environmental noise survey

Tel: +353 4493 42518 | Email: [email protected]

Environmental Noise Survey Masonite Ireland, Drumsna, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

July 20th 2016

Client Revision Date Compiled Checked Approved

Masonite Ireland A 20/07/2016 JC SG DC

Drumsna,

Carrick-on-Shannon,

Co. Leitrim

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

Index.......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

1 Executive Summary ..................................................................................... 3

2 Scope ............................................................................................................ 4

3 Monitoring Locations ................................................................................... 5

4 Activities on Site .......................................................................................... 6

5 Durations & Measurements of Surveying .................................................. 7

6 Weather Conditions ..................................................................................... 8

7 Instrumentation & Methodology ................................................................. 9

8 Glossary of Terms ...................................................................................... 10

9 Noise Measurement Data ........................................................................... 12

10 Interferences .............................................................................................. 20

11 Evaluation of Measurement Data .............................................................. 22

12 Conclusions ............................................................................................... 24

Appendix A – Noise Measurement Graphs ..................................................... 25

Appendix B – Noise Monitoring Locations ...................................................... 26

Appendix C – Calibration Certificates ............................................................. 27

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

1 Executive Summary

An Environmental noise survey was conducted at the following locations surrounding the Masonite plant between the 13th and 14th of July 2016: (Gortinty Lake NM1), & (Alberts Lock NM2) & (Flannagan’s Lake NM3). The noise survey consisted of daytime, evening time and night-time monitoring. At the time of monitoring, normal site activities were taking place. Noise levels were compared to those as set out in the IPPC licence (REF #P0021-02) which states that activities on site may not give rise to noise levels off-site at noise sensitive locations, which exceed the sound pressure limits of ±2dB(A):

55dB(A) for Daytime 45dB(A) for Evening 45dB(A) for Night-time

The licence also states that there should be no clearly audible tonal or impulsive components, in the noise emission from the development at any noise sensitive location. For this reason, FFT (Fast Fourier Transfer) Analysis was also conducted at all locations. A review of the noise data shows Masonite is in compliance with the requirements of its IPPC licence.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

2 Scope

ORS were commissioned by Mr Brian Mallon of Masonite Ireland to conduct a Daytime, evening time and Night-time broadband; one-third octave noise and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) broadband survey at 3 predetermined noise sensitive monitoring locations in Drumsna, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. All tests were carried out during, day-time, evening time and night-time operations at the Masonite facility. Masonite Ireland is a facility which produces moulded door facings for interior doors. The plant is located approximately 10km from the town of Carrick-on-Shannon and is accessed off the N4 National Road. The monitoring was carried out on the dates between the 13th and 14th of July 2016: as per IPPC licence conditions. The IPPC licence states that noise emissions from the site shall not exceed LAeq of 55dB (A) during the daytime, 45dB(A) during the evening, and 45dB (A) during the night-time. No tonal or impact noise components shall be audible at noise sensitive locations.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

3 Monitoring Locations Environmental noise monitoring was carried out at locations NM1, NM2, & NM3. The survey was conducted when the plant was in full operation i.e. normal activities taking place. The plant typically operates Tuesday-Thursdays, 24hrs a day and 12hrs on a Friday. The monitoring locations are detailed below in Table 1 and presented in the attached map in Appendix B.

Table 1: Noise-Monitoring Locations

Monitoring Location Description

NM1

(Gortinty Lake)

Gortinity Lake is located along a local road accessed from the N4. This is approximately 1.2km south-east of the Masonite plant. The monitor was placed on hard ground just off the local road facing towards the Masonite plant.

NM2

(Alberts Lock)

The lock is situated approximately 900m south-west of the Masonite plant. This location consists of an access road and boat house. The location point selected for monitoring was at the edge of the lock boundary in order to obtain the most representative noise level from the plant. The monitor was positioned facing the site on hard ground.

NM3

(Flanagans)

This monitoring point is located along a local access road off Lackagh. The monitor was positioned on hard ground at the noise sensitive location. This is approximately 1km west of the Masonite plant.

