November 2004 (PDF 11.6 MB) - Barrick Gold Corporation

Cowal Gold ProjectNoiseManagement PlanNovember 2004

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanCOWAL GOLD PROJECTNOISE MANAGEMENT PLANNOVEMBER 2004Project No. HAL-02-07/1/19Document No. NMP01-P

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanPREFACEThis Noise Management Plan (NMP) has been prepared to meet the requirements of Condition 6.4(a),6.4(b) and 8.4(a) of the Cowal Gold Project Development Consent. Where there is any conflictbetween the provisions of this NMP and the applicable statutory requirements (ie. licenses, permits,consents and relevant laws) the statutory requirements are to take precedence.In accordance with Development Consent Condition 3.2, this NMP is to be revised/updated at leastevery five years, or as otherwise directed by the Director-General, in consultation with the relevantgovernment authorities. In accordance with Consent Condition 8 the noise monitoring programme is tobe revised/updated annually, unless otherwise directed by the Director-General, to reflect changingenvironmental requirements, significant changes in technology/operational practices and results frommonitoring conducted.Relevant current regulatory guidelines and Australian Standards are appended to this NMP to provideguidance to Barrick employees and its contractors. It is the responsibility of Barrick to ascertainwhether these guidelines or Australian Standards have been updated since the production of thisNMP, and to conform with any new versions of these guidelines or standards as required bydevelopment consent conditions.Similarly, it is the responsibility of Barrick to refer to the latest versions of statutory instruments orguidelines that are referenced in this NMP, but have not been appended.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanTABLE OF CONTENTSSectionPage1 INTRODUCTION 11.1 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE 32 LEGISLATIVE AND APPROVAL REGIME 52.1 CONDITIONS OF AUTHORITY ML 1535 52.2 LEGISLATION 52.3 NOISE GUIDELINES 63 NOISE CRITERIA 63.1 CONSTRUCTION NOISE CRITERIA 63.2 OPERATIONS NOISE CRITERIA 74 BACKGROUND NOISE LEVELS 95 NOISE IMPACTS 115.1 IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE 115.1.1 Construction Noise Impacts 125.1.2 Monitoring Construction Noise 135.2 IMPACTS DURING OPERATION PHASE 135.2.1 Hours of Operation 135.2.2 Description of Operation Activities Contributing to Noise Emissions 145.2.3 Operation Noise Impacts 155.2.4 Monitoring Operation Noise 166 NOISE IMPACTS DURING TEMPERATURE INVERSIONS 166.1 MONITORING OF TEMPERATURE INVERSIONS 166.2 NOISE COMPLAINTS DOCUMENTATION 186.3 IDENTIFICATION OF HIGHER LEVEL IMPACTS OR PATTERNS BETWEENNOISE COMPLAINTS AND TEMPERATURE INVERSIONS 196.4 QUANTIFICATION AND AMELIORATION OF ENHANCED IMPACTS DUE TOTEMPERATURE INVERSIONS 197 NOISE INVESTIGATIONS PLAN 197.1 REPORTING OPERATION NOISE EMISSION LEVELS 207.2 EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 207.2.1 Establishing the Mine’s Operating Configuration 207.2.2 Survey Intervals 207.2.3 Weather Conditions 207.2.4 Seasonal Variations 207.2.5 Selecting Locations 217.2.6 Survey Periods and Times of Measurement 217.2.7 Means of Determining Noise Levels 217.2.8 Design of any Noise Modelling or Other Studies 258 MONITORING OF NOISE IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE 258.1 MONITORING OF DISTURBANCE OF BIRD BREEDING 258.1.1 Continuation of Long Term Baseline Monitoring 268.1.2 Bird Behaviour Monitoring 278.2 MONITORING OF NOISE IMPACTS ON OTHER WILDLIFE 27HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 i BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanTABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)9 SURVEY AND INVESTIGATION OF NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES 2810 NOISE REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND PROCEDURES 2811 IMPLEMENTATION OF REMEDIAL MEASURES 2911.1 NOISE REMEDIAL MEASURES 3011.1.1 Controlling Noise at the Source 3011.1.2 Controlling Noise in Transmission 3111.1.3 Controlling Noise at the Receiver 3112 COMPLAINTS REGISTER 3213 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 3213.1 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND CONSULTATIVECOMMITTEE 3214 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT 3415 INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION PROCESS 3516 PROPERTY ACQUISITION DUE TO NOISE AFFECTATION 3617 REPORTING 3718 REFERENCES 38LIST OF TABLESTable 1Table 2Table 3Table 4Table 5Table 6Table 7Table 8Table 9Table 10Table 11Table 12Table 13Table 14Construction - L A10(15 minute) Noise Criteria for the Cowal Gold ProjectOperations - L Aeq(15 minute) Intrusive Noise and L A1(1 minute) Sleep Disturbance Criteria forthe Cowal Gold ProjectPreliminary Wind Conditions in accordance with the INPWintertime L A90 Background Ambient Noise Levels – Monday to Sunday (dBA)Summertime L A90 Background Ambient Noise Levels – Monday to Sunday (dBA)Predicted L A10 Noise Contribution - ConstructionL Amax Noise Levels Across Lake Cowal - ConstructionIndicative Operation FleetPredicted L A10 Noise Contribution - OperationL Amax Noise Levels Across Lake Cowal - OperationPasquill Stability CategoriesWind Fluctuation Criteria for Estimating Pasquill Stability CategoriesModified Wind Fluctuation Criteria for Estimating Pasquill Stability CategoriesNight-time Pasquill Stability Categories based on σ ALIST OF FIGURESFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3Project LocationBaseline Noise Monitoring LocationsNoise Monitoring LocationsHAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 ii BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanTABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)LIST OF APPENDICESAppendix A NSW Industrial Noise Policy, 2000Appendix BAS 2923-1987 Ambient Air – Guide for Measurement of Horizontal Wind for AirQuality ApplicationsAppendix C AS 1055.1-1997 Acoustics – Description and measurement of environmental noise –General proceduresAppendix DAppendix EAppendix FAS IEC 61672.1-2004 Electroacoustics – Sound level meters – Part 1: SpecificationsAS IES 61672.2-2004 Electroacoustics – Sound level meters – Part 2: Patternevaluation testsAS 2659.1-1988 Guide to the use of Sound Measuring Equipment – Portable SoundLevel MetersHAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 iii BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan1 INTRODUCTIONThe Cowal Gold Project (the Project) is located approximately 38 kilometres (km) north-east of WestWyalong, New South Wales (NSW) (Figure 1). The Project is owned by Barrick Gold Australia Ltd(Barrick).Consent Conditions 6.4(a) and 6.4(b) for the mine and pipeline require the preparation of the enclosedNoise Management Plan (NMP). Consent Condition 8.4(a) specifies noise monitoring and auditingrequirements. The consent conditions and the corresponding sections of this NMP that address theconditions are outlined below:6.4 Noise Control(a)Noise levels - mine operationsConsent ConditionThe Applicant shall ensure that the L A10(15 minute) noise levels due to the normal operationof the mine, when measured or computed at any dwelling in the vicinity of the mine(other than one owned by a mining company), shall not exceed:-– during day time (7am-10pm), an L A10(15 minute ) noise levels of 35dB(A)– during night time (10pm – 7am), an L A10(15 minute) noise levels of 33dB(A).These goals apply under prevailing meteorological conditions except during:SectionSection 3.2• rain; and/or• wind speeds greater than 3 m/s; and/or(b)• temperature inversions.Noise impacts that may be enhanced by temperature inversions shall be addressed by:(i)(ii)documenting noise complaints received to identify any higher level of impacts orpatterns of temperature inversions; andwhere levels of noise complaints indicate a higher level of impact then actions toquantify and ameliorate any enhanced impacts under temperature inversionconditions should be detailed in the noise management plan.Noise management planThe Applicant shall prior to commencement of mining operations prepare a noisemanagement plan in consultation with the EPA and to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The plan shall detail noise strategies and procedures for dealing with noisewhich exceeds the L A10 (15 minute) noise emission limits set out in this consent, includingwhere appropriate exceedances during temperature inversions, or demonstrably disturbsbird breeding, and carry out remedial measures as directed by the EPA, in consultationwith the NPWS if monitoring demonstrates bird breeding is impacted.8.4 Noise and Blasting(a)(Refer condition 8.4 for noise investigation/monitoring details).Noise Investigations and ManagementThe Applicant shall:(i)(ii)prior to mining operations develop a plan to conduct noise investigations at sixmonthly intervals (unless otherwise agreed by the Director-General) to evaluate,assess and report the L A10 (15 minute) noise emission levels due to normaloperations of the mine under prevailing weather conditions, except during rainand/or wind speeds greater than 3 m/s and/or temperature inversions. Themethodologies, including establishing the mine’s operating configuration,determining survey intervals, weather conditions, seasonal variations, selectingvariations, selecting locations, periods and times of measurements, the design ofany noise modelling or other studies, including the means for determining thenoise levels emitted by the mining operations, shall be in accordance with therequirements of the EPA;if required from condition 8.4(a)(i) or if wildlife is significantly impacted as identifiedby monitoring actions undertaken in accordance with condition 3.4(a), survey andinvestigate noise reduction measures from plant and equipment at the conclusionof the first 12 months of ore processing operations in consultation with NPWS oras directed by the EPA; and(iii) arrange independent noise emission investigations as provided in Condition 11.1.A summary of noise monitoring results shall be included in the AEMR.Section 6Sections 10 and 11Sections 7 and 8Section 9Sections 15 and 16Section 17HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 1 BARRICK

6 280 000 NLaneCunningtons6 260 000 NLake CargelligoWamboyne DipRidleys LaneMcCaskies LaneCootamundraLEGENDProposed Borefield and Borefield PipelineProposed Site Access RoadProposed Electricity Transmission LineMining Lease BoundaryRelocated Travelling Stock Reserve0 5KilometresSullivans LaneHAL-02-07 Noise MP_001CWebsters LaneBlow Clear520 000 EBurcherWamboyne RoadWest WyalongWest WyalongButtenshaw LaneRailwayLane10BurcherTo Temoraapprox 59kmRoadWests LaneLonergans LaneBillysLookoutQuandialla RoadBodelsRailwayWamboyneMountainNewellNerangCowalML1535COWAL GOLDPROJECTLaneWilsonsLaneSandy540 000 E 540 000 EBogeysIslandLakeCowalCreekHighwayBlandBurcher RoadWebsters RoadCreekKurboo Lane6 300 000 N6 280 000 NTo Forbesapprox 46km6260000NN o i s e M a n a g e m e n t P l a nFIGURE 1Project Location

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanIn addition:• Consent Condition 3.4(a) provides for the preparation of a Flora and Fauna Management Plan(FFMP):The Applicant shall prior to commencement of construction prepare a fauna management plan tocover the mining lease area and monitoring of bird breeding areas as identified by the Applicantin consultation with NPWS. The plan shall be prepared in consultation with NPWS, NSWFisheries and EPA, and be to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The plan shall include, butnot be limited to:(x) details of monitoring the mine’s impacts particularly on birdlife in bird breeding areasidentified by the Applicant in consultation with NPWS, threatened fauna and flora, and fishand aquatic invertebrates around Lake Cowal, and outline contingency measures shouldimpacts be identified as occurring.This condition is addressed in Section 8.2.• Consent Condition 8.1 provides:The Applicant shall continue meteorological monitoring by utilising and maintaining the existingweather station on site. The data shall be particularly used for predicting noise, dust and blastingimpacts on nearby residences, and bird breeding identified by the Applicant in consultation withNPWS.This condition is addressed in Section 6.1.• Consent Condition 8.7 establishes the requirements for a Community Environmental MonitoringConsultative Committee (CEMCC) and is reproduced in full and addressed in Section 13.• Consent Condition 8.8 establishes the requirements for an Independent Environmental Audit andan Independent Monitoring Panel. This condition is reproduced in full and discussed in Section14.• Consent Condition 9.2 establishes reporting requirements and is reproduced in full and discussedin Section 17.• Consent Condition 10 outlines the requirements for receipt and response to communitycomplaints. This condition is reproduced in full and discussed in Section 12.• Consent Condition 11 outlines property acquisition requirements and is reproduced in full anddiscussed in Sections 15 and 16.1.1 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPEThe primary objective of this NMP is to establish a noise management strategy for the Project thatcomplies with the development consent conditions, through the:• identification of relevant noise standards;• identification of potential noise sources and impacts;• identification of noise management and mitigation measures;• development of a noise monitoring programme;• establishment of proactive and responsive noise management protocols; and• establishment of community consultation protocols.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 3 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanThe NMP is structured as follows:Section 1:Section 2:Section 3:Section 4:Section 5:Section 6:Section 7:Section 8:Section 9:Section 10:Section 11:Section 12:Section 13:Section 14:Section 15:Section 16:Section 17:Outlines the objectives of the Plan and details relevant consent conditions.Presents the legislative and approval regime relating to noise emissions.Describes criteria relevant to noise emissions.Discusses background noise levels.Discusses predicted noise impacts associated with the Project and construction noisemonitoring.Discusses the management of noise impacts and monitoring during temperatureinversions.Describes the noise monitoring programme in the Noise Investigation Plan.Discusses the methods to be utilised to monitor the impact of noise on wildlife.Outlines a programme to be undertaken to survey and investigate the effectiveness ofnoise reduction measures implemented.Outlines the noise reduction strategies and procedures to be implemented in theevent of exceedance of criteria or disturbance of bird breeding or other wildlife.Discusses remedial measures relating to noise impacts.Presents the protocols for recording and receiving complaints.Presents stakeholder consultation and notification requirements.Discusses the independent environmental audit processDetails the independent investigation process.Presents property acquisition requirements.Outlines reporting requirements for noise related issues.In accordance with consent condition requirements the Department of Infrastructure, Planning andNatural Resources (DIPNR) and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) have beenconsulted during the preparation of this NMP. The DEC brings together the NSW EnvironmentProtection Authority (EPA), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Resource NSW, RoyalBotanic Gardens and Domain Trust and also links with work of the Sydney Catchment Authority (EPA,letter dated 10 November 2003).This NMP is required to be prepared prior to the commencement of mining operations. In addition tonoise from operations, Barrick will manage noise emissions derived from construction activities.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 4 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan2 LEGISLATIVE AND APPROVAL REGIME2.1 CONDITIONS OF AUTHORITY ML 1535The Department of Mineral resources (DMR) has requirements in the Conditions of Authority forMining Lease (ML) 1535 that relate to noise reporting:Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR)26. (1) Within 12 months of the commencement of mining operations and thereafter annually or, atsuch other times as may be allowed by the Director-General, the lease holder must lodge anAnnual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) with the Director-General.(2) The AEMR must be prepared in accordance with the Director-General's guidelines current atthe time of reporting and contain a review and forecast of performance for the preceding andensuing twelve months in terms of:(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)the accepted Mining Operations Plan;development consent requirements and conditions;Environment Protection Authority and Department of Land and Water Conservationlicences and approvals;any other statutory environmental requirements;details of any variations to environmental approvals applicable to the lease area; andwhere relevant, progress towards final rehabilitation objectives.(3) After considering an AEMR the Director-General may, by notice in writing, direct the leaseholder to undertake operations, remedial actions or supplementary studies in the mannerand within the period specified in the notice to ensure that operations on the lease area areconducted in accordance with sound mining and environmental practice.(4) The lease holder shall, as and when directed by the Minister, cooperate with the Director-General to conduct and facilitate review of the AEMR involving other government agenciesand the local council.This condition is addressed in Section 17.2.2 LEGISLATIONProtection of the Environment Operations Act 1997The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 makes it an offence to operate any plant(other than control equipment) at those premises in such a manner as to cause the emission of noisefrom those premises if the noise is caused by the occupier’s failure to maintain the plant in an efficientcondition, or to operate the plant in an efficient manner.Also relevant to this NMP under section 148 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act1997, a duty is imposed on certain persons to notify the DEC or local council where a pollutionincident occurs in the course of an activity so that material harm to the environment is caused orthreatened. The persons upon whom the duty is imposed include the person carrying on the activityand the occupier of premises on which the incident occurs.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 5 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan2.3 NOISE GUIDELINESNSW Industrial Noise Policy, EPA, 2000The EPA’s NSW Industrial Noise Policy, 2000 (INP) has been referenced in the preparation of thisNMP with regard to:• monitoring of temperature inversions;• noise monitoring procedures;• noise monitoring instrumentation calibration; and• implementation of remedial measures.The INP provides a framework and process for deriving noise limit conditions for consents andlicenses to facilitate DEC regulation of premises scheduled under the Protection of the EnvironmentOperations Act 1997, including mining operations. In applying the policy:• project specific noise levels for intrusiveness and amenity that are relevant to the site must bedetermined;• existing background and ambient noise levels must be determined;• adjustments for annoying noise characteristics are to be applied to the noise levels produced bythe project;• regard must be had to meteorological effects in predicting or measuring noise levels produced bythe project;• predicted or measured noise levels must be compared with project-specific noise levels andimpacts must be assessed;• noise mitigation strategies must be considered where the project-specific noise levels areexceeded; and• environmental noise levels from the project must be monitored to determine compliance with theconsent/licence conditions.Sections of the INP relevant to Project noise management are referenced throughout the text and theINP is included in full as Appendix A.3 NOISE CRITERIAThis NMP is required to be prepared prior to the commencement of mining operations. In addition tonoise from operations, Barrick will manage noise emissions derived from construction activities.Noise criteria stipulated in the following subsections have been derived to meet the requirements ofConsent Condition 6.4(a) as a minimum.3.1 CONSTRUCTION NOISE CRITERIAConstruction noise will be subject to provisions of the Construction Environment Protection Licence(CEPL). For the purposes of this NMP and in accordance with DEC requirements (i.e. in accordancewith Chapter 171 of the Environmental Noise Control Manual [ENCM] [EPA, 1994] which appliesconstruction site noise level restrictions for periods not exceeding 26 weeks), “Construction Noise” isdefined as Project noise emitted during the first 26 weeks of the construction phase. The CEPLissued by DEC on 23 December 2003 contains construction noise limits which are consistent with thecriteria set out in Condition 6.4(a) of the Consent which are as follows (Table 1):HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 6 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanTable 1Construction - L A10(15 minute) Noise Criteriafor the Cowal Gold ProjectDay (7am to 10pm)*Intrusive CriteriaL A10(15 minute) dB(A)Night (10pm to 7am)*35 33* including Sundays and Public HolidaysIn accordance with Consent Condition 6.4(a) these criteria apply under prevailing meteorologicalconditions except during:• rain; and/or• wind speeds greater than 3 m/s; and/or• temperature inversions.Further to this, the CEPL issued by the DEC on 23 December 2003 stipulates that the constructionnoise criteria also applies under temperature inversion conditions of up to 3 o C/100 m and windspeeds up to 2 m/s at 10 m above the ground 1 . The measurement of meteorological conditions at theProject is discussed in Sections 6.1 and 7.2.3.3.2 OPERATIONS NOISE CRITERIAFor the purposes of this NMP and in accordance with DEC requirements (i.e. in accordance withChapter 171 of the ENCM [EPA, 1994] which applies construction site noise level restrictions forperiods not exceeding 26 weeks), “Operational Noise” is defined as Project noise emitted after the first26 weeks of Project works. “Operational Noise” will therefore be emitted during the period whichremains of the Project construction phase after 26 weeks and all Project operations.Operations noise criteria have been derived through a review of background noise and meteorologicalenvironments in accordance with the INP by Richard Heggie Associates (2004). The operationsnoise criteria derived below are consistent with the INP. The DEC has advised that these are therelevant criteria for Project operations, including construction activity after the first 26 weeks of Projectworks 1,2 .A review of the background noise data (Section 4) indicated that a minimum Rating Background Level(RBL) of 30 dB(A) is representative of pre-Project noise environment during the daytime, evening andnight-time periods particularly during the cold seasons. This is consistent with the INP which states:“Where the rating background level is found to be less than 30 dB(A), then it is set to 30 dB(A).”The INP introduces the use of energy equivalent (L Aeq ) descriptor for assessing and controllingintrusive (L Aeq(15 minute) ) and amenity (L Aeq(period) ) noise levels. The LAeq is the equivalent continuoussound pressure level equal in energy to the fluctuating level over a defined interval. The use of LAeqensures greater mathematical rigour and improved noise modelling precision beyond that availablewith statistical noise exceedance levels (L AN ). The L AN statistical noise exceedance values are thelevels exceeded for N% of an interval (e.g. 15 minutes). The L A10(15 minute) is the level exceeded for10% of the time (ie. 90 seconds in 15 minutes) and is often referred to as the average maximumnoise level. The L A90(15 minute) is the level exceeded for 90% of the time and is often referred to as theaverage minimum noise level.12DEC has advised that in accordance with the ENCM, construction noise criteria are applicable under the CEPL for the first26 weeks after the commencement of construction (i.e. until the week commencing 12 July 2004). DEC requires theOperational Noise Criteria to be adhered to after that time.DEC agreed at a meeting on 8 July 2004.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 7 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanIn accordance with the INP, intrusive L Aeq(15 minute) noise criteria (i.e. Rating Background Level plus5 dB(A)) are provided in Table 2. Note the L Aeq(15 minute) intrusive noise from the Project is thecontrolling noise emission (i.e. the more restrictive criteria) at all receivers (e.g. the recommendedacceptable L Aeq(period) noise levels from industrial sources for residential receivers in rural noiseamenity areas for day, evening and night is 50, 45, and 40 dB(A), respectively). Hence, the L Aeq(period)amenity noise is not considered.Additionally, in accordance with DEC requirements as per Chapter 19 of the ENCM, sleep disturbancenoise criteria are also provided in Table 2. Sleep disturbance noise criteria are based on an L A1(1minute) descriptor: Rated Background Level plus 15 dB(A).Table 2Operations - L Aeq(15 minute) Intrusive Noise and L A1(1 minute) Sleep Disturbance Criteriafor the Cowal Gold ProjectIntrusive CriteriaL Aeq(15 minute) dB(A)Sleep Disturbance CriteriaL A1(1 minute) dB(A)Day (7am to 6pm) Evening (6pm to 10pm) Night (10pm to 7am) Night (10pm to 7am)35 35 35 45Meteorological constraints applicable to operations noise criteria have been derived by RichardHeggie Associates (2004) through an assessment of preliminary on-site meteorological data for theperiod January to December 2002. Preliminary wind conditions are provided in Table 3 inaccordance with the INP which states:“Wind effects need to be assessed where wind is a feature of the area. Wind is considered to bea feature where source to receiver wind speeds (at 10 m height) of 3 m/s or below occur for30 percent of the time or more in any assessment period in any season.”Table 3Preliminary Wind Conditions in Accordance with the INPSeasonWinds ±45 o ≤3 m/s with Frequency of Occurrence ≥30%Daytime Evening Night-timeAnnual nil nil nilSummer nil nil nilAutumn nil nil nilWinter nil nil SSE (31.9%), S (32.4%)Spring nil nil nilConsistent with Consent Condition 6.4(a), the noise criteria in Table 2 will apply under meteorologicalconditions of wind speed up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level. The sleep disturbance criteriain Table 2 will also apply under the same meteorological conditions.In the absence of measured data to assess atmospheric stability conditions, the INP nominatesdefault inversion parameters for arid and semi-arid areas where the average rainfall is less than 500mm as follows:“8.0 o C/100 m temperature inversion strengths for all receivers, plus a 1 m/s source-to-receivercomponent drainage-flow wind speeds for those receivers where applicable.”HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 8 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanAs such, the noise criteria in Table 2 will apply under meteorological conditions of temperatureinversion conditions of up to 8.0 o C/100 m and wind speed up to 1 m/s at 10 metres above groundlevel. The 1 m/s drainage-flow wind applies where the development is at higher altitude than theresidential receiver, with no intervening higher ground.In accordance with Consent Condition 6.4(a) these criteria will not apply during rainfall.The measurement of meteorological conditions at the Project is discussed in Sections 6.1 and 7.2.3.4 BACKGROUND NOISE LEVELSAcoustic studies were conducted by Richard Heggie Associates (1997) to quantify the existingacoustical environment. Background ambient noise surveys using unattended loggers were initiallyutilised in July and August 1994 (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997). In addition, operator attendedsurveys were undertaken throughout those months to assist in identifying the character and durationof background ambient noise (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997).Background noise levels are presented as an L A90 . L A90 refers to the “A”-weighted noise level which isexceeded for 90% of the sampling period and is referred to as the average minimum or backgroundnoise level (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997).The background ambient noise monitoring surveys were conducted in accordance with AustralianStandard (AS) 1055.1-1997 Acoustics – Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise(Appendix C) and the EPA’s Environmental Noise Control Manual, 1994. The locations of thebackground ambient noise monitoring sites are presented on Figure 2. The results of monitoringundertaken in July and August 1994 are presented in Table 4 as L A90 background ambient noiselevels. Results of noise monitoring at Cowal West have not been included below as Barrick hasacquired that property. Subsequent to the background ambient noise monitoring surveys, Barrick havepurchased the Lakeside and Lake Cowal properties.Table 4Wintertime L A90 Background Ambient Noise LevelsMonday to Sunday (dBA)Dwelling NameDaytime(7.00am - 6.00pm)Night-time(6.00pm - 7.00am)Coniston 30 25Lakeside 30 25Lake Cowal 30 25Gumbelah 29 27Source: Richard Heggie Associates, 1997Note: All night-time levels are likely to have been determined by the noiselogger’s electronic noise floor.Analysis of L A90 background ambient noise levels showed that noise levels declined at night (Table 4).Further surveys were conducted in December 1994 and January 1995 to assess whether this trendwould occur during summer. During the summertime period, an unattended noise logger and weatherstation was located at ‘Lakeside’ with unattended loggers also installed at ‘Coniston’, ‘Lake Cowal’ and‘Gumbelah’. The result of this L A90 , background ambient noise level monitoring is presented in Table 5.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 9 BARRICK

LEGENDNerangCowal540 000 E545 000 EBarrick-owned LandMining Lease BoundaryAmbient Noise Monitoring Site6 290 000 N0 2Kilometres4BogeysIsland6 285 000 N6 285 000 NWamboyneMountain‘Coniston’‘Lakeside’6 280 000 NML15356 280 000 NWest Wyalong- Railway‘Cowal West’BurcherCOWALGOLDPROJECT6 275 000 N‘Gumbelah’6 275 000 N‘Hillgrove'‘Lake Cowal'Bland6 270 000 N535 000 E540 000 ESandy545 000 ECreekSoil N o i Stripping s e M a n aManagement g e m e n t P lPlana nFIGURE 2Baseline NoiseMonitoring LocationsHAL-02-07 Noise MP_004E

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanTable 5Summertime L A90 Background Ambient Noise LevelsMonday to Sunday (dBA)Property NameDaytime(7am - 10pm)Night-time(10pm - 7am)Coniston 27 26Lakeside 31 34Lake Cowal 30 25Gumbelah 31 32Source: Richard Heggie Associates, 1997L A10(15 minute) noise level design goals for the Project were developed based on the results of wintertimeand summertime background ambient noise levels in Table 4 and Table 5. These are reflected in theProject construction noise criteria presented in Table 1 (Section 3.1). The operations intrusive noisecriteria (Table 2) have been derived as described in Section 3.2 in accordance with the INP. Theoperations sleep disturbance criteria (Table 2) have been derived in accordance with DECrequirements as per Chapter 19 of the ENCM.5 NOISE IMPACTSSources of noise generation at the Project would include the processing plant (operation phase only),drills, trucks and mobile earthmoving equipment (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997).In order to determine the potential acoustical impact of the Project, a computer model (EnvironmentalNoise Model) was used to assess the relationship between significant proposed noise-emittingactivities, the surrounding terrain, nearby potentially affected residences and bird breeding areas.The major sources of noise were grouped into four distinct categories as follows:• noise emissions from mobile plant and equipment during the construction phase;• noise emissions from mining operations including fixed processing plant and mobile equipment;• ground vibration and air blast emissions resulting from blasting operations (addressed in theBlast Management Plan (BMP)); and• noise emissions from project associated traffic on public roads (addressed in the Traffic NoiseManagement Plan (TNMP)).The following sections will discuss the first two categories of noise sources, with blasting effectsaddressed in the BMP and traffic noise addressed in the TNMP.5.1 IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASEThe following construction works would be required before Project operations commence:• construction of a gravel road along the section of relocated travelling stock reserve;• establishment of the lake protection bund, which provides hydrologic protection to Lake Cowaland sound protection around the perimeter of the mine, waste dumps and process plant;• stripping of waste from the open pit;• commencement of dewatering of aquifers to be intersected by the open pit;• construction of the tailings storages;• construction of the water supply borefield and pipeline across Lake Cowal;HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 11 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan• construction of the 132 kV electricity transmission line (within the ML);• upgrading of the access road from West Wyalong; and• fabrication and erection of the processing plant.5.1.1 Construction Noise ImpactsModelling of noise emission levels at nearby residences and bird breeding areas was conductedassuming concurrent operation of all items of mobile equipment (Section 5.2.2) under neutralmeteorological conditions (ie. 20°C, 70% relative humidity, 0°C/100 metres (m) temperature gradientand 0 metres per second (m/s) wind speed) (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997). Noise emission levelsunder adverse conditions, including a 3°C/100 m temperature inversion and 1.5 m/s wind speed, werealso modelled. The following sections outline the results of noise emission modelling duringconstruction for both nearby dwellings and bird breeding areas.DwellingsThe predicted L A10 noise contributions for typical activities during the construction phase are presentedin Table 6.Table 6Predicted L A10 Noise Contribution – ConstructionDwelling NameNeutralMeteorologicalConditions (dBA)3 o C/100 mInversion (dBA)1.5 m/s Wind(dBA)Intrusive Criteria 1LA 10 (15 minute)dB(A)Day (7am to 10pm)Intrusive Criteria 1LA 10 (15 minute)dB(A)Night (10pm to7am)Coniston 16 24 26 35 33Lakeside* 20 22 25 35 33Lake Cowal* 16 24 25 35 33Gumbelah 19 20 21 35 33After: Richard Heggie Associates, 1997* denotes Barrick-owned dwelling1Refer to Consent Condition 6.4(a) and Table 1Table 6 indicates that at all the closest dwellings, the predicted noise levels comply with the daytimeand night-time level criteria (Table 1) under neutral and adverse conditions.Bird BreedingLake Cowal is a recognised bird habitat for many species that congregate when conditions aresuitable. Bird breeding predominantly occurs in a restricted area of remnant Red Gum and Lignumhabitat at the north of Lake Cowal with feeding extending to Nerang Cowal. The main breeding areasare more than 4 km away from the Project area (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997).Project noise levels under adverse conditions (1.5 m/s wind) were predicted at various distances fromthe edge of Lake Cowal closest to future activity during the construction phase. The results of thisanalysis are presented in Table 7.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 12 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanTable 7L Amax Noise Levels across Lake Cowal - ConstructionProject PhaseDistance From Lake Edge Closest to Construction ActivityL Amax Noise Level (1.5 m/s wind) - dBA1.5 km 2 km 4 km 5.5 km 6 km 7 km 10 kmConstruction (Year -1) 53 44 35 29 30 26 25After: Richard Heggie Associates, 1997Birds tend to habituate to constant steady noise levels, even of a relatively high level in the order of70 dBA (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997). Table 7 indicates that the maximum noise levels underadverse weather conditions at the closest monitored area at Lake Cowal would be 53 dBA duringconstruction (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997). This is below the level of 70 dBA, above which somedegree of environmental changes in birds have been observed (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997).Monitoring of potential noise impacts on bird breeding is discussed in Section 8.5.1.2 Monitoring Construction NoiseNoise levels during peak construction periods will be monitored at the following locations, as agreedwith NPWS (NPWS, pers. comm., 21 May 2003):• NO1 - New Lake foreshore;• NO2 - ‘Coniston’ residence;• NO3 - bird breeding area;• NO4 - bird breeding area;• NO5 - ‘Gumbelah’ residence; and• NO6 - ‘Lake Cowal’ residence.Section B1.2 of Appendix B of the INP (Appendix A) describes procedures for unattended long-termmonitoring of noise. Procedures that could be adopted are as follows:1. Field-calibrate the noise monitoring equipment.2. Monitor the background noise and meteorological conditions continuously for each day of theweek that the development will be operating and over the proposed operating hours, using theL A90(15 minute) descriptor.3. Note the dominant and background noise sources present at the site throughout the monitoringperiod.4. Check the field calibration at the conclusion of the monitoring period in accordance withAS 1259.1 (now superseded by AS IEC 61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004,[Appendix E]) and AS 2659.1 (Appendix F) to ensure that any calibration drift is allowed byrelevant Australian Standards.5.2 IMPACTS DURING OPERATION PHASE5.2.1 Hours of OperationThe hours of mining and processing operations will be 24 hours per day, Monday to Sunday (RichardHeggie Associates, 1997).HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 13 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan5.2.2 Description of Operation Activities Contributing to Noise EmissionsActivities contributing to noise emissions during operations would consist of use of mobile equipmentin the operation fleet predominantly associated with open pit mining and the processing plant. Table 8outlines the indicative operation fleet identified as being required for use during operation activities inYears 3 and 8.Table 8Indicative Operation FleetNo. of Items Item Description Overall SWL 1 (dBA)Operations Year 35 CAT 789B Haul Truck (K57) 1154 CAT 789B Haul Truck (K57) 1151 Front End Loader 1151 Water Tanker (K57) 1151 Grader - CAT 16G (K57) 1132 350t Excavator (K57) 1173 Drill (5208) 116Operations Year 85 CAT 789B Haul Truck (K57) 1153 Drill (5208) 1162 350t Excavator (K57) 1172 CAT D10 Dozer (K57) 1181 Water Tanker (K57) 1151 Grader - CAT 16G (K57) 1131 Wheel Dozer (K57) 1091 Front End Loader 115Processing Plant1 Processing Plant (4288) 121After: Richard Heggie Associates, 19971SWL is the overall “A”-weighted sound power level for each item.For the purpose of modelling the noise output during operations, the following parameters weredescribed for each piece of equipment in Table 8 (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997):• the operating location for each item during operation stage;• the overall “A”-weighted sound power for each item; and• the linear octave band sound power level for each item.These parameters enabled prediction of operation noise impacts as outlined in Section 5.2.3.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 14 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan5.2.3 Operation Noise ImpactsThe modelling procedure applied to the operation phase to ascertain noise effects on dwellings andbird breeding was the same as that applied to the construction phase. The following sections outlinethe results of noise emission modelling during operation for both nearby dwellings and bird breedingareas.Comparison with construction noise intrusive criteria (Table 1 - L A10(15 minute) ) has been made whichpre-dates the operations intrusive and sleep disturbance criteria derived in accordance with the INP(Table 2 - L Aeq(15 minute) ) and DEC requirements (Table 2 - L A1(1 minute) ), respectively.DwellingsTable 9 indicates that at all the closest dwellings, the predicted noise levels comply with daytime andnight-time level criteria (Table 1) under neutral and adverse conditions.Table 9Predicted L A10 Noise Contribution - OperationDwelling NameNeutral MeteorologicalConditions3 o C/100 m Inversion 1.5 m/s WindYear 3 Year 8 Year 3 Year 8 Year 3 Year 8Coniston 11 21 22 27 26 31Lakeside 10 19 20 24 23 28Lake Cowal 14 13 20 19 22 22Gumbelah 9 11 16 15 17 17After: Richard Heggie Associates, 1997Bird BreedingProject operation noise levels under adverse conditions (1.5 m/s wind) were predicted at variousdistances from the edge of Lake Cowal closest to activities during the operation phase. The results ofthis analysis are presented in Table 10.Table 10L Amax Noise Levels across Lake Cowal - OperationProject PhaseDistance From Lake Edge Closest to Operations/L Amax Noise Level (1.5 m/s wind) - dBA1.5 km 2 km 4 km 5.5 km 6 km 7 km 10 kmMining (Year 3) 45 38 31 27 26 23 22Mining (Year 8) 44 37 32 28 27 23 22After: Richard Heggie Associates, 1997Birds tend to habituate to constant steady noise levels, even of a relatively high level in the order of70 dBA (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997). Table 10 indicates that the maximum noise levels underadverse weather conditions at the closest monitored area at Lake Cowal will be 45 dBA during Year 3and 44 dBA in Year 8 (Richard Heggie Associates, 1997). This is below the level of 70 dBA, abovewhich some degree of environmental changes in birds have been observed (Richard HeggieAssociates, 1997). Monitoring of potential operation noise impacts on bird breeding is discussed inSection 8.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 15 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan5.2.4 Monitoring Operation NoiseNoise monitoring methodology for Project operations will be described in the Noise InvestigationsPlan, prepared pursuant to Consent Condition 8.4(a)(i). Details of operational noise monitoringmethodology and the Noise Investigations Plan are provided in Section 7.6 NOISE IMPACTS DURING TEMPERATURE INVERSIONSIn accordance with Consent Conditions 6.4(a) and 6.4(b), temperature inversions are required to beconsidered in this NMP. Monitoring of temperature inversions, correlations between temperatureinversions, investigation of noise complaints and possible remedial measures relating to temperatureinversion impacts are discussed in the following sections.6.1 MONITORING OF TEMPERATURE INVERSIONSIn accordance with Consent Condition 8.1, the on-site meteorological station will provide data to beused for predicting noise impacts on nearby residences and bird breeding areas. An automatedmeteorological station is currently located at the exploration office and records rainfall, wind speed,wind direction and temperature. The meteorological station will be relocated to continue to monitormeteorological conditions during Project operations. When used in conjunction with the noisemonitoring results, meteorological data (in particular, wind speed, wind direction and rainfall) willprovide useful information for the management of noise emissions and review of noise managementpractices.As part of meteorological monitoring, the sigma-theta method will be employed for measuringtemperature inversions. The sigma-theta method will be used according to the specifications in theINP (Appendix A). The sigma-theta method allows the susceptibility of an area to inversions to bedetermined indirectly through the use of a relationship between atmospheric stability categories andinversions. This relationship is shown in Table 11, adapted from Table E1 of Appendix E of the INP(Appendix A).Table 11Pasquill Stability CategoriesStability Category Range of Vertical Temperature Gradient 1(°C/100 m)A DT/DZ < –1.9B –1.9 < DT/DZ < –1.7C –1.7 < DT/DZ < –1.5D –1.5 < DT/DZ < –0.5E –0 .5 < DT/DZ < 1.5F 1.5 < DT/DZ < 4.0G4.0 < DT/DZSource: EPA, 20001DT/DZ refers to change in temperature over 100 m in elevation.Section E1 of Appendix E of the INP (Appendix A) states that:‘...inversions occur during E, F and G categories. These three categories are considered torepresent weak, moderate and strong inversions, respectively. For noise-assessment purposes,only moderate and strong inversions are considered significant enough to require assessment.’HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 16 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanTherefore, only Pasquil stability categories F and G are considered to be temperature inversions fornoise assessment purposes (Table 11).Using this method, an inversion can be determined by using a relationship between stabilitycategories and sigma-theta which is defined as the standard deviation of the horizontal wind directionfluctuations (σ A in degrees) (EPA, 2000).The following parameters are measured as part of the sigma-theta method:• time of day;• wind speed and direction;• surface roughness/vegetation cover; and• sigma-theta σ A (standard deviation of horizontal wind direction fluctuations).The existing meteorological station will measure wind speed and direction at an elevation of 10 m inaccordance with Table C4 of Appendix C of the INP (Appendix A). As outlined in Section E4 ofAppendix E of the INP (Appendix A), sigma-theta data will be measured on an hourly basis and wouldbe collected as specified in Australian Standard AS 2923 1987 Ambient Air – Guide for Measurementof Horizontal Wind for Air Quality Applications (Appendix B).Section E4 of Appendix E of the INP (Appendix A) states that the sigma-theta method is:‘...applied in one step to determine the daytime stability category and two steps to determine thenight-time stability category as follows:• the daytime (from 7 am to 6 pm) stability category may be determined directly from σ A datausing [Table 13].• the night-time (from 6 pm to 7 am) stability category may be determined in two steps:– determine the stability category from σ Α data using [Table 13].– modify this stability category based on prevailing wind speed using [Table 14].’Section E4 of Appendix E of the INP (Appendix A) states that the data in Table 12 is appropriate forsteady-state conditions and an aerodynamic surface roughness length of 15 centimetres (cm).Examination of Table E7 of Section E4 of Appendix E of the INP (Appendix A) indicates that theProject area surface is best characterised by rough pasture, which has a surface roughness ofbetween 4 and 10 cm. As a conservative measure, 4 cm was selected and incorporated into acorrection factor formula for Table 12.Table 12Wind Fluctuation Criteria for Estimating Pasquill Stability CategoriesPasquill StabilityCategoryABCDEFGSource: EPA, 2000Standard Deviation of the Horizontal Wind DirectionFluctuations 3,4 (σ Α in degrees)σ A ≥ 22.5 o17.5 ≤ σ A

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanThe surface roughness correction factor given in Section E4 of Appendix E of the INP (Appendix A) is(Z 0 /15 cm) 0.2 , where Z 0 is the average surface roughness in centimetres within a radius of 1 to 3 km ofthe source. Therefore, assuming Z 0 = 4 cm, the correction factor is 0.77 and Table 12 is modified toreflect this (Table 13). The night-time Pasquill stability categories are presented in Table 14.Table 13Modified Wind Fluctuation Criteria for Estimating Pasquill Stability CategoriesPasquill StabilityCategoryStandard Deviation of the Horizontal Wind DirectionFluctuations3,4 (σ Α in degrees)A σ A ≥ 17.3B 13.5 ≤ σ A

