Beaver Wood Pownal 248 Filing: No. 8G - Pre-Filed Testimony of Eddie Duncan SD

8/8/2019 Beaver Wood Pownal 248 Filing: No. 8G - Pre-Filed Testimony of Eddie Duncan SD

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STATE OF VERMONTPUBLIC SERVICE BOARD

Petition of Beaver Wood Energy Pownal, LLCfor a Certificate of Public Good, pursuant to 30V.S.A. 248, to install and operate a BiornassEnergy Facility and an integrated wood pellet Docket Nomanufacturing facility located north of the oldGreen Mountain Racetrack in Pownal, Vermont,to be known as the Pownal Biomass Project

PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OFEDDIE DUNCANON BEHALF OF

BEAVER WOOD ENERGY POWNAL, LLC

November 2, 2010

The purpose of the pre-filed testimony of Mr. Duncan is to demonstrate that the proposedPownal Biomass Project will comply with certain provisions of 30 V.S.A. 248 (b) (5),namely those pertaining to aesthetics and more specifically noise.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Irnroduction 12. Summary of Findings 33. Conclusion 6

EXHIBITSPetitioners Exhibit ED-i Rsum of Eddie DuncanPetitioners Exhibit ED-2 RSG Noise Impact Study


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STATE OF VERIvIONTPUBLIC SERVICE BOAR])

Petition of Beaver Wood Energy Pownal, LL Cfo r a Certificate of Public Good, pursuant to 30V.S.A. 243. to install an d operate a BiomassEnergy Facility an d an integrated wood pellet ) Docket Nomanufacturing facility located north of the ol d )Green Mountain Racetrack in Pownal, Vermont,to be known as the Pownal Biomass Project )

PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OFEDDIE DUNCANO N BEHALF OF

BEAVER WOOD ENERGY POWNAL, LLC

1 1. Introduction2 Ql. Please state your name. business address an d employment.3 Al. My name is Eddie Duncan. an d I am a Senior Associate at Resource Systems4 Group (RSG), which is headquartered at 55 Railroad Row, White River Junction,5 Vermont.6 Q2 . Please describe your educational background an d professional experience.


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Pownal Biomass Project, P58 Docket No .Prefiled Testimony of Eddie Duncan

November 2, 2010Page 2 of 6

1 A2 . I have consulted in acoustics for over 7 years. In this time, I have worked on a2 dozens of Act 250 cases, and several Section 248 cases. I have testified before3 District Commissions and local planning boards and have conducted4 environmental noise and architectural acoustics studies in the power production.5 power transmission, aggregate, manufacturing, transportation, commercial retail,6 residential, sports, and entertainment industries. I have also published papers on7 noise mapping, and various issues related to noise from wind power and8 aggregate projects.9 I am Board Certified through the Institute of Noise Control Engineering and am a

10 member of the Acoustical Society of America through which I serve on a number11 of technical committees and acoustical standards working groups. I have12 extensive experience in the monitoring and analysis of acoustical data and13 modeling of outdoor sound propagation. Ihold a B.S. in Engineering Science14 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and am currently enrolled in the M.S. in15 Environmental Studies program at Green Mountain College. My full resum is16 provided as Petitioners Exhibit ED-I.17 Q3 . What is the purpose of your testimony?18 A3. The purpose of my testimony is to demonstrate that the Pownal Biomass Project19 (the Project) satisfies the requirements of 30 V.S.A. 248(b)(5) as it pertains20 to aesthetics and specifically noise impacts.21 Q4. Have you testified previously before the Board?


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Pownal Biomass Project, PSB Docket No.Prefiled Testimony of Eddie Duncan


1 A4. I have no t previously testified before the Public Service Board. However, I have2 worked on projects that have come before the Board including Lowell Mountain3 Wind Project (Docket #7628), Georgia Mountain Community Wind (Docket4 #7508), Deerfield Wind (Docket #7250), Velco Gorge (Docket #7460), and the5 Northwest Reliability Project (Docket #6860), among others. I have provided6 testimony to District Commissions in a number of Ac t 250 cases including7 Zaluzny Gravel Pit (Case #2W0577-4) and Chaves Londonderry Gravel Pit (Case8 #2W1275), among others.9 2. Summary of Findings

10 Q5. Based upon your evaluation and analyses, does the Project comply with Section11 248?12 AS. Yes. As discussed in Petitioners Exhibit ED-2. the Environmental Protection13 Agency and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines each provide14 relevant noise criteria for a project of this type. Given the scientific evidence15 regarding sleep disturbance and other impacts that were reviewed by the WHO,16 we have proposed that the Project meet a standard of 45 dBA (8-hour average17 sound pressure level, Leq(g)), which is averaged over the entire night (11 pm to 718 am) outside of residences. T his noise limit is both protective of human health and19 addresses quality-of-life concerns.20 During the day, we have proposed that the Project meet a standard of 50 dBA (16-21 hour average sound pressure level, Leq( 16). which is averaged over the entire day


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Pownal Biomass Project, PSB Docket No .Prefiled Testimony of Eddie Duncan


1 (7 am to 11 pm) outside of residences. This level is recommended by the WHO2 to protect against moderate annoyance.3 These recommended limits are stricter than EPA guidelines. That is, if the Project4 meets these recommended limits, it will also meet the EPA guideline of 55 dBA5 Ldn.6 As discussed in Petitioners Exhibit ED-2, the Project also meets the l imi ts set7 forth in the Pownal zoning bylaws at residences and the property line limits8 within the.9 Q6. Briefly describe how you came to your conclusions.

