there are no nearby residents, Directive 038 sets a mandatory limit on noise levels at a distance of 1.5 km from the facility fenceline. The “facility fenceline” has been defined as the PPA boundary and the noise local study area (NLSA) consists of the ERCB 1.5 km buffer zone around the perimeter of the PPA (Figure 5.2-1). Directive 038 defines a dwelling as any permanently or seasonally occupied residence with the exception of an employee or worker residence, dormitory, or construction camp located within an industrial plant boundary. Two cabins were identified in the vicinity of the PPA. The first cabin (Cabin 1) is located 1.5 km from the southwest edge of the PPA. Cabin 1 was used as a noise receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone Lake, while a permanent structure, is not occupied for the minimum six weeks as per Directive 038 (Volume 2, Section 14.0). Therefore, it was not considered for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project.

Table 5.2-1: Noise Receptor Location

ID Description Easting (m) Northing (m) Distance Noise receptor Cabin 1 529436 63203869 Approximately 1.5 km from

nearest Project boundary

Note: Location based on datum NAD83 and coordinate system UTM Zone 12. Approximate locations provided by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (B. Fetter, pers. comm. 2006).

Page 4: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

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Fig05.02-01 Project Layout11-12-05

DATE:

CV EH AMECFINAL MAPPING BY:PROVIDED BY:

AMEC

PROJECTION/DATUM:

UTM Zone 12 NAD83Noise

Local and Regional Study Areas

2 0 2 41

Kilometres1:155,000

December 2011

Cenovus TL ULCTelephone Lake Project

Page 5: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-3

The noise regional study area (NRSA) includes an area up to 5 km from the PPA boundary, and is designed to ensure nearby facilities that may impact the predicted noise levels within the NLSA are considered.

5.3 Assessment Approach

Directive 038 provides a fixed limit on the amount of noise, measured at a receptor location that may be generated by energy-related facilities. The noise limit for a receptor is set by calculating a permissible sound level (PSL) according to the procedure in Directive 038. For areas where no permanent or seasonally-occupied human dwelling exists within a distance of 1.5 km from the facility, Directive 038 requires that combined ambient noise and operational noise from existing and planned new facilities does not exceed 40 dBA Leq nighttime and 50 dBA Leq daytime, at 1.5 km from the facility. A plain language description of noise terminology is provided in Volume 3, Appendix C. The PSL for receptor NR is determined based on the area dwelling density and proximity to major transportation routes. Receptor NR is a trapper’s cabin located in a remote area, so based on Directive 038 requirements, the PSL at this location is set at 40 dBA at night and 50 dBA during the day. Nighttime is defined as the hours between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am, with daytime defined as the hours between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm. There is no existing development within the NRSA. Table 5.3-1 describes all energy-related developments for each assessment case.

Table 5.3-1: Developments Included in Each Assessment Case

Case Developments Included in the Assessment Cases Extent of Discussion

Baseline Case None • No existing or approved energy-related developments within 5 km of the PPA boundary.

• Mandated ambient noise level is determined for the study area and at specific receptors that may be affected.

Application Case Telephone Lake Project • Mandated ambient noise level is determined for the study area and at specific residences that may be affected.

• Predictive modelling from the Project. • Predicted noise levels are combined with the ERCB-

mandated ambient noise level. • Overall noise levels are compared to the PSL and

mandated ambient levels. • Noise from the Project is determined for the study area

and at specific dwellings that may be affected. Planned Development Case

Telephone Lake Project • No planned energy-related developments within 5 km of PPA boundary.

Page 6: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-4

Also, Directive 038 states that a low frequency noise (LFN) complaint condition may exist where the difference between the time-weighted average dBA and dBC levels is equal to or greater than 20 dB, and where a clear tonal component exists at a frequency below 250 Hz. The environmental noise effects were classified using quantification criteria to determine environmental consequence. Selected effects criteria presented in Volume 2, Section 3.0 were modified for the NIA: Magnitude:

• Negligible: The expected sound level complies with the nighttime and daytime PSL and the change from ambient is expected to be less than 3 dBA. Note a 3 dBA change is a ‘just noticeable difference” for human response (Crocker 2007).