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan• meteorological conditions, including temperature inversions;• nature of complaint; and• response action taken to date.The complaints register will be updated and attended to by the Environmental Manager.6.3 IDENTIFICATION OF HIGHER LEVEL IMPACTS OR PATTERNS BETWEEN NOISECOMPLAINTS AND TEMPERATURE INVERSIONSIn accordance with Consent Condition 6.4(a), data from the on-site meteorological station will be usedto determine the existence of temperature inversions (Section 6.1). The occurrence of anytemperature inversions will be compared with noise complaint details (Section 6.2) to determinewhether any higher level of impacts or patterns of temperature inversions have occurred.The details of complaints received by the Environmental Manager will be entered into the complaintsregister. The receiving of any complaints will prompt the Environmental Manager to assess whethertemperature inversions are contributing to the noise complaint.Higher level impacts in relation to temperature inversions will only be apparent after a number ofcomplaints during temperature inversions have been received. Higher level impacts in relation totemperature inversions will be presented in the AEMR (Section 17).6.4 QUANTIFICATION AND AMELIORATION OF ENHANCED IMPACTS DUE TOTEMPERATURE INVERSIONSQuantificationIn accordance with Consent Condition 6.4(a)(ii), should enhanced noise impacts be identified in theprocess described in Section 6.3, monitoring will occur at the source of the complaint to quantify thedegree of enhanced impact against noise exceedance criteria. Monitoring should be undertaken bothduring periods of temperature inversion and during the daytime, when temperature inversions are notexperienced, to enable quantification of the contribution of the temperature inversion to noise impacts.AmeliorationWhere numbers of noise complaints indicate higher levels of noise impact due to temperatureinversions, as quantified (Section 6.4), measures will be taken to ameliorate enhanced impacts undertemperature inversion conditions. Noise reduction strategies and procedures for reducing noiseemissions from the Project are outlined in Section 10, whilst Section 11 details remedial measuresthat could be applied.7 NOISE INVESTIGATIONS PLANIn accordance with Consent Condition 8.4(a)(i), monitoring will be conducted at near-by residencesand bird breeding areas to evaluate, assess and report the L A10(15 minute) and L Aeq(15 minute) noise emissionlevels due to normal operations of the mine during prevailing conditions, except during:• rain; and/or• wind speeds greater than 3 m/s; and/orHAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 19 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan• temperature inversions greater than 8.0 o C/100 m and wind speed greater than 1 m/s at 10metres above ground level. Note that the 1 m/s drainage-flow wind constraint will only applywhere the development is at higher altitude than the residential receiver, with no interveninghigher ground.7.1 REPORTING OPERATION NOISE EMISSION LEVELSA noise investigations and management report will be composed following operational noisemonitoring at six monthly intervals (Section 7.2.2). This report will contain details of major findings,monitoring results and remedial measures. This information will also be presented in the AEMR(Section 17).In accordance with Consent Condition 8, the noise monitoring programme (ie. the Noise InvestigationsPlan) is to be revised and updated annually, unless otherwise directed by the Director-General, toreflect changing environmental requirements, significant changes in technology/operational practicesand results from monitoring conducted.7.2 EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY7.2.1 Establishing the Mine’s Operating ConfigurationDetails regarding potential noise sources during the operation phase are presented in Section 5.2.7.2.2 Survey IntervalsIn accordance with Consent Condition 8.4(a)(i), operational noise investigations will be conducted atsix monthly intervals. Section 5.2 of the INP (Appendix A) states that winter represents the seasonwith the highest frequency of temperature inversions. Monitoring will therefore be undertaken in Julyand January, representing mid-winter and mid-summer, respectively. This will enable seasonalvariations in noise impacts to be established as described in Section 7.2.4. Monitoring will commenceduring the first January or July following commencement of operations, in accordance with ConsentCondition 8.4(a)(i).7.2.3 Weather ConditionsAs described in Section 6.1, a meteorological monitoring station will be established in accordance withConsent Conditions 8 and 8.1. The meteorological monitoring station will be maintained for the life ofthe Project to assist in the prediction of noise impacts at nearby residences and bird breeding areas.In accordance with Consent Condition 8.4(a)(i), data from the on-site meteorological station will beutilised to establish correlations between weather conditions and noise monitoring results to determinethe weather conditions that produce greater noise impacts and/or a higher incidence of complaints.Meteorological conditions will be recorded with each monitoring activity or complaint (Section 7.2.7and Section 12).7.2.4 Seasonal VariationsAs described in Section 7.2.2, operation noise monitoring will be undertaken in January and July. Thiswill enable noise monitoring to be evaluated with regards to the season in which the monitoring will beundertaken. Seasonal variations will not be apparent until the conclusion of the second year ofmonitoring following the commencement of operations, at which time seasonal variations will beevaluated and discussed in the noise investigations report.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 20 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan7.2.5 Selecting LocationsMonitoring locations have been agreed with NPWS (NPWS, pers. comm., 21 May 2003) as follows(Figure 3):• NO1 - New Lake foreshore;• NO2 - ‘Coniston’ residence;• NO3 - bird breeding area;• NO4 - bird breeding area;• NO5 - ‘Gumbelah’ residence; and• NO6 - ‘Lake Cowal’ residence.7.2.6 Survey Periods and Times of MeasurementIn accordance with Consent Condition 8.4(a)(i), operator attended noise monitoring will be conductedsix monthly at locations identified in Section 7.2.5.At each monitoring site, operator attended noise monitoring will be conducted using a Type 1 nonintegratingsound level meter over a 15 minute period on at least one occasion during the daytime(7am–10pm) and night-time (10pm-7am) as described in section 6.4(a) of the Consent Conditions.During the survey, the operator will identify the character and duration of acoustically significant noisesources. This monitoring is referred to as short-term monitoring in the INP (Appendix A).In conjunction, unattended noise monitoring will also be conducted at locations in Section 7.2.5.Section 3.5 of the INP (Appendix A) specifies a one week period for establishing noise levels with thismonitoring referred to as long-term monitoring. This period will be adopted for unattended monitoringfor Project operations. Unattended long-term monitoring would occur every six months duringoperations, to complement the operator attended short-term noise monitoring.7.2.7 Means of Determining Noise LevelsInstrumentationSection 5.3 of AS 1055.1-1997 (Appendix C) states that instrumentation to be used for measurementof exceedance of “A”-weighted sound pressure level (L A10(15 minute) ) may include but is not limited to:• Type 1 sound level meter set to frequency-weighting “A” and time-weighting “F” with built-incapability for measuring this descriptor; and/or• Data analyser for sampling the running value of “A”-weighted sound pressure level.In order to measure against operations noise criteria (e.g. L Aeq(15 minute) ) an integrating averaging soundlevel meter will be used in accordance with AS 1259.2-1990 (now superseded by AS IEC 61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [Appendix E]).HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 21 BARRICK

LEGENDBarrick-owned LandMining Lease BoundaryNoise Monitoring SiteNerangCowal540 000 E545 000 E6 290 000 N0 2Kilometres4BogeysIslandNO46 285 000 N6 285 000 NWamboyneMountainNO2‘Coniston’‘Lakeside’NO36 280 000 NML15356 280 000 NWest WyalongNorthernTailings StorageNorthernWasteEmplacementOre Stockpile andProcess Plant AreaOpen PitNO1BurcherCOWALGOLDPROJECT6 275 000 N- RailwaySouthernTailings StorageSouthernWasteEmplacementNO5‘Gumbelah’6 275 000 N‘Hillgrove'‘Lake Cowal'NO6Bland6 270 000 N535 000 E540 000 ESandy545 000 ECreekSoil N o i Stripping s e MNoise a n aManagement g e m ePlann t P lPlana nFIGURE 3Noise Monitoring LocationsHAL-02-07 Noise MP_003E

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanInstrumentation Set-upSection B2.1 of Appendix B of the INP (Appendix A) outlines instrumentation and siting requirementsfor operator attended short-term monitoring. The following actions will be undertaken when setting upinstrumentation:• fit a windshield over the microphone before taking measurements;• ensure that the equipment has a current laboratory calibration certificate or label in accordancewith the calibration requirements outlined in AS 1259.1-1990 (now superseded by AS IEC61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [Appendix E]) and AS 2659.1-1988(Appendix F);• calibrate the equipment in-field in accordance with AS 1259.1 (now superseded by AS IEC61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [Appendix E]) and AS 2659.1(Appendix F);• hold the sound-level meter at arm’s length or set-up on a tripod so that the microphone is 1.2 to1.5 m above the ground and at least 3 to 5 m from any walls; and• set the meter to “Fast” time weighting and “A” frequency weighting.Section B1.1 of Appendix B of the INP (Appendix A) outlines instrumentation and siting requirementsfor unattended long-term monitoring. The following actions will be undertaken when setting upinstrumentation:• fit a windshield over the data logger before taking measurements;• ensure that the equipment has a current laboratory calibration certificate or label in accordancewith calibration requirements outlined in AS 1259.1 (now superseded by AS IEC 61672.1-2004[Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [Appendix E]) and AS 2659.1 (Appendix F);• calibrate equipment in-field in accordance with AS 1259.1 (now superseded by AS IEC 61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [Appendix E]) and AS 2659.1 (Appendix F);• position the data logger microphone 1.2 to 1.5 m above ground level and at least 3 to 5 m fromany walls;• position data logger as far away from trees as practicable to avoid noise produced by windblowing through foliage; and• set the meter to “Fast” time weighting and “A” frequency weighting.Noise monitoring proceduresIn accordance with Consent Condition 8.4(a)(i), monitoring will occur during prevailing conditions,except during:• rain; and/or• wind speeds greater than 3 m/s; and/or• temperature inversions greater than 8.0 o C/100 m and wind speed greater than 1 m/s at 10metres above ground level. Note that the 1 m/s drainage-flow wind constraint will only applywhere the development is at higher altitude than the residential receiver, with no interveninghigher ground.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 23 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanThe following procedures for operator attended short-term monitoring are predominantly adopted fromSection B2.2 of Appendix B of the INP (Appendix A), which discusses measurement procedures formonitoring of noise levels. Procedures that could be adopted are as follows:1. During the period of the day for which the noise source is expected to operate, determine thetime when the greatest impact is likely to occur and take measurements at this time (Note: this isoften when the difference between the measured existing noise and the noise level generated bythe new or existing development is greatest.).2. Field-calibrate the noise monitoring equipment.3. Measure the noise level continuously for 15 minutes, excluding all distinct extraneous noises.4. Check the field calibration at the end of the monitoring period in accordance with AS 1259.1 (nowsuperseded by AS IEC 61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [Appendix E]) andAS 2659.1 (Appendix F). Re-monitoring may be required if there is a calibration drift greater thanthat allowed by relevant Australian Standards.Section B1.2 of Appendix B of the INP (Appendix A) describes procedures for unattended long-termmonitoring of noise levels. Procedures that could be adopted are as follows:1. Field-calibrate the noise monitoring equipment.2. Monitor the existing noise and meteorological conditions continuously for each day of the weekthat the proposed development will be operating and over the proposed operating hours, usingthe L A90(15 minute) descriptor.3. Note the dominant and background noise sources present at the site throughout the monitoringperiod.4. Check field calibration at the conclusion of the monitoring period in accordance with AS 1259.1(now superseded by AS IEC 61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [AppendixE]) and AS 2659.1 (Appendix F) to ensure that any calibration drift is allowed by relevantAustralian Standards.Calibration ChecksCalibration of equipment is described in Section 10 of AS 1259.1 (now superseded by AS IEC61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [Appendix E]) and Section 3.5 of AS 2659.1(Appendix F). AS 2659.1 provides a general discussion of calibration whilst AS 1259.1 (nowsuperseded by AS IEC 61672.1-2004 [Appendix D] and AS IEC 61672.2-2004 [Appendix E]) providesmore specific detail on how calibration should be undertaken. This section outlines checks to beundertaken in situ to determine the validity of calibration performed on the instrument, as outlined inSection 3.5 of AS 2659.1 (Appendix F).The calibration check will be performed in the field by applying an acoustic calibrator, which provides aknown sound pressure level to the sound level, and confirming that a correct indication of thecalibrator’s reference level is obtained on the meter. It may be necessary to trim the gain of the meter(usually a screwdriver adjustment) until a correct meter indication can be obtained.An acoustic calibration check would be performed both before and after each series ofmeasurements. If the series of measurements spans a long period, more frequent checks should beperformed. As stated in Section 5.6 of AS 1055.1 (Appendix C) if the instrumentation system registersa discrepancy equal to or greater than 1 dB between consecutive checks, any measurements in theinterval between the two checks shall be invalid.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 24 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan7.2.8 Design of any Noise Modelling or Other StudiesNoise ModellingShould the independent investigation process outlined in Consent Condition 11.1 (Section 15) requirenoise modelling or other studies to be conducted, modelling will be undertaken in accordance with therequirements of Section 6.2 of the INP (Appendix A). Requirements of modelling under the INP are asfollows:• computer models developed should take into account noise attenuation due to distance,atmospheric absorption, barriers, effects of intervening ground types and weather conditions;• model(s) should utilise information including source noise levels, location of sources, topographybetween source and receiver and weather conditions;• modelling approaches should be the subject of peer review and should conform with acceptedpractice (for example, Environmental Noise Model (ENM) or Soundplan). Any other approacheswould need to be approved by the EPA prior to use; and• a map should be produced outlining noise levels as noise contours where large numbers ofpeople are likely to be affected by the noise.Any modelling or other investigations undertaken will be in accordance with DEC requirements.Selecting VariationWhere required by the independent investigation process outlined in Consent Condition 11.1(Section 15) discussed above, noise modelling tools will be used that can predict noise emissionsunder variable parameters (eg. weather conditions and distances to noise receiving locations).Meteorological variation will be selected in light of results from the Project meteorological monitoringstation (Section 7.2.3) and monitoring temperature inversions (Section 6.1). Selecting variation toreflect prevailing weather conditions at the Project and also varying distances to residences and/orbird breeding locations for use in the model will be undertaken by relevant personnel conducting themodelling. Results, incorporating relevant variable parameters, would be used to determine whetheremission criteria are being exceeded at residences and/or bird breeding areas.8 MONITORING OF NOISE IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE8.1 MONITORING OF DISTURBANCE OF BIRD BREEDINGIn accordance with Consent Condition 6.4(b), Barrick is required to undertake remedial measures ifnoise demonstrably disturbs bird breeding.In consultation with NPWS (NPWS, pers. comm., 24 June 2003 and 26 June 2003) it has been agreedthat a demonstrable disturbance to bird breeding will involve an adverse change in breeding successparameters such as the number of fledglings that survive to adulthood (given similar environmentalconditions).Survey records (Crome, 1995; Lane, 1989, 1990, 1991abc; EES, 1992-2000; Gell and Peake, 2001;Gell, 2002a, 2002b, 2002c and 2003) indicate that the bird breeding areas occur in wooded andvegetated parts in northern sections of Lake Cowal. The main bird breeding periods at the LakeCowal bird breeding areas are restricted to the months of August, October and January and aresubject to general climatic conditions and lake water levels (EES, 1999a and 1999b).HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 25 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanTo identify whether “demonstrable disturbance” of bird breeding is taking place, the following two maincomponents of the monitoring programme have been agreed in consultation with the DEC (EPA, pers.comm., 5 June 2003) and NPWS (NPWS, pers. comm., 24 June 2003).1. Continuation of bird breeding monitoring at shore based transects and colonial breeding areas inaccordance with the baseline monitoring programme.2. Specific monitoring of bird breeding behaviour in bird breeding areas during periods of birdbreeding and Project noise emission.These two components will be implemented by a suitably qualified person. Further detail is providedbelow and in the FFMP.The monitoring of blasting effects at the Project on bird breeding is discussed in the BMP. Monitoringof any disturbance to bird breeding is restricted in this NMP to impacts of Project construction andoperation noise emissions. Monitoring of impacts on bird breeding during bird breeding periods will beconducted in addition to noise monitoring at bird breeding areas as identified for Project constructionand operation (Sections 5.2.4 and 7.2.5).In accordance with Section 6.5.5 of the EIS (North Limited, 1998) noise monitoring will be undertakenat the new lake foreshore to assess any impacts on bird behaviour at variance to EIS predictions. Thismonitoring will be undertaken in consultation with the DEC (including NPWS and EPA) once the newlake foreshore rehabilitation is near completion, later in the mine life.8.1.1 Continuation of Long Term Baseline MonitoringBaseline bird breeding monitoring has been conducted at Lake Cowal since 1989. The monitoringprogramme has included examination of bird breeding activity and the assemblage of bird speciesover a whole filling and drying cycle of Lake Cowal from August 1989 to the end of 1997 (EES, 1999aand 1999b). The lake was dry between January and August 1998 and then partially refilled beforedrying out again by January 2002 (Gell, 2002a). Since January 2002, Lake Cowal has remained dryand little bird breeding activity has been observed (Gell, 2002a, 2002b, 2002c and 2003).Monitoring methodology includes (EES, 1995, 1999a and 1999b; Resource Strategies Pty Ltd et al.,1997):1. Waterbird breeding surveys. This includes survey of areas of inundated living Lignum, CaneGrass and River Red Gum stands for breeding colonial waterbirds and incidental observations ofbreeding activity or young birds. In addition, shore based transects are used to count waterbirdabundance. The abundance of birds is assembled from observations of nests, adult birds withyoung and clutches of young and is standardised to a unit equating to the number of nests.2. Collection of environmental data including lake depth, changes in depth, Southern OscillationIndex (SOI), season, and rainfall.3. Statistical analysis to examine variation in the abundance of breeding birds and the mean numberof breeding bird species between years, seasons, lake water cycle and climatic conditions.Results from the surveys include breeding species richness, the spatial location of breeding activityand estimates of the abundance of each species in relation to environmental factors such as lakewater levels and rainfall. This information has been used to date to assess wetland bird speciesbreeding ecology (EES, 1999a and 1999b).HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 26 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanThe baseline surveys will be continued at the bird breeding areas during the main bird breedingperiods of August, October and January to provide monitoring data during Project construction andoperations. This data will allow examination of the spatial distribution of breeding species andbreeding activities in relation to the Project. Noise will be added as a variable into the statisticalanalysis to determine if there is a correlation between noise emissions and disturbance to birdbreeding.8.1.2 Bird Behaviour MonitoringAs agreed with NPWS (NPWS, pers. comm., 21 May 2003 and 24 June 2003) bird breeding activitywill be monitored by a suitably qualified person during construction and operation activities thatcoincide with bird breeding periods. This monitoring will be conducted in the bird breeding areaagreed in consultation with NPWS (NPWS, pers. comm., 21 May 2003) and will include observationsand photography from a bird hide or a boat as well as correlation with data collected during thebaseline surveys (Section 5.3.1).While monitoring of bird behaviour will focus on nesting and breeding behaviour, foraging and roostingare also key activities that are linked to breeding success and therefore will be included (NPWS, pers.comm., 24 June 2003).Parameters that will be monitored include (NPWS, pers. comm., 24 June 2003):• abrupt changes of bird behaviour as a result of noise (eg. birds taking flight as a result of a noisestimulus);• differences in behaviour between different species of birds;• the number and proportion of birds that take flight if considered to be in response to noise(relative to the total resident population at the time of monitoring);• the proportion of birds that return if they take flight in response to noise;• the length of time birds are away if they take flight and the likely impact this would have tohatching and fledging of offspring;• the degree to which birds develop tolerance to noise levels over time; and• changes in foraging and breeding patterns in terms of the extent and/or location of foraging andbreeding areas.In accordance with NPWS advice (NPWS, pers. comm., 25 June 2003), a suitably qualified personwill, on the basis of the results of the monitoring outlined above, experience and literature research,come to an opinion as to whether “demonstrable disturbance” of bird breeding is occurring as a resultof Project noise emission. If, at any time during the monitoring programme, a suitably qualified persondetermines that there is demonstrable disturbance, the DEC (including EPA and NPWS) will beinformed as soon as possible. In the event that demonstrable disturbance has been identified,remedial measures will be implemented as directed by the DEC (Section 11).8.2 MONITORING OF NOISE IMPACTS ON OTHER WILDLIFEIn accordance with Consent Condition 8.4(a)(ii), monitoring is to be undertaken in accordance withConsent Condition 3.4(a) to identify whether wildlife is significantly impacted by noise. In addition tomonitoring the impact of noise on bird breeding (Section 8.1), noise has been identified in the FFMPas potentially impacting on threatened fauna usage of the Compensatory Wetland and remainingwetland areas within ML 1535. Threatened fauna usage of these areas will be monitored inaccordance with the FFMP and Compensatory Wetland Management Plan.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 27 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanIf, at any time during the monitoring programme, a suitably qualified person determines that Projectnoise emissions are impacting on threatened fauna, the DEC (including EPA and NPWS) will beinformed as soon as possible, in accordance with the FFMP. Barrick will survey and investigate noisereduction measures as detailed in Section 9.9 SURVEY AND INVESTIGATION OF NOISE REDUCTION MEASURESConsent Condition 8.4(a)(ii) states that:(ii)if required from condition 8.4(a)(i) or if wildlife is significantly impacted as identified bymonitoring actions undertaken in accordance with condition 3.4(a), survey andinvestigate noise reduction measures from plant and equipment at the conclusion of thefirst 12 months of ore processing operations in consultation with NPWS or as directed bythe EPA;The survey will be conducted if monitoring during the first 12 months of ore processing indicates anexceedance of noise criteria, bird breeding disturbance or other wildlife disturbance as determined bymonitoring under Consent Condition 3.4(a) (Section 8).The survey and investigation of noise reduction measures for plant and equipment will be conducted(where required) in consultation with DEC or as directed by DEC.10 NOISE REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND PROCEDURESIn accordance with Consent Condition 6.4(a)(ii) and 6.4(b), in the event of exceedance of noise levelcriteria, exceedance of criteria during temperature inversions (Section 6) or disturbance of birdbreeding or other wildlife (Section 8), review and responsive strategies and procedures will be appliedto reduce noise levels.Review and responsive strategies and procedures are outlined below and are consistent with thegeneral principles of Chapter 11 of the INP (Appendix A). It will be the responsibility of the OperationsManager in consultation with the Environmental Manager to implement the strategies and procedures.Review StrategyThe review strategy will involve review of construction or operational activities that may havecontributed to the noise level criteria exceedance and/or bird breeding or wildlife disturbance andcorrelation with any monitoring results. The strategy will aim to characterise noise associated with theProject and provide a process for identifying appropriate remedial measures.The review strategy will involve:• review of construction and operational activities to identify any simple explanation for theexceedance of criteria, exceedance of criteria during a temperature inversion or birdbreeding/other wildlife disturbance;• review of temperature inversion data to determine if temperature inversions contributed to theexceedance of criteria or bird breeding/other wildlife disturbance; and• review of noise and meteorological monitoring results to identify whether other meteorologicalconditions may have contributed to the problem.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 28 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanReview ProcedureThe review procedure will include the following:1. The Environmental Manager or delegate will inform the DEC of the noise criteria exceedanceand/or bird breeding or wildlife disturbance that has occurred (this may also occur in accordancewith the requirements of the Environment Protection Licence (EPL) for the site).2. The Operations Manager in consultation with the Environmental Manager will conduct anassessment of the construction or operational noise emissions in question to determine whethersuitable noise controls were incorporated.3. The Environmental Manager will conduct an assessment of the weather conditions and noisemonitoring results at the time of the noise criteria exceedance and/or bird breeding or wildlifedisturbance to ascertain whether weather conditions, including temperature inversions may havecaused or exacerbated the problem.Responsive StrategyThe responsive strategy will predominantly involve the implementation of remedial measures identifiedas necessary in the review strategy. The responsive strategy will aim to minimise the occurrence ofexceedance of noise criteria (Table 1 or Table 2) or disturbance of bird breeding and other wildlife.Remedial measures will be carried out as directed by the DEC (or in consultation with the DEC[NPWS] if monitoring demonstrates bird breeding is impacted) (Section 11).Response ProcedureThe response procedure will include the following:1. The Operations Manager in consultation with the Environmental Manager will conduct anassessment of additional controls or improvements that can be incorporated in the constructionor operational activity(s) contributing to noise levels.2. The Environmental Manager will consult with the DEC (and DEC [NPWS] if demonstrabledisturbance of bird breeding areas has occurred) and provide a written report to the DEC in aform required by the EPL for the site, including details of measures taken or proposed to be takento prevent or mitigate against recurrence.Remedial measures will be carried out as directed by the DEC and in consultation with the DEC(NPWS) in relation to bird breeding disturbance. The implementation of remedial measures isdescribed in Section 11.11 IMPLEMENTATION OF REMEDIAL MEASURESIn accordance with Consent Condition 6.4, in the event that monitoring indicates noise at dwellings isin excess of criteria stated in Table 1 or Table 2 or, if monitoring indicates demonstrable disturbanceto bird breeding or other wildlife, remedial measures will be applied.Any remedial measures identified as necessary will be carried out as directed by the DEC and inconsultation with the NPWS in relation to bird breeding disturbance (Section 8). Remedial measureswill be carried out in accordance with the following process:• monitoring indicates noise at dwellings is in excess of criteria stated in Table 1 or Table 2 or,monitoring indicates demonstrable disturbance to bird breeding or other wildlife;HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 29 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan• the DEC is contacted in the event that noise at dwellings is in excess of criteria stated in Table 1(during construction) or Table 2 (during operations);• the DEC is contacted in the event that a demonstrable disturbance to bird breeding or otherwildlife is detected;• Barrick proposes remedial measures to be carried out in concurrence with the DEC; and• the remedial measures are carried out as directed by the DEC, in consultation with DEC (NPWS)if monitoring demonstrates bird breeding is impacted.11.1 NOISE REMEDIAL MEASURESThe following remedial measures that could be applied to Project construction and operation activitieshave been sourced from Section 7 of the INP (Appendix A).Section 7.1 of the INP (Appendix A) states that there are three main mitigation strategies for noisecontrol:1. Controlling noise at the source.2. Controlling the transmission of noise.3. Controlling noise at the receiver.Section 7.5 of the INP (Appendix A) states these strategies in the above order of preference. Landusecontrols as an additional strategy is most preferable (Appendix A) and relates to strategicdecisions in land-use planning. Whilst it is considered that this strategy is beyond the scope of theNMP, property acquisition is addressed in Section 11.1.2.11.1.1 Controlling Noise at the SourceThere are two approaches discussed in Section 7.2 of the INP (Appendix A):1. Best Management Practice; and2. Best Available Technology Economically Achievable.Best Management PracticeBest management practices that may be applied to reduce Project noise emissions include:• restricting movement of trucks on ridgelines and exposed haul routes where their noise canpropagate over a wide area, especially at night. This means restricting night-time movement ofmaterial to areas shielded by barriers or mounds, and reserving large-scale material movementfor daytime. The lake protection bund, once constructed, will provide some noise shielding,thereby reducing noise levels that could propagate from the open pit across Lake Cowal;• scheduling the use of any noisy equipment during daytime;• siting noisy equipment behind structures that act as barriers, or at the greatest distance from thenoise-sensitive area, or orienting the equipment so that noise emissions are directed away fromany sensitive areas, to achieve the maximum attenuation of noise;• where there are several noisy pieces of equipment, scheduling operations so they are usedseparately rather than concurrently;• keeping equipment well maintained;HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 30 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan• employing ‘quiet’ practices when operating equipment (eg. positioning idling trucks in appropriateareas);• educating staff on the effects of noise and the use of quiet work practices;• specify maximum noise/sound levels when purchasing equipment; and• include maximum noise/sound levels in tender documents and contracts.Best Available Technology Economically AchievableBest available technology economically achievable that may be applied to reduce Project noiseemissions include:• adjusting reversing alarms on heavy equipment to make them ‘smarter’, limiting acoustic range tothe immediate danger area;• using equipment with efficient mufflers and using quieter engines (such as electric instead ofinternal combustion);• using efficient enclosures for noise;• using vibratory piling in place of impact piling;• using high-pressure hydraulic systems to split rock instead of hydraulic or pneumatic hammers;• damping or lining metal trays; and/or• employing active noise control measures.11.1.2 Controlling Noise in TransmissionBarriers may be constructed or relocated to control the transmission of noise from the noise source.As stated in Section 7.3 of the INP (Appendix A), barriers are more effective if they are near the noisesource or noise receiver. Their effectiveness is also determined by their height, the properties ofmaterials used (absorptive or reflective) and their density (Appendix A). Barriers that may be used tocontrol noise levels where required at the Project, would be constructed of earth material and wouldbe vegetated for screening, erosion prevention and stability.In addition, Section 7.3 of the INP (Appendix A) discusses property acquisition as part of the processof controlling noise in transmission. Barrick has purchased several properties adjoining the ML Area.The resulting buffer zone (Figure 2) would serve to increase the distance between noise emittingsources and non Barrick-owned residences. Protocols relating to future acquisitions of properties inrelation to noise are outlined in Section 16.11.1.3 Controlling Noise at the ReceiverSection 7.4 of the INP (Appendix A) states that there are two major controls for noise reduction at thereceiver:• insulation; and• double glazing of windows.In addition, construction of noise bunding and/or tree screening at any affected dwelling(s) may beused as an alternative or additional remedial measure.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 31 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan12 COMPLAINTS REGISTERA complaints register will be maintained by the Environmental Manager in accordance with ConsentCondition 10.1(a). The condition is reproduced below:10.1 Community Consultation (including Aboriginal community)(a)ComplaintsThe Environmental Officer (refer condition 3.1) shall be responsible:(i)(ii)for receiving complaints with respect to construction works and mine operations on adedicated and publicly advertised telephone line, 24 hours per day 7 days per week,entering complaints or comments in an up to date log book, and ensuring that a response isprovided to the complainant within 24 hours; andproviding a report of complaints received every six months throughout the life of the projectto the Director-General, BSC, EPA, DMR, and CEMCC, or as otherwise agreed by theDirector-General. A summary of this report shall be included in the AEMR (condition 9.2(a)).Information recorded in the complaints register with respect to each complaint will include:• date and time of complaint;• name, address and telephone number of complainant;• meteorological conditions at the time of complaint;• nature of complaint; and• response action taken to date.An initial response will be provided to the complainant within 24 hours. Preliminary investigations intothe complaint will commence within 48 hours of complaint receipt. In the event that the complainant isnot satisfied with Barrick’s response to the complaint, or exceedance of DEC criteria has beendemonstrated, an independent investigation will be undertaken (Section 15).13 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION13.1 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEEA CEMCC will be set up for the Project in accordance with Consent Condition 8.7. The condition isreproduced below:8.7 Community Consultative CommitteeCommunity Environmental Monitoring and Consultative Committee (CEMCC)The Applicant shall:HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 32 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan(i)establish a Community Environmental Monitoring and Consultative Committee and ensure that thefirst meeting is held before the commencement of construction works. Selection ofrepresentatives shall be agreed by the Director-General and the appointment of an independentChairperson shall be to the satisfaction of the Director-General in consultation with the Applicantand BSC. The Committee shall comprise two (2) representatives of the Applicant (including theEnvironmental Officer), one (1) representative of BSC, one (1) representative of the Lake CowalEnvironmental Trust (but not a Trust representative of the Applicant), four communityrepresentatives (including one member of the Lake Cowal Landholders Association), to monitorcompliance with conditions of this consent and other matters relevant to the operation of the mineduring the term of the consent.Representatives from relevant government agencies (including DUAP) may be invited to attendmeetings as required by the Chairperson. The Committee may make comments andrecommendations about the implementation of the development and environmental managementplans. The Applicant shall ensure that the Committee has access to the necessary plans for suchpurposes. The Applicant shall consider the recommendations and comments of the Committeeand provide a response to the Committee and Director-General.(ii)(iii)(ix)(x)The Applicant shall, at its own expense:a) nominate two (2) representatives to attend all meetings of the Committee;b) provide to the Committee regular information on the progress of work and monitoring results;c) promptly provide to the Committee such other information as the Chair of the Committeemay reasonably request concerning the environmental performance of the development;d) provide access for site inspections by the Committee;e) provide meeting facilities for the Committee, and take minutes of Committee meetings.These minutes shall be available for public inspection at BSC within 14 days of the meeting.The Applicant shall establish a trust fund to be managed by the Chair of the Committee to facilitatethe functioning of the Committee, and pay $2000 per annum to the fund for the duration of goldprocessing operations. The annual payment shall be indexed according to the Consumer PriceIndex (CPI) at the time of payment. The first payment shall be made by the date of the firstCommittee meeting. The Applicant shall also contribute to the Trust Fund reasonable funds forpayment of the independent Chairperson, to the satisfaction of the Director-General.By year 5 of mining operations the Applicant shall, in consultation with CEMCC, identify anddiscuss post mining issues, particularly in relation to reduced employment and consequentimpacts on West Wyalong, and develop a plan for the phase out of the mine workforce. The planwill be reviewed during the year of mining operations following the scale down of the year 8 miningoperation workforce. The impacts of the year 8 scale down shall be monitored by the Applicantand results used in planning for full mine closure.The Applicant shall, in consultation with the CEMCC, develop appropriate strategies tosupport activities which promote special interest tourism related to the co-existence ofmining and the Lake Cowal environment.The CEMCC will comprise representatives of Bland Shire Council (BSC), Lake Cowal Foundation Ltd(previously Lake Cowal Environmental Foundation), two Barrick representatives and four communityrepresentatives including one representative from the Lake Cowal Landholders Association.The CEMCC will provide opportunities for members of the community to attend CEMCC meetings todiscuss specific issues relevant to them, including noise-related issues. This will be achieved bylandholders making a request to the CEMCC regarding a particular issue, or by the landownerregistering a complaint in the complaints register. Landowners who register complaints will be invitedto join in discussion of the issue at the next CEMCC meeting.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 33 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan14 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITAn Independent Environmental Audit will be conducted in accordance with Consent Condition 8.8 andmay include noise-related issues. The condition is reproduced below:8.8 Third Party Monitoring/Auditing(a)An Independent Environmental Audit shall be completed:• six monthly during construction;• 12 months after commencement of ore processing;• then every three years thereafter until decommissioning of the mine and ore processingoperations respectively, or as otherwise directed by the Director-General.The Applicant shall conduct an environmental audit of the mining and infrastructure areas of thedevelopment in accordance with ISO 14010 - Guidelines and General Principles for EnvironmentalAuditing, and ISO 14011 - Procedures for Environmental Auditing (or the current versions), and inaccordance with any specifications required by the Director-General. Copies of the report shall besubmitted by the Applicant to the Director-General, BSC, EPA, DLWC, DMR, NPWS and CEMCC withintwo weeks of the report’s completion for comment.(i)(ii)The audit shall:a. assess compliance with the requirements of this consent, licences and approvals;b. in the event of any non-compliance, report on the effectiveness of the environmentalmanagement of the mine as it may relate to the area of non-compliance;c. be carried out at the Applicant’s expense; andd. be conducted by a duly qualified independent person or team approved by the Director-General in consultation with BSC and CEMCC.The Director-General may, after considering any submission made by the relevant governmentagencies, BSC and CEMCC on the report, notify the Applicant of any requirements with regard toany recommendations in the report. The Applicant shall comply with those reasonablerequirements within such time as the Director-General may require.(b) Independent Monitoring Panel(i)(ii)The Applicant shall at its own cost establish an Independent Monitoring Panel prior tocommencement of construction. The Applicant shall contribute $30,000 per annum for thefunctioning of the Panel, unless otherwise agreed by the Director-General. The annual paymentshall be indexed according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at the time of payment. The firstpayment shall be paid by the date of commencement of construction and annually thereafter.Selection of the Panel representatives shall be agreed by the Director-General in consultation withrelevant government agencies and the CEMCC. The Panel shall at least comprise two dulyqualified independent environmental scientists and a representative of the Director-General.The panel shall:a. provide an overview of the independent audits required by condition 8.9 above;b. regularly review all environmental monitoring procedures undertaken by the Applicant, andmonitoring results; andc. provide an Annual State of the Environment Report for Lake Cowal with particular reference tothe on-going interaction between the mine and the Lake and any requirements of the Director-General. The first report shall be prepared one year after commencement of construction.The report shall be prepared annually thereafter unless otherwise directed by the Director-General. Copies of the report shall be provided to those parties which receive the AEMR(condition 9.2) and shall be made publicly available at Bland Shire Council within two weeks ofthe report’s completion.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 34 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan15 INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION PROCESSIn accordance with Consent Condition 8.4(a)(iii), Barrick will arrange independent noise investigationsas provided in Consent Condition 11.1. Consent Condition 11.1(a) outlines the independentinvestigation process in the event that a landowner considers noise levels are in excess of relevantDEC criteria at their dwelling. In accordance with DEC requirements, consideration will be given tothe general principles of Chapter 11 of the INP (Appendix A) during the independent investigationprocess. The consent condition is reproduced below. Consent Conditions 11.1(b) to (e) arereproduced in Section 16.11.1 Area of Affectation - Land Acquisition (including resolution of disputes)Note: In Condition 11.1 (a)-(e) "land" means the whole of a lot in a current plan registered at the Land TitlesOffice as at the date of this consent.(a) (i) In the event that landowners consider that noise and/or dust from the Cowal Gold mining operationsat their dwelling(s) is in excess of the criteria set out in this consent or the relevant EPA amenitycriteria for noise and/or dust levels, and the Director-General, in consultation with the EPA, issatisfied that an investigation is required, the Applicant shall upon receipt of a written request:• appoint a qualified independent person to undertake direct discussions with the landownersaffected to ascertain their concerns and to plan and implement an investigation to quantify theimpact and determine the sources of the effect, and• bear the cost of the independent investigation and make available plans, programmes andother information necessary for the independent person to form an appreciation of the past,present and future mining operations and their effects on noise and/or dust emissions.(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)The investigation is to be carried out by a qualified independent person in accordance with adocumented Plan. The Plan shall be designed and implemented to measure and/or compute (withappropriate calibration by measurement) the relevant noise and/or dust levels at the complainant’sdwelling emitted by the current normal mining operations.The independent person, the Plan and the timing of its implementation shall be approved by theDirector-General, in consultation with BSC, the EPA, the affected landowner and the Applicant. Areport of the investigation shall be provided to the Director-General, the EPA, the Applicant and theaffected landowner.The results of the investigation shall be assessed and reported by the independent person in thelight of the mine’s current operations and proposed short, medium and long term developmentplans.If the independent noise and/or dust investigation finds that the relevant criteria are being exceededby noise and/or dust emission from normal mining operations, the Applicant shall:• modify those areas of the mining operation which are causing the exceedances; or• undertake other measures, as agreed with the affected landowner, to ameliorate the effects ofthe impact, within three (3) months or as otherwise directed by the EPA.(vi)(vii)Within two (2) months after the expiry of the three (3) month period in sub-clause (v) above, andupon written request from the landowner, the Applicant shall arrange for a further independentnoise and/or dust investigation to be completed.If the investigation in sub-clause (vi) above finds that the relevant noise and/or dust emission levelsfrom normal mine operations exceed relevant amenity criteria, the Applicant shall purchase theproperty within six months of receipt of a written request from the owner of the affected property.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 35 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan(viii)Further independent investigations shall cease if the Director-General, in consultation with the EPAis satisfied that the relevant consent limits or EPA amenity criteria are not being exceeded and areunlikely to be exceeded in the future.In the event that a request to purchase a property is received by Barrick in respect to ConsentCondition 11.1(a)(vii) property acquisition would occur (Section 16).16 PROPERTY ACQUISITION DUE TO NOISE AFFECTATIONConsent Condition 11.1(b), (c), (d) and (e) outlines the process for acquisition of a property in theevent of demonstrated noise affectation (Section 7). The consent condition is reproduced below:(b)In respect of a request to purchase land arising under Condition 11.1(a), the Applicant shall pay the ownerthe acquisition price which shall take into account and provide payment for:(i)(ii)(iii)a sum not less than the current market value of the owner's interest in the land used for its existinguse at the date of this consent who is the occupier and all improvements thereon at this date as ifthe land was unaffected by the development proposal.the owner's reasonable compensation for disturbance allowance and relocation costs within theBland or Forbes Local Government Areas.the owner's reasonable costs for obtaining legal advice and expert witnesses for the purposes ofdetermining the acquisition price of the land and the terms upon which it is to be acquired.(c)In the event that the Applicant and any owner referred to in Condition 11.1(a) cannot agree within the timelimit upon the acquisition price of the land and/or the terms upon which it is to be acquired, then:(i)(ii)either party may refer the matter to the Director-General, who shall request the President of theAustralian Institute of Valuers and Land Economists to appoint a qualified independent valuer,suitably qualified in compensation issues, who shall determine, after consideration of anysubmissions from the land owner and the Applicant, the acquisition price.in the event that the independent valuer requires guidance on any contentious legal, planning orother issues, the independent valuer shall refer the matter to the Director-General, who if satisfiedthat there is need for a qualified panel, shall arrange for the constitution of the panel. The panelshall consist of:1) the appointed independent valuer,2) the Director-General, and/or3) the President of the Law Society of NSW or his/her nominee.The qualified panel shall, on the advice of the valuer, determine the issue referred to it and advisethe valuer.(d)(e)The Applicant shall bear the costs of any valuation or survey assessment requested by the Director-General in accordance with Conditions 11.1(a) - 11.1(c).Upon receipt of a valuation, the Applicant shall offer to acquire the relevant land at a price not less than thesaid valuation. Should the Applicant's offer to acquire not be accepted by the owner within six (6) monthsof the date of such offer, the Applicant's obligations to such owner and in respect of that property underConditions 11.1(a) - 11.1(e) above shall cease.The General Manager or Environmental Manager will manage the above process if required.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 36 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan17 REPORTINGAn AEMR will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Project Consent Condition 9.2 andDMR requirements (Condition of Authority 26 - Section 2.1) and submitted to the Director-General.The condition is reproduced below:9.2 Environmental ReportingAnnual Environmental Management Report (AEMR)(i)(ii)The Applicant shall, throughout the life of the mine and for a period of at least five years after thecompletion of ore processing operations, prepare and submit an Annual EnvironmentalManagement Report (AEMR) to the Director-General. The AEMR shall review the performanceof the mine against the environmental management plans (refer condition 3.2), MiningOperations Plan (refer condition 2.1), the conditions of this consent, and other licences andapprovals relating to the mine. To enable ready comparison with EIS predictions, diagrams andtables, the report shall include, but not be limited to, the following matters:a) an annual compliance audit of the performance of the project against conditions of thisconsent and statutory approvals;b) a review of the effectiveness of the environmental management of the mine in terms of EPA,DLWC, DMR, NPWS, NSW Fisheries, and BSC requirements;c) results of all environmental monitoring required under this consent or other approvals, whichincludes interpretation and discussion by a suitably qualified person;d) from results of fauna monitoring, records of any fauna deaths due to mine operations;e) a listing of any variations obtained to approvals applicable to the subject area during theprevious year;f) the outcome of the water budget for the year and the quantity of water used from waterstorages and Bland Creek palaeochannel borefield;g) rehabilitation report;h) environmental management targets and strategies for the next year.In preparing the AEMR, the Applicant shall:a) consult with the Director-General during preparation of each report for any additionalrequirements;b) comply with any requirements of the Director-General or other relevant government agency;andc) ensure that the first report is completed and submitted within twelve (12) months of thisconsent, or at a date determined by the Director-General in consultation with DMR.(iii)The Applicant shall ensure that copies of each AEMR are submitted at the same time to theDirector-General, EPA, DLWC, DMR, DSC, NPWS, NSW Fisheries, the BSC and CEMCC, and beavailable for public information at the BSC within 14 days of submission to these authorities.The AEMR will report on the following noise-related issues:• noise monitoring results presented as L A10(15 minute) ;• reporting of any confirmed disturbances to bird breeding or other wildlife;• presentation of any occurrences of temperature inversions and their relationship to any noisecomplaints;• comparison of noise monitoring results with criteria in Section 3;• measures employed to minimise/prevent excessive noise emissions;• noise-related complaints and remediation measures undertaken in the event of any confirmedexceedances of criteria;HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 37 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management Plan• review of the performance of noise control measures and the noise monitoring programme;• interpretation and discussion of the noise monitoring programme results and managementmeasures by a suitably qualified person; and• CEMCC decisions relating to Project noise issues.The AEMR will be made available to DIPNR (formerly Department of Land and Water Conservationand PlanningNSW), DEC (including the former EPA and NPWS), DPI (including the former DMR andNSW Fisheries), BSC the CEMCC and any other interested stakeholders on request.This NMP will be updated at intervals as required by the DEC or Director-General. In addition, Barrickmay update the plan periodically in the event of any significant alteration of on-site activities or noisecontrol measures.18 REFERENCESCrome, F. (1995) Waterbird Monitoring on Lake Cowal. in NSR Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd(1995) Lake Cowal Gold Environmental Impact Statement. Appendix C.Environment and Education Services (1992-2000 inclusive) Lake Cowal Waterbird Monitoring Survey:Progress Report. Reports prepared for North Limited and Barrick Gold Australia.Environment and Education Services (1999a) Waterbirds at Lake Cowal, New South Wales, Australia:Breeding Activity over a Complete Filling and Drying Cycle. Report prepared for North Limited.Environment and Education Services (1999b) Waterbirds at Lake Cowal, New South Wales, Australia:Assemblage Shifts over a Complete Filling and Drying Cycle. Report prepared for NorthLimited.Environment Protection Authority (2000) NSW Industrial Noise Policy.Gell (2002abc) Lake Cowal Waterbird Monitoring Survey: Progress Report. Reports prepared forNorth Limited and Barrick Gold Australia.Gell (2003) Lake Cowal Waterbird Monitoring Survey: Progress Report. Reports prepared for NorthLimited and Barrick Gold Australia.Gell, P. and Peake, P (2001) Lake Cowal Waterbird Monitoring Survey: Progress Report. Reportsprepared for North Limited and Barrick Gold Australia. North Limited (1998) Cowal ProjectEnvironmental Impact Statement. Prepared by Resource Strategies Pty Ltd.Lane, B.A. (1989-1991 inclusive) Lake Cowal Waterbird Monitoring Survey: Progress Report. reportsprepared for North Limited.North Limited (1998) Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement. Prepared by ResourceStrategies Pty Ltd.Resource Strategies, CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology, Goldney. D. and Greg Richards and Associates(1997) Cowal Gold Project Species Impact Statement. Report prepared for North Limited.Richard Heggie Associates (1997) Cowal Gold Project Noise, Transportation and Blasting ImpactAssessment.Richard Heggie Associate (2004) Cowal Gold Project – EPL Condition E4 and Response to DECInformation Request. Report prepared for Barrick Gold Australia Ltd.HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04 38 BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanAPPENDIX ANSW Industrial Noise Policy, 2000HAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04BARRICK

