HomeMy WebLinkAboutCLD-007-12 Clarington REPORT
MUNICIPAL CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: February 27, 2012 Resolution#: CPR, 607,19 By-law#: N/A
Report#: CLD-007-12 File#:
Subject: RESULTS OF SOUND TESTING AT ORONO FISH AND HUNT CLUB
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report CLD-007-12 be received; and
2. THAT all interested parties listed in Report CLD-007-12 be advised of Council's
decision.
Submitted by: _ - - �� .r = ,
Reviewed by:
att' Barr CMO Franklin Wu,
unicirp Clerk Chief Administrative Officer
PLB/LC
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379
REPORT NO.: CLD-007-12 PAGE 2
1. BACKGROUND
At the December 5, 2011 meeting, Council received and approved Report CLD-033-11
concerning the work and test results from the acoustical engineering firm of Swallow
Acoustic Consultants Ltd. conducted at the Orono Fish and Hunt Club at 3292
Concession Rd. 7 in Leskard. Council went on to direct Staff to conduct additional
testing in cooperation with the Gun Club using higher caliber weapons.
2. INVESTIGATION
Staff contacted Swallow Acoustics Consultants Ltd. and Ron Aldread from the Orono
Fish and Hunt Club to coordinate a time and availability of the rifles to be tested. This
time there were to be five different firearms tested with the intent of determining the
possible "worst case scenario" of noise from the range. The weapons chosen for this set
of tests were:
1. SAKO manufactured 6.5X55 mm. (.264 caliber) bolt action rifle
2. SAKO .458 caliber bolt action rifle
3. Lee-Enfield .303 caliber bolt action military rifle
4. Winchester 12 gauge shotgun
5. Winchester 20 gauge shotgun
In order to get the widest possible impact of the sound from the range, staff attended
nine properties in Leskard to obtain readings. The attached report from Swallow
Acoustic Consultants Ltd. shows the properties and their location relative to the Orono
club.
Due to the number of properties involved and the variety of firearms being tested, the
entire testing process took two days. On January 9th and 10th the Municipal Clerk, the
Manager of the Municipal Law Enforcement Division and a representative from the
Orono club accompanied the sound engineer to the nine properties while another MLEO
remained at the Club to record which firearms were being used. It quickly became
evident that the shotguns and the 6.5X55 mm. were generating noise levels well below
the 70 dBAI level specified in the by-law and these guns were removed from further
testing. The final sets of readings were conducted using the .303 caliber Lee Enfield
and the .458 caliber SAKO. The .458 is the rifle often referred to by the residents as the
"elephant gun".
Prior to the commencement of the tests, staff noted that there has been much work
done to the firing booths at the range. They are now enclosed on three sides and
ROXUL sound insulation has been applied to the walls and roof, resulting in a
significant reduction in the noise levels recorded. Several of the residents were present
when the testing was conducted on their properties and many commented on the
reduced levels of sound.
REPORT NO.: CLD-007-12 PAGE 3
Throughout the testing process, the Club has shown a willingness to work with staff to
find a resolution to this situation. In order to meet Council's requirements for caliber of
weapons to be tested, Mr. Aldread canvassed his members to acquire the weapons,
and in the case of the .458 rifle in particular, both the rifle and the ammunition had to be
borrowed from another individual since Mr. Aldread no longer owns one himself.
The Club has also been working diligently with the Municipality to acquire the land
necessary to construct the berm along the east property line. Engineering Services will
be bringing forward their own Report on closure and conveyance of the unopened road
allowance along the east boundary of the property. Once obtained, the berm will be
constructed on the road allowance.
3. RESULTS
A review of the Report prepared by Swallow Acoustic shows that two properties did not
exceed 57.1 dBAI, (highest ambient level 76.7 dBAI), five properties reached the 60
dBAI level with the highest of them being 68.3, (highest ambient level 82.7dBAl), one
property hit a maximum of 79.3 dBAI (ambient 61.4 dBAI) and one achieved 81.7 dBAI
(ambient 59.6 dBAI). In total, seven of the nine properties tested did not exceed the
permitted maximum of 70 dBAI yet the ambient noise level on three properties did
exceed the 70 dBAI limit.
Previous discussions with the engineers have indicated a probable decrease in the
range of 5 to 10 decibels through the installation of the berm along the east side of the
property. If the effects of the berm are consistent with anticipated results, the noise
readings for most of the firearms should be reduced to below the 70 dBAI limit set out in
the by-law.
