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PROPOSED TEMPORARY POWER GENERATION FACILITY 412 COMMERCIAL ROAD MORWELL Acoustic Report: Consideration of Noise Emissions Associated with Proposed Generator Equipment A report prepared on behalf of: Aggreko Generator Rentals Pty Ltd C/- ERIAS Group 22B Beulah Road Norwood South Australia 5067 Ref: 12158-1jg (Final Issue) November 2017

PROPOSED TEMPORARY POWER GENERATION FACILITY 412 ... · It is proposed to install 114 temporary standby diesel fired electricity generation units at the site described as 412

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Page 1: PROPOSED TEMPORARY POWER GENERATION FACILITY 412 ... · It is proposed to install 114 temporary standby diesel fired electricity generation units at the site described as 412

PROPOSED TEMPORARY POWER GENERATION FACILITY

412 COMMERCIAL ROAD MORWELL

Acoustic Report: Consideration of Noise Emissions Associated

with Proposed Generator Equipment

A report prepared on behalf of:

Aggreko Generator Rentals Pty Ltd

C/- ERIAS Group 22B Beulah Road

Norwood South Australia 5067

Ref: 12158-1jg (Final Issue)

November 2017

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Table of Contents 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Site And Environs ............................................................................................................................ 4

3. Assessment Methodology ............................................................................................................... 5

3.1 Noise Assessment Terminology ............................................................................................. 5

3.2 Measurement Equipment ........................................................................................................ 5

4. Noise Sources And Proposed Site Layout ...................................................................................... 6

5. Assessment Criteria And Guidelines As Part Of The Proposed Development ................................ 7

5.1 Assessment Criteria ................................................................................................................ 7

5.1.1 Determination Of Critical Assessment Locations ................................................................ 8

5.1.2 Determination Of Ambient Background Noise Levels ......................................................... 9

5.1.3 Determination Of Relevant Noise Limits ........................................................................... 11

6. Environmental Noise Modelling ..................................................................................................... 12

6.1 Noise Prediction Methodology .............................................................................................. 12

6.2 Input Parameters And Noise Level Predictions .................................................................... 12

6.3 Noise Level Prediction Discussion ........................................................................................ 13

7. Consideration Of Breeze Conditions And Impacts On Noise Propagation .................................... 14

8. Consideration Of Noise Impacts On Nearby Commercial Operations ........................................... 15

8.1 Assessment Guidelines ........................................................................................................ 15

8.2 Noise Sensitive Commercial Operations And Predicted Noise Levels .................................. 15

9. Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 17

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1. INTRODUCTION

It is proposed to install 114 temporary standby diesel fired electricity generation units at the site described as 412 Commercial Road, Morwell. The purpose of the temporary generator installation will be to provide supplementary power where the existing power grid has insufficient capacity to meet demand within Victoria during the warm summer months, particularly during heatwave conditions. The units will be capable of providing 120 Megawatts of power. The site is currently owned by Energy Brix Australia Corporation Pty Ltd, and is currently occupied by several large industrial building structures. As part of the proposal, noise emissions associated with the temporary generator units will require consideration. For the purpose of this assessment, Watson Moss Growcott has considered noise emissions associated with the proposal in accordance with the following guidelines and policies: 1. NOISE FROM INDUSTRY IN REGIONAL VICTORIA Recommended Maximum Noise

Levels from Commerce, Industry and Trade Premises in Regional Victoria (NIRV). 2. State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade)

No. N-1. The client has indicated that in the event that the units are required to operate, the units will be likely only operate for periods between 12:00pm and 8:00pm. AEMO have undertaken additional modelling to understand when the diesel generation may be utilised and advised the following: 1. There is 61% probability that the temporary diesel generators will not be required to run

during the 2017-18 summer; 2. There is a 19.5% probability of the generators being required to run for a total of 4 hours

over this period; 3. There is a 13% probability of the generators being required to run for a total of 8 hours over

this period; 4. There is a 3% probability of the generators being required to run for a total of 12 hours over

this period; 5. There is a 2% probability of the generators being required to run for a total of 16 hours over

this period; 6. There is a 1.5% probability of the generators being required to run for a total of 20 hours

over this period; 7. If, or when the temporary standby emergency diesel generation is required (most likely on

hot afternoon/s at the end of a heatwave), it will be operated for short durations at full output.

