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Project Experience

Industrial & Energy

Industrial Facilities

About These Projects

Our experience includes measuring and evaluating noise and vibration sources and mitigation for workplaces and communities.

Common Acoustical Challenges:

  • Community noise complaints
  • Property line bylaw compliance
  • Tonal and low-frequency noise
  • Worker noise and vibration exposure
  • Planning for expansions and new equipment
  • Pinpointing the source of complaints
  • Industrial Facilities
    Industrial Facilities

BC Hydro Substation Commissioning Measurements

Greater Vancouver, BC

We performed property line noise measurements around new and upgraded facilities including John Lawson, Mount Pleasant, and North Vancouver substations.

Cascadia Grain Terminals

Vancouver, BC

We conducted a noise and vibration survey in the mill and provided a noise management plan and recommendations for vibration controls to reduce whole body vibration. We also provided noise diagnostics and mitigation for a blower unit, using FFT to identify the problem tone.

Cowichan Bay Sawmill

Duncan, BC

We measured sawmill noise in the community over the course of one week and developed a detailed noise model to predict levels at other locations and investigate mitigation options. After presenting the results to the regional district, sawmill, and community, we performed follow-up monitoring to confirm noise reductions and review available noise control options.

Lhoist Lime

Langley, BC

To determine compliance with noise bylaw limits, we measured noise at the property line and consulted on noise control options.

Masonite Plant

Langley, BC

We measured noise at the property line to assess compliance with noise bylaw limits. We also made recommendations for noise control to comply with bylaw.

New Afton Mine

Kamloops, BC

We performed continuous 48-hour noise measurements at five locations around the mine — plus noise contour mapping and assessment of measurement uncertainties in accordance with ISO standards. We also measured noise throughout the mill building and developed noise contours maps to communicate occupational noise exposure.

Port of Vancouver Terminals

Greater Vancouver, BC

We assessed environmental noise for a number of industrial tenants such as Neptune Terminals, Pacific Coast Terminals, Columbia Containers, Fibreco, Richardson Grain Terminal, Fraser Grain Terminal, Deltaport, and others. The assessments were required by the Port to support proposed expansions. Our scope included baseline community noise measurements, near-field measurements of on-site noise sources, acoustical modelling of existing and proposed facilities, mitigation assessments, and report preparation.

Pacific Bioenergy

Prince George, BC

We measured noise in and around a wood pellet plant and the surrounding community to determine whether or not noise complaints from remote neighbourhoods were attributable to facility.

Prince Rupert Grain Terminal Occupational Noise Survey

Prince Rupert, BC

We conducted a site survey of existing noise exposure levels throughout the facility, quantifying sources such as electrical motors, conveyors, cyclone fans, compressors, rail cars, locomotives, etc. We also made recommendations for hearing protection.

Teck Cominco Baghouse Replacement

Trail, BC

We investigated potential noise impacts on nearby homes due to the removal of a baghouse building. Our assessment included noise measurements and 3-D modelling of the area to predict how the proposed changes would impact neighbouring residential areas.

Words From Our Clients

“BKL has a fine understanding of the regulatory requirements and technical needs for noise impact assessment. They guided us through the assessment and mitigation design process to meet regulatory needs and achieve permits.”

J. Charlie Palmer

formerly Practice Leader, EIA, at Hemmera (now Ausenco)

Featured Case Study

Teck Trail Occupational Noise Survey
Industrial & Energy

Teck Trail Occupational Noise Survey

The Occupational Noise Survey at Teck Metals Ltd.'s Trail Operations facility was undertaken to update and reassess workplace noise conditions across the plant. Previous measurements conducted in 2011 had identified high-risk zones where workers are required to wear double hearing protection as part of standard safety practices. As part of its ongoing occupational health and safety initiatives, Teck sought a clearer understanding of current noise conditions throughout the facility, along with opportunities to reduce worker noise exposure through engineering controls where practical. BKL was engaged to conduct an occupational noise survey at the Trail Operations site, with the objective of developing updated noise maps for the identified high-risk areas and reviewing potential noise mitigation options. Measurements and assessments were carried out in accordance with CSA Z107.56-13, Measurement of Noise Exposure, a standard referenced in WorkSafeBC guidance for occupational noise assessments. Our work focused on collecting reliable field data and translating it into practical insights that could support noise management and mitigation efforts within the facility. Key components of the scope included: The noise survey provided Teck with an updated understanding of noise conditions across key operational areas at the Trail Operations facility. Key outcomes of the project include: Through this work, we provided the data and analysis needed to better understand the workplace noise conditions and support ongoing efforts to manage occupational noise and protect worker hearing health. Learn more our projects here. Have a project in mind? Get in touch today.

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