Environmental
This area probably covers a wide variety of industries ranging from large scale projects such as a new mine in the Pilbara to a small scale commercial development such as a carwash. You would probably be amazed at just how many industries we cover and just what types of projects require an acoustic assessment as part of the approvals process.
There are generally two types of projects: one being for something that is existing which may have received noise or vibration complaints; the other being for something that is proposed which requires an acoustic assessment to determine the expected impacts to sensitive premises.
For the assessment of existing facilities, Lloyd George Acoustics has a vast array of equipment to measure noise and vibration both for short and long durations. Many projects involve us coming to site, measuring various items of plant and equipment and then assessing the emission against the noise regulations or Australian Standards.
For proposed projects, noise modelling is undertaken using 3-dimensional data and requires knowledge of the source sound levels (by measurements, in-house file data or manufacturer’s data), the location of the source relative to the receivers, the intervening ground and meteorological conditions. Where exceedances are determined, Lloyd George Acoustics can provide noise control advice in order to achieve compliance with the noise regulations or Australian Standards .
Case Study 1
Northbridge Entertainment Precinct
Northbridge is an area where there are many entertainment venues such as pubs and nightclubs. Over the years, residential development has encroached into this area.
The purpose of this study was to quantify noise in the Northbridge area including how much the venues contribute to the noise levels in the area and exactly what are the ambient noise levels. This therefore involved measurement inside venues, on the streets, outside residences as well as inside residences.
The study is still in progress but will hopefully provide the client with information that will assist them in developing a set of guidelines so that the entertainment venues can continue to operate in harmony with the developing residential areas.
Case Study 2
Fortescue Metals Group
We are proud to have been associated with this emerging iron ore company since 2004 and have provided assessment of noise and vibration associated with their mining, railway and port operations. Our involvement has included preparation of noise and vibration assessments for their environmental review processes on new and expanded projects as well as measurement and management of existing noise and vibration levels.
Case Study 3
Esperance Port
This project started as a result of the Port wanting to expand. Therefore, the project entailed both an existing and future industry and has continued on for a number of years.
Initially, the work needed to quantify the existing noise levels from the Port. This involved short term hand held measurement in close proximity to equipment as well as long term measurements at nearby residences. From the nearfield measurements, a computer model was developed to enable the noise levels to the surrounding areas to be predicted for various Port operations and meteorological conditions. The long term measurements at specific residences were then used as points of calibration for the model, combining the Port operations at that time with the weather conditions.
To accommodate the existing noise levels prior to the expansion, which would effectively result in noise sources being further from residences, a regulation 17 approval was sought and subsequently granted in 2001. The expansion then took place and the new noise sources were subsequently measured and the noise model verified.
Over the years, further expansion has taken place including a new power station, more iron ore sheds and a sulphur shed. The regulation 17 approval has also been extended in more recent times.
Work continues at the Port by quarterly monitoring to check the Port’s noise levels remain unchanged as well as examination of potential new industries at the Port.
Case Study 4
Oakajee Port and Rail Project
One of the largest port and rail projects to be undertaken in Western Australia, the Oakajee project includes 570 km of heavy railway form Jack Hills to Oakajee near Geraldton, a port and processing facility and quarrying activities for construction purposes. Lloyd George Acoustics have provided assessment of noise and vibration impacts from the project to residential premises and have provided advice on appropriate noise mitigation measures.