* All monitoring locations are located at least 2m from any reflective surfaces

For in

spec

tion p

urpo

ses o

nly.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

4 Activities on Site Activities which took place at the plant during the monitoring periods included the running of the primary production lines, 1 & 2, along with cut/coat machines. Other activities on site included some light plant machinery (i.e. Fork-lifts), operating around the yard.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

5 Durations & Measurements of Surveying The survey was carried out between the daytime hours of 07:00 and 19:00, the evening hours of 19:00 and 23:00, and the night-time monitoring was also conducted on the same days but between the hours of 23:00 and 07:00. The following measurement was carried out at each location:

Day and Night-time Broadband measurements LAeq, LA10, and LA90, over a 30 minute period.

1/3 octave band frequency analysis. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis (10000 spectra count).

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

6 Weather Conditions While every effort was made to carry out the survey in accordance with the requirements of ISO 1996: Acoustics – Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise and the Environmental Protection Agency ‘Environmental Noise Survey Guidance Document’, regarding weather conditions, it should be noted that this is not always possible. Ideally, measurements should be taken in ‘neutral’ weather conditions. This means in the absence of wind and precipitation, and ideally in conditions of standard temperature and pressure. Clearly, these conditions very rarely apply. The noise monitor was fitted with a windshield throughout the survey. An average wind speed of less than 5m/sec is the preferred limit when noise measurements are being taken, with 7m/sec an upper limit. On the days in question the wind speed was within limits on the 13/07 and the 14/07. In as far as possible, care was be taken to avoid measurements so close to objects as to give rise to wind-derived noises, e.g. trees, pylons, etc. Weather information was taken from the closet automatic Met-Eireann weather station, located at Shannon Airport. Weather conditions did not vary much during the monitoring period. All Meteorological conditions detailed below are within normal monitoring ranges.

Table 2: Met Eireann Data (Shannon Airport)

Date Rainfall

(mm)

Max

Temp

(oC)

Min

Temp

(oC)

Grass

Min

Temp

(oC)

Sunshine

(Hours)

Gusts

(Knots)

Windspeed

(m/sec)

13/07/2016

0.8 17 10.9 9 3.6 - 5.1

14/07/2016 9.6 17.4 11.9 11.1 2.1 - 3.6

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

7 Instrumentation & Methodology Measurements were made using a Bruel & Kjaer 2250 integrating sound level meter (SLM) with selective 1:1 or 1:3 octave band filters. Calibration was carried out on site using a Bruel & Kjaer acoustic calibrator at 94dB (A). The meter was calibrated before and after the monitoring round. Factory calibration certificates for the SLM and the acoustic calibrator, detailing equipment serial numbers, calibration traceability and recalibration dates are presented in Appendix C of this report. A “Windshield” was also fitted to the sound meter at all stages of monitoring. The sound level meter was mounted at 1.5m above ground level. A sample period for the noise measurements was selected to be 30 minute intervals.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

