--- title: Optimizing solutions for air quality and acoustics in industrial settings date: 2024-03-04T10:41:00-05:00 author: jessica napert canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/optimizing-solutions-for-air-quality-and-acoustics-in-industrial-settings" section: Publications --- Many industries generate air pollutants—dust, fumes, and organic and chemical compounds—as well as odours. Québec’s *Clean Air Regulation1* (CAR) sets guidelines regarding the release and impact of these pollutants on ambient air quality. As urban sprawl brings residential neighbourhoods and industrial areas closer, fostering a harmonious relationship with your immediate neighbours is a must. 1. ## Reducing environmental impact from exhaust and air purification equipment Managing noise and air emissions means preserving people’s health and well-being and the quality of the environment while ensuring industrial operations continue to thrive in the long run. One way of regulating atmospheric emissions and meeting CAR requirements is by adding air purification equipment. Yet, this equipment must not disrupt the ambient soundscape or violate municipal and provincial regulations. In Québec, instruction note 98-012 provides a regulatory framework to address potential concerns voiced by residents. Thus, assessing the acoustic footprint of new equipment is necessary. That's why BBA's teams specialized in air quality and purification, as well as acoustics and vibration, work together to optimize solutions and meet air quality and noise emission standards. 2. ## Impacts on air quality Consider a scenario where an industrial facility receives a complaint from citizens originating from the poor management of air emissions. In this case, an engineering study is necessary. To initiate the process, our air quality experts carry out an inventory of the plant's atmospheric emissions and target the pollutants likely to be the source of complaints. An atmospheric dispersion modelling is performed to confirm the equipment likely responsible for triggering these complaints. 3. [ ![Industrial atmospheric dispersion modelling](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/blogueAnnabelle_image1_cms.png) Industrial atmospheric dispersion modelling ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/blogueAnnabelle_image1_cms.png) 4. In instances where pollutants cannot be mitigated at their source, purification equipment must be integrated into the plant process. The atmospheric dispersion modelling study supports the designing of purification solutions by targeting optimal aeraulic and physical parameters and ensuring effective dispersion of atmospheric pollutants to prevent complaints. Parameters subject to optimization include stack height, gas ejection velocity and the stack location on the plant site. However, altering these parameters may influence equipment noise emissions, which may result in the plant becoming non-compliant from an acoustic perspective. 5. ## Noise impact Depending on their characteristics and design, stacks, roof vents and other emission points releasing gases into the atmosphere can create noise and be a nuisance to neighbours. Based on applicable regulations, our team of acoustics experts can easily predict the noise impact these emission points will have through modelling, even before the equipment is installed or modified. 6. [ ![Blogue Annabelle image2 cms](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/blogueAnnabelle_image2_cms_2024-02-27-161820_iqbf.png) Industrial acoustic modelling ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/blogueAnnabelle_image2_cms_2024-02-27-161820_iqbf.png) 7. Effective solutions to noise-related issues include: - Equipping exhaust fans with silencers or acoustic hoods. - Relocating them on the roof can also help reduce the noise impact on the surrounding area. After performing a noise impact study, a new purification solution can be included in the list of equipment that complies with current acoustic and air quality regulations. 8. ## A productive collaboration To meet environmental standards and find the best solutions for our clients, our teams of experts in air quality and acoustics work together to provide solutions tailored to each technical challenge. Turn to BBA for your environmental impact studies and any other issues related to noise and atmospheric emissions in industrial environments. 9. References 1. Chapter Q-2, r. 4.1. Québec’s *Clean Air Regulation*, Environment Quality Act. 2. Guidance note 98-01 \[French only\]. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![David Giard](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/3185/David-Giard.webp) David Giard, P.Eng., M.Sc. Senior Engineer, Environmental Engineering [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/73918264/) - [ 27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance") - [ 02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing") - [ 19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals Speed is earned early in projects - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects") - [ 17 Jun 2026 Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp) Pierre Boucher, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations") [ See all ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") - [ 28 May 2024 Mining and Metals Noise control at mining sites: an essential step toward harmonious production - ![Mm employee men riccardo del bosco retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204273/mm_employee_men_riccardo-del-bosco_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) Riccardo Del Bosco, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Mining and Geology ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/noise-control-at-mining-sites-an-essential-step-toward-harmonious-production "Noise control at mining sites: an essential step toward harmonious production") [ See all ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights) A sustainable tomorrow that starts today [ Discover our 2022 ESG Report ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/about/social-engagement-2) Many industries generate air pollutants—dust, fumes, and organic and chemical compounds—as well as odours. Québec’s *Clean Air Regulation1* (CAR) sets guidelines regarding the release and impact of these pollutants on ambient air quality. As urban sprawl brings residential neighbourhoods and industrial areas closer, fostering a harmonious relationship with your immediate neighbours is a must. 1. ## Reducing environmental impact from exhaust and air purification equipment Managing noise and air emissions means preserving people’s health and well-being and the quality of the environment while ensuring industrial operations continue to thrive in the long run. One way of regulating atmospheric emissions and meeting CAR requirements is by adding air purification equipment. Yet, this equipment must not disrupt the ambient soundscape or violate municipal and provincial regulations. In Québec, instruction note 98-012 provides a regulatory framework to address potential concerns voiced by residents. Thus, assessing the acoustic footprint of new equipment is necessary. That's why BBA's teams specialized in air quality and purification, as well as acoustics and vibration, work together to optimize solutions and meet air quality and noise emission standards. 2. ## Impacts on air quality Consider a scenario where an industrial facility receives a complaint from citizens originating from the poor management of air emissions. In this case, an engineering study is necessary. To initiate the process, our air quality experts carry out an inventory of the plant's atmospheric emissions and target the pollutants likely to be the source of complaints. An atmospheric dispersion modelling is performed to confirm the equipment likely responsible for triggering these complaints. 3. [ ![Industrial atmospheric dispersion modelling](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/blogueAnnabelle_image1_cms.png) Industrial atmospheric dispersion modelling ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/blogueAnnabelle_image1_cms.png) 4. In instances where pollutants cannot be mitigated at their source, purification equipment must be integrated into the plant process. The atmospheric dispersion modelling study supports the designing of purification solutions by targeting optimal aeraulic and physical parameters and ensuring effective dispersion of atmospheric pollutants to prevent complaints. Parameters subject to optimization include stack height, gas ejection velocity and the stack location on the plant site. However, altering these parameters may influence equipment noise emissions, which may result in the plant becoming non-compliant from an acoustic perspective. 5. ## Noise impact Depending on their characteristics and design, stacks, roof vents and other emission points releasing gases into the atmosphere can create noise and be a nuisance to neighbours. Based on applicable regulations, our team of acoustics experts can easily predict the noise impact these emission points will have through modelling, even before the equipment is installed or modified. 6. [ ![Blogue Annabelle image2 cms](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/blogueAnnabelle_image2_cms_2024-02-27-161820_iqbf.png) Industrial acoustic modelling ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/blogueAnnabelle_image2_cms_2024-02-27-161820_iqbf.png) 7. Effective solutions to noise-related issues include: - Equipping exhaust fans with silencers or acoustic hoods. - Relocating them on the roof can also help reduce the noise impact on the surrounding area. After performing a noise impact study, a new purification solution can be included in the list of equipment that complies with current acoustic and air quality regulations. 8. ## A productive collaboration To meet environmental standards and find the best solutions for our clients, our teams of experts in air quality and acoustics work together to provide solutions tailored to each technical challenge. Turn to BBA for your environmental impact studies and any other issues related to noise and atmospheric emissions in industrial environments. 9. References 1. Chapter Q-2, r. 4.1. Québec’s *Clean Air Regulation*, Environment Quality Act. 2. Guidance note 98-01 \[French only\]. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA