annual noise monitoring for raffeen landfill site · annual noise monitoring for raffeen landfill...

ANNUAL NOISE MONITORING REPORT FOR RAFFEEN

LANDFILL SITE.

Client name: Cork County Council.

Licenced by the EPA (Licence number W0023-01)

27/01/2017

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Annual Noise Monitoring For Raffeen Landfill Site 2017

Complete Laboratory Solutions Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Scope 2

2.0 Receiving Environment 2

2.1 General Description

2.2 Receptors

3.0 Survey Protocol 3

3.1 Instrumentation and methodology

3.2 Survey implementation 4

4.0 Licence Emission Limit Value 4

5.0 Noise Monitoring Results 5

6.0 Evaluation of Results 6

6.1 Daytime noise survey 6

6.2 1/3 octave band analysis 7

7.0 Result Summary 7

Appendix I 8

Appendix II 9

Appendix III 10

Appendix IV 11-14

Appendix V 15-16

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1.0 Scope

This report presents the results of an Environmental noise survey carried out in the vicinity of

Raffeen Landfill Site at Raffeen, Kerrycurrihy, Co. Cork. The report was prepared to satisfy the

annual (2016) environmental noise monitoring requirements of the Environmental Protection

Agency’s Waste Licence, Register Number W0023-01.

This Survey was completed with reference to ISO 1996: Acoustics – Description and

Measurement of Environmental Noise and with reference to the EPA publication Guidance Note

for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities

(NG4).

This survey was completed during daytime period (07:00 to 19:00hrs) during normal operating

conditions. Night-time or evening monitoring did not take place as there is no night-time or

evening activity on site. The Survey took place on the 27th January 2017.

2.0 Receiving Environment

2.1 General Description

The Raffeen landfill site is operated by Cork County Council under waste licence W0023-01. The

landfill is situated approximately 10km south of Cork city and approximately 2km south of

Monkstown. Coming from the Monkstown direction the facility is located just off the R610

taking a right turn up Strawhall road. The licence provides for the installation and operation of a

Civic Waste Facility which has been open to the public since 2005 for recycling and disposal of a

variety of waste materials.

2.2 Receptors

There are total of four noise monitoring locations. These are located close to the facility

boundary and spread around the vicinity of the facility at noise sensitive locations (NSLs). A map

of the site is shown in Appendix I. Table 2.1 over page gives a brief description of each location

and the GPS Co-ordinate taken at the time of measurement.

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Table 2.1 Description of Monitoring Locations

Position Description GPS Co-

Ordinates

N1

Located approx 550m north of site entrance and 250m north of N2, inside quarry fence above the road on a gravel surface. Martin Scaffold is located approx 200m to the north on the opposite side of the road.

IW 74996 IG 65765

N2

Located approx 300m north of site entrance, near gate to quarry about 5m in from the road on a gravel surface.

IW 75079 IG 65619

N3

Located 2m in from road approx 400m south of site entrance on a grass surface.

IW 75330 IG 65267

N7

Located inside wall at junction of R610 and access road to the site, approx 500m south of site entrance on a long grass surface.

IW 75437 IG 65179

3.0 Survey Protocol

3.1 Instrumentation and Methodology

Measurements were made according to the requirements of ISO 1996: Acoustics – Description

and Measurement of Noise and with reference to EPA publication Guidance Note for Noise:

Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities (NG4).

Measurements were made using a Sound Level Meter (SLM) Bruel & Kjaer Hand-held Analyser

Type 2250-L Class 1 Serial No. 2709372 and a prepolarised Free-field ½” Microphone Type 4950

Serial No. 2698576. Field calibrations were taken using a Calibrator used a Bruel and Kjaer

calibrator Type 4231 Serial No. 2705843. The latest Laboratory Calibration on Instruments was

carried out on 03/02/16. Copies of the lab calibration certificates are presented in Appendix V.

The instrument was field calibrated before and after measurements were taken to verify

measurement precision. A table of calibrations is shown in Appendix III. The SLM was set to an

A-weighted fast response mode. The mic was placed on a tripod 1.5m above the ground and 5

m away from any reflective surfaces where possible and oriented towards the noise source

(facility).

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3.2 Survey Implementation

The Survey was conducted on the 27th January 2017. Prevailing weather conditions were noted

before and after readings at each location at the time. Conditions remained favourable

throughout the survey. The morning started off 100% overcast at 08.00 but cleared at about

09.00 to leave a bright day for the duration of monitoring. However there was heavy rain the

night before which resulted in wet roads and in turn resulted in higher noise levels from road

traffic. This was the case from the start of monitoring in the morning until the roads dried up at

approximately 12.00. Temperatures ranged from 7 0C at commencement to 9 0C at the end of

measurements.

