Is there noise associated with overhead lines?
People may at times hear low frequency hum and a higher frequency popping, crackling or hissing sound. Under fair weather conditions, this crackling or buzzing noise is expected to be less than about 30 decibels (dBA) under the line and a couple of decibels lower at the edge of the right-of-way. This sound would be similar to the noise made by an electric toothbrush or the sound of a light rain. The audible noise levels generated by the proposed transmission line will be well below the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) prescribed limit, which is 40 decibels (dBA) at the edge of the right-or-way, in rural areas in the evening (from 10 p. m. to 1 a. m.) In urban areas, as a result of noise from roadways, residences, industries, rail lines and airports, the AUC limit can be higher than in the rural areas. The AUC nighttime limit can range between 43 and 56 dBA depending on proximity to other noise sources, with many of the urban residences falling into the 43 to 51 dBA range. For compari
