Introduction & Background
On March 24, 2009, the Alberta Utilities Commission issued Rule 012 - Noise Control, which is applicable to noise emitted from the construction and operation of electric and natural gas utility facilities. The AUC Rule 012 evolved from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) Directive 38 and its predecessors (ID 80-2, ID 88-1 ID 92.2, ID 94-4, and ID 99-8).
Participants in the 2008-2009 review and consultation process included Alberta Environment (AENV), Alberta Energy, National Energy Board (NEB), ERCB, acoustical practitioners, and AUC stakeholders. In that review, industry participants provided comments and requested clarification on administrative and technical matters. Technical considerations were set aside in the rollout of Rule 012 pending a future technical review.
Industries governed by Rule 012 are gas utilities as defined by the Gas Utilities Designation Regulation that currently specifies ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. and AltaGas Utilities Inc., Rule 012 also applies to the holder of an order, approval or permit issued under the Hydro Electric Energy Act (HEEA) to construct or operate a “hydro development," “power plant," “substation" or “transmission line” as defined under that act.
Since the initial rollout of Rule 012, it has become apparent that portions of the rule require clarification while others require amendment to ensure coordinated regulation of noise throughout the energy sector. This will be a two-phase project; the first phase will address administrative changes followed by a more lengthy technical review involving direct consultation with stakeholders.
Posted on March 19, 2013
Over the past nine months, the AUC has worked with stakeholders and hosted consultation meetings which included participants from utilities and industry experts to address wind noise masking issues. AUC Rule 012 has been amended to add Class C adjustments to the permissible sound level under certain circumstances. The Class C adjustments apply only to wind turbines. Also, some noise measuring procedures and data requirements for conducting sound surveys are changed.
On March 13, 2013, the Commission approved amendments to Rule 012:
- Bulletin 2013-10
- Rule 012: Noise Control (Effective April 1,2013)
- AUC response to stakeholders' comments
Any questions related to this consultation, or review process, can be directed to Raymond Lee at raymond.lee@auc.ab.ca
Posted on December 20, 2012
The Commisison is considering the issue of wind noise masking as it relates to the unique operating parameters of wind turbine projects. In early 2012, the Commission invited stakeholders to provide written comments and held meetings to discuss in depth technical issues regarding wind noise masking of wind turbines. Based on submissions received and views expressed by the meeting participants, the Commission proposes some changes to AUC Rule 012 to address wind noise masking.
The following documents are related to proposed changes of the rule:
- Bulletin 2012-19
- Proposed changes (highlighted in yellow) of draft Rule 012
- Template for providing comments
Any questions related to this consultation, or the review process, can be directed to Raymond Lee at raymond.lee@auc.ab.ca.
Posted on March 9, 2012
In the past year, the Commission has worked with stakeholders and formed a working group which included industry experts to review technical changes of Rule 012.
On March 9, 2012, the Commission approved amendments to Rule 012 which are effective on April 1, 2012. However, for applications filed before June 30, 2012, the Rule 012 in force before April 1, 2012 continues to apply.
The following documents are related to the release of Rule 012:
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Any questions relating to Rule 012, or the review process, can be directed to either Don Popowich at don.popowich@auc.ab.ca or Raymond Lee at raymond.lee@auc.ab.ca.
Posted on February 7, 2012
On December 23, 2011, the Commission issued a draft rule for stakeholder consultation. We received all comments by January 20, 2012. In reviewing stakeholders’ comments, the Commission would like to have additional proposed provisions of the draft Rule 021. Details of the additional proposed provision are listed in the bulletin below:
Questions related to this Bulletin should be directed to Raymond Lee by email at raymond.lee@auc.ab.ca
Posted on December 23, 2011
Over the past nine months, the Commission has been working with stakeholders, including meetings and sub-working groups, to review the technical changes of Rule 012 – Noise Control. As a result of the review, the Commission proposed certain amendments to the rule and is now seeking comments from interested parties. Stakeholders interested in providing comments should refer to the information below:
Questions related to this consultation should be directed to Raymond Lee by email at: raymond.lee@auc.ab.ca.
Posted on Sept 26, 2011
The AUC formed a Wind Turbine Working Group to deal with wind turbines issues. The group met on August 10, 2011 and the meeting summary is provided below:
1. Wind Turbine Working Group meeting summary
Posted on July 18, 2011
The AUC conducted stakeholder consultation meetings on June 28 and June 29, 2011. Links to the meeting summaries are provided below.
Posted on June 8, 2011
Posted on April 12, 2011
Posted on February 15, 2011
Posted on January 27, 2011
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Posted on December 13, 2010
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Posted on October 26, 2010
Rule 012 Stakeholder Consultation (phase two):
- Bulletin 2010-28
- Compilation of stakeholder comments to AUC Rule 012 phase 2 technical review
Posted on June 28, 2010
Rule 012 Stakeholder Consultation (phase two):
1. Bulletin 2010-19
2. Review process spreadsheet
Posted on March 2, 2010
Over the past three months, the AUC staff has been working with stakeholders to complete the Phase 1 – Administrative Changes of the Rule 012 – Noise Control.
On February 23, 2010, the Commission approved the amendments to Rule 012 – Noise Control. The Rule 012 and the Summary of the Stakeholder Comments and AUC Response are listed as follows:
- Bulletin 2010-09
- Summary of Stakeholder Comments and AUC Response
- Rule 012 – Noise Control (effective February 23, 2010 to March 29, 2011)
Posted on November 16, 2009
Rule 012 Stakeholder Consultation Information is listed as follows:
- Bulletin 2009-28
- Administrative Changes