CENTRAL WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY, INAGH, CO. CLARE. ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE MONITORING MAY 2017. Prepared for: CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ÁRAS CONTAE AN CHLÁIR NEW ROAD ENNIS CO. CLARE 3156 May 16 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
ISSUE/REVISION INDEX Revision # Prep. Rev. Date Pages Revised Remarks PA BS 01 05/05/2017 Issue Draft for Internal Review PB JR 01 16/05/2017 Issue Draft for Client s Review PC JR 01 16/05/2017 Issue Final Document Prepared by; Reviewed by; Billy Shanahan, M.Sc. John Rea, B.Sc., MIEnv.Sc. i 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. SCOPE OF WORK 2 3. METHODOLOGY 4 Page 3.1. Equipment Calibration 4 3.2. Sound Level Meter Settings 4 3.3. Noise Measurement Methodology 4 3.3.1. Quiet Area Screening 4 3.4. Exclusion of Extraneous Noise Sources 5 4. RESULTS 6 4.1. Location NS1 Residence Immediately North of N85 and Southeast of Site 6 4.2. Location NS2 Residence Immediately South of N85 and Southeast of Site 6 4.3. Location NS3 Residence Immediately North of N85 and West of Site 7 4.4. Location NS4 Residence on Maghera Road - North of Site 8 4.5. Location NS5 Residence On Maghera Road - Northeast of Site 9 4.6. Location NS6 Fitzgerald Residence On Maghera Road - Northeast of Site 9 5. CONCLUSIONS 11 DRAWINGS 3156-DWG-02 Noise Locations APPENDICES I Calibration Certs II III Acoustic Parameters Broadband & 1/3 Octave Band Measurements ii 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
1. INTRODUCTION JRE Environment (JRE) was retained by Clare County Council to complete an environmental noise assessment at six (6) noise sensitive locations external to the Central Waste Management Facility (CWMF) located at Inagh, Co. Clare. The site is a closed landfill site with an operational bring centre. The first biannual environmental noise monitoring event for 2017 was completed at the six (6) noise sensitive locations on May 3, 2017 as required under Schedule E.4 of the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) site waste licence (Ref. W0109-02). The site is bounded to the east, north and west by forestry lands with local roads and residences beyond. The site is bounded to the south by the N85 road and mixed agricultural land use and residential properties. Noise measurement locations were based on predetermined locations outlined in Table E.4.1 of the site waste licence, including; NS1 (residence located to the north of the N85 and south of the site), NS2 (residence located to the south of the N85 and south of the site), NS3 (residence located to the north of the N85 and west of the site), NS4 (residence located north of the site on Maghera Road), NS5 (residence located northeast of the site on Maghera Road) and NS6 (Fitzgerald residence located off the Maghera Road, northeast of site). This report deals with the findings of the first biannual noise monitoring readings at the 6 pre-determined monitoring locations in May, 2017. The following should be noted: Noise measurement locations are shown on Drawing 3156-DWG-02 and were based on measurement locations included in Table E.4.1 of Waste Licence (W0109-02). All noise levels quoted in relation to specific sources are given in terms of L Aeq, L A90 and L A10. The landfill site is closed and had no on-site operations taking place during the noise survey. There was some limited activity at the civic amenity site where members of the public were delivering and depositing waste and recyclable materials. 1 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
2. SCOPE OF WORK The scope of work was to determine the noise levels at the 6 pre-determined noise measurement locations (i.e., NS1 through NS6) included in Table E.4.1 of the site waste licence Ref. 0109-02 during typical normal facility operating times (i.e., between 08.00 and 18.00 hrs). The scope of work included the following: Complete a second biannual noise monitoring assessment at 6 noise sensitive locations external to the CWMF site as outlined in Table A. Table A: Noise Measurement Locations Location ID Location Description Coordinates NS1 Residence on north of N85 road and approximately 160m east of CWMF entrance gate. 122413E, 180250N NS2 Residence on south of N85 road and approximately 90m east of CWMF entrance gate. 122360E, 180199N NS3 Residence on north of N85 and approximately 600m west of CWMF entrance gate. 121737E, 180423N NS4 Residence on south side of Maghera road located approximately 450m north of site. 122149E, 181419N NS5 Residence on south side of Maghera road located approximately 600m northeast of site. 123052E, 181381N NS6 Residence down laneway on south side of Maghera road located approximately 300m northeast of site. 123047E, 181411N All monitoring to include L A90, L A10, L Aeq and 1/3 octave frequency analysis to assess general noise emissions and any tonal components from potential on-site noise sources; Complete noise monitoring over a 30 minute time period at each monitoring location during typical facility operation times (i.e., between 08.00 and 18.00 hrs). All external noise sources (i.e., noise sources from outside the site operations) to be recorded on the field monitoring sheet; Audible site noise source (e.g., green waste chipper) to be noted on the field monitoring sheet; and Report the first biannual noise monitoring results for 2017 to Clare County Council. 2.1.1. Tonal Component The NG4 guidance document provides for identification and application of penalty for a prominent tonal noise source. The use of the simplified methodology for the objective identification of tones that is advocated in Annex D of ISO 1996-2:2007(E) is required, whereby a prominent discrete tone can be identified if the time-average sound pressure level in the one-third-octave band of interest exceeds the time-average sound pressure levels of both adjacent one-third-octave bands by a constant level difference. The appropriate level differences vary with frequency and are outlined below. For penalties 2 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
to be applied noise levels should be greater than or equal to the following values in both adjacent onethird-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). 3 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
3. METHODOLOGY To ensure the quality of noise measurements recorded at the CWMF, the following methodology was used for the monitoring programme. 3.1. Equipment Calibration Environmental noise levels were measured using a Larson Davis SoundExpert LxT precision integrating sound level meter that measured the A -weighted equivalent sound level (L Aeq). The calibration certificate for the meter is provided in Appendix I. The statistical sound level meter also calculated the statistical noise measurement parameters including L A90, L A10 as well as L Aeq and also contained an integral frequency filter which is used in 1/3 octave frequency analysis. An explanation of relevant acoustical parameters is provided in Appendix II. 3.2. Sound Level Meter Settings For all noise measurement recordings, the meter settings were as follows: Response : Fast Range : 40 90 db Weighting : db (A) broadband measurements db(z) one third octave band measurements 3.3. Noise Measurement Methodology Measurements were conducted based on procedures outlined in ISO 1996: Description and measurement of environmental noise, and, BS4142:1997 Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas. All measurements were taken at a distance of 1.2 to 1.5 m above ground level with the sound level meter hand held. All measurements were also taken at a distance not less than 3.0 m from any reflecting surface, excluding ground surface. 3.3.1. Quiet Area Screening Before completing the noise monitoring survey, a screening assessment was completed to determine if the site was located in a Quiet Area to ascertain the noise criteria and noise monitoring approach that would be applicable in the area of the site. The screening was conducted as per the EPA guidance Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities (NG4). The results of the initial screening are provided in Table B below. 4 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
Table B: Quiet Area Screening Results Is the site >3km away from urban areas with a population >1,000 people? Yes No Is the site >10km away from urban areas with a population >5,000 people? Is the site >15km away from urban areas with a population >10,000 people? Is the site >3km away from any local industry? Is the site >10km away from any major industry centre? Is the site >5km away from any national primary route Is the site >7.5km away from any motorway or dual carriageway QUIET AREA? Based on the results of the screening assessment, the site is not located in a Quiet Area 3.4. Exclusion of Extraneous Noise Sources The CWMF is a closed landfill site but still has an operational bring centre and recycling centre on site. During the monitoring period, no audible noise sources from operational works (i.e., from site work activities) were recorded at any of the monitoring locations. The N85 road is located immediately south of the site and is utilised by members of the public travelling between Ennis and Ennistymon. A large volume of vehicular traffic on the N85 was noted to be the main noise source at all measurement locations located to the southeast and west of the site. Other noted external noise sources that may influence recorded noise levels were; overhead air traffic, intermittent traffic on Maghera Road and bird song. Based on the extraneous noise sources at the site it is considered that L A90 noise levels may be a better reflection of consistent background noise levels in the vicinity of the site. 5 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
