Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

construction noise associated with the NIPP project. From review of the NIPP
ESI Report, the average overall noise levels measured as part of their baseline
studies were recorded at 34 dB (A) (wet season) and 37 dB (A) (dry season).
As with standard methodology, and based on this, the baseline noise levels
are therefore considered to be below the IFC Noise Level Guidelines for
daytime, 55 dB(A) LAeq, 15hr, and 45 dB(A) LAeq, 9hr, for night time for
residential, institutional or educational receptors.
7.4.2 Noise Receptors
The noise sensitive receptors close to the site and considered in the impact
assessment include a number of occupied and unoccupied houses, farms and
community infrastructure such as churches and sacred sites within the three
communities of Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor-Eveboeka and
Idunmwumowinna-Uhro-Nisen.
There are twenty-four occupied houses within the community of Orior-
Osemwende and four farms. Within Ihovbor-Eveboeka, there are twenty
occupied farms, one unoccupied house and five receptors consisting of
community-related infrastructure (churches or graves). In addition, within
the community of Idunmwumowinna-Uhro-Nisen, there are twenty-two
occupied houses and one unoccupied house (lying approximately 1 km to the
west of the site and therefore not shown on the map).
7.4.3 Impact Description and Significance: Construction
Impact Description
With regard to noise emissions, there are no specific positive impacts relating
to the construction of the proposed project.
Construction of the plant will take up to two years, and will include
approximately two months of earthworks and site clearance, the preparation
of footings for the plant, heavy earthworks and the construction and
installation of the superstructures.
Proposed construction hours are 0700 – 1800 Monday to Saturday. Auger
(“screw”) piling will take place; but no impact piling is anticipated and as
such, vibration impacts are not considered likely given the distance between
the site and the closest sensitive properties. Noise from construction activities
are likely to be perceptible at the closest noise sensitive properties during the
key phases of the work, particularly earthworks and any activities where a
number of items of plant will be operating simultaneously.
Impact Significance
In the absence of specific details on the proposed construction work
programme and method, it is not possible to quantify construction noise
AZURA EDO IPP
7-32
DRAFT EIA REPORT