NSW IndustrialNoise PolicyNSw Industrial Noise Policyi

For technical information about this report, please contact:Noise Policy SectionEnvironmental Policy BranchEnvironment Protection AuthorityPhone: (02) 9995 5000Published by:Environment Protection Authority59–61 Goulburn StreetPO Box A290Sydney South 1232Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard)Phone: 131 555 (information & publications requests)Fax: (02) 9995 5999E-mail: info@epa.nsw.gov.auWeb: www.epa.nsw.gov.auThe EPA is pleased to allow this material to be reproducedin whole or in part, provided the meaning isunchanged and its source, publisher and authorshipare acknowledged.ISBN 0 7313 2715 2EPA 00/1Cover photo: Australian Picture Library/CorbisJanuary 2000Printed on recycled paperNSW Industrial Noise Policyii

Contents1 Policy framework ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Industrial noise criteria ................................................................................................................................ 143 Determining existing noise levels ............................................................................................................... 224 ‘Modifying factor’ adjustments .................................................................................................................. 285 Meteorological conditions ........................................................................................................................... 316 Predicting noise levels & determining impacts ......................................................................................... 367 Mitigating noise from industrial sources................................................................................................... 388 Negotiation process ...................................................................................................................................... 439 Consent/licence conditions ........................................................................................................................ 4710 Applying the policy to existing industrial premises ................................................................................ 4911 Reviewing performance .............................................................................................................................. 5112 Policy evaluation and review ..................................................................................................................... 54References ............................................................................................................................................................ 55Definitions of terms ............................................................................................................................................. 56Appendix A—Worked case studies .................................................................................................................. 60Appendix B—Applying the background noise policy ................................................................................... 68Appendix C—Procedure for assessing noise increase due to temperature inversions .............................. 73Appendix D—Estimating noise increase due to inversions .......................................................................... 77Appendix E—Methods for determining the frequency of temperature inversions ..................................... 78Appendix F—Percentage occurrence of F-class temperature inversions in winterin the Hunter Valley, NSW ................................................................................................................................ 85NSw Industrial Noise Policyiii

1 Policy framework1.1 Overview of the policyThe adverse effects of noise on communities are wellreported in the literature (for review see Berglund &Lindvall, eds, 1995). These vary from direct effects(including noise-induced hearing loss, speechinterference, sleep disturbance and annoyance), toindirect or secondary effects, such as long-termeffects on physical and mental health as a result oflong-term annoyance and prolonged disturbance tosleep. The World Health Organization defineshealth as a state of complete physical, mental, andsocial well-being, not just as the absence of disease(WHO 1947). Community reaction to noise has beennoted as a likely indirect cause of adverse healtheffects (Job 1996).The overall aim is to allow the need for industrialactivity to be balanced with the desire for quiet inthe community.The broad operating objectives involve requirementsto protect, restore and enhance the quality of theenvironment in New South Wales. In so doing, theEPA must have regard to the need to maintainecologically sustainable development, reduce therisks to human health and prevent the degradationof the environment. This policy seeks to promoteenvironmental well-being through preventing andminimising noise. It provides the framework andprocess for deriving noise limit conditions forconsents and licences that will enable the EPA toregulate premises that are scheduled under theProtection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.The specific policy objectives are:• to establish noise criteria that would protectthe community from excessive intrusive noiseand preserve amenity for specific land uses—these are set out in Section 2• to use the criteria as the basis for derivingproject specific noise levels• to promote uniform methods to estimate andmeasure noise impacts, including aprocedure for evaluating meteorologicaleffects—these are set out in Sections 3 to 6• to outline a range of mitigation measures thatcould be used to minimise noise impacts—these are set out in Section 7• to provide a formal process to guide thedetermination of feasible and reasonablenoise limits for consents or licences thatreconcile noise impacts with the economic,social and environmental considerations ofindustrial development—this is covered inSection 8• to carry out functions relating to theprevention, minimisation and control ofnoise from premises scheduled under the Act.1.2 Who is the policy for?The policy is technical in orientation and is directedtowards industry, acoustic practitioners and consentauthorities that require a degree of technicaldetail to assess impacts properly and developmitigation methods.Responsibility for applying the policy lies with:• the land-use planner (such as a local counciland the Department of Urban Affairs andPlanning—DUAP), through taking accountof likely impacts at an early stage in theplanning process so that incompatibledevelopments are appropriately located; also,in recognising the importance of maintainingseparation distances between industry andresidents. In locating potentially noisydevelopments, it is essential to recognise thatmitigation of the effects of noisy activitiesonce these are established will be limited bycost and design factors.• the land-use managers and regulators (suchas local government, DUAP and the EPA),who act as determining authorities and asregulators of land-use activities. Their role isin providing adequate regulation of noise topreserve amenity and in ensuringcompliance with noise conditions.NSW industrial noise policy1

• the noise-source proponent and manager,through consideration of noise issues at theplanning stage of a project and through directcontrol of the noise impacts by theappropriate combination of noisemanagement tools and engineering design ofthe source.1.3 Scope of the policyThe policy is specifically aimed at assessing noisefrom industrial noise sources scheduled under thenew Protection of the Environment Operations Act1997. It will be used as a guide by EnvironmentProtection Authority (EPA) officers for settingstatutory limits in licences for these sources. Localgovernment is an independent regulator for noiseunder the legislation, and thus has discretion indealing with noise within its area of responsibility.The policy is designed for large and complexindustrial sources and specifies substantial monitoringand assessment procedures that may notalways be applicable to the types of sources councilsneed to address. However, local governmentmay find the policy helpful in the carrying-out of itsland-use planning responsibilities (for example, thesetting of targets in local and regional environmentalplans).In general, the types of noise sources dealt with inthe policy are:• facilities (encompassing all the activitiestaking place within the property boundary ofthe facility) usually comprising many sourcesof sound, including—industrial premises—extractive industries—commercial premises—warehousing facilities• maintenance and repair facilities• individual industrial sources, such as—heating, ventilating and air conditioning(HVAC) equipment—rotating machinery—impacting mechanical sources—other mechanical equipment and machinerysuch as conveyors—mobile sources confined to a particularlocation, such as draglines and haultrucks.The policy’s focus is on the noise emitted fromindustrial sites and how this may affect the amenityof nearby receivers. Internal or occupational noisewithin any workplace is a separate issue administeredby the WorkCover Authority under the OccupationalHealth and Safety Act 1983.Examples of noise sources that are NOT dealt withby the policy are:• transportation corridors (roadways, railwaysand air corridors)• motor sport facilities• construction activities• noise sources covered by regulations(domestic/neighbourhood noise).Noise from vehicle movements associated with anindustrial source is covered by the industrial noisesource policy if the vehicles are not on a publicroad. If the vehicles are on a public road, the EnvironmentalCriteria for Road Traffic Noise (EPA 1999)apply.In particular instances specific noise criteria may bedefined for sources where the standard approach isnot appropriate, for example, wind farms.1.4 Applying the policyThe assessment of noise impact is complex andsubjective, and is rarely (if ever) able to be consideredin isolation from other social and economicaspects of a development or activity. The policyoutlines processes to help strike a feasible andreasonable balance between the establishment andoperation of industrial activities and the protectionof the community from noise levels that are intrusiveor unpleasant.In summary, noise management involves the followingmain steps:1. Determining the project specific noise levelsfor intrusiveness and amenity that arerelevant to the site or the area (Section 2).NSW industrial noise policy2

2. Measuring and determining existing backgroundand ambient noise levels, using themethod relevant to the expected level ofimpact (as outlined in Section 3).3. Where the proposed development is expectedto produce annoying noise characteristics,adjustments are to be applied to the noiselevels produced by the development inquestion (as outlined in Section 4).4. Predicting or measuring the noise levelsproduced by the development in question,having regard to meteorological effects (suchas wind, temperature inversions) (see Section5).5. Comparing the predicted or measured noiselevel with the project-specific noise levels andassessing impacts (Section 6).6. Considering feasible and reasonable noisemitigation strategies where the projectspecificnoise levels are exceeded (Section 7).7. Negotiation between the regulatory/consentauthority and the proponent and between thecommunity and the proponent to evaluate theeconomic, social and environmental costsand benefits from the proposed developmentagainst the noise impacts (Section 8).8. The regulatory/consent authority setsstatutory compliance levels that reflect theachievable and agreed noise limits for thedevelopment (Section 9).9. Monitoring of environmental noise levelsfrom the development to determine compliancewith the consent/licence conditions(Section 11).1.4.1 Principles underpinning thenoise criteriaThe industrial noise source criteria set down inSection 2 are best regarded as planning tools. Theyare not mandatory, and an application for a noiseproducingdevelopment is not determined purely onthe basis of compliance or otherwise with the noisecriteria. Numerous other factors need to be takeninto account in the determination. These factorsinclude economic consequences, other environmentaleffects and the social worth of the development.The criteria help to determine consent/licenceconditions because they provide information on thelikely effect of any environmental noise associatedwith the development.Within the community, there is a very large range ofhuman reaction to noise. There are those in thecommunity who are very sensitive to noise. Thisnoise-sensitive sector of the population will react,often strongly, to intruding noises that are barelyaudible within the overall noise environment, orwill have an expectation of very low environmentalnoise levels. On the other hand, there are thosewithin the community who find living in noisyenvironments, such as near major industry, on mainroads or under aircraft flight paths, an acceptablesituation. The bulk of the population lies withinthese two extremes, being unaffected by low levelsof noise and being prepared to accept levels of noisethat are commensurate with living in an urban,industrialised society.The criteria in this document (Section 2) have beenselected to protect at least 90 per cent of the populationliving in the vicinity of industrial noise sourcesfrom the adverse effects of noise for at least 90 percent of the time. Provided the criteria in this documentare achieved, then it is unlikely that mostpeople would consider the resultant noise levelsexcessive. In those cases when the project-specificnoise levels are not, or cannot be, achieved, then itdoes not automatically follow that those peopleaffected by the noise would find the noise unacceptable.1.4.2 Existing versus new developmentThe assessment procedures in the policy can applyto any one of the following three situations:• new development impacts—for example, newindustrial premises proposed near anexisting residential area• modification of an existing development andits impact—for example, proposed expansionof an existing industrial premises• noise associated with existing development.Existing noise sourcesThe application of the criteria to existing sources ofnoise would occur where significant modifications(such as to warrant serious and/or ongoing developmentconsent or EPA approval) are made toexisting developments or where complaints arereceived.NSW industrial noise policy3

In applying the policy to existing operations it isacknowledged that the scope for applying feasibleand reasonable mitigation measures to existingnoise sources is usually far more limited than fornew developments. Careful consideration of noiseimpacts and the feasible and reasonable mitigationmeasures available at these sites may result in lessstringent noise limits than would ideally apply.Sometimes the resultant noise limits will be abovethe criteria. The assessment and management ofexisting premises is dealt with in Section 10.Greenfield sitesIn assessing developments proposed for ‘greenfield’(undeveloped) areas, the policy allows controlledincreases above background noise levels in a similarmanner to previous policy and planning practice.(See case study (a) in Appendix A, Section A2.)1.4.3 Prevention of noise impactsAvoiding co-location of incompatible usesJudicious land use and project planning can oftenprevent potential noise problems from occurring.This policy should be used to consider the implicationsof proposing or allowing new noise-sensitivedevelopments near noise generators and of proposingor allowing new noise-generating developmentsnear established noise-sensitive developments suchas schools, hospitals or homes. The criteria will helpin the first instance to identify sites where it wouldbe difficult, if not impossible, to avoid noise impactsover time, and will therefore help in an informedprocess for making decisions about land-use zoningor site selection by developers.The criteria can also be used to identify the need forplanning and building-design mitigation measuresfor managing the relationship between noisegeneratingactivities and noise-sensitive developments.The types of strategies that could be used by plannersand project proponents include:• considering noise impacts when planningthe development of areas, and incorporatingsuitable measures such as:—spatial separation between noisy activitiesand noise-sensitive areas through locatingless-noise-sensitive land uses (activerecreation areas or access ways) in highnoise areas—taking advantage of any natural topographicalfeatures that can be used toscreen noise impacts when planning landuse in an area—subdivision layout to maximise the areashielded from noise—using intervening structures such as multilevelbuildings to act as barriers. Buildingsused as barriers should incorporate noisequieteningprinciples into their buildingdesign to ensure appropriate internalconditions.• incorporating appropriate building design tominimise noise impacts, for example:—including acoustic design principles whenplanning landscaping for a site by examiningthe suitability of earth berms, walls orfences to act as barriers—building design to locate noise-insensitiveareas such as kitchens, storage areas andlaundries towards the noise source;minimising the size and number of windowsoriented towards the noise source;replacing conventional roof design witheaves by a flat roof with parapets; usingthe building structure to shield outdoorareas—using construction techniques that havegood attention to sealing air gaps arounddoors and windows exposed to noise;using solid core doors; and using thickerwindow glass or double glazing.It is also important that there be a mechanism forproviding information on existing noise impactsfrom approved facilities to members of the publicseeking to move into areas, in order to avoid unrealisticexpectations of noise amenity in affected areas.1.4.4 Noise criteria and assessmentTwo criteriaThe policy sets two separate noise criteria to meetenvironmental noise objectives: one to account forintrusive noise and the other to protect the amenityof particular land uses.NSW industrial noise policy4

Assessing intrusivenessFor assessing intrusiveness, the background noiseneeds to be measured. An objective procedure isoutlined in Section 3.1.The intrusiveness criterion essentially means thatthe equivalent continuous (energy-average) noiselevel of the source should not be more than 5 decibels(dB) above the measured background level.Assessing amenityThe amenity assessment is based on noise criteriaspecific to land use and associated activities. (SeeTable 2.1.) The criteria relate only to industrial-typenoise and do not include road, rail or communitynoise. The existing noise level from industry ismeasured. (See Section 3.2.) If it approaches thecriterion value, then noise levels from new industriesneed to be designed so that the cumulativeeffect does not produce noise levels that wouldsignificantly exceed the criterion. (See Table 2.2.) Forhigh-traffic areas there is a separate amenity criterion(Section 2.2.3). The cumulative effect of noisefrom industrial sources needs to be considered inassessing impact (Section 2.2.4).Project-specific noise levelsFor a particular project, the more stringent of theintrusive or the amenity criteria sets the projectspecificnoise levels for that project. Generally, theintrusive criterion applies for all new industriesuntil an area begins to become more developed,causing increased noise levels. At this stage theamenity criterion starts to take over as the applicablecriterion. Where several new industries areproposed for a new area, care must be taken toensure that equitable levels are set for each proposedindustry (Section 2.2.4).Accounting for annoying noise characteristicsA noise source may exhibit a range of particularcharacteristics that increase annoyance, such astones, impulses, low frequency noise and intermittentnoise. Where this is the case, an adjustment isapplied to the source noise level received at anassessment point before it is compared with theproject-specific noise level to account for the additionalannoyance caused by the particular characteristic.Application of these modifying factors isdescribed in Section 4.Accounting for the effect of meteorology on noiselevelsWhen assessing noise impacts, the project-specificnoise levels are expected to apply under weatherconditions characteristic of an area. These conditionsmay include calm, wind and temperatureinversions. In this regard, the policy addresses theincrease in noise that results from atmospherictemperature inversions and wind effects.The policy sets the following procedure for assessingtemperature inversions (Section 5.2):• an initial screening test is done to identifywhether any further assessment ofmeteorological effects on noise is warranted• where the effect is significant, the proponentmay choose to use default meteorologicalvalues to predict the increased noise levels.These defaults have been provided so thatpotentially costly on-site monitoring can beavoided.• alternatively, the proponent can reject thedefault values and derive parameters bydirect measurement• the increased noise level is then predictedusing the meteorological parametersestablished.This procedure is based on an extensive study of theprevalence of temperature inversions and draws onsubstantial field data.The noise levels predicted under existing meteorologicalconditions for each receiver are then comparedwith the project-specific noise levels, toestablish whether the meteorological effect willcause a significant impact.Wind may also increase noise levels downwind ofthe source. The policy specifies a procedure forassessing the significance of wind effects, and adefault wind speed to be used in the assessmentwhere these effects are found to be significant(Section 5.3).1.4.5 Applying noise mitigation strategiesWhere noise impacts are predicted, noise-sourcemanagers should seek to achieve the criteria byapplying feasible and reasonable mitigation meas-NSW industrial noise policy5

ures. In this context feasibility relates to engineeringconsiderations and what can practically be built,and reasonableness relates to the application ofjudgement in arriving at a decision, taking intoaccount the following factors:• noise mitigation benefits—amount of noisereduction provided, number of peopleprotected• cost of mitigation—cost of mitigation versusbenefit provided• community views—aesthetic impacts andcommunity wishes• noise levels for affected land uses—existingand future levels, and changes in noise levels.A range of mitigation measures is described inSection 7.1.4.6 Negotiating noise impactsIf, after all feasible and reasonable mitigationmeasures are applied, the resultant noise emissionsexceed the project-specific noise levels, then theresidual level of impact needs to be balancedagainst any social and economic benefits derivedfrom the source of the noise. Negotiation betweenthe regulatory/consent authority, the communityand the proponent to establish achievable noiselimits is described in Section 8. This negotiationprocess is in addition to the direct consultation thatnormally occurs throughout the impact assessmentprocess between the proponent and the community.1.4.7 Setting noise limits in consent andlicence conditionsIn setting noise limits, the regulatory/consentauthorities need to consider the technical practicalitiesof mitigation, the amount of noise reductionprovided, community views, benefits arising fromthe development and cost of achieving the projectspecificnoise levels recommended here, along withthe environmental consequences of exceeding theproject-specific noise levels. It is important that theproject-specific noise levels are not automaticallyinterpreted as conditions for consent, withoutconsideration of the other factors. In many instances,it may be appropriate to set noise limits fora development above the project-specific noise levelsrecommended in this document (Section 9).1.4.8 Land acquisitionLicences issued by the EPA do not contain conditionsrelated to land acquisition.The noise criteria contained in this document havenot been derived for the purpose of land acquisition.As previously stated they are designed to protectagainst intrusiveness and to preserve amenity, anddrive a process of applying all feasible and economicallyreasonable avoidance and mitigationmeasures. To meet these purposes the noise criteriahave been based around identifying the upper(rather than the average) level of impact. They seekto restrict the risk of people being highly annoyed toless than 10 per cent, and to meet this for at least 90per cent of the time.Resolving noise problems through land acquisitionis viewed as an option of last resort. Where landacquisition is applied, this is done via the developmentconsent process, which is administered by therelevant planning authority. The developmentconsent may contain conditions related to landacquisition.The determination of when projected noise levelsare so high and intractable that circumstanceswarrant land acquisition will depend on a range offactors. Noise is only one of those. In some instances,disadvantages in one area may be tradedagainst benefits in another area. The weighing-up ofall of the relevant factors is the role of the planningsystem.It is important to reiterate there is no single identifiablenoise level that all people will find acceptableor unacceptable. Annoyance increases with increasingnoise, but at any given noise level there will be awide variation in the range of individual reactionsto noise. In extreme cases health can be affected, butgenerally it appears that annoyance can occur wellbefore there is a question of health impact.The various assessed levels of impact around anindustrial noise source could be described as a zoneof affectation, characterised by annoyance. Withinthis zone could lie a much smaller zone closer in tothe source where impacts were greater and justifiedacquisition of residences. The border between theannoyance and acquisition zones would be representedby a noise level well above both the backgroundlevel and the EPA’s criteria. If the noise fromNSW industrial noise policy6

industry were sufficient to alter the character of thearea substantially and/or cause health impacts,then land acquisition might be an option. Landacquisition is rarely a practical approach in heavilydeveloped areas.1.4.9 Monitoring of noise levels againstconsent or licence conditionsMonitoring of environmental noise levels from adevelopment to determine compliance with thelimits set in consent/licence conditions is essentialfor proper management of noise sources. Proceduresto manage non-compliance with consent/licenceconditions are also provided (Section 11).1.5 Summary of approachFigure 1.1 provides an overview of the main processesinvolved in applying the policy. The flowcharts in Figures 1.2 to 1.6 present a step-by-stepguide to how the policy works, with references torelevant sections in the policy.Worked case studies outlining the assessmentprocess are set out in Appendix A.NSW industrial noise policy7

Figure 1.1.Applying the policyProject-specific noise levelsDerive project-specific noise levels from applying monitored existing noise levels to the general noisecriteria for intrusiveness and amenity. (See Figure 1.3 for details.)AssessmentProponent estimates likely noise impacts under existing weather conditions (this may includetemperature inversion conditions where they are significant) and includes any adjustment for noisecharacteristics.MitigationIf project-specific noise levels are exceeded, proponent examines feasible and reasonable mitigationmeasures, considering community preferences, and determines resultant noise levels.Decision-making processWhere resultant noise levels exceed project-specific noise levels, then the regulatory/consentauthority either accepts the resultant level or negotiates if a better level of control is thoughtachievable.Where project-specific noise levels are exceeded, proponent assesses the level of impact bycomparing resultant noise levels against the project-specific noise levels (for example, noise exceedsproject-specific noise levels by X dB, number of people affected, likely impacts on activities, % of timeimpact occurs) and factoring-in economic and social benefits from the development.ConditionsConsent and licence conditions are set after carefully considering the benefit of full compliance withthe project-specific noise levels, balanced against the overall social, economic and environmentalbenefits of the development. The consent and licence conditions may include the noise limits to beachieved and other related conditions, but acquisition levels may be included in only the developmentconsent.Monitoring environmental noise performanceCompliance with consent/licence conditions.NSW industrial noise policy8

Figure 1.2.The overall process of assessing and managing noise impactsDetermine project-specific noiselevels Figure 1.3 (Section 2)Existing noise levels(Section 3)Predict level of noise from the source anddetermine noise impact(Section 6)Figure 1.4Modifying factors(Section 4)Figure 1.5Meteorology(Section 5)Section 6.3.1Noise impactpresent?NOYESConsider mitigation options(Section 7)Project-specificnoise levelsmet?YESNOAcceptable level of impactFigure 1.6negotiated(Section 8)Existing sitesNew sitesNoise reduction plan/licenceconditions (Section 10)Consent/licence conditiondetermined Figure 1.6 (Section 9)Performance monitoring(Section 11)Note: Dotted line indicates an optional processNSW industrial noise policy9

Figure 1.3.Determining the project-specific noise levelsMeasure existing noise levels (Section 3)i.e. existing background (L A90) (Section 3.1) andexisting ambient industrial noise (L Aeq) (Section 3.2)Where the proponent desires, moredetailed monitoring and analysis linkingexisting noise levels and weatherconditions can be made.(Section 6.3.1)Determine representative existing noise levels frommeasured levels (Section 3)i.e. rating background level (RBL) (Section 3.1.2), existingambient level (Section 3.2)Determine intrusiveness criteria (Section 2.1)i.e. L Aeq,15 minute≤ RBL plus 5 dBDetermine alternative intrusivenesscriteria for specific weather conditionsidentified in any detailed monitoringanalysis that was done.Determine amenity criteria (Section 2.2)1. Determine type of receiver (Table 2.1, Sections 2.2.1 &2.2.2)2. Determine acceptable noise level (ANL) for receiver, L Aeq,period(Tables 2.1 & 2.2)3. Amenity criterion is either:• 'ANL' where existing ambient level is more than 6 dBbelow ANL; or• '< ANL' where existing ambient level isbetween ‘ANL+1 dB’ and ‘ANL – 6 dB’; or• 'existing ambient level minus 10 dB' where existingambient level is greater than ‘ANL+1 dB’ and existingnoise levels are unlikely to decrease in future; or• 'ANL – 10 dB' where existing ambient level is greaterthan ‘ANL+1 dB’ and existing noise levels are likely todecrease in future; orDetermine alternative amenity criteria forspecific weather conditions identified inany detailed monitoring analysis that wasdone.• 'existing traffic noise level (L Aeq, period) minus 10 dB'where existing traffic noise level is ≥ 10 dB above ANL(high traffic criterion, Section 2.2.3)Project-specific noise levels applicable to projectThe lower of the intrusive criterion andthe amenity criterion.Note: Dotted line indicates an optional processNSW industrial noise policy10

Figure 1.4.Predicting source noise level and determining impactIdentify noise parameters (Section 6.1)i.e. noise sources, receivers, site features etcDetermine weather conditions relevant to siteunder which criteria applyFigure 1.5(Section 5)e.g. temperature inversions and wind speedsPredict noise levels from the source (Section 6)Prediction process should take account of all sourceand site parameters and relevant weatherconditions.Does the noise sourcecontain annoyingcharacteristics?(Section 4)YesApply relevantcorrection factor topredicted noise level(Table 4.1 &Section 4.3)NoCompare predicted noise level with projectspecificnoise levelsDoes the predictednoise level exceedthe project-specificnoise levels?YesNoise impacts expected(Go to Figure 1.6)NoNo noise impact expected(Go to Figure 1.6)NSW industrial noise policy11

Figure 1.5.Assessing the likelihood of wind and temperature inversionsenhancing noise impacts at a siteConsider wind and temperature inversions(Section 5)Do initial screening testAssume specified default values for wind (Section 5.3.2)and temperature inversions (Section 5.2) in the predictionof noise levels from the source.Noise impactpredicted?NoNo further consideration ofweather conditions requiredTemperature inversionsYesWindDetermine percentage occurrence of temperatureinversions (Section 5.2 & Appendix C)Based on existing data (Bureau of Meteorology)or site measurementsDeterminepercentage of timethe wind direction isfrom source toreceiverIs this > 30% of thetime at night 1 in winter?(Section 5.2)NoIs this > 30% of the time inany period and season?(Section 5.3.1)YesNo further consideration of windand/or temperature inversions neededYesTemperature inversions and associateddrainage wind are a site featureNoise predictions should take account of temperatureinversions using either default inversion values specified inSection 5.2 or measured site-specific dataWind is a site featureNoise predictions should take account ofwind using wind speeds specified inSection 5.3.2 or measured site-specific data1For the purpose of determining the frequency of inversions, night is defined as the period from 1 hour beforesunset to 1 hour after sunrise, taken to be 6 pm to 7 am.NSW industrial noise policy12

Figure 1.6.Negotiation process and consent/licence limitsProject-specific noiselevels exceeded evenwith proposedmitigation measuresNoNegotiation not required—project-specific noise levelsbecome consent conditions(Section 9.0)YesNegotiations between proponent andregulator for acceptable level of impact(Section 8.2)Acceptable level of impact becomesnoise limit on consent or licencecondition (Section 9)Or alternatively,Proponent demonstrates that project- specificnoise levels cannot be feasibly met, andregulator is satisfied that this is the caseNegotiations between proponent and theaffected community for an agreed level ofimpact (Section 8.3)Agreed level of impact becomes noiselimit on consent or licence condition(Section 9)NSW industrial noise policy13

2 Industrial Noise CriteriaThe assessment procedure for industrial noisesources has two components:• controlling intrusive noise impacts in theshort term for residences• maintaining noise level amenity forparticular land uses for residences and otherland uses.In assessing the noise impact of industrial sources,both components must be taken into account forresidential receivers, but, in most cases, only onewill become the limiting criterion and form theproject-specific noise levels for the industrial source.The worked case studies in Appendix A show howboth components work together.The procedures specified in the policy differentiatebetween low- and high-noise-risk developments,with simpler procedures available for developmentswith low noise risk. Differentiation between thesetwo types of developments is on the basis of magnitude(for example, level of noise expected) andextent of impact (for example, expected area ofaffectation). Hence, a development that is likely tomake excessive noise affecting a large area can beconsidered to be a high-risk development, and viceversa for low risk.2.1 Intrusive noise impactsThe intrusiveness of an industrial noise source maygenerally be considered acceptable if the equivalentcontinuous (energy-average) A-weighted level ofnoise from the source (represented by the L Aeqdescriptor), measured over a 15-minute period, doesnot exceed the background noise level measured inthe absence of the source by more than 5 dB.To account for the temporal variation of backgroundnoise levels, the method outlined in Section 3.1 isrecommended for determining the backgroundnoise level (rating background level—RBL) to beused in the assessment. This approach aims toresult in the intrusive noise criterion being met for atleast 90% of the time periods over which annoyancereactions can occur (taken to be periods of 15minutes).Adjustments are to be applied to the level of noiseproduced by the source that is received at theassessment point before comparison with thiscriterion. Where the noise source contains annoyingcharacteristics—such as prominent tonal components,impulsiveness, intermittency, irregularity anddominant low-frequency content—adjustments asoutlined in Section 4 apply.Procedures for considering meteorological effectssuch as temperature inversions and wind areoutlined in Section 5 to account for characteristicweather conditions under which the intrusivenesscriterion applies.The intrusiveness criterion is summarised asfollows:L Aeq, 15 minute≤ rating background level plus 5where :L Aeq, 15 minuterepresents the equivalentcontinuous (energy average) A-weightedsound pressure level of the source over 15minutes. Other descriptors may be used asappropriate provided they can be justifiedon the basis of being characteristic of thesource (see Section 2.3). This is to beassessed at the most-affected point on orwithin the residential property boundary—or, if that is more than 30 m from theresidence, at the most-affected point within30 m of the residence.Rating background level is the backgroundlevel to be used for assessment purposes asdeter-mined by the method outlined in Section3.1.A 15-minute sampling period is used when measuringthe level of intrusive noise. There has been nodefinitive research to quantify the time period overwhich annoyance to intrusive noise varies. Clearly,annoyance reactions are likely to occur over periodsof less than a day, and there will be variationsdepending on individual tolerance and characteristicsof the noise. The 15-minute period has beenselected as a reasonable estimate of the period overwhich annoyance may occur. This time period hasbeen used by the EPA for some time, and experienceNSW industrial noise policy14

has shown that it is a reasonable approach toassessing intrusive noise impacts.In some rural situations, the rating backgroundlevel may be the same for the day and night. In thesecases, it is recognised that excursions of noise abovethe intrusiveness criterion during the day wouldnot usually have the same impact as they would atnight. This is due to the more sensitive nature ofactivities likely to be disturbed at night (for example,sleep and relaxation).2.2 Protecting noise amenityTo limit continuing increases in noise levels, themaximum ambient noise level within an area fromindustrial noise sources should not normallyexceed the acceptable noise levels specified in Table2.1. Meeting the acceptable noise levels in Table 2.1will protect against noise impacts such as speechinterference, community annoyance and, to someextent, sleep disturbance. These levels representcurrent best practice for assessing industrial noisesources, based on research and a review of assessmentpractices used overseas and within Australia.Table 2.1 also includes recommended maximumnoise levels for different land uses. These recommendedmaximum values provide guidance on anupper limit to the level of noise from industry. In allcases it is expected that all feasible and reasonablemitigation measures would be applied before therecommended maximum noise levels are referenced.In some instances it may not be possible to achieveeven the recommended maximum noise level, evenafter all feasible and reasonable noise mitigationhas been applied. Such cases are expected to have alarge adverse noise impact. Where a proposeddevelopment exceeds the recommended maximumnoise levels in Table 2.1, substantial benefits in otherareas, including a high degree of social worth,would need to be demonstrated.Where the existing noise level from industrial noisesources is close to the acceptable noise level, thenoise level from any new source(s) must be controlledto preserve the amenity of an area. If the totalnoise level from industrial sources already exceedsthe acceptable noise level for the area in question,the L Aeqnoise level from any new source should notbe greater than:• 10 dB below the acceptable noise level if thereis a reasonable expectation that existinglevels may be reduced in the future; or• 10 dB below the existing level if there is nosuch reasonable expectation that existinglevels will fall (for example, in cases wheresurrounding areas are fully developed) andno significant changes to land use areexpected.Table 2.2 sets out the implications of this requirementfor noise from industrial sources.Adjustments are to be applied to the source noiselevel received at the assessment point, before comparisonwith this criterion, where the noise sourcecontains annoying characteristics such as prominenttonal components, impulsiveness, intermittency,irregularity and dominant low-frequencycontent, as outlined in Section 4.Procedures for considering meteorological effectssuch as temperature inversions and wind areoutlined in Section 5 to account for characteristicweather conditions under which the amenitycriteria apply.In determining the existing L Aeqnoise level fromindustry, noise from transportation-related sources(road traffic, rail traffic and aircraft) may be excluded.Criteria for noise from these sources aredefined separately. Research and experience indicatesthat residents distinguish and respondseparately to noise from road traffic, rail traffic,aircraft and industrial sources, rather than registeringan overall noise annoyance related to the totalL Aeqnoise level. Section 3.2 gives guidance on how todetermine existing noise levels. Practical means bywhich transportation noise (road traffic in particular)may be excluded from a measurement of existingnoise levels are presented in Section 3.2.1.Where existing traffic noise levels are continuouslyhigh, the existing level of the traffic noise (determinedby using the method outlined in Section 3.2)can be 10 dB or more above the recommendedacceptable noise level shown in Table 2.1. In thesesituations the industrial source may be inaudible,even where it produces noise levels higher than theacceptable noise level. The criterion to be applied inthis case is set out in Section 2.2.3.NSW industrial noise policy15

Table 2.1. Amenity criteriaResidenceType of ReceiverRecommended L Aeqnoise levels from industrial noise sourcesIndicativeNoise AmenityArea(see Notes in Section 2.2.1)RuralSuburbanUrbanTime of DayRecommended L Aeq.Noise Level,dB(A)(see Note 8 in Section 2.2.1)Acceptable(See Note 11)RecommendedMaximum(See Note 11)Day 50 55Evening 45 50Night 40 45Day 55 60Evening 45 50Night 40 45Day 60 65Evening 50 55Night 45 50Urban/Industrial Day 65 70Interface – forexistingEvening 55 60situations only Night 50 55School classroom—internal All Noisiest 1-hour periodwhen in useHospital ward—internal—externalAllAllNoisiest 1-hour periodNoisiest 1-hour period35(See Note 10)3550404055Place of worship—internal All When in use 40 45Area specifically reserved forpassive recreation (e.g.National Park)Active recreation area (e.g.school playground, golfcourse)All When in use 50 55All When in use 55 60Commercial premises All When in use 65 70Industrial premises All When in use 70 75Where there is a reasonable expectation that thecumulative noise level from industrial sourcescould increase in future (for example, through thedevelopment of further new sources), this should beconsidered in setting noise levels, as outlined inSection 2.2.4.NSW industrial noise policy16

Table 2.2. Modification to acceptable noise level (ANL)* to account for existing levelof industrial noiseTotal existing L Aeqnoise level fromindustrial sources, dB(A)Maximum L Aeqnoise level for noise from new sourcesalone, dB(A)≥ Acceptable noise level plus 2If existing noise level is likely to decrease in future:acceptable noise level minus 10If existing noise level is unlikely to decrease in future:existing level minus 10Acceptable noise level plus 1 Acceptable noise level minus 8Acceptable noise level Acceptable noise level minus 8Acceptable noise level minus 1 Acceptable noise level minus 6Acceptable noise level minus 2 Acceptable noise level minus 4Acceptable noise level minus 3 Acceptable noise level minus 3Acceptable noise level minus 4 Acceptable noise level minus 2Acceptable noise level minus 5 Acceptable noise level minus 2Acceptable noise level minus 6 Acceptable noise level minus 1< Acceptable noise level minus 6 Acceptable noise level* ANL = recommended acceptable L Aeq noise level for the specific receiver, area and time of day from Table 2.1.2.2.1 Notes to support the noise leveltables1. The recommended acceptable noise levelsrefer only to noise from industrial sources.However, they refer to noise from all suchsources at the receiver location, and not onlynoise due to a specific project under consideration.The levels represent outdoor levelsexcept where otherwise stated.2. In assessing noise levels at residences, thenoise level is to be assessed at the mostaffectedpoint on or within the residentialproperty boundary or, if this is more than 30m from the residence, at the most-affectedpoint within 30 m of the residence.3. In assessing noise levels at commercial orindustrial premises, the noise level is to beassessed at the most-affected point on orwithin the property boundary.4. Where internal noise levels are specified inTable 2.1, they refer to the noise level at thecentre of the habitable room that is mostexposed to the noise and are to apply withwindows opened sufficiently to provideadequate ventilation. In cases where thegaining of internal access for monitoring isdifficult, then external noise levels 10 dBabove the internal levels apply.5. In assessing noise levels at passive andactive recreational areas, the noise level is tobe assessed at the most-affected point within50 m of the area boundary.6. Types of receivers are defined as follows.Section 2.2.2 offers some guidance for theselection of the appropriate receiver types.Rural—means an area with an acousticalenvironment that is dominated by naturalsounds, having little or no road traffic. Suchareas may include:—an agricultural area, except those used forintensive agricultural activities—a rural recreational area such as resortareas—a wilderness area or national park—an area generally characterised by lowbackground noise levels (except in theimmediate vicinity of industrial noisesources).This area may be located in either a rural,rural-residential, environment protectionNSW industrial noise policy17

zone or scenic protection zone, as definedon a council zoning map (Local EnvironmentalPlan (LEP) or other planninginstrument).Suburban—an area that has local traffic withcharacteristically intermittent traffic flows orwith some limited commerce or industry. Thisarea often has the following characteristics:—decreasing noise levels in the eveningperiod (1800–2200); and/or—evening ambient noise levels defined by thenatural environment and infrequenthuman activity.This area may be located in either a rural,rural-residential or residential zone, asdefined on an LEP or other planninginstrument.Urban—an area with an acoustical environmentthat:—is dominated by ‘urban hum’ or industrialsource noise—has through traffic with characteristicallyheavy and continuous traffic flowsduring peak periods—is near commercial districts or industrialdistricts—has any combination of the above,where ‘urban hum’ means the aggregatesound of many unidentifiable, mostlytraffic-related sound sources.This area may be located in either a rural,rural-residential or residential zone asdefined on an LEP or other planninginstrument, and also includes mixed landusezones such as mixed commercial andresidential uses.Urban/industrial interface—an area definedas for ‘urban’ above that is in close proximityto industrial premises and that extends out toa point where the existing industrial noisefrom the source has fallen by 5 dB. Beyondthis region the amenity criteria for the ‘urban’category applies. This category may be usedonly for existing situations. (See example ofhow this category is used in Appendix A,Section A5).Commercial—an area defined as a businesszone, except neighbourhood business zone,on an LEP.Industrial—an area defined as an industrialzone on an LEP. For isolated residenceswithin an industrial zone the industrialamenity criteria would usually apply.7. Time of day:—day: the period from 7:00 am to 6:00 pmMonday to Saturday; or 8:00 am to 6:00 pmon Sundays and public holidays—evening: the period from 6:00 pm to 10:00pm—night: the remaining periods.(These periods may be varied whereappropriate, for example, see Section 3.3.)8. The L Aeqnoise level for a specific periodrepresents the L Aeqlevel calculated or measuredover the applicable day, evening ornight period (i.e. L Aeq, period) except whereotherwise stated (for example, school classroom,hospital).9. If existing noise levels from industrial noisesources already approach or exceed therecommended acceptable noise levels in Table2.1, any increase in these levels should bestrictly limited, as described in Table 2.2.10. In the case where existing schools are affectedby noise from existing industrial noisesources, the acceptable L Aeqnoise level maybe increased to 40 dB L Aeq(1hr).11. The acceptable and recommended maximumL Aeqnoise levels can provide a guide toapplying the negotiation process set out inSection 8. While negotiation between theproponent and the community for an agreednoise level can occur at any time, typicallythe proponent would negotiate with the EPAwhere noise-level emissions fall between theacceptable and recommended maximum. Forsite levels beyond the recommended maximumlevels, the proponent would need tonegotiate directly with the community.2.2.2 Determining the receiver typeThe selection of the type of receiver is important indetermining which noise amenity criteria levelshould apply. In most instances the receiver cat-NSW industrial noise policy18

egory for the amenity criteria will be straightforward,but in some localities, land-use patterns orzones may be ambiguous in terms of selecting theappropriate receiver type. As a guide the followingissues may be considered in deciding the land usecategory for a receiver:• The primary means for identifying the type ofreceiver is how the receiver area is zoned inthe relevant planning instrument. Thestandard terminology used in planninginstruments is usually limited to rural, ruralresidentialand residential in respect of areaswhere dwellings would normally be located.These terms do not differentiate suburbanand urban residential uses, and this isdiscussed in the next point.• In deciding whether a receiver area should beallocated to the suburban or urban categories,it may be necessary to examine thepredominant manner of development in thearea and the prevailing noise climate. Thedefinitions of suburban and urban provideguidance on this. For example, smallcommunities such as villages or towns arelikely to be closer in noise climate to asuburban category. Urban receivers areusually those located in densely populatedareas where multi-dwelling developmentssuch as townhouses, units, flats andapartments are the norm. Areas near noisegenerators (for example, roads, railways andindustry) would normally be considered to beurban-receiver type for the purpose of theamenity criteria. The rural category is morerepresentative of more isolated singledwellings on large lots (for example, 2hectares). The population density for an areamay provide a guide as to which of theresidential receiver categories apply.• In certain instances zoning for an area willallow multiple uses. For instance, some areasare classified as ‘Rural’ with industry-relatedland uses permissible, thus allowing ruraluses (including a dwelling) and industries inthe same area. In terms of noise thepermissible uses may not be entirelycompatible, and where this mix ofdevelopment is permitted it may not alwaysbe possible to achieve the desirable noisecriteria for receivers. In these instances thenoise levels that are achievable will bedefined by applying all feasible andreasonable mitigation measures. It is highlyrecommended that the relevant consentauthority consider the need to incorporatenoise mitigation measures in noise-sensitivedevelopments where such mixeddevelopment is permitted (for example, newresidences proposed near industrial orcommercial areas).• Other features of a locality that should alsobe considered include:—predominant land use, including theproportion of the different land useswithin the potentially noise-affected zone—strategic planning objectives or plans torezone (for example, as included in REPs,SEPs, Urban Development Program)—proximity of land-use to neighbouringindustries and busy roads—any permanent existing shielding providedby natural topography or otherwisebetween existing noise sources and sensitivereceivers—existing ambient noise levels in the area.2.2.3 Assessment in areas of high trafficnoiseThe level of transportation noise—road traffic noisein particular—may be high enough to make noisefrom an industrial source effectively inaudible, eventhough the L Aeqnoise level from that industrialnoise source may exceed the recommended acceptablenoise level shown in Table 2.1. In such cases,the amenity criterion for noise from the industrialnoise becomes the L Aeq, period(traffic)minus 10 dB. Thiscriterion replaces the amenity criterion in Tables 2.1and 2.2 above, and is used in the same way theamenity criterion is used, that is, in conjunctionwith the intrusiveness criterion, to determine thelimiting criterion. General and more specific casestudies showing how the high traffic criterionworks are included in Appendix A. (See Section A1and case study (c) in Section A2.)This criterion may be applied only if all the followingapply:1. Traffic noise is identified as the dominantnoise source at the site.NSW industrial noise policy19