10 A6. A noise impact study is typically composed of four steps: (1) monitoring existing11 background sound levels a t th e proposed site, (2) inventorying noise sources from12 the proposed project. (3) modeling the projected sound evels surrounding the13 project a rea, and (4) developing mitigation to reduce impacts.14 As discussed in detail in Petitioners Exhibit ED-2, we conducted background15 monitoring at three locations for approximately one week. The locations were16 representative of various residential areas around the Project site. At the three17 sites, monitoring results showed that the average equivalent daytime sound18 pressure levels were between 57 and 62 dBA. and the average equivalent19 nighttime sound pressure levels were between 56 and 6 0 dBA .20 An inventory of potential noise sources from the proposed Project was developed.21 The inventory included sources from the wood processing operations, on-site


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1 truck traffic and deliveries, the turbine building, the boiler building, the integrated2 pellet plant, and associated mechanical equipment.3 To be conservative, we modeled the maximum daytime and nighttime 1-hour4 average sound pressure levels (Leq(lhour)) from the Project. If the modeled5 maximum daytime and nighttime Leq(IhQUfl is 50 and 45 dBA or less, respectively,6 then the Project will a lso meet the recommended standard limits.7 Model results show that the highest daytime level at a nearby residence from the8 Project is 49 dBA (LeqUh, and the average of 336 modeled residences is 389 dBA. These are within the previously mentioned daytime limit.

10 The highest modeled nighttime level at a nearby residence is 45 cIBA (Leqh0,11 and the average of 336 modeled residences is 34 cIBA. These are within the12 previously mentioned nighttime limit.13 Q7 . How do these levels compare against the background sound levels in the area?14 A7. While these standards are not relative to existing background noise. it is worth15 noting that the projected sound pressure levds from this proposed facility as16 detailed in Petitioners Exhibit ED-2 are at or below the existing equivalent17 average daytime and nighttime background sound pressure levels.18 Q8 . What are the existing sources of background noise?19 AX. Existing sources of background noise include traffic on US 7 and local roads,20 railway noise, and biogenic sources. The highest levels from existing sources are21 up to 100 dBA at nearby residences due to train horns.22 Q9 . Does the Project need any noise mitigation to meet the suggested noise standard?


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1 A9 . Most of the noise sources will b e located indoors. To meet the previously2 mentioned limits, a number of mitigation measures have been recommended and3 are listed in detail in Petitioners Exhibit ED2. These mitigation4 recommendations include noise reduction technologies on specific pieces of5 mechanical and power equipment from the power plant and integrated pellet plant6 operation, managed truck operations, and the design of high performance7 enclosures for all wood processing equipment and much of the equipment8 associated with the power plant and integrated pellet plant. T he best way to9 mitigate noise is often right at the source of noise itself. That is what is being

10 done for this Project by implementing noise reduction technologies into the11 design of the equipment.12 3. Conclusion13 Q10. What is the final conclusion of your noise study?14 AiD. Based on the study provided in Petitioners Exhibit ED-2, I find that this Project15 will have no undue adverse impact on aesthetics with regard to noise.16 Q1 1. Does this conclude your testimony?17 All. Yes.


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Petition of Beaver Wood Energy Pownal, LLCfor a Certificate of Public Good, pursuant to 30VS.A. 248. to install and operate a BiomassEnergy Facility and an integrated wood pellet ) Docket Nomanufacturing facility located north of the oldGreen Mountain Racetrack in Pownal. Vermont, )to be known as the Pownal Biomass Project )

PREFILED TESTIMONY OFEDDIE DUNCAN

Exhibit BWEP -ED- 1Resum


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Insights and Solutions for a Better World Edward DuncanSenior Associate

Selected PublicationsDuncan, F., and Kaliski, K., A Case Study in Cooperation: A Gravel Pit and Its Community, Proceedings of the2010 Institute of Noise Control Engineers NOISE-CON 2010Kaliski, K., and Duncan, li., Calculating Annualized Sound Levels for a Wind Farm, Proceedings of Meetingson Acoustics (POMA), Vol. 9-159th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America/NOISE-CON 2010. Kaliski, K., and Duncan, E., Propagation Modeling Parameters for Wind Power Projects, Sound & VibrationMagazine, Vol.42 No. 12 , December 2008.

Kaliski, K., and Duncan, E., Propagation Modeling Parametersfor Wind Turbines, Proceedings of the 2007Institute of Noise Control Engineers NOTSECON 2007. Kaliski, K., Duncan, E., and Cowan, J, Community and Regional Noise Mapping in the United States, Sound& Vibration Magazine, Vol.41 No.9, September 2007. Duncan, E., Kaliski, K., Collier, R., and Maher, M., Design ofa Small Reverberation Room for Use i n ANR andOther Testing, Proceedings of the 2006 Institute of Noise Control Engineers INTER-NOISE 2006.Selected Presentations Duncan, E., and Kaliski, K., improving Sound Propagation Modeling for Wind Power Projects, joint Meeting ofthe Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and the European Acoustics Association (EAA) Acoustics08. Duncan, E., and Kaliski, K., Design and Construction ofo Small Sound Testing Room in an Office Building, 4thJoint Meeting of the Acoustical Society ofAmerican and the Acoustical Society of Japan, November 2006.Memberships/Affiliations Institute of Noise Control Engineering Acoustical Society ofAmerica

