Status: Rev: Comments Date: Author: Reviewer:

Transcription

1 FREE RANGE BROILER FARM, ARAPOHUE ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Rp 001 R September 2017

2 84 Symonds Street PO Box 5811 Wellesley Street Auckland 1141 New Zealand T: F: Project: FREE RANGE BROILER FARM ARAPOHUE Prepared for: Tegel 100 Carlton Gore Road Private Bag Newmarket Auckland Attention: John Russell Report No.: Rp Disclaimer Reports produced by Marshall Day Acoustics Limited are based on a specific scope, conditions and limitations, as agreed between Marshall Day Acoustics and the Client. Information and/or report(s) prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics may not be suitable for uses other than the specific project. No parties other than the Client should use any information and/or report(s) without first conferring with Marshall Day Acoustics. The advice given herein is for acoustic purposes only. Relevant authorities and experts should be consulted with regard to compliance with regulations or requirements governing areas other than acoustics. Copyright The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Marshall Day Acoustics Limited. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Marshall Day Acoustics constitutes an infringement of copyright. Information shall not be assigned to a third party without prior consent. Document Control Status: Rev: Comments Date: Author: Reviewer: Draft Aug 2017 Peter Ibbotson - Issue 1-29 Aug 2017 Peter Ibbotson Craig Fitzgerald Issue 2 Minor amendments 15 Sept 2017 Peter Ibbotson External Issue 3 Receiver positions. TP 18 Sept 2017 Peter Ibbotson External

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION SITE DESCRIPTION Location Operations Construction NOISE CRITERIA AMBIENT NOISE MEASUREMENTS NOISE ASSESSMENT Method Noise Source Data Calculated Noise Levels Construction Noise ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS SUMMARY APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY APPENDIX B NEW ZEALAND STANDARD NZS 6803: 1999 ACOUSTICS - CONSTRUCTION NOISE APPENDIX C VENTILATION DIFFERENCE OVER THE PROPOSED SITE Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 3

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION Tegel Foods proposes to construct a free-range poultry farm at Arapohue, New Zealand. The site is proposed to consist of thirty-two (32) poultry sheds, stocked up to a density of approximately 15 birds per m 2. The maximum number of birds would be approximately 1.32 million on the subject land at any one time. Tegel has engaged Marshall Day Acoustics Pty Ltd (MDA) to undertake an assessment of the proposed farm and to assess potential noise impacts associated with the site and operations. The following report details the proposal, locality, relevant noise criteria and an assessment of noise received at the nearest residences. Acoustic terminology used throughout the report is provided in Appendix A. 2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1 Location The proposed poultry farm site is to be located at 5763 State Highway 12, near Arapohue on the east bank of the Wairoa River. Land use in the Arapohue district is predominantly rural residential, with a mix of horticultural and pastoral farming activities. The landscape is predominately flat alluvial plains to the west, rising to foothills in the east. The site is located near to the following: State Highway 12 to the south-west Whakahara Road to the south-east Wairoa River around 500 metres the south-west Te Kopuru settlement approximately two kilometres to the west Generally large rural allotments adjacent to all site boundaries, with some rural-residential settlement to the south. The nearest residences are identified as R1 to R7, located relative to the site boundaries as follows. Table 1: Receiver Details Receiver Reference Address Receiver details R Arapohue Road Dwelling to west of SH12 around 300 metres from nearest poultry shed R2 65 Whakahara Road Dwelling between Whakahara Road and broiler farm R3 89 Whakahara Road Dwelling between Whakahara Road and broiler farm R4 136 Whakahara Road Dwelling at eastern end of Whakahara Road (generally representative of dwelling to south and east also) R5 77 Sills Road Marae to north-east of proposed broiler farm R6 Te Kopuru Township Receiver at eastern end of township 1 Another building is located to the south of the site, generally at an equivalent distance from the proposed farm sources as R1. This building does not appear to be inhabited and has not been included in the calculations. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 4

5 Figure 1: Site, Surrounds, Measurement and Receiver Reference Locations Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 5

