Epsilon Unveils Advanced Noise Control Design Service
August 15th, 2023
Facilities designed well acoustically help support both a smooth permitting experience pre-construction, and a more harmonious existence post-construction with what could otherwise become costly disagreements with noise-sensitive neighbors. Epsilon now offers Advanced Noise Control Design services to prevent and/or resolve noise issues, leading to effective, compliant, and neighbor-friendly solutions.
Where's that noise coming from?
When noise complaints arise, the facility owner responsible for the noise source in question will want to know what the cause is, and how to fix it. Epsilon offers detailed acoustical diagnoses and noise control solutions to remedy such issues efficiently and effectively.
Our Advanced Noise Control Design service applies to commercial- or industrial-scale developments/facilities with large mechanical or electrical equipment that generates sound, such as multi-family developments, laboratories, gas compressor stations, industrial/manufacturing facilities, electrical substations, warehouses, battery energy storage systems, and data centers. Such noises are typically associated with ventilation, power generation, and electricity or natural gas transmission.
What we do: Advanced Noise Control Design
Epsilon’s acoustics experts provide guidance throughout the permitting, compliance, or complaint processes. Our consultants currently specialize in assisting developers and owners in permitting their projects through comprehensive sound level impact assessments consisting of predictive modeling and baseline sound measurements. These impact assessments sometimes include conceptual noise control design when the unattenuated project must be quieter to demonstrate sound level compliance. Epsilon now welcomes the opportunity to advance the noise control plans by designing solutions with actual attenuators and materials. This will simplify the efforts of the design team in getting to construction because the research and acoustical engineering can now be completed by Epsilon. Using a robust internal data library populated through years of consulting experience and diligent communication with engineers, architects, and/or manufacturers, practical and detailed noise control solutions can be achieved.
Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Properly diagnosed noise issues lead to efficient, effective solutions. Our Advanced Noise Control Design support helps advance designs from conceptual plans to actual solutions. Effective noise controls, when included in the design of a project, can help prevent issues from arising in the future and eliminate sound level compliance guesswork for both the developer and the design team.
Unforeseen noise issues may result in costly retrofitted noise controls or large noise barriers. The costs can grow, not only from the materials, but also in the redesign, installation, and, potentially, legal fees. If a noise issue arises from a noise-sensitive neighbor after construction, proper diagnostics and effective redesign are important to avoid the mistake of installing ineffective mitigation resulting from the absence of expert acoustical involvement.
Remember those neighbors
In addition, local, state, and federal regulations often protect neighbors by setting sound level limits on noise emanating from a nearby facility. New facilities and facility expansions/upgrades must demonstrate compliance with these limits when permits are required. And previously unenforced facility regulatory sound limits may also be enforced as a result of noise complaints.
When it comes to permitting, design, and those noise-sensitive neighbors, getting it right the first time will save money, time, and aggravation. Epsilon’s detailed acoustical noise control solutions and diagnostics are here to help.
Epsilon provides a wide range of acoustical services to the energy, industrial, transportation, mining, construction, and real estate sectors. Our engineers and scientists understand the challenges of achieving compliance with noise regulations in each of these areas. Epsilon has invested in the sound level instrumentation and staff necessary to accommodate demanding, quick-turnaround schedules for projects across the United States. Let us know if we can help you.
About the Experts:
Clinton D. Cyr, PE, INCE Board Certified; Lead Engineer, Acoustics
Clint Cyr is a senior consultant and acoustical engineer at Epsilon Associates with expertise in environmental sound impact assessment and noise control. He helps developers successfully site and permit a wide variety of projects, including industrial-scale wind farms, electrical substations, cogeneration facilities, conventional power plants, transmission lines, and commercial developments. With a decade of experience and extensive educational background in acoustics, Clint, along with his Acoustics Group colleagues work with developers and facilities to limit their sound level impacts.
Richard M. Lampeter, INCE; Principal (Acoustics)
Richard Lampeter manages the acoustics group and has over 20 years of experience in conducting community sound level impact assessments. Mr. Lampeter has conducted impact assessments for power generating facilities, commercial developments, industrial facilities, and transfer stations. Richard’s understanding of acoustical standards and modeling software allows him to provide accurate and reliable modeling results to developers and communities.