4. RESULTS The results of the broadband and 1/3 octave frequency noise monitoring programme completed in May 2017 are provided in Appendix III and presented in the following sections. 4.1. Location NS1 Residence Immediately North of N85 and Southeast of Site No audible noise related to site activities was noted during the noise survey period at NS1. The main audible noise source noted during the measurement period was vehicular traffic on the N85 road immediately to the south of the monitoring location. The measured noise levels during the survey period at location NS1 on May 3, 2017 are presented in Table C, and the 1/3 octave readings are presented in Figure 1. Table C Broadband Noise Measurement Levels at Position NS1 Location ID Date Time LAeq LA90 LA10 NS1 May 3, 2017 13:14 13:44 56.6 46.1 60.7 Figure 1: 1/3 Octave Frequency Measurements at NS1 4.2. Location NS2 Residence Immediately South of N85 and Southeast of Site No audible noise related to site activities was noted during the noise survey period at NS2. The main audible noise sources noted during the measurement period was from vehicular traffic on the N85 road immediately to the north of the monitoring location. The measured noise levels during the survey period at location NS2 on May 3, 2017 are presented in Table D, and the 1/3 octave readings are presented in Figure 2. 6 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
Table D - Noise Measurement Levels at Position NS2 Location ID Date Time LAeq LA90 LA10 NS2 May 3, 2017 13:45 14:15 57.7 45.4 61.4 Figure 2: 1/3 Octave Frequency Measurements at NS2 4.3. Location NS3 Residence Immediately North of N85 and West of Site No audible noise related to site activities was noted during the noise survey period at NS3. The main audible noise source noted during the measurement period was from vehicular traffic on the N85 road immediately to the south of the monitoring location. The measured noise levels during the survey period at location NS3 on May 3, 2017 are presented in Table E, and the 1/3 octave readings are presented in Figure 3. Table E - Noise Measurement Levels at Position NS3 Location ID Date Time LAeq LA90 NS3 May 3, 2017 14:16 14:46 57.0 45.7 61.4 LA10 7 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
Figure 3: 1/3 Octave Frequency Measurements at NS3 4.4. Location NS4 Residence on Maghera Road - North of Site No audible noise related to site activities was noted during the noise survey period at NS4. The main audible noise sources noted during the measurement period was from dogs barking at neighbouring properties. The measured noise levels during the survey period at location NS4 on May 3, 2017 are presented in Table F, and the 1/3 octave readings are presented in Figure 4. Table F - Noise Measurement Levels at Position NS4 Location ID Date Time LAeq LA90 NS4 May 3, 2017 11:08 11:38 47.0 37.3 48.5 Figure 4: 1/3 Octave Frequency Measurements at NS4 LA10 8 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
4.5. Location NS5 Residence on Maghera Road - Northeast of Site No audible noise related to site activities was noted during the noise survey period at NS5. The main audible noise sources noted during the measurement period was from limited local vehicular traffic on Maghera road, airplane traffic overhead and dogs barking at distant neighbouring properties. The measured noise levels during the survey period at location NS5 on May 3, 2017 are presented in Table G, and the 1/3 octave readings are presented in Figure 5. Table G - Noise Measurement Levels at Position NS5 Location ID Date Time LAeq LA90 LA10 NS5 May 3, 2017 11:40 12:10 45.8 36.8 50.0 Figure 5: 1/3 Octave Frequency Measurements at NS5 4.6. Location NS6 Fitzgerald Residence on Maghera Road - Northeast of Site No audible noise related to site activities was noted during the noise survey period at NS6. The main audible noise sources noted during the measurement period was from limited local vehicular traffic on Maghera road and wildlife in the area. The measured noise levels during the survey period at location NS6 on May 3, 2017 are presented in Table H, and the 1/3 octave readings are presented in Figure 6.. Table H - Noise Measurement Levels at Position NS6 Location ID Date Time LAeq LA90 LA10 NS6 May 3, 2017 12:15 12:45 45.0 37.2 48.0 9 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
