Xtratherm Limited Kells Road, Navan, Co Meath

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1 Air I Noise I Water I Soil I Environmental Consultancy Unit 5 Caherdavin Business Centre Ennis Road Limerick Kells Road, Navan, Co Meath Annual Environmental Noise Survey 2017 IPPC Licence Number: P Report Reference Number: Version: 1 Date of Issue: Report Compiled by: Daniel Mullins EPA Export :03:20:11

2 Report Content 1.0 Executive Summary Introduction Methods Employed Monitoring Locations Noise Measurement Data Conclusions. 13 Report Date Site Contact: Jason Woods Report Issued By Mark Mc Garry Version No: 1 Signed: Client: Notes: Report No: Page 2 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

3 1.0 Executive Summary is required as part of license P ; Conditions 3 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 Xtratherm Environmental Department Representatives. The purpose of the survey was to monitor noise at predetermined locations and assess the sites compliance against License limits. All operations at were running as normal throughout the survey. There was significant interference attributed to traffic movements on the R147, a regional road connecting to the N51 which runs through Navan town. Other sources of noise were recorded at each individual location which are summarised in the report. The impact of road traffic noise was a significant interference on the survey at certain locations as defined in the report. 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 Reference was also made to the EPA guidelines NG4 Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities January Five points were monitored for the noise survey NM1, NM2, NM3, NM4 and NM5. NM1 to NM4 are boundary monitoring points which are located within the confines of the site and are in close proximity to all activities in operation. NM4 LAeqT broadband levels were exceeded during the night time survey after background levels were removed from the sample recording. This point is however within the facility and not deemed a noise sensitive location. Due to interference from traffic noise at NM5 it is appropriate to use the LA90 to assess Xtratherm against its license limits. There was no tonal or impulsive noise observed at any of the other locations for the duration of the assessment. The broadband noise levels recorded at each boundary point were all within EPA guidelines, when account was made for external interferences. Report No: Page 3 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

4 2.0 Introduction As part of compliance monitoring at, an annual noise survey is to be carried out at nearest noise sensitive locations in the vicinity of the plant. The Agency and Xtratherm have agreed the monitoring points chosen to meet the requirements of the license. The license P outlines Xtratherms s requirements under Conditions 3 and 7, which have been documented as follows: 2.1 Condition 3: 3.3.1) Noise from the activity shall not give rise to sound pressure levels (Leq, 15 minutes) measured at any noise sensitive locations which exceed the specified limit value. 2.2 Condition 7: 7.1 Activities on-site shall not give rise to noise levels off-site, at noise sensitive locations, which exceed the following sound pressure limits (Leq, 15 minutes) subject to Condition 3 of this licence: Daytime: 55 db(a), Night-time: 45 db(a). 7.2 There shall be no clearly audible tonal component or impulsive component in the noise emission from the activity at any noise sensitive location. 7.3 The licensee shall carry out a noise survey of the site operations within six months of commencement of any licensed activity and annually thereafter. The licensee shall consult with the Agency on the timing, nature and extent of the survey and shall develop a survey programme to the satisfaction of the Agency. The survey programme shall be submitted to the Agency in writing at least one month before the survey is to be carried out. A record of the survey results shall be available for inspection by any authorised persons of the Agency, at all reasonable times, and a summary report of this record shall be included as part of the AER. Table 1: Noise Monitoring Location Measurement Frequency NM1 NM2 NM3 NM4 NM5 15 minute Day & Night survey to include 1/3 rd octave measurements 15 minute Day & Night survey to include 1/3 rd octave measurements 15 minute Day & Night survey to include 1/3 rd octave measurements 15 minute Day & Night survey to include 1/3 rd octave measurements 15 minute Day & Night survey to include 1/3 rd octave measurements Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Report No: Page 4 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

5 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 Table 2: Equipment Details Meter No 2 Meter No 4 Manufacturer Cirrus Optimus Green Cirrus Optimus Green Model CR:171B CR:172B Serial Number G G Firmware V (1529) V CR:515 Acoustic CR:515 Acoustic Calibrator Calibrator Calibrator Microphone B&K B&K UA:237 90mm Foam UA:237 90mm Foam Windshield Type Windshield Windshield Calibration Details Noise Meter 20 th April nd June Certificate Number Calibrator 20 th April nd June Certificate Number On site SLM Calibration Prior to Survey Calibration Offset Post Survey Calibration Offset Frequency Weighting A - Broadband A - Broadband Meter Response Time Fast Fast Report No: Page 5 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