The one firearm to reach the highest level in each test was the SAKO .458 caliber rifle.
This is a rifle that is not common with club members and we have been advised that it is
no longer being fired at the range.
4. CONCURRENCE
This Report has been reviewed by the Director of Engineering Services Department
who concurs with the contents of the Report.
5. CONCLUSION
This Report is submitted in order to provide the results of the noise testing Council
requested to be conducted at the Orono Fish and Hunt Club. Staff appreciates the
cooperation received from the area residents and the club in attempting to resolve the
concerns brought forward.
REPORT NO.: CLD-007-12 PAGE 4
It should also be noted that the club has reduced its shooting schedule and are now
shooting on their original schedule of Sundays and Wednesdays only, with no outside
groups using the range.
It respectfully recommended that the report be received and that all interested parties
be advised of Council's decision.
CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN — Not Applicable
Staff Contact: Len Creamer, Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Swallow Acoustic Consultants Ltd. Noise Report
List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision:
Ard Neiman
Ron Alldred, President, Orono Fish and Hunt Club
Tony Bernardo
Nancy Wilson
Alan Risebrough
Elizabeth MacLeod
Bruce Blight
Kelly Adams
Shelly Richards
Lynne & Sue Richards
Tammy Gould
Jeremy Ross
Anne Ball
SWALL15W
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February 14, 2012
The Municipality of Clarington
40 Temprence Street
Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6
Attn: Len Creamer Via email to icreamer@ciarington.net
Re: Report - Measurements of Impulsive Noise - Orono Gun Club
Dear Len,
SACL conducted two site visits on January 9 and 10, 2011 to measure noise impact on
several residences due to gun firings at the Orono Gun Club at 3292 Concession Road 7,
Clarington, Ontario.
Sources
The impulsive noise sources are five long guns firing separately (not simultaneously) at
the gun club. A summary of the sources is provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Impulsive Noise Sources
ID Name Description
G1 Gun #1 SAKO 6.5 x 55 Rifle
G2 Gun #2 SAKO .458 Magnum Rifle
G3 Gun #3 Lee-Enfield #4 303 British Rifle
G4 Gun #4 Winchester 12 GA Shotgun
G5 Gun #5 Winchester 20 GA shotgun
Receptors
The impulsive noise receptors are residences in the vicinity of the gun club. The
locations of the receptors are listed in Table 2 and indicated in Figure 1.
Table 2: Impulsive Noise Receptors
ID Address Note
A 3282 Concession Rd 7 Backyard, 30 m from house
B 7374 Leskard Rd Backyard, 30 m from house
C 7606 Leskard Rd . Backyard, 30 m from house
D 7782 Leskard Rd Backyard, property line, 20 m from house
E 7685 Leskard Rd Front yard, 30 m from house
F 7580 Leskard Rd Backyard, 30 m from house
G 7560 Leskard Rd Backyard, 30 m from house
H 7535 Leskard Rd Front yard, property line 15 m from house
I 7506 Leskard Rd Backyard, 30 m from house
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Figure 1: Location of Receptors
Limit
According to Section 3.1.1 of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington By-law
2011-068, the impulsive sound level limit for the gun club is 70 dBAI at the receptors.
Instrumentation
Sound level measurements were taken on January 9 and 10, 2011 with a Bruel & Kjaer
(B&K) hand held analyzer (type 2250, serial number 2630269). It was calibrated before
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and after measurements with a B&K sound calibrator (type 4231, serial number
2623794). A windshield was mounted on the analyzer during all measurements.
Weather Conditions
There was no precipitation during site visits. The wind speed was less than 10 km/hr
generally from south. The temperature was about 2 °C. The atmospheric pressure was
about 101 kPa. The humidity was about 75%.
Measurements
Impulsive sound level measurements were taken at 9 receptors (A to I). The
measurement results are shown in Tables.3 to 11.
