PROPOSED BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY, BURNLEY ROAD ...

LK/J001711/2920/01 1

st February 2018

Report Prepared For: UK Capacity Reserve Ltd Report Prepared By: Mr L Kavaney PDA Ltd. Alder House Willow Tree Park Booths Lane Lymm Cheshire WA13 0GH

PROPOSED BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY, BURNLEY ROAD, SIMONSTONE, BURNLEY,

BB12 7ND

NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

architectural

environmental

occupational

industrial

noise control at source

project management

planning

legal services

expert witness

ACOUSTIC CONSULTANTS

Philip Dunbavin Acoustics Ltd. Alder House · Willow Tree Park · Booths Lane · Lymm · Cheshire WA13 0GH

Tel: 01925 759380 · www.pdaltd.com Directors: P. R. Dunbavin • J. A. Dunbavin • M. de Salis • E. Evenden • R. Grant Registered Number 2302847 England

Registered Office: Alder House · Willow Tree Park · Booths Lane · Lymm · Cheshire WA13 0GH

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Philip Dunbavin Acoustics Ltd. – Tel (01925 759380) email: [email protected]

Document Control

Revision 1 2 3 4

Remark First issue Date 01/02/2018

Report prepared by

Liam Kavaney AMIOA

Position Consultant

Report checked by

Edmund Evenden BSc(Hons), MIOA

Position Principal Consultant

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CONTENTS

1.0 SUMMARY 2.0 INTRODUCTION 3.0 NOISE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

3.1 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 3.2 BS4142:2014 Method for Rating and Assessing Industrial and

Commercial Sound 3.3 BS8233:2014 Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for

Buildings 3.4 WHO Guidelines for Community Noise

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE SURVEY 4.1 Survey Times and Dates

4.2 Equipment 4.3 Weather

4.4 Measurement Positions & Procedure 4.5 Summary of Noise Measurements

5.0 NOISE EGRESS ASSESSMENT

5.1 Proposed Plant 5.2 Calculated Plant Noise Levels – Residential Receivers 5.3 Noise Impact Assessment

6.0 CONCLUSION APPENDIX I – DEFINITION OF ACOUSTIC TERMS (ENVIRONMENTAL)

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1.0 SUMMARY

At the request of UK Capacity Reserve Ltd a noise impact assessment has been undertaken for the proposed Battery Storage Facility located at off Burnley Road (A678), Simonstone in Burnley, BB12 7ND. The proposed development comprises of 25 no. battery units along with 25 no. step-up transformers, 2 no. control enclosures, 2 no. switchgear areas, associated ancillary equipment and a main transformer compound. Noise monitoring has been undertaken at one measurement location corresponding to the nearest noise sensitive location from the proposed development in order to determine the existing background noise climate at the nearest property. The underlying noise climate is from road traffic noise. Noise data for the proposed plant has not yet been supplied by the client therefore an assessment has been undertaken to determine noise emission limits from the proposed battery storage facility, based upon the guidelines contained within BS4142:2014 “Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound”, WHO Guidelines and BS8233 “Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings”. Based upon proposed plan and elevation drawings, a 3-dimensional noise model has been created using Soundplan noise modelling software to determine the noise emission limits for each proposed battery unit. The assessment indicates that by meeting the proposed noise limits, the noise egress from the proposed development would be below the background noise level at the façade of the nearest noise sensitive receiver. All other noise sensitive receivers will experience lower noise levels respectively. BS4142:2014 would suggest that, ‘Where the rating level does not exceed the background sound level, this is an indication of the specific sound source having a low impact, depending on the context.’ As such this is an indication that the proposed installation would not have an adverse impact, and is therefore in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

In addition the noise emissions with the proposed noise limits is 45dB LAeq due to the proposed plant, and is below the WHO Guidelines for Community Noise suggested external noise levels of 50 – 55 dB outside dwellings during the daytime/evening, whilst during the night time, predicted noise levels are equal to the 45dB LAeq guidance value for outside bedrooms.

