November 2004 (PDF 11.6 MB) - Barrick Gold Corporation

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