Cumulative effects and the 1.5 km criteria boundary

Energy facilities that lie in mature development areas can be used as an example to identify the potential cumulative effect of other proposed developments or design changes for an existing facility. This presentation raised questions regarding the determination of cumulative noise effects in areas with significant planned development. The presentation referred to Directive 038 which requires compliance with permissible sound levels (PSL) at receptors and must include all regulated activity. A recent noise impact assessment in the Athabasca Oil Sands identified the need to include neighbouring projects in an area where no regional noise planning was occurring. The presentation also provided a case study of the Shell Canada Energy Jackpine Mine expansion (JME) and Pierre River Mine (PRM) application for a planned expansion to the approved Jackpine Mine as well as the development of the Pierre River Mine. The assessment focused on specific receptors for both sites. The resulting noise impact assessment/environmental impact assessment discussion needed to focus compliance based on the 2007 directive method. Specific receptors were outlined and the zone of cumulative effect was discussed and illustrated. It was concluded that methods could be developed for use of measurements for inclusion of existing projects in a theoretical cumulative assessment. tabs., figs.