2. The existing traffic noise level (determinedusing the procedure outlined in Section 3.2) is10 dB or more above the Acceptable noiselevel for the area.3. It is highly unlikely the road traffic noiselevels would decrease in the future.In all other cases the existing noise level of industrialsources may be determined by one of themethods outlined in Section 3.2.1 for comparisonwith Table 2.2 in the determination of the amenitycriterion.This method needs to be used with care for differentassessment periods. For example, although thiscriterion may be valid in high-traffic areas for the‘day’ assessment period, it may not be appropriatefor the ‘evening’ or ‘night’ assessment periodsbecause the requirement in (2) above has not beenmet. Where this is the case, one of the methodsoutlined in Section 3.2.1 may be used for the eveningand night periods.2.2.4 Assessment in developing areasThe recommended acceptable noise level from Tables2.1 and 2.2 represents the ideal total level of noisefrom industry that should be met by a proposeddevelopment and any future, potentially noiseproducing,developments in the area. In mostinstances where a number of industrial developmentsare proposed for an area, the amenity criteria,which set a cap for the cumulative noise fromindustry, will be more stringent than the intrusivecriteria. Thus project-specific noise levels for individualdevelopments will be derived from theamenity criteria.Where several developments are proposed for anarea, these are to be assessed as a group. Thisholistic approach allows project-specific noiselevels to be set for a proposed industrial development,so that the total impact from all proposed andpotential industrial developments does not causeamenity to deteriorate. In addition, this approachprovides an equitable distribution in the burden ofmeeting the noise criteria.The effectiveness of this approach depends on itbeing known at the time of assessment what developmentswill be moving into the locality, and whenthe various developments are proposed to commence.Generally, the approach should apply whenknowledge of future developments has advanced tothe point of a development application beingknown to the regulatory/consent authority, orwhere details of the proposal have been published.Implementation of this ‘holistic’ approach involvesthe following steps in relation to impacts at the mostsensitive receivers:1. Determining the number of developmentproposals to be assessed.2. Determining the amenity level according toTables 2.1 and 2.2.3. Determining the project-specific noise levelsto be achieved by each development at thereceiver, so that, when each is added logarithmically,the resultant total level of noisereceived from industry at any affected receiverwill meet the amenity level identified atStep 2.As the assessment is performed at the receiver, thelevel of noise received from each developmentdepends on its distance from the receiver—withmore remote developments able to emit higher noiselevels at the source.This type of approach has been applied by someforward-thinking local councils to provide an earlyindication to potential developers of expected noiseemissionrequirements, and to guarantee the noiseamenity in adjacent areas. (Examples of where thisapproach has been used include Ingleburn industrialestate, Campbelltown; Glendenning industrialestate, Blacktown and Breamer industrial estate,Mittagong.)2.2.5 Effects of changing land useLand uses can change—sometimes dramatically—with an increase in industrial activities, constructionof new freeways, or the development of newresidential suburbs. A consequence of this is thatthe land-use designation of an area may change.Changes in designation occur as a result of urbantyperesidential subdivisions in a village or ruralarea with few residences, or the encroachment ofindustrial developments near residential areas andvice versa.In such cases, the primary decision by planningauthorities to cause or allow the developmentwould take account of the many consequent implications.As developments introduce increasedNSW industrial noise policy20

activities, they also increase environmental noiselevels. Therefore, previously low ambient noiselevels will not be maintained, and assessments ofnoise sources for control purposes should be madeagainst the acceptable noise level relevant to themodified land use.2.3 Using the L AeqdescriptorThe L Aeq,descriptor applies for both the intrusivenesscriterion (L Aeq, 15 minute) and the amenity criterion(L Aeq, period). In this policy, the equivalent continuous(energy average) level (A-weighted) of the industrialsource is of interest (not necessarily that of the totalnoise environment). In certain circumstances othernoise descriptors may be more appropriate formeasurement/assessment or compliance purposes,depending on the characteristics of the noise source.For example, where the noise emissions from thesource of interest are constant (e.g. fan noise) andthe ambient noise level has a degree of variability(for example, due to traffic), the L A90descriptor mayadequately describe the noise source and be mucheasier to measure/assess. In these cases, it may bepreferable to replace the L Aeqdescriptor.If the descriptor chosen for measurement is not theL Aeq, reasons for the variation should be presentedin the noise assessment report.2.4 Project-specific noise levelsAfter determining the relevant noise levels from theintrusive and amenity criteria, the project-specificnoise levels can be assigned.The project-specific noise levels reflect the moststringent noise level requirement from the noiselevels derived from both the intrusive and amenitycriteria. They set the benchmark against whichnoise impacts and the need for noise mitigation areassessed.Applying the most stringent requirement as theproject-specific noise levels ensures that bothintrusive noise is limited and amenity is protected.The case studies presented in Appendix A showdefinitively how project-specific noise levels areidentified.NSW industrial noise policy21

3 Determining existing noise levels3.1 Determining background noise forthe intrusiveness criterionThe background noise level is defined here as ‘theunderlying level of noise present in ambient noisewhen all unusual extraneous noise is removed’.Sound levels contributing to background levels caninclude sound from nearby traffic (see Section 3.1.3),birds, insects, animals, machinery and similarsources if these sounds are a normal feature of thelocation. The background noise level is consideredto be represented by the L A90,15 minutedescriptor. Incomparison, the rating background level (as definedin Section 3.1.2) is the single-figure backgroundnoise level derived from monitoring L A90, 15 minutesovera representative period of time. The rating backgroundlevel is used for assessment purposes.Background noise levels need to be determinedbefore intrusive noise can be assessed. The backgroundnoise levels to be measured are those thatare present at the time of the noise assessment andwithout the subject development operating. Hence,for the assessment of modifications to an existingdevelopment, the noise from the existing developmentshould be excluded from background noisemeasurements.When assessing a new development, it is importantto undertake sufficient monitoring of backgroundnoise to allow intrusive noise to be assessed adequately.However, when assessing noise levels inresponse to complaints, the background noise levelduring the period of the complaint is of interest, andmonitoring over a shorter length of time may beappropriate.Before embarking on a noise-monitoring program,the potential for the development/ activity to causenoise annoyance, and the need for accurate noiseassessment, should be considered. Two measurementregimes are presented below. The first is adefinitive method to be used when assessing developmentswith the potential for significant noiseimpact. The second is a shorter method that can beused for complaint-assessment purposes.3.1.1 Methods of determining backgroundnoiseTable 3.1 summarises the two procedures for determiningbackground noise: the long-term method tobe used at the planning and approval stage, and theshort-term method for complaint and complianceassessment purposes. The long-term method involvesa two-step process to determine the ratingbackground level. The short-term method involvesonly one step. Appendix B gives a detailed descriptionof instrumentation requirements, and proceduresfor measurement and analysis for eachmethod.The long-term method for determining backgroundnoise (summarised in Table 3.1) is designed toensure that the criterion for intrusive noise will beachieved for at least 90% of the time periods overwhich annoyance reactions may occur (taken to beperiods of 15 minutes).Definitions and technical considerations to helpusers interpret and apply the methods are set downin the following sections.3.1.2 Definitions to support methodologiesExtraneous noise—noise due to activities that arenot typical of the area. These activities might includeconstruction, changes in road, rail or air traffic dueto holiday periods, and special events such asconcerts or sporting events. Normal daily roadtraffic and other transportation noise are not consideredto be extraneous noise. Where an industry in anindustrial estate wishes to extend its operations, themeasured background noise level may include thegeneral hum of industries nearby, but should notinclude any noise from the site itself—or noise fromany intrusive sources nearby that could affect theL A90,15 minutevalue. As a reasonable guide, any extraneousnoise present for at least half of a 15-minutemonitoring period, and having the potential to affectthe L A90,15 minutevalue, should be excluded.NSW industrial noise policy22

Table 3.1. Methods for determining background noiseFeaturesMethodWhen to useType of monitoringLength ofmonitoringConditions formonitoringMonitoring locationAssessment timeperiodsLong-termDuring planning and approval stagewhere there is significant potential fornoise impact, e.g. extractive industriesand industrial developments.Continuous sampling accompanied byperiods of operator-attended monitoringEquivalent to one week’s worth of validdata covering the days and times ofoperation of the development (SeeSection 3.5)Average wind speed < 5 m/s 1 , no rain, noextraneous noise (See Sections 3.1.2and 3.4)Most or potentially most affected noisesensitivelocation/sDay (0700–1800)Evening (1800–2200)Night (2200–0700)(See Section 3.3 for exceptions)Short-termDuring complaint assessments, compliancechecks, when determining the effect ofbackground noise on a source noisemeasurement and for low riskdevelopments.Individual sampling—operator-attendedmeasurements15-minute measurements covering thetimes of operation of the developmentAverage wind speed < 5 m/s 1 , no rain, noextraneous noise (See Sections 3.1.2 and3.4)Most affected noise-sensitive locationand/or location of complaintTimes when maximum impacts occurBase measure L A90,15 minuteL A90,15 minuteAnalysis method Determine the assessment backgroundlevel for each day, evening and night byusing the tenth percentile method.The rating background level is themedian assessment background levelover all days for each period.Note:1. Refers to the wind speed at the microphone height.The rating background level is themeasured L A90,15 minutevalue, or, where anumber of measurements have beenmade, the lowest L A90, 15 minutevalue.NSW industrial noise policy23

Special care needs to be taken when doing shorttermmeasurements to ensure that the measurementsreflect the time of maximum impact. For example, ina residential neighbourhood, short-term noisemeasurements should not be taken when there areother noisy activities going on (for example, lawnmowing,idling vehicles, neighbourhood chatter).When in doubt as to whether an activity is typical ofthe area, it is best to exclude data affected by noisefrom that activity.Noise-sensitive location(s)—residential premises,schools, hospitals, places of worship, parks andwilderness areas.Most affected location(s)—locations that are mostaffected (or that will be most affected) by noise fromthe source under consideration as per Note 2 inSection 2.2.1. In determining these locations, thefollowing need to be considered: existing backgroundlevels, noise source location/s, distancefrom source/s (or proposed source/s) to receiver,and any shielding (for example, building, barrier)between source and receiver. Often several locationswill be affected by noise from the development. Inthese cases, locations that can be considered representativeof the various affected areas should bemonitored.Time of maximum impact—the time during whichthe difference between the background noise leveland the source noise is expected to be the greatest.Assessment background level (ABL)—the singlefigurebackground level representing each assessmentperiod—day, evening and night (that is, threeassessment background levels are determined foreach 24-hour period of the monitoring period).Determination of the assessment background levelis by the tenth percentile method described inAppendix B. Only those days and assessmentperiods that are applicable to the times of operationof the proposed development are required tobe assessed.Rating background level (RBL)—the overall singlefigurebackground level representing each assessmentperiod (day/evening/night) over the wholemonitoring period (as opposed to over each 24-hourperiod used for the assessment background level).The rating background level is the level used forassessment purposes. Where the rating backgroundlevel is found to be less than 30 dB(A), then it is setto 30 dB(A).For the short-term method the rating backgroundlevel is simply the measured L A90,15 minutelevel. Forthe long-term method, the rating background level isdefined as the median value of:—all the day assessment background levelsover the monitoring period for the day—all the evening assessment backgroundlevels over the monitoring period for theevening, or—all the night assessment background levelsover the monitoring period for the night.‘Median’ is the middle value in a number of values.For an odd number of values, the value of themedian is simply the middle value in a number ofvalues ranked in ascending or descending order.For an even number of values, the median is thearithmetic average of the two middle values.3.1.3 Transportation noise in backgroundnoise measurementsTransportation noise (air, road and rail) may beincluded in background noise measurements,except when there is a reasonable expectation thatflows are not representative of normal conditions(for example, traffic during school holidays). Air,road and rail traffic during these times are usuallyconsidered to be extraneous.Where the period of measurement is limited (that is,short-term measurement), care is needed to ensurethat the time at which the measurements are madereflects the period when the highest noise impactsare likely to occur. For example, where there is onlyintermittent traffic, the short-term noise measurementshould not include transportation noise,otherwise incorrect high readings will result.However, where the traffic is constant and continuous,transportation may be included in the shorttermmeasurement to ensure that the noise environmentis adequately represented.3.2 Determining existing noise levelsfor amenity criteriaExisting noise levels need to be determined for theperiods during which the proposed developmentwill operate.In determining the existing L Aeqnoise level, it isimportant to obtain a representative level. Hence,NSW industrial noise policy24

Table 3.2. Determining the existing L Aeqnoise levelsRisk of noise impact Measurement period 1 Definition of existing levelLow riskHigh riskOne day—covering the definedday/evening/night periods relevant to theperiods the proposed development wouldoperate.One week—covering the definedday/evening/night periods the proposeddevelopment would operate.The logarithmic average 2 ofindividual L Aeq,15 minutelevels for eachday/evening/night assessmentperiod over the measurementperiod.Notes:1. It is recommended that the L Aeq be measured on a 15-minute basis.2. Logarithmic average = 10log 10 ((∑ i=1 to n 10 (LAeq,15 min,i/10) )/n), where n = number of L Aeq,15 min values in eachassessment period over the measurement period.assessing the existing L Aeqnoise level is as definedin Table 3.2 for assessing different noise risk developments.3.2.1 Excluding transportation noiseThe ‘existing noise levels’ described in Table 2.2 arefor industrial noise sources only. Where practicable,noise from transportation or community activitiescan be excluded, as the measured industry noiselevel will be used (Table 2.2) to determine the amenitylevel. Practical ways of excluding transportationand community noise will depend on the situation.The policy does not require transportation andcommunity noise to be excluded when determiningexisting noise levels, but it may be advantageous tothe proponent to minimise the effects of communityand transportation noise. Possible techniques to dothis include:1. Measuring the level of transportation noise ata nearby location not affected by noise fromindustry, and logarithmically subtracting thismeasurement from the combined level at thesite. This may be done by setting up twologgers (or two sound-level meters in the caseof short-term measurements) to monitorsimultaneously the combined noise levels atthe site and the transportation noise levels atthe nearby location.2. Measuring at another location where industrialsource noise levels are equivalent, buttransportation noise is much lower.3. Modelling the level of transportation noiseand subtracting the result from the measuredcombined levels.4. (Where it can be demonstrated that allexisting noise is due to transportation-relatedsources) Assuming that the level of industrialnoise is 10 dB below the existing combinednoise levels.When measuring existing industrial noise, takespecial care when determining what constitutes anindustrial noise source. For example, any mobile/transportation sources that form part of the normaloperations on an industrial noise source site areconsidered to be part of the industrial noise sourceand should be included when measuring existingnoise levels from that industrial source.Where dominant road traffic is over 300 m awayfrom the site and is heard as a very distant hum, thelevel of traffic noise is likely to be low enough thatspecial techniques to minimise its effects are notwarranted. Exceptions to this include cases where amajor road is in direct line-of-sight of the assessmentposition, causing traffic on it to be the dominantsource of noise at the site.3.3 Dealing with ‘shoulder’ periodsThere will be situations that call for different assessmentperiods. For example, where early morning(5 am to 7 am) operations are proposed, it may beunduly stringent to expect such operations to beassessed against the night-time criteria—especiallyif existing background noise levels are steadilyrising in these early morning hours. In these situations,appropriate noise level targets may be negotiatedwith the regulatory/consent authority on acase-by-case basis. As a rule of thumb it may beappropriate to assign a shoulder period ratingNSW industrial noise policy25

ackground level as the mid-point value betweenthe rating background levels of the two assessmentperiods that are on either side of the shoulderperiod.The objective is to achieve environmental amenity ina feasible and reasonable manner. In an assessmentof the likely level of noise impact, the time of day isonly one of several relevant factors—such as noiselevel and character, and the activities affected by thenoise. Noise of a lower level, and with no intrusivecharacteristics such as tones and impulses, canoften be more acceptable over a longer period of theday than noise at a high level and/or with intrusivecharacteristics.3.4 Meteorological conditions formonitoringWind and rain conditionsNoise monitoring should not be conducted (or thedata should be excluded) when average windspeeds (over 15-minute periods or shorter) at microphoneheight are greater than 5 m/s, or whenrainfall occurs. Exceptions to this rule are allowed,provided the proponent is able to show that thewind-induced noise on the microphone, and soundlevels due to rain, are at least 10 dB below the noiselevels (that is, background and/or ambient) underinvestigation.Where high wind speeds are a feature of the area,monitoring may be permitted during higher windspeeds, provided the proponent is able to show thatthese wind speeds are a site feature and that thewind-induced noise on the microphone is at least 10dB below the noise levels under investigation.Wind blowing through leaves can raise the environmentalnoise levels, even at speeds less than 5 m/s.To avoid this effect, take care to select monitoringlocations that are as far away as possible fromvegetation while still being representative of thesubject site.Temperature inversionsThe noise levels determined using the methods justdescribed are considered to represent the season inwhich they have been monitored. For this reason,monitoring may be conducted during temperatureinversion conditions to ensure that the noise environmentat a site is adequately represented. However,care is needed when doing short-term measurementsto ensure that the measured noise levelresults in an adequate assessment of impacts. Forinstance, measurement of short-term backgroundnoise should exclude any data collected duringtemperature inversions where these inversions areinfrequent and are not a feature of the area. Otherwiseassessment applying the intrusiveness criterionwill not adequately assess the noise impact.Seasonal variationsThe EPA recognises that background noise levelsmay vary due to seasonal changes in weatherconditions and wildlife activity (for example,insects, birds and other fauna) and also as a resultof changes in operational activities on surroundingdevelopments. As far as is practicable, these potentialchanges should be considered and addressed ina qualitative manner in the noise assessment reportto ensure that noise impacts during other seasonsare not ignored.Such changes may be accounted for by excludingthe season-related noise levels from the backgroundnoise measurements by filtering or other means (forexample, in the case of seasonal operational activities,by monitoring in a similar location not affectedby the development in question). In other casesthese variations may be discounted on the basis oflocal knowledge in the area, but the discountingshould still be justified in the noise assessmentreport.3.5 Duration of monitoringScreening tests may be performed before any monitoringto assess whether monitoring is required. Forexample, if a minimum background noise level of 30dB(A) is assumed as the rating background leveland the assessment shows no impact, then there isno need for background noise monitoring, as thisrepresents a conservative and limiting case.Typically, one week’s worth of valid data coveringthe days and times of operation of the proposeddevelopment is required to meaningfully determinethe existing noise environment. However, theduration of monitoring should be determined bytaking into account the circumstances of the particularsituation. The cyclic or random nature ofNSW industrial noise policy26

ambient noise levels can affect the duration required.In areas where the background noise levels areaffected significantly by nearby road traffic withregular daily pattern, three days’ worth of validdata may be sufficient. However, care should beexercised in assuming a pattern of noise levels in anarea. It is recommended that , where any doubtexists, the full week’s monitoring should be performed.In those cases where there appears not to bea regular daily pattern to ambient noise, and/or thedominant ambient noise sources are some significantdistance from the measurement location, oneweek’s valid data is likely to be required. There willalso be some circumstances where more than oneweek of valid data will be required to gain a goodunderstanding of the variation in ambient noise (forexample, where there is a wide variability in dailyassessment background levels). Any variations fromthe specified monitoring duration in Table 3.1should be fully justified in the noise assessmentreport.NSW industrial noise policy27

4 ‘Modifying factor’ adjustments4.1 IntroductionWhere a noise source contains certain characteristics,such as tonality, impulsiveness, intermittency,irregularity or dominant low-frequency content,there is evidence to suggest that it can cause greaterannoyance than other noise at the same noise level.On the other hand, some sources may cause lessannoyance where only a single event occurs for alimited duration. This section outlines the correctionfactors to be applied to the source noise level at thereceiver before comparison with the criteria specifiedin Section 2 to account for the additional annoyancecaused by these modifying factors. The correctionfactors listed below were determined followinga review of Australian and overseas practices andthe relevant literature.The modifying factor corrections should be appliedhaving regard to:• noise from all sources, individually and incombination, that contribute to the total noiseat a site; and• the nature of the noise source and itscharacteristics.Table 4.1 sets out the corrections to be applied. Thecorrections specified for tonal, impulsive, intermittentand low-frequency noise are to be added to themeasured or predicted noise levels at the receiverbefore comparison with the criteria.4.2 Definitions to support themodifying factor correctionsTonal noise—containing a prominent frequencyand characterised by a definite pitch.Low-frequency noise—containing major componentswithin the low frequency range (20 Hz–250Hz) of the frequency spectrum.Adjustment for duration—applied where a singleeventnoise is continuous for a period of less thantwo and a half hours in any 24-hour period. Theacceptable noise level may be increased by theadjustment shown in Table 4.2. This adjustment isdesigned to account for unusual and one-off events,and does not apply to regular high-noise levels thatoccur more frequently than once per day.Maximum adjustment—the maximum correction tobe applied to the criteria or the measured levelwhere two or more modifying factors are present.The maximum adjustment is 10 dB(A) where thenoise contains two or more modifying factors(excluding the duration correction).4.3 Applying the modifying factorsThe modifying factors are to be applied to the noisefrom the source measured/predicted at the receiverand before comparison with the criteria. The modifyingfactor correction is applied as follows (K iisequal to the modifying factor correction (from Table4.1)):CriterionMeasured orPredictedCompareCriterionValueIntrusiveness L Aeq, 15 minuteplus K iRatingbackgroundlevel plus 5Amenity(including hightraffic criterionSection 2.2.3)L Aeq, periodplus K iAcceptablenoise levelWhere two or more modifying factors are present,the maximum correction is limited to 10 dB.Impulsive noise—having a high peak of shortduration or a sequence of such peaks.Intermittent noise—the level suddenly drops to thatof the background noise several times during theassessment period, with a noticeable change innoise level of at least 5 dB.NSW industrial noise policy28

Table 4.1.Modifying factor corrections(See definitions in Section 4.2)FactorAssessment/measurementWhen to apply Correction 1 CommentsTonal noiseOne-third octaveor narrow bandanalysisLevel of one-third octave bandexceeds the level of theadjacent bands on both sidesby:—5 dB or more if the centrefrequency of the bandcontaining the tone is above400 Hz—8 dB or more if the centrefrequency of the bandcontaining the tone is 160 to400 Hz inclusive—15 dB or more if the centrefrequency of the bandcontaining the tone is below160 Hz5 dB 2 Narrow-bandfrequency analysismay be required toprecisely detectoccurrenceLowfrequencynoiseMeasurement ofC-weighted andA-weighted levelMeasure/assess C- and A-weighted levels over sametime period. Correction to beapplied if the differencebetween the two levels is15 dB or more5 dB 2 C-weighting isdesigned to bemore responsive tolow-frequencynoiseImpulsivenoiseA-weighted fastresponse andimpulseresponseIf difference in A-weightedmaximum noise levels betweenfast response and impulseresponse is greater than 2 dBApplydifference inmeasuredlevels as thecorrection, upto a maximumof 5 dB.Characterised by ashort rise time of35 milliseconds(ms) and decaytime of 1.5 sIntermittentnoiseSubjectivelyassessedLevel varies by more than 5 dB 5 dB Adjustment to beapplied for nighttimeonly.DurationSingle-eventnoise durationmay range from1.5 min to 2.5 hOne event in any 24-hourperiod0 to –20 dB(A) The acceptablenoise level may beincreased by anadjustmentdepending onduration of noise.(See Table 4.2)MaximumadjustmentRefer toindividualmodifyingfactorsWhere two or more modifyingfactors are indicatedMaximumcorrection of10 dB(A) 2(excludingdurationcorrection)Notes:1. Corrections to be added to the measured or predicted levels.2. Where a source emits tonal and low-frequency noise, only one 5-dB correction should be applied if the tone is in thelow-frequency range.NSW industrial noise policy29

Table 4.2.Adjustments for durationDuration of noiseIncrease in acceptable noise level at receptor, dB(A)(one event in any 24 hour period)Daytime and evening(0700–2200 h)Night-time(2200–0700 h)1.0 to 2.5 hours 2 Nil15 minutes to 1 hour 5 Nil6 minutes to 15 minutes 7 21.5 minutes to 6 minutes 15 5less than 1.5 minutes 20 10NSW industrial noise policy30

5 Meteorological conditions5.1 IntroductionCertain meteorological conditions may increasenoise levels by focusing sound-wave propagationpaths at a single point. Such refraction of soundwaves will occur during temperature inversions(atmospheric conditions where temperaturesincrease with height above ground level) and wherethere is a wind gradient (that is, wind velocitiesincreasing with height) with wind direction fromthe source to the receiver. These meteorologicaleffects typically increase noise levels by 5 to 10 dB,and have been known to increase noise levels by asmuch as 20 dB in extreme conditions, therebycausing a significant noise impact on residentsliving in areas prone to these effects.Temperature inversions occurring within the lowest50 to 100 m of atmosphere can affect noise levelsmeasured on the ground. In the geographical areaswhere this policy applies, these temperature inversionsare most commonly caused by radiativecooling of the ground at night leading to the coolingof the air in contact with the ground. This is especiallyprevalent on cloudless nights with little wind.Air that is somewhat removed from contact with theground will not cool as much, resulting in warmerair aloft than nearer the ground.In assessing noise impacts, the criteria are expectedto apply under weather conditions that would beexpected to occur at a particular site for a significantperiod of time. These include conditions of calm,wind and temperature inversions. As the criteria areexpected to apply under weather conditions characteristicof the area, it is important at the start of anoise assessment to assess the potential for suchmeteorological effects occurring, thus enablingbetter prediction of potential noise impacts. Thesections below outline the procedures for assessingtemperature inversions (Section 5.2) and wind effects(Section 5.3). Essentially, there are two underlyingapproaches to assessing these effects: the simpleand the more detailed approach.Simple approach. With the simple approach, theproponent may forego detailed analyses of meteorologicaldata and simply apply given default meteorologicalparameters to predict noise levels. Thisapproach assumes that meteorological effects arepresent for a significant amount of time, avoidingthe need to quantify these effects in detail. It isconservative, in that it is likely to predict the upperrange of increases in noise levels. Actual noiselevels may be less than predicted. This approach isgenerally used to test whether further analyses arewarranted.Detailed approach. The detailed approach involvesanalysing meteorological data to determine whetherinversion and/or wind effects are significantfeatures warranting assessment. Where assessmentis warranted, default parameters are available foruse in predicting noise or, where preferred, measuredvalues may be used instead. The detailedapproach gives a more accurate prediction of noiseincreases due to meteorological factors—as a tradeofffor the additional work involved.5.2 Temperature inversionsThe 4-step procedure for assessing the amount bywhich noise is increased by inversion effects issummarised in Figure 5.1. Assessment of impacts isconfined to the night noise assessment period (10pm to 7 am), as this is the time likely to have thegreatest impact—that is, when temperature inversionsusually occur and disturbance to sleep ispossible.Essentially, the assessment involves a stagedapproach, designed to require an assessment onlywhere initial screening tests show that inversioneffects on noise are potentially significant. Wherethe potential is established, the next step is toanalyse existing meteorological data to determinethe percentage occurrence of temperature inversions.An occurrence of 30% of the total night-timeduring winter (June, July and August) has beenselected as representing a significant noise impactwarranting further assessment. As temperatureinversions generally occur during the night-timeand early morning periods, this percentage occurrencecorresponds to about two nights per week.The night-time period for determining inversionfrequency is from 1 hour before sunset to 1 hourafter sunrise (taken to be 6 pm to 7 am), which is thetime period during which inversions are most likely.(This is different from the night noise assessmentperiod over which inversions are to be assessed,NSW industrial noise policy31

Figure 5.1.Assessing temperature inversionsStep 1: Do initial screening testDetermines whether inversion effects need to be consideredAre inversion effects likely tosignificantly affect noiselevels?NOYESStep 2: Determine % occurrence of inversionsUse existing data (Bureau of Meteorology) or on-sitemeasurementsIs the occurrence ofinversions significant, i.e.> 30% of nights in winter?NONo furtherassessment isrequiredYESSTEP 3: Decide on inversion parameters to useUse either default inversion values specified by the policyor actual measured valuesSTEP 4: Compare predicted level with project-specificnoise levelsThe predicted noise levels due to the inversion conditionsare compared with the project-specific noise levels. Wherethey exceed the project-specific noise levels, noise impactsare likely.NSW industrial noise policy32

which is from 10 pm to 7 am.) Winter is selected asthe appropriate season in which to determinewhether temperature inversions are significant, as itrepresents the season with the highest frequency ofoccurrence of temperature inversions.Default values for temperature inversions anddrainage-flow wind speed are provided for use inassessing impacts where inversions are present forat least 30% of the total night time during winter.Alternatively, actual inversion strength and windspeed values based on on-site measurements may beused instead of the default values.A brief description of the main components of theprocedure for assessing noise increases due toinversion effects is presented below. Details of thefull procedure are presented in Appendix C.Step 1:Do initial screening testsTo assess the level by which noise is increased as aresult of inversion effects, it is generally necessary toanalyse meteorological data from the area in question.However, before doing any detailed analyses,the potential for temperature inversions to increasenoise impact should be determined. Detailedanalyses of meteorological data are not requiredwhere there is little or no potential for impact, as inthe following cases:• where the development in question does notoperate during the night-time hours. Astemperature inversions are usuallyprominent during night-time hours, there isno need to consider their effects for adevelopment that does not operate at night(10 pm to 7 am)• where, by using the default values, (seeAppendix C Table C1 for screening test defaultvalues), it can be shown that there would beno significant additional noise impactsduring inversion conditions (for example,less than a 3-dB increase). In this situation,no further analysis of inversion effects isrequired. Situations where this could occurinclude:—areas that experience only a slight increasein noise due to inversions—areas where the most-affected premisesmay be located close to the development,thus negating the effects of inversionsStep 2:(which focus noise at relatively largedistances).Determine the significance oftemperature inversionsWhere screening tests (Step 1) indicate that inversionscould have a significant impact on noise, theproponent may want to do further analyses toconfirm whether the occurrence of temperatureinversions at the locality is significant. This wouldinvolve determining the percentage occurrence ofmoderate and strong inversions during winter,based on existing meteorological data and usingany one of the methods outlined in Appendix E.(Weak inversions are not included, as they are notconsidered to have a significant impact on noise.)Where inversion conditions are predicted for atleast 30% (or approximately 2 nights per week) ofthe total night time in winter, then inversion effectsare considered to be significant and should be takeninto account in the noise assessment.In NSW, the Hunter region has been identified as anarea often affected by temperature inversions. Forthis reason, the Hunter has been studied in detail,and the percentage occurrence of temperatureinversions has been determined for the entire regiondown to a 2-km grid-square resolution. (See AppendixF.)Step 3:Decide on inversion parametersto useThere are two options: use the default parametersspecified, or use parameters determined by directmeasurement.A. Using default inversion parametersDefault values for inversion strength and windspeed have been specified for use in the noiseassessment to avoid the need for potentially costlyon-site monitoring. These default values have beenchosen based on the analysis of available field data.Essentially, the following default parameters arespecified for non-arid and arid areas:Non-arid areas (annual average rainfall greater than500 mm):Moderate (F-class stability category) inversions• 3 °C/100 m temperature inversion strengthfor all receivers, plus a 2 m/s source-to-NSW industrial noise policy33

eceiver component drainage-flow windspeed for those receivers where applicable.(See below for applicability of drainage-flowwind.) For more information see Appendix C.Arid and semi-arid areas (annual average rainfall lessthan 500 mm):Strong (G-class stability category) inversions• 8°C/100 m temperature inversion strengthfor all receivers, plus a 1 m/s source-toreceivercomponent drainage-flow windspeeds for those receivers where applicable.(See below for applicability of drainage-flowwind.)Applicability of drainage-flow windThe drainage-flow wind default value shouldgenerally be applied where a development is at ahigher altitude than a residential receiver, with nointervening higher ground (for example, hills). Inthese cases, both the specified wind and temperatureinversion default values should be used in thenoise assessment for receivers at the lower altitude.B. Using direct measurementWhere the proponent rejects the default values andwishes to use alternative values based on directmeasurement, use the procedure outlined in AppendixE.(Note: Wind data should be collected at 10 mheight.)Step 4:Assess the expected impactThe increased noise level predicted under inversionconditions is then compared with the projectspecificnoise levels to determine whether any noiseimpacts are expected. Noise impacts are likelywhere exceedances of the project-specific noiselevels are predicted.5.3 Wind effectsThe effects of gradient wind on noise levels alsoneed to be accounted for when assessing the impactfrom a planned development. Gradient wind differsfrom the drainage-flow wind associated withtemperature inversions:• drainage-flow wind is the localised drainageof cold air under the influence of the localtopography, and travels in one direction only(direction of decreasing altitude)• gradient wind is the regional winddetermined by synoptic factors (high andlow-pressure systems), and may originatefrom any direction.Wind data are usually relatively easy to obtain, andwind roses are commonly used in most environmentalimpact assessments. Unlike temperatureinversions, gradient winds may cause impactsduring any assessment period (day, evening,night)—not just the night period. Hence the assessmentof these effects should consider all assessmentperiods.5.3.1 When do wind effects need to beassessed?Wind effects need to be assessed where wind is afeature of the area. Wind is considered to be afeature where source-to-receiver wind speeds (at 10-m height) of 3 m/s or below occur for 30 per cent ofthe time or more in any assessment period (day,evening, night) in any season. This differs from theprocedure used with temperature inversions, in thatthe 30-per-cent occurrence applies to all seasonsand each assessment period—and not just thewinter season and night assessment period. Thereare two ways to assess wind effects:• Use a wind rose to determine whether windis a feature based on the frequency ofoccurrence and wind speed. In doing this,take care to assess the source-to-receivercomponents of wind that are relevant.• Simply assume that wind is a feature of thearea (foregoing the need to use a wind rose)and apply a ‘maximum impact’ scenario.5.3.2 What wind speed should be usedwhen assessing noise impacts?Wind is considered in two ways; the wind near theground at the microphone position, and the windaloft at 10 m above the ground.When wind near the ground increases its speed itcan increase ambient noise levels by rustling foliageand creating turbulence when passing over orNSW industrial noise policy34

around structures. At higher wind speeds, the noiseproduced by wind will drown out noise from mostindustrial and transportation sources. Wind canalso create extraneous noise on noise-monitoringequipment; an upper limit of 5 m/s at the microphoneposition is commonly applied during noisemeasurement to reduce this effect.Where wind speeds increase with height there is aneffect that is analogous to temperature inversionsbut restricted to localities downwind of the noisesource. This effect is represented by the wind speedand direction measured at a 10 m height above theground. The 10-m wind may either be a drainageflow wind associated with an inversion or a gradientwind. The link between the near ground windand the 10-m wind has been described as a powerlaw relationship. This relationship can be complexand can depend on site factors such as the surfaceroughness and the stability of the atmosphere. Thismeans that the 10-m wind cannot, as a general rule,be accurately derived from wind velocity measurementsnear the ground and vice versa.In summary:source, but may not increase ambient noise levels tothe point where they mask noise from the sourceand make it unnoticeable. A 10-m wind of 3m/s isalso unlikely to be associated with near-surfacewinds of a strength able to cause increased ambientnoise levels that would mask increased levels ofnoise from the source.Where there is 30 per cent or more occurrence ofwind speeds below 3 m/s (source-to-receivercomponent), then use the highest wind speed(below 3 m/s) instead of the default.Where there is less than a 30 per cent occurrence ofwind of up to 3 m/s (source-to-receiver component),wind is not included in the noise-prediction calculation.• Noise can be increased by wind.• Wind can create high ambient noise levels.• Wind can create extraneous noise on noisemonitoringequipment.• The near-surface wind and the 10-m windcan cause different noise effects, so that bothneed to be assessed.• The near-surface wind relates to effects on thenoise monitoring equipment and noisegenerated through mechanical interactionwith trees and other obstructions, whereasthe 10-m wind relates to sound-waverefraction through the atmosphere, similar toinversions and its consequent effects on noiselevels.• A significant wind effect near the ground atmicrophone height does not necessarily meanthat a significant wind effect will occur at10 m (and vice versa).A default wind speed of 3 m/s (at 10-m height) isproposed for assessing noise impacts caused bygradient winds. This wind speed can noticeablyincrease noise received down-wind of a noiseNSW industrial noise policy35

