Source: https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/forth-replacement-crossing-environmental-statement/j11223-066/
Timestamp: 2018-01-24 00:06:28
Document Index: 580953399

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6']

A16.3 Baseline Noise Surveys
As part of the environmental impact assessment work for the proposed replacement crossing, an assessment of the current noise climate has been carried out. This involved completing both long term and short term noise surveys at various representative locations along the proposed scheme corridor.
1 Long Term Noise Surveys
1.1 Long Term Noise Survey Methods and Locations
1.1.1 This section of the appendix describes the baseline noise survey that has been conducted at long term locations to establish existing noise levels at sensitive locations within the area of the existing and proposed bridge development.
1.1.2 The long term measurement locations have been chosen as a balance between:
numbers of properties affected;
distance from the proposed scheme; and
providing representative ambient noise levels.
1.1.3 The purpose of this exercise was to provide data on noise climates at a sample of long term locations from which predicted noise levels could be verified. These site investigations are also considered important to determine if certain parts of the study area are dominated by noise from sources other than traffic noise, in which case the prediction results would not accurately reflect noise levels in that area. It should be noted that some variance between measured existing noise levels and predicted noise levels for the ambient situation prior to opening of the proposed scheme would be expected. This might be due to, for example, differences in traffic flow levels between the present and the opening year; meteorological conditions at the time of the survey; or inherent variability between any two measurements (Reference: A Good Practice Guide on the Sources and Magnitude of Uncertainty Arising in the Practical Measurement of Environmental Noise. Craven N J and Kerry G, University of Salford, 2001. The survey methodology, locations and results are described below.
1.1.4 Surveys were completed over the period between 21 April and 22 May 2009. The measurement locations are shown in Figure 16.2. The measured data are considered to be representative of the ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the sound level meter.
Table 1.1: Noise logger survey address locations
No.6 Mucklehill Park
Brüel &Kjær 2238 Kit A
No.8 Whinny Hill Crescent
Rion NL-32 Kit D
Brüel &Kjær 2238 Kit B
No.4 Clufflat Brae
Rion NL-32 Kit A
No.8 Kirklands Park Grove
Rion NL-32 Kit B
1.1.5 The sound level meters were checked for correct calibration before and after each series of measurements. No significant fluctuation in level was recorded throughout each survey period. In addition to this, each sound level meter kit used has a full traceable calibration carried out on an annual basis.
1.1.6 Long term measurements were taken over a three week period, where possible, at noise sensitive locations near to the proposed route, although access and security of equipment also governed site selection. The six long term logger locations used are shown in Figure 16.2.
1.1.7 The purpose of these measurements was to provide an indication of the variation in noise level at a sample of locations over a period of weeks, to provide long-term measured noise levels to inform construction noise assessments and for verification of the operational noise predictions. The chosen long term logging locations were distributed across the study area to indicate the variation in noise levels that might occur on different days at nearby short term logging locations, or at other areas with similar noise climates and equivalent local noise sources.
1.1.8 The results were in the form of 15 minute logged measurements reported as time histories in Long Term Noise Survey Results section.
1.1.9 Microphone heights were set 1.2-1.5m above local ground level at least 3.5m away from any reflecting surface in an acoustically ‘free-field’ condition. The sound level meter and battery pack were stored in a weatherproof cases. A windshield was fitted at all times to minimise the effects of wind induced noise across the microphone diaphragm.
Measurement Location Descriptions
Logger 1 – No.6 Mucklehill Park, Inverkeithing OS Grid Ref 312452N, 682658E
1.1.10 The sound level meter was positioned in the rear garden of No.6 Mucklehill Park which is situated to the east of the A90. This location is above the A90 as the road is in cut at this point. This location was chosen as it is considered representative of properties on the western periphery of Inverkeithing north of the Forth.
1.1.11 During site visits by Jacobs Arup personnel it was noted that road traffic noise from the A90 dominated the noise climate at this location.
