Unit 5 Caherdavin Business Centre,
Ennis Road,
Limerick
Peter Joseph Barry LARCH HILL STUD
NEWTOWNRATHGANLEY
KILCOCK
CO. MEATH
Annual Environmental Noise Report
Noise Survey 2014
Permit Number: WFP/MH/08/0004/02
Report Reference Number: 3200-14-04
Version: 1
Date of Issue: 13-10- 2014
Report Compiled by: Robert O’Brien
Air I Noise I Water I Soil I Environmental Consultancy
www.axisenv.ie
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Report Content
1.0 Executive Summary ………………………………………………………. 3
2.0 Introduction ………………………………………………………. 4
3.0 Methods Employed ………………………………………………………. 5
4.0 Monitoring Locations ………………………………………………………. 6
5.0 Noise Measurement Data ………………………………………………………. 8
6.0 Conclusions ………………………………………………………. 14
Report Date
13-10-2014 Site Contact: Kevin McCabe
Report Issued By
Mark Mc Garry
Version No: 1
Signed:
Client: Peter Joseph Barry
Composting Facility
Notes:
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1. Executive Summary
Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility is required as part of permit WFP/MH/08/0004/02; Conditions
6 and 7 to carry out a noise survey of the installation on an annual basis. AXIS environmental services
were commissioned to complete the survey after proposal acknowledgment and acceptance by Enrich
Environmental Limited's Environmental Department.
The purpose of the survey was to monitor environmental noise at predetermined locations and assess
the sites compliance against Schedule A limits.
All operations at Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility were running as normal throughout the
survey. There was interference attributed to traffic movements on the local access route, connecting
the R125 to the R156 during the survey. Other sources of noise were recorded at each individual
location which are summarised in the report.
The impact of road noise was a significant interference on the survey at certain locations. As outlined
in the Standard ISO 1996 and the associated noise guidance document issued by the Agency in 2012,
where traffic noise is interfering with noise measurements, it is acceptable to assess noise compliance
against the LA90 for the monitoring period. This is a statistical measurement of the noise level
exceeded for 90% of the time which would largely be associated with the facility under assessment.
The survey was carried out in strict accordance with the standard ISO 1996 Parts 1 – 3, Acoustics –
description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise. Reference was also made to the
EPA guidelines NG4 “Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in
Relation to Scheduled Activities” April 2012, in conjunction with the frequently asked questions issued
by the Agency in August 2012 and the current site permit requirements.
Six points were monitored for the noise survey, four of which were located near or at noise sensitive
locations. N1 and N2 are boundary monitoring points which are located within the confines of the site
and are in close proximity to all activities in operation.
Due to the proximity of Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility to a local access route, connecting the
R125 to the R156, and air traffic routes, there was significant background interference from traffic
movements throughout the day and night time surveys. This resulted in LAeqT broadband levels
exceeding the night limits for the following points: N3, N4 and N5.However when the interference
from traffic was removed, all monitoring points were determined to comply in full with the conditions
of the permit.
There was no tonal or impulsive noise observed at any of the locations for the duration of the
assessment.
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2. Introduction
As part of compliance monitoring at Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility, an annual noise survey is
to be carried out at nearest noise sensitive locations in the vicinity of the plant. Meath County Council
and Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility have agreed the monitoring points chosen to meet the
requirements of the license.
The permit WFP/MH/08/0004/02 outlines Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility requirements under
Conditions 6 and 7, which have been documented as follows:
2.1 Condition 6:
6.1) The permit holder shall take adequate precautions to prevent undue noise, fumes,
dust, grit, untidiness and other nuisances during the course of the works which
would result in a significant impairment of, or a significant interference with,
amenities or the environment beyond the site boundary. If unacceptable levels
occur, the permit holder shall abide by the Councils abatement requirements, which
may include immediate cessation of operations.
