FAQ: What is a Noise Impact Assessment?
By Engaged Expert
Stephen WighamStephen has over 20 years’ experience conducting air quality, noise and vibration assessments for large scale transportation, industrial, commercial, and residential developments.
We asked our environmental expert Stephen Wigham to answer the Frequently Asked Questions that he and his team receive each day regarding environmental noise assessments and environmental impact assessments.
What is a Noise Impact Assessment?
A noise impact assessment (NIA) predicts the impact that noise, from a proposed development, is likely to have on the surrounding area.
An NIA determines the existing level of noise (i.e. the baseline noise) at the proposed development; and predicts the level of impact that the new proposal has on this existing noise climate.
What is a BS4142 Noise Assessment?
BS4142 noise assessments are used for developments that are noise-sensitive, noise-generating, or both. BS4142 assessments form part of the planning or permitting process for industrial developments.
BS 4142:2014 +A1:2019 details methods to rate and assess sound from the following:
- Industrial and manufacturing processes
- Fixed installations (e.g. mechanical and electrical plant and equipment)
- Loading and unloading of goods and materials at industrial and/or commercial premises
- Mobile plants and vehicles that form an intrinsic part of the overall sound emanating from premises or processes (e.g. forklift trucks)
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool used to assess the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment.
EIA generally has six main stages:
- Screening
- Scoping
- Preparing the EIA Report
- Making an application and consultation
- Decision making
- Post-decision assessment work
An Environmental Assessment Impact report is written and submitted in support of an application for development consent.
How does Noise fit into an Environmental Impact Assessment?
A Noise Environmental Statement typically involves the following:
- Assessment of existing environment (baseline)
- Description of a proposed development
- Likely environmental impacts of development assessed in relation to (a) impact on natural/physical environment i.e. marine; ornithology (b) impact on human environment i.e. recreational, residential receptor impact; loss of external amenity
- Magnitude and significance of environmental impacts ranked
- Mitigation (if required) assessed and residual impacts then reassessed
What is Air Dispersion Modelling Software?
Air dispersion modeling software can assess the air quality impacts of parameters such as NOx, NO2, particulates, SO2, and many more. By using state-of-the-art digital software such as US EPA ISC-AERMOD and ADMS, different scenarios can be modeled to determine the environmental impact at both human and ecological receptor locations.
Air Dispersion Modelling software allows users to simulate the effect on air quality when changing variables such as altering stack height, volumetric flow rates, and emission concentrations.
The Сòòò½APP Advantage
Сòòò½APP is a total environmental compliance solutions provider and covers the full range of compliance and safety services.
Backed by over 60 years of independent environmental compliance testing experience to clients around the world, Сòòò½APP offers industry-leading services in Environmental Impact Assessments, Air Quality, Occupational Hygiene, Hazardous Materials, and Noise Assessments.
For more information about our environmental compliance, contact us today.
Find related Resources
Case Study: EIA scoping project for Warringtonfire
Learn how we performed an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) for the construction of the UK's largest built environment product testing facility.
The project included acoustic design assistance, noise assessments, and air quality dispersion modeling to demonstrate that the new facility would not have a detrimental impact on the local environment. read our case studyCase Study: Noise Impact Assessment for Eden Geothermal
Read how Сòòò½APP carried out a Noise Impact Assessment on the Eden Geothermal construction project.
During the drilling process, Сòòò½APP provided detailed technical acoustic input into the groundbreaking scheme that is supporting the decarbonization of heat supply for the world-famous Eden Project biomes. read our case studyCase Study: Noise Impact Assessment for National Highways on M32 Eastville Viaduct
Learn how we carried out a noise assessment addressing noise pollution concerns surrounding the M32 Eastville Viaduct in Bristol.
Read our case study authored by Stephen Wigham demonstrating Сòòò½APP’s industry-leading capabilities read our case studyArticle: Discover how we use acoustic noise cameras for Noise Impact Assessments
Our cameras visually represent the level of sound approaching the camera from different directions.
Acoustic noise data is required for environmental, road & traffic noise assessments, or assessing industrial noise complaints, our experienced team can help you resolve issues, and comply with legislation and environmental permit requirements. LEARN MORE
Environmental Testing and Compliance Content
Discover our environmental thought leadership content including articles, white papers, case studies and FAQs.
Written by our industry experts, we explore a range of laboratory and field-based topics related to how we help clients comply with environmental legislation and maintain safe operations.
READ MORERelated pages
Workplace Noise Surveys and Assessments
Find out how we help our customers to reduce and minimize exposure to noise in the workplace.
Environmental Impact Assessments
Сòòò½APP’s industry experts provide environmental impact assessments for air quality, noise, and vibration, which must be closely considered through the planning process.
Ambient Air Quality
Find out how we help our customers comply with regulations for ambient air quality to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of air pollution.
Air Dispersion Modeling
Air Dispersion Modeling computes weather patterns and local topography to predict the concentration of emissions at ground level caused by an emissions source. Find out more.
Environmental Compliance & Safety
Сòòò½APP’s industry-leading environmental compliance and safety services help our customers to demonstrate the highest possible standards of environmental compliance and socially responsible performance.
Stack Emissions Testing
Find out how our stack emissions testing services help our customers to prevent exposure, reduce emissions, improve air quality and achieve regulatory compliance for the industrial installations they operate.
Workplace Vibration Testing
Find out how we help our customers to minimize exposure to Hand Arm and Whole Body Vibration in the workplace.
Occupational Hygiene Services
We help our customers control workplace hazards that can cause harm by drawing together knowledge and experience of chemical, physical and biological health impact and industrial processes.