Noise Assessment Proposed Extension to Asphalt Plant

Noise Assessment

Proposed Extension to

Asphalt Plant

Operating Hours at

Halkyn Quarry, Flintshire

CEMEX UK OPERATIONS

R21.11022/3/AP

Date of Report: 19 May 2021

Noise Assessment – Proposed Extension to Asphalt Plant Operating Hours at


19 May 2021

Vibrock Limited Shanakiel

Ilkeston Road, Heanor

Derbyshire, DE75 7DR

Tel: +44 (0) 1773 711211

Fax: +44 (0) 1773 711311

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.vibrock.com Report No. R21.11022/3/AP

REPORT DETAILS

Client Cemex UK Operations

Report Title Noise Assessment – Proposed Extension to Asphalt Plant Operating Hours

Site Address Halkyn Quarry, Pant-y-Pwll Dwr, Pentre Halkyn, Flintshire

Report Ref. R21.11022/3/AP

Vibrock Contact [email protected]

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Issue

No. Issue Date Author Technical Review

1 09/03/21

A Pickford MIOA

Director

R Kennedy MIOA

Director

2 11/03/21 A Pickford MIOA

Director

R Kennedy MIOA

Director

3 19/05/21 A Pickford MIOA

Director

R Kennedy MIOA

Director

This report has been prepared by Vibrock the trading name of Vibrock Limited, with all reasonable skill, care

and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions

of Business and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client.

We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above.

This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to

whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.



19 May 2021

Report No. R21.11022/3/AP

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Noise Policy and Guidance 2

3.0 Background Noise Survey 4

4.0 Site Noise Level Predictions 6

5.0 Assessment 8

6.0 Recommendations 9

7.0 Summary 10

8.0 References 11

FIGURE 1 Location Plan

TABLE 1 Noise Source Details - List of Plant, On-time Assumptions

and Associated Sound Power Levels

APPENDIX 1 Acoustic Terminology



19 May 2021


Page 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

1.1.1 Vibrock Limited were commissioned to undertake a noise assessment to accompany a

planning application to vary a condition to extend the operating hours of the asphalt

plant at Halkyn Quarry in Flintshire.

1.1.2 Further explanation of the acoustic terminology used within this report is provided in

Appendix 1.

1.2 Planning Conditions (Application ref: 056419/059487)

1.2.1 The extant planning conditions relevant to this assessment are as follows:

Condition 4 - Except in emergencies to maintain safe quarry working (which shall be

notified to the Mineral Planning Authority as soon as practical), or with the prior

agreement of the Mineral Planning Authority, the hours of operation of the approved

replacement asphalt plant shall be:-

a) 0600 hours to 1800 hours on Monday to Friday

0600 hours to 1200 hours on Saturdays

b) No HGVs shall enter the site until 0615 Monday to Saturday

No HGVs shall enter or leave the site on Sundays or Public Holidays

c) No operations, apart from environmental monitoring, servicing, maintenance

and testing of static and mobile plant, or emergency works in connection with

the safety of the Site, shall be carried out outside these hours or on Sundays or

Public Holidays without the prior written agreement of the Mineral Planning

Authority.

Condition 7 - Between the hours of 0600 and 0700 the noise level from the site measured

at nearest noise sensitive properties used as dwellings shall not exceed 42 dB LAeq, 1h

and between 0700 and 1800 hours the noise level from the site measured at nearest

noise sensitive properties used as dwellings shall not exceed 10dB LAeq (1 hour) above

background noise levels.

1.3 Proposals

1.3.1 The application seeks to vary Condition 4 (Hours of Operation) of permission reference

059487 to allow for the operation of the Asphalt Plant (permitted under planning

permission 056419) and associated vehicle movements outside of permitted hours on

28 occasions per year. It is proposed that vehicles travelling to and from the site will

pass through the village of Pentre Halkyn on route to the A55 as per the current

situation.



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Page 2

2.0 NOISE POLICY AND GUIDANCE

2.1 Planning Policy Wales (PPW)

2.1.1 Planning Policy Wales sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh Government.

It is supplemented by a series of Technical Advice Notes (TANs), Welsh Government

Circulars, and policy clarification letters, which together with PPW provide the national

planning policy framework for Wales.

2.1.2 The primary objective of PPW is to ensure that the planning system contributes towards

the delivery of sustainable development and improves the social, economic,

environmental and cultural well-being of Wales.

