5 Noise and Vibration

5 Noise and Vibration

5.1 Objective

5.1.1 To use best practicable means during construction works to minimise noise (including vibration) at neighbouring residential properties and other sensitive receptors arising from construction activities.

5.2 Mitigation of Noise and Vibration Impacts

5.2.1 The contractor will comply with the contents and recommendations of BS 5228: ’Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites‘, together with the specific requirements of this CoCP.

5.2.2 The contractor will use the principle of best practicable means in the design and construction of the scheme, including the design of mitigation measures, to control and limit noise and vibration effects during construction. Best practicable means are defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as those measures which are ‘reasonably practicable having regard among other things to local conditions and circumstances, to the current state of technical knowledge and to financial implications’.

5.2.3 The contractor will undertake an assessment of the likely noise and vibration levels associated with construction of the Project as part of assuring the implementation of best practicable means to minimise noise (including vibration) which will be submitted to the Employer’s Representative for approval. In relation to best practicable means, the contractor will employ appropriate measures which may include:

  • Appropriate selection of plant, construction methods and programming. Only plant conforming with or better than relevant national or international standards, directives or recommendations on noise and vibration emissions will be used. Construction plant will be maintained in good condition with regard to minimising noise output and workers exposure to harmful noise and vibration.
  • Construction plant will be operated and maintained appropriately, having regard to the manufacturer’s written recommendations or using other appropriate operation and maintenance programmes which reduce noise and vibration emissions. All vehicles and plant will be switched off when not in use.
  • Design and use of site hoardings and screens, where necessary, to provide acoustic screening at the earliest opportunity. Where practicable, doors and gates will not be located opposite occupied noise-sensitive buildings. The mechanisms and procedures for opening and closing doors/gates will minimise noise, as far as reasonably practicable.
  • Erection of operational noise barriers as early as practicable in the construction process to provide additional protection against construction noise.
  • Choice of routes and programming for the transport of construction materials, spoil and personnel to reduce the risk of increased noise and vibration impacts due to the construction of the Project.
  • The positioning of construction plant and activities to minimise noise at sensitive locations.
  • The use of mufflers on pneumatic tools.
  • The use of non-reciprocating constructional plant.
  • The use, where necessary, of effective sound reducing enclosures.

5.2.4 Piling works and blasting works will be kept to the minimum practicable taking consideration of the requirements of the design and programme requirements for construction of the Project.

5.2.5 Ground vibration at any structure, property or building affected by blasting, will comply with the requirements set out in Section 5.6 of this CoCP.

5.2.6 The contractor will carry out a risk assessment of the effects of the design and construction of the Project on the structural integrity of adjacent buildings and structures. The contractor will carry out a structural or dilapidation survey of all buildings or structures that are considered, based on the risk assessment, to be at risk due to vibration.

5.2.7 The contractor will comply with the requirements in relation to the control of noise and vibration set out in the RIAAs for any works associated with the construction of the main crossing and approach viaducts over the Firth of Forth. To the extent that their proposals differ from those assumed by the Environmental Statement and the RIAAs, the contractor will consult with SNH, Marine Scotland and SEPA regarding the construction methods to be used and mitigation measures to be implemented to comply with the Appropriate Assessments. See also paragraph 1.4.3 regarding the Appropriate Assessments and Section 10 of this CoCP regarding Ecology.

5.2.8 Noise insulation work may be carried out or a grant made in respect of carrying out noise insulation work to eligible buildings in accordance with the Noise Insulation (Scotland) Regulations 1975. The regulations can apply where construction work seriously affects, or will seriously affect for a substantial period of time the enjoyment of the building. Application of the regulations will apply under this CoCP where noise levels exceed the thresholds defined in Section 5.4 of this CoCP in the following circumstances:

  • The building is an eligible building as defined in the Noise Insulation (Scotland) Regulations 1975.
  • The noise level exceeds or the predicted noise level is likely to exceed the noise thresholds set out in Section 5.4 of this CoCP for at least 10 days out of any period of 15 consecutive days or alternatively 40 days in any 6 month period.
  • Noise insulation does not already exist at the building that is of an equivalent standard to that which would be allowed for in accordance with the Noise Insulation (Scotland) Regulations 1975.