6 4.0 Monitoring Locations 4.1 NM1 Day Time Survey This noise monitoring location was situated on the south east boundary of the Xtratherm site, within 100 meters of the regional road R147 and 50 meters from the employee smoking area. The most prominent source of noise at this location was from the forklifts which were working nearby throughout the noise survey. There was also some operational noise from inside the buildings NM1 Night Time Survey As with the day time noise, the most notable source of noise was from the forklifts which were working around the yard. There was some operational noise from the buildings. 4.2 NM2 Day Time Survey This noise monitoring point was located on the northwest boundary of the Xtratherm site beside a small stream. Onsite machinery was the greatest source of noise, with forklifts and lorries contributing the most to noise levels. On occasion, Xtratherm personnel were also noted as talking within range of the meter NM2 Night Time Survey There was a low operational noise from Xtratherm throughout the period of this noise survey. A significant secondary source of noise was the movement of forklifts around the site. 4.3 NM3 Day Time Survey The third noise location was situated at the western boundary of the Xtratherm site. From this location, no noise could be heard from Xtratherm. A light breeze rustled nearby trees. Birds were heard chirping throughout the survey NM3 Night Time Survey The main source of noise during night time monitoring was traffic leaving the Xtratherm site. Traffic movements were also slightly audible in the distance on the R147. No noise was heard from the Xtratherm buildings during the survey. Noise was heard from forklifts on occasion. Noise could also be heard from lorry engines running nearby. 4.4 NM4 Day Time Survey Noise monitoring point 4 is located in close proximity to the canteen. A faint hum could be heard from the gas tank to the back of the site. Traffic was also heard both on and offsite. A sliding door was also heard being opened and closed several times NM4 Night Time Survey No noise was heard from Xtratherm throughout the survey. There was a low humming noise observed coming from the gas tank nearby. Car engines well running nearby which also contributed to noise levels. Report No: Page 6 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

7 4.5 NM5 Day Time Survey This monitoring point is located outside the boundary of Xtratherm within 10 meters of an occupied dwelling. As a result, this location is a designated NSL. Traffic on the R147 was the predominant source of noise throughout the survey at this location. No noise was audible from Xtratherm NM5 Night Time Survey As with the day time noise survey, traffic on the R147 was the main source of noise throughout the survey. Operations at Xtratherm were not audible at this monitoring point. Report No: Page 7 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

8 5 Summary of Noise Measurements Noise Monitoring Location: Period: Time NM1 (Boundary Monitoring Point) Measured Noise Levels (db re. 2 x 10-5 Pa) LAeq LAFMAX LA90 Comments 10: Daytime: Arithmetic Average (db): The most prominent source of noise at this location was from the forklifts which were working nearby throughout the noise survey. There was also some operational noise from inside the buildings. Daytime Criterion, db LAr,T: Evening: Arithmetic Average (db): Evening Criterion, db LAr,T: : Night Time: Arithmetic Average (db): Night time Criterion, db LAr,T: Weather Conditions: This site is not required to monitor noise emissions during the evening period. The most notable source of noise was from traffic on the R147. There were occasional forklifts which were working around the yard. There was some operational noise. Daytime: Evening: Night Time: Temperature ( O C) 6-2 Wind Speed (m/s) Wind Direction: Northerly - Northerly Precipitation: 0-0 Tonal Noise Assessment Daytime: Run 1: None - - Night Time: Run 1: None - - Compliance Status Due to interference from external noise sources it is appropriate to use the LA90 to assess Xtratherm against its licence limits. This point complies for day and night time criteria Report No: Page 8 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

