5400 Westheimer Court

Houston, TX 77056-5310

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1642
Houston, TX 77251-1642

713.627.5400 main

December 20, 2016

Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426
Re:

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC AIM Project

Docket No. CP14-96-000, Request for Extension of Time to File Noise Surveys

Dear Ms. Bose,

On March 3, 2015, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) issued
an order in the above-referenced docket authorizing Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC
(Algonquin) to construct, own, operate, and maintain the Algonquin Incremental Market
Project (AIM Project).1 On October 28, 2016, the Commission issued authorization for
Algonquin to place certain AIM Project facilities into service to provide 245,000 Dth/d of
incremental firm transportation service, out of the total AIM Project capacity of 342,000 Dth/d.2
On November 2, 2016, Algonquin commenced service on these AIM Project facilities, which
include the Guilford, Willimantic, and Oakland Heights meter stations and the Clapboard Ridge
Road Mainline Regulator.
Pursuant to Environmental Condition No. 31 of Appendix B to the March 3 Certificate
Order (Environmental Condition 31), Algonquin is required to conduct noise surveys no later
than 60 days after placing the Guilford, Willimantic, Oakland Heights, and West Roxbury meter
stations and the proposed new Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator in service. Since
Algonquin is providing service only on certain AIM Project facilities at this time, Algonquin
hereby requests an extension of time to file full load surveys for the Guilford, Willimantic, and
Oakland Heights meter stations and the proposed new Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline
Regulator, to a date no later than 60 days after placing the full AIM Project capacity into
service.3
Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator. Although there is not yet a full load
sufficient to perform a full load noise survey, Algonquin has conducted interim noise tests at the
Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator after receiving calls from a nearby landowner
regarding noise. The results of the interim noise tests are attached and the report includes the
1

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, 150 FERC 61,163 (2015) (March 3 Order).

The remaining 97,000 Dth/d of AIM Project capacity will be available when the remaining AIM Project facilities
are placed into service following authorization from the Director of OEP.
3
Algonquin is not requesting an extension for the West Roxbury Meter Station at this time, since this meter station
did not go into service until December 5, 2016.

current solution to reduce noise during operation of this facility.4 Station layouts from the survey
report have been removed from the public version and are marked CONTAINS CRITICAL
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATIONDO NOT RELEASE and should be
treated as confidential pursuant to Order No. 630, et seq. and is for use by the Commission Staff
only and not to be released to the public.5 Questions pertaining to confidential information may
be submitted to:
Steven E. Hellman
Associate General Counsel
Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC
P.O. Box 1642
Houston, Texas 77251-1642
Telephone: (713) 627-5215
Facsimile: (713) 386-4405
Email: sehellman@spectraenergy.com
Should you have any questions, please contact me at 713.627.5113.
Sincerely,
Chris Harvey
Chris Harvey
Director, Rates and Certificates
cc:

Maggie Suter (FERC)

Algonquin is evaluating additional noise mitigation measures to reduce the noise associated with the Clapboard
Ridge Road Mainline Regulator.
5
Critical Energy Infrastructure Information, Order No. 630, FERC Stats & Regs Regulations Preambles 31,140
(2003), 68 Fed. Reg. 9857 (Mar. 3, 2003), order on rehg, Order No. 630-A, 104 FERC 61,106 (2003), 68 Fed.
Reg. 46456 (Aug. 6, 2003).

HOOVER
& KEITH
INC.

ACOUSTICS &
NOISE CONTROL
ENGINEERING

TX Office: 11381 Meadowglen, Suite I, Houston, TX 77082

CO Office: 1680 Northwestern Rd, Longmont, CO 80503
CO Phone: 303-834-9455
TX Phone: 281-496-9876

H&K Job No. 4977

Subject:

Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Road MLR (Danbury, Connecticut): Summary

of Preliminary Sound Tests at Site of the MLR

Submitted to:

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (Algonquin)

Date of Report: December 12, 2016

H&K Report No. 3512
Submitted by: Paul D. Kiteck, P.E., Hoover & Keith Inc. (H&K)
Applicable FERC Docket Number: CP14-96-000