6.2) No specified emission from the facility shall exceed the emission limit values set out
in Schedule A: Emission Limits, in Appendix V of this permit. There shall be no other
emissions of environmental significance
6.7) There shall be no clearly audible tonal component or impulsive
2.2 Condition 7:
7.1) The permit holder shall carry out such monitoring and at such locations and
frequencies as set out in Schedule B: Monitoring in Appendix V of the permit.
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Table 1: Schedule B: Noise Monitoring
Location
Measurement Frequency
N1
30 minute Day & Night survey to
include 1/3rd octave measurements
Annually
N2
30 minute Day & Night survey to
include 1/3rd octave measurements
Annually
N3
30 minute Day & Night survey to
include 1/3rd octave measurements
Annually
N4
30 minute Day & Night survey to
include 1/3rd octave measurements
Annually
N5
30 minute Day & Night survey to
include 1/3rd octave measurements
Annually
N6
30 minute Day & Night survey to
include 1/3rd octave measurements
Annually
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3.0 Methods
Monitoring was carried out in strict accordance with ISO 1996 Parts 1 – 3, Description and
Measurement of Environmental Noise. Reference was also made to the EPA guidelines NG4 “Guidance
Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled
Activities”April 2012, in conjunction with the frequently asked questions issued by the Agency in
August 2012.
Table 3: Equipment Details
Meter No 2 Meter No 3
Manufacturer Cirrus Optimus Green Cirrus Optimus Green
Model CR:171B CR:172B
Serial Number G061082 G061817
Firmware V2.3.1156 V2.4.1529
Calibrator CR:515 Acoustic Calibrator CR:515 Acoustic Calibrator
Microphone B&K4180 - 1893453 B&K4180 - 1893453
Windshield Type UA:237 90mm Foam Windshield UA:237 90mm Foam Windshield
Calibration Date
Noise Meter 03rd February 2014 - 2015 05th September 2013 - 2014
Certificate Number 191936 198890
Calibrator 05th September 2013 - 2014 05th September 2013 - 2014
Certificate Number 203513 210439
On site SLM calibration
Prior to Survey 93.7 93.7
Calibration Offset -0.31 0.0
Post Survey 93.7 93.7
Frequency Weighting A - Broadband A - Broadband
Meter Response Time Fast Fast
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4.0 Monitoring Locations
4.1 N1 Day Time Survey
Noise monitoring point 1 is located at the south-west boundary of the Peter Joseph Barry Composting
site. The main source of noise at this point was the regular movement of plant vehicles.
Other sources of noise during the survey included voices from site personnel and birds chirping in
local vegetation and background traffic on the R125
4.1.1 Night Time Survey
The main source of noise during the night time survey was cattle grazing in nearby field ~10m from
noise monitor. Other sources of noise were from birds chirping and sheep grazing.
4.2 N2 Day Time Survey
This monitoring point was located at the northern boundary of the site close to bio-filter shed. There
were several sources of noise at this monitoring point including plant vehicles operating by
composting area and noise from bio-filter area
Other sources of noise were trees rustling in the wind.
4.2.1 Night Time Survey
During the night time survey the sources of noise included a slight humming sound from the biofilter
shed, traffic from local access road, sheep in nearby field and noise from a tractor operating in nearby
field.
4.3 N3 Day Time Survey
Noise monitoring point 3 is located west of the Peter Joseph Barry Composting site in a field up from
the main entrance. This point can be considered a noise sensitive location and is required to be below
the recommended guidance of 55dB(A). The main source of noise at this location was the regular
movement of vehicles on the local access route.
There was minimal noise emanating from plant vehicles on Peter Joseph Barry Composting. Birds
could be heard chirping in nearby vegetation as well as the vegetation itself rustling in the breeze.
4.3.1 Night Time Survey
The main source of noise during the night time survey was movement of cars on the aforementioned
local access route. There was no noise audible from the Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility site
during the monitoring period.