9 Period: Time Noise Monitoring Location: NM2 (Boundary Monitoring Point) Measured Noise Levels (db re. 2 x 10-5 Pa) LAeq LAFMAX LA90 Comments 10: Daytime: Arithmetic Average (db): Onsite machinery was the greatest source of noise, with forklifts and lorries contributing the most to noise levels. On occasion, Xtratherm personnel were also noted as talking within range of the meter. Daytime Criterion, db LAr,T: Evening: Arithmetic Average (db): Evening Criterion, db LAr,T: : Night Time: Arithmetic Average (db): Night time Criterion, db LAr,T: Weather Conditions: This site is not required to monitor noise emissions during the evening period. There was significant interference from passing traffic on the R147. There was a low operational noise from Xtratherm throughout the period of this noise survey. A significant secondary source of noise was the movement of forklifts around the site. Daytime: Evening: Night Time: Temperature ( O C) 6-2 Wind Speed (m/s) Wind Direction: Northerly - Northerly Precipitation: 0-0 Tonal Noise Assessment Daytime: Run 1: None - - Night Time: Run 1: None - - Compliance Status Due to interference from external noise sources it is appropriate to use the LA90 to assess Xtratherm against its licence limits. This point complies for day and night time criteria Report No: Page 9 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

10 Period: Time Noise Monitoring Location: NM3 (Boundary Monitoring Point) Measured Noise Levels (db re. 2 x 10-5 Pa) LAeq LAFMAX LA90 Comments Daytime: 16: From this location, no noise could be heard from Xtratherm. A light breeze rustled nearby trees. Birds were heard chirping throughout the survey. Arithmetic Average (db): Daytime Criterion, db LAr,T: Evening: Arithmetic Average (db): Evening Criterion, db LAr,T: : Night Time: Arithmetic Average (db): Night time Criterion, db LAr,T: Weather Conditions: This site is not required to monitor noise emissions during the evening period. The main source of noise was traffic offsite. No noise was heard from the Xtratherm buildings during the survey. Daytime: Evening: Night Time: Temperature ( O C) 6-2 Wind Speed (m/s) Wind Direction: Northerly - Northerly Precipitation: 0-0 Tonal Noise Assessment Daytime: Run 1: None - - Night Time: Run 1: None - - Compliance Status Due to interference from external noise sources it is appropriate to use the LA90 to assess Xtratherm against its licence limits. This point complies for day and night time criteria Report No: Page 10 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

11 Period: Time Noise Monitoring Location: NM4 (Boundary Monitoring Point) Measured Noise Levels (db re. 2 x 10-5 Pa) LAeq LAFMAX LA90 Comments 16: Daytime: Arithmetic Average (db): A faint hum could be heard from the gas tank to the back of the site. Traffic was also heard both on and offsite. A sliding door was also heard being opened and closed several times. Daytime Criterion, db LAr,T: Evening: Arithmetic Average (db): Evening Criterion, db LAr,T: : Night Time: Arithmetic Average (db): Night time Criterion, db LAr,T: Weather Conditions: This site is not required to monitor noise emissions during the evening period. No noise was heard from Xtratherm throughout the survey. Car engines were running nearby which also contributed to noise levels. Daytime: Evening: Night Time: Temperature ( O C) 6-2 Wind Speed (m/s) Wind Direction: Northerly - Northerly Precipitation: 0-0 Tonal Noise Assessment Daytime: Run 1: None - - Night Time: Run 1: Yes - - Compliance Status Due to interference from external noise sources it is appropriate to use the LA90 to assess Xtratherm against its licence limits. This point complies for day and night time criteria Report No: Page 11 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

12 Period: Time Noise Monitoring Location: NM5 (Noise Sensitive Location) Measured Noise Levels (db re. 2 x 10-5 Pa) LAeq LAFMAX LA90 Comments 10: Daytime: 10: : Arithmetic Average (db): This location is a designated NSL. Traffic on the R147 was the predominant source of noise throughout the survey at this location. No noise was audible from Xtratherm. Daytime Criterion, db LAr,T: Evening: Arithmetic Average (db): Evening Criterion, db LAr,T: : Night Time: 00: Arithmetic Average (db): Night time Criterion, db LAr,T: Weather Conditions: This site is not required to monitor noise emissions during the evening period. As with the day time noise survey, traffic on the R147 was the main source of noise throughout the survey. Operations at Xtratherm were not audible at this monitoring point. Daytime: Evening: Night Time: Temperature ( O C) 6-2 Wind Speed (m/s) Wind Direction: Northerly - Northerly Precipitation: 0-0 Tonal Noise Assessment Daytime: Run 1: None - - Night Time: Run 1: None - - Compliance Status this site would be considered a noise sensitive location therefore limits outlined in the license would apply. Due to interference from traffic on the R147, it is appropriate to use the LA90 to assess this location against its licence limits. This point complies for day and night time criteria Report No: Page 12 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