• Low: The expected sound level complies with the nighttime and daytime PSL but change is expected to be greater than 3 dBA.

• Moderate: The expected sound level change is expected to exceed the nighttime PSL but will comply with the daytime PSL.

• High: The expected sound level change is expected exceed the nighttime and daytime PSL.

Direction:

• Positive: The sound level is expected to decrease.

• Neutral: The sound level is expected to remain the same.

• Negative: The sound level is expected to increase. Geographic Extent:

• Immediate Area: The expected measurable changes are within 1.5 km of Project infrastructure.

• Local: The expected measurable changes extend beyond 1.5 km.

• Regional: The extended measurable changes extend beyond the NLSA. Duration:

• Short-term: Predicted impact persists no longer than a few days.

• Medium-term: Predicted impact persists from a few days to the end of the construction phase.

• Long-term: Predicted impact is measurable until the end of the operational life of the Project.

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Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-5

Confidence:

• Poor: There are limitations with the sound model approach or with the input data or with baseline measurements.

• Moderate: The modelling approach is standardized and the sound model has been evaluated. The input data are extrapolated.

• Good: The approach is standardized and the sound model has been evaluated. The input data are adequate.

5.4 Methods

The NIA requires evaluation of all phases of the Project: construction, operation and decommissioning. Only operational noise is regulated by the ERCB and thus, is evaluated in detail. Construction and decommissioning noise is evaluated qualitatively. The general approach used in assessing the noise effects expected to occur during the operation of the Project includes:

• identifying the contributing noise sources in the proposed facility and well pads;

• characterizing these sources in terms of their acoustical power; and

• modelling the sound propagation. The sum of all contributing noise sources is then determined. The overall sound level at the noise receptor and at 1.5 km from the PPA boundary is compared to the PSL. An acceptable noise level must be at, or below, the PSL for the day and night time periods. If the sound levels exceed these values, mitigation measures are identified to lower noise levels to meet the PSL.

5.4.1 Computer Modelling

The Project was assessed using the Cadna/A (Version 4.1.137) noise prediction software. This software uses the noise propagation calculation methods and algorithms outlined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 9613 (ISO 1993, 1996). The ISO 9613 sound propagation model predicts noise levels under mildly developed temperature inversion and downwind conditions, which enhance sound propagation to the receptor. Noise was assessed at receptor NR and along the NLSA boundary, which is at 1.5 km from the PPA boundary. To assess LFN in accordance with Directive 038, noise levels were calculated and assessed in both A-weighted (dBA) and C-weighted (dBC) levels.

Page 8: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-6

5.4.2 Terrain

Local terrain can substantially affect sound propagation. To model the Project accurately, local terrain information in the form of height points was used in the noise model to create a representative assessment. A ground absorption coefficient of 0.5 was used to accommodate mixed ground conditions from the site to the surrounding area.

5.4.3 Meteorology

Meteorological factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction affect noise propagation from the sources to the receptors of interest. Atmospheric stability and temperature inversions can also substantially affect outdoor sound propagation, causing variations in Project related sound levels measured at a receptor. If a receptor is located upwind of a facility, the wind will cause greater than normal outdoor sound attenuation and thus, lower sound levels at the receptor than would occur with no wind. Conversely, if a receptor is downwind of a facility, the opposite effect can occur, resulting in higher sound levels than normal at the receptor. Crosswinds do not usually affect outdoor sound propagation and would result in sound levels at the receptor that are similar to those for calm conditions. To be conservative, the ISO 9613 sound propagation algorithms predict noise levels under mildly developed temperature inversion and downwind conditions to the receptor, both of which enhance sound propagation. The ISO 9613 algorithms are considered valid for conditions produced by wind speeds in the range of 5.6 to 18.0 km/hr. An ambient temperature of 10°C and 70% relative humidity were also applied as these conditions minimize atmospheric attenuation, which also adds conservatism to the calculations.