All sources of noise were noted, recorded and where possible identified. 3 x 30 minute readings

were taken for each noise monitoring location. For the purpose of this monitoring the selected

parameters were LAeq, LA90, LA10 and LAmax. The LAeq was recorded to establish the overall average

noise level at each station. The percentile levels represent the noise level in dBA exceeded for

N% of the measurement time. A glossary of acoustics terms can be seen in Appendix II. In

addition, a 1/3 octave band frequency analysis was recorded at each location for each reading

to determine the presence of any tonal component of noise generated at the site. A graphical

representation of the frequency analysis for each reading is presented in Appendix IV.

4.0 Licensed Emission Limit Values

Day dB(A) LAeq (30 minutes) Night dB(A) LAeq (30 minutes)

55 45

No night-time readings were taken as there is no activity on the site at night.

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5.0 Noise Monitoring Results

Table 5.1 Measurement Results for Location N1

Date Position Lmax dB(A)

L10 dB(A)

L90 dB(A)

Leq dB(A)

27/01/2017 N1 Reading 1 68.7 61.6 39.3 56.7

27/01/2017 N1 Reading 2 71.4 54.8 39.0 50.9

27/01/2017 N1 Reading 3 65.0 49.2 32.6 45.8



L10 dB(A)

L90 dB(A)

Leq dB(A)

27/01/2017 N2 Reading 1 74.4 45.6 34.5 50.6

27/01/2017 N2 Reading 2 74.4 49.2 32.5 51.6

27/01/2017 N2 Reading 3 75.1 51.8 32.4 52.5



L10 dB(A)

L90 dB(A)

Leq dB(A)

27/01/2017 N3 Reading 1 73.8 53.4 31.6 54.1

27/01/2017 N3 Reading 2 75.1 55.4 31.1 55.0

27/01/2017 N3 Reading 3 76.4 54.8 32.0 55.7



L10 dB(A)

L90 dB(A)

Leq dB(A)

27/01/2017 N7 Reading 1 71.2 61.4 41.8 56.5

27/01/2017 N7 Reading 2 81.5 62.3 41.3 57.3

27/01/2017 N7 Reading 3 73.9 62.3 42.8 57.8

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6.0 Evaluation of Results

6.1 Daytime noise survey

Schedule E.3 of waste licence W0023-01 specifies a limit of 55 dB(A) for a daytime period of

between 07:00 – 19:00hrs. The new daytime period of 07:00 – 19:00hrs is set out in the most

up to date guidelines from the EPA in Section7 Table 5 of Guidance Note for Noise: Licence

Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities (NG4). This survey was

completed to assess the impact that the site activities have on the local noise environment in

the vicinity of the site based on this specified noise limit value. The daytime noise limit (55 dB(A)

LAeq (30 minutes))was exceeded for all readings at locations N1, N3 and N7. N2 levels were all

within licence limits.

N1 - (08:15 – 09:46) - Recorded LAeq values averaged 46 and 57 dB(A), LA90 readings ranged from

33- 39 dB(A) for each reading. The dominant noise source at this location was frequent road

traffic on a wet road in conjunction with intermittent noise from the Scaffolding company

loading and unloading scaffolding planks and bars from trucks. There was very little noise noted

as being attributable to the CAS apart from an occasional reverse beacon and bangs from

dumping into skips. Also noted was some bird and general countryside noise.

N2 - (9:49 – 11:19) - Recorded LAeq values ranged from 51– 53 dB(A), LA90 readings ranged from

32-35 dB(A). The dominant noise source was traffic passing the monitoring location which is

just few meters from the road.

N3 - (11:22 – 12:53) – Recorded LAeq values ranged from 54 -56 dB(A), LA90 readings ranged

from 31 – 32 dB(A). Noise was dominated by traffic passing only a couple of meters from the

monitoring location on a damp road. There was quite heavy traffic noted at times and may

been attributable to school traffic at this hour.. There was no noise noted as being attributable

to the CAS site.

N7 - (13:01 – 14:32) - Recorded LAeq values ranged from 57 – 59 dB(A), LA90 readings ranged

from 41 – 43 dB(A). Noise was dominated by heavy and fast moving traffic on a dry R610

passing 5-6m from monitoring location and turning on to access road ( Strawhall road) to the

landfill site. Also noted was water flowing in culvert near location dogs barking nearby for the

last reading R3.

The recorded LAeq values for all the sites ranged from 45 – 64 dB(A). In addition to the LAeq values

it is often beneficial to analyse LA90 results particularly where plant noise is steady and audible

during operations on site but there are extraneous noise sources such as road traffic, birdsong

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and intermittent local activity. The LA90 results often referred to as background noise; usually

give a good indication of the constant noise level coming from a site. Looking at the results we

can see the LA90 results are low ranging from 31 – 43 dB(A) giving an indication of noise levels

without traffic noise..