Figure 6: 1/3 Octave Frequency Measurements at NS6 10 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
5. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the noise monitoring programme completed at noise sensitive locations around CWMF on May 3 rd, 2017 the following was concluded: The CWMF is a closed landfill facility with an active bring and recycling facility with limited traffic accessing the site. No noise sources from the site were noted during the noise measurements recorded at any of the monitoring locations. The main environmental noise contribution at the site boundaries and adjacent noise sensitive receptors around the site was generally traffic on the N85 road. The L Aeq noise levels measured at three (3) noise sensitive locations to the west and southeast of the CWMF (i.e., NS1, NS2 and NS3) were greater than the daytime Licence limit of 55 db L Aeq for the noise monitoring event. However, extraneous noise sources (i.e., road traffic from the N85 road) was the main contributor to the elevated noise levels recorded and L A90 were considered a more accurate measure of the consistent background noise contribution at each location. The L A90 noise levels measured at the 3 measurement locations were less than 50 dba indicating no consistent noise impacts from the facility on noise sensitive locations in that area. The L Aeq noise levels measured at the three (3) noise sensitive locations to the north and northeast of the CWMF (i.e., NS4, NS5 and NS6) were less than the Waste Licence limit of 55 db L Aeq for daytime noise levels indicating no noise impacts from the facility on noise sensitive locations to the north and northeast of the facility. The 1/3 octave analysis completed at all monitoring locations during the monitoring assessment indicated no tonal noise component from the site. 11 3156 / May 15 th, 2017 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:50
DRAWING 3156-DWG-02 Noise Locations EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
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APPENDIX I Calibration Certificate EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
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APPENDIX II Acoustic Parameters EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
A coustical Parameters L A eq s the A i - weighted equivalent continuous e ffectively represents an average value. steady sound level and L A max s the maximum A i -w eighted sound level measured during the sample p eriod. L A min s the minimum A i -w eighted sound level measured during the sample p eriod. L A 90 s the A L A 10 s the A i - weighted sound level which is exceeded for s ample period; used to quantify background noise. i - weighted sound level which is exceeded for s ample period; used to quantify t raffic noise. A-w eighting is the process by which noise levels are corrected to account for the non- l inearity of human hearing. 90% 10% of of the the All quoted noise levels are relative to 2x10-5 P a. EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
APPENDIX III Broadband & 1/3 Octave Band Measurements EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
May 2017 Noise Assessment Measurements Noise Measurement Location NS1 Time Measurement Duration LAeq L10 L90 LAmax L95 L99 Comments 13.14-13.44 30 minutes 56.6 60.7 46.1 82.8 39 38.2 Vehicular Traffic on N85 was the main source of noise Noise Measurement Location NS2 Time Measurement Duration LAeq L10 L90 LAmax L95 L99 Comments 13.45-14.15 30 minutes 57.7 61.4 45.4 81.4 41.2 39.4 Vehicular Traffic on N85 was the main source of noise Noise Measurement Location NS3 Time Measurement Duration LAeq L10 L90 LAmax L95 L99 Comments 14.16-14.46 30 minutes 57 61.4 45.7 73.8 38.7 38 Vehicular Traffic on N85 was the main source of noise EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
May 2017 Noise Assessment Measurements Noise Measurement Location NS4 Time Measurement Duration LAeq L10 L90 LAmax L95 L99 Comments 11.08-11.38 30 minutes 47 48.5 37.3 70.1 36.8 36.7 Intermittent traffic on Meaghra Road Noise Measurement Location NS5 Time Measurement Duration LAeq L10 L90 LAmax L95 L99 Comments 11.40-12.10 30 minutes 45.8 50 36.8 54.7 36.5 36.4 Noise Measurement Location NS6 Intermittent traffic on Meaghra Road Time Measurement Duration LAeq L10 L90 LAmax L95 L99 Comments 12.02-12.32 30 minutes 45 48 37.2 70.7 36.9 36.7 Distant Intermittent traffic on Meaghra Road EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