5.4.4 Sound Attenuation from Buildings

The majority of equipment such as pumps, compressors and steam generators are enclosed in pre-engineered building structures. The noise-isolating characteristics of a building partition are typically represented by a Sound Transmission Class rating in dB. A wall construction with a Sound Transmission Class 26 noise isolation rating was applied to represent the noise reducing effects of walls on equipment components located inside a building. This is consistent with the type of building construction observed on similar projects operated by Cenovus FCCL Ltd. Table 5.4-1 shows the standard panel transmission loss used in the assessment.

Table 5.4-1: Sound Transmission Loss and Standard Transmission Class of Standard Building Panels

Frequency (Hz) 31.5 63 125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 8,000 Standard

Transmission Class

Sandwich type panel transmission loss -8 -9 -11 -15 -24 -27 -29 -33 -35 26

Note: The sound transmission loss is from RWDI database.

Page 9: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-7

Noise breakout from buildings occurs mainly through ventilation openings. Openings such as louvers, vent hoods and silencers provide attenuation or sound insertion loss from noise sources inside a building to the outside. The insertion loss used in this assessment was based on measurements collected from standard installations (Cenovus 2009) and is shown in Table 5.4-2.

Table 5.4-2: Ventilation Insertion Loss

Frequency (Hz) 31.5 63 125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 8,000Louver and vent hood insertion loss 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -4 -4

5.5 Baseline Case

5.5.1 Ambient Noise Levels

As documented in Directive 038, the average rural ambient sound level in Alberta is about 35 dBA Leq at night, based on research conducted by the Environment Council of Alberta (ERCB 2007). The average rural ambient sound level of 35 dBA Leq at night is considered representative of the nighttime ambient sound level for the Project noise receptor and along the 1.5 km buffer from the PPA boundary limit. This is consistent with the requirements of Directive 038 where the ambient sound level (ASL) is set at 5 dBA below the PSL for the purpose of conducting an NIA. For a nighttime PSL of 40 dBA, the mandated ASL is, therefore, 35 dBA.

5.5.2 Baseline Case Noise Level Predictions

As there are no existing and approved developments within 5 km of the PPA boundary, the Baseline Case noise levels at the noise receptor and at 1.5 km from the PPA boundary are equivalent to the ERCB mandated ASL. Table 5.5-1 summarizes the daytime and nighttime Baseline Case sound levels and the PSL for the noise receptor and at the distance of 1.5 km from the PPA boundary, based on the determination method outlined in Directive 038 (ERCB 2007).

Table 5.5-1: Baseline Case Noise Results Summary

Location Baseline Case Sound Level (dBA) Permissible Sound Level (dBA)

Daytime(07:00 to 22:00)

Nighttime(22:00 to 07:00)

Daytime(07:00 to 22:00)

Nighttime(22:00 to 07:00)

Noise receptor 45.0 35.0 50.0 40.0 1.5 km ERCB criterion boundary 45.0 35.0 50.0 40.0

Page 10: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-8

5.6 Application Case

5.6.1 Noise Emission Sources

Noise emission sources included in this assessment were modelled as operating continuously throughout the daytime and nighttime hours. As a maximum noise level scenario, all noise emission sources were modelled as operating continuously and simultaneously. The noise sources used to model the central processing facility are based on Project design data including equipment lists, plot plans, elevation drawings and available equipment specifications. Sound power levels are shown in Volume 3, Appendix C. Design data was reviewed for the well sites. No major noise sources were identified so well sites are not identified in the noise predictions.

5.6.2 Application Case Noise Level Predictions

Figures 5.6-1 and 5.6-2 present the daytime and nighttime noise contours for the Application Case, respectively. The predicted continuous noise levels (during day and night) are presented in Table 5.6-1. The results indicate the greatest increase in noise levels is 1.6 dBA, expected at the 1.5 km boundary at night. All predictions comply with the assigned PSLs.

Table 5.6-1: Application Case Predicted Noise Levels

Location Predicted

Facility Noise Levels (dBA)

Baseline Case Sound Level (dBA)

Application Case Sound Level

(dBA)2 Meets PSL?

