Last month, the Ministry of the Environment's new noise
guideline came into force: NPC 300 – the new Environmental
Noise Guideline: Stationary and Transportation Sources
– Approval and Planning. It replaces the three old
guidelines, LU-131, NPC-205, and NPC-232. NPC 300 includes new
mitigation options, definitions, and a new land use class.
Last week we had the opportunity to attend the MOE's
explanation of the new guideline for industry professionals. Here
is the excellent presentation given by Alice Verbaas: Nov. 2013 MOE Presentation re Noise
Guideline.
Many questions revolved around the new Class 4 area which sets
less stringent noise criteria for new development in areas
with existing stationary sources, i.e. new residential development
near existing industries. For example, the sound level limits
allow noise reduction credit to be given for closed windows in
buildings with a ventilation system (e.g. central air), and so
allow higher decibel levels outdoors.