4.5 N4 Day Time Survey
This monitoring point was located at the entrance to the Peter Joseph Barry Composting site, at an
approximate distance of 30 meters form a residential dwelling, so it can be considered a noise
sensitive location. The greatest source of noise at this location was from the regular movements of
traffic on the local access route connecting the R125 to the R156.
Other sources of noise during the survey were birds chirping in nearby vegetation.
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4.5.1 Night Time Survey
The main source of noise during the night time survey was the movement of vehicles on the local
access route. There was also noise emanating from a nearby residential house where the resident was
cutting his lawn. No noise was audible from Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility at this location
during the monitoring period.
4.5 N5 Day Time Survey
Noise monitoring point 5 was located north-east of thePeter Joseph Barry Compostingsite near several
residential dwellings. This monitoring point is a noise sensitive location. The greatest source of noise
during the monitoring period was the movement of traffic on the local access route connecting the
R125 to the R156.
4.5.1 Night Time Survey
During the night time noise survey the most prevalent source of noise was passing traffic and a
nearby resident cutting his lawn.
4.6 N6 Day Time Survey
This monitoring point was located west of Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facilitysite up from the
intersection that connects the R125 to R156, at an approximate distance of 60m from a residential
dwelling, so it can be considered a noise sensitive location. The greatest source of noise during the
day time survey was traffic movements on the local access route in which the noise meter was located
near.
4.6.1 Night Time Survey
During the night time monitoring period the main source of noise came from people talking very close
to noise meter and from cars passing on the R125.
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5.0 Summary of Daytime Noise Measurements
Noise Monitoring Location:
N1 (Internal Boundary Monitoring Point)
Period: Time
Measured Noise Levels
(dB re. 2 x 10-5 Pa)
Comments
LAeq
LAFMAX LA90
Daytime:
13:58 37.9 55.6 34.5 There are several sources of
noise being heard at this site.
Plant operations as well as plant
vehicles are creating some noise.
Background traffic can also be
heard on the nearby R125. Birds
can be heard chirping in the
surrounding area and there are
facility personnel conversing
occasionally.
- - - -
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 38 56 25
Daytime Criterion, dB LAr,T: 55 - -
Evening: - - - - This site is not required to
monitor noise emissions during
the evening period. The site is
not defined as a new or revised
licence since the guidelines were
issued in 2012.
Arithmetic Average (dB): - - -
Evening Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - -
Night Time:
20:00 32.9 61.5 22.7 The main source of noise during
the night time survey was cattle
grazing in nearby field ~10m
from noise monitor. Other
sources of noise were from birds
chirping and sheep grazing.
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 33 62 23
Night time Criterion, dB LAr,T: 45 - -
Weather Conditions:
Daytime: Evening: Night Time:
Temperature (OC) 18 - 19
Wind Speed (m/s) 0 – 1.4 - 0.3
Wind Direction: SW - SW
Precipitation: 0 - 0.0-0.1mm
Tonal Noise Assessment
Daytime: Run 1: None - -
Night Time: Run 1: None - -
Compliance Status – this is not a noise sensitive location therefore limits would not apply
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Noise Monitoring Location:
N2 (Internal Boundary Monitoring Point)
Period: Time
Measured Noise Levels
(dB re. 2 x 10-5 Pa)
Comments
LAeq
LAFMAX LA90
Daytime:
45.1 57 44.1 This monitoring point is located
next to the biofilter unit and as a
result there is some noise from
the biofilter pumps as well as
fans. Vehicle can be heard
moving around the site also.
Wind is occasionally rustling the
trees.
- - - -
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 45 57 44
Daytime Criterion, dB LAr,T: 55 - -
Evening: - - - - This site is not required to
monitor noise emissions during
the evening period. The site is
not defined as a new or revised
licence since the guidelines were
issued in 2012.
Arithmetic Average (dB): - - -
Evening Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - -
Night Time:
20:14 37.5 61.5 30.7 During the night time survey the
sources of noise included a slight
humming sound from the biofilter
shed, traffic from local access
road, sheep in nearby field and
noise from a tractor operating in
nearby field.