6 Predicting noise levels & determiningimpactsAn important aspect of noise assessment—afterdetermining the project-specific noise levels—is theprediction of noise levels from an industrial noisesource, leading to the determination of noise impact.This process involves:1. Identifying all possible source, site andreceiver parameters so that noise can beadequately predicted.2. Predicting noise levels from the source atreceiver locations—taking into account allimportant parameters identified, as well asthe project-specific noise levels.3. Comparing the predicted noise level with theproject-specific noise levels to determine thenoise impact.6.1 Identifying noise parametersThe important parameters for predicting noise arelisted below. These will set the boundaries of thenoise prediction process. They need to be determinedand clearly identified for noise impacts to bepredicted adequately:• all noise sources related to the proposeddevelopment, including vehicles that operateon site• source noise levels, site location and effectiveheight of the noise source. References shouldbe provided for all source noise levels used inthe assessment (for example, directmeasurement, previous EIS, manufacturer’sspecifications)• all stages of project development• all nearby receivers potentially affected by thedevelopment• weather conditions applicable to the site(from Section 5); noise criteria apply underexisting weather conditions• site features (including natural andconstructed, development and surroundingland uses) that affect noise propagation• operating times of the development.6.2 Noise predictionTo quantify the noise impact, the noise levels fromthe source at all potentially affected receiversshould be predicted, taking account of the parametersidentified (Section 6.1).The noise levels predicted should correspond to thenoise descriptor of the project-specific noise levelsapplicable to the project. For example, the noiselevels should be predicted in terms of:• L Aeq,periodif the amenity criteria establish theproject-specific noise levels• L Aeq,15 minuteif the intrusive criterionestablishes the project-specific noise levels.Any assumptions made when determiningdescriptors should be clearly validated and reportedin the assessment.For small or simple projects, the predicted noiselevel from the source may be calculated manually,taking into account the distance from the source toreceiver and any shielding between the source andreceiver.For large or difficult projects, noise is generallypredicted through the use of computer noise models.Such models generally take account of noiseattenuation due to distance, atmospheric absorption,barriers, effects of intervening ground typesand weather conditions. They use informationabout source noise levels, location of sources,topography between source and receiver andweather conditions to calculate overall noise levelsat a receiver location. Strong preference will begiven for the use of modelling approaches that havebeen the subject of peer review and that form acceptedpractice (for example, Environmental NoiseModel (ENM) or Soundplan). Any other modellingapproaches used would need to be validated beforeNSW industrial noise policy36

eing used for a particular project. Where largenumbers of people are likely to be affected by noise,a map showing predicted noise levels as noisecontours surrounding the development is required.6.3 Determining impactsThe noise impact of the development can be determinedby comparing the predicted noise level at thereceiver with the project-specific noise levels thathave been derived for that particular location. Thedevelopment is considered to cause a noise impact ifthe predicted noise level at the receiver exceeds theproject-specific noise levels for the project. Theextent of noise impact from the development isdefined by the extent the predicted noise levelexceeds the project-specific noise levels and thenumber of receivers affected.6.3.1 Impacts under adverse weatherconditionsAs described in Section 5, adverse meteorologicalconditions such as temperature inversions andwinds can act to increase the level of noise receivedfrom a noise source. These meteorological effectsmay also result in increased levels of ambient noisecontributed by industry and background noise.Wind can also reduce noise levels at the receiverwhere it blows from the receiver towards the industry.These effects are site specific and often complex anddifficult to quantify. Extended monitoring and/ordetailed modelling may be needed to capture theeffects or predict what is expected to occur. Thecomplexity and expense involved in quantifying theeffect of adverse meteorological conditions onbackground noise levels or ambient noise levelscontributed by industry preclude these detailedprocedures from being a requirement in assessingnoise impact. However, it is recognised that sucheffects do occur, and these procedures may be usedto assess the effects of meteorological conditions onbackground noise levels and ambient noise levels inthe noise assessment report.assessed under adverse wind conditions (forexample, a 3 m/s wind blowing from source toreceiver), then where a background noise level canbe quantified for those same conditions it is reasonablethat this background noise level should beused to assess impacts under these conditions.In all cases the rating background level should bedetermined (as per Section 3.1) as the starting point,and any adjustments for adverse meteorologicalconditions can then be applied to this base value.Impact should be assessed under both adverse andnon-adverse meteorological conditions to determinethe maximum impact that may occur.Quantifying the influence of temperature inversionson background noise levels can be done in a similarfashion, and the policy provides a number ofmethods for estimating the presence of temperatureinversions.The influence of adverse meteorology on the industrycontribution to ambient L Aeqnoise levels may bemore difficult to establish. However, where this canbe quantified with a reasonable level of confidencethe resultant noise levels may be used in assessingimpact against the criteria.It is emphasised that sufficient objective evidencemust be supplied to support any claim for increasedbackground noise levels or industry contribution tothe ambient L Aeqlevels. It is not sufficient to relysolely on past experience; a site-specific analysis ofthe effects of meteorology must be undertaken.The over-riding objective is to ‘compare like withlike’ and to ensure that the situations where themaximum level of impact is likely to occur areidentified and quantified. For example, where theimpact from a proposed development is to beNSW industrial noise policy37

7 Mitigating noise from industrial sources7.1 IntroductionThe processes described in Sections 2 to 6 establishthe project-specific noise levels and the predictednoise levels from the source. When the predictednoise level from the noise source exceeds the projectspecificnoise levels, mitigation measures that willreduce noise levels to meet the project-specific noiselevels need to be considered. The degree of noiseimpact quantifies the extent of mitigation required,and points to an appropriate mix of noise controlmeasures to be adopted as a mitigation strategy.This policy focuses on achieving the desired environmentaloutcomes—there is no prescribed managementor mitigation strategy to achieve theproject-specific noise levels. In this way, the noisesourcemanager is given maximum flexibility incontrolling noise.The sections below provide guidance on whatmitigation and management measures might beappropriate for particular types of developmentassociated with specific noise problems.Essentially, there are three main mitigation strategiesfor noise control:1. Controlling noise at the source.There are two approaches: Best ManagementPractice (BMP) and Best Available TechnologyEconomically Achievable (BATEA). Theseare described in Section 7.2.2. Controlling the transmission of noise.There are two approaches: the use of barriersand land-use controls—which attenuatenoise by increasing the distance betweensource and receiver. These are detailed inSection 7.3.3. Controlling noise at the receiver.These measures are detailed in Section 7.4.The overall approach to assessing appropriatestrategies is outlined in Section 7.5.The management of short-term exceedances forwhich mitigation is impractical is discussed inSection 7.6.A set of generic mitigation measures that may applyto industrial development in general, plus additionalmeasures for specific types of development,are set out in Section 7.7.7.2 Controlling noise at the sourceBest management practiceBest management practice (BMP) is the adoption ofparticular operational procedures that minimisenoise while retaining productive efficiency.When an appropriate mitigation strategy thatincorporates expensive engineering solutions isbeing considered, the extent to which cheaper, nonengineering-orientedBMP can contribute to therequired reduction of noise should be taken intoaccount.Application of BMP includes the following types ofpractice:• in open-cut mines: restricting movement oftrucks on ridgelines and exposed haul routeswhere their noise can propagate over a widearea, especially at night. This meansrestricting night-time movement of spoil toareas shielded by barriers or mounds, andreserving large-scale spoil movement fordaytime• scheduling the use of noisy equipment at theleast-sensitive time of day• siting noisy equipment behind structures thatact as barriers, or at the greatest distance fromthe noise-sensitive area; or orienting theequipment so that noise emissions aredirected away from any sensitive areas, toachieve the maximum attenuation of noise• where there are several noisy pieces ofequipment, scheduling operations so they areused separately rather than concurrently• keeping equipment well maintainedNSW industrial noise policy38

• employing ‘quiet’ practices when operatingequipment—for example, positioning idlingtrucks in appropriate areas• running staff-education programs on theeffects of noise and the use of quiet workpractices.Best available technology economicallyachievable (BATEA)Allied with BMP is ‘best available technologyeconomically achievable’ (BATEA). With BATEA,equipment, plant and machinery that produce noiseincorporate the most advanced and affordabletechnology to minimise noise output. Affordabilityis not necessarily determined by the price of thetechnology alone. Increased productivity may alsoresult from using more advanced equipment,offsetting the initial outlay—for example, ‘quieter’equipment that can be operated over extendedhours. Often old or badly designed equipment canbe a major source of noise.Where BMP fails to achieve the required noisereduction by itself, the BATEA approach shouldthen be considered. Most of the noise-controlmeasures listed in Section 7.7 belong to this approach.Examples of uses of BATEA are:• adjusting reversing alarms on heavyequipment to make them ‘smarter’, bylimiting acoustic range to the immediatedanger area• using equipment with efficient muffler design• using quieter engines, such as electric insteadof internal combustion• using efficient enclosures for noise sources• using vibratory piling in place of impactpiling• using high-pressure hydraulic systems tosplit rock, instead of hydraulic or pneumatichammers• damping or lining metal trays or bins• active noise control.7.3 Controlling noise in transmissionBarriersBarriers are more effective if they are near the sourceor the receiver. Their effectiveness is also determinedby their height, the materials used (absorptive orreflective), and their density. The relationship ofthese design features to attenuation is well documented.Barriers can take a number of forms—includingfree-standing walls along roads, grass or earthmounds or bunds, and trenches or cuttings withinwhich noise sources are sited. They are employedwhen source and receiver control is either impracticalor too costly.Land-use planning—a strategic approachto noise mitigationStrategic issues related to integrating transport andland-use are dealt with in detail in the EnvironmentalCriteria for Road Traffic Noise (EPA 1999).Noise impacts from industry in residential andother noise-sensitive areas stem mostly from inappropriateland-use decisions that allow industry todevelop close to these areas. Once land is developedin this way, the range of available noise-controlmeasures is restricted to better management of theindustrial site, and engineering solutions. One ofthe most costly controls considered at this late stage,the acquisition of residences, creates a noise bufferzoneof land. These conflicts could have beenavoided had appropriate land-use decisions beenmade at the initial stage of land-use planning.While judicious use of land use planning techniquesmay often avoid noise becoming an issue itis not intended that they should be relied on as theonly mitigation strategy. Noise generators areresponsible for applying all feasible and reasonablenoise mitigation controls at the noise source. Thismaximises the amount of land unaffected by noise.Where land-use planning can be applied as a noisecontrol tool (generally in newly developed areas),this is preferred to waiting until a specific noiseimpact is identified before seeking noise controlmeasures.Land-use planning can be used as a noise controlmeasure at three development stages:NSW industrial noise policy39

1. The initial planning stage.A greenfield (undeveloped) site offers thegreatest management flexibility to zoneindustrial and noise-sensitive land. This isthe point where compatibility of differentland uses should be considered. In certaininstances where land is not at a premium,buffer zones that use land for recreational orbusiness purposes may be an option.2. The residential subdivision planning stage.When a commitment has already been givento locating residential and industrial landareas close to one another, but residentialdevelopment has not started, there is anopportunity to develop internal subdivisiondesigns that allocate the least noise-sensitiveland uses (for example, shopping centres,parks, sporting complexes) nearest to industry.It follows that the most sensitive landuses (for example, residential, places ofworship) would then be located furthestaway from industry.3. The house-design stage.If subdivision development has commencedin a potential noise-impact area, and there isno opportunity for flexibility in planningland use, controls on house design—toachieve the greatest level of external tointernal noise attenuation—can still beconsidered. This would include locatingliving areas of the house away from the faceexposed to noise, allowing the rest of thehouse to act as a barrier for it.Extractive industry by its nature has no locationalflexibility. In this case, appropriate strategic landuseplanning from a noise perspective could incorporateallowances for the fixed industrial site inlocating noise-sensitive land uses and associatedbuffer zones. To be effective, planning would needto anticipate future extractive-industry land requirements—whichimplies knowledge of the location ofmineable ore bodies—so residential developmentcan be isolated from these areas wherever possible.7.4 Controlling noise at the receiverNoise controls at the receiver are expensive whenmany receivers require treatment, but may beattractive and cost-effective where only a fewreceivers would be affected by noise and the alternativesare even more expensive source controls. Costeffectivenessis also determined by the increase infuture potential receivers where residential land isbeing developed near the noise source.The two major controls are insulation and doubleglazingof windows. For these to be effective, theresidence needs air conditioning, or a sophisticatedventilation system that does not compromise theeffect of the noise insulation.The most extreme control is property acquisition.7.5 Noise mitigation strategiesSelecting an appropriate strategy for a proposeddevelopment or alterations to an existing developmentinvolves the following steps:1. Determining the noise reduction required toachieve the project-specific noise levels.2. Identifying the specific characteristics of theindustry and the site that would indicate apreference for specified measures.3. Examining the mitigation strategy chosen bysimilar industries on similar sites withsimilar requirements for noise reduction; andconsidering that strategy’s appropriatenessfor the subject development.4. Considering the range of noise-controlmeasures available (as suggested in thischapter).5. Considering community preferences forparticular strategies. This is especiallyimportant when the community has particularsensitivities to noise.The preference ranking (from most preferred to leastpreferred) for particular strategies is:1. Land-use controls—a long-term strategypreferable to other measures when suchstrategic decisions are possible in planningland use, as it separates noise-producingindustries from sensitive areas and avoidsmore expensive short-term measures.2. Control at the source—BMP and BATEA—used in conjunction, these strategies are thebest after land-use planning, as they serve toreduce the noise output of the source so thatthe surrounding environment is protectedagainst noise.NSW industrial noise policy40

3. Control in transmission—the next beststrategy to controlling noise at the source—itserves to reduce the noise level at the receiverbut not necessarily the environment surroundingthe source.4. Receiver controls—the least-preferredoption, as it protects only the internal environmentof the receiver and not the externalnoise environment.Proponents will take into account the cost-effectivenessof strategies in determining how much noisereduction is affordable. A proponent’s choice of aparticular strategy is likely to have unique featuresdue to the economics of the industry and sitespecifictechnical considerations.The above steps and the range of measures describedin the chapter can be used as a guide inassessing the strength of the proponent’s mitigationproposals.Where a proposed mitigation strategy will notachieve the desired noise reduction and leaves aremaining noise impact, the problem needs to besolved by negotiation. The negotiation process is thesubject of Section 8.7.6 Managing short-term exceedanceof approved noise levelsFrom time to time, managing noise at the source mayrequire a short-term increase in noise beyond thelevel approved. Such situations may include:• running-in new equipment• abnormal operations due to unforeseenbreakdown or maintenance requirements• occasional needs to move heavy equipment tonew locations on site.Mitigation strategies are often impractical for suchshort-term events.The noise-source manager should demonstrate thatall alternatives to noisier operations have beenconsidered before seeking an accommodation fromthe relevant regulatory/consent authority to operatein excess of the agreed noise levels. If it is judgedthat such an accommodation for a short-term noisieroperation is warranted, the following options couldbe considered:• confining noisier operations to the leastnoise-sensitivepart of the day—which wouldbe when the background noise is highest• determining an upper level for noise impact• consulting with the community regarding theproposed events.7.7 Generic noise control measuresTypical noise sources on industrial sites include:• engines• exhausts• fans• transport of materials, such as on conveyorsand trucks• milling and stamping (metal works)• sawing and debarking (wood mills)• processors such as crushing and separating• pumps and compressors• whistles and alarms• material dumping and scraping• electrical transformers and switchingequipment.The choice of noise control measures depends onboth the degree of mitigation required and theundesirable characteristics of the noise source thatneed to be controlled. The actual measures chosenwill also depend on site factors, such as the abilityof the site to accommodate particular engineeringmeasures relative to other measures and their sitecosts.A generic set of noise-control measures is set outbelow, with additional measures shown thatrespond to particular developments.Generic list of mitigation measuresNoise-source controls• enclosing the source—the design of theenclosure and materials used to absorbsound will affect the attenuation achievedNSW industrial noise policy41

• silencing exhausts—muffler design andnoise barrier systems• active noise control, effective on a limitedrange of noise sources• times of operation.Controls along the sound-transmission path• noise barriers—more effective if near sourceor receiver; effectiveness also controlled bymaterials used (reflective or absorptive) andby height• mounds, bunds and trenches• site design to maximise the distance from thecritical noise source to the receiver, and withintervening buildings to act as barriers.Controls at noise receiver• insulation• double-glazing of windows and use of airconditioning• acquisition.Additional mitigation measures forextractive industriesOn-site transport of materials• selecting vehicles with minimum noiseoutput—including tyre noise, exhaust andcompressor/fan noise• using rolling stock with quiet couplings andbrakes• using locomotives with components that donot emit tonal or low-frequency noise• using trenches, cuttings, tunnels and barriersfor transport routes• restricting times for truck operations onridgelines and in locations that are line-ofsightwith receivers• giving preference to haul routes with lowgrades• using conveyor systems with low noiseoutput, paying particular attention to rollers• enclosing conveyors where necessary• maintaining plant and equipment to ensurethat the designers’ noise-outputspecifications continue to be met• using ‘smart’ reversing alarms.Mine and quarry operation• locating materials-processing in the leastnoise-sensitive area, or enclosing it ifnecessary• dumping spoil and waste behind barriers.Additional mitigation measures for siteswith specific noise characteristicsPiling• using piling shrouds or vibratory pilinginstead of impact piling to control impulsivenoise.Milling and metal works• using efficient enclosures, where needed, toreduce the impact of impulsive noise frommetal stamping• reducing the impact or output of tonal noisefrom cutting equipment and saws, by usingenclosures or through equipment redesign.Pumps, transformers and machinery producinglow-frequency or tonal noise• where low-frequency noise is difficult toisolate, seeking specialist advice aboutmachinery redesign and restricted operatingtimes• reducing tonal noise through machineryredesign, enclosure, or restricted operatingtimes; or by applying active noise control.Sites producing intermittent noise during nighttimeoperations• Control may be specific to the way the noisesource is designed or how it fits in to theoverall industrial process. Using barriers,enclosing or redesigning the source, orchanging the operation to provide for a morecontinuous output are possible measures.NSW industrial noise policy42

8 Negotiation process8.1 The process leading to negotiationThis chapter deals with that part of the overallprocess shown in Figure 1.1 in the box under theheading ‘Decision-making process’.Any unacceptable impacts from a developmentproposal that are likely to persist after noise-mitigationaction has been taken can be dealt with throughnegotiation—either by improved mitigation or bytrade-offs with benefits.Negotiation can be:• between the proponent and the regulator—the traditional approach• between the proponent and the affectedcommunity (which is in the best position forevaluating the trade-offs).In the latter case negotiation is designed to beavailable to those people whose amenity is potentiallyaffected by non-achievement of the projectspecificnoise levels. This type of negotiation process,which leads to the determination of an achievablenoise limit, is in addition to the type of directconsultation that typically occurs between theproponent and the community throughout theimpact assessment process in defining the importantproject parameters.8.2 Negotiation between proponentand regulatorWhere proposed mitigation measures will notreduce noise levels to the project-specific noiselevels, the proponent should seek to negotiate withthe regulatory/consent authority to demonstratethat all feasible and reasonable mitigation measureshave been applied. The regulatory/consent authoritycan choose to accept the level of impact proposed,or negotiate for a better level of control wherethis is considered achievable.Where, in the final analysis, the level of impactwould still exceed the project-specific noise levels,the economic and social benefits flowing from theproposed development to the community should beevaluated against the undesirable noise impacts.Where it can be demonstrated by the proponent thatthe development offers net benefits, a regulatory/consent authority may consider these as groundsfor applying the achievable noise levels, rather thanthe project-specific noise levels, as the statutorycompliance limit.Negotiation on what represents the best achievablelevel that is practicable for a development is oftenan iterative process involving both the proponentand regulator/consent authority and the proponentand affected community. Where the proponent isseeking to demonstrate to the regulator/consentauthority that all feasible and reasonable noisemitigation measures have been applied, the proponentshould include the results of their discussionswith the affected community in the package ofproposed noise mitigation measures. Beyond thispoint, the proponent might want to initiate additionalcommunity-based negotiation where there ispotential for trade-offs attractive to the affectedcommunity. Typically, where the amenity criteria setthe project-specific noise levels for a project, negotiationsbetween the proponent and the regulatorwould occur when site noise levels are between theacceptable and recommended maximum L Aeqlevelspresented in Table 2.1.The section below outlines a checklist that can beused as a guide by EPA officers to determine anacceptable level of residual noise impacts whensetting statutory noise conditions, based on theconsideration of social and economic costs andbenefits.8.2.1 Residual level of impact: checklistIt is important that, as far as possible, the noiseassessment quantifies any remaining or residualimpacts that exceed the project-specific noise levels,after applying feasible and reasonable mitigationstrategies.The acceptability of the residual noise impactsshould be evaluated by taking into considerationfactors such as:1. Characteristics of the area and receiverslikely to be affected, for example:NSW industrial noise policy43

—the extent of the areas (including existing,developing or proposed residential, healthor education sites) and number of receivers(including groups that may be especiallysensitive to noise, such as pre-schoolers,students, the aged, hospital and nursinghome patients) likely to be affected by noiselevels above the project-specific noiselevels—the daily activities of the community (inparticular, effects such as sleep disturbance,speech interference, level of annoyanceor effects on physical or physiologicalhealth)—property values—zoning of land uses affected by noise andthe appropriateness of the zoning or landuse—the potential change in the ambient noiselevels as a result of the proposal; cumulativenoise impacts in the area; and whetherparts of the area that are already moderatelyor badly affected by noise will bemore or less affected—the extent to which biodiversity (especiallynative birds and other animals) will beaffected—the likely variation between individuals inresponse to the noise—the amenity of areas used for outdoorrecreational activities or conservation,heritage or wilderness areas—other industry in the area (includingagriculture).2. Characteristics of the proposal and its noiseor vibrations, such as:—the noise characteristics of the activity—the extent to which any remaining noiseimpact exceeds the project-specific noiselevels—the circumstances and times when theproject-specific noise levels are likely to beexceeded—the circumstances and times when thesource noise levels are likely to be belowthe project-specific noise levels (for example,when wind blows source noise awayfrom the receiver)—the accuracy with which impacts can bepredicted, and the likelihood that theimpacts will occur in the manner predicted—the degree to which the character of thenoise is new to an area and differs fromexisting noise sources—the economic benefit and social worth ofthe proposal for the local area, the regionor the nation.3. The feasibility of additional mitigation ormanagement measures:—alternative sites or routes for the development—the technical and economic feasibility ofalternative noise controls or managementprocedures.4. Equity issues in relation to:—the costs borne by a few for the benefit ofothers—the long-term cumulative increase in noiselevels—the opportunity to compensate effectivelythose affected.8.3 Negotiated agreements betweenthe proponent and the affectedcommunityAn alternative mechanism that could be applied isthe more inclusive approach of a negotiated agreementbetween the affected community and theproponent, with traditional regulatory/consentauthorities playing a supporting role. Negotiation isdesigned to be available to those people whoseamenity is potentially affected by non-achievementof the project-specific noise levels. While negotiationon agreed noise levels between the proponent andthe community can occur at any time, this shouldoccur when site noise levels exceed the recommendedmaximum L Aeqlevels presented in Table 2.1.The affected community is in the best position toknow how much noise it is prepared to bear for apackage of benefits that would flow from the operationof the facility creating the noise. As this approachis new, a model for the process has not beenestablished. The process could be initiated when theproponent has demonstrated that the projectspecificnoise levels could not be met.NSW industrial noise policy44

Features of a negotiated agreementprocessHow the process might be initiatedThe process might be initiated when:• the regulatory/consent authority is satisfiedthat no further reduction in noise levels canbe made through a viable mitigation strategythat would seek to achieve the project-specificnoise levels; and• the proponent demonstrates that—even whenusing the best of their economically viablestrategies—the project-specific noise levelscannot be achieved.Who participatesThe principal parties would be the proponent andthe affected community, with regulatory authoritiesand the council participating in an advisory capacity.There is a need to define the ‘affected community’:this could comprise occupiers of residences and ofother noise-sensitive land uses identified as beingpotentially affected.The proponent would need to employ an effectivemeans (for example, advertising) of reaching allpeople who are potentially affected. Advice mayinclude how individuals could register as ‘interestedand affected parties’ and become participantsin the negotiation process.What is negotiatedThe principal trade-off would probably be additionalnoise impact in return for a package ofbenefits. Additional noise could be defined in termsof extended times of operation, higher noise levels,and a defined time period for annoying noisecharacteristics to operate and for more noise tooccur in the less sensitive parts of the day. Benefitscould include less noise at sensitive times, treatmentof residences, contributions to improve communityfacilities and infrastructure or acquisition of residences.The NSW Industrial Noise Policy could act asa framework for negotiations regarding a set ofacceptable noise conditions.The impact-assessment process may identify areasof noise-source management where concessions arepracticable. The proponent may not be able toreduce noise further. In these circumstances, otherbenefits might be negotiated unrelated to bettermanagement of the noise source but related tomaterial benefits for the community.It is important for the negotiating community tounderstand the implications of its negotiationsregarding the additional noise impacts. Either theproponent or an independent specialist shouldpresent an analysis of the impacts from the optionsbeing canvassed, in such a way that the lay communitycan appreciate the likely implications of theirnegotiations.The community would need to be well informed, tosafeguard against a position being reached wherethe agreed noise level represents an unreasonableimpact that, ultimately, is likely to be regretted bythat community.How agreement might be negotiatedRepresentatives of the community could have equalstatus in the negotiating process with the proponent,and with any other parties (such as the EPA,councils and DUAP) acting in an advisory capacity.Meetings could be chaired by an independentfacilitator and, depending on the circumstances, thecosts of the process may be borne solely by theproponent or may be shared equitably between theproponent and the community.How agreement could be reached‘Agreement’ would need to be defined for thecommunity so that a single community view couldbe regarded as representative. This could mean anumber of things—including a simple majority voteby the ‘affected community’, or a majority vote at ameeting held to reach an agreement; ‘majority’could be defined to extend to a higher than 51 percent level (for example, 60 per cent or 80 per cent).The many options would need to be evaluated. Thecommunity should determine for itself its preferredmethod for indicating its views when negotiating itsposition.Treatment of ‘affected’ community members whodo not support the agreementProponents could propose a package of assistanceto be considered by these community members.NSW industrial noise policy45

How future affected landowners would be treatedThe council may act on behalf of future owners ofthese properties. The existence of an agreementaffecting such land may be in the form of informationprovided on Section 149 Certificates routinelyobtained by purchasers of properties.The effect on property values of any agreement mayin itself be part of the negotiations.How the agreement could be enforcedThe agreement would need to be enforced to theextent that it imposed obligations on the proponent.This could be achieved by making these obligationseither development consent conditions or licenceconditions. The obligations would need to beexpressed clearly and unambiguously. The conditionsmay also need to specify a way of measuringclearly whether the proponent has fulfilled theseobligations.Further, the conditions must be reasonable from thepoint of view of existing and future landowners.MediationAn integral part of the process may need to be amediation and dispute resolution process, as thereis the potential for contentious issues to be raised.ReviewThe consent or licence conditions could also providefor a review after a certain period. The conditionscould then set out the method of review andthe fact that the licence conditions may be changedas a result of that review.The conditions could provide for the review periodto be shortened where the original conditionsforming the basis for negotiations had changed.Any review period should be of sufficient durationto give certainty to the proponent for the operationof the facility.NSW industrial noise policy46

9 Consent/licence conditionsThe process by which a consent authority grantsdevelopment consent or regulatory authority issueslicences with associated conditions is set out inFigure 1.1. Only where a noise impact is identifiedwould a mitigation strategy need to be considered.Negotiation would be needed only when the proponentconsidered that the project-specific noise levelswere not achievable.9.1 What is included in the consent/licenceA consent agreement or licence condition arrived atthrough the process described in this policy willhave taken the following issues into account:• the assessed noise impact, which includes theimpact of the noise source and any additionalimpact caused by meteorological conditions• mitigation measures required to achieve theproject-specific noise levels• identification of a practical limit on noisecontrol• consideration of trade-offs• whether the final noise level proposed isacceptable.It is important to note that the agreed limits in theconsent or licence apply under the meteorologicalconditions determined by the policy to be relevant tothe assessment site.Complaints about subsequent operation of thefacility may arise where the project-specific noiselevels are achieved, or when a higher level is negotiated,because it is not possible to protect the wholerange of individual sensitivities to noise.Complaints are also possible during extreme temperatureinversions that were not covered in theassessment process because of their infrequency (seeSection 9.2).9.2 Specifying meteorologicalconditions in the consent/licenceThe meteorological effect by its nature is variable.Particularly intense inversions may occur, leadingto actual noise increases greater than those assessedin the policy. This is because the policy’s approachis to identify levels of noise increase that occur for asignificant period of time—approximately twonights a week during winter. Other, more intenseevents may occur for a shorter period of time. Thisshorter period is judged in the policy as not beingsignificant and, therefore, not warranting theadditional expense and difficulty of either a higherlevel of mitigation or consideration of alternativestrategies to meet the greater impact.This approach is similar in philosophy to that usedwith transportation noise, where an appropriateamenity level is set to protect 90 per cent of theexposed population from being ‘seriously affected’.It is not practicable to protect the whole population,because the response to noise varies widely betweenindividuals. In the case of noise increased bymeteorological effects, the noise limit may allowsome undesirable impacts on a proportion of thepopulation during the short term and duringunrepresentative meteorological events that increasenoise to an excessive degree. As is the casewith transportation noise, it is not practicable tomeet the noise limit under all inversion events,hence exceedances under extreme temperatureinversions are not considered to be a non-compliancewith consent or licence conditions.To ensure that the consent or licence conditionapplies under typical meteorological conditionsrelevant to the site (that is, the condition determinedfrom Section 5) a consent or licence condition may bebased on the following:• For developments where F-class inversions(normally associated with non-arid areassuch as the Hunter Valley and coastal areas)were found to be a feature of the area (that is,using the procedure outlined in Section 5.2)the following statement could accompany thenoise limits in the condition:NSW industrial noise policy47

‘The noise limits apply under all meteorologicalconditions except—during rain and wind speeds greater than3 m/s; and—from 6 pm to 7 am during intense inversions,which are indicated by cloud cover less than 40per cent and wind speeds less than 1.0 m/s.’Note: Wind data should be collected at 10 mheight.The latter point above excludes non-standardinversions (which are intense inversions—G-classinversions in this case), andis based on parameters specified in theTurner methodology for determining temperatureinversions (described in Appendix E).• For developments where G-class inversions(normally associated with arid areas such asBroken Hill and other flat inland areas) werefound to be a feature of the area (using theprocedure outlined in Section 5.2) thefollowing statement could accompany thenoise limits in the condition:‘The noise limits apply under all meteorologicalconditions except during rain and wind speedsgreater than 3 m/s.Note: Wind data should be collected at 10 mheight.G-class represents the upper limit of inversionconditions, and no more extreme conditionsare expected to occur.NSW industrial noise policy48

10 Applying the policy to existingindustrial premisesThis section establishes a noise reduction programfor existing industrial noise sources, based on anagreed process for assessing and managing noise.This approach is designed to allow establishedindustries to adapt to changes in the noise expectationsof the community while remaining economicallyviable.The need to establish achievable noise limits andimplement a noise reduction program may betriggered by actions such as:• the site becomes the subject of serious andpersistent noise complaints• a proposal to upgrade or expand the site• the site has no formal consent or licenceconditions and management wish to clarifytheir position• management chooses to initiate a noisereduction program.This approach provides a formal structured programto reduce high existing noise levels to acceptablelevels over time by applying feasible andreasonable control measures. It establishes certaintythrough an agreed process to achieve noise reduction,while providing flexibility in the choice ofnoise reduction measures.10.1 Applying the policy to existingsitesMany existing industrial sources were designed forhigher noise emission levels than the criteria outlinedin this policy. In other cases industries mayhave been in existence before neighbouring noisesensitivedevelopments and even before noisecontrollegislation was introduced. The range ofmitigation measures available for these sites may beeither extremely limited or costly.Applications for extensions to existing premisesoften provide an opportunity to redress issues thatrelate to the whole site. The need for reduced noisefrom existing sites must be weighed against thewider economic, social and environmental considerations.Where noise emissions from the site exceedthe project-specific noise levels, the regulatoryauthorities and the noise-source manager need tonegotiate achievable noise limits for the site. Theproject-specific noise levels should not be appliedas mandatory noise limits. The project-specific noiselevels supply the initial target levels and drive theprocess of assessing all feasible and reasonablecontrol measures. Achievable noise limits resultfrom applying all feasible and reasonable noisecontrol measures. For sites with limited mitigationmeasures the achievable noise limits may sometimesbe above the project-specific noise levels.In many instances the site will be required to reduceits noise emissions progressively to achieve thespecified noise limits by specified dates. This willrequire noise to be managed as an integral part ofsite upgrades. However, the development of formaloperating practices to reduce noise generation oftenneed not be linked to site upgrades, and wherefeasible these operating practices should be appliedat the earliest opportunity. The measures required toachieve the noise limits would usually be set out ina noise reduction program, with mitigation measuresstaged over time. The noise reduction programwould typically be attached as a licence condition.Efforts should be aimed at achieving a reduction innoise in a manner that provides the greatest benefitto residents without undue impact on the existingbusiness. This may be accomplished by prioritisingthe various noise-control measures.10.1.1 Steps in the processThis process may be triggered by a company proposalto partly upgrade its site, or by serious noisecomplaints. Where these occur the usual process is:1. Measure and determine existing backgroundand ambient noise levels.2. Measure the noise levels produced by thesource in question, having regard to meteorologicaleffects such as wind and temperatureinversion.3. Determine project-specific noise levels fromintrusive and amenity noise criteria.NSW industrial noise policy49

4. Compare the measured noise level with theproject-specific noise levels.5. Where the project-specific noise levels areexceeded, assess feasible and reasonablenoise mitigation strategies.6. Negotiation between the regulator and thenoise source manager to agree to achievablenoise limits for the site. (This may involveconsultation with the community.) Regulatoryauthorities and the noise-source managerneed to consider the technical practicalitiesand cost of noise-reduction measures,along with the environmental consequencesof exceeding the project-specific noise levels.7. Measures to achieve the limits by specifieddates may be set out in a noise reductionprogram.8. Monitor compliance with the noise reductionprogram, and review and amend the programas required.An example showing how this process works iscontained in Section A4 of Appendix A.10.2 Noise reduction programsThe noise reduction program is reached throughagreement between proponent and regulator andwill typically have a statutory basis through conditionson a licence or notice. It will document theactions required to achieve the noise limits. Themeasures will generally be source- and site-specific,but could include the following elements:• training and awareness initiatives• an ongoing monitoring program to evaluatenoise-emission levels• communicating with the affected communityvia one or more of a complaints handlingprocess, liaison group, newsletters etc.10.3 Noise-reduction strategies forexisting sitesOften the range of planning instruments that can beapplied to existing sites is limited. For example,planning approaches (for example, spatial separationbetween source and receiver and attention tonoise reduction in designs for residential andindustrial buildings) that could avoid impacts aregenerally not available at this stage. Operationalprocedures and immediate cost-effective measuresthat can minimise noise with minimal impact on thenoise source should be identified and implemented.The applicability, effectiveness and cost of particularmitigation measures often depends strongly onsite variables. Section 7 provides advice on a rangeof typical mitigation strategies, and is a useful guidein deciding suitable mitigation measures for aparticular site.• the aim and scope of the program• identification of noise levels and targets forthe site• an upper limit for new equipment• an upper limit for partial upgrades of the site• plans to eliminate problematic characteristicsthat have been identified, such as tonal andlow frequency noise• a sound power limit for relevant sections ofthe site• operating practices to reduce noise emissionsNSW industrial noise policy50

11 Reviewing performanceMonitoring of environmental noise levels from adevelopment to determine compliance with theconsent/licence conditions is essential to propermanagement of noise sources. This is the responsibilityof the development proponent, and shouldgenerally be performed at specific stages of a developmentand/or as a result of complaints fromaffected receivers. A good monitoring programshould involve the community in reviewing theperformance of a development by providing thecommunity with:• access to noise monitoring results• an opportunity to discuss concerns andimpacts.An additional way to monitor the performance of adevelopment is to establish a proponent-run complaintssystem. This is a beneficial managementtool, allowing further involvement of the communityin the performance review of a development.The sections below outline the various methods forreviewing and managing the performance of adevelopment.11.1 Monitoring environmental noise11.1.1 Options for noise monitoringMonitoring at specific stages of a developmentThis involves identifying the various stages of adevelopment where different noise outputs werepredicted during the assessment process, andmonitoring at each of these stages. For example, fora mine development, noise could be monitoredduring the first year of development and at four orfive other key years in the development of the mine(for example, years 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20).To assess the performance of the developmentadequately, noise monitoring should cover the fullcycle of operational activity at each of the identifiedstages. Noise could be monitored over a full day(day, evening and night), a week, or longer—depending on the development.It will usually be necessary to monitor noise atseveral sites, but these should at least include noisesensitivelocations where noise levels are likely to bethe highest.Monitoring as a result of community complaintsAnother option is to monitor noise levels as a resultof community complaints. This may be done inaddition to noise monitoring at various stages of thedevelopment described above, or could stand aloneas the sole driver for performance monitoring.With this option, noise should be monitored at thecomplainant’s premises. Monitoring should also beconducted to cover the time at which noise impactswere reported to occur.11.1.2 Notes on noise monitoringItems to be monitoredTo check compliance with the consent/licencecondition, the following items require monitoring:• noise levels from the development atlocations specified in the condition, or at thenearest affected receivers where no locationsare specified. During monitoring the metershould be set to ‘Fast’ time weighting and ‘A’frequency weighting and should recordusing the descriptor specified by theconsent/licence condition (that is, L Aeq, 15 minuteor L Aeq,periodor other)• the wind speed and direction• sky cloud cover, using direct observation fornight measurements.Where existing noise levels are high. When complianceis being measured it may be found that, inmany cases, existing noise levels are higher thannoise levels from the source, making it difficult toseparate out the source noise level. When thishappens, it may not be feasible to measure complianceat the specified location, and other methodswill be needed. In these cases, measurements maybe taken closer to the source and then calculatedback to the specified location. In doing this, takecare to account for the ‘near field’, a region in whichsound pressure levels do not decrease with distanceNSW industrial noise policy51

in the normal way. Definitions of the extent of thisregion are contained in many noise textbooks (forexample, Bies & Hansen 1996). Any calculationsshould be done in accordance with the validationrequirements set out in Section 6.2.Determining the noise contribution from a development.The following techniques may be used todetermine the L Aeqcontribution from a particularindustrial source from among multiple industrialnoise sources:• measuring existing noise levels with andwithout the premises operating• measuring the noise emissions from each ofthe premises at reference locations and thencalculating the noise-emission levels back tothe receiver• using an accepted noise model calibrated forthe particular locality and source.In the case where transportation sources exist, thenoise contribution from a development may bedetermined by isolating the transportation noiselevel using one of the methods outlined in Section3.2.1.11.1.3 Non-compliances with noiseconditionsWhen is a development in non-compliance with anoise condition?A development will be deemed to be in non-compliancewith a noise consent or licence condition if themonitored noise level is more than 2 dB above thestatutory noise limit specified in the consent orlicence condition. This may occur for two reasons:• The noise from the development is excessive,in which case the development is truly notcomplying with its consent or licencecondition.• The noise was increased by extreme, nonstandardweather effects—in which case thedevelopment is not considered to be in noncompliancewith its consent or licencecondition. Non-standard weather effects canbe considered to be present duringmonitoring if the cloud cover is less than 40per cent and the wind speed (at 10 m height)is less than 1.0 m/s (represents an extremelyadverse weather condition for noise)—duringthe period from 6 pm to 7 am in non-aridareas (see Section 9.2).In this latter case, further monitoring at a later dateis required to determine compliance under themeteorological conditions specified in the consent/licence condition.Managing non-compliancesWhere the noise exceedance is found to be causedby excessive noise levels from a development, thedevelopment is considered to be in non-compliancewith its consent or licence condition. Strategies formitigation of noise need to be considered andimplemented, or a further negotiation process couldbe commenced.When is a development in breach of a noisecondition?A development will be in breach of a noise consentor licence condition if sustained non-compliancesare not addressed and rectified.11.1.4 Items to be reportedThe results of a noise monitoring test should beclearly reported and forwarded to the relevantauthority (if requested), or kept on file for reference.It is recommended that they also be made readilyaccessible to the community.The following items are to be included in a noisemonitoring report:• the type of monitoring test conducted (that is,the development stage or receiver complaints)• the development noise limits on the consent/licence• descriptions of the nearest affected receiversor, in the case of receiver complaints,description of the complainant andcomplaint• the monitoring location—this should be atthe most affected point at or within thereceiver’s boundary or, if that is more than30 m from the receiver’s premises, at the mostaffected point within 30 m of the premisesNSW industrial noise policy52

• the noise instrumentation used. (Theinstrumentation specifications required forcompliance monitoring are the same as thoserequired for background noise monitoring setout in Appendix B.)• the weather instrumentation used. (Theinstrumentation specifications are the sameas those set out in Appendix E.)• the weather conditions during noisemonitoring• the time(s) and duration(s) of monitoring,including dates. In the case of receivercomplaints, these should coincide with thetime of the offence. In the case ofdevelopment-stage monitoring, these shouldcover the full cycle of activity.• a database of complaints and theproponent’s responses/actions. This shouldbe readily accessible to the community andregulatory authorities• a system for providing feedback to thecommunity. (This could be in the form ofregular meetings with affected residents, or anewsletter.)Such a system is beneficial. It empowers the communityand helps build an amicable rapport with theproponent. It also provides a useful mechanism forreviewing the performance of the development.• the results of noise monitoring at eachmonitoring location, including a comparisonwith the development limits• a statement outlining the development’scompliance or non-compliance with the limit• where noise exceedances are found (that is,the monitored noise level is higher than thelimit), the reasons for non-compliance shouldbe stated and strategies for managementidentified and stated as outlined in theprevious section• where the noise exceedance is due toexcessive noise levels from the development,the strategies to be used to manage the noiseexceedance should be identified and stated.11.2 Monitoring noise complaintsWhere residual noise impacts have been negotiated,it is recommended that the proponent run a complaints-monitoringsystem. Components of such asystem could include:• a complaint hotline to record receivercomplaints regarding the development• a system for logging complaints and dealingwith themNSW industrial noise policy53

12 Policy evaluation and reviewThe NSW EPA is committed to continual review ofthe policy procedures and criteria, to determine howappropriate the policy is. Three areas will be evaluated:• policy procedures—through consultationwith acoustic practitioners, who collect theappropriate field data, apply the proceduresand assess noise impacts—to see howpracticable these procedures are• policy framework—through consultationwith proponents and noise source managers,who negotiate the noise limits and developappropriate noise mitigation strategies—tosee how well this framework helps to derivethe noise levels incorporated in statutoryinstruments• amenity levels—through consultation withcommunities affected by industrial noisesources to which the policy is applied—tohelp indicate whether amenity levels set inthe policy are adequate and are beingachieved.A program of consultation will be developed togauge the policy’s effectiveness, once there has beensufficient time to allow the results of applying thepolicy to become evident. The outcome of the programwill be to ascertain whether policy objectiveshave been fulfilled, and to suggest improvements.NSW industrial noise policy54

ReferencesBerglund B. & Lindvall T. (eds) 1995, ‘CommunityNoise’, Stockholm University and KarolinskaInstitute Archives of the Centre for Sensory Research onbehalf of the World Health Organization, vol. 2,issue 1, ISBN 91 887 8402 9.Bies A. D. & Hansen C. H. 1996, Engineering NoiseControl, 2nd edn, E. & F. N. Spon, London.Job R. F. S. 1996, ‘The Influence of Subjective Reactionsto Noise on Health Effects of the Noise’,Environment International, vol. 22, no. 1, pp 93–104.NSW Environment Protection Authority 1994,Environmental Noise Control Manual.NSW Environment Protection Authority 1999,Environmental Criteria for Road Traffic Noise.WHO (World Health Organization) 1947, Thechronicle of the WHO, vol. 1. Geneva, quoted in Job R.F. S. 1996, ‘The influence of subjective reactions tonoise on health effects of the noise’, EnvironmentInternational, vol. 22, no. 1, pp 93–104.Luz, Lewis & Cloutier 1977, Analysis of Effects ofTemperature Inversions on Blast levels within 15 km ofArmy Weapons, US Army Environmental HygieneAgency.NSW industrial noise policy55