6 2.2 Operations The site is proposed to consist of thirty-two (32) poultry sheds. The maximum number of birds to be located on site at any one time is approximately 1.32 million. Key details of the farm operations that are of relevance to this noise assessment are set out below Ventilation Operation A key matter in the noise assessment is the ventilation and climate control of the poultry shed(s). The following matters are directly relevant to the noise assessment: Each poultry shed will include twelve roof mounted fans. The roof fans will be located along the spine of the building. These will provide the majority of the ventilation to the poultry sheds. Each shed operates on a 56 day cycle, with chickens growing for 42 days, with the sheds being empty for 14 days between cycles. The growth cycle of chickens within the sheds means that there will be a variation of heating, cooling and ventilation rates required for each poultry shed across the growth period. The poultry sheds will not be significantly ventilated during the 14 - days between cycles. Once the shed is stocked with small birds, there will generally be a minimal ventilation requirement as the sheds are heated to an optimal temperature for the young birds. As the birds grow larger, the ventilation requirements will increase to the maximum rate 2. Around day 30 of the bird growing cycle, the female birds are caught and removed from the shed. The shed ventilation and heating requirements then subsequently reduce to a constant level before the remainder of the male birds are caught and removed from the site. The ventilation requirements return to zero during the shed clean out period. The poultry sheds will begin the growth cycle in a staggered fashion. This means that as well the variation in heating and ventilation required in any one poultry shed over the growth period, there will also be a variation in the ventilation requirements across the site. Marshall Day Acoustics has been provided with a model of the power consumption required for each poultry shed and this has been used to determine the required fan operation in both the winter and summer months. Details of the ventilation difference within each poultry shed used in the modelling can be seen in Appendix C Energy Centre Traffic An energy centre building will be located near the centre of the site. This will comprise litter burners which will be used to convert litter into heat for the poultry sheds. It is understood that the majority of the electricity demand will be met using a solar system, with shortfall provided by the grid. An emergency generator will be located on site to provide emergency power. All vehicle traffic to and from the proposed site will be via State Highway 12. The main access is to be relocated 25m north along the State Highway from the existing access point. All vehicles will enter and exit via this point. The main vehicle types accessing the site will be semi-trailers, small (5-10 t) trucks or vans and passenger vehicles. These are understood to originate and return to Auckland and will travel to and from the site via roads to the south. Passenger vehicles are understood to predominantly originate from Dargaville to the north of the site. The following traffic values have been used in our assessment: 2 Around 25 kw of total electricity consumption, most of which is ventilation. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 6

7 Table 2: Number of Daily Vehicle Movements (from Integrated Transport Assessment, prepared by Tonkin + Taylor) Vehicle Type Number of Vehicles (one-way trips) Movements (two-way trips) Light Vehicle Maintenance Van 1 2 Shavings Truck & Trailer 3 6 Feed Truck & Trailer 5 10 Livestock Truck & Trailer 6 12 Livestock Truck 3 6 Fuel Tanker 2 4 Milk Tanker 1 2 In addition to the above maximum number of movements per day, Marshall Day Acoustics has been provided with an expected variation in movements throughout the day and night-time. It is understood the majority of heavy vehicle movements would occur during the daytime, however when birds are being caught on site, there is expected to be regular trucks over the night period. Rating noise levels have been assessed from the site in accordance with NZS6802:2008 based on up to four (4) semi-truck and trailer vehicle movements occurring during any hour (daytime or nighttime), with the remaining vehicles occurring regularly over the assessment period. The calculations in effect assume that four (4) semi-truck and trailer movements occur on the site every hour of the night-period in the reasonable worst-case, however, the actual number of night-time vehicle movements is expected to be appreciably lower. Passenger vehicles will also visit the site as set out in the table. It is understood that there may be three shifts per day and there will be corresponding peaks in passenger vehicles from the site at around 0600, 1400 and 2200 hours Chicken Noise From day 21 in the production process, the birds are of an age where they are able to self-regulate their own body temperature. On day 21, the proposed shed pot holes open to allow outside access to the birds during the day light hours. It is understood from visiting other free range farms that not all of the birds will be outside at any one time. Chickens are housed on the floor of the poultry sheds. Measurements performed within other free range houses show that chickens are not highly vocal within the houses and internal ambient noise levels are not significant. 2.3 Construction Construction of the proposed poultry farm will require earthworks, the construction of the foundations and sheds, installation of infrastructure, including an energy centre building. In addition, the proposed poultry farm development will require construction of associated facilities, such as workers accommodation, utility sheds and vehicle tracks around the sheds connecting to a new access off SH12. A planted bund is proposed to be constructed around the sheds to mitigate against flooding and provide screening. The bund will be a useful measure in reducing noise emissions from the site during construction and operation. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 7

