Construction Noise Modeling for Solar Projects

The construction of a large solar project typically takes place over a period of 6 to 12 months. Construction is completed under several construction phases, each with a different mix of construction equipment. Due to the large project area where construction is proposed to occur, the sound exposure of a specific sound sensitive location varies as construction moves throughout the site. For example, road construction for a new access road might use an excavator, dozer, grader, roller, and dump truck. The road construction may or may not happen simultaneously to the trenching for the new collection route lines. Even if these activities were to happen at the same time, there is the possibility of them occurring on opposite sides of the project area or adjacent to each other. These unknowns make modeling construction noise for a large solar project complicated, especially during the permitting phase when schedules have not been fully developed. This paper will investigate scenarios used to provide a credible worst-case prediction of construction sound levels throughout a solar project area. Benefits, limitations, and practicality will be discussed.