8 Glossary of Terms

Ambient noise: The total encompassing sound in a given situation at a given time usually composed of sound from many sources, near and far. Background Noise Level: The A-weighted sound pressure level of the residual noise at the assessment position that is exceeded for 90 per cent of a given time interval, T. (LA90, T). Criterion Noise Level: The long-term mean value of the noise level that must not be exceeded. This is generally stipulated in the waste permit and it may be applied to a noise source, a boundary of the activity or to noise sensitive locations in the vicinity of the facility. 1/3 Octave Band Analysis: Frequency analysis of sound such that the frequency spectrum is subdivided into bands of one–third of an octave each. An octave is taken to be a frequency interval, the upper limit of which is twice the lower limit (the unit of frequency is the Hertz, Hz). dB (decibel): The scale in which sound pressure level is expressed. It is defined as 20 times the logarithm of the ratio between the RMS pressure of the sound field and the reference pressure of 20 micro-pascals (20 μPa). dBA or dB(A): An ‘A-weighted decibel’ - a measure of the overall noise level of sound across the audible frequency range (20 Hz – 20 kHz) with A-frequency weighting (i.e. ‘A’–weighting) to compensate for the varying sensitivity of the human ear to sound at different frequencies. Facade Level: Noise levels at locations 1m from the facade of a building are described by the term Facade Levels and are subject to higher noise levels than those in open areas (free-field conditions) due to reflection effects. Free-field Conditions: These are conditions in which the radiation from sound sources is unaffected by the presence of any reflecting boundaries. In practice, it is a field in which the effects of the boundaries are negligible over the frequency range of interest. In environmental noise, true free-field measurement conditions are seldom achieved and generally the microphone will be positioned at a height between 1.2 and 1.5 metres above ground level. To minimize the influence of reflections, measurements are generally made at least 3.5 meters from any reflecting surface other than the ground. Hz (Hertz): The unit of sound frequency in cycles per second. Impulsive Noise: A noise that is of short duration (typically less than one second), the sound pressure level of which is significantly higher than the background. In determining whether a tonal adjustment applies, reference must be made to ISO 1996-2 (1987) - Section 4.1. Impulse Exponential – Time-Weighting: This is a time-weighting which is available on some sound level meters and it represents an arbitrary compromise in an attempt to provide a means to measure the sound level of short-duration impulsive sounds. Impulse time-weighting has a design goal exponential-time constant of 35 ms for sound signals that increase with increasing time and 1.5 seconds for sound signals that decrease with increasing time. LAeq,T: The equivalent steady sound level in dB containing the same acoustic energy as the actual fluctuating sound level over the given period, T.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

LAmax: The maximum RMS, A-Weighted sound pressure level occurring within a specified time period; the time weighting fast or slow is usually specified. Noise: Any sound, that has the potential to cause disturbance, discomfort or psychological stress to a subject exposed to it, or any sound, that could to cause actual physiological harm to a subject exposed to it, or physical damage to any structure exposed to it, is known as noise. Noise Sensitive Location: Any dwelling house, hotel or hostel, health building, educational establishment, place of worship or entertainment, or any other facility or other area of high amenity which for its proper enjoyment requires the absence of noise at nuisance levels. Rating level (LAr,T) : The specific noise level, plus any adjustment for the characteristic features of the noise. Residual noise: The ambient noise remaining at a given position in a given situation when the specific source is suppressed to a degree such that it does not contribute to the ambient noise (residual noise level is measured in terms of LAeq, T). Root Mean Square (RMS): The RMS value of a set of numbers is the square root of the average of their squares. Sound Exposure Level (SEL or LAE): Is the measure of the A-Weighted sound energy used to describe noise events such as the passing of a train or aircraft; it is the A-weighted sound pressure level if occurring over a period of 1 second, would contain the same amount of A-weighted sound energy as the event. Specific noise level: A component of the ambient noise which can be specifically identified by acoustical means and may be associated with a specific source. In BS 4142, there is more precise definition as follows: ‘the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level at the assessment position produced by the specific noise source over a given reference time interval (LAeq, T)’. Time-weighting: One of the averaging times (Fast, Slow or Impulse) used for the measurement of RMS sound pressure level in sound level meters. Tonal Noise: Noise which contains a clearly audible tone, i.e. a distinguishable, discrete or continuous note (whine, hiss screech or hum etc.). In determining whether a tonal adjustment applies, reference must be made to ISO 1996-2 (1987) - Section 4. Fast Fourier Transform: Fast Fourier Transform Analysis (FFT) is used to find the frequency components of a signal buried in a noisy time domain signal.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