Minerals

2.1.3 The role of the planning authority in relation to mineral extraction is to balance the

fundamental requirement to ensure the adequate supply of minerals with the

protection of amenity and the environment. The key principles are to:

• provide positively for the safeguarding and working of mineral resources to

meet society’s needs now and in the future, encouraging the efficient and

appropriate use of high quality materials;

• protect environmental and cultural characteristic of places, including those

highly cherished for their intrinsic qualities, such as wildlife, landscapes,

ancient woodlands and historic features, and to protect human health and

safety and general well-being;

• reduce the impact of mineral extraction and related operations during the

period of working by ensuring that impacts on relevant environmental

qualities caused by mineral extraction and transportation, for example air

quality and soundscape, are within acceptable limits; and

• achieving, without compromise, a high standard of restoration and

aftercare so as to avoid dereliction and to bring discernible benefits to

communities, heritage and/or wildlife, including beneficial after uses or

opportunities for enhancement of biodiversity and the historic

environment.

Noise

2.1.4 Mineral workings should not cause unacceptable adverse environmental or amenity

impact. Where this is not possible working needs to be carefully controlled and

monitored so that any adverse effects on local communities and the environment are

mitigated to acceptable limits. Any effects on local communities and the environment

must be minimised to an acceptable standard.



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Page 3

2.2 Minerals Planning Guidance Note 11: The Control of Noise at Surface Mineral

Workings

2.2.1 This guidance, published in April 1993, provides advice to mineral planning authorities

and the industry on how the environmental performance of the industry can be

improved by the control of noise from operations.

2.2.2 The advice contained within this document regarding the monitoring and assessment of

noise levels is still largely applicable, however, paragraphs 31 to 42 have been

superseded by Mineral Technical Advice Note 1.

2.3 Minerals Technical Advice Note (Wales) 1: Aggregates

2.3.1 This guidance sets out detailed advice on the mechanisms for delivering policy for

aggregates extraction by mineral planning authorities and the aggregates industry.

2.3.2 In terms of noise, the guidance states that where aggregates extraction and related

operations occur close to areas that are sensitive to noise, particularly residential areas,

noise impact must be minimised to acceptable levels.

2.3.3 Mineral planning authorities should have regard to the background noise levels and the

threshold at which significant effects are likely at noise sensitive properties when

considering the acceptability of proposals or setting noise limits in a planning condition.

2.3.4 In relation to noise limits, MTAN1 offers the following specific advice.

“Noise limits should relate to the background noise levels (LA90,T), subject to a

maximum daytime noise limit of 55 dB(A) where background noise levels exceed

45 dB(A). 55 dB(A) is the lower limit of the daytime noise levels where serious

annoyance is caused.

Where background noise is less than 45 dB(A), noise limits should be defined as

background noise levels plus 10 dB(A).

Night-time working limits should not exceed 42 dB(A) at noise sensitive

properties.

Daytime working is defined as 07:00 – 19:00 hours and night-time as

19:00 – 07:00 hours.

Noise limits should be set in terms of LAeq,T over a 1-hour measuring period. LAeq, is

the noise index used to describe the "average" level of noise that varies with time

(T) and should be measured "free-field" that is, at least 3.5m away from a façade

to prevent reflection of noise by any façade that faces the noise source.

During temporary and short-term operations higher levels may be reasonable but

should not exceed 67dB(A) for periods of up to 8 weeks in a year at specified noise

sensitive properties.”



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Page 4

3.0 BACKGROUND NOISE SURVEY

3.1 Survey Methodology

3.1.1 Noise monitoring was conducted during a 3 – 4 day period from Saturday

27 February 2021 to Tuesday 2 March 2021 at a location selected to represent the

acoustic environment at the nearest residential dwelling to the existing asphalt plant

site.

3.1.2 A plan identifying the nearest noise-sensitive receptor and the location of the asphalt

plant within Halkyn Quarry is provided in Figure 1.

3.2 Instrumentation

3.2.1 Monitoring was undertaken using the following equipment.

Manufacturer Type Serial No.

Cirrus Class 1 Integrating Sound Level Meter CR:1710 G078470

Cirrus Acoustic Calibrator CR:515 56097

3.2.2 During all measurements the microphone was protected with an outdoor windshield.

3.2.3 The monitoring position was ‘free field’ (no vertical reflective surfaces within 3.5 metres

of the microphone) and at a height of between 1.2 – 1.5 metres above ground level.

3.2.4 The following set-up parameters were used:

• Time Weighting: Fast

• Frequency Weighting: A

• Averaging-Integrating Period: 1 hour

• Data Logging: Repeat (Contiguous)

3.2.5 With the equipment set up in the configuration used during measurement, field

calibration checks were performed on site immediately before and after the survey

period using a sound calibrator. No significant drift (i.e. no greater than ±0.5 dB) in the

calibration value was observed between the initial and final checks.