Table 3: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor A
ID I Sound Level dBAI Note
Ala 57.2 Gun #1
Alb 62.7 Gun #1
Alc 63.0 Gun #1
Ala 59.0 Gun #2
Alb 56.8 Gun #2
A2c 52.0 Gun #2
A2d 51.4 Gun #2
A2e 51.4 Gun #2
Alf 51.1 Gun #2
A3a 48.7 Gun #3
A3b 50.1 Gun #3
A3c 55.4 Gun #3
Ma 52.9 Gun #4
A4b 42.6 Gun #4
A4c 60.3 Gun #4
A5a 42.6 Gun #5
A5b 51.1 Gun #5
A5c 43.0 Gun #5
Aka 67.4 Background noise: traffic; no gun firing
Akb 61.8 Background noise: light conversation in the middle of
backyard, 10 to 15 m from B&K analyzer; no gun firing
Table 3 shows that all measured impulsive sound levels at receptor A are below the limit
of 70 dBAI. The last two readings ("Aka" and "Akb') in Table 3 are background noise
measured without gun firings, using the same algorithm of measuring impulsive sound
levels due to gun noise. It can be noted that the noise impact of gun firings is not
significant compared to background noise.
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Table 4: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor B
ID Sound Level dBAI Note
B-a 71.1
B-b 79.3
B-c 77.0
B-d 63.5
B-e 63.8
B-f 59.2
B-g 59.5
B-h 66.8 Guns #1, 2 and 3 fired out of order
B-i 71.2
B 74.8
B-k 71.1
B-1 74.6
B-m 69.9
B-n 70.2
B-o 71.9
Bka 61.4 Background noise: traffic; no gun firing
Table 4 shows that the measured impulsive sound levels at receptor B due to firings of
guns #1, 2, and 3 exceed the limit of 70 dBAI. Although guns #4 and 5 are not
included, it can be learned from the following Table 5 that sound levels due to guns #1,
2 and 3 are higher than those due to guns #4 and 5.
Table 5: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor C
ID Sound Level dBAI Note
Cla 74.6 Gun #1
C1b 74.6 Gun #1
Clc 75.4 Gun #1
C2a 79.9 Gun #2
C2b 81.7 Gun #2
C2c 80.5 Gun #2
C3a 76.9 Gun #3
Cab 73.8 Gun #3
C3c 76.1 Gun #3
C4a 67.8 Gun #4
C4b 66.5 Gun #4
C4c 67.7 Gun #4
C5a 69.9 Gun #5
C5b 63.5 Gun #5
C5c 70.0 Gun #5
Cka 59.6 Background noise; no gun firing
Ckb 53.7 Background noise; no gun firing
Ckc 53.4 Background noise; no gun firing
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Table 5 shows that the measured impulsive sound levels at receptor C due to firings of
guns #1, 2, and 3 exceed the limit of 70 dBAI. It can be seen that sound levels due to
guns #2 and 3 are higher than those due to other guns. Therefore Tables 6 to 10 focus
on the noise of guns #2 and 3.
Table 6: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor D
ID Sound Level dBAI Note
D2a 55.8 Gun #2; with noise from foot steps
D21J 47.8 Gun #2
D2c 48.0 Gun #2
D3a 45.1 Gun #3
D3b 44.5 Gun #3
D3c 46.6 Gun #3
Dka 56.1 Background noise: light conversation; no g un firing
Table 6 shows that the measured impulsive sound levels at receptor D due to firings of
guns are all below the limit of 70 dBAI.
Table 7: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor E
ID Sound Level dBAI Note
Eta 57.8 Gun #2
E2b 57.5 Gun #2
Etc 57.6 Gun #2
E3a 62.2 Gun #3; traffic noise audible
E3b 56.0 Gun #3
E3c 52.6 Gun #3
Eka 67.6 Background noise: light conversation;
lane noise; no gun firing
Ekb 59.1 Background noise: traffic; no gun firing
Table 7 shows that the measured impulsive sound levels at receptor E due to firings of
guns are all below the limit of 70 dBAI.
Table 8: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor F
ID Sound Level dBAI Note
Fla 63.2 Gun #2
F21J 66.4 Gun #2
F2c 64.0 Gun #2
F3a 55.4 Gun #3
F3b 56.0 Gun #3
F3c 55.3 Gun #3
Fka 79.3 Background noise: light conversation (owner of the house
Fkb 82.7 offered coffee); no gun firing
Table 8 shows that the measured impulsive sound levels at receptor F due to firings of
guns are all below the limit of 70 dBAI.
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Table 9: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor G
ID I Sound Level dBAI Note
G2a 66.6 Gun #2
G2b 62.3 Gun #2
G2c 66.6 Gun #2
G2d 67.9 Gun #2; top of slope*
G3a 59.5 Gun #3
G3b 64.0 Gun #3
G3c 62.8 Gun #3
G3d 64.2' Gun #3; top of slope*
Gka 72.1 Background noise: traffic; no gun firing.