9 Noise Measurement Data

Table 3: Daytime Monitoring Data 13th July 2016

NM1

Monitoring Location Time LAeq,30min

dB(A) Limit

NM1

12:04 – 12:34

51

55dB(A) LAeq

NM1

12:35 – 13:05

46

55dB(A) LAeq

NM1

13:05 – 13:35

53

55dB(A) LAeq


NM2


dB(A) Limit

NM2

13:54 – 14:24

44

55dB(A) LAeq

NM2

14:31 – 15:01

48

55dB(A) LAeq

NM2

15:01 – 15:31

52

55dB(A) LAeq

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27


NM3


dB(A) Limit

NM3

15:39 – 16:09

52

55dB(A) LAeq

NM3

16:09 – 16:39

40

55dB(A) LAeq

NM3

16:39 – 17:09

44

55dB(A) LAeq

Table 6: Evening Monitoring Data 14th July 2016

NM1-NM3


dB(A) Limit

NM1

20:02 – 20:32

49

45dB(A) LAeq

NM2

20:50 – 21:20

44

45dB(A) LAeq

NM3

21:27 – 21:57

37

45dB(A) LAeq

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

Table 7: Night Time Monitoring Data 14th July 2016

NM1 - NM3


dB(A) Limit

NM1

01:01 – 02:01

45

45dB(A) LAeq

NM2

02:12 – 03:12

42

45dB(A) LAeq

NM3

03:17 – 04:17

40

45dB(A) LAeq

NM1 Table 10: 1/3 Octave Band Analysis (12.50Hz – 400.00Hz) 13th July (Day)

Reading 1,2 & 3

Monitoring Location

12.

50 H

z

16.

00 H

z

20.

00 H

z

25.

00 H

z

31.

50 H

z

40.

00 H

z

50.

00 H

z

63.

00 H

z

80.

00 H

z

100

.00

Hz

125

.00

Hz

160

.00

Hz

200

.00

Hz

250

.00

Hz

315

.00

Hz

400

.00

Hz

NM1 -3 2 8 10 13 16 18 22 24 25 24 26 27 29 31 32

NM1 -7 -3 1 6 11 15 20 23 24 24 22 25 29 30 30 32

NM1 -2 2 6 10 14 17 21 24 24 25 25 27 31 31 32 34

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

NM1 Table 11: 1/3 Octave Band Analysis (500.00Hz –

16000.00Hz) 13th July (Day)

Reading 1,2 & 3

Monitoring Location

500

.00

Hz

630

.00

Hz

800

.00

Hz

100

0.0

0 H

z

125

0.0

0 H

z

160

0.0

0 H

z

200

0.0

0 H

z

250

0.0

0 H

z

315

0.0

0 H

z

400

0.0

0 H

z

500

0.0

0 H

z

630

0.0

0 H

z

800

0.0

0 H

z

100

00.0

0 H

z

125

00.0

0 H

z

160

00.0

0 H

z

NM1 34 36 38 39 39 39 40 40 41 41 40 39 36 34 31 27

NM1 34 34 36 37 36 35 34 34 35 35 34 33 31 28 25 20

NM1 36 37 39 41 41 42 43 44 44 44 43 42 40 38 35 32


Reading 1,2 & 3

Monitoring Location

12.

50 H

z

16.

00 H

z

20.

00 H

z

25.

00 H

z

31.

50 H

z

40.

00 H

z

50.

00 H

z

63.

00 H

z

80.

00 H

z

100

.00

Hz

125

.00

Hz

160

.00

Hz

200

.00

Hz

250

.00

Hz

315

.00

Hz

400

.00

Hz

NM2 8 13 17 22 25 27 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 29 29 29

NM2 9 14 19 23 26 28 30 30 29 29 29 29 31 33 34 34

NM2 9 14 19 23 27 28 32 33 32 32 30 32 35 36 38 39

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27



Reading 1,2 & 3

Monitoring Location

500

.00

Hz

630

.00

Hz

800

.00

Hz

100

0.0

0 H

z

125

0.0

0 H

z

160

0.0

0 H

z

200

0.0

0 H

z

250

0.0

0 H

z

315

0.0

0 H

z

400

0.0

0 H

z

500

0.0

0 H

z

630

0.0

0 H

z

800

0.0

0 H

z

100

00.0

0 H

z

125

00.0

0 H

z

160

00.0

0 H

z

NM2 30 33 35 34 33 32 33 32 32 30 29 27 24 21 17 13

NM2 37 41 40 39 37 35 34 34 33 34 30 28 26 24 20 16

NM2 43 46 44 43 40 39 38 37 36 35 33 32 31 28 24 20


Reading 1,2 & 3

Monitoring Location

12.

50 H

z

16.

00 H

z

20.

00 H

z

25.

00 H

z

31.

50 H

z

40.

00 H

z

50.

00 H

z

63.

00 H

z

80.