db(a) 1/3 Frequency Measurements - NS1 Frequency Level (db) Measurement Location NS1-1/3 Octave Frequency Analysis Results 25 Hz 58.29021 31.5 Hz 56.10707 80 40 Hz 55.26361 50 Hz 57.07851 70 62.5 Hz 58.91892 60 80 Hz 55.23349 50 100 Hz 53.23961 40 125 Hz 51.36871 30 160 Hz 49.1373 20 200 Hz 47.44594 10 250 Hz 44.90826 0 315 Hz 41.18862 400 Hz 40.35376 500 Hz 43.66763 625 Hz 45.98684 800 Hz 49.01237 1 KHz 50.23683 1.25 KHz 48.48359 1.6 KHz 45.91819 Noise Source: Traffic on N85 road 2 KHz 42.36168 2.5 KHz 38.59577 3.15 KHz 35.87539 4 KHz 34.10287 5 KHz 30.94561 6.25 KHz 27.58375 8 KHz 26.87443 10 KHz 21.10098 12.5 KHz 17.71315 16 KHz 15.95383 LAeq 56.6 Frequency (Hz) EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
db(a) 1/3 Frequency Measurements - NS2 Frequency Level (db) Measurement Location NS2-1/3 Octave Frequency Analysis Results 25 Hz 55.167854 31.5 Hz 53.917427 40 Hz 53.505398 50 Hz 58.18293 62.5 Hz 58.160748 80 Hz 54.291271 100 Hz 51.73748 125 Hz 50.714745 160 Hz 49.059563 200 Hz 47.828194 250 Hz 46.424286 315 Hz 41.576263 400 Hz 41.64109 500 Hz 44.43409 625 Hz 47.153557 800 Hz 50.007416 1 KHz 51.216206 1.25 KHz 49.476391 1.6 KHz 46.727844 Noise Source: Traffic on N85 road 2 KHz 43.29306 Car passing close to meter 2.5 KHz 39.594666 3.15 KHz 40.18478 4 KHz 41.924263 5 KHz 40.101067 6.25 KHz 37.93985 8 KHz 38.706833 10 KHz 24.440891 12.5 KHz 19.126122 16 KHz 23.975592 LAeq 57.7 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Frequency (Hz) EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
db(a) 1/3 Frequency Measurements - NS3 Frequency Level (db) Measurement Location NS3-1/3 Octave Frequency Analysis Results 25 Hz 56.68132 31.5 Hz 54.57517 80 40 Hz 57.06561 70 50 Hz 57.82135 60 62.5 Hz 57.78042 50 80 Hz 56.54951 100 Hz 53.4112 40 125 Hz 51.30725 30 160 Hz 50.1408 20 200 Hz 47.84336 10 250 Hz 45.83311 315 Hz 41.48708 0 400 Hz 41.10425 500 Hz 43.59512 625 Hz 47.33369 800 Hz 49.42329 1 KHz 50.67273 1.25 KHz 49.16109 1.6 KHz 46.46582 Noise Source: Traffic on N85 road 2 KHz 42.75541 2.5 KHz 38.60658 3.15 KHz 36.00851 4 KHz 34.36782 5 KHz 31.13685 6.25 KHz 27.89592 8 KHz 25.80237 10 KHz 21.17091 12.5 KHz 18.18804 16 KHz 15.84186 Laeq 57 Frequency (Hz) EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
db(a) 1/3 Frequency Measurements - NS4 Frequency Level (db) Measurement Location NS4-1/3 Octave Frequency Analysis Results Meter # 114 25 Hz 57.74319 31.5 Hz 54.82111 40 Hz 51.43341 80 50 Hz 48.52353 70 62.5 Hz 46.03195 60 80 Hz 44.48195 50 100 Hz 42.3463 40 125 Hz 39.56744 30 160 Hz 36.24107 20 200 Hz 34.47359 10 250 Hz 37.54276 0 315 Hz 34.56496 400 Hz 29.41122 500 Hz 29.36636 625 Hz 31.31747 800 Hz 30.76418 Frequency (Hz) 1 KHz 30.86012 1.25 KHz 30.06936 1.6 KHz 29.55755 Noise Source: Intermittent traffic on Meaghra Road 2 KHz 31.42589 Wildbirds 2.5 KHz 33.80659 3.15 KHz 35.68621 4 KHz 36.47916 5 KHz 35.05178 6.25 KHz 33.20002 10 KHz 32.61949 12.5 KHz 21.75657 16 KHz 20.31727 LAeq 47 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
db(a) 1/3 Frequency Measurements - NS5 Frequency Level (db) Measurement Location N5-1/3 Octave Frequency Analysis Results Meter # 115 25 Hz 56.53571 31.5 Hz 53.58502 80 40 Hz 50.8628 70 50 Hz 48.17736 60 62.5 Hz 45.47436 50 80 Hz 43.3164 100 Hz 41.12342 40 125 Hz 39.10384 30 160 Hz 37.65144 20 200 Hz 35.21892 10 250 Hz 35.97186 0 315 Hz 33.26055 400 Hz 28.84827 500 Hz 28.31561 625 Hz 27.92855 800 Hz 28.13304 1 KHz 28.11394 1.25 KHz 26.71363 1.6 KHz 26.74261 Noise Source: Intermittent traffic on Meaghra Road 2 KHz 30.7701 Wildbirds 2.5 KHz 32.96921 Plane overhead 3.15 KHz 36.35732 4 KHz 37.03681 5 KHz 36.49356 6.25 KHz 36.7847 8 KHz 32.51941 10 KHz 14.67837 12.5 KHz 12.04377 16 KHz 10.96816 LAeq 45.8 Frequency (Hz) EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51
db(a) 1/3 Frequency Measurements - NS6 Frequency Level (db) Measurement Location N6-1/3 Octave Frequency Analysis Results Meter # 116 25 Hz 58.74902 31.5 Hz 55.84866 80 40 Hz 53.34127 70 50 Hz 50.58437 60 62.5 Hz 47.48653 50 80 Hz 45.73505 100 Hz 43.84709 40 125 Hz 41.53363 30 160 Hz 39.27716 20 200 Hz 36.46157 10 250 Hz 37.89996 0 315 Hz 35.37658 400 Hz 29.44089 500 Hz 30.09298 625 Hz 30.42154 800 Hz 30.68925 Frequency (Hz) 1 KHz 31.08345 1.25 KHz 29.8225 1.6 KHz 29.20857 2 KHz 30.2011 Noise Source: Distant intermittent traffic on Meaghra Road 2.5 KHz 32.62159 Wildbirds 3.15 KHz 34.69652 4 KHz 34.1943 5 KHz 29.45774 6.25 KHz 28.70184 8 KHz 28.26041 10 KHz 17.11907 12.5 KHz 15.94325 16 KHz 14.75195 LAeq 45.7 EPA Export 23-08-2017:03:08:51