Standards Committee S3/SC1/WG4 Ambient Sound in Parks, 2010 Current Member of the Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics, 2007-Current Co-Chair of Structured Session: NSO5 Noise from Wind Power Prolects, Acoustics 08 Chair of Technical Session: Acoustics of Modular Construction, 154h Meeting of the Acoustical Society ofAmerica, November 2007

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Petition of Beaver Wood Energy Pownal, LLCfor a Certificate of Public Good, pursuant to 30V.S.A. 248, to install and operate a BiomassEnergy Facility and an integrated wood pellet Docket Nomanufacturing facility located north of the oldGreen Mountain Racetrack in Pownal. Vermont, )to be known as the Pownal Biomass Project )

PREFILED TESTIMONY OFEDDIE DUNCAN

Exhibit BWEP -ED -2Noise Impact Study


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flfl[O_kJiNC.r [ -NVIRONMENT, ENERGY, & ACOUSTICS

Noise Impact StudyBeaver Wood Energys

Biomass Plant andWood Pellet Facility:Pownal, Vermont

November 2010DATA ANAlYSIS SOLUTfONS


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTIoN .12.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .13.0 A NOISE PRIMER 2

3.1 what is Noise 23.2 How is Sound Described 33.3 what is the Difference between Sound Pressure Levels and Sound Power Levels 33.4 How is Sound Modeled 33.5 Description of Terms S3.5.1 Equivalent Average Sound Level - Leq 63.5 .2 Percentile Sound LevelS Ln 63.5.3 Lmin and Lmax 7

4.0 NOIsE STANDARDS 74.1 Local and State Standards 74.2 world Health Organization 74.3 Federal Standards and Guidelines 84.4 Public Service Board Precedents 94.5 Noise Threshold Goals for the Pownal Biomass Plant 9

5.0 EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT 105.1 Background Monitoring Areas 105.2 Background Sound Monitoring 105.2.1 MonitorA US 7& Southeast of the ProjectArea 135.2.2 Monitor B Green Mountain Mobile Home Park 145.2.3 Monitoring Location C Northwest Hill Road 155.2.4 Overall SoundMonitoring Results 16

6.0 SOuND MODELING 166.1 Modeling Software & Setup 166.2 Maximum Daytime 1-HourAverage Sound Pressure Levels 176.3 Maximum Nighttime 1-Hour Average Sound Pressure Levels 19

7.0 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS 228.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 239.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 25

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LIST OF FIGURESFigure 1: Proposed Project and Surrounding Area 2Figure 2: Basic Theory: Common Sounds in Decibels 4Figure 3: Example o f No is e Measurement over Time and Descriptive Statistics 6Figure 4: Map of Background Sound Monitor Locations 11FigureS: Average and Gust Wind Speed (mph) at a Ground Level Station (10-minute periods) 12Figure 6: Temperature (F) and Relative Humidity (%) at a Ground Level Station (10-minute periods) 12Figure?: Location of Monitor A 13Figure 8: Sound Pressure Levels (1-hour, dBA) at MonitorA 13Figure 9: Location of Monitor B 14Figure 10: Sound Pressure Levels (1-hour, dBA) at Monitor B 14Figure 11: Location of Monitor C Facing East toward the Proposed Site 15Figure 12: Sound Pressure Levels (1-hour, dRA) at Monitor C 15Figure 13: Map of Daytime Noise Sources 18Figure 14: Model Results of the Average Daytime Sound Pressure Level (Leq 1-hour, dBA) 19Figure 15: Map of Nighttime Noise Sources 21Figure 16: Model Results of the Average Nighttime Sound Pressure Levels (Leq 1-hour, dBA) 22

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1.0 INTRODUCTIONBeaver Wood Energy is proposing to construct a 29.5 MW biomass power plant and fully integrated woodpellet production plant in Pownal, Vermont This study assessed the affects of the facilities equipmentand operations on sound levels in the surrounding area. The report includes:

1) A description of the Project site2) A noise primer3) A discussion of applicable noise limits4) The results of background sound level monitoring5) The results of computer propagation modeling6) Summary and conclusions

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONThe proposed Project is located approximately 575 feet west of US 7 at the north end of the former GreenMountain Race Track in Pownal, Vermont. A Pan Am Railways track runs parallel to the eastern propertyboundary between US 4 and the Project area. The Hoosic River runs along the western side of the Projectarea. The access road to the site is located approximately 660 feet south of B Hill Road.The closest residences are to the northeast at the Green Mountain Mobile Home Park which isapproximately 190 feet from the Project property line and 380 feet from the nearest facility structure.Approximately 900 feet to the east there are residences along US 7. Further east there are residences upB Hill Road approximately 1,100 feet from the Project houndary. To the west, there are residences alongNorthwest Hill Road approximately 780 feet from the Project site.The operation will use two sources of wood: waste wood and low lumber value logs. The waste wood willbe brought to the site and used as a fuel source for the power plant. Low lumber value logs will also bebrought to the site. The logs will be stripped of their hark in the debarker and continue into a woodchipper. After the hark is stripped, it will go into a bark grinder, and eventually into the power plant as afuel source. The wood chips from the logs and additional wood chips that will be brought to the site willbe used to make wood pelets in the fully integrated pe1et pant. Noise sources from the operationinclude a debarker, wood chipper, bark grinder, truck dump hydraulics, cooling tower, truck traffic,conveyors, interior noise from the power plant and fully integrated pellet plant equipment to move thelogs around, and various fans associated with the two plants and other buildings.A map of the Project area is provided in Figure 1.