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2. SITE AND ENVIRONS

The subject site is located at the land described as 412 Commercial Road, Morwell. The site land is zoned Special Use 1, and abuts Commercial Road to the north, Special Use 1 zoned land to the south, and Industrial 1 zoned land to the east and west. The site is generally surrounded by industrial and commercial operations. For the purpose of this assessment, the most relevant noise sensitive receiver areas located nearby to the subject site will be as follows: 1. Area A: In the order of 1500m to the north west of the generator locations (Wilson St); 2. Area B: In the order of 1700m to the north west of the generator locations (Elgin St); 3. Area C: In the order of 1400m to the north of the generator locations (Princes Dr); 4. Area D: In the order of 1550m to the north of the generator locations (Mountain Grey Ct); 5. Area E: In the order of 3000m to the east north east of the generator locations (Firmins Ln); 6. Area F: In the order of 2400m to the south east of the generator locations (Church Rd). An aerial map identifying the subject site and the nearest relevant noise sensitive receiver areas is attached below:

Subject Site – Generator Locations: 412 Commercial Rd

Area F: Church Rd

Area E: Firmins Ln

Area C: Princes Dr

Area D: Mountain Grey Ct

Area A: Wilson St

Area B: Elgin St

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3. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

3.1 NOISE ASSESSMENT TERMINOLOGY

The following terms are used in this report:

dB(A) Decibels recorded on a sound level meter, which has had its frequency response modified electronically to an international standard, to quantify the average human loudness response to sounds of different character.

L90 the level exceeded for 90% of the measurement period, which is representative of the typical lower levels in a varying noise environment. It is the noise measure defined by the EPA as the measure of the background noise level to use in determining noise limits.

Leq the equivalent continuous level that would have the same total acoustic energy over the measurement period as the actual varying noise level under consideration. It is the noise measure defined by the EPA as the measure of the noise to use in assessing compliance with noise limits.

3.2 MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT

During the attended site surveys, the attending engineer carried out hand held noise measurements using a RION NA-27 Precision Sound Level Meter.

One Ngara Real Time Sound Acquisition Systems was used as part of the unattended noise logging component of the works.

The measurement equipment was calibrated before and after the site measurements, and was within the correct calibration range.

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4. NOISE SOURCES AND PROPOSED SITE LAYOUT

The proposal includes the installation of 114 temporary standby diesel fired electricity generation units at the subject site. Based on information provided by the client, the proposed units, and the corresponding noise level information associated with the units is summarised below:

Unit Designation No. Of Units to be Installed Individual Unit Sound Power Level

Cummins KTA50-G3 40 107 dB(A)

Cummins QSK50-G4 35 111 dB(A)

Cummins QSK50-G12 39 107 dB(A)

Specific information regarding the octave band noise levels associated with the proposed units has not been provided. As a result, WMG has reviewed measurement data recorded as part of previous containerised standby generator works, and has adjusted the octave band spectrum values to reflect the sound power levels described above. The units will be installed in a total of 5 groups (sites) across the subject site. Based on the results of preliminary noise level calculations, WMG has also considered re-location of the existing ‘site 1’ area to the south-western corner of the subject site. An aerial map identifying each of the group is attached below:

Site 1

Site 2

Site 3

Site 4

Assessed Alternative

to Site 1

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5. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES AS PART OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 5.1 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Noise emissions associated with the containerised generators forming part of the proposal will require consideration in accordance with the following policies and guidelines: 1. NOISE FROM INDUSTRY IN REGIONAL VICTORIA Recommended Maximum Noise

Levels from Commerce, Industry and Trade Premises in Regional Victoria (NIRV). 2. State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade)