Logger 2 – No. 8 Whinny Hill Crescent, Inverkeithing. OS Grid Ref 312449N, 682455E
1.1.12 The sound level meter was located in the rear garden of No. 8 Whinny Hill Crescent to the east of the A90. This location is above the A90 as the road is in cut at this point. This location was chosen, as the Mucklehill Park location, as it is considered representative of properties on the western periphery of Inverkeithing. Also being further south it is closer to the Ferry Toll junction that will experience remodelling as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing scheme.
1.1.13 During site visits by Jacobs Arup personnel it was noted that road traffic noise from the A90 dominated the noise climate at this location.
Logger 3 – Tigh-na-grian, Ferry Road, North Queensferry. OS Grid Ref 312503N, 680693E
1.1.14 The sound level meter was positioned in the front garden of the property. The location was chosen as Tigh-na-grian is one of the closest properties to the Replacement Forth Crossing main crossing and is also considered to be reasonably representative of ambient noise levels on the north shore of the Forth.
1.1.15 During site visits by Jacobs Arup personnel it was noted that the noise climate at this location was dominated by road traffic using the existing Forth Road Bridge.
Logger 4 – Port Edgar, South Queensferry. OS Grid Ref 311890N, 678669E
1.1.16 Port Edgar is within a Special Protection Area (see Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology, and Figure 10.1). The sound level meter was positioned at one of the Port Edgar quays, which was considered to be representative of the ambient noise levels that would be experienced in the area, especially by wildlife and specifically birds as discussed in Chapter 11 (Estuarine Ecology).
1.1.17 As Port Edgar is situated west of the existing bridge, the traffic noise from the bridge dominates the ambient noise at this location. During site visits by Jacobs Arup personnel it was noted that other short term noise sources associated with harbour activities also contributed to the local noise climate.
Logger 5 – No. 4 Clufflat Brae, South Queensferry. OS Grid Ref 311688N, 678542E
1.1.18 The sound level meter was positioned in the rear garden of No.4 Clufflat Brae. This location was felt to be representative of a large residential area, located east of the fields where the new bridge will land.
1.1.19 At the time of site visits road traffic noise was audible and considered to be the main noise source in this area.
Logger 6 – No. 8 Kirklands Park Grove, Kirkliston. OS Grid Ref 311787N, 674936E
1.1.20 The sound level meter was positioned in the rear garden of Kirklands Park Grove, on the west edge of Kirkliston. Kirklands Park Grove is located at the foot of the embankment of the M9 spur. This location was felt to be representative of a large residential area, located close to the M9 spur, which will continue to be used by road traffic using the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.
1.1.21 During site visits Jacobs Arup personnel noted that road traffic noise from the M9 spur was dominant at this location with some contribution from aircraft.
1.2 Long Term Noise Survey Results
Chart 1: Logger 1 - Long term noise record, Mucklehill Park, Inverkeithing (no dBLA10 or dBLA90 data between 21 to 29 April. Instrumentation failure 7 May to 10 May)
Chart 2: Logger 2 - Long term noise record, Whinny Hill Crescent, Inverkeithing
Chart 3: Logger 3 - Long term noise record, Tigh-na-grian, Ferry Road, North Queensferry (instrumentation failure 04 May to 05 May and 10 May to 14 May)
Chart 4: Logger 4 - Long term noise record, Port Edgar, South Queensferry (instrumentation failure 18 May to 29 May)
Chart 5: Logger 5 - Long term noise record, Clufflat Brae, South Queensferry (instrumentation failure 04 May to 08 May)
Chart 6: Logger 6 - Long term noise record, Kirklands Park Grove, Kirkliston
1.3 Summary of Long Term Noise Survey Results
Table 1.2: Logger 1 - Mucklehill Park – day, evening and night results
Noise levels in dB re 2x10-5 Pa
2200 – 0800
- LA1, LA10 and LA90 not recorded.