1.0

INTRODUCTION
In this report, Hoover & Keith Inc. (H&K) summarizes preliminary sound tests conducted on
Nov. 7, 2016 at the Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator (MLR or Clapboard Ridge Rd
MLR) associated with the Algonquin Incremental Market Project (AIM Project or Project)
after installation and initial in-service of the MLR. The primary purpose of these preliminary
sound tests was to investigate and document the source and character of the noise generated by
the MLR that has caused noise complaints since the MLR has been in-service, and potentially,
evaluate additional noise mitigation measures that could be employed.

2.0

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SITE/FACILITY

Figure 1 (p. 5) shows an area layout around the MLR and location of nearby noise-sensitive areas
(NSAs), consisting primarily of residences, and the residences located relatively close to this MLR
(i.e., located within 200 feet to 250 feet of the MLR site acoustic center). Figure 2 (p. 6) provides
a layout (plot plan) of the MLR showing the regulator buildings, MLR fenceline and some of the
reported sound measurement positions. Figure 3 (p. 7) shows more details of the regulator
buildings and associated regulator runs/piping, and location of other reported sound measurement
positions near specific sections of the headers/piping.
The MLR is located at Valve Site 19 (VS19) of the Algonquin gas pipeline system. The purpose
of the MLR is to regulate the pressure of the natural gas flowing from the newly constructed 42inch mainline (ML), with a maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of 850 psig, which
currently terminates at VS19, to an existing 30-inch ML and existing 26-inch ML. There are gas
pressure restrictions for the 30-inch mainline (i.e., MAOP of 750 psig) and 26-inch mainline (i.e.,
MAOP of 674 psig). The West Side 20-Inch Regulator regulates gas flow from the 42-inch ML
at 850 MAOP to the 30-inch ML at 750 MAOP, and the East Side 16-Inch Regulator regulates
gas flow from the 30-inch ML at 750 MAOP to the 26-inch ML at 674 MAOP.

-Page 1-

Hoover & Keith Inc.

Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator (MLR) for the AIM Project
H&K Job No. 4977
Summary of Preliminary Sound Tests at the MLR
H&K Report No. 3512 (Date: 12/12/16)

The West Side 20-Inch Regulator and East Side 16-Inch Regulator includes three (3) regulator
runs, each with a worker/primary pressurecontrol valve (PCV) and a secondary/back-up
PCV, noting that the worker PCV is the valve that typically regulates the gas pressure. The
regulators and some associated upstream and downstream piping for both Regulators are
enclosed inside an acoustically insulated metal building although inlet/outlet headers and other
associated piping are located outside the regulator buildings for both Regulators. The worker
PCVs are Flowserve ball valves that employ a Type Z2 noise attenuator trim/ball. Currently, the
PCVs do not regulate gas pressure to the downstream 30-inch ML (i.e., 20-inch Regulator PCVs
are basically open) since upstream gas pressures have not reached the respective MAOPs. At
times, the pressure in the 30-inch ML has been greater than 674 psig, which resulted in
operation/throttling of the 16-Inch Regulator PCVs.
3.0

SOUND LEVEL REQUIREMENT

The Office of Energy Projects (OEP) for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
requires that the sound attributable to the Clapboard Ridge Road MLR should not exceed a daynight average A-wt. sound level (i.e., Ldn) of 55 dBA at any nearby noise-sensitive area (NSA),
such as residences. The Ldn is an energy average of the measured daytime equivalent A-wt.
sound level (i.e., daytime Leq or Ld) and the measured nighttime Leq (i.e., Ln) plus 10 dB.
Consequently, an Ldn of 55 dBA corresponds to an Leq (e.g., daytime Leq or Ld) of 48.6 dBA
(i.e., Leq or average A-wt. sound level), noting that if only daytime A-wt. levels are measured, the
Ldn is calculated by adding approximately 6.4 dB to the A-wt. sound level.