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 38 62 31
Night time Criterion, dB LAr,T: 45 - -
Weather Conditions:
Daytime: Evening: Night Time:
Temperature (OC) 18 - 19
Wind Speed (m/s) 0 – 1.4 - 0.3
Wind Direction: SW - SW
Precipitation: 0 - 0.0-0.1mm
Tonal Noise Assessment
Daytime: Run 1: None - -
Night Time: Run 1: None - -
Compliance Status – this is not a noise sensitive location therefore limits would not strictly apply
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Noise Monitoring Location:
N3 (NSL Monitoring Point)
Period: Time
Measured Noise Levels
(dB re. 2 x 10-5 Pa)
Comments
LAeq
LAFMAX LA90
Daytime:
15:44 47.8 66.1 45 The main source of noise is
background traffic movements on
adjacent roads. Facility
operations are barely audible at
this location. Birds and occasional
dogs barking are also a source of
noise. Some rustling of leaves in
an occasional breeze.
- - - -
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 48 66 45
Daytime Criterion, dB LAr,T: 55 - -
Evening: - - - - This site is not required to
monitor noise emissions during
the evening period. The site is
not defined as a new or revised
licence since the guidelines were
issued in 2012.
Arithmetic Average (dB): - - -
Night Time:
21:29 50.9 78.3 32.9 The main source of noise during
the night time survey was
movement of cars on the local
access route. There was no noise
audible from the Peter Joseph
Barry Composting Facility site
during the monitoring period
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 51 78 33
Night time Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - 45
Weather Conditions:
Daytime: Evening: Night Time:
Temperature (OC) 18 - 19
Wind Speed (m/s) 0 – 1.4 - 0.3
Wind Direction: SW - SW
Precipitation: 0 - 0.0-0.1mm
Tonal Noise Assessment
Daytime: Run 1: None - -
Night Time: Run 1: None - -
Compliance Status – this would be considered a noise sensitive location therefore limits outlined in the
permit would apply. Due to interference from external noise sources it is appropriate to use the LA90 to
assess Enrich against its permit limits – the site complies with both day and night time criteria.
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Noise Monitoring Location:
N4 (NSL Monitoring Point)
Period: Time
Measured Noise Levels
(dB re. 2 x 10-5 Pa)
Comments
LAeq
LAFMAX LA90
Daytime:
15:09 48.6 67.6 38.2 Regular traffic can be heard on
both the R125 and R156. Birds’
chirping is audible in nearby
vegetation. There is some noise
from the facility including traffic
and personnel.
- - - -
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 49 68 38
Daytime Criterion, dB LAr,T: 55 - -
Evening: - - - - This site is not required to
monitor noise emissions during
the evening period. The site is
not defined as a new or revised
licence since the guidelines were
issued in 2012.
Arithmetic Average (dB): - - -
Evening Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - -
Night Time:
20:33 44.6 73.1 34.9 The main source of noise during
the night time survey was the
movement of vehicles on the
local access route. There was also
noise emanating from a nearby
residential house where the
resident was cutting his lawn. No
noise was audible from Peter
Joseph Barry Composting Facility
at this location during the
monitoring period.
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 45 73 35
Night time Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - 45
Weather Conditions:
Daytime: Evening: Night Time:
Temperature (OC) 18 - 19
Wind Speed (m/s) 0 – 1.4 - 0.3
Wind Direction: SW - SW
Precipitation: 0 - 0.0-0.1mm
Tonal Noise Assessment
Daytime: Run 1: None - -
Night Time: Run 1: None - -
Compliance Status – this would be considered a noise sensitive location therefore limits outlined in the
permit would apply. Due to interference from external noise sources it is appropriate to use the LA90 to
assess Enrich against its permit limits – the site complies with both day and night time criteria.
