Noise Exemption Permit Q+A

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Noise Exemption Permit Q+A

• Why did the District grant the permit?

  This permit was issued in accordance with District of Squamish Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2312, 2014, which allows the District to grant a temporary noise exemption for construction noise. The content of the application for exemption met the requirements as set out in the bylaw.

• Was there an update to Council on this topic?

  Council was apprised of this particular application for information during the December 19, 2023 update from Staff on the Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline project-related activities between October and December, and anticipated work for the coming months. The Noise Regulation Bylaw directs that a District Administrator (not Council) review and evaluate any exemption application against a series of detailed considerations prior to the Administrator’s decision on issuance.

• What conditions are the District holding Fortis BC accountable to during the noise exemption?

  The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) has guidelines for noise and vibration monitoring and FortisBC will be monitoring as per the BCER guidelines. A Project Inquiries and Complaints Process will also be in place. The District is requiring FortisBC to implement noise mitigation measures along with a complaint process.

  The following controls and practices will be implemented to minimize potential effects on the surrounding environment including nearby residences:

  • Design and site layout will take advantage of acoustical screening from existing buildings
  • Avoid use of engine brakes
  • Limit nighttime activities by turning off equipment not in use
  • Use ambient/broadband noise backup alarms on vehicles; and
  • Reduce drop heights of any material relocation, loading or excavation.

• Who is contracted to do the work?

  FortisBC’s primary tunnelling contractor, Frontier-Kemper Michels (FKM)

• What if residents or surrounding businesses have complaints?

  Residents and businesses can reach out directly to FortisBC’s EGP Project team by email at [email protected] or by phone to 1-855-380-5784, and/or the District’s Bylaw Enforcement Department at 604-815-5067.

• When was the permit application made?

  The permit application was made to the District on October 19, 2023.

   

• What does the Noise Regulation Bylaw regulate?

  The following clauses in the Noise Regulation Bylaw are in relation to Prohibited Noise and Vibration

  3. No person shall make or cause, or permit to be made or caused, any noise, sound, or vibration in or on a public or private place which disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of any person or persons in the neighbourhood or vicinity.

  4. No owner or occupier of real property shall use or permit such property to be used so that noise, sound, or vibration emanating from the property disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort, or convenience of any person or persons in the neighbourhood or vicinity.

   5. Without limiting the generality of sections 3 and 4, the following noises, sounds and vibrations are deemed to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort of convenience of individuals or the public and are generally prohibited:

  (C) Construction Noise made or caused, or permitted to be made or caused: (as amended by Bylaw No. 2541)

  • (i) before 7:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. on any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a statutory holiday; or
  • (ii) before 8:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays; or
  • (iii) before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. on Sundays and Statutory Holidays

• Will FortisBC monitor sound and vibration levels?

  Yes. FortisBC and its contractors are required to develop a Noise and Vibration Control Plan for construction activities associated with the EGP Project as per requirements set out by the project’s Environmental Assessment (EA).

  FortisBC’s contractor (FKM) will continuously monitor noise levels at two locations. In the event of higher than anticipated noise levels, FKM is prepared to install additional noise mitigation, such as:

  • Dampening fences and barriers
  • Silencers; and
  • Noise dampening insulation and blankets.

  While a Noise Exemption Permit has been granted, FortisBC and its contractor do not anticipate noise levels from tunnelling to exceed noise levels produced by construction activity to date.

   

• Will vibration/settlement monitoring be in place within the vicinity of the construction site?

  Yes, the contractor has established vibration and sound monitoring at the north and south of the site.

• Where can I find a site map identifying the location of the work?

  Project maps are available on the District’s project page at squamish.ca/woodfibre-liquefied-natural-gas-and-fortisbceagle-mountain-pipeline 

• To date, how is FortisBC informing the public of this work?

  • Squamish Chief advertisement – January 4, 2024
  • Email to their subscribers
  • FortisBC website update and Q&As posted

• Will trucks transport tunnel material to/from the site on a 24-hour basis?

  Trucking will occur using the designated truck route only during regular allowable daytime hours (until 8 p.m.). Operations overnight will be limited to support the direct excavation of tunneling. There will be no deliveries, hauling of material nor unnecessary traffic overnight.