Table 1.3: Logger 1 - Mucklehill Park – 18-hour day and 6-hour night
- LA10 not recorded.
Table 1.4: Logger 2 - Whinny Hill Crescent – day, evening and night results
Table 1.5: Logger 2 - Whinny Hill Crescent – 18-hour day and 6-hour night
Table 1.6: Logger 3 - Tigh-na-grian – day, evening and night results
Noise levels in dB re 2*10-5 Pa
Table 1.7: Logger 3 - Tigh-na-grian – 18-hour day and 6-hour night
Table 1.8: Logger 4 - Port Edgar – day, evening and night results
Table 1.9: Logger 4 - Port Edgar – 18-hour day and 6-hour night
18th Mayl
Table 1.10: Logger 5 - Clufflat Brae – day, evening and night results
Table 1.11: Logger 5 - Clufflat Brae – 18-hour day and 6-hour night
Table 1.12: Logger 6 - Kirklands Park Grove – day, evening and night results
Table 1.13: Logger 6 - Kirklands Park Grove – 18-hour day and 6-hour night
2 Short Term Noise Surveys
2.1 Short Term Noise Survey Methods and Locations
2.1.1 In addition to the long term unattended surveys, short term attended surveys were undertaken at other locations to provide additional information on the range of noise climates across the study area.
2.1.2 Surveys were carried out at various locations on various dates detailed in the following sections. These survey locations are shown in Figure 16.2.
2.1.3 In all instances the sound level meter was checked for correct calibration before and after each series of measurements. No significant fluctuation in level was recorded throughout each survey period. In addition to this, each sound level meter kit used by Arup Acoustics has a full traceable calibration carried out on an annual basis.
2.1.4 In all instances the sound level meter was mounted on a tripod, with the microphone set approximately 1.2m above ground level. A windshield was fitted to the microphone to minimise the effects of wind-induced noise across the microphone diaphragm.
2.1.5 Measurements were made in broad accordance with the procedure set out in the document "Calculation of Road Traffic Noise" (UK Department of Transport).
2.1.6 Measurements of ten to fifteen minutes duration were made at each location, dependent upon conditions at the measurement location. In each case, the time period was considered appropriate to provide a good representation of the typical noise climate at each measurement location.
2.1.7 All measurements were taken in an acoustically hemispherical ‘free field’ condition, at least 3.5 m away from any vertical acoustical reflective surfaces. Most locations were chosen to provide a representative indication of the typical ambient noise level at residential properties close to the proposed scheme. This information was used to help validate the acoustic road noise model used for the predictive noise calculations, refer to Section 16.2 of Chapter 16, and to determine ambient noise levels to information the assessment of construction noise, refer to Chapter 19.
2.1.8 Surveys were also completed at Port Edgar and on the northern shore to represent locations where terns are known to loaf and to nest. These areas were highlighted following discussion with the Ecology team and more detailed information is provided within Chapter 11, Estuarine Ecology.
2.2 Short Term Noise Survey Results
Surveying 09 December 2008
2.2.1 The noise surveys were carried out by Jacobs Arup personnel. Meteorological conditions during the noise survey periods on 09 December 2008 were cold and damp with a light breeze (1-3 m/s). It is considered that no unusual events occurred during the survey periods and the measurement data provided a true and fair representation of the background noise levels at the various measurement locations.
2.2.2 Measurements were undertaken with sound level measuring equipment conforming to British Standard EN 61672, Type 1. The sound level meter measured a full range of parameters in octave bands, including Leq, L10, L90, and Lmax,F. The meter was set to fast response time averaging (125ms) and stored all measured data after every measurement period.