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Noise Monitoring Location:
N5 (NSL Monitoring Point)
Period: Time
Measured Noise Levels
(dB re. 2 x 10-5 Pa)
Comments
LAeq
LAFMAX LA90
Daytime:
16:21 53.4 80.8 32.9 There is no noise audible from
Enrich at this monitoring point.
All noise recorded in the
immediate area is caused is
natural or associated with traffic
movements.
- - - -
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 53 81 33
Daytime Criterion, dB LAr,T: 55 - -
Evening: - - - - This site is not required to
monitor noise emissions during
the evening period. The site is
not defined as a new or revised
licence since the guidelines were
issued in 2012.
Arithmetic Average (dB): - - -
Evening Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - -
Night Time:
20:51 50.5 74.8 30.9 During the night time noise
survey the most prevalent source
of noise was passing traffic and a
nearby resident cutting his lawn.
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 51 75 31
Night time Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - 45
Weather Conditions:
Daytime: Evening: Night Time:
Temperature (OC) - 19
Wind Speed (m/s) - 0.3
Wind Direction: - SW
Precipitation: - 0.0-0.1mm
Tonal Noise Assessment
Daytime: Run 1: None - -
Night Time: Run 1: None - -
Compliance Status – this would be considered a noise sensitive location therefore limits outlined in the
permit would apply. Due to interference from external noise sources it is appropriate to use the LA90 to
assess Enrich against its permit limits – the site complies with both day and night time criteria.
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Noise Monitoring Location:
N6 (NSL Monitoring Point)
Period: Time
Measured Noise Levels
(dB re. 2 x 10-5 Pa)
Comments
LAeq
LAFMAX LA90
Daytime:
16:33 53.5 80.8 32.9 All noise is associated with
natural and traffic movements in
the immediate locality. No noise
from the Enrich facility. - - - -
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 54 81 33
Daytime Criterion, dB LAr,T: 55 - -
Evening: - - - - This site is not required to
monitor noise emissions during
the evening period. The site is
not defined as a new or revised
licence since the guidelines were
issued in 2012.
Arithmetic Average (dB): - - -
Evening Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - -
Night Time:
21:27 52.9 76.6 31.6 During the night time monitoring
period the main source of noise
came from people talking very
close to noise meter and from
cars passing on the R125.
- - - -
Arithmetic Average (dB): 53 77 32
Night time Criterion, dB LAr,T: - - 45
Weather Conditions:
Daytime: Evening: Night Time:
Temperature (OC) - 19
Wind Speed (m/s) - 0.3
Wind Direction: - SW
Precipitation: - 0.0-0.1mm
Tonal Noise Assessment
Daytime: Run 1: None - -
Night Time: Run 1: None - -
Compliance Status – this would be considered a noise sensitive location therefore limits outlined in the
permit would apply. Due to interference from external noise sources it is appropriate to use the LA90 to
assess Enrich against its permit limits – the site complies with both day and night time criteria.
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6.0 Conclusions
Six locations were monitored for broadband and 1/3rd Octave frequency as part of this annual
environmental noise survey at Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility. The boundary monitoring
points N1 and N2 are not subject to compliance limits as these are not noise sensitive locations.
Each point was monitored for 30 minute periods during the day and night time survey. Night time in
the permit is considered all other times outside the range 8 am to 8 pm.
The findings of the survey would indicate that the noise sensitive locations were not significantly
affected or impacted by sources of noise at Peter Joseph Barry Composting Facility.
The monitoring point N3, located near a noise sensitive location, had elevated Leq noise levels during
the Night time [51 dB (A)] noise survey. This was mainly due to the vehicular movements along the
local access route. The guidance for a location like this is to use the LA90 for assessment of noise from
the composting site, to reduce the impact of interference from traffic movements, in which case noise
levels at N3 are shown to be within limits under the requirements of the permit.