8 3.0 NOISE CRITERIA The site is located in the Rural Zone of the Kaipara District Council. The Kaipara District Council Chapter 12 contains the following rule with regard to noise: Noise Any activity is permitted if noise from the site does not exceed the following limits, as measured either at or within any other site zoned Residential, or within the notional boundary of a dwelling in the Rural or Maori Purpose zoned site: a) 7:00am 7:00pm: 50 db L Aeq; and b) 7:00pm 10:00pm: 45dB L Aeq; and c) 10:00pm 7:00am: 40dB L Aeq and 70 db LAFmax. Note 1: Provided that the abovementioned noise limits may be exceeded for activities periodically required by farming and forestry practice, such as crop protection and harvesting that may need to be carried out for these activities. Note 2: Sound levels shall be measured in accordance with NZS 6801:2008 Acoustics Measurement of Environmental Sound, and assessed in accordance with NZS 6802:2008 Acoustics Environmental Noise. Assessment Criteria Where an activity is not permitted by this Rule, Council will have regard to the following matters when considering an application for Resource Consent: 1. Maximum level of noise likely to be generated; 2. The noise environment of the locality in which the activity is proposed; 3. Effect on adjoining or adjacent residential dwellings; 4. Length of time for which the specified noise standard will be exceeded; 5. Likely adverse effects beyond the site; 6. Effects on character and amenity beyond the site; 7. Alternative methods to avoid noise generation; 8. Mitigation measures to reduce noise generation; and 9. Prevailing wind direction. As noise from ventilation and heating plant will be fairly constant, it is the night-time noise limit of 40 db L Aeq that will control the static noise emissions from the farm (typically expected to occur during warm evenings). Truck movements will also need to comply with this noise limit during the night period. During the daytime, noise from all sources will be required to comply with the 50 db L Aeq District Plan rule. The Kaipara District Plan also states that construction is permitted (Rule ) with respect to noise, provided it does not exceed the noise limits in NZS6803:1999. These noise limits are summarised in Appendix B. The construction of the site is expected to be a long term duration activity in accordance with the standard. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 8

9 4.0 AMBIENT NOISE MEASUREMENTS An ambient sound survey was carried out in the area surrounding the site on Wednesday 23 rd August 2017 and Thursday 24 th August Noise levels were measured at the locations as shown on Figure 1, these being: MP1: MP2: MP3: Adjacent to State Highway 12. This position is representative of dwellings located close to the State Highway, such as R1, where the ambient noise levels are generally dominated by traffic. On Whakahara Road approximately 400m from State Highway 12 with direct line-of-sight to the highway. This position is representative of dwellings at R2, R3, R4 and R6. These dwellings will receive some noise from the State Highway at times. Near the termination of Whakahara Road. This location is elevated but well screened from State Highway 12 by topography and is representative of R5. At this location, noise levels are not heavily influenced by traffic. Measurements were undertaken generally in accordance with the relevant standards identified in the Kaipara District Plan. Weather conditions were clear with very calm wind conditions and 0 to 2 oktas of cloud (Beaufort 0). Measurements were performed during the daytime, late daytime, late evening and night-time periods (as defined in the Kaipara District Plan). The measured sound levels during this site visit are summarised in Table 3 overleaf. Dominant noise sources are highlighted in bold. Table 3: Summary of Sound Level Measurements Measurement Position Date Start Time Duration Measured Sound Levels (db) Sound Sources and Comments LATE DAYTIME hh:mm mm:ss LAFmax LAeq LA10 LA90 3 MP1 23/08/ :39 pm MP2 23/08/ :28 pm MP3 23/08/ :01 pm 10: At c. 10m from SH12. Still quiet conditions Regular vehicle pass-bys at around 1 to 4 per minute, mainly passenger vehicles. Distant cattle, few birds but vocal as evening descends 10: At 400m from SH12 Regular traffic with some gaps, birds, possums, insects. Still conditions 10: * At end of Whakahara Road Birdsong, peacock calls, nesting birds, occasional traffic Still conditions 3 Background noise levels denoted by an asterisk are likely to be affected by the noise floor of the instrument used. The noise floor of this instrument used (B&K 2250 with Mic #4189) is typically in the order of 15 to 17 dba (based on measurements performed in an anechoic chamber). Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 9

