Optimizing solutions for air quality and acoustics in industrial settings

Managing noise and air emissions means preserving people’s health and well-being and the quality of the environment while ensuring industrial operations continue to thrive in the long run.

One way of regulating atmospheric emissions and meeting CAR requirements is by adding air purification equipment. Yet, this equipment must not disrupt the ambient soundscape or violate municipal and provincial regulations. In Québec, instruction note 98-01² provides a regulatory framework to address potential concerns voiced by residents.

Thus, assessing the acoustic footprint of new equipment is necessary. That's why BBA's teams specialized in air quality and purification, as well as acoustics and vibration, work together to optimize solutions and meet air quality and noise emission standards.

Consider a scenario where an industrial facility receives a complaint from citizens originating from the poor management of air emissions. In this case, an engineering study is necessary.

To initiate the process, our air quality experts carry out an inventory of the plant's atmospheric emissions and target the pollutants likely to be the source of complaints. An atmospheric dispersion modelling is performed to confirm the equipment likely responsible for triggering these complaints.

In instances where pollutants cannot be mitigated at their source, purification equipment must be integrated into the plant process. The atmospheric dispersion modelling study supports the designing of purification solutions by targeting optimal aeraulic and physical parameters and ensuring effective dispersion of atmospheric pollutants to prevent complaints. Parameters subject to optimization include stack height, gas ejection velocity and the stack location on the plant site.

However, altering these parameters may influence equipment noise emissions, which may result in the plant becoming non-compliant from an acoustic perspective.

Depending on their characteristics and design, stacks, roof vents and other emission points releasing gases into the atmosphere can create noise and be a nuisance to neighbours. Based on applicable regulations, our team of acoustics experts can easily predict the noise impact these emission points will have through modelling, even before the equipment is installed or modified.

Effective solutions to noise-related issues include:

• Equipping exhaust fans with silencers or acoustic hoods.
• Relocating them on the roof can also help reduce the noise impact on the surrounding area.

After performing a noise impact study, a new purification solution can be included in the list of equipment that complies with current acoustic and air quality regulations.

To meet environmental standards and find the best solutions for our clients, our teams of experts in air quality and acoustics work together to provide solutions tailored to each technical challenge.

Turn to BBA for your environmental impact studies and any other issues related to noise and atmospheric emissions in industrial environments.

1. Chapter Q-2, r. 4.1. Québec’s Clean Air Regulation, Environment Quality Act.
2. Guidance note 98-01 [French only].