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2.0 INTRODUCTION

The proposed development site is located off Burnley Road (A678), Simonstone in Burnley, BB12 7ND. The immediate local area is a mixture of open fields/farmland, industrial/commercial units and scattered residential dwellings. Burnley Road (A678) runs approximately 50m to the south of the proposed site boundary with Simonstone Lane 45m to the east of the site boundary. The M65 motorway runs some 1.7km to the south of the proposed site. The nearest residential receiver is positioned approximately 80m to the south of the proposed site boundary. The proposed site layout showing the location of the site and surrounding local area including the closest residential receiver is shown in Figure 1 below. Figure 1 – Site Layout (Site shown in red) and Noise Sensitive Receiver

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3.0 NOISE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 3.1 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

National Planning Policy is guided by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). With regard to Noise the Framework states the following;

Planning policies and decisions should aim to:

• avoid noise from giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and quality of

life as a result of new development; • mitigate and reduce to a minimum other adverse impacts on health and quality of

life arising from noise from new development, including through the use of conditions;

• recognise that development will often create some noise and existing businesses wanting to develop in continuance of their business should not have unreasonable restrictions put on them because of changes in nearby land uses since they were established; and

• identify and protect areas of tranquillity which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason.

The terms ‘significant adverse impact’ and ‘other adverse impacts’ are defined in the explanatory notes of the ‘Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE) which states;

There are two established concepts from toxicology that are currently being applied to noise impacts, for example, by the World Health Organisation. They are:

NOEL – No Observed Effect Level This is the level below which no effect can be detected. In simple terms, below this level, there is no detectable effect on health and quality of life due to the noise. LOAEL – Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level This is the level above which adverse effects on health and quality of life can be detected.

Extending these concepts for the purpose of this NPSE leads to the concept of a significant observed adverse effect level.

SOAEL – Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level This is the level above which significant adverse effects on health and quality of life occur.

The notes also offer an explanation of the term ‘other adverse impacts’ as follows;

… refers to the situation where the impact lies somewhere between LOAEL and SOAEL. It requires that all reasonable steps should be taken to mitigate and minimise adverse effects on health and quality of life while also taking into account the guiding principles of sustainable development (paragraph 1.8). This does not mean that such adverse effects cannot occur.

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It should be noted that no specific noise limits for LOAEL and SOAEL have yet been specifically defined; however guidance from other acoustic standards may be employed to determine suitable levels within the overall principal of the National Planning Policy Framework.

3.2 BS4142:2014 Method for Rating and Assessing Industrial and Commercial Sound

The effect of mechanical services plant noise emissions on the nearest noise sensitive residences can be assessed in accordance with BS4142:2014 – ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’. The standard describes a method of determining the level of a noise of commercial or industrial nature, together with procedures for assessing the impact of such a noise outside nearby noise sensitive areas. The standard may be thought of as a procedure for comparing the noise from commercial sources with background noise levels in the absence of the commercial noise and determining the likely impact of the noise on noise sensitive areas. In accordance with BS 4142 the background noise level is the typical A-weighted sound pressure level at the assessment position that is exceeded for 90% of a given time interval (LA90). The specific noise level is the equivalent continuous (LAeq) sound pressure level at the assessment position produced by the noise source over a given time interval. Certain acoustic features can increase the impact over that expected from a simple comparison between the specific noise level and the background level. Where such features are present, these are taken into account by adding corrections to the specific noise level. The corrections are applied based on whether the following features occur, or are expected to be present. The correction values can either be determined subjectively, or by various objective measurement procedures.

• The noise contains a distinguishable, discrete, continuous tone (whine, hiss, screech, hum, etc.). 0 – 6 dB penalty

• The noise contains distinct impulses (bangs, clicks, clatters, or thumps). 0 – 9 dB penalty.

• The noise is irregular enough to attract attention. 0 – 3 dB penalty.

• Other features. 0 – 3 dB penalty. From the addition of the above penalties where appropriate the rating level is established, this being the value that is compared with the background noise. According to BS 4142 an initial estimate of the impact is given for a rating level of:

• 10 dB(A) or more above the background is an indication of significant adverse impact, depending on the context.

• 5 dB(A) above the background is an indication of an adverse impact, depending on the context.

• where the rating level does not exceed the background level, this is an indication of the specific sound source having a low impact, depending on the context.

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The above initial assessment may then be modified depending on the context to take into account;

• The absolute level of the sound.

• The character and level of the residual sound compared to the character and level of the specific sound.