No. N-1. Under the noise assessment procedures described in NIRV, guideline recommended maximum noise levels are determined using State Environment Protection Policy N-1 if the noise emitter or the receiver are within the Urban Centre Boundaries of major urban centres in Victoria (defined as a population greater than 7000). Where the above is not applicable, NIRV recommended maximum noise levels will be calculated values determined using the areas of differing land zoning surrounding the relevant noise sensitive receivers. Given the location of the subject site relative to the Morwell town centre, there will be some noise sensitive receivers which are located within the boundaries of the Morwell urban centre. These locations will be subject to noise limits determined in accordance with SEPP N-1. For the noise sensitive receivers located outside the Morwell urban centre boundaries, NIRV assessment methodologies will be implemented. For each assessment methodology, noise limits will vary depending on the time of the day, evening or night, with the highest permitted values during week daytimes. For the purpose of this assessment, the relevant day, evening, and night assessment periods are summarised below:

EPA Assessment Period Relevant Days Relevant Time Periods

Day Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday 7:00am to 1:00pm

Evening

Saturday 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Sunday, Public Holidays 7:00am to 6:00pm

All Days 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Night All Days 10:00pm to 7:00am

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5.1.1 Determination of Critical Assessment Locations

Determination of the most critical assessment locations nearby to the proposed development site includes consideration of the following: 1. Relevant assessment criteria; 2. Land zoning surrounding the noise sensitive receiver; 3. Measured ambient background noise levels within the area of the noise sensitive receiver; 4. Separation distance between the relevant noise sources and the noise sensitive receiver; 5. Any noise shielding elements within the subject site which will reduce the noise impacts on

the noise sensitive receiver;

Based on consideration of the above, Watson Moss Growcott has developed the following areas of existing residential receivers which have the potential to be impacted by noise associated with the proposal:

Area Designation Area Location Assessment Criteria

A In the order of 1500m to the north west of the generator locations

(Wilson St). SEPP N-1

B In the order of 1700m to the north west of the generator locations

(Elgin St). SEPP N-1

C In the order of 1400m to the north of the generator locations

(Princes Dr). SEPP N-1

D In the order of 1550m to the north of the generator locations

(Mountain Grey Ct). SEPP N-1

E In the order of 3000m to the east north east of the generator

locations (Firmins Ln). NIRV

F In the order of 2400m to the south east of the generator locations

(Church Rd). NIRV

An aerial map identifying the relevant noise sensitive areas is attached in section 2 of the report. It must be noted that area A and C are located within much closer proximity of the Princes Freeway road reservation when compared with Area B and D. As a result the zoning surrounding the noise sensitive receivers will include ‘type 3’ zoning associated with the freeway, and the ambient background noise levels associated with vehicle movements along the freeway will be much higher. The corresponding noise limits at area A and C will therefore be disproportionately higher than for Area B and D when compared with noise reduction provided by the increased distance separation between the subject site and the noise sensitive receivers. Based on consideration of the above, although area A and C are closer to the subject site, Area B and D will be more critical for this assessment.

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5.1.2 Determination of Ambient Background Noise Levels

5.1.2.1 Noise From Industry in Regional Victoria

Noise from Industry in Regional Victoria methodology does not specifically require consideration of ambient background noise levels, unless it is determined that the noise sensitive receivers are within ‘background-relevant areas’. Background relevant areas refer to noise-sensitive areas where background levels may be higher than usual for rural areas. As part of the assessment, WMG has attended the subject site, and the nearby noise sensitive receivers requiring consideration in accordance with NIRV. Based on ambient background noise levels measured during the attended surveys, WMG has determined that the noise sensitive receivers are not located within ‘Background Relevant Areas’, and therefore the calculated Recommended Maximum Noise Levels will apply.

5.1.2.2 State Environment Protection Policy N-1

State Environment Protection Policy N-1 noise limits are calculated through consideration of the land zoning surrounding the relevant noise sensitive receivers, as well as the existing ambient background noise levels which the noise sensitive receiver is exposed to.

Ambient background noise levels refer to the acoustic environment of an area in the absence of noise intrusion associated with any commercial/industrial operations nearby.

Ambient background noise levels are typically controlled by noise associated with vehicle movements on nearby and distant roads.

