Project:
Noise impact assessment of a 1,200 MW coal combustion power plant in Nevada. |
Technical Information:
The ATCO study addressed noise levels of each facility component including the following:
- Two 600 MW steam turbine generators
- Two steam turbine condensers
- Two pulverized coal-fired boilers
- Two selective catalytic reduction
- Two boiler feed water pumps
- Auxiliary boiler and auxiliary boiler FD fan
- Auxiliary transformers
- Two generator Step up Transformers
- DC Converter station
- Emergency generators and main unit start-up noise
- Coal receiving, storage and handling processes
- Ash handling and disposal
- Gypsum handling and disposal
- Limestone handling and storage
- Fuel and oil storage
- Cooling towers
- Flue gas SCR system
- Boiler and turbine ventilation systems
- Transportation noise sources, including rail and truck traffic on- and off-site
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Scope of Work:
ATCO was contracted by the Client to assess the noise levels of a proposed coal-combustion power plant in Nevada. ATCO measured ambient noise levels at the proposed site to establish noise levels in the surrounding area. ATCO modeled the proposed site using its extensive library of
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measured equipment noise levels. ATCO determined the noise impact on the surrounding area and concluded that the proposed plant would meet the regulatory criteria at the nearest sensitive receptors to the site. Noise from construction activities and rail and truck transportation sources was also assessed.
Project Challenges:
The project site was located in a remote environment where ambient noise levels reached lows below 30 dBA, ATCO’s challenge was in determining the ambient noise level based on many existing noise sources such as traffic and railway noise. ATCO identified noise sources over the course of a 24 hr. noise survey and used the data as a base for the acoustical model. Because the plant was a proposed site, there was no actual equipment noise data available. Using its extensive library of equipment and power plant noise levels, as well equipment sound power levels from two similar proposed facilities, ATCO was able to determine that noise levels at the nearest sensitive receivers would remain well below the allowable levels with the introduction of the power plant. |
Performance Target:
Noise level criteria and targets were compared against EPA, HUD, APTA, FTA and the Washoe County Development Code. The EPA guidelines limited the noise levels at the nearest sensitive receptor to the power plant to 55 dBA, Ldn. Construction activity was restricted to occur between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm and the noise levels were limited to 55 dBA, Ldn.
Status:
The noise assessment of this project was completed and the suggested noise mitigation would keep the project noise levels to within the recommended 55 dBA Ldn criteria.
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