*Note: Since the house is on top of a slope and the measurement location (30 m away from the
house) is down the slope, we also measured the gun noise on top of the slope, a few metres
from the house.
Table 9 shows that the measured impulsive sound levels at receptor G due to firings of
guns are all below the limit of 70 dBAI.
Table 10: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor H
ID I Sound Level dBAI Note
H2a 55.9 Gun #2
H2b 57.1 Gun #2
H2c 57.6 Gun #2
H2d 55.8 Gun #2
H3a 56.5 Gun #3
Hka 76.7 Background noise: traffic; no gun firing
Table 10 shows that the measured impulsive sound levels at receptor H due to firings of
guns are all below the limit of 70 dBAI. The reason for Table 1O's including only one
reading of the noise of gun #3 is that the gun was out of ammunition. However the
measurements at receptors D to G (Tables 6 to 9) indicate that the noise of gun #2 is
louder than that of gun #3. Therefore if the noisiest gun #2 meets the limit of 70 dBAI,
all other guns meet the limit.
Table 11: Impulsive Sound Levels at Receptor I
ID I Sound Level dBAI Note
I2a 60.0 Gun #2
I2b 59.7 Gun #2
I2c 59.5 Gun #2
I3a 67.7 Gun #2, top of slope*
I3b 68.3 Gun #2 top of slope*
I3c 66.3 Gun #2, top of slope*
Ika 60.9 Background noise;
Ikb 59.4 no gun firing
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*Note: Since the house is on top of a slope and the measurement location (30 m away from the
house) is down the slope, we also measured the gun noise on top of the slope, a few metres
from the house.
Table 11 shows that the measured impulsive sound levels at receptor I due to firings of
guns are all below the limit of 70 dBAI.
Summary
Reviewing the impulsive sound level measurements at Receptors A to I (Tables 3 to 11),
it can be seen that the noise impact at most receptors meets the limit of 70 dBAI.
However, the noise impact exceeds the limit of 70 dBAI at Receptors B and C. The
highest measured impulsive sound level is 81.7 dBAI at Receptor C (7606 Leskard Rd)
due to firing of gun #2 (sound level ID "C2b'), approximately 12 dBAI higher than the
limit of 70 dBAI.
Discussion
Considering that the noise of gun firing is directional and that the land between the gun
club and receptors is not flat (thus the terrain likely provides various sound attenuation
effects at receptors), it is understandable that the sound levels measured at receptors
do not have linear relationship with the distances between the gun club and receptors.
For receptors B and C, the measured sound levels clearly exceed the limit. It is likely
that the terrain provides little or no sound attenuation to the two receptors.
In Section 8 of our noise study report dated November 8, 2011 (project code 131-128),
the sound level of 8 RCMP officers shooting simultaneously follows the acoustical rule of
"3 dB increase with doubling the number of noise sources". During the site visits on
January 9 and 10, 2012, the measured sound levels are due to guns firing separately
(one by one). If several people fired together, the noise impact might become higher
than the measured sound levels. However, amateurs firing guns together may not
necessary become firing simultaneously; ie, the gun shots may still be separate
(although close to each other) in time. Therefore it is likely that, with amateurs firing,
simultaneous firing will be very rare. This possible effect is no longer a concern in this
report.
Recommendations
Since the terrain makes significant difference with regard to noise impact, we
recommend that a contour map (preferably in AutoCAD .DXF format) of the study area
be provided to us for further noise study.
Since the sound level measurements show as high as approximately 12 dBAI
exceedance over the limit of 70 dBAI, we recommend that noise control measures
should be studied so that the noise impact of the gun club meets the limit of 70 dBAI.
SACL successfully designed local noise control measures at each gun firing position for a
previous project regarding the noise impact of another gun club.
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Conciudin4 Comments
We thank you for the opportunity of conducting site visits and taking sound level
measurements early this month. We are looking forward to cooperating with you in
further study. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please do not hesitate to
call the undersigned. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.
Yours truly,
Swallow Acoustic Consultants Ltd.
AWY 611,
Aaron Wood, M.Eng.
Reviewed by
John C. Swallow, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.
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366 Revus Avenue,Unit 23•Mississauga,Ontario,Canada L5G 4S5
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