13 6.0 Conclusions Five locations were monitored for broadband and 1/3 rd Octave frequency as part of this annual environmental noise survey at. Four boundary monitoring points NM1 NM4 may not be subject to compliance limits according to EPA guidelines. They are located within the boundary of the site and are not near any of the licence defined Noise Sensitive Locations. Each point was monitored for 30 minute periods during the day and night time survey. The NSL was further tested for 1.5 hours during the day and 1 hour at night. The findings of the survey indicate that the noise sensitive locations were not adversely impacted by sources of noise at. Several internal boundary monitoring points were above the required noise levels. This was mostly as a result of traffic both on and offsite, some of which was in close proximity to the noise meter for a time. When the LA90 is taken into account, all monitoring points are fully compliant. The monitoring point NM5, had elevated Leq noise levels during the Day [77.5dB(A)] and Night [68.5 db(a)] noise survey. This was entirely due to the regular movement of traffic on the R147, c. 10m from the noise meter. Due to the interference from traffic on the regional road, the guidance recommends using the LA90 for assessment of noise emanating from the Xtratherm site, in which case the monitoring point NM5 is shown to be within compliance under the requirements of the license. The volumes of road traffic can be observed by the peaks on the broadband graphs listed in the appendix of this report. There was no tonal or impulsive noises noted coming from the Xtratherm site throughout both day and night time survey and therefore there is no requirement to apply a penalty to the site. Report No: Page 13 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

14 Appendix I Site Map Report No: Page 14 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

15 Appendix II Calibration Certificates Report No: Page 15 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:11

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22 Appendix III Glossary of Terms Note: Not all terms were used in the description of noise for this noise survey. Ambient noise Acoustic shadow Background noise Broadband Competent person The totally encompassing sound in a given situation at a given time, usually composed of sound from many sources, near and far. 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. 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). Sounds that contain energy distributed across a wide range of frequencies. 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 Free field 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. 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) Impulsive LAeq,T LAFN LAr,T The unit of sound frequency in cycles per second. A noise that is of short duration (typically less than one second), the sound pressure level of which is significantly higher than the background. 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. The A-weighted noise level exceeded for N% of the sampling internal. Measured using the Fast time weighting. 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. Report No: Page 22 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:12

23 LAF10 LAF90 LAFmax LAFmin Lden Low background noise Low frequency noise LpA (db) Noise 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. 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. The maximum RMS A-weighted sound pressure level occurring within a specified time period. Measured using the Fast time weighting. The minimum RMS A-weighted sound pressure level occurring within a specified time period. Measured using the Fast time weighting. 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. An area of low background noise is one where the existing background noise levels measured during an environmental noise survey are as follows: o Average Daytime Background Noise Level 40dB LAF90, and; o Average Evening Background Noise Level 35dB LAF90, and; o Average Night-time Background Noise Level 30dB LAF90. LFN - noise which is dominated by frequency components towards the lower end of the frequency spectrum; see Appendix VI for a more detailed discussion. An A-weighted decibel K a measure of the overall level of sound across 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. 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 Rating level RMS SEL (LAX or LAE) Sound pressure level 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. See LAr,T. The RMS (Root Mean Square) value of a set of numbers is the square root of the average of their squares. 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 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. Report No: Page 23 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:12

24 Specific noise level Time weighting Tonal 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). One of the averaging times (Fast, Slow or Impulse) used for the measurement of RMS sound pressure level in sound level meters. 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 is subdivided into bands of one third of an octave each. Report No: Page 24 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:12

25 Appendix IV 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. Report No: Page 25 of 30 Version: 1 EPA Export :03:20:12

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