Noise measurements of the ambient background noise level are described as the dB(A) L90.The dB(A) L90 refers to the level exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. This value is considered representative of the typical lower levels in a varying noise environment, and is the noise measure defined by the EPA as the measure of the background noise level to use in determining the relevant SEPP N-1 noise limits. The ‘neutral’ ambient background range calculated as part of SEPP N-1 is representative of what would be considered typical for the land zoning types surrounding the noise sensitive receiver.

The ‘neutral’ range is expressed as a range of which the lowest number and highest number are separated by 6 decibels. When a value is measured anywhere within the described range, the calculated SEPP N-1 zoning noise limits will apply.

In accordance with SEPP N-1 methodology, when a measured background level is neutral, only two 5 minute ambient background noise level measurements are required.

When the measured values are higher or lower than this range, noise limits are directly dependent on the ambient background noise level. As a result, further investigations are often carried out to ensure that the measured values are reliable.

For acoustic environments at residential receivers which include intrusive noise associated with commercial/industrial operations, determining the ambient background noise levels typically includes deploying an unattended noise logger, combined with attended noise level surveys.

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As part of the assessment, Watson Moss Growcott has attended the subject site and surrounding environment and carried out the following:

1. Attended site survey between 12:00pm and 4:00pm on Thursday 9th November 2017; 2. Attended site survey between 7:30pm and 9:00pm on Tuesday 14th November 2017; and 3. Unattended noise logger at a location deemed representative of the acoustic environment

at the dwellings located to the north in Mountain Grey Circuit, Morwell during the period Thursday 9th November to Tuesday 14th November 2017.

An aerial mark-up of the attended noise measurement locations, and the unattended noise logger location is attached below: Based on analysis of the attended site noise level measurements, and a review of the noise logging data recorded at the subject site, a summary of the lowest measured ambient background noise levels during each of the EPA periods is attached below:

EPA Assessment Period

Relevant Days Relevant Time Periods Lowest Adopted Ambient Background Noise Levels

for Area B and D

Day Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm

45 dB(A) L90 Saturday 7:00am to 1:00pm

Evening

Saturday 1:00pm to 6:00pm

41 dB(A) L90 Sunday, Public Holidays 7:00am to 6:00pm

All Days 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Night All Days 10:00pm to 7:00am 35 dB(A) L90

In the context of SEPP N-1, each of the ambient background noise levels measured during each of the relevant assessment periods will be considered ‘Neutral’.

Unattended Noise Logger Location

Area F: Attended

Measurement Location

Area E: Attended

Measurement Location

Area D: Attended

Measurement Location

Area B: Attended

Measurement Location

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5.1.3 Determination of Relevant Noise Limits

SEPP N-1/NIRV methodology includes allowances for scenarios where noise emissions are associated with standby/emergency operation of mechanical services equipment including generators. The allowance will be 10 dB(A) during the EPA day period, and 5 dB(A) for the EPA evening and night period. Based on the ambient background measurements carried out at the site, and taking into account the relevant land zoning, the adopted noise limits and NIRV recommended maximum noise levels for both standard operation, and standby operation are summarised below:

Assessment Location Area B (SEPP N-1) Area D (SEPP N-1) Area E (NIRV) Area F (NIRV)

Operating Assessment Type

Standard Standby Standard Standby Standard Standby Standard Standby

Day Noise Limit 50 dB(A) Leq 60 dB(A) Leq 50 dB(A) Leq 60 dB(A) Leq 45 dB(A) Leq 55 dB(A) Leq 45 dB(A) Leq 55 dB(A) Leq

Evening Noise Limit 44 dB(A) Leq 49 dB(A) Leq 44 dB(A) Leq 49 dB(A) Leq 37 dB(A) Leq 42 dB(A) Leq 37 dB(A) Leq 42 dB(A) Leq

Night Noise Limit 39 dB(A) Leq 44 dB(A) Leq 39 dB(A) Leq 44 dB(A) Leq 32 dB(A) Leq 37 dB(A) Leq 32 dB(A) Leq 37 dB(A) Leq

The determined noise limits, and recommended maximum noise levels will apply within the boundaries of the residential noise sensitive receiver land, but outside the house. The client has indicated that in the event that the units are required to operate, the units will be likely only operate for periods between 12:00pm and 8:00pm. Based on consideration of the above, and for the purpose of this assessment, WMG has considered the evening limit as the most critical assessment criteria.