10 Measurement Position Date Start Time Duration Measured Sound Levels (db) Sound Sources and Comments LATE EVENING hh:mm mm:ss LAFmax LAeq LA10 LA90 3 MP1 23/08/ :02 pm MP2 23/08/ :41 pm MP3 23/08/ :23 pm 10: At c. 10m from SH12 Regular vehicle pass-bys at around 1 per minute. Water in culvert audible during gaps in traffic, tonal noise from milking shed audible, vehicles generally audible 10: * At 400m from SH12 Few traffic movements, possum(s), night-birds, insects. Still conditions 10: * At end of Whakahara Road Few traffic movements, still conditions, distant traffic audible. NIGHT MP1 24/08/ :11 am MP3 24/08/2017 1:32 am 10: At c. 10m from SH12 No vehicle pass-by. Culvert noise audible, tonal noise from milking shed audible, one distant vehicle audible on local road 10: * At end of Whakahara Road Few sources of noise. Small animal in tree, minor wind noise (possibly carrying very distant traffic noise from SH14) DAYTIME MP1 24/08/ :11 am MP2 24/08/ :48 am 10: At c. 10m from SH12 Regular vehicle pass-bys including several trucks, cattle 10: At 400m from SH12 (upwind) Traffic, cattle, birds, aircraft. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 10

11 Measurement Position Date Start Time Duration Measured Sound Levels (db) Sound Sources and Comments hh:mm mm:ss LAFmax LAeq LA10 LA90 3 MP3 24/08/ :22 am 10: At end of Whakahara Road (upwind from SH12) Crop dressing noise, occasional wind noise, birds, cattle The measurements illustrate that the area is generally quiet during the night period. The predominant source of noise in the area is State Highway 12. The noise measurements given in the above table are likely to represent the very quietest conditions likely to be experienced in this area, as they were taken during very still conditions in winter time when there were few insects active. Background noise levels during the night period are likely to be appreciably higher during summer conditions. Dwellings located close to the State Highway will receive relatively high levels of ambient noise during the day time. Background noise levels during the daytime are also elevated, with background noise levels of around 40 db L A90 expected between 7:00am to 8:00pm. Noise levels in this area will reduce through the evening and will drop to a minimum background noise level of around 25 db L A90 during the night period. At distance of 400 metres and greater from State Highway 12, background noise levels will be relatively low during still calm conditions. It can be seen that daytime background noise levels maybe between 27 to 31 db L A90 with the noise levels reducing to between 20 to 25 db L A90 during still evenings and nights. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 11