• The sensitivity of the receptor and whether dwellings or other premises used for residential purposes will already incorporate design measures that secure good internal and/or outdoor acoustic conditions, such as: 1. Façade insulation treatment 2. Ventilation and / or cooling that will reduce the need to have windows open so as to provide rapid or purge ventilation; and 3. Acoustic screening

3.3 BS8233:2014 Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings Dwelling houses, flats and rooms in residential use

British Standard 8233:2014, Guidance on Sound Insulation and noise reduction for buildings, gives guidance on internal noise levels within dwellings, flats and rooms in residential use when unoccupied. The following criteria are for Living and Dining Rooms for daytime use and Bedrooms for night time. Table 1: BS8233 recommended indoor ambient noise levels

Activity Location 07:00 to 23:00 23:00 to 07:00

Resting Living room 35 LAeq,16hour –

Dining Dining room/area 40 LAeq,16hour –

Sleeping (daytime resting) Bedrooms 35 LAeq,16hour 30 LAeq,8hour

It should however be stressed that the above criterion relates to steady noise, in this case from road traffic etc., excluding unusual noise events departing from the typical noise character of the area.

3.4 WHO Guidelines for Community Noise

In 1999, the WHO (World Health Organisation) published Guidelines for Community Noise, stating the following internal noise levels are applicable to dwellings. Table 2: WHO Guidelines for Community Noise criteria

Specific Environment

Critical Health Effect(s) LAeq dB Time Base

(hours)*

Outdoor living area

Serious annoyance, daytime and evening

55 16

Moderate annoyance, daytime and evening

50 16

Outside Bedrooms Sleep disturbance, window

open (outdoor values) night time

45 8

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* Typically taken to be daytime/evening - 07:00 – 23:00 hours, and night time 23:00 – 07:00 hours.

WHO guidelines state, ‘To protect the majority of people from being seriously annoyed during the daytime, the outdoor sound level from steady, continuous noise should not exceed 55 dB LAeq on balconies, terraces and in outdoor living areas. To protect the majority of people from being moderately annoyed during the daytime, the outdoor sound level should not exceed 50 dB LAeq.’

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE SURVEY 4.1 Survey Times and Dates

The ambient noise measurements were conducted between 16:30 – 10:30 on the 24

th

and 25th

January 2018 with measurements being made and partially attended by L Kavaney TechIOA of PDA Ltd. The measurement periods were selected to capture the quietest daytime/evening and night time periods that the proposed plant may be expected to operate.

4.2 Equipment

Throughout the survey the following equipment was used:

Description Manufacturer Model

Sound Level Meter Rion NL52

Calibrator Rion NC74

The sound level meter used is a class 1 (as per IEC 61672-2:2003) computing sound level meter for which calibration certificates are held.

The sound level meter was mounted approximately 1.5 metres above ground level. The sound level meter was field calibrated both before and after the survey period, during which time no significant deviation from the calibrated level was observed. A range of statistical noise indicators were measured, including LAeq and LA90.

Definitions of the above terms are listed below: LAeq: The equivalent A-weighted noise level containing the same energy within the

measured time period. LA90: This is a statistical parameter that is equivalent to the noise level that is

exceeded 90% of the measurement period. 4.3 Weather

During the course of the surveys weather conditions were suitable for environmental noise measurements, it being dry with negligible wind speeds.

4.4 Measurement Positions & Procedure

Background noise measurements were made at one measurement position as shown in Figure 2 below. The location was deemed representative of the closest residential receiver to the site.

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The sound level meter was set up to measure dB(A) in terms of Leq and L90 values using a fast time weighting. Measurements were set to 15 minute intervals with measurements being conducted consecutively. Figure 2 – Measurement Position

Noise Sources

The underlying noise climate is from road traffic noise on Burnley Road (A678). Distant traffic was audible.