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6. ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE MODELLING

6.1 NOISE PREDICTION METHODOLOGY

Modeling of operational noise emissions has been conducted using the Australian developed computer software package known as the Environmental Noise Model (ENM).

The ENM package, which runs in a 3-dimensional environment, has been used for many years and continues to be used because of its special features in relation to its algorithms dealing with the reduced noise reduction capabilities of barriers and land undulation due to breeze effects. This feature of the software remains state of the art and continues to provide good correlation with measured results. 6.2 INPUT PARAMETERS AND NOISE LEVEL PREDICTIONS

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assessment methodology indicates that residual noise levels at noise sensitive receivers should be considered when weather conditions assist with propagation of noise emissions in the direction of the relevant noise sensitive receivers. As part of the assessment, WMG has carried out noise modelling during the following scenarios to determine the potential noise impacts associated with the proposal: 1. Proposed generator layout including calm breeze conditions; 2. Proposed generator layout with breezes assisting propagation in the direction of the noise

sensitive receivers; 3. Site 1 generator units re-located to the south-western corner of the subject site with breezes

assisting propagation in the direction of the noise sensitive receivers; 4. Site 1 generator units re-located to the south-western corner of the subject site with calm

breeze conditions. A summary of the predicted noise levels during each of the scenarios, at each of the noise sensitive areas is described below: Standard Assessment Methodology (EPA Evening Period Assessment)

Assessment Location Area B (SEPP N-1) Area D (SEPP N-1) Area E (NIRV) Area F (NIRV)

Assessment Scenario

Predicted Noise Level

Compliance with Limit

Predicted Noise Level

Compliance with Limit

Predicted Noise Level

Compliance with Limit

Predicted Noise Level

Compliance with Limit

1 31 dB(A) Leq YES 38 dB(A) Leq YES 26 dB(A) Leq YES 35 dB(A) Leq YES

2 49 dB(A) Leq NO 51 dB(A) Leq NO 35 dB(A) Leq YES 41 dB(A) Leq NO

3 49 dB(A) Leq NO 43 dB(A) Leq YES 36 dB(A) Leq YES 42 dB(A) Leq NO

4 32 dB(A) Leq YES 34 dB(A) Leq YES 27 dB(A) Leq YES 37 dB(A) Leq YES

Standby Assessment Methodology (EPA Evening Period Assessment)

Assessment Location Area B (SEPP N-1) Area D (SEPP N-1) Area E (NIRV) Area F (NIRV)

Assessment Scenario

Predicted Noise Level

Compliance with Limit

Predicted Noise Level

Compliance with Limit

Predicted Noise Level

Compliance with Limit

Predicted Noise Level

Compliance with Limit

1 31 dB(A) Leq YES 38 dB(A) Leq YES 26 dB(A) Leq YES 35 dB(A) Leq YES

2 49 dB(A) Leq YES 51 dB(A) Leq NO 35 dB(A) Leq YES 41 dB(A) Leq YES

3 49 dB(A) Leq YES 43 dB(A) Leq YES 36 dB(A) Leq YES 42 dB(A) Leq YES

4 32 dB(A) Leq YES 34 dB(A) Leq YES 27 dB(A) Leq YES 37 dB(A) Leq YES

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6.3 NOISE LEVEL PREDICTION DISCUSSION

Based on consideration of the noise level prediction results, WMG provides the following comments: 1. Residual noise levels at the relevant noise sensitive receivers are significantly impacted by

the inclusion of light breezes assisting propagation of noise from the source in the direction of the noise sensitive receiver;

2. During calm conditions, WMG has predicted compliance with the relevant SEPP N-1/NIRV standard operation noise limits at each of the relevant noise sensitive receivers. Compliance will also be achieved during times when breeze conditions are blowing noise associated with the source away from the noise sensitive receiver, as well as times when breeze conditions are perpendicular to the noise sensitive receiver;