5.2.9 The contractor will consult with the occupiers of non-residential, noise sensitive buildings as defined in the Environmental Statement regarding the noise thresholds set out in Section 5.4 of this CoCP to consider any specific mitigation that may be required for these buildings to reduce the impact of construction noise.

5.2.10 Part II of Section 26 of the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973 sets out the conditions where compensation associated with temporary rehousing may be provided. This may be implemented where the enjoyment of a dwelling is affected to such an extent that continued occupation of the dwelling is not reasonably practicable. In exceptional circumstances, such as where noise and vibration levels are predicted to significantly exceed the thresholds set out in Sections 5.4 and 5.6 of this CoCP, or the predicted levels and duration of noise and vibration are likely to cause significant effects, reasonable expenses incurred by the occupier in providing suitable alternative residential accommodation in accordance with the provisions of the 1973 Act may be paid. Considerations in relation to temporary rehousing will be based on the contractor’s programme, proposed method of working and any predicted noise effects likely to occur. Any requests in relation to this aspect will be considered on an individual basis.

5.2.11 The contractor will use best practicable means to minimise the extent to which noise insulation work or temporary rehousing of occupiers of dwellings adjacent to the works needs to be considered.

5.3 Noise and Vibration Management Plan

5.3.1 As explained in Section 1.7 of this CoCP, the contractor’s EMP will include a Noise and Vibration Management Plan which will describe measures to be implemented to control and mitigate noise and vibration during construction together with details regarding monitoring systems to be employed during construction. The Noise and Vibration Management Plan will include the following, as appropriate:

  • A noise and vibration policy statement setting out the contractor’s commitment to avoiding unnecessary noise and vibration and mitigating noise and vibration levels during construction of the Project.
  • The management processes to be implemented in planning and undertaking all construction activity to ensure that best practicable means are employed to minimise noise (including vibration).
  • A plan identifying residential buildings and other sensitive receptors, including those identified in the RIAAs, which may be affected by noise and vibration due to construction work.
  • A noise and vibration monitoring protocol including a schedule of noise and vibration monitoring locations and stages during construction of the project when monitoring will be undertaken.
  • The procedure for measuring construction noise and vibration levels at buildings and other sensitive receptors adjacent to the works.
  • The procedure for monitoring workers’ exposure to noise and vibration.
  • The conditions under which the contractor will provide additional mitigation at buildings and other sensitive receptors adversely affected by noise or vibration despite the use of best practicable means and the procedures for provision of such mitigation.
  • Details of site hoardings, screens or bunds which will be put in place to provide acoustic screening during construction, together with an inspection and maintenance schedule for such features.
  • An inspection schedule for monitoring construction plant sound power output levels.

5.4 Airborne Noise Threshold Levels

5.4.1 Normal working hours, marine works and other works are defined in Section 3.4 of this CoCP. The contractor will be authorised to undertake works, without a secondary consent or approval under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, within these time periods provided the work is undertaken within the noise thresholds set out in Table 5.4.1 below:

Table 5.4.1 Noise Thresholds

Item

Day

Time

Averaging
Period T

Noise Level
LAeq,T

Normal Working Hours

Mondays to Saturdays

0700 - 1900

12 hours

75

Marine Works

Mondays to Saturdays

1900 - 2200

1 hour

65

Sundays

0700 - 2200

1 hour

65

Night time any day

2200 - 0700

1 hour

60

Other Works

Mondays to Saturdays

1900 - 2200

1 hour

65

Sundays

0700 - 2200

1 hour

65

Night time any day

2200 - 0700

1 hour

55

Note: All noise levels will be predicted or measured values 1m from a façade.

5.4.2 The Environmental Statement acknowledges that the thresholds in Table 5.4.1 above would be exceeded during construction for certain periods and activities. Where the contractor requires working outside these noise threshold levels, the contractor will apply to the relevant local authority for consent in accordance with Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 in advance of the works taking place. The construction noise levels set out in the Environmental Statement which exceed the thresholds above are anticipated to be acceptable in terms of any consent application subject to the contractor demonstrating compliance with the requirements of paragraph 5.4.6 of this CoCP.