LFN Indicator dBC-dBA Daytime

(07:00 to 22:00)

Night-time(22:00 to

07:00)

Daytime(07:00 to

22:00)

Night-time(22:00 to

07:00)

50 dBA Daytime(07:00 to

22:00)

40 dBA Night-time (22:00 to

07:00) Noise receptor 0.0 45.0 35.0 45.0 35.0 Yes Yes 0.0 1.5 km from PPA boundary1 32.5 45.0 35.0 45.2 36.9 Yes Yes 20.1

1 Location with highest predicted Application Case noise level along the 1.5 km boundary from the PPA boundary. 2 The Application Case level is the logarithmic sum of the Predicted Facility and the Baseline Case sound levels.

5.6.3 Application Case Noise Impact Assessment

The noise model predicts that the magnitude of change in the facility operational noise levels at the noise receptor is neutral, and at the distance of 1.5 km from the PPA boundary is negligible, and within the Directive 038 PSL criteria. The geographic extent of the noise impact is local, with long-term duration. While there is some uncertainty in the modelling assumptions due to the preliminary nature of available design information, the confidence in the model results is considered moderate, based on the model configuration assumptions and the fact that the sound power estimations utilized measurement data from similar Cenovus facilities (Volume 3, Appendix C). Consequently, the confidence in this assessment is moderate. To improve confidence in the assessment and verify model predictions, a post-construction monitoring program may be undertaken. With this, the final impact rating is low (Table 5.6-2).

Page 11: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

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Fig05.06-01 A LSA Noise LevelDay 11-12-08

DATE:

CV EH AMECFINAL MAPPING BY:PROVIDED BY:

RWDI

PROJECTION/DATUM:

UTM Zone 12 NAD83

Noise Level PredictionsApplication Case

Daytime

2 0 2 41

Kilometres1:155,000

Noise Contour (dBA)>45 - 50 >50 - 55>55 - 60>60 - 65>65 - 70>70 - 75>75 - 80>80 - 85

December 2011

Cenovus TL ULCTelephone Lake Project

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Fig05.06-02 A LSA Noise LevelNight 11-12-08

DATE:

CV EH AMECFINAL MAPPING BY:PROVIDED BY:

RWDI

PROJECTION/DATUM:

UTM Zone 12 NAD83

Noise Level PredictionsApplication Case

Night-time

2 0 2 41

Kilometres1:155,000

Noise Contour (dBA)>35 - 40 >40 - 45>45 - 50>50 - 55>55 - 60>60 - 65>65 - 70>70 - 75>75 - 80>80 - 85

December 2011

Cenovus TL ULCTelephone Lake Project

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Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-11

Table 5.6-2: Application Case Noise Effect Assessment

Key Indicator Resource Attribute Direction Geographic

Extent Magnitude Duration Frequency Reversibility Confidence Final Impact Rating

Noise receptor Noise Levels Neutral – – – – – – –

1.5 km from PPA boundary

Noise Levels Negative Local Negligible Long-term Continuous Reversible Moderate Low

Page 14: Vol 2 Section 5 Noise - Alberta · receptor (NR) for the assessment of noise resulting from the Project (Table 5.2-1, Figure 5.2-1). The cabin located along the eastern shore of Telephone

Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-12

5.6.4 Construction and Decommissioning

Noise from construction and decommissioning phases of the Project are of shorter duration and from fewer total noise sources than for the operations phase. Therefore, noise levels during these stages is expected to be less, and will vary based on the type of activities undertaken on-site. As the operations phase assessment resulted in a low impact rating, noise from construction and decommissioning is also expected to result in low impacts.

5.7 Planned Development Case

The effects from noise are considered local and will attenuate with distance. As there are no planned energy-related developments within the NRSA, the Planned Development Case noise levels at the noise receptor and at the 1.5 km criterion boundary are the same as the Application Case noise levels, where only the effect from the Project needs to be taken into account.