3.3 Observations

3.3.1 During the survey period weather conditions were dry with average wind speeds

considered to be less than 5 ms-1

and predominantly from a southerly direction. Cloud

cover was in the region of 0 – 50% and temperatures ranged from 3 – 11°C.



19 May 2021


Page 5

3.3.2 The acoustic environment in the vicinity of the site is predominantly influenced by

distant road traffic using the A55 along with intermittent vehicle movements on other

local links. Other notable sound sources included livestock and birdsong.

3.4 Results

3.4.1 The data collected during the survey is presented in Table 1. A summary of the survey

results, during time periods pertinent to this assessment, is presented below.

Date Day Time Period

Representative

Background Noise Level

LA90,1h (dB)

27/02/2021 Saturday 18:00 – 19:00 40

28/02/2021 Sunday 18:00 – 19:00 40

01/03/2021 Monday 18:00 – 19:00 47

3.4.2 For the purposes of this assessment the representative background noise level is

considered to be 40 dB during the period from 6 – 7pm which is the daytime period

during which the asphalt plant is proposed to be operated.

3.4.3 During the period 7pm to 7am a fixed limit of 42 dB is applicable irrespective of the

background noise level. The 42 dB night-time limit is specified in the site’s current

planning permission and is also the limit recommended within MTAN1 which defines the

night-time period as 19:00 – 07:00 hours.

3.5 Measurement Uncertainty

3.5.1 The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges in obtaining representative

background sound levels because typical road, air and rail transport usage have been

reduced by travel restrictions and social distancing measures. Department for Transport

statistics on the use of transport during the Covid-19 pandemic reveals that motor

vehicle usage (comprising cars, LGVs and HGVs) during the survey period from

27 February to 2 March 2021 ranged between 69 – 73% when compared to the

equivalent day in the first week of February 2020. This analysis is based on around 275

automatic traffic count sites across Great Britain.

3.5.2 Reduced traffic flows of this magnitude could result in background noise levels being

lower than usual by up to 1.5 dB at locations where the acoustic environment is

primarily influenced by traffic using the strategic road network. As a result the

measured background noise level of 40 dB should be regarded as conservative within

the context of this assessment.



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Page 6

4.0 SITE NOISE LEVEL PREDICTIONS

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 The level of noise in the local environs that arises from a site will depend on a number of

factors. The more significant of which are:

(a) the sound level output of the plant or equipment used on site;

(b) the periods of operation of the plant on site;

(c) the distance between the source noise and the receiving position;

(d) the presence of screening due to barriers;

(e) the reflection of sound;

(f) soft ground attenuation.

4.1.2 Noise levels associated with the proposed operation of the asphalt plant site during

extended operating hours have been calculated at the assessment location based on the

following methodology and assumptions.

4.2 Prediction Methodology

4.2.1 In order to assist in the calculation of predicted noise levels from the asphalt plant site,

CadnaA noise modelling software has been used. The noise prediction software has

been configured to undertake the noise calculations in accordance with Annex F of

British Standard BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 ‘Code of practice for noise and vibration

control on construction and open sites. Part 1: Noise’. This guidance details methods to

estimate noise from ‘open sites’ which can include quarries, waste disposal sites and

long-term construction projects.

4.2.2 Within the model, point sources have been used to represent items of fixed plant and

items of mobile plant operating in a limited area. HGV movements have been modelled

as moving point sources. Detailed topographical data has been incorporated into the

model based on recent survey information for the quarry site and 2m contours derived

from the Nextmap 5m DTM dataset for off-site areas including receptor locations. The

calculations therefore include the beneficial screening effects of the existing overburden

bunds located on the northern, north western and eastern boundary of the site.

4.2.3 The ground absorption coefficient has been estimated according to the combination of

soft and hard ground conditions present between the source and receiver position.

‘Soft’ ground is taken to refer to surfaces which are absorbent to sound, e.g. grassland,

cultivated land or plantations as opposed to ‘hard’ ground surfaces which reflect sound

such as paving, asphalt and surface water.



19 May 2021


Page 7

4.2.4 In accordance with BS 5228 methodology, the attenuation from screening and soft

ground attenuation have not been combined (where applicable). Instead, either the

attenuation from screening and hard ground propagation, or the attenuation provided

by soft ground alone has been included in the calculation, whichever is the greater of

the two.

