Project Overview:

SSWA was retained to support the expansion of an existing automotive manufacturing facility in Shelburne, Ontario through the preparation of an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) and subsequent acoustic assessment.

The work was completed to satisfy MECP requirements and to support the continued operation and expansion of the facility within a mixed-use context that includes nearby residential and institutional uses.

Challenges

The facility operates continuously with multiple noise sources, including rooftop mechanical equipment, truck movements, and indoor manufacturing processes. The proposed expansion introduced additional rooftop equipment and operational activity, requiring careful evaluation of cumulative noise impacts.

The surrounding area includes residential dwellings and a school, requiring a conservative approach to ensure compatibility under worst-case operating conditions and compliance with MECP criteria.

Approach

SSWA first prepared the ECA to support regulatory approval of the facility expansion, including detailed identification and characterization of all existing and proposed noise sources.

Following this, a comprehensive acoustic assessment was undertaken to evaluate noise and vibration impacts under both existing and future conditions. The analysis incorporated field measurements, predictive modelling, and conservative operational assumptions to assess worst-case scenarios.

The study considered all primary contributors, including rooftop HVAC equipment, exhaust systems, truck activity, and indoor operations, and evaluated their combined effects at surrounding points of reception.

Results and Solutions

The assessment confirmed that both existing and expanded facility operations meet applicable MECP sound level criteria at all surrounding receptors.

Predicted and measured sound levels were shown to remain within acceptable limits under worst-case operating conditions, with field verification confirming the accuracy of the modelling. Vibration associated with existing operations was also found to be well below applicable thresholds, with no new vibration sources introduced as part of the expansion.

The study identified and incorporated targeted noise control measures as part of the ECA process, including acoustic barriers for select rooftop mechanical equipment.

These measures were designed to address potential impacts at nearby receptors while maintaining operational efficiency. Additional guidance was provided to support equipment selection, placement, and long-term flexibility through future design and approval stages.

Outcome



The combined ECA and acoustic assessment provided a clear and defensible basis for regulatory approval of the facility expansion.

SSWA’s work demonstrated that the development can operate in compliance with applicable noise and vibration criteria while maintaining compatibility with surrounding uses, supporting both immediate approvals and long-term operational certainty.