Definitions of termsAcceptable noise level: See the fourth column ofTable 2.1.A-weighted: See dB(A).Adverse weather: Weather effects that enhancenoise (that is, wind and temperature inversions)that occur at a site for a significantperiod of time (that is, wind occuring morethan 30% of the time in any assessmentperiod in any season and/or temperatureinversions occuring more than 30% of thenights in winter).Ambient noise: The all-encompassing noiseassociated within a given environment. It isthe composite of sounds from many sources,both near and far.Amenity criteria: See Tables 2.1 and 2.2.Assessment period: The period in a day overwhich assessments are made: day (0700 to1800 h), evening (1800 to 2200 h) or night(2200 to 0700 h).Assessment background level (ABL): The singlefigurebackground level representing eachassessment period—day, evening and night(that is, three assessment background levelsare determined for each 24-h period of themonitoring period). Its determination is bythe tenth percentile method described inAppendix B.Background noise: The underlying level of noisepresent in the ambient noise, excluding thenoise source under investigation, whenextraneous noise is removed. This is describedusing the L A90descriptor.Breach: Failure to address and rectify sustainednon-compliance will place a development inbreach of its noise consent/licence condition.C-weighted: C-weighting is an adjustment made tosound-level measurements which takesaccount of low-frequency components ofnoise within the audibility range of humans.Cognitive noise: Noise in which the source isrecognised as being annoying.Community annoyance: Includes noise annoyancedue to:—characteristics of the noise (for example,sound pressure level, tonality, impulsiveness,low-frequency content)—characteristics of the environment (forexample, very quiet suburban, suburban,urban, near industry)—miscellaneous circumstances (for example,noise avoidance possibilities, cognitivenoise, unpleasant associations)—human activity being interrupted (sleep,communicating, reading, working, listeningto radio/TV, recreation).Compliance: The process of checking that sourcenoise levels meet with the noise limits in astatutory context.Construction activities: Activities that are related tothe establishment phase of a developmentand that will occur on a site for only a limitedperiod of time.Cumulative noise level: The total level of noisefrom all sources.Day: The period from 0700 and 1800 h (Monday toSaturday) and 0800 to 1800 h (Sundays andPublic Holidays).dB: Abbreviation for decibel—a unit of soundmeasurement. It is equivalent to 10 times thelogarithm (to base 10) of the ratio of a givensound pressure to a reference pressure.dB(A): Unit used to measure ‘A-weighted’ soundpressure levels. A-weighting is an adjustmentmade to sound-level measurement to approximatethe response of the human ear.Default parameters: In assessing meteorologicalenhancement of noise, refers to set values forweather parameters, such as wind speedsand temperature gradients, to be used inpredicting source noise levels.Equivalent continuous noise level: The level ofnoise equivalent to the energy average ofnoise levels occurring over a measurementperiod.Evening: The period from 1800 to 2200 h.Extraneous noise: Noise resulting from activitiesthat are not typical of the area. AtypicalNSW industrial noise policy56

activities may include construction, andtraffic generated by holiday periods and byspecial events such as concerts or sportingevents. Normal daily traffic is not consideredto be extraneous.Feasible and reasonable measures: Feasibilityrelates to engineering considerations andwhat is practical to build; reasonablenessrelates to the application of judgement inarriving at a decision, taking into account thefollowing factors:—noise mitigation benefits (amount of noisereduction provided, number of peopleprotected)—cost of mitigation (cost of mitigation versusbenefit provided)—community views (aesthetic impacts andcommunity wishes)—noise levels for affected land uses (existingand future levels, and changes in noiselevels).Greenfield site: Undeveloped land.High traffic criterion: See Section 2.2.3.Impulsive noise: Noise with a high peak of shortduration, or a sequence of such peaks.Industrial noise sources: Sources that do notgenerally move from place to place, forexample, stationary sources. Except whereother more specific guidelines apply (forexample, construction activities, road or railtraffic, emergency diesel generators etc), allindustrial noise sources that are scheduledunder the Protection of the Environment OperationsAct 1997 are considered to be industrialsources. In general, these include:• individual industrial sources such as:—heating, ventilating and air conditioning(HVAC) equipment—rotating machinery—impacting mechanical sources—other mechanical equipment and machinerysuch as conveyors—mobile sources confined to a particularlocation, such as draglines and haultrucks.• facilities, usually comprising many sourcesof sound,including:—industrial premises—extractive industries—commercial premises—warehousing facilities—maintenance and repair facilities.(In this case, the industrial source isunderstood to encompass all the activitiestaking place within the property boundaryof the facility.)Intrusive noise: Refers to noise that intrudes abovethe background level by more than 5 decibels.The intrusiveness criterion is set out inSection 2.1.L A90: The A-weighted sound pressure level that isexceeded for 90 per cent of the time overwhich a given sound is measured. This isconsidered to represent the backgroundnoise.L Aeq: The equivalent continuous noise level—thelevel of noise equivalent to the energyaverageof noise levels occurring over ameasurement period.Low frequency: Noise containing major componentsin the low-frequency range (20 Hz to250 Hz) of the frequency spectrum.Masking: The phenomenon of one sound interferingwith the perception of another sound. Forexample, the interference of traffic noise withuse of a public telephone on a busy street(Bies & Hansen 1996).Maximum noise level: See the fifth column of Table2.1.Median: The middle value in a number of valuessorted in ascending or descending order.Hence, for an odd number of values, thevalue of the median is simply the middlevalue. If there is an even number of values themedian is the arithmetic average of the twomiddle values.Meteorological conditions: Wind and temperatureinversionconditions.NSW industrial noise policy57

Most affected location(s): Locations that experience(or will experience) the greatest noiseimpact from the noise source under consideration.In determining these locations, oneneeds to consider existing background levels,exact noise source location(s), distance fromsource (or proposed source) to receiver, andany shielding between source and receiver.Negotiated agreement: An agreement involvingthe negotiation of an achievable noise limit incases where the project-specific noise levelscannot be met. The agreement is negotiatedbetween the proponent and the EPA or theproponent and the community. Such anagreement is reached through balancing themerits of a development, the feasibility andreasonableness of available mitigationmeasures and the noise impacts produced.Noise criteria: The general set of non-mandatorynoise level targets for protecting againstintrusive noise (for example, backgroundnoise plus 5 dB) and loss of amenity (forexample, noise levels for various land uses).Noise limits: Enforceable noise levels that appearin conditions on consents and licences. Thenoise limits are based on achievable noiselevels which the proponent has predicted canbe met during the environmental assessment.Exceedance of the noise limits can result inthe requirement for either the development ofnoise management plans or legal action.Night: The period from 2200 to 0700 h (Monday toSaturday) and 2200 to 0800 h (Sundays andPublic Holidays).Noise-sensitive land uses: Land uses that aresensitive to noise, such as residential areas,churches, schools and recreation areas.Non-compliance: A development is deemed to be innon-compliance with its noise consent/licence conditions if the monitored noiselevels exceed its statutory noise limit by morethan 2 dB.Non-mandatory: With reference to the proposedpolicy, means not required by legislation. Theproposed policy specifies criteria to be strivedfor, but the legislation does not make thesecriteria compulsory. However, the policy willbe used as a guide to setting statutory (legallyenforceable) limits for licences and consents.Operator: Noise-source managerPerformance-based goals: Goals specified in termsof the outcomes/performance to be achieved,but not in terms of the means of achievingthem.Project-specific noise levels: Project-specific noiselevel are target noise levels for a particularnoise generating facility. They are based onthe most stringent of the intrusive criteria oramenity criteria. Which of the two criteria isthe most stringent is determined by measuringthe level and nature of existing noise inthe area surrounding the actual or proposednoise generating facility.Proponent: The developer of the industrial noisesource.Protection of the Environment Operations Act1997: An Act that consolidates air, water,noise and waste requirements into a singlepiece of legislation. This Act repeals andreplaces (among other Acts) the Noise ControlAct 1975.Rating background level (RBL): The overall singlefigurebackground level representing eachassessment period (day/evening/night) overthe whole monitoring period (as opposed toover each 24-h period used for the assessmentbackground level). This is the level usedfor assessment purposes. It is defined as themedian value of:—all the day assessment background levelsover the monitoring period for the day—all the evening assessment backgroundlevels over the monitoring period for theevening; or—all the night assessment background levelsover the monitoring period for the night.Receiver: The noise-sensitive land use at whichnoise from a development can be heardSignificant period of time: In relation to temperatureinversions, means at least 30 per cent ofthe total night-time during the wintermonths. In relation to wind speeds thismeans at least 30 per cent of the time or morein any assessment period (day, evening,night) in any season.Sleep disturbance: Awakenings and disturbanceto sleep stagesNSW industrial noise policy58

Spectral characteristics: The frequency content ofnoise.Temperature inversion: An atmospheric conditionin which temperature increases with heightabove the ground.Temporal variation of noise: Variation in noiselevels over time.Tenth percentile method: See Appendix B.Time of maximum impact: The time during whichthe difference between the background noiselevel and the source noise is expected to begreatest.Tonality: Noise containing a prominent frequencyand characterised by a definite pitch.Transportation: Includes road, rail and air traffic.NSW industrial noise policy59

Appendix A—Worked case studiesA1General application case studyThis case study aims to highlight the main aspectsof the policy, and can be referred to in a number ofdifferent assessment situations.Situation: New major developmentproposed in a high-traffic areaA major development is proposed across a majorhighway from a residential area. Apart from the sitein question, the whole area is fully developed. Thereare other small industrial developments in the area.The noise impact of the proposed developmentneeds to be assessed.Important considerationsThe proposal has the following characteristics:• new development with existing receiver—hence, the assessment will require predictionof noise levels from the source.• major development—the project is a majordevelopment with a potentially high noiserisk due to its proximity to a residential area.Hence, long-term monitoring of existingnoise levels is required to obtain an adequatemeasure of the existing background(L A90,15 minute) and ambient (L Aeq,15 minute) levelspresent in the area.• residential area on a major highway—thisfits the description of an ‘urban’ receiver type(Table 2.1), so the recommended acceptablenoise level (ANL) for ‘urban’ areas applies.However, traffic noise levels may be highenough to make noise from stationarysources inaudible, even though it may exceedthe ANL. As it is highly unlikely that trafficnoise levels would decrease in future, thecriterion for high traffic areas would apply inthis case (Section 2.2.3).• other small industrial developmentspresent—the existing noise environment maybe affected by noise from existing stationarysources.Follow the assessment steps in Table A1.NSW industrial noise policy60

Table A1. Assessment steps1. Do a preliminaryinvestigation2. Determineexisting noiselevelsVisit site or rely on existing knowledge to determine whether traffic is the dominantsource of noise and whether the existing industrial noise sources can be heard overhigh traffic levels for three assessment periods.Take sample measurements to determine whether the existing traffic noise level islikely to be more than 10 dB above the acceptable noise level (ANL—see Table 2.1)in each assessment period.Record at least one week’s worth of continuous valid data covering the period ofoperation of the proposed development. Monitor both the L A90,15 minuteand L Aeq,15 minutelevels. Although the measurement of L A90,15 minutelevels may include traffic, themeasurement of existing L Aeq,15 minutelevels may exclude traffic and other non-industrialsources, except where traffic noise levels are more than 10 dB above the ANL.1. Where existing traffic noise levels ≥ 10 dB above the ANL and existingstationary noise sources are inaudible due to traffic noise:• measure the L Aeq, period(traffic)2. Where existing traffic noise levels < 10 dB above the ANL:• measure the existing L Aeq, periodnoise levels of industrial noise sources at thelocation potentially affected by noise from the new source. To isolate theindustrial contributions to the noise levels from road traffic noise, measurein a different location or calculate the contribution as outlined in Sections3.2 and 3.2.1.3. Measure the background L A90,15 minutelevels so that the intrusiveness criterion canbe determined.4. Determineproject-specificnoise levels5. Predict noiselevels from thesource6. Compare withproject- specificnoise levelsFrom the monitored data, determine single-figure values representing thebackground noise (RBL) and the existing L Aeq,periodlevels, using the methods outlinedin Sections 3.1 and 3.2 respectively. (Note in case (1) traffic noise levels areincluded in the L Aeq, period, whereas in case (2) traffic noise levels may be excluded.)In all cases both the intrusiveness and amenity criteria should be assessed (Section2), however for case 1 (high traffic noise) the high traffic ‘L Aeq, period(traffic)–10 dB’ criterion(Section 2.2.3) replaces the amenity criterion.The project-specific noise levels are the most stringent of the intrusive or amenitycriteria.Investigate the potential for inversion effects as described in Section 5. Noise-levelpredictions should include inversion and wind conditions where the effects of theseare expected to be significant.If the noise source is expected to contain annoying characteristics, applyadjustments to the predicted noise levels from the source as outlined in Section 4.The prediction should take the form of the descriptor used in the project- specificnoise levels.If the predicted noise levels exceed the project-specific noise levels, the proposeddevelopment is likely to have a noise impact on nearby sensitive receivers.NSW industrial noise policy61

A2(a)Intrusiveness, amenity and hightrafficcriterion case studiesNew industrial development in a ruralareaA new industrial development is proposed for arural area affected by traffic noise. A noise survey ofthe area reveals a number of nearby residences withthe following background noise levels:• rating background levels of 33 dB(A) day,31 dB(A) evening and 30 dB(A) night—determined using the procedure in Section 3.1.The existing L Aeqlevels were found to be all due totraffic noise and natural sources (there being noother industrial noise sources in the area), so it wasdecided that the existing L Aeqlevel from industrialnoise was negligible. From Table 2.1, the project fitsthe description of a ‘rural’ receiver type, so therecommended acceptable noise level (ANL) for‘rural’ areas applies here (that is, 50 dB(A) day, 45dB(A) evening and 40 dB(A) night). As the existinglevel of noise from industrial sources is negligible,there is no need to reduce the ANL, as outlined inTable 2.2.Hence, the criteria applicable to this project are asshown in Table A2.From the table it can be seen that, if the intrusivenesscriterion is met, the amenity criterion wouldautomatically be met. Hence, the intrusivenesscriterion is the limiting criterion and represents theproject-specific noise levels to be applied to thisproject.Table A2. Criteria applying to casestudy (a)Period Intrusiveness criterion 1 Amenitycriterion 2(b)New industrial development in asuburban areaA new industrial development is proposed for asuburban area. Natural sources and noise fromanother industry in the area dominate the existingnoise levels at the site. Traffic can also be heard atthe site as a very distant hum, with the main roadbeing over 300 m away from the site and shieldedby rows of houses. A noise survey of the area hasdetermined the following existing noise levels:• rating background levels of 51 dB(A) day, 48dB(A) evening and 46 dB(A) night dominatedby the general hum of the industry in the areaand the distant traffic noise—determinedusing the procedure in Section 3.1• existing L Aeq, periodlevels of 57 dB(A) day,54 dB(A) evening and 52 dB(A) night—determined using the procedure in Section 3.2.Note that there was no need to eliminatetraffic noise levels from the measurement, asthey were considered low enough not tocontribute to the levels. (See Section 3.2.1).From Table 2.1, the project fits the description of a‘suburban’ receiver type, so the recommendedacceptable noise level (ANL) for ‘suburban’ areasapplies (that is, 55 dB(A) day, 45 dB(A) evening and40 dB(A) night). In this case, the existing industrialnoise-source level exceeds the ANL, so the ANLneeds to be reduced to control overall levels in thelocality in order to protect amenity, as outlined inTable 2.2. As it is unlikely that existing noise levelswill decrease in future, the criterion that applieshere is ‘existing level minus 10’.Hence the criteria shown in Table A3 apply to thisproject.Table A3. Criteria applying to casestudy (b)Day 38 dB L Aeq,15 minute(33 + 5) 50 L Aeq,DayEvening 36 dB L Aeq,15 minute(31 + 5) 45 L Aeq,EvenPeriodIntrusivenesscriterion 1Amenitycriterion 2Night 35 dB L Aeq,15 minute(30 + 5) 40 L Aeq,NightNotes:1. Intrusiveness criterion is L Aeq,15 minute≤ RBL + 5(Section 2.1)2. Amenity criterion for rural areas (Tables 2.1 and 2.2,Section 2.2)Day 56 dB L Aeq,15 minute(51+ 5) 47 L Aeq,DayEvening 53 dB L Aeq,15 minute(48 + 5) 44 L Aeq,EvenNight 51 dB L Aeq,15 minute(46 + 5) 42 L Aeq,NightNotes:1. Intrusiveness criterion is L Aeq,15 minute≤ RBL + 5(Section 2.1)2. Amenity criterion for suburban areas (Tables 2.1and 2.2, Section 2.2)NSW industrial noise policy62

In this case, the amenity criterion is the limitingcriterion and represents the project-specific noiselevels to be applied to this project.(c)New industrial development in ahigh-traffic areaA new industrial development is proposed on amajor highway. The noise environment at thenearest affected residences is dominated by trafficnoise from the major highway. There are otherindustries in the area, but they cannot be heardabove the traffic noise. A noise survey of the areahas determined the following existing noise levels:• rating background levels of 58 dB(A) day,58 dB(A) evening and 44 dB(A) nightdominated by traffic noise—determinedusing the procedure in Section 3.1• existing L Aeq, periodlevels of 70 dB(A) day,69 dB(A) evening and 66 dB(A) night—determined using the procedure in Section3.2. Note that these levels were solely due totraffic.Note: From an initial survey of the area anddrawing on local knowledge, it was foreseen at thestart of monitoring that existing traffic noise levelswould be well over 10 dB above the ANL for thearea (‘urban’ category—60 dB(A) day, 50 dB(A)evening, 45 dB(A) night). Hence, based on Section2.2.3, there was no need to eliminate traffic noiselevels from the measurement, as the high-trafficamenity criterion depends on the existing trafficnoise level only. (If traffic noise levels had been lessthan 10 dB above the ANL, then one of the methodsin Section 3.2.1 could have been employed to excludethe traffic noise level.)As the existing traffic noise levels are 10 dB or moreabove the ANL for the area, the high-traffic amenitycriterion applies to this project. This is stated as‘L Aeq,period≤ L Aeq, period(traffic)–10’ from Section 2.2.3.Hence, the criteria that apply to this project are asshown in Table A4.In this case the high traffic amenity criterion is thelimiting criterion for the day and evening periods,and the intrusiveness criterion is the limitingcriterion for the night period. The project-specificnoise levels for this project comprise each of these.Table A4. Criteria applying to casestudy (c)PeriodDayEveningNightA3(a)Meteorological-enhancement casestudiesArea affected by temperatureinversionsFor proposed developments that operate at night, theeffects of temperature inversions need to be considered.For case study (a) in the previous section, theassessment of noise enhancement (increase) causedby temperature inversions is as follows (using theprocedure outlined in Appendix C).Screening testsIntrusivenesscriterion 163 dB L Aeq, 15 minute(58 + 5)63 dB L Aeq, 15 minute(58 + 5)49 dB L Aeq, 15 minute44 + 5)High trafficamenitycriterion 260 dB L Aeq,Day(70 –10)59 dB L Aeq, Even(69 –10)56 dB L Aeq, Night(66 –10)Notes:1. Intrusiveness criterion is L Aeq,15 minute≤ RBL + 5(Section 2.1)2. High traffic amenity criterion (Section 2.2.3)Test 1. As the development will be operational 24hours a day, the potential for noise increase resultingfrom temperature inversions warrants furtherinvestigation.Test 2. An initial check to determine whether thisincrease in noise will have an impact on residents inthe area is done, using default parameters in thenoise prediction to estimate the upper level ofimpact. For a non-arid area a temperature inversionstrength of 3 °C/100 m applies, and for residentsdownhill from the source a drainage-wind-flowwind speed of 2 m/s also applies. (The screeningtest for non-arid areas assumes the presence of an F-class stability, as this category is much more likely tooccur in these areas than G-class). An inspection ofthe area reveals that residences are located between500 and 1000 m away from the source in a downhilldirection. Using the table in Appendix D, the noiseincrease due to inversions is between 4 dB and 5 dB.Where this increase results in exceedance of theNSW industrial noise policy63

project-specific noise levels, further analysis isadvisable to determine whether the actual occurrenceof temperature inversions in the area issignificant enough to warrant inclusion in theassessment.Determining the extent of impactW here further analysis is required, meteorologicaldata need to be analysed to determine whethertemperature inversions occur often enough to causea significant noise impact. Existing weather datamay be used, provided the subject area is within aradius of 30 km of the collection point and in thesame topographical basin. Table C4 in Appendix Coutlines the methods that may be used to analysethe data, as well as the type of data and length ofmonitoring time (3 months in winter) required. Byapplying any one of the methods described in detailin Appendix E, one can predict both the type ofinversion (in terms of a stability class) and thepercentage occurrence of inversions. Where F or G-class inversions, or a combination of both, arepredicted to occur for at least 30 per cent of the totalnight-time in winter, this is considered to be significantand warrants assessment. But if these inversionsare predicted to occur for less than 30% of thetotal night-time, temperature inversions do not needto be included in the noise assessment. For thepurposes of this case study, it is assumed that the F-class inversion occurs for more than 30 per cent ofthe night-time in winter and so requires assessment.Using default or alternative parameters to predictnoiseNow that it is certain that temperature inversionswill be occurring for a significant amount of time,they should be included in the noise assessment.The noise assessment may use the default parametersspecified (that is, 3°C/100 m and 2 m/s),avoiding the need for on-site measurements. Otherwiseon-site measurements may be conducted todetermine the exact temperature inversion parametersto use in the prediction model. (See Appendix Cfor guidance on how to conduct on-site measurements.)Assessing the impactThe predicted increase in noise level is then comparedwith the project-specific noise levels derivedin the previous section for case (a) to determinewhat the noise impact will be.(b)Area affected by gradient windsThe effects of gradient winds need to be consideredin all assessments. Generally, wind-speed data needto be analysed to determine whether wind enhancementof noise warrants inclusion in the analysis.The assessment of wind effects needs to considereach season and, within those seasons, each assessmentperiod (that is, day, evening and night).Significant wind enhancement is deemed likelywhere a source-to-receiver component wind of up to3 m/s occurs for 30 per cent of the time in anyassessment period. However, this step may bebypassed by first assuming that wind is a feature ofthe area and then applying a default wind-speed of3 m/s (in the direction from source to receiver) to thenoise prediction to estimate the upper level ofimpact.If no significant increase in noise is shown, thenthis should be reported, and no further analysis ofthe effects of gradient winds will be needed. Whereimpacts are significantly increased with this windspeed it is advisable to conduct a more detailedanalysis of wind-speed data to confirm whetherwind is a feature of the area.Existing or measured data may be used as fortemperature inversions. Wind roses offer a goodvisual interpretation of the occurrence of wind at alocality. These should be inspected to determinewhat, if any, wind speeds travel in the directionfrom source to receiver (or have components thattravel from source to receiver); and of these, whatwind speeds occur for more than 30 per cent of thetotal time in each season for each assessment period(day, evening, night). Where wind does not travelfrom source to receiver, it is not considered likely tohave a significant impact and does not need to beincluded in the assessment. Similarly, if windspeeds up to 3 m/s do not occur for 30 per cent ormore of the time in any season for any assessmentperiod, gradient winds do not need to be includedin the assessment. If a wind speed of up to 3 m/soccurs for 30 per cent of the time or more, then adefault wind speed of 3 m/s can be used in theassessment. The following examples show whatwind speed should be used in the assessment,when using data displayed by the wind rose.• If the wind rose shows that a source-toreceivercomponent of wind up to 3 m/soccurs for at least 30 per cent of the time inNSW industrial noise policy64

any assessment period in any season, thenthe default wind speed of 3 m/s should beused in the assessment for the particularassessment period/s and season/s where itoccurred.• If the wind rose shows that a source-toreceivercomponent of wind less than3 m/s occurs for at least 30 per cent of thetime in any assessment period in any season,then the highest wind speed (below 3 m/s)may be used instead of the default.• If the wind rose shows that there is less than30 per cent occurrence of source-to-receivercomponent wind speeds up to 3 m/s, thenwind is not included in the noise predictioncalculation.Assessing the impactThe parameters for wind direction and speed arethen used to predict increased noise levels, whichare then compared with the project-specific noiselevels derived in the previous section for case (a) todetermine what the noise impact will be.A4Existing premises case studyIn dealing with noise impacts from existingpremises it needs to be recognised that the meansavailable to mitigate noise may be more limited thanfor new premises. For example, planning approachesthat could avoid impact are generally notavailable at this stage (for example, spatial separationbetween source and receiver and attention tonoise reduction in designs for residential andindustrial buildings). Measures such as consideringnoise impacts when laying-out buildings on theindustrial premises and when selecting equipmentwill be more limited, and may be a feasible considerationfor existing premises only in the longer term.In treating existing cases it is often necessary to takea structured approach to mitigation that starts withdefining the problem, then identifies the range offeasible and reasonable controls that can be applied,then implements noise controls over time.The following example provides a summary of howan existing premises with a noise problem can beaddressed.Example:An existing scheduled premises is receiving complaintsabout noise from neighbouring residences.Currently the premises has no noise limits on itslicence.The EPA and the company have contacted complainantsand it appears the complainants mayhave a genuine grievance.The next step is to ascertain whether in fact there isa noise impact (that is, noise levels exceedingapplicable project-specific noise levels for the site).After discussions with the residences the companyagreed to the EPA’s request to conduct a noisesurvey. The survey, conducted by an accreditedacoustics practitioner, covered the following items:• identified the most affected residences• identified the activities on the site that causedthe reported annoyance• conducted a noise assessment without theexisting premises operating, includingbackground (L A90, 15 minute) and ambient(L Aeq, 15 minute) noise levels. (The short-term orlong-term background and ambient noisemethods may be used, depending on theextent of noise impact.)• determined project-specific noise levels basedon EPA noise criteria and applying theexisting background and ambient noiselevels• measured noise levels from the site at theidentified affected residences. (Whereapplicable, include adjustments to takeaccount of any annoying characteristics ofthe noise.)• compared measured noise levels (adjusted,where necessary) against the project-specificnoise levels to determine the extent of impact• discussed whether noise impacts may beincreased by weather patterns (for example,winds and temperature inversions) typical tothe area and estimated the extent of theincrease• discussed mitigation measures and theamount of noise reduction expected fromeach measureNSW industrial noise policy65

• justified any residual impact (that is,remaining exceedances of the project-specificnoise levels after feasible and reasonablemitigation measures have been applied).The noise report showed that noise levels from theexisting premises were well in excess of the applicableproject-specific noise levels at nearby residences,being more than 15 decibels above the projectspecificnoise levels. The report outlined a range ofmitigation measures that could reduce the noiselevels at the site.The mitigation measures involved re-organisingschedules so that noisy activities occurred at lesssensitive times; repair and ongoing maintenance tofaulty bearings; fitting improved mufflers to anumber of pieces of equipment; treating the buildingenvelope by sealing some doorways and windows;erecting a small barrier; enclosing a number ofpieces of equipment; and the possibility of acousticallytreating a residential premises. Even with allthese measures in place it was reported that therewould still be minor exceedances of the projectspecificnoise levels. This was mainly due to theclose proximity of adjoining residential properties.Discussions between the EPA and the companyascertained that it was not economically feasible toimplement all the mitigation measures at once. Itwas agreed to establish a timetable that coveredprogressive mitigation work over time that wouldboth reduce noise levels at nearby receivers andallow the company sufficient time to achieve therequired levels. (For example: re-organise schedulesand repair bearing immediately, seal openingswithin 3 months, replace windows in 6 months andenclose generator in 12 months.)Such a strategy and time-line was then incorporatedinto a pollution reduction program that formalisedthe proposed mitigation works.A5 Urban/industrial interface casestudyThe ‘urban/industrial interface’ receiver category inTable 2.1 may be applied for existing situations onlywhere residences are close to industrial premises.The amenity levels for the ‘urban/industrial interface’category are relevant for a region surroundingthe industrial premises, extending out to a pointwhere a 5-dB reduction in the source noise levelfrom industry is reached. This takes account of hownoise levels are reduced when moving away from asource.In the existing premises example given above, theamenity criteria that would apply would be the‘urban/industrial interface’ criteria if the industrywere in an ‘urban’ area. It would apply for allresidences in a region that extends out from theindustrial boundary to a point where a 5-dB reductionin noise level is reached. This region may bedetermined by measuring the source noise level ateach relevant industrial boundary and then movingback from each respective boundary until the noiselevel has dropped off by 5 dB. For residences beyondthis point the amenity criteria for the ‘urban’category would apply.The following shows a fully worked example usingthe ‘urban/industrial interface’ category.Example:An existing scheduled premises is proposing toupgrade its premises. It operates 24 hours a day,seven days a week. There are residences adjoining itswestern boundary.A noise survey of the area has determined thefollowing existing noise levels at the adjoiningresidences:• rating background levels of 47 dB(A) day,45 dB(A) evening and 40 dB(A) night—determined using the procedure in Section 3.1• existing L Aeq, periodlevels of 52 dB(A) day, 50dB(A) evening and 48 dB(A) night dominatedby the noise from other industry in the area—determined using the procedure in Section 3.2.From Table 2.1, the project fits the description of an‘urban/industrial interface’ receiver type, so therecommended acceptable noise level (ANL) for‘urban/ industrial interface’ area applies (that is,65 dB L Aeq, day, 55 dB L Aeq, eveningand 50 dB L Aeq, night).In this case the existing industrial noise in the area(not including the source in question) is within 6 dBof the ANLs for the evening and night periods, andhence the amenity criteria need to be reduced tocontrol overall levels in the locality to protectamenity, as outlined in Table 2.2.Hence the criteria in Table A5 apply.NSW industrial noise policy66

In this case the intrusive criterion is the limitingcriterion and sets the project-specific noise level tobe met by the development, including the proposedmodifications, at the neighbouring residences. Thisproject-specific noise level would be applicable toall residences in the region between the industrialpremises and the point at which noise from theexisting premises has decreased by 5 dB. Beyondthis region the ‘urban’ category amenity criteriawould apply. In this further region the existingbackground and ambient L Aeqlevels from industrywould need to be measured at these residences andproject-specific noise levels determined followingthe same steps as above but with the ‘urban’ amenitycriteria.To determine the extent of the ‘interface’ the instantaneousnoise level of the existing industry noisecan be measured at the relevant boundary (forexample, in this example at the at the westernboundary of the premises). Where the instantaneousnoise levels varied—for example, from 48 to 52dB(A)—the midpoint value of the range (that is, 50)may be used as the noise level representing theboundary noise level of the industry. Then instantaneousnoise measurements should be taken atincreasing distances away from the premises in therelevant direction (for example, to the west in thisexample) until the noise from the premises hasfallen by 5 dB. The point at which this occursdefines the extent of the region where the ‘urban/industrial interface’ category applies.Table A5. Criteria applying to urban/industrial interface case studyPeriod Intrusiveness criterion 1 Amenitycriterion 2Day 52 dB L Aeq,15 minute(47+ 5) 65 L Aeq,DayEvening 50 dB L Aeq,15 minute(45 + 5) 53 L Aeq,EvenNight 45 dB L Aeq,15 minute(40 + 5) 46 L Aeq,NightNotes:1. Intrusiveness criterion is L Aeq,15 minute≤ RBL + 5(Section 2.1)2. Amenity criterion for urban/industrial interface areas(Tables 2.1 and 2.2, Section 2.2)NSW industrial noise policy67

Appendix B—Applying the background noise policyB1Long-term background noisemethodThe long-term background noise measurementprocedure should be used during the planning andconsent stage for developments that have thepotential to cause significant noise nuisance. Boththe type of development and its proximity to noisesensitivelocations are important elements to beconsidered in deciding whether the long-termmethod is the most appropriate.Some examples of developments that may present ahigh risk of noise impact include:• extractive industries (for example, mines andquarries)• industrial developments (for example,bitumen plants, coal works, crushing andgrinding works, drum re-conditioning, powerstations, refineries and timber mills)Essentially, the procedure for determining long-termbackground noise involves two components:1. determining a representative backgroundnoise level for each day/evening/night of themonitoring period. This level is termed theassessment background level (ABL), and is asingle figure representing each day/evening/night for each monitoring site required for aparticular project.2. determining an overall level representing theday, evening and night assessment periodsover the entire monitoring period. This levelis termed the rating background level (RBL),and is determined based on the individualday/evening/night ABLs as outlined inSection B1.3.The rating background levels are used in determiningthe intrusiveness criterion.B1.1 Instrumentation requirements andsitingBackground noise levels should be measured with anoise data logger that has an accuracy at leastequivalent to the specifications of a Type 2 meter asstated in AS 1259. The data logger should be fittedwith a windshield and should have a currentlaboratory calibration certificate or label in accordancewith calibration requirements outlined inAS1259 and AS2659. Equipment should also becalibrated in the field in accordance with thesestandards.Site the data logger(s) at the most- (or potentiallymost-) affected noise-sensitive location(s). If this isimpractical, site the logger(s) at locations with asimilar acoustical environment. Be careful to choosesites that are truly representative of the noiseenvironment at the noise-sensitive receivers—forexample, do not choose positions screened fromdominant background noise sources such as roadtraffic if sensitive receivers are not screened fromsuch sources. Locate the microphone 1.2 to 1.5 mabove the ground and, where practicable, at least 3to 5 m from walls, buildings and other reflectingsurfaces. Data loggers should be sited as far awayfrom trees as practicable to avoid noise producedby wind blowing through foliage.During monitoring, set the meter to ‘Fast’ timeweighting and ‘A’ frequency weighting.A weather monitor that continuously monitorswind and rainfall data should be positioned within5 m of the data logging equipment—ideally, in aplace that is not shielded from the wind. The effectof weather on the instrumentation is of interest here,so the height of the monitor should correspond tothat of the noise logging equipment. Where multiplemonitoring sites are required for a particular project,it is best to have simultaneous weather monitoringat each noise logger location. However, weatherconditions may be represented by a single weathermonitor, provided this is within a 30-km radius ofthe site and in the same topographical basin. Theweather monitor should record average wind speed(accuracy to within ± 0.5 m/s) at least once every 15minutes (corresponding to the noise measurementinterval) and record the time intervals of rainfall.Monitoring should not be conducted (or monitoringdata are to be excluded) when average wind speedsare greater than 5 m/s or during rain. Exceptions tothis rule are allowed, provided the proponent isNSW industrial noise policy68

able to show that the wind-induced noise on themicrophone and sound levels due to rain are atleast 10 dB(A) below the background noise levelsunder investigation. For sites where high windspeeds are a feature of the area, monitoring may bepermitted during higher wind speeds provided thatthe proponent is able to show that these windspeeds are a site feature and that the wind-inducednoise on the microphone is at least 10 dB(A) belowthe noise levels under investigation.B1.2 Measurement procedureThe steps involved in monitoring background noiselevels for planning purposes are:1. Calibrate the noise monitoring equipment inthe field.2. Monitor the background noise and meteorologicalconditions continuously for each dayof the week the proposed development will beoperating and over the proposed operatinghours, using the L A90,15minutedescriptor.3. Note dominant and background noisesources present at the site throughout themonitoring period. Simultaneous datalogging and tape-recording of noise levelsand operator-attended measurements may bemade at the site to support the identificationand occurrence of noise sources.4. Do a field calibration check at the end of themonitoring period in accordance withAS1259 and AS2659. Re-monitoring may berequired if there is a calibration drift greaterthan that allowed by the standards.B1.3 Analysis procedure1. Remove any data that are affected by adverseweather conditions and/or extraneous noise.Check that the number and pattern of excludedL A90,15 minutesamples complies with therules specified in Figure B1. If it does not, remonitorthe background noise followingsteps 1 to 4, but only for the affected assessmentperiod in the corresponding day of theweek. The underlying idea is to ensure thatany patterns that occur are accounted for.These are often seen temporally throughout aday, diurnally, and from weekday to weekend.Exception: re-monitoring may not be requiredwhere monitoring contains weather-affecteddata if it can be ascertained that the affectedsamples are not within the expected ‘quieter’times of an assessment period (day/evening/night)—that is, those time periods where thelowest tenth percentile background noiselevel might occur. In this case it should befully justified in the noise-assessment reportthat the weather-affected data would notaffect the lowest tenth percentile backgroundnoise level. This could be done through theclear identification of set daily noise patternsof ‘quiet’ periods exhibited by the measureddata from the non-affected days. Thereshould be enough non-affected data availablefor the assessor to be confident that anypattern identified is valid. For these cases theaffected samples need not be removed fromthe data set before the tenth percentile isdetermined in Step 2.Figure B1. Data exclusion rule1. For every 4 consecutive values (-) there should be no more than 2 samples missing (x), for e.g.:Single invalid 15-minute samples: - - - x - - - x - - - x - - - or- - x - - x - - x - - x - - or- x - x - x - x - x - x -Double invalid 15-minute samples: - - x x - - x x - - x x - -2. Where the maximum number of invalid samples (x) is greater than 8, 2 or 4 for day, evening and nightrespectively, then the corresponding period (day/evening/night) should be monitored again.3. Where there are more than two consecutive invalid (x) samples, only one occurrence of the followingpattern is allowed before re-monitoring is required.Triple invalid 15-minute samples: - - - x x x - - -NSW industrial noise policy69

Table B1. Method for determining the tenth percentileStep 1Step 2Step 3Sort the L A90,15 minutedata in each assessment period in ascending order.Work out the tenth per cent position of the number of samples in the assessmentperiod. This can be calculated by multiplying the number of L A90, 15 minutevalues in theassessment period by 0.1.Determine the tenth percentile (essentially the lowest tenth per cent value):If the tenth per cent position (from Step 2) is an integer, then the tenth percentile isdetermined by taking the arithmetic average of the value of the L A90, 15 minuteat the tenthper cent position and the next highest value.If the tenth per cent position (from Step 2) is not an integer, then the tenthpercentile is the next highest L A90, 15 minutevalue above the value at the tenth per centposition.Examples:1. For a data set of size 40, the tenth per cent position is 4 (i.e. 0.1 x 40). As this isan integer, the tenth percentile is the average of the values at the 4th positionand the 5th position, counting from the lowest value of the sorted data (fromStep 1).2. For a data set of size 44, the tenth per cent position is 4.4 (i.e. 0.1 x 44). As thisvalue is not an integer, the tenth percentile is the value at the 5th positioncounting from the lowest value of the sorted data (from Step 1).2. Determine an assessment background levelfor each day (0700 to 1800), evening (1800 to2200) and night (2200 to 0700), using thetenth percentile method (essentially representsthe lower tenth percent value). Thetenth percentile method may be determinedautomatically using a spreadsheet package,or manually by applying the method shownin Table B1.3. Determine the rating background level to beused for assessment purposes. This is takento be the median value of the correspondingday/evening/night assessment backgroundlevels. For example, for a week’s worth ofmonitoring, the evening rating backgroundlevel is the median of the seven eveningassessment background levels—that is, thefourth highest (or lowest) value. Where thislevel is found to be less than 30 dB(A), therating background level is set to 30 dB(A).B2Short-term background noisemethodThe short-term method is the more appropriatebackground noise monitoring technique for:• establishing the difference between thebackground noise level and the source beingmeasured• checking the noise compliance of adevelopment• determining the effect of background noise ona source-noise measurement.B2.1 Instrumentation requirements andsitingTo measure background noise levels, use a soundlevelmeter that meets the specifications of a precision(Type 0 or 1) or general-purpose (Type 2)sound-level meter as stated in the AS 1259. Fit awindshield over the microphone before taking anymeasurements. If equipment other than a soundlevelmeter is used, the resulting measurementshould be at least as accurate as a measurementmade with a sound level meter as specified above.The equipment should have a current laboratorycalibration certificate or label in accordance withthe calibration requirements outlined in AS1259and AS2659. Equipment should also be calibratedin the field in accordance with the standards. Use aportable sound-level calibrator (in current calibration)for field-checking purposes.Wind speed during monitoring should be less than5 m/s (equivalent to number 3 on the Beaufort windscale—that is, leaves and small twigs in constantmotion; wind extends small flag).NSW industrial noise policy70

Take the background noise measurement at the mostaffected noise-sensitive location. If responding to anoise complaint, take the measurement as close aspracticable to where the noise impact is alleged tooccur.Measure the background noise in the absence ofboth the noise under investigation and any extraneousnoise not typical of the area. If it is not possibleto exclude the source under investigation, thenmeasure the background noise at a remote locationjudged to have a similar noise environment.Hold the sound-level meter at arm’s length or set itup on a tripod so the microphone is 1.2 to 1.5 mabove the ground and at least 3 to 5 m from walls,buildings and other reflecting surfaces. Duringmonitoring, set the meter to ‘Fast’ time weightingand ‘A’ frequency weighting. Do not take measurementswhen it is raining or when the average windspeed at microphone height exceeds 5 m/s.B2.2 Measurement procedure1. During the period of the day for which thenoise source is expected to operate, determinethe time when the greatest impact is likely tooccur and take measurements at this time.(Note: This is often when the differencebetween the measured background noise andthe noise level generated by the new orexisting development is greatest.)2. Field-calibrate the noise monitoring equipment.3. Measure the background noise level continuouslyfor 15 minutes, excluding all distinctextraneous noises. (Because of the shortperiod over which the background noise isbeing measured, distinct extraneous noises,including noise from transportation, conversation,birds and insects, should be excludedfrom the measurements.) If extraneous noiseis present, pause the meter when this noiseoccurs or choose another measuring time orlocation.The rating background level to be used forassessment purposes is the L A90, 15 minutelevelproduced by a statistical meter.required if there is a calibration drift greaterthan that allowed by the standards.5. If two or more valid measurements of backgroundnoise are recorded at the one location,adopt the lowest level as the backgroundlevel.Note: If the measured background level is less than30 dB(A), then the rating background level isconsidered to be 30 dB(A).B3Reporting requirementsInclude the following items in a report to supportthe determined rating background level:B3.1 Long-term method• details of equipment used (include latestcalibration date), equipment settings andsampling rate of the logger used• a statement justifying the choice ofmonitoring site, including the procedureused to choose the site, having regard to thedefinitions of ‘noise-sensitive location(s)’ and‘most-affected location(s)’ described in Section3.1.2• details of the exact location of the monitoringsite and a description of land uses insurrounding areas• a brief description of where the equipmentwas positioned• a description of the dominant andbackground noise sources at the site• a record of periods of affected data (due toadverse weather and extraneous noise) andstatement indicating the need for any remonitoringunder Step 1 in Section B1.3.• day, evening and night assessmentbackground levels for each day of themonitoring period• the final RBL value.4. Check the field calibration at the end of themonitoring period in accordance withAS1259 and AS2659. Re-monitoring may beNSW industrial noise policy71