Table 2.1: Instrumentation used for environmental noise survey
AAcG Kit J
Precision grade sound level meter
½" diameter pre-polarised condenser microphone
Type 1 sound pressure level calibrator
886464194
AAcG Kit A
16Q238818
2.2.3 Measurement locations 7, 8 and 9 are all located west of South Queensferry at Echline Fields.
2.2.4 Location 7 was carried out in a field west of a large residential area. The dominant noise source was vehicular noise from traffic using the Forth Road Bridge, and to a lesser extent the A904, as well as occasional contribution from aircraft and intermittent distant site works at Linn Mill.
2.2.5 Location 8 was carried out in the same field as location 7 and with the large residential area to the east, but approximately 70m due south. The dominant noise source was vehicular noise from traffic using the Forth Road Bridge and the A904, as well as noise contribution from aircraft and distant site works at Linn Mill.
2.2.6 Location 9 was carried out in the same field as locations 7 and 8 but located on the western edge of the field, near residences on Linn Mill. The dominant noise source was distant road traffic noise with some contribution from aircraft and occasional site works at Linn Mill in the vicinity of location 9.
2.2.7 Location 10 was carried out at Dundas Home Farm close to the existing A90 and due south of the existing bridge. Access within Dundas Home Farm was unclear at the time so a location along the access road was chosen for measurements. The dominant noise source was distant traffic noise and occasional aircraft overhead.
2.2.8 Location 11 is west of location 10 and very close to a residential building (White Lodge) on the outskirts of Dundas Estate. The dominant noise source was distant traffic noise.
2.2.9 A noise measurement was planned for location 12 however this location is within the grounds of Dundas Estate and access was unclear at the time of the survey so measurements were not undertaken for this location as it was considered not reasonably practicable to do so.
Surveying 26 January 2009
2.2.10 The noise surveys were carried out by Jacobs Arup personnel. Meteorological conditions during the noise survey periods on 26 January 2009were cool and dry with a light breeze (1-2m/s). It is considered that no unusual events occurred during the survey periods and the measurement data provided a true and fair representation of the background noise levels at the various measurement locations.
2.2.11 Measurements were undertaken with sound level measuring equipment conforming to British Standard EN 61672, Type 1. The sound level meter measured octave band values with real time analysis giving statistical and LAeq and LAmax,F noise levels. The meter was set to fast response and stored all measured data after every measurement period.
Table 2.2: Instrumentation used for environmental noise survey
AAcLED Kit B
_" diameter pre-polarised condenser microphone
35173566
2.2.12 Location 4 was located adjacent to Admiralty House, St Margaret’s Hope. The dominant source of noise was due to road traffic on the existing Forth Road Bridge. There was also birdsong and occasional sounds of small aircraft in addition to a boat on the Forth.
2.2.13 Location 5 was located on the north bank of the Forth, close to Ferry Craig House. The soundscape was dominated by road traffic noise coming from the existing Forth Road Bridge. There were audible clunks from heavy vehicles going over the expansion joints on the suspended sections of the bridge.
2.2.14 Location 6 was located on western side of the Queensferry Hotel. The dominant source of noise was again road traffic from the existing Forth Road Bridge with some contribution from local traffic passing along the B981 below the hotel.
Surveying 28 January 2009
2.2.15 The noise surveys were carried out by Jacobs Arup personnel. Meteorological conditions during the noise survey periods on 28 January 2009 were cool and dry with a light breeze (1-2m/s). It is considered that no unusual events occurred during the survey periods and the measurement data provided a true and fair representation of the background noise levels at the various measurement locations.
2.2.16 Measurements were undertaken with sound level measuring equipment conforming to British Standard EN 61672, Type 1. The sound level meter measured octave band values with real time analysis giving statistical and LAeq and LAmax,F noise levels. The meter was set to fast response and stored all measured data after every measurement period.
Table 2.3: Instrumentation used for environmental noise survey
2.2.17 Location 1 was located on the western edge of Inverkeithing to the rear of properties on Hillfield Crescent. The dominant noise source was road traffic noise from the A90 with occasional contribution from birdsong and occasional distant construction noise.