00 H

z

100

.00

Hz

125

.00

Hz

160

.00

Hz

200

.00

Hz

250

.00

Hz

315

.00

Hz

400

.00

Hz

NM3 -1 3 9 12 14 18 32 30 27 34 32 32 32 34 36 37

NM3 -7 -3 0 3 5 8 11 13 13 13 14 17 20 23 24 26

NM3 -1 3 8 11 12 13 14 17 17 19 20 21 25 27 28 30

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27



Reading 1,2 & 3

Monitoring Location

500

.00

Hz

630

.00

Hz

800

.00

Hz

100

0.0

0 H

z

125

0.0

0 H

z

160

0.0

0 H

z

200

0.0

0 H

z

250

0.0

0 H

z

315

0.0

0 H

z

400

0.0

0 H

z

500

0.0

0 H

z

630

0.0

0 H

z

800

0.0

0 H

z

100

00.0

0 H

z

125

00.0

0 H

z

160

00.0

0 H

z

NM3 39 41 42 43 42 42 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 29 24

NM3 29 31 32 32 29 28 27 27 27 27 27 26 25 22 19 15

NM3 32 34 35 35 33 33 32 32 32 32 31 31 29 27 23 19

All locations

Table 16: 1/3 Octave Band Analysis (12.50Hz – 400.00Hz) 14th July (Evening)

Reading 1

Monitoring Location

12.

50 H

z

16.

00 H

z

20.

00 H

z

25.

00 H

z

31.

50 H

z

40.

00 H

z

50.

00 H

z

63.

00 H

z

80.

00 H

z

100

.00

Hz

125

.00

Hz

160

.00

Hz

200

.00

Hz

250

.00

Hz

315

.00

Hz

400

.00

Hz

NM1 -16 -8 4 6 13 19 20 25 26 28 29 31 30 32 34 33

NM2 -7 -1 8 10 12 16 18 21 25 24 25 27 29 32 32 32

NM3 -15 -6 7 10 11 13 13 14 15 16 14 17 21 21 22 23

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

All locations

Table 17: 1/3 Octave Band Analysis (500.00Hz –

16000.00Hz) 14th July (Evening)

Reading 1

Monitoring Location

500

.00

Hz

630

.00

Hz

800

.00

Hz

100

0.0

0 H

z

125

0.0

0 H

z

160

0.0

0 H

z

200

0.0

0 H

z

250

0.0

0 H

z

315

0.0

0 H

z

400

0.0

0 H

z

500

0.0

0 H

z

630

0.0

0 H

z

800

0.0

0 H

z

100

00.0

0 H

z

125

00.0

0 H

z

160

00.0

0 H

z

NM1 35 38 40 41 41 41 39 36 35 33 32 29 27 23 19 15

NM2 34 35 36 36 33 31 30 29 28 28 27 25 24 21 17 14

NM3 23 25 27 26 25 28 25 24 22 21 22 22 17 15 13 10

All Locations

Table 18: 1/3 Octave Band Analysis (12.50Hz – 400.00Hz) 14th July (Night)

Reading 1

Monitoring Location

12.

50 H

z

16.

00 H

z

20.

00 H

z

25.

00 H

z

31.

50 H

z

40.

00 H

z

50.

00 H

z

63.

00 H

z

80.

00 H

z

100

.00

Hz

125

.00

Hz

160

.00

Hz

200

.00

Hz

250

.00

Hz

315

.00

Hz

400

.00

Hz

NM1 -9 -4 5 8 12 16 20 23 26 27 25 25 25 26 28 30

NM2 -2 2 6 9 11 14 17 20 26 27 24 25 28 29 28 29

NM3 -14 -8 1 7 8 12 14 15 18 19 19 21 23 25 25 26

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

All Locations

Table 19: 1/3 Octave Band Analysis (500.00Hz –

16000.00Hz) 14th July (Night)

