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BOC Immingham Dissolved Acetylene Project Environmental Statement: Vol. 2 Main Text
18.28 The construction and operational assessment was undertaken for impacts on:
� the qualifying interest features of the statutory designated Humber Estuary (incorporating all
aspects of the qualifying features for the SSSI, SAC, SPA and Ramsar site) based on
whether the qualifying features are likely to be within the zone of influence of the proposed
development during construction and whether impacts could result in a significant effect; and
� non-statutory designated sites, notable habitats and notable species together with the
significance of effect on ecological receptors.
18.29 The assessment of significance of impacts takes into account measures which have already been
included within the Project to avoid or reduce ecological impacts. The assessment determined that
the construction and operation of the Dissolved Acetylene Project would not result in adverse
effects on the integrity of the SPA and Ramsar and that, although there could be negative impacts
on ecological receptors, these would not be significant.
18.30 The assessment concluded that the planned design, management and control of the Dissolved
Acetylene Project in relation to ecology are sufficient; thus no specific mitigation measures have
been identified. Nonetheless, several recommendations have been made (see Chapter 10) in
relation to selection of piling methods, lighting design, planting landscaping, wildlife
enhancements and the NEA.
Noise and Vibration
18.31 The assessment identified the following as the main potential sources of noise and vibration:
� noise:
- operation of fixed plant during construction and operation,
- operation of mobile plant and general site activities during construction and operation,
- increased traffic during construction and operation; and
� vibration:
- piling activities, and
- HGV movements from increased traffic during construction and operation.
18.32 The noise assessment focuses on impacts to human receptors; however, data from the noise
assessment has been used to determine effects on ecological receptors (see Chapter 10 and the
previous sub-Section of this Chapter).
18.33 The noise assessment determined that:
� on the basis of highly conservative, worst case assumptions the total noise levels (ambient
noise and construction noise combined) have been predicted, at worst, to be no more than
5 dBA higher than ambient noise levels. Considering the temporary nature of construction
activities, this is considered an acceptable level of impact when assessed in accordance with
BS 5228;
� an appropriate noise target (44 dB (LAeq,T)) has been set at the nearest human noise sensitive
receptor (Poplar Farm) in relation to operational noise;
� combining the expected site operational noise levels with the existing ambient noise level at
Poplar Farm, results in a noise level change of less than 1 dBA. In accordance with BS 4142,
the assessment suggests that there is a positive indication that complaints are unlikely. Thus
noise impacts associated with this noise level change are therefore expected to be negligible;
� traffic noise impacts during construction and operation are expected to be negligible; and
� no adverse vibration impacts are expected at nearby properties during the construction or
operation of the proposed facility.
5100935.404 Environmental Statement August 2011 303