November 2004 (PDF 11.6 MB) - Barrick Gold Corporation

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