B3.2 Short-term method• details of equipment used (include latestcalibration date), equipment settings and thesampling rate of the meter• a statement justifying the choice ofmonitoring site and period, including theprocedure used to choose the site, havingregard to the definitions of ‘noise- sensitivelocation(s)’ and ‘most-affected location(s)’described in Section 3.1.2• a description of the dominant andbackground noise sources at the site• a record of weather conditions duringmonitoring• the measured background noise levels.NSW industrial noise policy72

Appendix C Procedure for assessing noise increasedue to temperature inversionsC1IntroductionThe procedure for assessing the increase in noisecaused by temperature inversions involves thefollowing main steps:• Do an initial screening test to determinewhether there is the potential for increasednoise levels due to inversions, and whetherfurther detailed analyses are warranted.• Determine the extent of impact. Where thereis the potential for inversions to increasenoise levels, the actual extent of impact (interms of percent occurrence of inversions) forthe locality being assessed is to bedetermined. Where inversions are predictedfor more than 30 per cent of the total nighttimeduring winter, these are considered to besignificant and should be taken account of inthe noise assessment.• Predict the level of noise using default oralternative parameters to determine theincrease in noise levels expected due toinversions. Default inversion parameters arespecified to avoid the need for potentiallycostly on-site monitoring, but, if preferred,other values based on direct measurementsmay be used.• Assess the impact to determine whether theincreased noise levels due to inversions willaffect receivers in the vicinity of thedevelopment. The predicted increased noiselevels are compared with the project-specificnoise levels to determine if any exceedances(and hence noise impacts) are expected.Table C1. Initial screening test proceduresTest1. Night-timeoperation2. Test formaximumpossible levelof impactProcedureDetermine whether the development in question operates at night (2200 to 0700).If the development operates at night, do screening test 2 to determine the potential forimpact.If the development does not operate at night, there is no potential for noise impact dueto inversions, and no further consideration of these effects is required.Do a noise-prediction assessment, assuming the following meteorological conditions torepresent the upper level of impacts:Non-arid areas (average annual rainfall 500 mm or more)• temperature inversion strength: 3°C/100 m• source-to-receiver drainage-wind speed where applicable 1 : 2 m/s at 10 m heightArid and semi-arid areas (average annual rainfall less than 500 mm)• temperature inversion strength: 8°C/100 m• source-to-receiver drainage-wind speed where applicable 1 : 1 m/s at 10 m heightIf the predicted noise levels show an increase of less than 3 dB, meteorological effectsare not considered to be an issue and no further consideration of these effects isrequired.If a greater than 3 dB increase is predicted, meteorological effects are an issue andfurther work is needed to determine the meteorological conditions applicable to the sitein question. (See Table C2.)(Table D1 in Appendix D may be used as a guide to predicting the effect ofinversions for this Step.)Note:1. The drainage-flow wind default value should generally be applied where a development is at a higheraltitude than a residential receiver, with no intervening higher ground (for example, hills).NSW industrial noise policy73

Table C2. Procedure for assessing meteorological effectsAlternatives forassessment1. Use existingdata todeterminemeteorologicalnoise impactrelevant to theareaProcedureAnalyse site-specific meteorological data using one of the four existing data methodsdetailed in Table C4 to determine the percentage occurrence of atmospheric stabilitycategory F 1 or G 2 temperature inversions.If the frequency of temperature inversions during the winter months is less than 30per cent of the total night-time (for inversions this is from 1 hour before sunset to 1hour after sunrise, taken to be 6 pm to 7 am), these effects are not consideredsignificant and no additional noise predictions are needed.If temperature inversions occur for 30 per cent of the total night-time or more during thewinter months, adopt the following default values to predict noise impact:Where rainfall ≥ 500 mm/yearF-class inversions• inversion: 3°C/100 m• source-to-receiver drainage-wind speed where applicable 3 : 2 m/s at 10 mheight2. Use actualmeasurementsto determinemeteorologicalnoise impactrelevant to theareaG-class inversions• inversion: 4°C/100 m• source-to-receiver drainage-wind speed where applicable 3 : 3 m/s at 10 mheightWhere rainfall < 500 mm/yearG-class inversion• inversion 8°C/100 m• source-to-receiver drainage-wind speed where applicable 3 : 1 m/s at 10 mheightApply the above meteorological parameters to the noise prediction and determine theincreased noise level.Compare the final predicted level with the project-specific noise levels to assess the noiseimpact.If the default temperature inversion and wind drift parameters are not acceptable to thedeveloper, the actual temperature inversion strength and wind speed may be measured.(See Alternative 2 below.)Measure the actual temperature inversion strength and wind speed using the ‘Directmeasurement of temperature lapse rate’ method outlined in Table C4.Use these measurements to predict noise levels and compare the prediction with theproject-specific noise levels to assess the noise impact.Notes:1. F-class stability category corresponds to moderate inversions.2. G-class stability category corresponds to strong inversions.3. The drainage-flow wind default value should generally be applied where a development is at a higheraltitude than a residential receiver, with no intervening higher ground (for example, hills).NSW industrial noise policy74

The sections below outline the procedure in detail.C2Initial screening testsThere are two tests used to determine whether thepotential for an increase in noise due to temperatureinversions warrants further assessment:• No night-time operation. As temperatureinversions are usually prominent duringnight-time hours there is no need to considertheir effects for a development that does notoperate at night.• No significant noise impacts. Whereinversion conditions are expected to increasenoise by less than 3 decibels, no furtheranalysis is required.Table C1 summarises these initial screening testprocedures.C3Determining the extent of impactTable C2 sets out the general procedure for assessinginversion effects. The procedure involves determiningthe percentage occurrence of moderate andstrong inversions during the winter season, basedon meteorological data from the locality. (Weakinversions are not included, as they are not consideredto have a significant noise impact.)Where inversions are predicted for at least 30 percent of the total time at night in the winter season(or approximately two nights per week), inversioneffects are considered to be significant and shouldbe taken into account in the noise assessment.F-class inversions are widespread in the HunterValley and hence, the F-class inversion categorymay be used as the default category for assessinginversion effects in this region as outlined in TableC3.C5Determining the potential forenhancement from temperatureinversionsThe procedure for assessing enhancement fromtemperature inversions is based on the relationshipbetween temperature inversions and the PasquillStability Categories.Table C4 summarises four different methods used todetermine the strength and frequency of temperatureinversions, based on atmospheric stabilitycategories. The first three methods may be appliedusing existing meteorological data or simple measurementtechniques to predict the frequency of aparticular atmospheric stability category. The lastmethod involves direct measurement of temperaturelapse rate and wind speed. All methods rely on aminimum of three months of weather data collectedduring the winter season (that is, the maximumlevel of impact) to determine the effect of temperatureinversions.One of these alternative methods may be used todetermine the significance of temperature inversionswhen assessing the noise impact of developmentsduring the planning and approval phase.Note that more definitive information is providedfor sites in the Hunter region. (See Section C4.)In NSW, the Hunter region has been identified as anarea significantly affected by temperature inversions.For this reason, the area has been studied indetail and, as a result, a shorter procedure fordetermining the potential for impact in the Hunterregion is outlined in Section C4.C4Identifying the extent of impact inthe Hunter regionFor sites located in the Hunter region, weather datado not need to be analysed, as the strength andfrequency of F-class temperature inversions havealready been determined for the entire region.Recent surveys have indicated that the incidence ofNSW industrial noise policy75

Table C3. Procedure for assessing meteorological effects in the Hunter region 1Step1. Determine theexact location ofthe development2. Determine thepercentoccurrence oftemperatureinversions3. Determine themeteorologicalimpact, based onexisting dataProcedureIdentify the International Standard Grid (ISG) map grid coordinates of the area inquestion. Take care to identify the full extent of the area surrounding the developmentthat is likely to be affected.From Table F1 in Appendix F, read the percentage occurrence of F-class temperatureinversions corresponding to the map coordinates that cover the full extent of the area.If the frequency of temperature inversions is less than 30 per cent at this location, theseeffects are not considered significant and no additional noise predictions are needed.If temperature inversions occur for 30 per cent of the total night-time or more oftenduring the winter months, adopt the following default value to predict noise impact:F-class inversions• inversion: 3°C/100 m• source-to-receiver drainage-wind speed where applicable 2 :2 m/s at 10 m heightApply these inversion parameters to the noise prediction and determine the increasednoise level.Compare the final predicted level with the project-specific noise levels to assess thenoise impact.If the default temperature-inversion and wind-drift parameters are not acceptable to thedeveloper, then the actual temperature inversion and wind speed may be measured asin Alternative 2, Table C2.Note:1. The proponent may elect to determine inversion frequency and strength through one of the four methods setout in Table C4. If a significant incidence of G-class inversions is established, then the default values forG-class inversions (set out in Table C2) should be applied.2. The drainage-flow-wind default value should generally be applied where a development is at a higher altitudethan a residential receiver, with no intervening higher ground (for example, hills).Table C4. Methods for determining the strength and frequency of temperatureinversionsFeaturesExisting/simple data methodsDirect measurementPasquill-GiffordschemeTurner scheme Sigma-theta method Temperature lapse rateType ofmonitoring/parametersrequiredHourly or threehourlycloud cover,hourly or threehourlyaverage windspeed at 10 mheight.Hourly or three-hourlycloud cover, cloudceilingheight, hourlyor three-hourlyaverage wind speedand direction at 10 mheight.Time of day, windspeed and direction,sigma-theta, surfaceroughness/ vegetationcover.Lapse rate, hourlytemperature at heightintervals of 10 to 60 m.(For all the above, see Appendix E for full method.)Length ofmonitoringMonitoringlocationAssessmenttime periodCollect three months' data continuously during winter for night-time (6 pm to 7 am).Collect weather data at minimum height of 10 m. Available weather data may be used to representweather conditions within a radius of 30 km from the measurement point in the same topographicalbasin; otherwise data needs to be collected as it is terrain-dependent.Night (2200 to 0700 h)NSW industrial noise policy76

Appendix D Estimating noise increase due toinversionsTable D1 may be used as a rough guide for predictinginversion effects at a site at the initial screeningtest stage.as a result of the inversion. The levels are based oncalculations performed using ENM ver. 3.06, assuminga simple flat ground and no barrier model.The table gives an estimate of the decibel differencein noise levels predicted with and without inversionconditions representing an increase in noise levelsTable D1. Increase in noise level due to inversionsDistance(m)3°C/100 m3°C/100 m and2 m/sIncrease in noise level, dB8°C/100 m8°C/100 m and 1 m/s100 1.0 2.0 2.0 3.0200 1.0 3.0 3.0 4.0300 1.0 3.0 3.0 4.0400 1.5 3.5 3.5 5.0500 1.5 4.0 4.0 5.5600 1.5 4.5 4.5 6.5700 1.5 5.0 5.0 6.5800 1.5 5.0 5.0 6.5900 1.5 5.0 5.0 6.51000 1.5 5.0 5.0 6.51500 1.5 4.5 5.0 6.52000 1.5 4.5 5.0 6.52500 1.5 4.5 4.5 6.53000 1.5 4.5 4.5 6.04000 1.5 4.0 4.0 6.05000 1.0 4.0 4.0 5.5Notes:The above data represent the results of single-point source calculations performed using ENM ver. 3.06 assuming abroadband noise source rounded-off to the nearest 0.5 dB. The following parameters were adopted in thecalculations:• temperature 12°C (winter), humidity 85%• wind direction from source to receiver (270°)• source height 3 m, receiver height 2 m• rural, ground type: grass, rough pasture.NSW industrial noise policy77

Appendix EMethods for determining the frequencyof temperature inversionsE1BackgroundAn important part of the assessment of noiseenhancement due to inversions involves determiningwhether inversions occur frequently enough towarrant inclusion in the assessment. It is consideredunreasonable to expect a development tocomply with noise limits under inversion conditionsif inversions occur infrequently.The frequency of occurrence of temperature inversionsmay be determined either by direct measurementof inversion parameters, or by using indirectmethods that allow the prediction of wind andtemperature profiles to within a moderately narrowrange using readily available meteorological data.The direct-measurement method will result inactual temperature gradients and drainage-flowwindspeeds from which the percentage occurrenceof inversions may be determined. The indirectmethods, on the other hand, allow the susceptibilityof an area to inversions to be determined throughthe use of the relationship developed by the USAtomic Energy Commission between atmosphericstability categories and inversions. The relationshipshown in Table E1 outlines the range of temperaturegradients that can be expected within each stabilitycategory. Hence, if a stability category is known,then the range of possible temperature gradientsmay be inferred.A positive temperature gradient signifies a temperatureinversion; hence, from the table below, inver-Table E1. Stability categories based onDT/DZStabilitycategoryRange of vertical temperaturegradient ( o C/100 m)A DT/DZ < –1.9B –1.9 ≤ DT/DZ < –1.7C –1.7 ≤DT/DZ < –1.5D –1.5 ≤ DT/DZ < –0.5E –0 .5 ≤ DT/DZ < 1.5F 1.5 ≤ DT/DZ < 4.0G4.0 ≤ DT/DZsions occur during E, F and G stability categories.These three categories are considered to representweak, moderate and strong inversions respectively.For noise-assessment purposes, only moderate andstrong inversions are considered significant enoughto require assessment.Three basic schemes may be used to determine theoccurrence of different stability classes at a particularsite based on the following combinations ofmeteorological parameters:1. Direct measurement of temperature lapse rateover the height interval range of 1.5 to 10 mand 50 to 60 m, and wind speed at 10 mheight.2. Cloud cover, wind speed and solar elevation(Pasquill-Gifford scheme and Turner scheme).3. Measurements of sigma-theta (the standarddeviation of wind direction), wind speed andtime of day.All methods involve analysing three months ofmeteorological data collected in winter—the seasonduring which most inversions occur. Wind measurementsare to comply with AS 2923, Ambient Air—Guide for measurement of horizontal wind for air qualityapplications.E2Direct measurement oftemperature lapse rateThis method involves the measurement of temperaturegradient and wind speed at hourly intervalsover the three winter months. The temperaturegradient measurement involves measuring temperatureat two elevated levels (1.5 to 10 m and 50 to 60m) over a 50-m height interval to determine thetemperature difference. The temperature gradient isthen the temperature difference (that is, the temperatureat the higher elevation minus the temperatureat the lower elevation) divided by the height difference.The wind speed should be measured at aheight of 10 m. Care should be taken to ensure thatmeasurement procedures comply with relevantstandards.NSW industrial noise policy78

Table E2. Step procedure for determining inversion parameters to be used inthe assessmentStepProcedure1. Sort the night-time (period between 1 h before sunset to 1 h after sunrise taken to be 6 pm to7 am) temperature gradients with associated wind speed in ascending order.2. Convert the temperature gradients into their corresponding stability categories according toTable E1.3. If F or G stability categories occur for a period of 30 per cent of the total night-time or more,either separately or in combination, then temperature inversions are considered to be asignificant feature of the area and need to be assessed.4. Determine the ninetieth percentile temperature gradient value from the full data set created atStep 2 (that is, the highest tenth per cent value). This may be done automatically using thepercentile function available in many spreadsheet programs; or the value may be determinedmanually by sorting the data in ascending order by temperature gradient and choosing thehighest tenth per cent value. The wind speed associated with the chosen temperature gradientis the one to be used in the assessment.Once all data have been collected, the percentageoccurrence of each stability category may be determined.From the measured data, the temperaturegradient to be used in predicting increased noiselevels due to inversions is the ninetieth percentilevalue (that is, the highest tenth per cent value) oftemperature gradients that occur during the nighttime in winter. The wind speed to be used in theassessment is that associated with the ninetiethpercentile inversion strength. A step-by-step guideto the analysis procedure is given in Table E2.E3Classifications of stabilitycategory based on cloud coverThe most widely used stability classificationscheme is that developed by Pasquill (1961). This isbased on observations of cloud cover, wind speedand solar elevation. This scheme has been modifiedby Turner (1964) to create an alternative scheme thatis more amenable to application with computerbaseddatabases. Both schemes are discussed below.Table E3. Key to Pasquill stability categories aHourly averagewind speed at10 m(m/s)DaytimestabilitycategoriesStability categories based on night cloud cover (b)(Night = 6 pm to 7 am)Thinly overcast or≥ 4/8 low cloud≤ 3/8 cloud< 2 G G2–3 E F3–5 A—DD E5–6 D D> 6DDSource: Adapted from Pasquill (1961)a. In dispersion modelling, stability class is used to categorise the rate at which a plume will disperse. In thePasquill-Gifford stability class assignment scheme (as used in this study) there are six stability classes, Athrough to F. Class A relates to unstable conditions, such as might be found on a sunny day with light winds.Class F relates to stable conditions, such as those that occur when the sky is clear, the winds are light and aninversion is present. The intermediate classes B, C, D and E relate to intermediate dispersion conditions. Aseventh class, G, has also been defined to accommodate extremely stable conditions such as might be found inarid rural areas.b. The neutral category D should be used for overcast conditions regardless of wind speed.NSW industrial noise policy79

E3.1 Pasquill-Gifford schemeThe Pasquill-Gifford scheme, outlined in Table E3,essentially determines Pasquill stability categoriesbased on hourly or three-hourly wind-speed andcloud-cover measurements. Once these are known,the percentage frequency of temperature inversionsover the three winter months may be predictedusing the relationship in Table E1. The followingdata are required for the analysis collected over thethree winter months:• hourly or three-hourly wind speed anddirection at 10 m (the wind direction is notrequired to determine the Pasquill Stabilitycategory but is required for the noiseanalysis)• hourly or three-hourly cloud covermeasurements• times of sunrise and sunset recorded on adaily basis (these times are required to definethe night-time period) or assumed to be 7 amand 6 pm, respectively.The required data may be obtained from the Bureauof Meteorology from data collected at the closestmonitoring station. The parameters needed areavailable from selected Bureau of Meteorologystations across NSW. Wind speeds and winddirections are subject to considerable local variation.However, cloud cover is generally not subject tosuch strong spatial variations and, consequently,data from a station some distance away may beacceptable. Whether or not data apply to a particularsite needs to be critically assessed. For cloudcover, distance from the coast and ground elevationwill have an important bearing on the cloudiness. Ingeneral, data collected from weather-monitoringstations are considered relevant for a radius of30 km from the station, provided the surroundingarea is in the same topographical basin as thestation.If representative cloud data are not available from anearby station, it is advisable to use the sigma-thetamethod outlined in Section E4 instead to determinestability categories. This is because the numerousindividual observations needed to measure cloudcover for the Pasquill-Gifford method are often notfeasible.E3.1.1 Determining the frequency of occurrence ofinversionsOnce the stability categories have been determinedfor all the data collected during the period from6 pm to 7 am, the percentage occurrence of moderateand strong inversions occurring during F and Gstability categories, respectively, may then bedetermined. The percentage occurrence requiredhere is the total percentage occurrence for thenight periods over the three months of winter. ThePasquill-Gifford scheme assumes that moderateand strong inversions do not occur during thedaytime hours (considered here to be from 7 am to6 pm).Where the sum total of F and G inversions occur forat least 30 per cent of the total night-time in winter,the project area is considered to be significantlyaffected by inversions warranting noise assessment.Default values to be used when assessing theimpact on noise caused by temperature inversionsduring F and G stability conditions are presented inSection E6. The F-category default values are to beused in noise prediction where a combination of F-and G-category inversions is predicted. The G-category default values are to be used in noiseprediction only where G-category inversions arepredicted for at least 30 per cent of the total nighttimein winter.E3.2 Turner schemeThe Turner scheme recognises that stability near theground depends mainly on net radiation and windspeed, with net radiation being a function of cloudcover and the height of the cloud ceiling. Thisscheme determines stability categories based onhourly or three-hourly wind measurements of cloudcover, cloud-ceiling height, wind speed and winddirection. As with the previous scheme, the percentageoccurrence of temperature inversions over thethree winter months may be predicted using therelationship in Table E1. The following data need tobe collected over the three winter months for analysis:• hourly or three-hourly wind speed anddirection at 10 m (wind direction is notrequired to determine the Pasquill Stabilitycategory, but is required for the noiseanalysis)• hourly or three-hourly cloud covermeasurementsNSW industrial noise policy80

• hourly or three-hourly cloud ceiling-heightmeasurements• daily records of time of sunrise and sunset(needed to define the night-time period) orassumed to be 7 am and 6 pm, respectively.Similarly, the required data may be obtained fromthe Bureau of Meteorology from data collected at theclosest monitoring station. (See Section E3.1 considerationsrelating to the applicability of data to a site.)If representative cloud data are not available from anearby station, it is advisable to use the sigma-thetamethod outlined in Section E4 instead to determinestability categories. This is because the large numberof individual observations needed to measure cloudcover for the Turner scheme may not be feasible.Table E4 gives the stability class as a function ofwind speed and net radiation. The net radiationindex for the night period ranges from –1 to –2(negative radiation is radiation directed away fromthe earth). Note that the Turner scheme assumesthat moderate and strong inversions do not occurduring daytime hours (considered here to be theperiod from 7 am to 6 pm).Note also that, in the specifications for this scheme,cloud-cover data are assumed to be available in1/10 ths . Usually data from the Bureau of Meteorologyare reported in 1/8 ths , so some conversion willneed to be done.Table E4. Stability class as a function ofnet radiation and wind speedWind speedNet radiation indexknots m/s 0 –1 –20–1 0–0.7 D F G2–3 0.8–1.8 D F G4–5 1.9–2.8 D E F6 2.9–3.3 D E F7 3.4–3.8 D D E8–9 3.9–4.8 D D E10 4.9–5.4 D D E11 5.5–5.9 D D D≥ 12 ≥ 6.0 D D DThe net radiation index to be used in Table E4 is:1. If the total cloud cover is 10/10 and theceiling is less than 7000 feet, use net radiationindex equal to 0 (whether day or night).2. For night-time (from 6 pm to 7 am):—If total cloud cover ≤ 4/10, use net radiationindex equal to –2.—If total cloud cover >4/10, use net radiationequal to –1.Follow the procedure outlined in Section E3.1.1 todetermine the percentage occurrence of temperatureinversions once the stability-category classificationshave been made.E4Use of sigma-theta dataThe sigma-theta method, developed by the US EPA,refers to observations of sigma-theta, wind speedand time of day. With this method the Pasquillstability categories may be determined by using arelationship between stability categories and thestandard deviation of the horizontal wind directionfluctuations (σ Ain degrees). The scheme is appliedin one step to determine the daytime stabilitycategory and two steps to determine the night-timestability category as follows:• the daytime (from 7 am to 6 pm) stabilitycategory may be determined directly from σ Adata using Table E5• the night-time (from 6 pm to 7 am) stabilitycategory may be determined in two steps:—determine the stability category from σ Adata using Table E5.—modify this stability category based onprevailing wind speed using Table E6.Sigma-theta data may be measured on an hourly orthree-hourly basis and should be collected asspecified in Australian Standard AS–2923.NSW industrial noise policy81

Table E5. Wind flucuation criteria forestimating Pasquill-Giffordstability categories for nonaridareas in NSW 1,2PasquillstabilitycategoryAStandard deviation of thehorizontal wind directionfluctuations 3,4(σ Ain degrees)σ A≥ 22.5 oTable E6. Night-time 1 Pasquill-Giffordstability categories based on σ Afrom Table E5If the σ Astabilitycategory is:And the windspeed at 10 mis (m/s):A < 2.92.9–3.6Then thePasquillstabilitycategory is:FEB17.5 o ≤ σ A

Table E7. Aerodynamic roughness of various surfacesSurface Comments Roughness (z o) (m)Water Still, open sea 0.1–10.0x10 -5Sand, open desert 0.0003Open soil 0.001–0.01GrassShort scrub, long grass and mostfield cropsMown lawn: 0.02–0.10 mRough pasture: 0.25–1.0 m0.003–0.010.04–0.100.05–0.10Forest 0.6–2Suburban area 0.6City 0.6–2E5DiscussionIn summary, the above discussion outlines threeindependent ways that readily-available or easilycollectedmeteorological data can be analysed toestimate the frequency with which atmosphericstability categories of different classes occur.It is envisaged that consultants assessing thesusceptibility of an area to inversions would eitheraccept the default meteorological parameters, orundertake their own analyses using one of theschemes outlined above.Where the default meteorological parameters are tobe replaced by the consultant’s own assessment,then any one of the above schemes could be used.However, in order of preference, the schemes are:E6Default values for the prediction ofnoise impactsOnce the percentage occurrence of stability categorieshas been determined from one of the methodsdescribed above, it is necessary to determinewhether the Pasquill Stability Category occurs for ≥30 per cent of the time during the night-time inwinter, signifying the need for further assessment.Table E8 details the default values (temperaturegradient and wind speed) to be used for the predictionof impacts where further assessment is required.1. Direct measurements of temperature gradientover a height interval of at least 50 m, withsimultaneous measurements of wind speedand wind direction at two heights.2. The sigma-theta method.3. The Pasquill-Gifford scheme and Turnerscheme (equally preferred).Other methods are detailed in the US EPA’s document(1987), On-Site Meteorological Program Guidancefor Regulating Modelling Applications.NSW industrial noise policy83

Table E8. Default values for temperature gradient and wind speedClassification(site characteristics)Default temperature inversionin winterAll areas Pasquill class E—1.5°C/100 m with maximum5 m/s wind speed at 10 mAll areas Pasquill class F—3°C/100 m with maximum2 m/s wind speed at 10 mNon-arid areas Pasquill class G—4°C/100 m with maximum3 m/s wind speed at 10 mArid and semi arid areas Pasquill class G—8°C/100 m with 1 m/s windspeed at 10 mPercentage occurrence of stabilitycategories during the winter periodTo be excluded from the calculation, as it is notconsidered significant enough.≥ 30 per cent occurrence at night during thewinter period≥ 30 per cent occurrence at night during thewinter period≥ 30 per cent occurrence at night during thewinter periodE7ReferencesIrwin J.S. (1980), Dispersion Estimate Suggestion #8:Estimation of Pasquill Stability Categories. US EPAResearch, Triangle Park NC. (Docket ReferenceNumber ii-B-33).Mitchell A.E. & Timbre K.O. (1979), AtmosphericStability Class from Horizontal Wind Fluctuations.Presented at 72 nd Annual Meeting of Air PollutionControl Association, Cincinnati, OH, June 24–29(Docket Reference Number II-P-11).NRC (1972), Meteorological Programs in Support ofNuclear Power Plants, Regulatory Guide (Draft). USNuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of StandardsDevelopment, Washington DC.Quality Applications. Standards Australia, Sydney,ISBN 0 7262 4556 9.Turner D.B. (1964), ‘A diffusion model for an urbanarea’, Journal of Applied Meteorology, vol 3(1), pp. 83–91.US EPA (1980), Ambient air monitoring guidelines forprevention of significant deterioration (PSD). Publicationno. EPA–450/4-80-012, US EPA, ResearchTriangle Park, NC. (NTIS Number PB 81–153231).US EPA (1987), On-site meteorological program guidancefor regulating modelling applications. Publicationno. EPA-450/4-87-013, US EPA, Research TrianglePark, NC.Pasquill F. (1961), ‘The estimation of dispersion ofwindborne material’, Meteorological Magazine, vol.90 (1063), pp. 33–49.Smedman-Hogstrom A & Hogstrom V. (1978), ‘Apractical method for determining wind frequencydistributions for the lowest 200 m from routinemeteorological data’, Journal of Applied Meteorology,vol 17(7), pp. 942–53.Smith T.B. & Howard S.M. (1972), ‘Methodology fortreating diffusivity’, MRI 72 FR-1030, MeteorologicalResearch Incorporated, Altadena, CA. (DocketReference Number II-P-8).Standards Australia (1987), AS 2923–1987, AmbientAir—Guide for Measurement of Horizontal Wind for AirNSW industrial noise policy84

Appendix FPercentage occurrence of F-classtemperature inversions in winter in theHunter Valley, NSWThe Hunter Valley is a major centre for miningdevelopment, and elevated noise levels from temperatureinversions have been reported as an issuefor this area. For these reasons, the Hunter Valleyarea was used as a case study in evaluating thelikely presence of F-class temperature inversions.Table F1 presents an estimate of the occurrence of F-class temperature inversions in the Hunter Valleyarea. The table does not cover the incidence of G-class inversions, as these are not the predominanttype of inversion in the Hunter Valley region.This table may be used as a guide to indicate wheresignificant inversions may occur. It would bereasonable to assume that the higher the percentageoccurrence of F-class stability at a given site, themore likely it will be that noise-enhancement issuesarise. It is recommended that locations that areapproaching a 30 per cent occurrence level as wellas those locations that either equal to or exceed the30 per cent level be considered when assessing theeffects of temperature inversions on noise levels.In the table, atmospheric stability has been estimatedusing procedures developed by atmosphericscientists and formalised by the US EPA over anumber of years. For a given set of parameters, forexample wind speed, standard deviation of winddirection fluctuations, solar elevation and aerodynamicsurface roughness, there will be only onevalid stability produced for the procedure. In thecurrent application, the derived value of stabilityclass has been used to infer a temperature lapse rate.In compiling this table, the Hunter Valley area wasdivided into 2 x 2 km square grid cells. The gridreferences used in the table are the standard IntegratedSurvey Grid (ISG) used on all topographicalmaps. Locations for each grid position can bedetermined by referring the grid reference to theappropriate topographical map.class stability, which is associated with temperature-inversionconditions. The meteorological dataused was that for the period 6 pm to 7 am for everywinter night; that is, every night during the monthsof June, July and August.The stability derived at each meteorological stationhas been used to interpolate stabilities at the grid ofreceptors. In the interpolation, the only factors thatare used are the distance of the meteorologicalstations from each grid point (this determines theweighting that each station has at a given gridpoint) and the difference in elevation between themeteorological stations and the grid points (this isused to adjust the value of wind speed when it isinterpolated to the grid point).Although there are sound theoretical grounds forthe relationships assumed between stability andtemperature lapse rate, the relationship is notsimple. Further, atmospheric temperature profilescan be very complex and cannot always be representedby a single figure specifying the gradientover a 100-m height interval. For example, a gradientof 3 o C/100 m could occur as a result of a smoothincrease in temperature over the 100-m heightinterval, or as a jump in temperature of 3 o C over a10-m interval and no change over the remaining95 m. The effects on noise enhancement would bequite different.The results contained in the table are based on thebest information available. However, use care inapplying the tabulated values to specific situations,as specific site variables will influence theoccurrence of inversions for a specific site. Whilethe table provides a useful guide, site specific dataare preferred where significant inversion effectsare suspected.Data from five meteorological stations in the Hunterregion (located at Newcastle, Mount Thorley,Drayton, Mount Pleasant and Mount Arthur) wereused to determine the occurrence of atmospheric F-NSW industrial noise policy85

Table F1. Percentage occurrence of F-class temperature inversions in winterin the Hunter Valley, NSWEast North(ISG coord.) (ISG coord.)%F-class256000 1350000 15-20258000 1350000 15-20260000 1350000 15-20262000 1350000 15-20264000 1350000 15-20266000 1350000 15-20268000 1350000 15-20270000 1350000 15-20272000 1350000 20-25274000 1350000 20-25276000 1350000 20-25278000 1350000 20-25280000 1350000 20-25282000 1350000 20-25284000 1350000 20-25286000 1350000 15-20288000 1350000 20-25290000 1350000 20-25292000 1350000 15-20294000 1350000 20-25296000 1350000 20-25298000 1350000 20-25300000 1350000 20-25302000 1350000 15-20304000 1350000 15-20306000 1350000 15-20308000 1350000 15-20310000 1350000 20-25312000 1350000 20-25314000 1350000 20-25316000 1350000 20-25318000 1350000 20-25320000 1350000 15-20322000 1350000 15-20324000 1350000 15-20326000 1350000 15-20328000 1350000 15-20330000 1350000 15-20332000 1350000 15-20334000 1350000 15-20336000 1350000 15-20338000 1350000 15-20340000 1350000 15-20342000 1350000 15-20344000 1350000 15-20346000 1350000 15-20348000 1350000 15-20350000 1350000 20-25352000 1350000 20-25354000 1350000 20-25356000 1350000 20-25East(ISG coord.)North(ISG coord.)%F-class358000 1350000 25-30360000 1350000 20-25362000 1350000 20-25364000 1350000 15-20366000 1350000 10-15368000 1350000 20-25370000 1350000 55-60372000 1350000 55-60374000 1350000 55-60376000 1350000 55-60378000 1350000 55-60380000 1350000 55-60382000 1350000 50-55384000 1350000 50-55386000 1350000 50-55388000 1350000 50-55390000 1350000 50-55392000 1350000 45-50394000 1350000 45-50256000 1352000 15-20258000 1352000 15-20260000 1352000 15-20262000 1352000 15-20264000 1352000 15-20266000 1352000 15-20268000 1352000 20-25270000 1352000 20-25272000 1352000 20-25274000 1352000 20-25276000 1352000 20-25278000 1352000 20-25280000 1352000 20-25282000 1352000 20-25284000 1352000 20-25286000 1352000 20-25288000 1352000 20-25290000 1352000 20-25292000 1352000 15-20294000 1352000 15-20296000 1352000 15-20298000 1352000 20-25300000 1352000 15-20302000 1352000 15-20304000 1352000 20-25306000 1352000 15-20308000 1352000 20-25310000 1352000 20-25312000 1352000 20-25314000 1352000 20-25316000 1352000 20-25318000 1352000 20-25East(ISG coord.)North(ISG coord.)%F-class320000 1352000 15-20322000 1352000 15-20324000 1352000 15-20326000 1352000 20-25328000 1352000 15-20330000 1352000 15-20332000 1352000 15-20334000 1352000 15-20336000 1352000 15-20338000 1352000 15-20340000 1352000 15-20342000 1352000 15-20344000 1352000 20-25346000 1352000 15-20348000 1352000 15-20350000 1352000 20-25352000 1352000 25-30354000 1352000 20-25356000 1352000 20-25358000 1352000 20-25360000 1352000 15-20362000 1352000 20-25364000 1352000 15-20366000 1352000 10-15368000 1352000 15-20370000 1352000 30-35372000 1352000 60-65374000 1352000 60-65376000 1352000 55-60378000 1352000 55-60380000 1352000 55-60382000 1352000 50-55384000 1352000 50-55386000 1352000 50-55388000 1352000 45-50390000 1352000 45-50392000 1352000 45-50394000 1352000 50-55256000 1354000 15-20258000 1354000 15-20260000 1354000 15-20262000 1354000 15-20264000 1354000 15-20266000 1354000 15-20268000 1354000 15-20270000 1354000 15-20272000 1354000 20-25274000 1354000 20-25276000 1354000 20-25278000 1354000 20-25280000 1354000 20-25NSW industrial noise policy86

282000 1354000 20-25284000 1354000 20-25286000 1354000 15-20288000 1354000 15-20290000 1354000 15-20292000 1354000 15-20294000 1354000 15-20296000 1354000 15-20298000 1354000 20-25300000 1354000 15-20302000 1354000 20-25304000 1354000 20-25306000 1354000 15-20308000 1354000 20-25310000 1354000 20-25312000 1354000 20-25314000 1354000 20-25316000 1354000 20-25318000 1354000 15-20320000 1354000 15-20322000 1354000 15-20324000 1354000 20-25326000 1354000 20-25328000 1354000 20-25330000 1354000 20-25332000 1354000 20-25334000 1354000 15-20336000 1354000 15-20338000 1354000 15-20340000 1354000 20-25342000 1354000 20-25344000 1354000 20-25346000 1354000 15-20348000 1354000 15-20350000 1354000 20-25352000 1354000 25-30354000 1354000 25-30356000 1354000 25-30358000 1354000 30-35360000 1354000 25-30362000 1354000 15-20364000 1354000 15-20366000 1354000 20-25368000 1354000 20-25370000 1354000 25-30372000 1354000 30-35374000 1354000 55-60376000 1354000 55-60378000 1354000 55-60380000 1354000 50-55382000 1354000 50-55384000 1354000 50-55386000 1354000 50-55388000 1354000 50-55390000 1354000 50-55392000 1354000 45-50394000 1354000 50-55256000 1356000 15-20258000 1356000 15-20260000 1356000 15-20262000 1356000 15-20264000 1356000 15-20266000 1356000 15-20268000 1356000 15-20270000 1356000 20-25272000 1356000 20-25274000 1356000 20-25276000 1356000 20-25278000 1356000 20-25280000 1356000 20-25282000 1356000 20-25284000 1356000 20-25286000 1356000 15-20288000 1356000 15-20290000 1356000 15-20292000 1356000 15-20294000 1356000 15-20296000 1356000 20-25298000 1356000 20-25300000 1356000 20-25302000 1356000 15-20304000 1356000 15-20306000 1356000 20-25308000 1356000 20-25310000 1356000 20-25312000 1356000 20-25314000 1356000 20-25316000 1356000 20-25318000 1356000 15-20320000 1356000 15-20322000 1356000 20-25324000 1356000 20-25326000 1356000 20-25328000 1356000 20-25330000 1356000 20-25332000 1356000 20-25334000 1356000 20-25336000 1356000 20-25338000 1356000 15-20340000 1356000 20-25342000 1356000 20-25344000 1356000 20-25346000 1356000 15-20348000 1356000 15-20350000 1356000 20-25352000 1356000 20-25354000 1356000 25-30356000 1356000 20-25358000 1356000 25-30360000 1356000 20-25362000 1356000 20-25364000 1356000 15-20366000 1356000 20-25368000 1356000 30-35370000 1356000 40-45372000 1356000 35-40374000 1356000 45-50376000 1356000 55-60378000 1356000 55-60380000 1356000 55-60382000 1356000 50-55384000 1356000 50-55386000 1356000 50-55388000 1356000 50-55390000 1356000 50-55392000 1356000 45-50394000 1356000 45-50256000 1358000 15-20258000 1358000 15-20260000 1358000 15-20262000 1358000 15-20264000 1358000 15-20266000 1358000 15-20268000 1358000 15-20270000 1358000 15-20272000 1358000 15-20274000 1358000 20-25276000 1358000 20-25278000 1358000 20-25280000 1358000 20-25282000 1358000 20-25284000 1358000 20-25286000 1358000 15-20288000 1358000 15-20290000 1358000 15-20292000 1358000 15-20294000 1358000 20-25296000 1358000 20-25298000 1358000 15-20300000 1358000 15-20302000 1358000 20-25304000 1358000 20-25306000 1358000 20-25308000 1358000 20-25310000 1358000 20-25312000 1358000 20-25314000 1358000 20-25316000 1358000 20-25318000 1358000 20-25320000 1358000 20-25322000 1358000 20-25324000 1358000 20-25326000 1358000 20-25328000 1358000 20-25330000 1358000 20-25332000 1358000 20-25334000 1358000 20-25336000 1358000 20-25NSW industrial noise policy87

338000 1358000 15-20340000 1358000 15-20342000 1358000 20-25344000 1358000 20-25346000 1358000 20-25348000 1358000 15-20350000 1358000 15-20352000 1358000 20-25354000 1358000 20-25356000 1358000 20-25358000 1358000 15-20360000 1358000 15-20362000 1358000 25-30364000 1358000 20-25366000 1358000 20-25368000 1358000 25-30370000 1358000 40-45372000 1358000 35-40374000 1358000 50-55376000 1358000 55-60378000 1358000 55-60380000 1358000 55-60382000 1358000 50-55384000 1358000 50-55386000 1358000 50-55388000 1358000 50-55390000 1358000 50-55392000 1358000 50-55394000 1358000 45-50256000 1360000 15-20258000 1360000 15-20260000 1360000 15-20262000 1360000 15-20264000 1360000 15-20266000 1360000 15-20268000 1360000 15-20270000 1360000 15-20272000 1360000 15-20274000 1360000 20-25276000 1360000 20-25278000 1360000 20-25280000 1360000 20-25282000 1360000 20-25284000 1360000 20-25286000 1360000 20-25288000 1360000 15-20290000 1360000 15-20292000 1360000 15-20294000 1360000 15-20296000 1360000 15-20298000 1360000 15-20300000 1360000 15-20302000 1360000 20-25304000 1360000 20-25306000 1360000 20-25308000 1360000 20-25310000 1360000 20-25312000 1360000 20-25314000 1360000 20-25316000 1360000 20-25318000 1360000 20-25320000 1360000 20-25322000 1360000 20-25324000 1360000 20-25326000 1360000 20-25328000 1360000 20-25330000 1360000 20-25332000 1360000 20-25334000 1360000 20-25336000 1360000 20-25338000 1360000 20-25340000 1360000 20-25342000 1360000 20-25344000 1360000 25-30346000 1360000 20-25348000 1360000 20-25350000 1360000 15-20352000 1360000 15-20354000 1360000 15-20356000 1360000 15-20358000 1360000 20-25360000 1360000 20-25362000 1360000 25-30364000 1360000 25-30366000 1360000 25-30368000 1360000 30-35370000 1360000 40-45372000 1360000 40-45374000 1360000 30-35376000 1360000 50-55378000 1360000 55-60380000 1360000 50-55382000 1360000 50-55384000 1360000 50-55386000 1360000 50-55388000 1360000 50-55390000 1360000 45-50392000 1360000 45-50394000 1360000 45-50256000 1362000 15-20258000 1362000 15-20260000 1362000 15-20262000 1362000 15-20264000 1362000 15-20266000 1362000 15-20268000 1362000 15-20270000 1362000 15-20272000 1362000 15-20274000 1362000 20-25276000 1362000 20-25278000 1362000 20-25280000 1362000 20-25282000 1362000 20-25284000 1362000 20-25286000 1362000 15-20288000 1362000 15-20290000 1362000 15-20292000 1362000 15-20294000 1362000 15-20296000 1362000 15-20298000 1362000 15-20300000 1362000 20-25302000 1362000 20-25304000 1362000 20-25306000 1362000 20-25308000 1362000 20-25310000 1362000 20-25312000 1362000 15-20314000 1362000 15-20316000 1362000 15-20318000 1362000 20-25320000 1362000 15-20322000 1362000 15-20324000 1362000 15-20326000 1362000 15-20328000 1362000 20-25330000 1362000 20-25332000 1362000 20-25334000 1362000 20-25336000 1362000 20-25338000 1362000 20-25340000 1362000 20-25342000 1362000 20-25344000 1362000 25-30346000 1362000 25-30348000 1362000 20-25350000 1362000 20-25352000 1362000 20-25354000 1362000 15-20356000 1362000 15-20358000 1362000 25-30360000 1362000 25-30362000 1362000 30-35364000 1362000 40-45366000 1362000 40-45368000 1362000 50-55370000 1362000 50-55372000 1362000 35-40374000 1362000 30-35376000 1362000 30-35378000 1362000 45-50380000 1362000 50-55382000 1362000 50-55384000 1362000 50-55386000 1362000 45-50388000 1362000 45-50390000 1362000 45-50392000 1362000 45-50NSW industrial noise policy88

