Comprehensive Sound Survey

An Oil and Gas Trust with operations in Central Alberta received a noise complaint from an area resident regarding the sound level of a recently installed booster compressor unit. The operator learned that the complaint was dually filed with the local field office of the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB). The operator contacted FDI Acoustics Inc. seeking advice as to the correct procedures to be taken in response to the noise complaint.

In reviewing the results of the Noise Impact Assessment  Report  completed for the operator prior to the licensing of the unit, FDI noted that the NIA indicated the facility was predicted to comply with the Permissible Sound Levels of the ERCB Noise Control Directive 038 by an acceptable margin. The operator confirmed the planned noise mitigation measures at the facility were installed according to the descriptions as reported in the assessment. FDI recommended the operator have the area resident complete the Part 2 of the ERCB Noise Complaint Investigation Form and then proceed with a Comprehensive Sound Survey at the complainant’s home. FDI performed the noise survey under conditions considered representative of the complaint on file.

The results of the noise survey indicated the facility was within 2 dB of the predicted nighttime sound level contribution. The complainant was satisfied that the facility complied with the permissible sound levels and the ERCB accepted the results of the Comprehensive Sound Survey and closed the file.

FDI’s performance determined that the Oil and Gas Trust now exclusively uses FDI Acoustics for all work in regards to the acoustics of their field operations.