4.2.5 Predictions have been made to locations representing both ground floor and first floor

positions of noise-sensitive premises. Noise levels during the daytime (07:00 – 19:00)

have been predicted within private garden areas at a height of 1.5 metres above ground

level and at least 3.5 metres from any reflecting surface other than the ground. Noise

levels during the night-time (19:00 – 07:00) have been predicted at positions

representing bedroom windows with a height of 4.0 metres above ground level and

approximately 1.0 metre from the most-exposed façade position. The predictions made

by the modelling software are for ‘free-field’ sound levels to allow for an appropriate

comparison with the free-field background sound levels measured during the survey.

4.3 Noise Source Details

4.3.1 The sound levels used within this assessment are based on measurements of current

plant and activities at the existing asphalt plant site which were made by Vibrock Limited

in February 2021. A detailed acoustic survey has been undertaken to identify the

location of noise generating plant and obtain noise measurement data for input into the

noise modelling software.

4.3.2 A list of plant and activities from which the noise predictions have been made are

presented in Table 1 along with a number of assumptions regarding activity ‘on-times’

and vehicle movements. These assumptions are based on observations during the site

inspection and discussions with the operator.

4.4 Calculation Results

4.4.1 The following table summarises the results of the noise level predictions at the identified

assessment location.

Calculated Noise Level

LAeq,1hr (free-field) dB Assessment

Location Daytime

(Ground Floor Level)

Night-time

(First Floor Level)

Parry’s Mine/Bryn Golau/Firs Cottage 39.3 39.7



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Page 8

5.0 ASSESSMENT

5.1 Site Noise

5.1.1 Predicted worst case noise levels from operations associated with the asphalt plant site

during the proposed extended operating hours, have been calculated at the identified

assessment location.

5.1.2 The results are presented in the table below, together with a comparative assessment

against the extant planning condition limits which reflect current planning guidance for

minerals sites (MTAN1).

Location Period

Predicted

Worst-Case

Site Noise Level

LAeq,1h free-field dB

MTAN /

Extant

Planning

Condition

Limit

Difference

between

Site Noise and

Limit

Daytime (defined by MTAN1 as 0700 - 1900)

18:00 – 19:00 39 50* -11

Night-time (defined by MTAN1 as 1900 - 0700)

Parry’s Mine

/Bryn Golau

/Firs Cottage

19:00 – 07:00 40 42 -2

* 10 dB above the background noise level measured during the survey between 1800 – 1900 hours

5.1.3 The assessment presented in the table above demonstrates that potential noise levels

from the operation of the asphalt plant during the proposed extended hours are

expected to remain within the appropriate noise limits.

5.2 Road Traffic Noise

5.2.1 It is proposed that vehicles travelling to and from the site will pass through the village of

Pentre Halkyn on route to the A55 as per the current situation. The variation application

would therefore result in HGV movements through Pentre Halkyn during the night-time

period, however, the potential impacts from noise generated on the public highway is

unlikely to be significant when considered in the context of the extended operating

hours only being proposed on 28 occasions per year.



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6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 The following general noise control measures should be considered during the proposed

extended operation of the site, particularly during the night-time period, to demonstrate

best practice and minimise the potential impact at noise-sensitive receptor locations

within the vicinity of the site:

(a) The stated operating hours of the site should be strictly adhered to and

effectively communicated to all site staff and subcontractors;

(b) Plant and machinery should be maintained in good working order and used in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Any defective items should

not be used;

(c) Audible reversing warning systems on mobile plant and vehicles should be of a

type which, whilst ensuring that they give proper warning, have a minimum

noise impact on persons outside the site;

(d) Unnecessary horn usage and revving of engines should be avoided;

(e) Equipment should be switched off or throttled down to a minimum when not

required;

(f) Start up plant and vehicles sequentially rather than all together;

(g) Keep vehicle routes through the site clear, well maintained and free from defects

such as pot-holes. Avoid the use of speed humps where possible;

(h) Ensure that any cladding or enclosures around generating plant are regularly

inspected for defects/damage/wear-and-tear/weathering that may negatively

impact upon the sound insulation performance of the structure. Once identified

any repairs should be carried in a timely manner;

(i) Any covers, panels or enclosure doors should be kept closed when the

equipment is in use;

(j) The drop heights of materials should be minimised and, whenever practicable,

materials should be lowered rather than dropped;

(k) Operatives should be trained to employ appropriate techniques to keep site

noise to a minimum, and should be effectively supervised to ensure that best

working practice in respect of noise minimisation is followed.



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7.0 SUMMARY

7.1 Vibrock Limited were commissioned to undertake a noise assessment to accompany a

planning application to vary a condition to extend the operating hours of the asphalt

plant at Halkyn Quarry in Flintshire.