5.8 Low Frequency Noise Assessment

Directive 038 describes that a potential LFN condition may exist when:

• the dBC – dBA value for the measured day- or nighttime period is equal to or greater than 20 dB; and

• a clear tonal component exists at a frequency below 250 hertz (Hz). The C-Weighted sound level (dBC) results have been reviewed at 1.5 km from the PPA boundary to determine if there is potential for LFN effects. The maximum difference between C- and A-weighted values is 20.1, at a location where the overall level is 32.5 dBA. The 0.1 dB over the 20 dB guidance is not considered numerically significant, given the uncertainty in the calculations of at least +/- 3 dB. Therefore, the result is considered equal to the value identified in Directive 038 as an indicator of potential for an LFN complaint. In order for true LFN potential to exist, a tonal component at less than 259 Hz must be identified. However, tonality of the noise sources cannot be evaluated at this time due to the theoretical nature of the sound emissions and, the potential for LFN cannot currently be determined. The predicted facility noise level at the 1.5 km boundary is less than 32.5 dBA. Overall facility contribution to noise levels in dBA is considered low as it is less than the 35 dBA ASL. Therefore, the potential for LFN effects is expected to be low.

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Cenovus TL ULC Telephone Lake Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment December 2011

Page 5-13

5.9 Monitoring

The sound emission sources used in the assessment were a combination of measured data from similar equipment, data from vendors and empirical formulae. This variation in data sources introduces an increased uncertainty that cannot be quantified. Vendor-specific noise data will be reviewed when available to verify that expected sound emissions are equal to or less than those assessed. If needed, control mitigation will be designed during the detailed design stage and incorporated into site operations plans. If vendor-specific noise data are not available, the equipment noise emissions can be monitored during the as-built phase to validate the sound power levels used in the assessment. The low consequence impact results predicted at the noise receptor can be verified through a long-term monitoring program once operations begin. While Directive 038 does not directly apply to construction, it does state that noise from these activities should be considered by applicants. Cenovus TL ULC (Cenovus) will use best management practices and reasonable measures to reduce the impact of construction noise from the Project as recommended in Directive 038. The following mitigation measures are recommended by Directive 038:

• conduct construction activity between the hours of 07:00 and 22:00 to reduce the potential impact of construction noise; and

• take advantage of acoustical screening from existing on-site buildings (e.g., trailers) to shield potential noise receptors from construction equipment noise.

If a noise complaint is made during the construction period, Cenovus will respond and take appropriate action, including considering the measures provided in Directive 038, to ensure that the issue has been managed responsibly.

5.10 Summary

The assessment of noise was conducted to meet the requirements of the Terms of Reference and ERCB Directive 038. Noise predictions based on Project design data and noise generated at similar Cenovus SAGD operations were completed for the operations phase. Construction and decommissioning phases are expected to have a lesser effect on area noise levels. The results show that noise levels at the noise receptor and at 1.5 km from the PPA boundary are predicted to be less than the ERCB criteria of 40 dBA (nighttime) and 50 dBA (daytime). An analysis has indicated that the potential for LFN effects along the 1.5 km criterion boundary is low. As the confidence level in the predictions is moderate, sound emission review during the detailed design stage and post-construction monitoring will be conducted.

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5.11 Literature Cited

Cenovus Energy Inc. (Cenovus). 2009. Christina Lake Thermal Expansion Project Phases 1E, 1F and 1G. Submitted to the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board and Alberta Environment. Calgary, Alberta.

Crocker, M.J. 2007. Handbook of Noise and Vibration Control. Wiley and Sons. New York, New York.

Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB). 2007. Directive 38: Noise Control, February 2007, Revised Edition. Calgary, Alberta.

Fetter, B. 2006. Licensing, Revenue and Data Resource Management. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD). Personal communication.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 1993. International Standard ISO 9613-1, Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors – Part 1: Calculation of Absorption of Sound by the Atmosphere. Geneva, Switzerland.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 1996. International Standard ISO 9613-2, Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors – Part 2: General Method of Calculation. Geneva, Switzerland.