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Figure 1: Proposed Project and Surrounding Areo

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3.0 A NOISE PRIMER3.1 What is Noise?Noise is defined as a sound of any kind, especially when loud, confused, indistinct, or disagreeable.assing vehicles, a noisy refrigerator, or an air conditioning system are sources of noise which may be

The American Herftage Dictionary of the English Language, Houghton Mifflin company, 1981.

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Figure 2: Basic Theory: Common Sounds in DecibelsOcc.spto,,.J Nois Deceis (d BA)

Pe,oepfk,u, lkwaed a1 the a., Ersqday Mole. r,.uamtion NoJnNear a jet .ng In.

Of Paw, :130 I

DeafeningHard Rock Band 120 I

Chain,aw 410Tablesaw SCircular sawBandsawimpact Wrench Auto horn at 10 feel 100Electric hand dril Very Loud

Sno.m,obORiding lawn ITwer. a ear NSIt..t Sweeper

$hcip-vac. at ear. ou1doorsTruas tby OOnwha(SCbet

Trnck pesaby 30 mph .150 feelVacutin, claret, at 51

LoudPlayground r.c.a (54) Inside car, windows closed. 85 mpPi

C.rpa.Wy. 3OiTwh. at 50 le.t -Urban Area

44ConversatuQnal Speech TV in fuel rooue IMicrowave ovens 25 feetCar pataby 30 mph .1100 feet

Mode ralerisen ld n car at 50 7.

Office, with computerSuburban area and HVAC

Refng.ratorat3f.et : Library

Fain

Quiet rural area. rio wind. insects or traffic

O,se, Winiei night. wddeffiassares. 00 insect, flific Or

N very PalMI.

Threshold f audt.ikty at }1000Hz -

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perceive an approximate doubling of loudness. Smal] changes in sound pressure level, below 3dB, aregenerally not perceptible.For a point source, sound level diminishes or attenuates by 6 dB for every doubling of distance due togeometrical divergence. Fo r example, if an idling truck is measured at 50 feet as 66 dSA, at 100 feet thelevel will decline to 60 dBA. and at 200 feet, 54 dRA. assuming no other influences. From a line source,like a gas pipeline or from closely spaced point sources, like a roadway or string of wind turbines, soundattenuates at approximately 3 dB per doubling distance. These line sources transition to an attenuationof 6 dB per doubling at a distance of roughly a third of the length of the line source.Other factors, such as intervening vegetation, terrain, walls, berms, buildings, and atmosphericabsorption will also further reduce the sound level reaching the listener. In each of these, higherfrequencies will attenuate faster than lower frequencies. Finally, the ground can also have an impact onsound levels. Harder ground generally increases and softer ground generally decreases the sound level ata receiver. Reflections off of buildings and walls can increase broadband sound levels by as much as 3 dB.If we add two equal sources together, the resulting sound level will be 3dB higher. Fo r example, if onemachine registers 76 dBA at 50 feet, two co-located machines would register 3 dB more, or 79 dBA at thatdistance. In a similar manner, at a distance of SO feet, four machines, all operating at the same place andtime, would register 82 dBA and eight machines would register 85 dBA. If the two sources differ in soundlevel then 0 to 3 dB will be added to the higher level as shown in Table 1.Table 1: DecibelAdditianIf Two Sources Differ By Add

0-1dB 3dB2-4dB 2dB5-9dB 1dB>9dB 0dB

3.5 Description of TermsSound can be measured in many different ways. Perhaps the simplestway is to take an instantaneousmeasurement, which gives the sound pressure level at an exact moment in time. The level reading couldbe 62 dB, but a second later it could 57 dB. Sound pressure levels are constantly changing. It is for thisreason that it makes sense to describe noise and sound in terms of time.The most common ways of describing noise over time is in terms of various statistics. Take, as anexample, the sound levels measured over time shown in Figure 3. Instantaneous measurements areshown as a ragged grey line. The sound levels that occur over this time can be described verbally, but it ismuch easier to describe the recorded levels statistically. This is done using a variety of levels which aredescribed below.

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Figure 3: Example of Noise Measurement over Time and Descriptive Statistics

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3.5.1 Equivalent Average Sound Level - LeqOn e of the most common ways of describing noise levels is in terms of the continuous equivalent soundlevel (Leq). The Leq is the average of the sound pressure over an entire monitoring period and expressedas a decibel. The monitoring period could be for any amount of time. It could he one second (Leq 1-c),one hour (Leq) , or 24 hours (Leq24. Because Leq describes the average pressure, loud and infrequentnoises have a greater effect on the resulting level than quieter and more frequent noises. Fo r example, inFigure 3, the median sound level is about 47 dBA, but the equivalent average sound level (Leq) is 53 dBA.Because it tends to weight the higher sound levels and is representative of sound that takes place overtime, the Leq is the most commonly used descriptor in noise standards and regulations.Other forms and averaging periods of the equivalent average sound level Leq) are used in some federaland world guidelines. For example, a day-night equivalent level (Ldn) is the equivalent average soundlevel over a 24 hour period with a 10 dBA penalty applied to the nighttime levels (10 PM to 7AM). Anannual daytime average (Lday) is the equivalent average sound level during the day over the course of ayear, and an annual nighttime average (Lnight) is the equivalent average sound level during the nightover a course of a year.

