Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
8.6.2 Several safeguards exist to minimise the effects of construction noise and it is suggested that
these should operate during the construction of the new development. These safeguards
include:
• The various EU Directives and UK Statutory Instruments that limit the noise emissions
of a variety of construction plant;
• The guidance set out in BS 5228: Part 1 (2009) which covers noise control on
construction sites;
• The powers that exist for local authorities under sections 60 and 61 of the CoPA and
section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act (1990) to control environmental noise
and pollution on construction sites.
8.6.3 It is suggested that the contract documents supplied to contractors should require, through a
condition of the planning permission, that the effects of environmental noise are considered
during the design and execution of the works. Such an assessment could result in a noise
control plan that provides a noise management system tailored to the specific needs of the
construction works, the site and the surrounding area. As a minimum, any noise control plan
should cover:
• Procedures for ensuring compliance with statutory or other identified noise control
limits;
• Procedures for ensuring that all works are carried out according to the principle of
Best Practicable Means, as defined in the CoPA;
• General induction training for site operatives and specific training for staff having
responsibility for particular aspects of controlling noise from the site;
• Liaison with WLC and the existing local community; and
• Provision of a contact telephone number and responsible person to whom any
complaints or concerns with regard to noise, vibration and other environmental issues
should be put as a first port of call. This affords the Contractor the opportunity to
address any issues prior to WLC involvement.
8.6.4 The adoption of Best Practicable Means is usually the most effective way of controlling noise
from construction sites and should be enforced rigorously. In order to demonstrate the
adoption of Best Practicable Means to control noise emissions from the site, the following
conditions and measures could be imposed on the construction works.
8.6.5 As far as is reasonably practicable, the contractors should bring to site and employ on the
works only the most environmentally acceptable and quietly operating plant and equipment
compatible with the safe and efficient execution of the works. Equipment should be well
maintained and fit for purpose. The noise emitted by any plant item should not exceed the
limits quoted in either the relevant EC Directive / UK Statutory Instrument and should be no
greater than the relevant values quoted in the current version of BS 5228. All items of plant
operating on the site in intermittent use should be shut down in the intervening periods
between uses.
8.6.6 In particular:
• All pneumatic tools should be fitted with silencers or mufflers;
March 2013 8-24 ES Chapter 8
Noise
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