Reading 1

Monitoring Location

500

.00

Hz

630

.00

Hz

800

.00

Hz

100

0.0

0 H

z

125

0.0

0 H

z

160

0.0

0 H

z

200

0.0

0 H

z

250

0.0

0 H

z

315

0.0

0 H

z

400

0.0

0 H

z

500

0.0

0 H

z

630

0.0

0 H

z

800

0.0

0 H

z

100

00.0

0 H

z

125

00.0

0 H

z

160

00.0

0 H

z

NM1 31 33 38 37 38 36 35 32 32 31 30 27 26 22 18 14

NM2 31 33 34 34 31 27 26 25 24 23 21 19 18 17 14 11

NM3 28 31 34 32 30 28 26 25 24 23 22 21 21 17 15 11

FFT Analysis FFT Analysis was conducted at all monitoring locations in accordance with the IPPC license (ref # P0021-02). 10000 spectra counts were conducted during the FFT Noise Measurement. FFT Noise Measurement charts can be found in Appendix A of this report.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

10 Interferences Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all the noise interference and sources that occurred at all monitoring locations during the Environmental Noise Survey.

Noise Sources/Interferences – Gortinity Lake (Day)

Date

13th July

Reading 1 Rustling foliage and bird song was prominent at this location.

13th July

Reading 2 Rustling foliage and bird song was prominent at this location.

13th July

Reading 3

Rustling foliage and bird song was prominent at this location. A nearby dwelling was cutting timber in close proximity to the noise monitoring location.

Noise Sources/Interferences – Gortinity Lake (Evening)

Date

14th July

Reading 1

Passing traffic, rustling trees, and birdsong were prominent. A tractor was working close to location on a farm.

Noise Sources/Interferences – Gortinity Lake (Night)

Date

14th July

Reading 1 Passing traffic and rustling trees were prominent.

Noise Sources/Interferences – Alberts Lock (Day)

Date

13th July

Reading 1

Gushing water through the lock was sustained and clearly audible throughout monitoring.

13th July

Reading 2

Lock gates were in operation during the monitoring period and a cruiser passed by. Passing traffic, birdsong and rustling trees was also evident during the monitoring period.

13th July

Reading 3

Lock gates were in operation during the monitoring period and a cruiser passed by. A vehicle pulled up close to the monitoring location and was left idling. Gushing water through the lock was sustained and clearly audible throughout monitoring.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:23

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

Noise Sources/Interferences – Alberts Lock (Evening)

Date

14th July

Reading 1

Lock gates were in operation during the monitoring period and a cruiser passed by. Passing traffic, birdsong and rustling trees was also evident during the monitoring period.

Noise Sources/Interferences – Alberts Lock (Night)

Date

14th July

Reading 1

Gushing water through the lock was sustained and clearly audible throughout monitoring.

Noise Sources/Interferences – Flanagans (Day)

Date

13th July

Reading 1

Birdsong and distant traffic noise from the nearby N4 road was audible. The owner of the nearby dwelling passed by the monitoring location in his car.

13th July

Reading 2 Birdsong and distant traffic noise from the nearby N4 road was audible.

13th July

Reading 3

Birdsong and distant traffic noise from the nearby N4 road was audible. The owner of the nearby dwelling passed by the monitoring location in his car.

Noise Sources/Interferences – Flanagans (Evening)

Date

14th July

Reading 1 Faint traffic noise from the N4 road could be heard.

Noise Sources/Interferences – Flanagans (Night)

Date

14th July

Reading 1

Passing traffic and some faint traffic noise from N4 road could be heard.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:24

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

11 Evaluation of Measurement Data

Table 3 through 23 summarizes the Daytime and Nighttime broadband and 1/3 octave measurements for all monitoring locations surveyed. Each location was monitored for 30 minutes. Day Monitoring 13th July 2016 NM1 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM1, a LAeq of 51dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No tonal noise qualities were recorded at this location. NM1 Reading 2 At monitoring location NM1, a LAeq of 46dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No tonal noise qualities were recorded at this location. NM1 Reading 3 At monitoring location NM1, a LAeq of 53dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No tonal noise qualities were recorded at this location. NM2 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM2, a LAeq of 44dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No tonal noise qualities were recorded at this location. NM2 Reading 2 At monitoring location NM2, a LAeq of 48dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No tonal noise qualities were recorded at this location. NM2 Reading 3 At monitoring location NM2, a LAeq of 52dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No tonal noise qualities were recorded at this location. NM3 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM3, a LAeq of 52dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No tonal noise qualities were recorded at this location. NM3 Reading 2 At monitoring location NM3, a LAeq of 40dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No instances of tonal noise were detected during the monitoring period. NM3 Reading 3 At monitoring location NM3, a LAeq of 44dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the Daytime noise limits of 55 dB (A). No instances of tonal noise were recorded during the monitoring period.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:24