5.4.3 The noise threshold levels in Table 5.4.1 above will be considered as ‘trigger’ values for eligible buildings in relation to considering whether to make an offer in respect of carrying out or making a grant in respect of carrying out noise insulation work as set out in Section 5.2 of this CoCP, except in relation to night time marine works. The threshold for considering noise insulation due to night time marine works will be 55dB.

5.4.4 As explained in paragraph 5.2.2 the contractor will use best practicable means to control and limit noise during construction. The contractor will limit construction activities which could cause disturbance outside normal working hours to a reasonably practicable minimum, subject to the programme requirements for construction of the Project and the requirements of the design and integrity of the works being constructed.

5.4.5 The contractor will consult with local authorities regarding likely noise levels and mitigation measures to be implemented.

5.4.6 In making an application in accordance with Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, the contractor will provide such information as may be required by the local authority and will demonstrate that:

  • it is not reasonably practicable to carry out the work within the threshold levels set out in this CoCP;
  • the contractor will use best practicable means to control or limit noise during construction;
  • the contractor has considered all mitigation measures and has implemented or will implement appropriate measures prior to commencing the works to which the application relates;
  • all relevant parties have been consulted; and
  • all alternative means to reduce the amount of work to be undertaken outwith normal working hours has been explored.

5.5 Waterborne Noise Thresholds

5.5.1 The contractor will plan in advance the timing and methods of any construction activity that could give rise to levels of waterborne noise in the Firth of Forth which could cause significant noise effects and undertake the works in line with the RIAAs in relation to:

  • undertaking the works outside of migration periods for the key species (e.g. salmonids, lamprey spp.); or
  • maintaining the level of noise over at least half the width of the Forth (at low tide) below that which would give rise to any significant reaction from the marine species of interest to enable marine species of interest to pass the area.

5.5.2 In the second case, the contractor will provide other mitigation as described in the RIAAs such that the specific species may move to the ‘protected’ zone(s) of the Forth in advance of the works being undertaken.

5.5.3 The contractor will also comply with the requirements of Section 10.3 of this CoCP relating to ecology and the RIAAs with regards to noise levels and refer to paragraph 1.4.3 of this CoCP regarding the Appropriate Assessments and provision of mitigation measures.

5.6 Vibration Thresholds

5.6.1 Criteria and procedures for vibration control are specified for three purposes and assessed using three different sets of parameters:

  • To protect the occupants and users of buildings from disturbance, for which Vibration Dose Values are assessed (VDVs are defined and their application to occupants of buildings is discussed in BS 6472).
  • To protect buildings from risk of physical damage, for which peak component particle velocities are assessed in accordance with BS 7385.
  • To protect particularly vibration-sensitive equipment and processes from damage or disruption, for which peak component acceleration, velocity or displacement are assessed as appropriate to each process or item of equipment.

5.6.2 In some buildings, two or three of the above parameters may apply, and in those cases the contractor will evaluate the criteria separately. In establishing criteria, controls and working methods, the contractor will take account of guidance in BS 6472, BS 5228 and BS 7385.

5.6.3 The contractor will be authorised to undertake works, without a secondary consent or approval under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, provided the work is undertaken within the thresholds defined in paragraphs 5.6.4 and 5.6.5 of this CoCP.

5.6.4 To protect the occupants and users of buildings from disturbance, the contractor will use best practicable means to control vibration levels so that the Vibration Dose Values in Table 5.6.4, as measured in accordance with BS 6472, are not routinely exceeded as a result of the works:

Table 5.6.4 Vibration Thresholds

Building Type

Period

VDV
(ms-1.75)

Eligible Dwellings1

07:00 to 23:00

0.40

23:00 to 07:00

0.20

Educational establishments, offices and similar2

Over normal daily period of use

0.40

Commercial3

Over normal daily period of use

0.80
Notes:
1 Measured on a normally-loaded floor of any bedroom or living room. For this purpose, eligible dwellings include dwelling houses, residential institutions, hotels, and residential hostels.
2 Measured on a normally-loaded floor of areas where people normally work. This category of receiver will include all areas where clerical work, meetings and consultations are regularly carried out e.g. Doctors' surgeries, day-care centres but not shop floors of industrial premises.
3 Measured on a normally-loaded floor of areas where people normally work. Commercial premises include retail and wholesale shops.