2.2.18 Location 2 was located on the western periphery of Inverkeithing at some recreational ground on Manse Road/Whinny Hill Crescent. The dominant noise source arose from road traffic on the A90 with occasional contribution from local road traffic and distant scrap yard activity.
2.2.19 Location 3 was located on Lothians View at the top of Castlandhill. The dominant noise source arose from road traffic on the A90 with occasional contribution from birdsong.
2.2.20 Location 13 was located on the playing field of Kirkliston Leisure Centre beside Kirklands Park Street. The dominant noise source arose from road traffic on the A90 with occasional contribution from birdsong.
2.2.21 Location 14 was located beside the Kirkliston Primary School off Pentland Road. At the time of the noise surveys the dominant noise source arose from pupils at the school so the survey results are considered invalid. Further measurements were carried out at Location 16, which was chosen as a reasonable proxy to Location 14.
2.2.22 Location 15 was located close to properties on Cotlaws/King Edwards Way on the southwestern edge of Kirkliston. The dominant noise source arose from road traffic on the M9.
2.2.23 Location 16 was located on recreational land south of Kirkliston Primary School accessed from Pentland Road towards the southwestern edge of Kirkliston. The dominant noise source arose from road traffic on the M9 with occasional contribution from aircraft.
Surveying 18, 19 and 20 March 2009
2.2.24 The noise surveys were carried out by Jacobs Arup personnel. Meteorological conditions during the noise survey periods on 18, 19 and 20 March 2009 were cool and dry with a light to moderate breeze (2-4m/s) during each day. It is considered that no unusual events occurred during the survey periods and the measurement data provided a true and fair representation of the background noise levels at the various measurement locations.
2.2.25 Measurements were undertaken with sound level measuring equipment conforming to British Standard EN 61672, Type 1. The sound level meter measured octave band values with real time analysis giving statistical noise levels. The meter was set to fast response and stored all measured data after every measurement period.
Table 2.4: Instrumentation used for environmental noise survey
2.2.26 Location 20 was located on northern shore of the Forth to the west of St. Margaret’s Hope. The dominant source of noise was again road traffic from the A90 from a north easterly direction with some contribution from waves lapping on the shore and birdsong. This location was difficult to access so only one measurement was conducted but has been included for completeness.
2.2.27 Location 21 was located on northern shore of the Forth underneath the existing Forth Road Bridge. The dominant source of noise was road traffic from the A90 above. Only two measurements were possible.
2.2.28 Location 22 was located on the northern shore of the Forth along the pier/jetty at North Queensferry. The dominant source of noise was road traffic from the existing Forth Road Bridge. There were contributions from the maintenance activity noise on the Forth Railway Bridge and occasional train horn and movement noise.
2.2.29 Location 23 was located on southern shore of the Forth at the northern end of the western breakwater at Port Edgar. The dominant source of noise was road traffic noise from the existing Forth Road Bridge. There were occasional contributions from train movements and associated train horns on the Forth Railway Bridge.
2.2.30 Location 17 was located in the Inverkeithing Cemetery at the south west edge of Inverkeithing. The dominant source of noise arose from road traffic on the A90 with occasional contributions from trains and birdsong.
2.2.31 Location 18 was located on Ferry Hills Road, Jamestown. The dominant source was local road traffic and occasional train movements.
2.2.32 Location 19 was located on Ferry Hills Road, Jamestown further south than Location 18. The dominant source of noise arose from road traffic on the A90 with occasional contributions from local traffic and scrapyard activity.
2.3 Summary of Short Term Noise Survey Results
Table 2.5: Short term attended noise survey results
% Only two time periods were covered on this visit so additional measurements were completed on 18/03/09.
& LAmax due to car horn from passing car.
* Measurement affected by school bell and children close to microphone
$ Only one measurement undertaken at this location due to practical constraints
# Only two measurements were completed at these locations due to practical constraints