Reedy Creek Key Resource Area (RCKRA) Project Noise Impact Assessment
An independent Noise Impact Assessment of the proposed RCKRA Project has been undertaken, it addressed the potential impact of noise emissions from the planned operations at full production of 1.2 million tonnes per annum.
The assessment was based upon ambient noise monitoring, and detailed computer noise modelling to provide recommendations for measures required to mitigate noise impacts at sensitive receptors and to comply with regulatory noise criteria.
Current land uses surrounding the site have various zonings. These include:
The nearest residential receptors to the proposed quarry area are located from the north-eastern to north-western boundaries of the proposed pit site.
To enable an assessment of existing ambient noise levels detailed noise measurements were undertaken at five separate locations using noise dataloggers placed at free-field locations over a continuous six-day period from 31 October to 6 November 2024.
To assess noise emissions from the proposed quarrying activities noise modelling was undertaken at relatively elevated and exposed locations and included modelling from the establishment phase through to the life of extraction of the resource. The assessment considered the surrounding area of the proposed site as the acoustic quality of the surrounding environment is already impacted in this locality, primarily from the M1.
Assessment findings
Due to the project being designed with all permanent plant being fully enclosed, in all scenario modelling, the noise assessment demonstrates that the predicted resultant noise levels at the representative receptor locations during the 6am to 7am and 7am to 6pm period including 24 hour maintenance operations, are compliant without the need for additional specific noise control measures.
Transport noise associated with the RCKRA Project
The independent assessment also included a detailed assessment of road traffic noise. It focussed on Old Coach Road from north of the proposed quarry access point to the Stapley Drive overpass, which is an identified haulage route for RCKRA Project.
Assessment findings
The assessment concluded that when considering the cumulative noise of Old Coach Road, the M1and the inclusion of the RCKRA Project traffic, the net increase in road traffic noise levels associated with the RCKRA Project will be less than 0.5dBA. The give the measurement context the sound of rustling leaves is 20dBA.
As the existing residential land along Old Coach Road is already dominated by road traffic noise, the effect of the additional noise generated by the RCKRA Project traffic will be imperceptible.