6.2 1/3 Octave Band Frequency Analysis

A 1/3 octave band analysis was conducted at each receptor for each reading in order to assess

any tonal or impulsive component associated with site activities or plant operation. Analysis of

the 1/3 octave band frequency spectrum measured for each reading are presented in Appendix

IV.

In general, no octave band should exceed adjacent bands by more than 15 db(A) in low-

frequency bands (25Hz to 125 Hz), 8dB in middle frequency bands (160Hz to 400 Hz ) and 5 dB

in high- frequency bands (500Hz to 10,000 Hz) in order to insure that there is no tonal

component associated with noise activity. Even in some instances especially in low-frequencies

where an individual octave band is observed to exceed an adjacent band by these it may be

considered to be unlikely that a significant audible tone would be noticeable if the

corresponding decibel level is low.

In general the frequency analysis showed generally broadband graphs. It can be concluded that

there is no significant tonal or impulsive noise content associated with the operation of plant at

the site. Each frequency analysis is generally broadband which supports the conclusion that site

activities have a minimal impact on the local noise climate and a low potential to cause noise

disturbance at local NSLs.

7.0 Result Summary

The results show that monitoring location N2 was within noise level licence limits. Observations

on the day and results from monitoring showed that the high readings for N1, N3 and N7 were

due to traffic on the roads around the facility and not attributable to noise emanating from the

facility or the traffic volume entering and leaving the facility.

The results of the survey clearly indicate that activities at the site do not generate unacceptable

noise levels beyond site boundaries and in particular at the closest NSLs to the site and that any

exceedances of the specified noise limit values as outlined in the EPA waste licence are due to

traffic noise and extraneous noise sources not associated to the landfill site.

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Appendix I

Map of Site and Monitoring Locations.

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Appendix II

Glossary of Acoustic terminology.

dBA A unit of measurement, decibels (A), of sound pressure level which has its frequency

characteristics modified by a filter (“A-weighted”) so as to more closely approximate the

frequency response of the human ear.

Leq -The equivalent continuous noise level for the measurement period, weighted for duration

and intensity. Leq is an indicator of the average noise level (usually dBA).

L10- The noise level which is equalled or exceeded for 10% of the measurement period. L10 is

an indicator of the mean maximum noise level, and is used as the descriptor for intrusive noise

(usually in dBA).

L90 - The noise level which is equalled or exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. L90 is

an indicator of the mean minimum noise level and is used as the descriptor for background or

ambient noise.

Lmax - The maximum noise level for the measurement period (usually in dBA).

NSL – Noise Sensitive Location

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Appendix III

Field Calibration

Transducer: 4950 (2698576)

Used at Top Socket

Calibration Type External reference

Start

Date 27/01/2017

Time 08:03

Sensitivity 47.5 mV/Pa

Dev from init. 0.02 dB

Finish

Date 27/01/2017

Time 14:36

Sensitivity 47.4 mV/Pa

Dev from init. 0.00 dB

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Appendix IV

N1 Frequency Analysis Graphs R1 – R3

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

60

[dB]

CCRF16N1R1

A

Cursor values

X: 63 Hz

LZeq: 56.2 dB

4

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

60[dB]

CCRF16N1R2

A

Cursor values

X: 8 kHz

LZeq: 37.1 dB

4

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

[dB]

CCRF16N1R3

A

Cursor values

X: 4 kHz

LZeq: 39.4 dB

4

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N2 Frequency Analysis Graphs R1-R3

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

[dB]

CCRF16N2R1

A

Cursor values

X: 800 Hz

LZeq: 43.8 dB

4

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

[dB]

CCRF16N2R2

A

Cursor values

X: 800 Hz

LZeq: 44.5 dB

4

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

[dB]

CCRF16N2R3

A

Cursor values

X: 80 Hz

LZeq: 53.9 dB

4

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31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

[dB]

CCRF16N3R1

A

Cursor values

X: 1 kHz

LZeq: 48.4 dB

4

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

60

[dB]

CCRF16N3R2

A

Cursor values

X: 63 Hz

LZeq: 55.4 dB

4

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

60[dB]

CCRF16N3R3

A

Cursor values

X: 1 kHz

LZeq: 50.3 dB

4

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31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

60

[dB]

CCRF16N7R1

A

Cursor values

X: 50 Hz

LZeq: 61.4 dB

4

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

60

[dB]

CCRF16N7R2

A

Cursor values

X: 1 kHz

LZeq: 51.3 dB

4

31.5 125 500 2k 8k 31.5k

[Hz]

20

30

40

50

60

70[dB]

CCRF16N7R3

A

Cursor values

X: 63 Hz

LZeq: 64.5 dB

4

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Appendix V

Calibration Certificates for SLM and Calibrator

Calibration Certificate for SLM

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