3.5.2 percentile Sound Level - LnLn is the sound level exceeded n percent of the time. This type of statistical sound level, also shown inFigure 3, gives us information about the distribution of sound levels over time. Fo r example, the L10 isthe sound level that is exceeded 10 percent of the time, while the L90 is the sound level exceeded 90% ofthe time. The L50 is exceeded half the time. The L9 0 is a residual base level which most of the soundexceeds, while the L10 is representative of the peaks and higher, but less frequent levels. When one istrying to measure a continuous sound, like a wind turbine, the L90 is often used to filter out other short-term environmental sounds that increase the level, such as dogs barking, vehicle passbys, wind gusts, andtalking. That residual sound, or L90, is then the sound that is occurring in the absence of these noises.

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3.5.3 1mm and LmaxLmin and Lmax are simply the minimum and maximum sound level, respectively, monitored over aperiod of time. These are shown in Figure 3.

4.0 NoisE STANDARDS -4.1 Local and State StandardsThe Town of Pownal has a quantitative noise performance standard within Section 8.8.2 of the zoningbylaws. It states,

The maximum sound pressure level radiated on a continuous basis by any use or facility at theproperty line shall not exceed 70 DB(A) after 6:00 AM . and before 10:00 P.M., and shall notexceed 60 DB(A) after 10:00 P.M. and before 6:00 AM.

There are no state statutes or regulations that establish quantitative noise standards which areapplicable to this Project

4.2 World Health OrganizationThe United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has published Guidelines for Community Noise(1999) which uses the most current research on the health impacts of noise to develop guideline soundlevels for communities. The forward of the report states, The scope ofWHOs effort to derive guidelinesfor community noise is to consolidate actual scientific knowledge on the health impacts of communitynoise and to provide guidance to environmental health authorities and professionals trying to protectpeople from the harmful effects of noise in non-industrial environments.The WHO guidelines suggest a daytime and nighttime protective noise level. During the day, the levels are55 dBA Leqi3 that is, an average over a 16-hour day, to protect against serious annoyance and 50 dEALeq161 to protect against moderate annoyance.During the night, the WHO recommends limits of4S dBA Leq(s) and an instantaneous maximum of 60dBA LAfmax (fast response maximum). These are to be measured outside the bedroom window. Theseguidelines are based on the assumption that sound levels indoors would be reduced by 15 dRA withwindows open. That is, sound level inside the bedroom that is protective of sleep is 30 cIBA Leq[s). So longas the sound levels outside of the house remain at or below 45 dBA, sound levels in the bedroom willremain below 30 dBA. Given the climate in this region, this is essentially a summertime standard, sinceresidents are less likely to have their windows open during other times of the year. By closing windows,an additional --10dB of sound attenuation will result.Table 4.1 of the WHOs Guidelines for Community Noise (1999) provides guideline values forcommunity noise in specific environments. This table is provided in the Appendix.In October, 2009, WHO Europe conducted an updated literature review and developed guidelines fornighttime noise in Europe. They expanded on the 1999 WHO guidelines by adding an annual averagenighttime guideline level to protect against adverse effects on sleep disturbance. This guideline is 40dBLnight, outside.

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4.3 Federal Standards and GuidelinesThere are no federal noise standards that apply to biomass power projects on private land. Many federalagencies have adopted guidelines and standards that apply to other types of facilities. A summary of someof these standards is shown in Table 2. Note that these standards are in terms of Leq, Ldn, or LI 0. TheL eq is the pressure weighted average sound level, over a specified period of time. The Ldn is the A-weighted day-night Leq, where a penalty of 10dB is applied to nighttime sound. The L10 is the 10thpercentile sound level. It is the level that is exceeded 10% of the time, and thus represents the highersound levels over a period of time.Table 2: Summary of Federal Guidelines and Standards far Exterior NoiseAgency Applies to Standard (dBA)Environmental Protection Agency Guideline to protect public health and 55dB Ldn

welfare with an adequate margin ofsafety

Bureau of Land Management (eLM) Guidelines for the development of Refers to the EPA 55dB Ldn guideline.wind turbines on federal landsmanaged by BLM

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Compressor facilities under FERC 55dB Ldn(FERC) jurisdictionFederal Highway Administration Federally funded highway projects. For 57 dBA Leq or 60 dBA L10 during the(FHWA) Lands on which serenity and quiet are peak hour of traffic. Either standard

of extraordinary significance and serve can be used, but not both.an important public need and wherethe preservation of those qualities isessential if the area is to continue toserve[tsintendedpurpose.For residential and active sports 67 cIBA Leq or 70 dBA L10areas, amphitheaters, auditoriums,campgrounds, cemeteries, day carecenters, hospitals, libraries, medicalfdcilities, parks, picnic areas, places ofworship, playgrounds, public meetingrooms, public or nonprofit institutionalstructures, radio studios, recordingstudios, recreation areas, Section 4(f)sites, schools, television studios, trails,and trail crossingsFor Hotels, motels, offices, 72 dBA Leq or 7 5 dBA L10restaurants/bars

Federal Interagency Task Force This Taskforce is set up to develop 55 to 65 dB Ldn for impacts onconsistency of noise standards among residential areasfederal agencies

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5.0 ExIsTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT5.1 Background Monitoring AreasBackground sound level monitoring was conducted at three ]ocations around the Project to characterizethe existing noise environment. The three locations were chosen based on proximity to the proposedProject and are representative of area groupings of residences. The three monitored locations are shownin Figure 4 and are meant to he representative of the following areas:

1. Monitor A is representative of the residences along US 7 and southeast of the Project area.2. Monitor B is representative of the residences at the Green Mountain &Alta Gardens Mobile

Home Parks.3. Monitor C is representative of the residences across the Hoosic River along Northwest Hill Road.