5.6.5 To protect against building damage the threshold for peak particle velocity generated by continuous construction of the Project will be 5 millimetres/second measured at the foundations of the property closest to the operations being carried out. Where construction work is intermittent, the threshold for peak particle velocity generated will be 10 millimetres/second.

5.6.6 Where the contractor requires working outside the above threshold levels set in paragraphs 5.6.4 and 5.6.5, the contractor will apply to the relevant local authority for consent in accordance with Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 in advance of the works taking place. Vibration levels which exceed the thresholds above are anticipated to be acceptable in terms of any consent application subject to the contractor demonstrating that best practicable means have been used, or will be used, to control or limit vibration during construction and compliance with the requirements of paragraph 5.6.8 below.

5.6.7 To protect rail assets from damage induced by vibration, the contractor will consult with Network Rail regarding vibration limits, monitoring and notification requirements for construction works.

5.6.8 The contractor will undertake surveys of buildings adjacent to the works as described in Section 5.2 of this CoCP. The contractor will notify and consult with the Employer’s Representative and the relevant local authority regarding any works predicted to generate peak component particle velocities above 10 millimetres/ second. Where it is agreed that there is no reasonable or practicable means to reduce predicted or measured vibration then the contractor will agree with the Employer’s Representative and local authority monitoring for vibration and strain induced in the building during the works. The contractor will also seek to agree with occupiers of properties any additional reasonable and practicable mitigation to be provided for occupants. For residential properties this may be linked to the discretionary measures available under the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973 as described in paragraph 5.2.10.

5.6.9 The contractor will consider in the risk assessment described in Section 5.2 of this CoCP buildings within which activities may be undertaken which are especially sensitive to vibration. The contractor will identify these properties in the Noise and Vibration Management Plan and appropriate construction methodologies, vibration limits, protective measures, survey and monitoring requirements for any relevant vibration sensitive buildings will be developed.

5.7 Monitoring

5.7.1 The contractor will undertake such monitoring as is necessary to facilitate compliance with the noise and vibration thresholds and other requirements of this section of the CoCP. The monitoring programme will be set out in the Noise and Vibration Management Plan. The contractor will ensure that appropriate monitoring is undertaken by the Ecological Clerk of Works and a Marine Mammal Observer (refer to paragraphs 10.2.11, 10.3.9 and 10.7.2) in relation to noise and vibration due to construction activities which are covered in the RIAAs referred to in paragraph 1.4.3.

5.7.2 The contractor will undertake noise and vibration monitoring during activities for which consent is requested in accordance with Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 as set out in Sections 5.4 and 5.6 of this CoCP and will include a description of the monitoring proposed in the consent application.

5.8 References

  • BS 5228: 2009 Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites, British Standards Institution
  • BS 6472:2008 Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings, British Standards Institution
  • BS 7385: Part 2:1993 Evaluation and Measurement for Vibration in Buildings, Part 2 Guide to Damage Levels From Groundborne Vibration, British Standards Institution
  • Control of Pollution Act 1974
  • Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended
  • Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973
  • Nedwell, J. Lovell, J. Turnpenny, A. (2005). Experimental validation of a species-specific behavioural impact metric for underwater noise. J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 118 (3).
  • Nedwell J.R, Turnpenny A.W.H, Langworthy J. and Edwards B. (2003) 'Measurements of underwater noise during piling at the Red Funnel Terminal, Southampton, and observations of its effect on caged fish'. Subacoustech Report Reference: 558R0207, October 2003.
  • Planning Advice Note 50 [PAN 50] Annex D ‘The Control of Blasting at Surface Mineral Workings’
  • The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
  • The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
  • The Noise Insulation (Scotland) Regulations 1975