12 5.0 NOISE ASSESSMENT 5.1 Method To assess noise from the proposed poultry farm, a noise model was prepared to predict noise levels in accordance with ISO :1996 Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors Part 2: General method of calculation (ISO 9613). The ISO 9613 standard specifies an engineering method for calculating noise at a known distance from a variety of sources under meteorological conditions that are favourable to sound propagation. The standard defines favourable conditions as downwind propagation where the source blows from the source to the receiver within an angle of +/-45 degrees from a line connecting the source to the receiver, at wind speeds between approximately 1 m/s and 5 m/s. Equivalently, the method accounts for average propagation under a well-developed moderate ground based thermal inversion. Accordingly, predictions on the basis of ISO 9613 account for instances when local atmospheric conditions at the site favour the propagation of sound to surrounding receptor locations. Under alternative atmospheric conditions, such as when the wind is blowing from a receiver location to the development site, the noise levels would be lower than calculated. To calculate noise levels according to the ISO 9613, the noise level for each source are characterised and a series of attenuation factors are then calculated for a range of effects including the following to predict noise levels: Geometric divergence Air absorption Reflecting obstacles Screening Ground reflections. The following figure illustrates the noise model: Figure 2: Noise Model Illustration 4 4 This viewpoint is from the south looking north. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 12

13 5.2 Noise Source Data Vehicle Noise MDA have measured noise levels from vehicle movements on numerous occasions and determined representative sound power levels for these activities. The sound power level data is used in this assessment provided in Table 3. Table 4: Sound Power Level of vehicles, LAeq db Octave Band Centre Frequency (Hz) Source dba Semi Trailer pass-by Small (5-10 tonne truck passby) Rating noise levels have been assessed from the site based on up to four (4) semi-truck and trailer vehicle movements occurring during any hour (daytime or night-time), with the remaining vehicles occurring regularly over the assessment period Exhaust Fans Technical data for the SKOV fans has been obtained from the manufacturer. The noise level for the fan types proposed are as follows: Table 5: Sound Power Level of Ventilation Fans LAeq db Octave Band Centre Frequency (Hz) Source dba DA600 Chimney Fan Details of the ventilation difference within each poultry house used in the modelling can be seen in Appendix C Backup Generator A backup generator is proposed on site. The selection of the generator will occur at future design stage; however it is expected that any on-site generator would be located in a sound attenuated canopy or within the energy centre. The emergency generator would not typically be used, but could be run during emergency situations. It is expected that the generator would be tested on a monthly basis during the daytime. Typical manufacturer data for generators in sound attenuated canopies indicate a sound pressure level of between 50 to 65 db L Aeq at 15 metres. Given the setback between the generator and the nearest dwelling, noise from the generator is predicted to readily comply with the District Plan noise limits at any potential time of operation Litter Burners Litter from the poultry sheds will be moved to the energy centre building to be converted into heat energy. The energy generated will used to heat the poultry sheds through individual hot water pipes. Based on a comparison to other similar heat sources, the following sound source data has been assumed: Internal reverberant noise levels of 85 db L Aeq (15 min) or less within the litter burner house Burner stack sound power level controlled to no greater than 100 db L WA Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 13

14 Burner ventilation fan sound power level of no greater than 85 db L WA. The energy centre has been assumed to be constructed from insulated panel façade material or acoustic equivalent Loader and Forklift Noise It is assumed that a loader and a forklift will be used on site as required to unload trucks and to move biomass around the site. A sound power level of 100 db L WA has been allowed for during typical operation. The sound power level is equivalent to a Komatsu L90E or similar medium sized loader operating on soft ground loading wood chip or similar Internal and External Chicken Noise Marshall Day Acoustics have carried out measurements at other free range farms to establish the noise levels generated by the chickens, both within the poultry shed and when outdoor in the free range area. The following noise levels have been used: Internal noise levels: 60 db L Aeq (reverberant noise level) External sound power level: 54 db L WA (sound power level per square meter of outdoor area) The energy centre has been assumed to be constructed from insulated panel façade material or acoustic equivalent. 5.3 Calculated Noise Levels Noise levels from the proposed operation have been calculated using the noise model discussed in Section 5.1. Noise levels have been assessed using NZS6802:2008 as required by the Kaipara District Plan. No allowance for special audible characteristic have been included in our calculation. It has been assumed that the fans will not exhibit any tonality or impulsiveness. While reversing beepers on vehicles should be avoided where practicable, they are unlikely to contribute significantly to the overall noise levels at the nearest receiver location. Therefore, it is considered that a correction for special audible characteristics is not applicable to this source. 5 Noise levels have been calculated at the nearest noise affected premises in accordance with ISO9613, assuming soft ground and favourable environmental conditions for sound propagation 6. Noise levels have been predicted for the following operating states: I. Scenario 1: Summer Day II. III. IV. Scenario 2: Winter day Scenario 3: Summer Night Scenario 4: Winter Night The predicted day time rating noise levels at the nearest noise affected premises are provided in Table 4. 5 It is noted that broadband self-levelling reversing beepers are available. These can normally be fitted to on-site plant or specific trucks in the event that tonal noise emission becomes of concern. However it is noted. 6 This is the default output state from ISO Non-favourable environmental propagation will likely result in noise levels that are around 10 db lower than predicted by ISO Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 14