3. Based on the existing/proposed layout, and when breezes are assisting propagation of noise from the subject site in the direction of the nearby noise sensitive receivers, the predicted noise limits at Area B, E and F will comply with the relevant standby operation evening noise limits. The predicted values will marginally exceed the relevant standby operation evening noise limits by 2 dB(A) at Area D. For standard operation, the predicted noise levels will comply with the relevant standard operation noise limits at the Area E receiver, and will exceed the noise limits by 5 dB(A) at Area B, 7 dB(A) at Area D, and 4 dB(A) at Area F;

4. Relocation of the Site 1 generator units to a location in the south-western corner of the

subject site would assist in reducing the noise impacts on the residential dwellings located to the north in Area D. Noise levels in Area E and Area F will marginally increase as a result of the relocation of the units;

5. If Site 1 generator units were re-located, and during times when breezes are assisting propagation of noise from the subject site in the direction of the noise sensitive receiver, WMG has predicted compliance with standby noise limits at each of the noise sensitive receivers. For standard operation noise limits, compliance will be achieved at Area D and Area E locations. Exceedances will occur at Area B and Area F locations.

Further to the above, it must be noted that WMG has not included a tonal adjustment with regard to the potential noise emissions associated with the containerized generator units. Based on noise level calculations, it is anticipated that a tonal adjustment will not be required, or if required would be a maximum of a plus 2dB(A) adjustment.

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7. CONSIDERATION OF BREEZE CONDITIONS AND IMPACTS ON NOISE PROPAGATION Due to the significance of the wind speed and direction when predicting residual noise levels at the relevant noise sensitive receivers, WMG has carried out a review of the wind rose information for Morwell. The data includes historical data regarding the wind speed and direction for January, February and March in the area nearby to Morwell. The data was sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology. It should be noted that during times when wind speeds are greater that 20kph, outdoor noise measurements would not be considered appropriate in accordance with EPA methodologies. For the purpose of this review, wind speeds greater than 20kph have not been considered. Light breezes in the range 0-20kph have been considered relevant for the review. WMG has reviewed the relevant information, and provides a summary of the different percentages of time throughout the relevant periods during which breeze conditions will assist propagation of noise in the direction of the relevant noise sensitive receivers:

Based on consideration of the above, WMG provides the following comments: 1. In the order of 40-51% of the time, wind speeds will be sufficiently high that outdoor noise

measurements will not be suitable; 2. In the order of 2-3% of the time, light breezes will assist propagation from the subject site in

the direction of the noise sensitive receivers located in Area A and Area B; 3. In the order of 2-4% of the time, light breezes will assist propagation from the subject site in

the direction of the noise sensitive receivers located in Area C and Area D; 4. In the order of 2-4% of the time, light breezes will assist propagation from the subject site in

the direction of the noise sensitive receivers located in Area F; 5. In the order of 20-22% of the time, light breezes will assist propagation from the subject site

in the direction of the noise sensitive receivers located in Area E; Based on consideration of the above, Area E will be the most likely to receive light breezes assisting propagation of noise from the subject site in the direction of the noise sensitive receiver. With assisting breezes, WMG has predicted residual noise levels at the Area E receivers will be in the order of 35-36 dB(A)Leq, and will therefore achieve compliance with the relevant NIRV recommended maximum noise levels during the EPA evening assessment period.

Month Designation

Percentage of Time During Which Wind Speeds Are

Suitable for Outdoor Assessment

Percentage of Time Blowing in the direction of

Area A & B

Percentage of Time Blowing in the direction of

Area C & D

Percentage of Time Blowing in the direction of

Area E

Percentage of Time Blowing in the direction of

Area F

January 49% 2% 2% 20% 2%

February 56% 2% 3% 20% 3%

March 60% 3% 4% 22% 4%

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8. CONSIDERATION OF NOISE IMPACTS ON NEARBY COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

8.1 ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES

At present in Victoria there are no regulations in relation to rating unreasonable industrial noise emissions propagated to nearby commercial premises. In previous projects, WMG has referred to noise levels described in the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority Industrial Noise Policy. For industry impacting on adjoining commercial premises, the recommended noise limits assessed outside on the impacted site are as follows:

