Analyze Noise Issue

Noise Solutions offers two noise solution approaches - the Noise Impact Assessment and the Comprehensive Sound Survey.

Analysis

Noise Impact Assessment (NIA)
An NIA is an analytical examination of the sound potential of a facility, its significance relative to the regulatory limits, and what needs to be done to achieve the desired results. An effective NIA will have taken into consideration the steps below:

  • Work closely with lead engineering firm to provide the strongest results for clients.
  • Use template with meticulous attention to details providing high level of confidence that any proposed noise control equipment will meet or exceed the targeted reductions in noise levels noted in the NIA. A theoretical NIA will provide accurate noise levels at the nearest most impacted residences or point of interest as required by the regulatory jurisdiction in place.
  • Utilizes proper analysis instead of relying on rules of thumb
  • Sound power data is derived from manufacturer's data, sound pressure measurements, or theoretical calculations
  • Establish Permissible Sound Level (PSL) based on distance, dwelling unit density & proximity to transportation corridors.
  • Supply a detailed Source Order Ranking Table identifying the loudest sources for treatment.

Comprehensive Sound Survey (CSS)
A Comprehensive Sound Survey (CSS) is a continuous monitoring procedure at an impacted location or affected resident to determine whether a facility operator is in regulatory compliance. If directed by the ERCB to conduct a CSS in response to a noise complaint, the operator must comply. The CSS will not, however, determine what the noise sources are, nor how to attenuate them.

Because of the high cost and limitations of the Comprehensive Sound Survey, we strongly encourage operators to conduct instead a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA). An NIA is less expensive, can be performed more quickly and will deliver the same results as a CSS, with the added benefit of providing a source order ranked listing of noise sources and a targeted practical action plan for addressing the noise problem.