4.0

MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS, CONDITIONS AND METHODOLOGY

These preliminary sound level measurements were performed by Paul Kiteck of H&K during the
daytime (mostly afternoon) of November 7, 2016. During the sound tests, the temperature was 40
to 50 deg. F, the sky was mostly clear and there was a light wind primarily from the NNW. The
acoustical measurement system consisted of a Larson-Davis Model 2900 Real Time AnalyzerSound Level Meter (i.e., a Type I SLM per ANSI Standard S1.4 & S1.11) and -inch microphone
covered with a windscreen. These preliminary sound tests were conducted primarily near the
equipment and aboveground piping/headers at the MLR to investigate the reason for recent noise
complaints. Consequently, sound tests were not conducted near the closest NSA(s).
A summary and description of the reported sound measurement positions that were utilized during
these recent sound tests on Nov. 7 (2016) are listed in Table 1 (p. 8). In addition, since sound
tests were not conducted at any of the nearby NSAs, the reported Meas. Pos. 1 (i.e., 100 feet
north of the West Side 20-Inch Regulator Building) was utilized to estimate the sound level at the
closest NSA(s) during current/typical operation of the MLR.

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Hoover & Keith Inc.

Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator (MLR) for the AIM Project
H&K Job No. 4977
Summary of Preliminary Sound Tests at the MLR
H&K Report No. 3512 (Date: 12/12/16)

5.0

SUMMARY OF SOUND MEASUREMENT DATA, OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS

Tables 1, 2 and 3 (p. 8) provide a summary of the measured A-wt. sound levels and unweighted
O.B. SPLs at some of the chosen sound measurement positions for the different operating
conditions that occurred during the site tests (i.e., changes were primarily to the operation of the
West Side 20-Inch Regulator). The following Table A summarizes the measured A-wt. sound
level at selected sound measurement positions during different operating conditions for the West
Side 20-Inch Regulator. Currently, the PCVs for the 20-Inch Regulator and 16-Inch Regulator
typically do not regulate gas pressure to the 30-inch ML or 26-inch ML (i.e., inlet gas pressures
have not typically been higher than the respective mainline MAOPs).
Operating

Measurement Position and Description

Condition(s)

Measd A-Wt.

Reference

Sound Level

Table

Condition A

Pos. 1: 100 ft. north of West Side 20-Inch Regulator Bldg.

54 dBA

Table 1

Condition A

Pos. 2: 20 ft. north of West Side 20-Inch Regulator Bldg.

82 dBA

Table 1

Condition B

Pos. 2: 20 ft. north of West Side 20-Inch Regulator Bldg.

74 dBA

Table 2

Condition C

Pos. 2: 20 ft. north of West Side 20-Inch Regulator Bldg.

53 dBA

Table 3

Table A: Summary of Measured Sound Levels on 11/7/16 at the Reported Sound Measurement Positions
during Different Operating Conditions of the West Side 20-Inch Regulator.
Condition A: Flow through Run #1 & #3 (20-In. Reg.) & regulators open; flow through 2 runs for 16-In. Reg.
Condition B: Flow through Run #1 only (20-In. Reg.) & regulator open; flow through 2 runs for 16-In. Reg.
Condition C: Flow through all 3 Runs (20-In. Reg.) & regulators open; flow through 2 runs for 16-In. Reg.

In summary, during the operating condition with flow through Run #1 & Run #3 for the 20-Inch
Regulator (i.e., Condition A), there is a strong 516 Hz tonal noise that radiates from the
upstream and downstream aboveground piping/headers. The source of this 516 Hz tone is
currently unknown although this tonal noise is possibly related to a type of piping resonance
resulting from the piping configuration and/or possibly associated with the Z2 trim of the
Flowserve PCV during higher gas velocities, even though these valves were basically 100% open
during our sound tests. It should be noted that during the operating condition with gas flow only
through Run #1 for the 20-Inch Regulator (i.e., Condition B), there is a different tonal noise
generated (i.e., 813 Hz tonal noise plus harmonics) that is radiated from the piping/headers.
During the operating conditions with gas flow through all 3 runs for the 20-Inch Regulator (i.e.,
Condition C), there is no noticeable tonal noise and only minimum noise radiated from the piping
and headers. The measured sound level difference at Meas. Pos. 2 between Condition A and
Condition C is almost 30 dB. Therefore, as a current solution to reduce noise complaints from
nearby residences, gas flows through all 3 runs for the 20-Inch Regulator.
Because the sound level at the closest NSA(s) were not measured during these recent sound
tests, it is beneficial to estimate (extrapolate) the sound attributable to the MLR at the closest NSA
when comparing the MLR sound level to the FERC sound requirement, and the MLR sound
-Page 3-