The monitoring point N4, which is located near a noise sensitive location, had elevated noise levels
during the Night [45 dB(A)] noise survey. This was mainly due to the movement of traffic on the
aforementioned local access route. Due to the interference from traffic on the road the guidance
recommends using the LA90 for assessment of noise emanating from the composting facility. The
volumes of road traffic can be observed by the peaks on the broadband graphs listed in the appendix
of this report.
The monitoring point N5, which is located at a noise sensitive location, had elevated Leq noise levels
during the Night [51 dB(A)] noise survey. This was mainly due to the regular movement of vehicular
traffic on the local access road and from air traffic. The LA90 statistical measurement indicated that this
monitoring point was within the permit limits during the survey.
The monitoring point N6, which is located at a noise sensitive location, had elevated Leq noise levels
during the Night [53dB(A)] noise survey. This was mainly due to people conversing close to the meter
as can be seen from the consistent peaked line on the graph listed in the appendix of this report.The
LA90 statistical measurement indicated that this monitoring point was within the permit limits during
the survey.
There was no tonal or impulsive noise associated with the facility determined at any monitoring
location; therefore there are no requirements to apply penalties to the broadband measurement.
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Appendix I Graphical Display of Raw Data
Tonal Noise:
The appropriate level differences vary with frequency. They should be greater than or equal to the following
values in both adjacent one third octave bands:
· 15dB in low frequency one third octave bands (25Hz to 125Hz);
· 8dB in middle frequency bands (160Hz to 400Hz), and;
· 5dB in high frequency bands (500Hz to 10,000Hz)
This is the definition outlined by the EPA in the guidance note issued in 2012: NG4.
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Appendix II Site Map
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Appendix III Calibration Certificates
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Glossary of Terms
Note: Not all terms were used in the description of noise for this noise survey.
Ambient noise The totally encompassing sound in a given situation at a given time, usually
composed of sound from many sources, near and far.
Acoustic shadow An acoustic shadow is an area through which sound waves fail to propagate, due to
topographical obstructions or disruption of the waves via phenomena such as wind
currents.
Background noise The steady existing noise level present without contribution from any intermittent
sources. The A weighted sound pressure level of the residual noise at the
assessment position that is exceeded for 90 per cent of a given time interval, T
(LAF90,T).
Broadband Sounds that contain energy distributed across a wide range of frequencies.
Competent person Individual possessing a combination of technical knowledge, experience and skills as
outlined in Section 2.0 and who can demonstrate both practical and theoretical
competence.
Criterion noise level The long term mean value of the noise level that must not be exceeded. This is
generally stipulated in the IPPC/Waste licence and it may be applied to a noise
source, a boundary of the activity or to an NSL in the vicinity of the site.
dB Decibel. The scale in which sound pressure level is expressed. It is defined as 20
times the logarithm of the ratio between the RMS pressure of the sound field and
the reference pressure of 20 micro pascals (20 uPa).
Facade level The noise level at a location 1m from the facade of a building is described by the
term facade level, and is subject to a higher noise level than one in an open area
(free-field conditions) due to reflection effects.
Free field These are conditions in which the radiation from sound sources is unaffected by the
presence of any reflecting boundaries or the source itself. In practice, it is a field in
which the effects of the boundaries are negligible over the frequency range of
interest. In environmental noise, true free-field measurement conditions are seldom
achieved and generally the microphone will be positioned at a height between 1.2
and 1.5 metres above ground level. To minimise the influence of reflections,
measurements are generally made at least 3.5 metres from any reflecting surface
other than the ground.
Hertz (Hz) The unit of sound frequency in cycles per second.
Impulsive A noise that is of short duration (typically less than one second), the sound pressure
level of which is significantly higher than the background.
LAeq,T This is the equivalent continuous sound level. It is a type of average and is used to
describe a fluctuating noise in terms of a single noise level over the sample period
(T).The closer the LAeq value is to either the LAF10 or LAF90 value indicates the
relative impact of the intermittent sources and their contribution. The relative
spread between the values determines the impact of intermittent sources, such as
traffic, on the background.
