THE GENERATION AND PROPAGATION OF NOISE FROM LARGE COAL MINES, AND HOW IT IS MANAGED IN NSW
Parnell, Jeffrey
THE GENERATION AND PROPAGATION OF NOISE FROM LARGE COAL MINES, AND HOW IT IS MANAGED IN NSW
Regulating noise impacts from large coal mines is difficult, particularly given the potential topographical and meteorological variations that can occur over setbacks of up to 5 km between mine sites and potentially impacted receivers. In NSW, the Industrial Noise Guideline is used to determine noise criteria for sensitive noise receivers that may be impacted by mine noise (such as residences). In many instances, this results in noise criteria being established at levels as low as Leq(15 minute) = 35 dB(A). Exceedance of this criterion may be negotiated by agreement, but exceedances of more than 5 dB may require the mine to offer property acquisition.
Despite having some of the most stringent noise criteria in the world, regulators still receive a high number of complaints from residents surrounding mine sites. This paper examines the generation and propagation of mine noise, methods used to manage to project noise objectives (including reactive and predictive measures), and the regulatory regime that underpins these objectives.
Open-cut Coal mines
Noise impacts
Mine sites
THE GENERATION AND PROPAGATION OF NOISE FROM LARGE COAL MINES, AND HOW IT IS MANAGED IN NSW
Regulating noise impacts from large coal mines is difficult, particularly given the potential topographical and meteorological variations that can occur over setbacks of up to 5 km between mine sites and potentially impacted receivers. In NSW, the Industrial Noise Guideline is used to determine noise criteria for sensitive noise receivers that may be impacted by mine noise (such as residences). In many instances, this results in noise criteria being established at levels as low as Leq(15 minute) = 35 dB(A). Exceedance of this criterion may be negotiated by agreement, but exceedances of more than 5 dB may require the mine to offer property acquisition.
Despite having some of the most stringent noise criteria in the world, regulators still receive a high number of complaints from residents surrounding mine sites. This paper examines the generation and propagation of mine noise, methods used to manage to project noise objectives (including reactive and predictive measures), and the regulatory regime that underpins these objectives.
Open-cut Coal mines
Noise impacts
Mine sites