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

Evening Monitoring 14th July 2016 NM1 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM1, a LAeq of 49dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was just above the evening time noise limits of 45 dB (A), however this exceedance can be attributed to the noise caused by the constant movement of a tractor close to the monitoring location. One instance of tonal noise was detected in the frequency of 16.00Hz but this was not representative across all the readings and could be attributable to tractor close to the monitoring area. This reading is also in the low frequency and would not be audible to human ear. NM2 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM2, a LAeq of 44dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the evening time noise limits of 45 dB (A), There was no tonal noise qualities present at this location. NM3 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM3, a LAeq of 37dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the evening noise limits of 45Db (A). One instance of tonal noise was detected in the low range frequency of 16.00Hz but this was not representative across all the readings and could be attributable to an idling vehicle close to the monitoring area. This reading is also in the low frequency and would not be audible to human ear. Night Monitoring 14th July 2016 NM1 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM1, a LAeq of 45dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was equal to the Night time noise limits of 45 dB (A). There was no tonal noise qualities present at this location.

NM2 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM3, a LAeq of 42dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the night time noise limits of 45Db (A). There was no tonal noise qualities present at this location.

NM3 Reading 1 At monitoring location NM2, a LAeq of 40dB (A) was recorded during the monitoring period. This was within the night time limits of 45dB (A). There was no tonal noise qualities present at this location.

FFT Analysis Upon inspection of the FFT charts, no discernable tonal noises occurred at regular intervals or to any significant level. If there was an issue with tonal qualities, these would be occurring at the same points each day at the same points on the graphs. FFT analysis does perceive lower tones as being louder than higher pitched tones.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:24

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

12 Conclusions The Masonite plant is in operation 24hrs a day, Tuesday-Friday. Overall it can be concluded that the Masonite plant is in compliance with the limits as set out in the IPPC License ref # P0021-02. While tonal noise qualities were present in two locations these were not persistent throughout the duration of the survey and therefore are unlikely to be associated with the continuous operation of the plant. The instances of tonal noise which were noted are likely to be attributable to external interferences such as idling vehicles, passing traffic close to the noise monitoring equipment etc. All locations monitored fell within the 55dB for daytime and 45dB for night-time unless otherwise specified. Where these limits are exceeded it is not as a result of the Masonite Plant but of nearby interferences as discussed previously. Overall it can be concluded that the Masonite plant is operating within the specified limits applied to the operation of the facility.

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:24

151_535_3C_160720R1jc of 27

Appendix A – Noise Measurement Graphs

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:24

NM1 Day Reading 1

Instrument: 2250Application: BZ7223 Version 4.6.2Start Time: 07/13/2016 12:04:42End Time: 07/13/2016 12:34:42Elapsed Time: 00:30:00Bandwidth: 1/3-octaveMax Input Level: 141.96

Time FrequencyBroadband (excl. Peak): FSI ACBroadband Peak: CSpectrum: FS A

Instrument Serial Number: 3006559Microphone Serial Number: 3005134Input: Top SocketWindscreen Correction: UA-1650Sound Field Correction: Diffuse-field

Calibration Time: 07/13/2016 12:03:42Calibration Type: External referenceSensitivity: 44.537927955389 mV/Pa

NM1 Day Reading 1

Start End Elapsed Overload LAeq LAFmax LAFmintime time time [%] [dB] [dB] [dB]

Value 0.00 50.5 74.6 37.1Time 12:04:42 12:34:42 0:30:00Date 13/07/2016 13/07/2016

Cursor: (A) Leq=50.5 dB LFmax=74.6 dB LFmin=37.1 dB

NM1 Day Reading 1

12.50 31.50 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 16000 A C10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

130dB 13/07/2016 12:04:42 - 12:34:42

HzLAeq

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 10-10-2016:02:46:24