The Gilbert Trunk Sewer No.2 project is a critical infrastructure initiative by Metro Vancouver, involving the construction of a new sewer line parallel to the existing, deteriorating pipe that has reached its full capacity. The project spans approximately 6.2 km along Gilbert Road in Richmond, BC, with pipe diameters up to 1,800 mm installed at depths of up to 4 metres. The work includes the construction of six concrete diversion chambers at various intersections, and is divided into three main construction segments. The primary objectives of the project are to increase conveyance capacity, reduce the risk of backups, accommodate population growth, and provide system redundancy within the regional wastewater network. Construction activities took place in an urban environment, along a major roadway, and in close proximity to residential neighborhoods, making noise and vibration control a crucial factor in mitigating community impacts. The complexity of the construction operations – including utility conflicts, deep trench excavation requiring dewatering and sheet piling, and the continual movement of equipment along the pipeline route – introduced significant and variable noise and vibration sources. The project was required to comply with both the City of Richmond's Noise Bylaw and Metro Vancouver's Public Impact Mitigation (PIM) requirements, which together establish noise criteria for construction activities. These requirements include limits on noise levels from individual equipment and combined construction activities, as well as restrictions related to hours of work, and noise and vibration levels at noise sensitive properties and structures. Managing compliance across changing construction phases and locations required a proactive and flexible acoustical approach. As the acoustical consultant for the project, BKL proposed and implemented a construction noise and vibration assessment and management strategy designed to support regulatory compliance, risk management, and effective community relations. Our scope of services included: Working with AECOM and the project management team, our proactive acoustical consulting services delivered the following benefits: BKL's experience in construction noise and vibration assessment and management for complex infrastructure projects, combined with a strong understanding of local regulatory requirements, allowed us to tailor services to the mobile and phased nature of the work. Our acoustical consulting helped ensure that the Gilbert Trunk Sewer project not only achieved its infrastructure objectives, but also upheld Metro Vancouver's commitment to minimizing impacts on the surrounding community. Image courtesy of Jacobbros_construction Explore more projects here. Have a project in mind? Get in touch today.