environmental impact statement kilmainhamwood compost facility ...

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS
10 NOISE AND VIBRATION
10.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the EIS shall explore the potential Noise and Vibration impacts associated with the
proposed extension to the existing compost facility at Kilmainhamwood, Kells, County Meath.
The current application proposes to extend the existing facility buildings in order to provide sufficient
processing capacity for the additional tonnage. It is proposed to construct a 38m x 25m extension on
the southwest side of the existing facility and an extension 39m x 30m on the northeast side of the
existing facility. The proposed extensions to the facility buildings are shown on Drawing No. 5361–2402
and Drawing No. 5361-2403. The extensions to the buildings will a steel portal frame design featuring
3.0m high mass concrete walls and green cladding (to match character of the existing buildings). The
height of the proposed extensions will not be any higher than the existing buildings.
10.2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
The existing environment is already a composting facility which this proposed development seeks to
expand. Noise levels for the area are presented below and are taken from the Annual Environmental
Reports for the existing facility.
Two principal environmental noise parameters were measured which are defined below.
LAeq is the A-weighted equivalent continuous steady sound level during the measurement period and
effectively represents an average ambient noise value.
LA90 is the A-weighted sound level that is exceeded for 90% of the measurement period and is used
to quantify background noise level.
For inspection purposes only.
Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
A-weighting is the process by which noise levels are corrected to account for the non-linearity of
human hearing. All noise levels quoted are relative to a sound pressure of 2x10 -5 Pa.
Typical ranges of noise levels are presented in Table 10.1 below to compare against the baseline noise
levels measured:
Table 10.1 Typical Noise Levels in Our Environment
Sound levels in decibels dB (A) Description of Activity
0 Absolute silence
25 Very Quiet room
35 Rural night time setting with no wind
55 Day time, busy roadway 0.5km away
70 Busy Restaurant
85 Very busy pub, voice has to be raised to be heard
100 Disco or rock concert
120 Uncomfortably loud, conversation impossible
140 Noise causes pain in ears
Source: Guidance Note for Noise in relation to Scheduled activities, 2 nd Edition, EPA 2006.
149
EPA Export 01-06-2010:03:55:59