LAFN The A-weighted noise level exceeded for N% of the sampling internal. Measured
using the “Fast” time weighting.
LAr,T The Rated Noise Level, equal to the LAeq during a specified time interval (T), plus
specified adjustments for tonal character and/or impulsiveness of the sound.
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LAF10 Refers to those A-weighted noise levels in the top 10 percentile of the sampling
interval; it is the level which is exceeded for 10% of the measurement period. It is
used to determine the intermittent high noise level features of locally generated
noise and usually gives an indicator of the level of road traffic. Measured using the
“Fast” time weighting.
LAF90 Refers to those A-weighted noise levels in the lower 90 percentile of the sampling
interval; it is the level which is exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. It will
therefore exclude the intermittent features of traffic and is used to describe a
background level. Measured using the “Fast” time weighting.
LAFmax The maximum RMS A-weighted sound pressure level occurring within a specified
time period. Measured using the “Fast” time weighting.
LAFmin The minimum RMS A-weighted sound pressure level occurring within a specified
time period. Measured using the “Fast” time weighting.
Lden Is the 24 hour noise rating level determined by the averaging of the Lday with the
Levening plus a 5 dB penalty and the Lnight plus a 10 dB penalty.
Low background noise An area of low background noise is one where the existing background noise levels
measured during an environmental noise survey are as follows:
oAverage Daytime Background Noise Level ≤40dB LAF90, and;
oAverage Evening Background Noise Level ≤35dB LAF90, and;
oAverage Night-time Background Noise Level ≤30dB LAF90.
Low frequency noise LFN - noise which is dominated by frequency components towards the lower end of
the frequency spectrum; see Appendix VI for a more detailed discussion.
LpA (dB) An ‘A-weighted decibel’ K a measure of the overall level of soundacross the audible
frequency range (20Hz – 20kHz) with A-frequency weighting (i.e. ‘A–weighting’) to
compensate for the varying sensitivity of the human ear to sound at different
frequencies.
Noise Any sound, that has the potential to cause disturbance, discomfort or psychological
stress to a person exposed to it, or any sound that could cause actual physiological
harm to a person exposed to it, or physical damage to any structure exposed to it, is
known as noise.
Noise sensitive location NSL – any dwelling house, hotel or hostel, health building, educational
establishment, place of worship or entertainment, or any other facility or other area
of high amenity which for its proper enjoyment requires the absence of noise at
nuisance levels.
Octave band A frequency interval, the upper limit of which is twice that of the lower limit. For
example, the 1,000Hz octave band contains acoustical energy between 707Hz and
1,414Hz. The centre frequencies used for the designation of octave bands are
defined in ISO and ANSI standards.
Rating level See LAr,T.
RMS The RMS (Root Mean Square) value of a set of numbers is the square root of the
average of their squares.
SEL (LAX or LAE) Sound exposure level – a measure of the A-weighted sound energy used to describe
noise events such as the passing of a train or aircraft; it is the A-weighted sound
pressure level if occurring over a period of 1 second, would contain the same
amount of A-weighted sound energy as the event.
Sound pressure level Sound pressure refers to the fluctuations in air pressure caused by the passage of a
sound wave. It may be expressed in terms of sound pressure level at a point.
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Specific noise level A component of the ambient noise which can be specifically identified by acoustical
means and may be associated with a specific source. In BS 4142, there is a more
precise definition as follows: ‘the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure
level at the assessment position produced by the specific noise source over a given
reference time interval (LAeq, T)’.
Time weighting One of the averaging times (Fast, Slow or Impulse) used for the measurement of
RMS sound pressure level in sound level meters.
Tonal Sounds which cover a range of only a few Hz which contains a clearly audible tone,
i.e. distinguishable, discrete or continuous noise (whine, hiss, screech, or hum etc.)
are referred to as being ‘tonal’.
1/3 octave analysis Frequency analysis of sound such that the frequency spectrum issubdivided into
bands of one–third of an octave each.
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