Detailed information about each Monitor is provided is Section 5.2.5.2 Background Sound MonitoringMonitoring was conducted from June10 to June 17, 2010. All sites were monitored with ANSI Type 2Rion NL-22 sound level meters set to log equivalent average sound levels every second. Each sound levelmeter was calibrated before and after the monitoring period and was fitted with a seven-inch waterresistant windscreen. The windscreens reduce the self-noise created by wind passing over the metersmicrophone. Each microphone was placed between 1.0 and 1.4 meters above the ground. In each case,the ground was considered soft, that is, it was suitable for the growth of vegetation. The sound levelmeter model, start time, and end time for each monitoring location are shown in Table 3.During the monitoring period, wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity were collected at a groundlevel station near the center of the race track south of the Project area as shown in Figure 4. Average andgust wind speeds during the monitoring period are shown in Figure 5 and temperature and relativehumidity are provided in Figure 6. There was a period of moderate to heavy rain from approximat&y2:45 PM to 7:40 PM on June 10 and again on June 12 from 2:35 PM to 5:00 PM. These periods are notedin the monitoring results.

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Figure 4: Map of Background SoundMonitor Locations

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Table 3: Background Sound Monitor SummoryI Monitor Meter Start Time

A Rion NL22 6/10/10 10:58AMB Rion NL22 6/10/10 11:12 AMC Rion NL22 I 6/10/10 11:51 AM

End Time6/17/10 12:58 AM6/17/10 2:34 PM6/16/10 5:51 PM


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FigureS: Average and Gust Wind Speed (mph) at a Ground Level Station (10-minute periods)

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Figure 6: Temperature (F) and Relative Humidity (%) at a Ground Level Station (10-minute periods)

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5.2.1 Monitor A US 7 & Southeast of the Project AreaMonitor A was located southeast of the Project area next to the south access road to the former GreenMountain Race Track. The monitor was set back from US 7 by approximately 250 feet and is shown inFigure 7. The monitoring results are provided in FigureS. The primary sources of background noise atMonitor A were traffic on US 7, railway noise, and biogenic sources (i.e. wind, animal calls, e tc .) . Thehighest sound levels are caused by train horns at a nearby railroad crossing.Figure 7: Location ofMonitorA

- r- . _ I- -$:- 11 ZII!$j-a

- J4r_- - -t,i--% 1%is - -.$- 0-ri,-- . ;- --w - - --

Figure 8: Sound Pressure Levels (1-hour, dBA) at Monitor A

so403020

Leq (1-hr)L1O(1-hr)ISO (1-hr)L90 (1-hr)

Lmax(1-hr)


110100908070

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6/10/10 6/11/10 6/12/10 6/13/10 6/14/10 6/15/10 5/16/10 6/17/10 6/18/10



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5.2.2 Monitor B Green Mountain Mobile Home ParkMonitorS was located at the southwest corner of the Green Mountain Mobile Borne Park in the tree tinesouth of the park, approximately 520 feet west of US 7. A picture of the monitor is shown in Figure 9, andthe monitoring results are shown in Figure 10. Th e primary sources of background noise at Monitor Bwere traffic on US 7, railway noise, activities in and around themobile home park, and biogenic sources.Th e highest sound levels are caused by train horns at a nearby railroad crossing.

Leq (1-hr)L10 (1-hr)

L50(1-hr) L90 (1-hfl


Beaver Wood Energy Pownal, LLC

Figure 9: Location ofMonitor B

Figure 10: Sound Pressure Levels (1-hour, dBA) at Monitor B

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1101009080706050403020

Lmax (1-hr)

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5.2.3 Monitoring Location C Northwest Hill RoadMonitor C was located west of the Project area at a Christmas tree farm onNorthwest Hill Road. It was setback approximately 90 feet west of Northwest Hill Road. The monitor is shown in Figure 11 and theresults are shown in Figure 12. The primary sources of noise at Monitor C were traffic on US 7 andNorthwest Hill Road, railway noise, and biogenic sources.

a JJAAR A

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VResource Systems Group, Inc.3 November 2010


Figure 11 : Location ofMonitor C Facing East toward the Proposed Site

110Figure 12: Sound Pressure Levels (I-hour, dBA) at Monitor C

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30206/10/10 6/11/10 6/12/10 6/13/10 6/14/10 6/15/10 6/16/10 6/17/10 6/18/10


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5.2.4 Overall Sound Monitoring ResultsThe overall results are summarized in Table 4. Five different levels are shown: the Lmax, Leq, L10, L50,and L90. As mentioned in Section 3.5, the Lmax is the maximum sound pressure level that occurredduring the given monitoring time. As discussed in Section 3.5, the Leq is the equivalent average soundlevel. This measure weights louder sounds more than quieter sounds because it is based on a logarithmicaverage. The L90, L50, and L10 are the sound levels exceeded 90%, 50%, and 10% of the time,respectively.Table 4: Background Monitoring Results Summary (dBA)Monitor Daytime Nighttimetniax Leq 110 ISO LO Lmax Leq 110 ISO ISO

A 97 60 64 53 46 100 60 53 42 390 99 57 54 47 41 97 56 48 35 26c 98 62 61 52 44 86 57 55 44 36

6.0 SOUND MODELING6.1 Modeling Software & SetupModeling was completed for the Project using Cadna A acoustical modeling software. Made by DatakustikGmbH, Cadna A is an internationally accepted acoustical model, used by many other noise controlprofessionals in the United States and abroad. The software has a high level of reliability and followsmethods specified by the International Standards Organization in their ISO 9613-2 standard, Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors, Part 2: General Method of Calculation. The ISOstandard states,