394000 1362000 45-50256000 1364000 15-20258000 1364000 15-20260000 1364000 15-20262000 1364000 15-20264000 1364000 15-20266000 1364000 15-20268000 1364000 15-20270000 1364000 15-20272000 1364000 15-20274000 1364000 15-20276000 1364000 20-25278000 1364000 20-25280000 1364000 20-25282000 1364000 20-25284000 1364000 20-25286000 1364000 20-25288000 1364000 15-20290000 1364000 15-20292000 1364000 15-20294000 1364000 15-20296000 1364000 15-20298000 1364000 15-20300000 1364000 15-20302000 1364000 15-20304000 1364000 20-25306000 1364000 20-25308000 1364000 15-20310000 1364000 15-20312000 1364000 15-20314000 1364000 15-20316000 1364000 15-20318000 1364000 20-25320000 1364000 15-20322000 1364000 15-20324000 1364000 15-20326000 1364000 15-20328000 1364000 20-25330000 1364000 20-25332000 1364000 20-25334000 1364000 20-25336000 1364000 20-25338000 1364000 20-25340000 1364000 20-25342000 1364000 20-25344000 1364000 25-30346000 1364000 25-30348000 1364000 25-30350000 1364000 25-30352000 1364000 15-20354000 1364000 15-20356000 1364000 15-20358000 1364000 20-25360000 1364000 25-30362000 1364000 30-35364000 1364000 40-45366000 1364000 45-50368000 1364000 40-45370000 1364000 35-40372000 1364000 35-40374000 1364000 25-30376000 1364000 25-30378000 1364000 25-30380000 1364000 35-40382000 1364000 45-50384000 1364000 50-55386000 1364000 50-55388000 1364000 45-50390000 1364000 50-55392000 1364000 45-50394000 1364000 45-50256000 1366000 15-20258000 1366000 15-20260000 1366000 15-20262000 1366000 15-20264000 1366000 15-20266000 1366000 15-20268000 1366000 15-20270000 1366000 15-20272000 1366000 15-20274000 1366000 15-20276000 1366000 20-25278000 1366000 20-25280000 1366000 20-25282000 1366000 20-25284000 1366000 20-25286000 1366000 20-25288000 1366000 20-25290000 1366000 15-20292000 1366000 15-20294000 1366000 15-20296000 1366000 15-20298000 1366000 15-20300000 1366000 15-20302000 1366000 15-20304000 1366000 20-25306000 1366000 20-25308000 1366000 15-20310000 1366000 15-20312000 1366000 15-20314000 1366000 15-20316000 1366000 15-20318000 1366000 15-20320000 1366000 15-20322000 1366000 15-20324000 1366000 15-20326000 1366000 15-20328000 1366000 20-25330000 1366000 20-25332000 1366000 20-25334000 1366000 20-25336000 1366000 20-25338000 1366000 20-25340000 1366000 20-25342000 1366000 25-30344000 1366000 25-30346000 1366000 25-30348000 1366000 25-30350000 1366000 25-30352000 1366000 20-25354000 1366000 20-25356000 1366000 20-25358000 1366000 25-30360000 1366000 25-30362000 1366000 30-35364000 1366000 35-40366000 1366000 35-40368000 1366000 40-45370000 1366000 40-45372000 1366000 35-40374000 1366000 25-30376000 1366000 30-35378000 1366000 25-30380000 1366000 25-30382000 1366000 25-30384000 1366000 30-35386000 1366000 40-45388000 1366000 50-55390000 1366000 45-50392000 1366000 45-50394000 1366000 45-50256000 1368000 15-20258000 1368000 15-20260000 1368000 15-20262000 1368000 15-20264000 1368000 15-20266000 1368000 15-20268000 1368000 15-20270000 1368000 15-20272000 1368000 15-20274000 1368000 20-25276000 1368000 20-25278000 1368000 20-25280000 1368000 20-25282000 1368000 20-25284000 1368000 15-20286000 1368000 20-25288000 1368000 15-20290000 1368000 15-20292000 1368000 15-20294000 1368000 15-20296000 1368000 15-20298000 1368000 15-20300000 1368000 15-20302000 1368000 15-20304000 1368000 20-25306000 1368000 20-25308000 1368000 20-25NSW industrial noise policy89

310000 1368000 15-20312000 1368000 15-20314000 1368000 15-20316000 1368000 15-20318000 1368000 15-20320000 1368000 15-20322000 1368000 15-20324000 1368000 15-20326000 1368000 20-25328000 1368000 20-25330000 1368000 20-25332000 1368000 20-25334000 1368000 20-25336000 1368000 20-25338000 1368000 20-25340000 1368000 25-30342000 1368000 25-30344000 1368000 25-30346000 1368000 25-30348000 1368000 25-30350000 1368000 25-30352000 1368000 20-25354000 1368000 20-25356000 1368000 20-25358000 1368000 25-30360000 1368000 25-30362000 1368000 30-35364000 1368000 35-40366000 1368000 40-45368000 1368000 40-45370000 1368000 35-40372000 1368000 30-35374000 1368000 30-35376000 1368000 25-30378000 1368000 25-30380000 1368000 25-30382000 1368000 25-30384000 1368000 25-30386000 1368000 25-30388000 1368000 30-35390000 1368000 40-45392000 1368000 45-50394000 1368000 45-50256000 1370000 15-20258000 1370000 15-20260000 1370000 15-20262000 1370000 15-20264000 1370000 15-20266000 1370000 15-20268000 1370000 15-20270000 1370000 15-20272000 1370000 15-20274000 1370000 20-25276000 1370000 20-25278000 1370000 20-25280000 1370000 20-25282000 1370000 15-20284000 1370000 15-20286000 1370000 15-20288000 1370000 15-20290000 1370000 15-20292000 1370000 15-20294000 1370000 15-20296000 1370000 15-20298000 1370000 15-20300000 1370000 15-20302000 1370000 20-25304000 1370000 20-25306000 1370000 20-25308000 1370000 20-25310000 1370000 15-20312000 1370000 15-20314000 1370000 15-20316000 1370000 15-20318000 1370000 15-20320000 1370000 15-20322000 1370000 15-20324000 1370000 15-20326000 1370000 20-25328000 1370000 20-25330000 1370000 20-25332000 1370000 20-25334000 1370000 20-25336000 1370000 20-25338000 1370000 20-25340000 1370000 25-30342000 1370000 25-30344000 1370000 25-30346000 1370000 25-30348000 1370000 25-30350000 1370000 25-30352000 1370000 20-25354000 1370000 20-25356000 1370000 20-25358000 1370000 25-30360000 1370000 30-35362000 1370000 30-35364000 1370000 40-45366000 1370000 35-40368000 1370000 40-45370000 1370000 35-40372000 1370000 30-35374000 1370000 25-30376000 1370000 25-30378000 1370000 25-30380000 1370000 25-30382000 1370000 25-30384000 1370000 30-35386000 1370000 30-35388000 1370000 25-30390000 1370000 25-30392000 1370000 25-30394000 1370000 30-35256000 1372000 15-20258000 1372000 15-20260000 1372000 15-20262000 1372000 15-20264000 1372000 15-20266000 1372000 15-20268000 1372000 15-20270000 1372000 15-20272000 1372000 15-20274000 1372000 20-25276000 1372000 20-25278000 1372000 20-25280000 1372000 15-20282000 1372000 15-20284000 1372000 15-20286000 1372000 15-20288000 1372000 15-20290000 1372000 15-20292000 1372000 15-20294000 1372000 15-20296000 1372000 15-20298000 1372000 15-20300000 1372000 15-20302000 1372000 15-20304000 1372000 20-25306000 1372000 20-25308000 1372000 20-25310000 1372000 20-25312000 1372000 20-25314000 1372000 15-20316000 1372000 15-20318000 1372000 15-20320000 1372000 15-20322000 1372000 15-20324000 1372000 15-20326000 1372000 20-25328000 1372000 20-25330000 1372000 20-25332000 1372000 20-25334000 1372000 20-25336000 1372000 20-25338000 1372000 20-25340000 1372000 20-25342000 1372000 25-30344000 1372000 25-30346000 1372000 25-30348000 1372000 25-30350000 1372000 25-30352000 1372000 25-30354000 1372000 25-30356000 1372000 25-30358000 1372000 25-30360000 1372000 25-30362000 1372000 30-35364000 1372000 40-45NSW industrial noise policy90

366000 1372000 45-50368000 1372000 35-40370000 1372000 30-35372000 1372000 30-35374000 1372000 30-35376000 1372000 25-30378000 1372000 25-30380000 1372000 25-30382000 1372000 25-30384000 1372000 30-35386000 1372000 30-35388000 1372000 30-35390000 1372000 30-35392000 1372000 25-30394000 1372000 25-30256000 1374000 15-20258000 1374000 15-20260000 1374000 15-20262000 1374000 15-20264000 1374000 15-20266000 1374000 15-20268000 1374000 15-20270000 1374000 15-20272000 1374000 20-25274000 1374000 15-20276000 1374000 20-25278000 1374000 20-25280000 1374000 15-20282000 1374000 15-20284000 1374000 15-20286000 1374000 15-20288000 1374000 15-20290000 1374000 15-20292000 1374000 15-20294000 1374000 15-20296000 1374000 15-20298000 1374000 15-20300000 1374000 15-20302000 1374000 15-20304000 1374000 20-25306000 1374000 15-20308000 1374000 20-25310000 1374000 20-25312000 1374000 20-25314000 1374000 15-20316000 1374000 20-25318000 1374000 15-20320000 1374000 15-20322000 1374000 15-20324000 1374000 20-25326000 1374000 20-25328000 1374000 20-25330000 1374000 20-25332000 1374000 20-25334000 1374000 20-25336000 1374000 20-25338000 1374000 20-25340000 1374000 20-25342000 1374000 25-30344000 1374000 25-30346000 1374000 25-30348000 1374000 25-30350000 1374000 25-30352000 1374000 35-40354000 1374000 25-30356000 1374000 25-30358000 1374000 30-35360000 1374000 25-30362000 1374000 30-35364000 1374000 40-45366000 1374000 45-50368000 1374000 40-45370000 1374000 30-35372000 1374000 25-30374000 1374000 30-35376000 1374000 35-40378000 1374000 30-35380000 1374000 25-30382000 1374000 25-30384000 1374000 25-30386000 1374000 30-35388000 1374000 30-35390000 1374000 30-35392000 1374000 35-40394000 1374000 40-45256000 1376000 15-20258000 1376000 15-20260000 1376000 15-20262000 1376000 15-20264000 1376000 15-20266000 1376000 15-20268000 1376000 15-20270000 1376000 15-20272000 1376000 15-20274000 1376000 15-20276000 1376000 15-20278000 1376000 15-20280000 1376000 15-20282000 1376000 15-20284000 1376000 15-20286000 1376000 15-20288000 1376000 15-20290000 1376000 15-20292000 1376000 15-20294000 1376000 20-25296000 1376000 15-20298000 1376000 15-20300000 1376000 15-20302000 1376000 15-20304000 1376000 20-25306000 1376000 20-25308000 1376000 20-25310000 1376000 20-25312000 1376000 20-25314000 1376000 20-25316000 1376000 20-25318000 1376000 20-25320000 1376000 20-25322000 1376000 20-25324000 1376000 20-25326000 1376000 20-25328000 1376000 20-25330000 1376000 20-25332000 1376000 25-30334000 1376000 20-25336000 1376000 20-25338000 1376000 20-25340000 1376000 25-30342000 1376000 25-30344000 1376000 25-30346000 1376000 25-30348000 1376000 25-30350000 1376000 30-35352000 1376000 35-40354000 1376000 35-40356000 1376000 25-30358000 1376000 25-30360000 1376000 30-35362000 1376000 35-40364000 1376000 40-45366000 1376000 40-45368000 1376000 40-45370000 1376000 30-35372000 1376000 30-35374000 1376000 30-35376000 1376000 35-40378000 1376000 30-35380000 1376000 25-30382000 1376000 25-30384000 1376000 25-30386000 1376000 40-45388000 1376000 35-40390000 1376000 35-40392000 1376000 40-45394000 1376000 45-50256000 1378000 15-20258000 1378000 15-20260000 1378000 15-20262000 1378000 15-20264000 1378000 15-20266000 1378000 15-20268000 1378000 15-20270000 1378000 15-20272000 1378000 15-20274000 1378000 15-20276000 1378000 15-20278000 1378000 15-20280000 1378000 15-20NSW industrial noise policy91

282000 1378000 15-20284000 1378000 15-20286000 1378000 15-20288000 1378000 20-25290000 1378000 15-20292000 1378000 15-20294000 1378000 20-25296000 1378000 15-20298000 1378000 15-20300000 1378000 20-25302000 1378000 20-25304000 1378000 20-25306000 1378000 20-25308000 1378000 20-25310000 1378000 20-25312000 1378000 15-20314000 1378000 20-25316000 1378000 20-25318000 1378000 20-25320000 1378000 20-25322000 1378000 20-25324000 1378000 20-25326000 1378000 20-25328000 1378000 20-25330000 1378000 25-30332000 1378000 20-25334000 1378000 20-25336000 1378000 20-25338000 1378000 20-25340000 1378000 20-25342000 1378000 20-25344000 1378000 25-30346000 1378000 25-30348000 1378000 25-30350000 1378000 25-30352000 1378000 35-40354000 1378000 35-40356000 1378000 35-40358000 1378000 35-40360000 1378000 35-40362000 1378000 25-30364000 1378000 30-35366000 1378000 25-30368000 1378000 30-35370000 1378000 25-30372000 1378000 20-25374000 1378000 25-30376000 1378000 30-35378000 1378000 30-35380000 1378000 25-30382000 1378000 25-30384000 1378000 25-30386000 1378000 40-45388000 1378000 40-45390000 1378000 45-50392000 1378000 40-45394000 1378000 45-50256000 1380000 15-20258000 1380000 15-20260000 1380000 15-20262000 1380000 15-20264000 1380000 15-20266000 1380000 15-20268000 1380000 15-20270000 1380000 15-20272000 1380000 15-20274000 1380000 15-20276000 1380000 15-20278000 1380000 15-20280000 1380000 15-20282000 1380000 15-20284000 1380000 15-20286000 1380000 15-20288000 1380000 15-20290000 1380000 15-20292000 1380000 15-20294000 1380000 15-20296000 1380000 20-25298000 1380000 20-25300000 1380000 20-25302000 1380000 20-25304000 1380000 20-25306000 1380000 20-25308000 1380000 20-25310000 1380000 20-25312000 1380000 20-25314000 1380000 20-25316000 1380000 20-25318000 1380000 20-25320000 1380000 20-25322000 1380000 20-25324000 1380000 20-25326000 1380000 20-25328000 1380000 20-25330000 1380000 25-30332000 1380000 20-25334000 1380000 20-25336000 1380000 20-25338000 1380000 20-25340000 1380000 25-30342000 1380000 25-30344000 1380000 25-30346000 1380000 25-30348000 1380000 25-30350000 1380000 25-30352000 1380000 30-35354000 1380000 25-30356000 1380000 25-30358000 1380000 35-40360000 1380000 35-40362000 1380000 30-35364000 1380000 25-30366000 1380000 25-30368000 1380000 30-35370000 1380000 30-35372000 1380000 20-25374000 1380000 20-25376000 1380000 30-35378000 1380000 25-30380000 1380000 20-25382000 1380000 25-30384000 1380000 25-30386000 1380000 30-35388000 1380000 30-35390000 1380000 40-45392000 1380000 45-50394000 1380000 45-50256000 1382000 15-20258000 1382000 15-20260000 1382000 15-20262000 1382000 15-20264000 1382000 15-20266000 1382000 15-20268000 1382000 15-20270000 1382000 15-20272000 1382000 15-20274000 1382000 15-20276000 1382000 15-20278000 1382000 15-20280000 1382000 15-20282000 1382000 15-20284000 1382000 15-20286000 1382000 15-20288000 1382000 15-20290000 1382000 15-20292000 1382000 15-20294000 1382000 15-20296000 1382000 20-25298000 1382000 20-25300000 1382000 20-25302000 1382000 20-25304000 1382000 20-25306000 1382000 15-20308000 1382000 20-25310000 1382000 20-25312000 1382000 20-25314000 1382000 20-25316000 1382000 20-25318000 1382000 20-25320000 1382000 20-25322000 1382000 20-25324000 1382000 20-25326000 1382000 20-25328000 1382000 20-25330000 1382000 25-30332000 1382000 20-25334000 1382000 20-25336000 1382000 25-30NSW industrial noise policy92

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394000 1386000 20-25256000 1388000 15-20258000 1388000 15-20260000 1388000 15-20262000 1388000 15-20264000 1388000 15-20266000 1388000 15-20268000 1388000 15-20270000 1388000 20-25272000 1388000 20-25274000 1388000 15-20276000 1388000 15-20278000 1388000 15-20280000 1388000 15-20282000 1388000 15-20284000 1388000 20-25286000 1388000 15-20288000 1388000 15-20290000 1388000 15-20292000 1388000 15-20294000 1388000 15-20296000 1388000 15-20298000 1388000 15-20300000 1388000 20-25302000 1388000 20-25304000 1388000 15-20306000 1388000 15-20308000 1388000 20-25310000 1388000 20-25312000 1388000 20-25314000 1388000 20-25316000 1388000 20-25318000 1388000 20-25320000 1388000 25-30322000 1388000 20-25324000 1388000 20-25326000 1388000 25-30328000 1388000 25-30330000 1388000 25-30332000 1388000 25-30334000 1388000 25-30336000 1388000 20-25338000 1388000 25-30340000 1388000 25-30342000 1388000 25-30344000 1388000 20-25346000 1388000 20-25348000 1388000 20-25350000 1388000 20-25352000 1388000 20-25354000 1388000 25-30356000 1388000 30-35358000 1388000 25-30360000 1388000 20-25362000 1388000 20-25364000 1388000 20-25366000 1388000 20-25368000 1388000 30-35370000 1388000 25-30372000 1388000 20-25374000 1388000 20-25376000 1388000 20-25378000 1388000 20-25380000 1388000 20-25382000 1388000 20-25384000 1388000 25-30386000 1388000 25-30388000 1388000 25-30390000 1388000 30-35392000 1388000 20-25394000 1388000 20-25256000 1390000 15-20258000 1390000 15-20260000 1390000 15-20262000 1390000 15-20264000 1390000 15-20266000 1390000 15-20268000 1390000 15-20270000 1390000 15-20272000 1390000 20-25274000 1390000 20-25276000 1390000 15-20278000 1390000 15-20280000 1390000 15-20282000 1390000 20-25284000 1390000 20-25286000 1390000 15-20288000 1390000 15-20290000 1390000 15-20292000 1390000 15-20294000 1390000 15-20296000 1390000 20-25298000 1390000 20-25300000 1390000 20-25302000 1390000 20-25304000 1390000 20-25306000 1390000 20-25308000 1390000 20-25310000 1390000 20-25312000 1390000 20-25314000 1390000 20-25316000 1390000 20-25318000 1390000 20-25320000 1390000 25-30322000 1390000 25-30324000 1390000 25-30326000 1390000 25-30328000 1390000 25-30330000 1390000 25-30332000 1390000 25-30334000 1390000 25-30336000 1390000 25-30338000 1390000 25-30340000 1390000 25-30342000 1390000 25-30344000 1390000 20-25346000 1390000 20-25348000 1390000 20-25350000 1390000 20-25352000 1390000 20-25354000 1390000 25-30356000 1390000 25-30358000 1390000 20-25360000 1390000 20-25362000 1390000 15-20364000 1390000 20-25366000 1390000 25-30368000 1390000 30-35370000 1390000 30-35372000 1390000 25-30374000 1390000 20-25376000 1390000 20-25378000 1390000 20-25380000 1390000 20-25382000 1390000 25-30384000 1390000 25-30386000 1390000 30-35388000 1390000 30-35390000 1390000 20-25392000 1390000 20-25394000 1390000 20-25256000 1392000 15-20258000 1392000 20-25260000 1392000 15-20262000 1392000 15-20264000 1392000 15-20266000 1392000 20-25268000 1392000 20-25270000 1392000 20-25272000 1392000 15-20274000 1392000 20-25276000 1392000 20-25278000 1392000 15-20280000 1392000 15-20282000 1392000 20-25284000 1392000 20-25286000 1392000 15-20288000 1392000 15-20290000 1392000 15-20292000 1392000 15-20294000 1392000 15-20296000 1392000 20-25298000 1392000 20-25300000 1392000 20-25302000 1392000 20-25304000 1392000 20-25306000 1392000 20-25308000 1392000 20-25NSW industrial noise policy94

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394000 1410000 20-25256000 1412000 20-25258000 1412000 20-25260000 1412000 20-25262000 1412000 25-30264000 1412000 20-25266000 1412000 25-30268000 1412000 25-30270000 1412000 25-30272000 1412000 25-30274000 1412000 25-30276000 1412000 25-30278000 1412000 25-30280000 1412000 25-30282000 1412000 25-30284000 1412000 25-30286000 1412000 25-30288000 1412000 25-30290000 1412000 25-30292000 1412000 25-30294000 1412000 25-30296000 1412000 25-30298000 1412000 25-30300000 1412000 25-30302000 1412000 25-30304000 1412000 25-30306000 1412000 25-30308000 1412000 25-30310000 1412000 25-30312000 1412000 25-30314000 1412000 25-30316000 1412000 25-30318000 1412000 25-30320000 1412000 20-25322000 1412000 20-25324000 1412000 20-25326000 1412000 20-25328000 1412000 20-25330000 1412000 20-25332000 1412000 20-25334000 1412000 20-25336000 1412000 20-25338000 1412000 20-25340000 1412000 20-25342000 1412000 20-25344000 1412000 20-25346000 1412000 20-25348000 1412000 20-25350000 1412000 20-25352000 1412000 25-30354000 1412000 20-25356000 1412000 20-25358000 1412000 20-25360000 1412000 15-20362000 1412000 15-20364000 1412000 20-25366000 1412000 20-25368000 1412000 20-25370000 1412000 20-25372000 1412000 20-25374000 1412000 20-25376000 1412000 20-25378000 1412000 20-25380000 1412000 20-25382000 1412000 20-25384000 1412000 20-25386000 1412000 20-25388000 1412000 20-25390000 1412000 25-30392000 1412000 20-25394000 1412000 20-25256000 1414000 20-25258000 1414000 20-25260000 1414000 25-30262000 1414000 25-30264000 1414000 25-30266000 1414000 25-30268000 1414000 25-30270000 1414000 25-30272000 1414000 25-30274000 1414000 25-30276000 1414000 20-25278000 1414000 25-30280000 1414000 25-30282000 1414000 25-30284000 1414000 25-30286000 1414000 25-30288000 1414000 25-30290000 1414000 25-30292000 1414000 25-30294000 1414000 25-30296000 1414000 25-30298000 1414000 25-30300000 1414000 25-30302000 1414000 25-30304000 1414000 25-30306000 1414000 25-30308000 1414000 25-30310000 1414000 25-30312000 1414000 25-30314000 1414000 25-30316000 1414000 20-25318000 1414000 20-25320000 1414000 25-30322000 1414000 20-25324000 1414000 15-20326000 1414000 20-25328000 1414000 20-25330000 1414000 20-25332000 1414000 20-25334000 1414000 20-25336000 1414000 20-25338000 1414000 20-25340000 1414000 20-25342000 1414000 20-25344000 1414000 20-25346000 1414000 20-25348000 1414000 20-25350000 1414000 20-25352000 1414000 20-25354000 1414000 20-25356000 1414000 20-25358000 1414000 20-25360000 1414000 20-25362000 1414000 15-20364000 1414000 20-25366000 1414000 20-25368000 1414000 20-25370000 1414000 20-25372000 1414000 20-25374000 1414000 20-25376000 1414000 20-25378000 1414000 20-25380000 1414000 20-25382000 1414000 20-25384000 1414000 20-25386000 1414000 20-25388000 1414000 20-25390000 1414000 25-30392000 1414000 20-25394000 1414000 20-25256000 1416000 20-25258000 1416000 20-25260000 1416000 20-25262000 1416000 20-25264000 1416000 25-30266000 1416000 20-25268000 1416000 20-25270000 1416000 25-30272000 1416000 25-30274000 1416000 25-30276000 1416000 25-30278000 1416000 25-30280000 1416000 25-30282000 1416000 25-30284000 1416000 25-30286000 1416000 25-30288000 1416000 25-30290000 1416000 25-30292000 1416000 25-30294000 1416000 25-30296000 1416000 30-35298000 1416000 30-35300000 1416000 25-30302000 1416000 25-30304000 1416000 25-30306000 1416000 25-30308000 1416000 25-30NSW industrial noise policy99

310000 1416000 25-30312000 1416000 20-25314000 1416000 25-30316000 1416000 25-30318000 1416000 20-25320000 1416000 20-25322000 1416000 20-25324000 1416000 20-25326000 1416000 20-25328000 1416000 20-25330000 1416000 15-20332000 1416000 20-25334000 1416000 20-25336000 1416000 20-25338000 1416000 20-25340000 1416000 15-20342000 1416000 20-25344000 1416000 20-25346000 1416000 20-25348000 1416000 20-25350000 1416000 20-25352000 1416000 20-25354000 1416000 20-25356000 1416000 20-25358000 1416000 20-25360000 1416000 20-25362000 1416000 15-20364000 1416000 20-25366000 1416000 20-25368000 1416000 20-25370000 1416000 20-25372000 1416000 20-25374000 1416000 20-25376000 1416000 20-25378000 1416000 20-25380000 1416000 20-25382000 1416000 20-25384000 1416000 20-25386000 1416000 20-25388000 1416000 20-25390000 1416000 20-25392000 1416000 20-25394000 1416000 20-25256000 1418000 25-30258000 1418000 25-30260000 1418000 25-30262000 1418000 25-30264000 1418000 25-30266000 1418000 20-25268000 1418000 20-25270000 1418000 25-30272000 1418000 25-30274000 1418000 25-30276000 1418000 25-30278000 1418000 25-30280000 1418000 25-30282000 1418000 25-30284000 1418000 25-30286000 1418000 25-30288000 1418000 25-30290000 1418000 30-35292000 1418000 25-30294000 1418000 30-35296000 1418000 30-35298000 1418000 30-35300000 1418000 25-30302000 1418000 25-30304000 1418000 25-30306000 1418000 25-30308000 1418000 25-30310000 1418000 20-25312000 1418000 20-25314000 1418000 20-25316000 1418000 25-30318000 1418000 20-25320000 1418000 20-25322000 1418000 20-25324000 1418000 20-25326000 1418000 20-25328000 1418000 20-25330000 1418000 20-25332000 1418000 20-25334000 1418000 20-25336000 1418000 20-25338000 1418000 20-25340000 1418000 15-20342000 1418000 20-25344000 1418000 20-25346000 1418000 20-25348000 1418000 20-25350000 1418000 20-25352000 1418000 20-25354000 1418000 20-25356000 1418000 20-25358000 1418000 20-25360000 1418000 20-25362000 1418000 20-25364000 1418000 20-25366000 1418000 20-25368000 1418000 20-25370000 1418000 20-25372000 1418000 20-25374000 1418000 20-25376000 1418000 20-25378000 1418000 20-25380000 1418000 20-25382000 1418000 20-25384000 1418000 20-25386000 1418000 20-25388000 1418000 20-25390000 1418000 20-25392000 1418000 20-25394000 1418000 15-20256000 1420000 20-25258000 1420000 25-30260000 1420000 25-30262000 1420000 20-25264000 1420000 25-30266000 1420000 25-30268000 1420000 25-30270000 1420000 25-30272000 1420000 25-30274000 1420000 25-30276000 1420000 25-30278000 1420000 25-30280000 1420000 25-30282000 1420000 25-30284000 1420000 25-30286000 1420000 25-30288000 1420000 30-35290000 1420000 30-35292000 1420000 30-35294000 1420000 30-35296000 1420000 30-35298000 1420000 30-35300000 1420000 25-30302000 1420000 25-30304000 1420000 25-30306000 1420000 25-30308000 1420000 25-30310000 1420000 25-30312000 1420000 20-25314000 1420000 20-25316000 1420000 25-30318000 1420000 25-30320000 1420000 20-25322000 1420000 20-25324000 1420000 20-25326000 1420000 20-25328000 1420000 20-25330000 1420000 20-25332000 1420000 20-25334000 1420000 20-25336000 1420000 20-25338000 1420000 20-25340000 1420000 20-25342000 1420000 20-25344000 1420000 20-25346000 1420000 20-25348000 1420000 20-25350000 1420000 20-25352000 1420000 20-25354000 1420000 20-25356000 1420000 20-25358000 1420000 20-25360000 1420000 15-20362000 1420000 15-20364000 1420000 20-25NSW industrial noise policy100

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366000 1444000 15-20368000 1444000 15-20370000 1444000 15-20372000 1444000 15-20374000 1444000 15-20376000 1444000 15-20378000 1444000 15-20380000 1444000 15-20382000 1444000 20-25384000 1444000 20-25386000 1444000 20-25388000 1444000 20-25390000 1444000 20-25392000 1444000 20-25394000 1444000 20-25256000 1446000 20-25258000 1446000 20-25260000 1446000 20-25262000 1446000 20-25264000 1446000 20-25266000 1446000 20-25268000 1446000 20-25270000 1446000 20-25272000 1446000 20-25274000 1446000 15-20276000 1446000 20-25278000 1446000 20-25280000 1446000 20-25282000 1446000 20-25284000 1446000 20-25286000 1446000 20-25288000 1446000 20-25290000 1446000 20-25292000 1446000 20-25294000 1446000 20-25296000 1446000 20-25298000 1446000 20-25300000 1446000 20-25302000 1446000 20-25304000 1446000 20-25306000 1446000 20-25308000 1446000 20-25310000 1446000 20-25312000 1446000 20-25314000 1446000 20-25316000 1446000 20-25318000 1446000 20-25320000 1446000 20-25322000 1446000 15-20324000 1446000 15-20326000 1446000 15-20328000 1446000 15-20330000 1446000 15-20332000 1446000 15-20334000 1446000 15-20336000 1446000 15-20338000 1446000 15-20340000 1446000 10-15342000 1446000 15-20344000 1446000 15-20346000 1446000 15-20348000 1446000 10-15350000 1446000 15-20352000 1446000 15-20354000 1446000 10-15356000 1446000 10-15358000 1446000 10-15360000 1446000 15-20362000 1446000 10-15364000 1446000 15-20366000 1446000 15-20368000 1446000 15-20370000 1446000 15-20372000 1446000 10-15374000 1446000 15-20376000 1446000 15-20378000 1446000 15-20380000 1446000 15-20382000 1446000 15-20384000 1446000 15-20386000 1446000 20-25388000 1446000 20-25390000 1446000 20-25392000 1446000 20-25394000 1446000 20-25256000 1448000 20-25258000 1448000 20-25260000 1448000 20-25262000 1448000 20-25264000 1448000 20-25266000 1448000 20-25268000 1448000 20-25270000 1448000 20-25272000 1448000 20-25274000 1448000 20-25276000 1448000 20-25278000 1448000 20-25280000 1448000 20-25282000 1448000 20-25284000 1448000 20-25286000 1448000 20-25288000 1448000 20-25290000 1448000 20-25292000 1448000 20-25294000 1448000 20-25296000 1448000 20-25298000 1448000 20-25300000 1448000 20-25302000 1448000 20-25304000 1448000 20-25306000 1448000 20-25308000 1448000 20-25310000 1448000 20-25312000 1448000 20-25314000 1448000 15-20316000 1448000 15-20318000 1448000 15-20320000 1448000 15-20322000 1448000 15-20324000 1448000 15-20326000 1448000 15-20328000 1448000 15-20330000 1448000 10-15332000 1448000 15-20334000 1448000 15-20336000 1448000 10-15338000 1448000 15-20340000 1448000 10-15342000 1448000 15-20344000 1448000 10-15346000 1448000 15-20348000 1448000 10-15350000 1448000 10-15352000 1448000 10-15354000 1448000 10-15356000 1448000 10-15358000 1448000 10-15360000 1448000 15-20362000 1448000 10-15364000 1448000 15-20366000 1448000 15-20368000 1448000 15-20370000 1448000 15-20372000 1448000 15-20374000 1448000 15-20376000 1448000 20-25378000 1448000 15-20380000 1448000 15-20382000 1448000 15-20384000 1448000 20-25386000 1448000 20-25388000 1448000 20-25390000 1448000 20-25392000 1448000 20-25394000 1448000 20-25256000 1450000 20-25258000 1450000 20-25260000 1450000 20-25262000 1450000 20-25264000 1450000 20-25266000 1450000 20-25268000 1450000 20-25270000 1450000 20-25272000 1450000 20-25274000 1450000 20-25276000 1450000 20-25278000 1450000 20-25280000 1450000 20-25NSW industrial noise policy106

282000 1450000 20-25284000 1450000 20-25286000 1450000 20-25288000 1450000 20-25290000 1450000 20-25292000 1450000 20-25294000 1450000 20-25296000 1450000 20-25298000 1450000 20-25300000 1450000 20-25302000 1450000 20-25304000 1450000 20-25306000 1450000 20-25308000 1450000 20-25310000 1450000 20-25312000 1450000 15-20314000 1450000 15-20316000 1450000 15-20318000 1450000 15-20320000 1450000 15-20322000 1450000 10-15324000 1450000 10-15326000 1450000 15-20328000 1450000 15-20330000 1450000 15-20332000 1450000 15-20334000 1450000 15-20336000 1450000 10-15338000 1450000 10-15340000 1450000 10-15342000 1450000 10-15344000 1450000 10-15346000 1450000 10-15348000 1450000 10-15350000 1450000 10-15352000 1450000 10-15354000 1450000 10-15356000 1450000 10-15358000 1450000 10-15360000 1450000 15-20362000 1450000 15-20364000 1450000 15-20366000 1450000 15-20368000 1450000 15-20370000 1450000 15-20372000 1450000 15-20374000 1450000 15-20376000 1450000 20-25378000 1450000 20-25380000 1450000 20-25382000 1450000 20-25384000 1450000 20-25386000 1450000 20-25388000 1450000 20-25390000 1450000 20-25392000 1450000 20-25394000 1450000 20-25256000 1452000 20-25258000 1452000 20-25260000 1452000 20-25262000 1452000 20-25264000 1452000 20-25266000 1452000 20-25268000 1452000 20-25270000 1452000 20-25272000 1452000 20-25274000 1452000 20-25276000 1452000 15-20278000 1452000 20-25280000 1452000 20-25282000 1452000 20-25284000 1452000 20-25286000 1452000 20-25288000 1452000 20-25290000 1452000 20-25292000 1452000 20-25294000 1452000 20-25296000 1452000 20-25298000 1452000 20-25300000 1452000 20-25302000 1452000 20-25304000 1452000 20-25306000 1452000 20-25308000 1452000 20-25310000 1452000 15-20312000 1452000 15-20314000 1452000 15-20316000 1452000 15-20318000 1452000 15-20320000 1452000 15-20322000 1452000 15-20324000 1452000 10-15326000 1452000 10-15328000 1452000 10-15330000 1452000 15-20332000 1452000 15-20334000 1452000 15-20336000 1452000 15-20338000 1452000 10-15340000 1452000 10-15342000 1452000 10-15344000 1452000 10-15346000 1452000 10-15348000 1452000 10-15350000 1452000 10-15352000 1452000 10-15354000 1452000 10-15356000 1452000 10-15358000 1452000 10-15360000 1452000 15-20362000 1452000 15-20364000 1452000 15-20366000 1452000 15-20368000 1452000 15-20370000 1452000 15-20372000 1452000 20-25374000 1452000 15-20376000 1452000 20-25378000 1452000 20-25380000 1452000 20-25382000 1452000 20-25384000 1452000 20-25386000 1452000 20-25388000 1452000 20-25390000 1452000 20-25392000 1452000 20-25394000 1452000 20-25256000 1454000 20-25258000 1454000 20-25260000 1454000 20-25262000 1454000 20-25264000 1454000 20-25266000 1454000 20-25268000 1454000 20-25270000 1454000 20-25272000 1454000 20-25274000 1454000 20-25276000 1454000 15-20278000 1454000 20-25280000 1454000 20-25282000 1454000 20-25284000 1454000 20-25286000 1454000 20-25288000 1454000 20-25290000 1454000 20-25292000 1454000 20-25294000 1454000 20-25296000 1454000 20-25298000 1454000 20-25300000 1454000 20-25302000 1454000 20-25304000 1454000 20-25306000 1454000 20-25308000 1454000 20-25310000 1454000 20-25312000 1454000 20-25314000 1454000 15-20316000 1454000 15-20318000 1454000 10-15320000 1454000 10-15322000 1454000 10-15324000 1454000 10-15326000 1454000 15-20328000 1454000 15-20330000 1454000 15-20332000 1454000 15-20334000 1454000 10-15336000 1454000 10-15NSW industrial noise policy107

338000 1454000 10-15340000 1454000 10-15342000 1454000 10-15344000 1454000 10-15346000 1454000 10-15348000 1454000 10-15350000 1454000 10-15352000 1454000 10-15354000 1454000 15-20356000 1454000 15-20358000 1454000 15-20360000 1454000 15-20362000 1454000 10-15364000 1454000 15-20366000 1454000 15-20368000 1454000 15-20370000 1454000 15-20372000 1454000 15-20374000 1454000 15-20376000 1454000 20-25378000 1454000 20-25380000 1454000 20-25382000 1454000 20-25384000 1454000 20-25386000 1454000 20-25388000 1454000 20-25390000 1454000 20-25392000 1454000 20-25394000 1454000 20-25256000 1456000 20-25258000 1456000 20-25260000 1456000 20-25262000 1456000 20-25264000 1456000 20-25266000 1456000 20-25268000 1456000 20-25270000 1456000 20-25272000 1456000 20-25274000 1456000 20-25276000 1456000 20-25278000 1456000 20-25280000 1456000 20-25282000 1456000 20-25284000 1456000 20-25286000 1456000 20-25288000 1456000 20-25290000 1456000 20-25292000 1456000 20-25294000 1456000 20-25296000 1456000 20-25298000 1456000 20-25300000 1456000 20-25302000 1456000 20-25304000 1456000 20-25306000 1456000 20-25308000 1456000 20-25310000 1456000 20-25NSW industrial noise policy312000 1456000 20-25314000 1456000 20-25316000 1456000 15-20318000 1456000 15-20320000 1456000 15-20322000 1456000 15-20324000 1456000 15-20326000 1456000 15-20328000 1456000 15-20330000 1456000 15-20332000 1456000 15-20334000 1456000 15-20336000 1456000 10-15338000 1456000 10-15340000 1456000 10-15342000 1456000 10-15344000 1456000 10-15346000 1456000 10-15348000 1456000 10-15350000 1456000 10-15352000 1456000 10-15354000 1456000 10-15356000 1456000 10-15358000 1456000 15-20360000 1456000 15-20362000 1456000 15-20364000 1456000 15-20366000 1456000 15-20368000 1456000 20-25370000 1456000 15-20372000 1456000 15-20374000 1456000 15-20376000 1456000 20-25378000 1456000 15-20380000 1456000 15-20382000 1456000 20-25384000 1456000 20-25386000 1456000 20-25388000 1456000 20-25390000 1456000 20-25392000 1456000 20-25394000 1456000 20-25256000 1458000 20-25258000 1458000 20-25260000 1458000 20-25262000 1458000 20-25264000 1458000 20-25266000 1458000 20-25268000 1458000 20-25270000 1458000 20-25272000 1458000 15-20274000 1458000 20-25276000 1458000 20-25278000 1458000 20-25280000 1458000 20-25282000 1458000 20-25284000 1458000 20-25286000 1458000 20-25288000 1458000 20-25290000 1458000 20-25292000 1458000 20-25294000 1458000 20-25296000 1458000 20-25298000 1458000 20-25300000 1458000 20-25302000 1458000 20-25304000 1458000 20-25306000 1458000 20-25308000 1458000 20-25310000 1458000 20-25312000 1458000 20-25314000 1458000 20-25316000 1458000 15-20318000 1458000 15-20320000 1458000 20-25322000 1458000 20-25324000 1458000 15-20326000 1458000 15-20328000 1458000 15-20330000 1458000 15-20332000 1458000 15-20334000 1458000 15-20336000 1458000 10-15338000 1458000 10-15340000 1458000 10-15342000 1458000 10-15344000 1458000 10-15346000 1458000 10-15348000 1458000 10-15350000 1458000 10-15352000 1458000 10-15354000 1458000 15-20356000 1458000 15-20358000 1458000 15-20360000 1458000 15-20362000 1458000 15-20364000 1458000 15-20366000 1458000 15-20368000 1458000 20-25370000 1458000 15-20372000 1458000 15-20374000 1458000 20-25376000 1458000 15-20378000 1458000 15-20380000 1458000 15-20382000 1458000 20-25384000 1458000 20-25386000 1458000 20-25388000 1458000 20-25390000 1458000 20-25392000 1458000 20-25394000 1458000 20-25108

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanAPPENDIX BAS 2923 1987 Ambient Air – Guide for Measurement of Horizontal Wind for AirQuality ApplicationsHAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanAPPENDIX CAS 1055.1-1997 Acoustics – Description and measurement of environmental noise –General proceduresHAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanAPPENDIX DAS IEC 61672.1-2004 Electroacoustics – Sound level meters– Part 1: SpecificationsHAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanAPPENDIX EAS IEC 61672.2-2004 Electroacoustics – Sound level meters– Part 2: Pattern evaluation testsHAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04BARRICK

Cowal Gold Project – Noise Management PlanAPPENDIX FAS 2659.1-1988 Guide to the use of Sound Measuring Equipment– Portable Sound Level MetersHAL-02-07/1/NMP01-P/17/11/04BARRICK