Abstract
This report supplements the Sunrise Wind Construction and Operations Plan.
Sunrise Wind LLC (Sunrise Wind or the Applicant), a 50/50 joint venture between Orsted North America Inc. (Orsted) and Eversource Investment LLC (Eversource) proposes to construct, own, and operate the Sunrise Wind Farm Project (the Project). This Onshore Acoustic Assessment presents an evaluation of the potential impacts from noise associated with construction and operation of the onshore components of the Project. An overview of the construction and operation associated with the onshore components of the Project and the applicable federal, state, and local regulations is included. The methods used to identify noise sensitive receptors (NSR) and conduct a survey of existing acoustic conditions are summarized. The potential impacts from noise associated with onshore components of the Project are assessed. As warranted, strategies for mitigation to comply with applicable regulations are evaluated and best management practices (BMP) to diminish noise impacts to the community are recommended. The approach for construction noise mitigation will be formalized in the Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP), which will be reviewed and approved by the New York Public Service Commission under Article VII of the New York Public Service Law.
Noise impacts have been evaluated according to New York State Department of Public Service Article VII, Siting of Major Utility Transmission Facilities, of the New York State Public Service Law, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Guidance established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding chronic exposure to pervasive noise has been applied to operational noise from the Project. Policy from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) provides guidance on the evaluation of noise impacts and applies to all onshore facilities and construction activities associated with the Project. The Suffolk County Code, Chapter 618, applies to noise from construction of the Project’s Onshore Transmission Cable in County parks and along County roadways. The Town of Brookhaven’s Town Code, Chapter 50, applies to both long-term operation of Project facilities and short-term construction activities associated with the Project. All applicable regulatory thresholds are described by the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level in decibels (dBA).