This part of ISO 9613 specifies an engineering method for calculating the attenuation of soundduring propagation outdoors in order to predict the levels of environmental noise at a distancefrom a variety of sources. The method predicts the equivalent continuous A-weighted soundpressure level ... under meteorological conditions favorable to propagation from sources ofknown sound emissions. These conditions are for downwind propagation ... or, equivalently,propagation under a well-developed moderate ground-based temperature inversion, such ascommonly occurs at night

The model takes into account source sound power levels, surface reflection and absorption, atmosphericabsorption, geometric divergence, meteorological conditions,walls, barriers, berms, and terrain. Modelinput data including source and receiver coordinates, sound power levels, and modeling assumptions areprovided in Appendix A.A 30 by 30 meter grid of receivers was set up covering approximately 1,25 square miles around the site.In addition, 336 discrete receivers were placed at surrounding residences in an area approximately 3square miles around the site.

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6.2 Maximum Daytime 1-Hour Average Sound Pressure LevelsTo be conservative, we have modeled the maximum daytime 1-hour average sound pressure levels(Leq.h) from the proposed Project. If the modeled maximum daytime Leqhour) is 50 dBA or less, thenthe Project will also meet the recommended daytime threshold goals in Section 4.5. The maximumdaytime Leq(1.hourJ was calculated by modeling all of the daytime sources for a certain operational time.Figure 13 shows the location of all the daytime sources in the model which are the:

boiler building ventilation fans broadband backup alarm cooling tower pellet dryer fans fans associated with the boiler and fully integrated pellet plant fly ash dust collector lDfan chip processing building fans transformer truck dump hydraulics turbine building fan allconveyors trucks driving on site interior sources in the wood processing building, wood chip processing building, turbine

building, and boiler building, including the debarker, wood chipper, and bark grinder amongother interior sources

The amount of time each source is operating out ofan hour in the model is provided in Appendix A.Of the 336 receivers at the surrounding residences, the highest daytime average sound pressure level is49 dBA and the average sound pressure level is 38 dilA. The highest daytime levels occur at thesouthwestern edge of the Green Mountain Mobile Home Park. A map of the maximum daytime 1-houraverage sound pressure levels is provided in Figure 14.These model results show that the Project will meet the daytime noise threshold goa l o f 5 0 dBA Leq(6our) at residences and 70 dBA at the Project property line. They are also well below the average existingdaytime background sound levels shown in Table 4. Results for each residential receiver are provided inAppendix B.

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Figure 13: Mop of Daytime Noise Sources

Boiler Building FanBroadband Backup AlarmCooling Tower FanPellet Dryer FanFan Intake & BreakoutFly Ash Dust CollectorID Fan BreakoutChip Processing Building FanTransformerTruck Dump HydraulicsTurbine Building FanTruck RoutesConveyors

ResidentialSources+*+

+El4

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Figure 14: Model Results of the Average Daytime Sound Pressure Level (Leq 1-hour, dBA)

To be conservative, we have modeled the maximum nighttime 1-hour average sound pressure levels(Leqhour)) from the proposed Project lithe modeled maximum nighttime Leq(1hur) is 45 dnA or lessthen the Project will also meet the recommended nighttime threshold goals in Section 4.5. The maximumnighttime Leqiho) was calculated by modeling all of the daytime sources for a certain operational time.Figure 15 shows the location of all the nighttime sources in the model which are the:

boiler building ventilation fans cooling tower



4 Residential Conveyors. Rail Line Roads

Onsite BuildingsSilos, Tanks, StacksSite Details

6.3 Maximum Nighttime 1-Hour Average Sound Pressure Levels


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pellet dryer fans fans associated with the boiler and fully integrated pellet plant fly ash dust collector IDfan chip processing building fans transformer turbine building fan reclaim conveyor interior sources in the wood chip processing building, turbine building, and boiler building

The amount of time each source is operating out ofan hour in the model is provided in Appendix A.Modeling shows the highest nighttime average sound pressure level at a residence is 45 dBA and theaverage sound pressure level across all 336 modeled residences is 34 dBA. As shown in Figure 16, thehighest sound levels occur at the southwest corner of the Green Mountain Mobile Home Park.These model results show that the Project will meet the nighttime noise threshold goal of 45 dBA Leq(hour) at residences and 60 dBA at the Project property line. They are also well below the average existingnighttime background sound levels shown in Table 4. Results for each residential receiver are providedin Appendix B.

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Figure 15: Map of Nighttime Noise Sources

V

ResidentialSources Boiler Building Fan+ Cooling Tower Fan

Pellet Diver Fan+ Fan Intake & Breakout

Fly Ash Dust CollectorO ID Fan Breakout* Chip Processing Building Fan Transformer* Turbine Building Fan Conveyor

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Figure 16: Model Results of the Average Nighttime Sound Pressure Levels (Leq 1-hour, dBA)

Construction related to the biomass power plant and fully integrated pellet production plant will beprimarily located at the proposed site. While there may be activity closer to residences for roadconstruction and utility work, such work will be of relatively short duration.Major construction will take place during normal business hours. Nighttime construction work, if any,will not involve the use of heavy earth moving equipment or cranes. Structural steel work will not occurat night. Nighttime work, if employed, will consist of activities such as extended concrete pours(outdoors), and pipe welding, electrical work, and similar indoor activities.