Hoover & Keith Inc.

Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator (MLR) for the AIM Project
H&K Job No. 4977
Summary of Preliminary Sound Tests at the MLR
H&K Report No. 3512 (Date: 12/12/16)

contribution was estimated from sound measurement data at Meas. Pos. 1. Table 4 (p. 9) shows
the spreadsheet calculation of the estimated sound level at the closest NSA (i.e., residence
located 220 feet north of the MLR site acoustic center), and a discussion of the method utilized to
calculate the sound contribution of the MLR at this NSA is included in Table 4. It is assumed that
the noise generated by the MLR at other surrounding NSAs will be equal to or lower than the
predicted MLR noise level this closest NSA.
The following Table B summarizes the estimated A-wt. sound level at the closest NSA during
typical operation of the MLR [i.e., gas flow through 2 runs (Run #1 & Run #3) of the West Side 20Inch Regulator] and the resulting Ldn, as calculated from the estimated A-wt. sound level.
Closest NSA and
Type of NSA

Distance and
Direction of NSA from
the MLR Site Center

Estimated A-Wt. Sound Level

during Current/Typical
Operation of the MLR

Resulting Ldn during

Current/Typical Operation of
the MLR

Residence on the North

Side of the MLR

220 ft. (north)

46.8 dBA

53.2 dBA

Table B: Estimated Sound Level of MLR at the Closest NSA based on Sound Tests at Meas. Pos. 1 (Gas
Flow through 2 Runs of the West Side 20-Inch Regulator & PCVs Open).

In summary, the results indicate that the sound level generated by the Clapboard Ridge Road
MLR during the current operating condition that generates the audible tonal noise at nearby
residences is probably below the sound level requirement (Ldn of 55 dBA) but since the character
of the noise generated by the MLR during specific operating conditions is distinctive and different
than the typical ambient environment, the MLR noise is noticeable and can be disturbing to some
of the surrounding residences.
Currently, additional noise mitigation measures are being evaluated to reduce the noise
associated with the Clapboard Ridge Road MLR. In addition, it is anticipated that another sound
survey will be conducted, probably in January or February (2017), after further acoustical
evaluation and additional noise mitigation measures are employed and during a time frame when
the MLR regulators are actually required to regulate the gas pressure to the 30-inch ML and/or 26inch ML.

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Hoover & Keith Inc.

Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator (MLR) for the AIM Project
H&K Job No. 4977
Summary of Preliminary Sound Tests at the MLR
H&K Report No. 3512 (Date: 12/12/16)

Measurement Set
Meas. Pos.

Description/Location
100 ft. north of the West Side

Unweighted SPL in dB per O.B. Frequency (Hz)

A-Wt.

63

125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

8000

Level

55

54

52

44

56

44

39

32

28

54

58

59

60

52

85

51

47

39

33

82

Tone at 516 Hz (84 dB) related to piping.

63

66

57

50

70

50

46

37

35

67

Tone at 516 Hz related to piping and outlet

60

52

52

50

91

59

58

51

41

88

Tone at 516 Hz (89 dB) radiated from piping.

61

57

53

48

71

57

55

47

40

69

Tone at 516 Hz (72 dB) radiated from piping;

60

60

59

55

85

61

53

44

46

82

56

55

56

49

58

62

58

50

40

64

Regulator Bldg.

