Southdowns were commissioned to assess noise impacts from the proposed construction and operation of a biomass facility on land adjacent to an existing wood transfer station near Polegate East Sussex.
The proposed development consisted of multiple noise sources including storage and handling areas, gasification plant, multiple gas engine generator units, a steam turbine, an outdoor discharge stack and a hybrid water cooling tower.
To calculate surrounding receptor noise levels, detailed noise modelling was undertaken which incorporated octave band noise data from the anticipated plant and activities associated with the development, the surrounding topography and noise barriers. The SoundPLAN noise software allowed interrogation of the receiver noise levels to determine which items of plant required additional mitigation.
On behalf of the client, Southdowns also liaised with the District and County Councils with regard to noise criteria and assessment requirements and were able to attend meetings with the County council to present calculations and report findings.