7.2 The current operating hours of the asphalt plant are from 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday

and 6am to 12pm on Saturdays. CEMEX is proposing a condition variation to allow

operations outside of these hours on 28 occasions per year.

7.3 Predicted noise levels associated with the operation of the asphalt plant during the

proposed extended hours have been calculated at the nearest existing noise sensitive

premises to the site. These predictions have been assessed against the noise limits

outlined within extant planning condition 7 and also the guidance provided by the Welsh

Assembly (MTAN 1: Aggregates).

7.4 The results of the assessment demonstrate that site noise levels at the nearest sensitive

receptors are not expected to exceed the specified noise limits. A range of best practice

measures have been recommended to minimise noise emissions from the site during the

extended hours of operation.

7.5 The overall potential noise impact of the proposed variation application is therefore

considered to be in line with national planning policy which seeks to prevent

unacceptable adverse amenity impacts and minimise any other effects on local

communities and the environment.



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8.0 REFERENCES

1. ANC Guidelines: Environmental Noise Measurement Guide. 2013

2. British Standard 4142:2014 Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial

sound, BSI October 2014.

3. British Standard 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 Code of practice for noise and vibration control

on construction and open sites. Part 1: Noise. British Standards Institution 2014.

4. British Standard 7445-1:2003 Description and measurement of environmental noise –

Part 1 Guide to quantities and procedures. British Standards Institution 2003.

5. Planning Policy Wales. Welsh Government. December 2018.

6. Minerals Planning Guidance 11. The Control of Noise at Surface Mineral Workings.

Department of the Environment Welsh Office. April 1993.

7. Minerals Planning Policy (Wales). Minerals Technical Advice Note (Wales) 1: Aggregates.

Welsh Assembly Government. March 2004.

8. Guidelines for Environmental Noise Impact Assessment, v1.2. Institute of Environmental

Management & Assessment. November 2014.



19 May 2021


FIGURE 1

Location Plan



19 May 2021


TABLE 1

List of Plant, On-time Assumptions and

Associated Sound Power Levels

Plant Description

Sound

Power Level

dB(A)

Assumptions Source

Dump Truck Tipping

into Stockpiles 105 25% on-time

Measurement at

existing site

Loading Shovel in Yard 102 50% on-time Measurement at

existing site

Shovel Loading Hopper 108 10% on-time Measurement at

existing site

Elevator/Screen 109 100% on-time Measurement at

existing site

Dryer/Burner 110 100% on-time Measurement at

existing site

Stack/Fan 102 100% on-time Measurement at

existing site

Load Out 106 25% on-time Measurement at

existing site

Skid Steer Loader 100 25% on-time Measurement at

existing site

Wheelwash 102 25% on-time Measurement at

existing site

HGV 101 24 movements

per hour (20 mph)

Measurement at

existing site



19 May 2021


APPENDIX 1

Acoustic Terminology

Acoustic Environment

Sound from all sound sources as modified by the environment.

Sound Power Level, LWA

The total amount of sound energy per unit of time generated by a particular sound source

independent of the acoustic environment that it is in. It is a logarithmic measure of the

sound power in comparison to a specified reference level.

Equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level LAeq,T

Value of the A-weighted sound pressure level of a continuous, steady sound that, within a

specified time interval T, has the same mean square sound pressure as a sound under

consideration whose level varies with time.

A-weighting

The human ear is most sensitive to frequencies in the range 1 kHz to 5 kHz. On each side of

this range the sensitivity falls off. A-weighting is used in sound level meters to replicate this

sensitivity and respond in the same way as the human ear.

Ambient Sound Level LAeq,T

Totally encompassing sound in a given situation at a given time usually composed of sound

from many sources near and far.

Specific Sound Level (also referred to as ‘site noise’) LAeq,Tr

Sound in the neighbourhood of a site that originates from the site i.e. the sound being

assessed. The equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level produced by the

specific sound source at the assessment position over a given reference time interval.

Residual Sound Level LAeq,T

Ambient sound remaining at a given position in a given situation when the specific sound

source is suppressed to a degree such that it does not contribute to the ambient sound.

Background Sound Level LA90,T

The A-weighted sound pressure level of the residual sound at the assessment position that

is exceeded for 90% of a given time interval, T, measured using time weighting F.

Reference Time Interval, Tr

The specified interval over which the specific sound level is determined.

Free-field Level

The sound pressure level away from reflecting surfaces. NOTE Measurements made 1.2 - 1.5 metres above the ground and at least 3.5 metres away from other

reflecting surfaces are usually regarded as free-field.

Documents

Noise Assessment Proposed Extension to Asphalt Plant