N. fenceline, 20 ft. north of

Observations & Comments

31.5

Tone at 516 Hz (57 dB) related to piping;

mostly noise of regulator skid outside piping.

West Side Regulator Bldg.

10 ft. from outlet header of

the W. Side Regulator Bldg.

2-in. from unlagged section

header.

of outlet pipe (Run #3)

2-in. from unlagged section

of outlet pipe (Run #1)

2-in. from 42-in. inlet header

tonal noise notably lower than Run #3.

of the W. Side Regulator Bldg.

2-in. from 26-in. outlet header

Tone at 516 Hz (87 dB) radiated from this

section of 42-inch inlet header.

of the E. Side Regulator Bldg.

Some tonal noise and broadband type of noise

radiated from 26-inch outlet header.

Table 1: Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Rd MLR at VS19: Summary of Meas'd Sound Levels [i.e., A-Wt. Sound Levels and
Unweighted O.B. SPLs] as Measured on Nov. 7, 2016 for the Following Operating Conditions:
> West Side 20-Inch Regulator Skid: Flow through Run #1 and Run #3 (PCV for Run #2 having operational issues).
> East Side 16-Inch Regulator Skid: Flow through Run #4 and Run #5 (typical operation of this regulator).
> W. Side 20-Inch Reg. Skid: Inlet Pressure: 623 psig; Outlet Pressure: 620 psig.
> Very little pressure drop (PD) since 20-Inch PCVs open approx. 100% open (PD of 3 psi).
> E. Side 16-Inch Reg. Skid: Inlet Pressure: 621 psig; Outlet Pressure: 620 psig.
> Very little pressure drop since 16-Inch PCVs open approx. 100% open (PD of 1 psi).
> Actual gas flow through each regulator skid unknown: 0.7 Bcfd to 1.4 Bcfd between both regulator skids.

Measurement Set
Meas. Pos.

Description/Location
N. fenceline, 20 ft. north of

Unweighted SPL in dB per O.B. Frequency (Hz)

A-Wt.

31.5

63

125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

8000

Level

65

57

56

51

57

74

61

51

42

74

72

64

58

58

72

84

84

71

59

88

West Side Regulator Bldg.

2-in. from unlagged section

Observations & Comments

Tone at 813 Hz (65 dB) related to piping and

2nd harmonic at 1625 Hz (55 dB).

of outlet pipe (Run #1)

Tone at 813 Hz (87 dB) related to piping and

2nd harmonic at 1625 Hz (81 dB).

Table 2: Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Rd MLR at VS19: Summary of Meas'd Sound Levels [i.e., A-Wt. Sound Levels and
Unweighted O.B. SPLs] as Measured on Nov. 7, 2016 for the Following Operating Conditions (i.e., All Flow
through Run #1 of the West Regulator Skid):
> West Side 20-Inch Regulator Skid: All flow through Run #1.
> East Side 16-Inch Regulator Skid: Flow through Run #4 and Run #5 (typical operation of this regulator).
> W. Side 20-Inch Reg. Skid: Inlet Pressure: 670 psig; Outlet Pressure: 663 psig.
> Some pressure drop (PD of 7 psi), noting 20-Inch PCV for Run #1 open approx. 100% open.
> No changes to the operating conditions for the E. Side 16-Inch Regulator Skid.

Measurement Set
Meas. Pos.

Description/Location
N. fenceline, 20 ft. north of

Unweighted SPL in dB per O.B. Frequency (Hz)

A-Wt.

31.5

63

125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

8000

Level

59

54

54

49

49

49

45

37

33

53

West Side Regulator Bldg.

Observations & Comments

No significant tones observed; measured noise

related to distant traffic & bldg. exhaust fan

Table 3: Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Rd MLR at VS19: Summary of Meas'd Sound Levels [i.e., A-Wt. Sound Levels and
Unweighted O.B. SPLs] as Measured on Nov. 7, 2016 for the Following Operating Conditions [i.e., Flow
through all 3 Runs (Run #1, #2 & #3) of the West Regulator Skid]:
> West Side 20-Inch Regulator Skid: Flow through all 3 runs (i.e., Run #1, Run #2 & Run #3); PCVs at 100% open.
> W. Side 20-Inch Reg. Skid: Inlet Pressure: 682 psig; Outlet Pressure: 679 psig; very little PD across PCVs.
-Page 8-

Hoover & Keith Inc.

Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Road Mainline Regulator (MLR) for the AIM Project
H&K Job No. 4977
Summary of Preliminary Sound Tests at the MLR
H&K Report No. 3512 (Date: 12/12/16)

Conditions/Factors associated

Unweighted SPL in dB per O.B. Frequency (in Hz)

with the Acoustical Analysis

31.5

63

125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

8000

Level

Meas'd A-Wt. Level at Pos. 7: Note (1)

55

54

52

44

56

44

39

32

28

54

Hemipherical Radiation: Note (2)

-7

-7

-7

-7

-7

-7

-7

-7

-7

Attenuation due to Shielding: Note (3)

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
-1

0
-1

0
-2

48

47

45

37

49

37

31

24

19

Atmospheric Absorption: Note (3)

Est'd Sound Contribution at NSA: Note (4)

A-Wt.

Resulting/Calculated
Ldn (dBA): Note (5)

46.8

53.2

Table 4: Algonquin Clapboard Ridge Rd MLR: Est'd Sound Contribution of MLR during Current Operating Conditions at
the Closest NSA (i.e., Residence 220 Ft. North of MLR) via Measured Sound Data at Meas. Pos. 1 (i.e., 100 Ft. from
the MLR "Acoustic Site Center"), noting that Sound Tests were not Measured at this Closest NSA during Survey.
Discussion of Method to Calculate MLR Sound Contribution provided Below.
Discussion of Method to Calculate (via Extrapolation) the Sound Contribution due to the MLR:
Note (1): Sound data meas'd at Pos. 1 (220 feet) during operation of the MLR considered an accurate representation
of noise due only to the MLR during current operation (i.e., noise of MLR was dominant noise source).
Note (2): Attenuation due to hemispherical sound propation from 100 feet to the closest NSA (220 ft.). Sound
propagates outwards in all directions from a point source, and the sound energy of a noise source decreases
with increasing distance from the source. In the case of hemispherical sound propagation, the source is located
on a flat continuous plane/surface (e.g., ground), and the sound radiates hemispherically from the source.
Decrease in SPL (hemispherical propagation) from a noise source = 20*log(R2/R1) dB, where R2 is the
distance of receiver from the noise source and "R1" is distance of reference sound level from the source.
For example, hemispherical sound radiation from 100 ft. to 220 ft. = 20*log (220/100) = 6.8 dB.
Note (3): Attenuation due to air absorption: Air absorbs sound energy and the amount of sound absorption ("attenuation") is
dependent on temperature and relative humidity (R.H.) of the air and the frequency of sound. For calculation of air
absorption sound attenuation, "standard day" temperature & R.H. are utilized (e.g., 70% R.H. & 60 deg. F.). In
addition, since the land contour and/or site buildings influenced the MLR noise propagation to nearby receptors,
attenuation due to land contour and shielding was included, if appropriate.
Note (4): Total sound contribution of the MLR calculated be adding measured unweighted O.B. SPLs of the MLR at 100 feet
to the respective O.B. attenuation due to air absorption and hemispherical propagation, to obtain the unweighted
O.B. SPLs at the respective NSAs. Then, overall A-wt. sound level of the MLR at the nearby NSAs was calculated by
logarithmically summing the estimated unweighted O.B. SPLs of the MLR, corrected for A-weighting.
Note (5): The resulting Ldn is calculated by adding 6.4 dB to the calculated A-wt. sound level (i.e., Leq).

file: ProjWord\Algonquin\AIM Project Post Sound Surveys\Meter Stations & MLRs\Clapboard Ridge Rd MLR\H&K Report Summary of Preliminary Tests (11-7-15) at Clapbd Ridge Rd MLV.doc

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