4.5 Summary of Noise Measurements

A summary of the noise level measurements is given below. The measurement position on site is shown on Figure 2 above. The levels presented in the table have been rounded to the nearest decibel. The LAeq levels are the logarithmic average of all the measured noise levels. The LA90 levels have been shown as a minimum to maximum range as there is no valid method to average statistical noise parameters. The mode of the LA90 values is also shown in the table. Table 3: Summary of environmental noise measurements

Time Period LAeq,T (dB) Range of LA90,15mins

(dB) Values

Mode of LA90,15mins

(dB) Values

Daytime/Evening 1945 - 2300

62 48 – 60 51

Night-time 2300 - 0515

56 45 – 54 46

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5.0 NOISE EGRESS ASSESSMENT 5.1 Proposed Plant

It is understood that the proposed plant for the development is as follows:

• 25 no. Battery units

• 25 no. Step-up transformers

• Auxiliary equipment

• 2 no. Control enclosures

• 2 no. Switchgear areas

• Main transformer compound The locations and layout of the proposed battery storage facility is taken from UK Capacity Reserve Site Plan drawing [17320.102] (Burnley Road) Site Plan (Rev.3), dated January 2018. Figure 3 – Proposed site plan drawing extract

Noise data for the proposed plant has not yet been supplied by the client however it is understood the main noise sources from a Battery unit will be the converter / inverter units and the implemented cooling system. An assessment has been undertaken to determine noise emission limits from the proposed battery storage facility. It has been assumed the dominant noise source will be from the converter / inverter units and therefore have based our calculations on a noise level spectrum of a typical converter unit. The following spectra has been used for input into the noise model for each battery unit adjusting the sound power until the noise level at the nearest noise sensitive receiver was just below the lowest measured background noise level during the

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daytime and night-time periods, which should ensure that the proposed installation would not have an adverse impact at the nearest noise sensitive receiver. The cumulative noise emission for each installed battery unit including the cooling system and transformers should not exceed the following sound power noise limits: Table 4: Noise level spectra limit for each battery unit

Element Sound Power Level dB,

Octave Band Centre Frequency Hz dBA

63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k

1 no. Battery Unit 97 97 92 87 82 79 75 72 89

5.2 Calculated Plant Noise Levels – Residential Receivers

A 3-dimensional noise model has been created using Soundplan noise modelling software. The model is based upon the proposed site layout and elevation drawings provided by UK Capacity Reserve. The software uses the method of ISO 9613 ‘Acoustics – attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors – general method of calculation’ and takes into account geometric spreading, ground effects, air attenuation, barrier attenuation and reflections. A ground absorption coefficient of 0 has been used for the proposed model to take into account the hard surfaces of roads, hard standing, etc. This would likely provide a worse case assumption as there will be areas of landscaping, grassland which would provide an absorbing surface. The battery units are modelled as point sources at at a height of 1m with the sound power levels and frequency spectra detailed in Section 5.1. It is assumed that all units will be operating continuously and simultaneously. The Soundplan model would suggest the following noise levels calculated at the closest noise sensitive receiver. For other receivers further away a lower noise level would be experienced due to greater distance attenuation provided. Noise levels are calculated at 1.5m for the ground floor level and an additional 2.5m for the first floor. Only the highest calculated noise level has been reported in the table below, calculated at either ground or first floor level. Table 5: Calculated noise levels at the closest receiver

Location Calculated external noise level,

dB LAeq

Nearest Noise Receiver 45

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Figure 4 – Predicted noise level from proposed battery storage scheme

5.3 Noise Impact Assessment Using the predicted noise levels associated with the noise level limits detailed within Section 5 and the background noise assessment detailed within Section 4 we have compared the noise level with the requirements detailed within BS4142. Table 6: Results for Proposed Daytime and Night time Noise Break out of Operations

Location

Predicted Specific

Noise Level LAeq,T

(dB)

Rating Level LAr (dB)*

Typical Background

LA90

(dB)

Excess Over Background

(dB)

NSR 45 45 46 -1

* - No acoustic feature correction has been applied as we would consider the noise source type to be broadband in nature, be in continuous operation and would not contain other readily distinctive characteristics. It is noted that BS4142 indicates the following: Where the rating level does not exceed the background level, this is an indication of the specific sound source having a low impact, depending on the context. In accordance with BS4142, the assessment undertaken above suggests that noise egress from the proposed development with the proposed noise limits would not exceed the measured background noise level at the nearest noise sensitive receiver,

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and is therefore an indication that the proposed installation would have a low impact, and is therefore in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