Acceptable 65 dB(A) Leq

Recommended Maximum 70 dB(A) Leq

8.2 NOISE SENSITIVE COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS AND PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS

The subject site is surrounded by commercial and industrial operations. Based on observations during attended site surveys, it was not clear which of the adjoining commercial and industrial sites were operational. For the purpose of this assessment, WMG has identified the following locations as the most relevant for the assessment: 1. Commercial/Industrial Receiver 1: Commercial Office – Lignite Court, Morwell; 2. Commercial/Industrial Receiver 2: Industrial Building – Porters Road, Hazelwood North. As part of the environmental noise modelling works, WMG has predicted residual noise levels associated with the proposal at the relevant nearby commercial operations. Noise level predictions include consideration of light breezes blowing noise associated with the subject site in the direction of the noise sensitive receiver. A summary of the predicted noise level impacts at each of the nearby relevant commercial/industrial operations is described below:

The predicted noise levels at each of the identified relevant nearby commercial/industrial receivers will be below the values described as ‘Acceptable’ in the New South Wales Environment

Protection Authority Industrial Noise Policy.

Noise Sensitive Commercial/Industrial Receiver Predicted Noise Level

Commercial Office – Lignite Court, Morwell 62 dB(A) Leq

Industrial Building – Porters Road, Hazelwood North 52 dB(A) Leq

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An aerial map identifying the relevant nearby commercial/industrial operations, and the corresponding predicted noise levels are attached below:

Subject Site – Generator Locations: 412 Commercial Rd

Commercial Receiver 1: Lignite Court, Morwell

(62 dB(A) Leq)

Commercial Receiver 2: Porters Road, Hazelwood

North (52 dB(A) Leq)

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9. OVERVIEW

Watson Moss Growcott has carried out an assessment of the proposal to install 114 containerised standby generator units at the site described as 412 Commercial Road, Morwell. The client has indicated that in the event that the units are required to operate, the units will be likely only operate for periods between 12:00pm and 8:00pm. Noise emissions associated with the proposal have been considered in accordance with the following guidelines and policies: 1. NOISE FROM INDUSTRY IN REGIONAL VICTORIA Recommended Maximum Noise

Levels from Commerce, Industry and Trade Premises in Regional Victoria (NIRV). 2. State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade)

No. N-1. Based on the assessment carried out, WMG has determined the following: 1. Residual noise levels at the relevant noise sensitive receivers are significantly impacted by

the inclusion of light breezes assisting propagation of noise from the source in the direction of the noise sensitive receiver;

2. During calm conditions, WMG has predicted compliance with the relevant SEPP N-1/NIRV standard operation noise limits at each of the relevant noise sensitive receivers. Compliance will also be achieved during times when breeze conditions are blowing noise associated with the source away from the noise sensitive receiver, as well as times when breeze conditions are perpendicular to the noise sensitive receiver;

3. Based on the existing/proposed layout, and when breezes are assisting propagation of noise from the subject site in the direction of the nearby noise sensitive receivers, the predicted noise levels at Area B, E and F will comply with the relevant standby operation evening noise limits. The predicted values will marginally exceed the relevant standby operation evening noise limits by 2 dB(A) at Area D. For standard operation, the predicted noise levels will comply with the relevant standard operation noise limits at the Area E receiver, and will exceed the noise limits by 5 dB(A) at Area B, 7 dB(A) at Area D, and 4 dB(A) at Area F;

4. Relocation of the Site 1 generator units to a location in the south-western corner of the

subject site would assist in reducing the noise impacts on the residential dwellings located to the north in Area D. Noise levels in Area E and Area F will marginally increase as a result of the relocation of the units;

5. If Site 1 generator units were re-located, and during times when breezes are assisting propagation of noise from the subject site in the direction of the noise sensitive receiver, WMG has predicted compliance with standby noise limits at each of the noise sensitive receivers. For standard operation noise limits, compliance will be achieved at Area D and Area E locations. Exceedances will occur at Area B and Area F locations;

6. Residual noise levels associated with the proposal will achieve relevant design objective values and nearby commercial/industrial operations.

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JORDAN GROWCOTT WATSON MOSS GROWCOTT acoustics pty ltd