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Technical Volume 13
Noise Impact Assessment

Technical Volume 13 is an assessment of noise impacts associated with the proposed project as well as the identification of potential mitigation measures.

This Volume concludes that there would be significant negative impact on residential areas, particularly in North Delta where predicted (2021) noise levels would average 68.0 to 73.0 decibels (dBA).

Health Canada's National Guidelines for Environmental Noise Control are; 55 dBA daytime (07:00 to 23:00); 50 dBA night time (23:00 to 07:00), which prorated over 24-hours gives an Leq (24) of 54 dBA.

These levels are considered thresholds for the onset of significant noise impacts, and 65 dBA or greater (Leq(24)) is indicative of a serious noise problem.

Gateway estimates approximately 700 residents and one school will require mitigation, however due to the fact that noise measuring was done at ground level which does not take into account the raised viaducts that are planned for Sunbury and Fraser Heights, nor the topography where many houses will be uphill of the highway. The proponent is also counting only the first 1 or 2 rows from the source, and none of the new homes that have been built at 104th and 176th. Community estimates are considerably higher in the range of 1600-2000 homes negatively affected, which triples the amount of "highly annoyed residents", with or without mitigation.

Another consideration is where the monitoring was taken in relation to which side of the house will face the new hwy. Increases based on existing conditions have to consider that many homes that enjoy a quiet backyard , where house design would likely have the bedrooms, would now see the highway on that side.

Mitigation measures put forward by Gateway are limited to; 3 meter high walls that would only reduce traffic noise levels by a predicted 5 to 10 dBA, but would add much more disruption to the views, or "quiet pavement" that can reduce dBA levels by 4 or 5 if the road stays dry, but does nothing for engine and braking noises.

With Gateway's proposed noise mitigation, predicted noise levels would still be above national standards and studies show Gateways vehicle counts are at the low end of all Predictions, so noise levels would be higher when the SFPR is opened.

The conclusion therefore, is that residential areas in proximity to the proposed SFPR will be significantly impacted to the point of serious health concerns even with the mitigation measures.

Reference locations in the document and the applied reasoning that resulted in this review summary will be available soon.