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7.0 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS

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Equipment used for construction will vary. Examples of some of the louder pieces of equipment areshown in Table S along with the approximate maximum sound pressure levels at 400 feet and 1000 feetdistances which are similar to surrounding residences.Tables: Maximum Sound Levels from Various Types of Construction Equipment Assuming No Attenuation from Trees orTerrain

EQUIPMENT MAXIMUM SOUND PRESSURELEVEL AT 400 FEET (dBA)MAXIMUM SOUND PRESSURELEVEL AT 1,000 FEET (dBA)

M-250 Liftcrane 50 4222SOS3Liftcrane 46 38Excavator 53 45Dump truck being loaded 58 50Dump truck at 25 mph accelerating 45 37Tractor trailer at 25 mph accelerating 50 42concrete truck 49 41Bulldozer 53 45Rock drill 60 52Loader 45 37Backhoe 45 37

Near the end ofmajor construction the piping to the steam turbine is cleaned using steam. Thisprocess generates significant bursts of noise despite the use of silencers but only occurs over a shortperiod. Neighbors will be notified in advance of this event.

8.0 RECOMMENDATIONSBased on the above analysis, we recommend the following mitigation measures which have beenimplemented in our acoustical analysis:

1) All on-site equipment requiring backup alarms should have broadband, variable loudness,radar-type, or light backup alarms installed to the extent permissible by OSHA. A broadbandbackup alarm with a sound power level of 107 dRA was used in the model. Broadbandbackup alarms are often found to be less annoying because they do not have the pure tonalqualities of regular backup alarms. They are also more directional and attenuate more overdistance. Broadband backup alarms emit a sound that is often described as being similar tostatic.

2) The wood processing operation (debarker, wood chipper, and grinder) should be housed ina wood processing building.a) The building should have the interior walls and/or ceiling lined with exposed

acoustically absorptive material to prevent the build-up of noise within the structure.

Assumes hard ground around the construction site and 150 9614-2 propagation with no vegetation reduction. Actual sound levels willlikely be lower given the prevalence of vegetation and soft ground round the site.

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Other mitigation measures maybe substituted for these recommendations provided they produceequivalent results.

9.0 SUMMARYANDCONCLUSIONS_-___Beaver Wood Energy is proposing to construct a 29.5 MW biomass power plant and fully integrated woodpellet production plant in Pownal, Vermont This assessment evaluated the potential noise impacts bypredicting sound levels at residences throughout the surrounding area with a sound propagation modelin accordance with ISO 9613-2 and comparing the modeled levels with the existing background levelsaround the site and the noise threshold limit goals developed through review of local, state, national, andworld guidelines including recent PSB decisions.From this assessment the following can be concluded:

1) Projected sound levels at nearby residences will be at or below the average existingbackground levels for daytime and nighttime.

2) Projected sound levels at nearby residences will be at or below the Project noisethreshold limit goals o145 dBA Leq(ehour) at night and 50 dBA leq(l6I,our) during the day.This stricter than the EPA guideline of 55dB Ldn.

3) Projected sound levels at the Project property line will meet the requirements of thePownal zoning bylaws by being at or below 60 dBA Leq(lhour) at night and 70 dBA Leqghour) during the day.

4) Major construction will take place during normal business hours. With the exception ofextended concrete pours, nighttime construction work, if any, will involve primarilyindoor work. Aside from possibly road construction or utility work, construction willtake place on-site, away from the nearest residences, and thus will have a minimalimpact on noise levels.Near the end of construction the steam turbine will be cleaned, producing bursts ofnoise over a short duration. Neighbors will be contacted in advance of this event.

5) Potential noise emissions from the Project will be significantly mitigated throughspecification of noise reduction technologies in on-site equipment managed truckoperations, and design of high performance enclosures as outlined in Sections.

As a result, the Pownal biomass power plant and fully integrated wood pellet production plant can beconstructed in such a way as to have no undue adverse impact on aesthetics with regard to noise.

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V

APPENDIX A

MODEL INPUT DATA


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APPENDIX B

FULL MODEL RESULTS & RECEIVER INPUT DATA

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APPENDIX CWORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNITY NOISETABLE 4.1 GUIDELINE VALUES FOR COMMUNITY NOISE IN SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTS


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Table 4.1: Guideline values for community noise in specific environments.Specific Critical health effect(s) LAeq Time LAmax,environment jdBJ base fast

- [hoursi IdRIOutdoor living area Serious annoyance, daytime and evening 55 16 -Moderate annoyance, daytime and evening 50 16 -Dwelling, indoors Speech intelligibility and moderate 35 16annoyance, daytime and eveningInside bedrooms Sleep disturbance, night-time 30 8 45Outside bedrooms Sleep disturbance, window open (outdoor 45 8 60values)School class rooms Speech intelligibility, disturbance of 35 during -and pre-schools. information extraction, message classindoors communicationPre-school Sleep disturbance 30 sleeping 45Bedrooms, indoors -timeSchool, playground Annoyance (externaL source) 55 during -outdoor playHospital, ward Sleep disturbance, night-time 30 8 40rooms, indoors Sleep disturbance, daytime and evenings 30 16 -Hospitals, treatment lntcrfcrcnce with rest and recovery #1rooms, indoorsIndustrial, Hearing impairment 70 24 110commercial,shopping and trafficareas, indoors andOutdoorsCeremonies. festivals Hearing impairment (patrons:

Documents

Beaver Wood Pownal 248 Filing: No. 8G - Pre-Filed Testimony of Eddie Duncan SD