6.0 CONCLUSION

At the request of UK Capacity Reserve Ltd a noise impact assessment has been undertaken for the proposed Battery Storage Facility located at off Burnley Road (A678), Simonstone in Burnley, BB12 7ND. The proposed development comprises of 25 no. battery units along with 25 no. step-up transformers, 2 no. control enclosures, 2 no. switchgear areas, associated ancillary equipment and a main transformer compound. Noise monitoring has been undertaken at one measurement location corresponding to the nearest noise sensitive location from the proposed development in order to determine the existing background noise climate at the nearest property. The underlying noise climate is from road traffic noise. Noise data for the proposed plant has not yet been supplied by the client therefore an assessment has been undertaken to determine noise emission limits from the proposed battery storage facility, based upon the guidelines contained within BS4142:2014 “Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound”, WHO Guidelines and BS8233 “Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings”. Based upon proposed plan and elevation drawings, a 3-dimensional noise model has been created using Soundplan noise modelling software to determine the noise emission limits for each proposed battery unit. The assessment indicates that by meeting the proposed noise limits, the noise egress from the proposed development would be below the background noise level at the façade of the nearest noise sensitive receiver. All other noise sensitive receivers will experience lower noise levels respectively. BS4142:2014 would suggest that, ‘Where the rating level does not exceed the background sound level, this is an indication of the specific sound source having a low impact, depending on the context.’ As such this is an indication that the proposed installation would not have an adverse impact, and is therefore in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

In addition the noise emissions with the proposed noise limits is 45dB LAeq due to the proposed plant, and is below the WHO Guidelines for Community Noise suggested external noise levels of 50 – 55 dB outside dwellings during the daytime/evening, whilst during the night time, predicted noise levels are equal to the 45dB LAeq guidance value for outside bedrooms.

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APPENDIX I – DEFINITION OF ACOUSTIC TERMS (ENVIRONMENTAL) The decibel

This is the basic unit of noise, denoted dB. A Weighting This is a weighting process which simulates the human ear’s different sensitivity at different frequencies. A weighting can be shown two typical ways, 50 dB(A) Leq or 50 dB LAeq. Both mean the same thing. (See below for a definition of Leq). The dB(A) level can be regarded as the overall level perceived by human beings. Leq and Leq(s) This is the equivalent continuous noise level which contains the same acoustic energy as the actual time-varying sound. In other words it is a kind of average noise level. It is denoted dB Leq or, for A-weighted figures dB(A) Leq or dB LAeq. It can also be expressed in terms of frequency analysis (see later). Leq(s) is the sample Leq level. Ln

This is the level exceeded for n% of the time. It is denoted dB Ln or, for A-weighted figures dB(A) Ln or dB LAn. It can be expressed in terms of frequency analysis (see later). L90 is the level exceeded for 90% of the time and is a measure of the lowest level typically reached. L10 is the level exceeded for 10% of the time and is the highest level typically reached. L50 is the level exceeded for 50% of the time and, mathematically, it is the median. Lmax

This is the maximum level reached during a measurement period. The “time constant”, or the ability of the equipment to respond to impulses is usually expressed along with it, e.g. “Fast”, “Slow”, etc. It is denoted dB Lmax or, for A-weighted figures dB(A) Lmax, dB LAmax, etc. It can also be expressed in terms of frequency analysis. Frequency Analysis Whereas dB(A) gives a very useful overall figure, it has its limitations in that it cannot be used to model or predict the effect of noise control and mitigation as this nearly always has radically different performance at different frequencies. Frequency analysis expresses an overall noise level at each frequency or band of frequencies in the audible range. Octave band analysis divides the audible range into 10 bands from 31.5 Hz to 16 kHz and the noise level in each band can be expressed in any form e.g. Leq, L90, Lmax, etc. One third octave band analysis uses 30 bands. Narrow band analysis takes the process to resolutions of less than 1 Hz. This is useful for identifying the existence of tones (whines, hums, etc.) and in pin-pointing the sources.

APPENDIX I – NOISE SURVEY MEASUREMENTS

Measurement Position – Time History

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40

45

50

55

60

65

701

6:3

0

17

:15

18

:00

18

:45

19

:30

20

:15

21

:00

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23

:15

00

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00

:45

01

:30

02

:15

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04

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05

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07

:30

08

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09

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dB(A)

Time

LAeq

LA90

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