15 Table 4: Predicted Rating Noise Levels, db LAeq Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 Scenario 4 Day Night Receiver Position Summer Winter Summer Winter R R R R R R Noise Rule 50 db LAeq 40 db LAeq Complies? Yes Yes It can be seen that the proposed farm rating noise levels will readily comply with the daytime and night-time noise rules. The evening noise rule would also be readily complied with. In addition to the above scenarios, consideration has been given to a hypothetical worst case scenario with all fans and heating plant in simultaneous 100% operation. Such a scenario would not occur on the site given the proposed operation. Nonetheless, our assessment shows that in this hypothetical situation, noise levels would still readily comply with the Kaipara District Plan noise rules at all times of the day and night. The noise contours during the night period are illustrated in the following figures overleaf: Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 15

16 Figure 3: Noise Contour Map (Summer, Night-time) Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 16

17 Figure 4: Noise Contour Map (Winter, Night-time) Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 17

18 5.4 Construction Noise Combined construction activity with a combined sound power level of up to 115 db L WA can comply with the District Plan noise limits even if construction is required to occur 0630 and 0730 hours or between 1800 and 2000 hours (i.e the morning or evening periods). A sound power level of 115 db L WA would allow for multiple items of significant earthmoving plant to operate on site. Given the significant distance between the construction and the surrounding dwellings, there is negligible risk that construction activity could breach the daytime (0730 and 1800 hours) District Plan construction noise rule of 70 db L Aeq even where significant construction activities such as piling and earthmoving occurs. All activity is therefore expected to comply with the District Plan construction noise rules during the morning, daytime and evening period. The proposed bunds will be constructed prior to the poultry sheds and other ancillary buildings being constructed. As such, the completion of the bund will result in a reduction of construction noise levels to the north, west and south of the site. Activity occurring during the night period, such as delivery of large plant, would also comply with the night-time noise rules at surrounding dwelling. Given the significant distances between the site and surrounding dwellings, general construction activity could likely occur on site without breaching the District Plan noise limits. However, it is expected that significant construction works would not occur at night. 6.0 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS The site and surrounds have been shown to experience low ambient and background noise levels during still winter conditions. During still winter nights when background noise levels are at their lowest, noise from the proposed free range farm will be up to 31 db L Aeq at the nearest receiver that is adjacent to the State Highway. The noise level at the receivers to the south and south-east of the proposed farm will be in the order of 26 to 28 db L Aeq. These noise levels will be similar to, or marginally greater, than the existing ambient noise levels at these locations. The noise levels will be greater than the existing background noise level at times (generally during the evening and night), but are expected to be within 10 decibels (dba) of the existing background noise levels even during quiet still conditions. Noise from the proposed farm is expected to be audible in the surrounding area at times. The noise levels from the proposed farm comply with national and international guidelines for the control of environmental noise. The design has included a large bund around the perimeter of the site and further design considerations can be undertaken to reduce noise emissions from the site as far as practicable. These may include (but are not limited to): Ensuring that tonal reversing alarms are replaced with broadband self-limiting alarms (or flashing lights where safety permits) for all plant owned and operated by Tegel. Ensure that site access allows contractor and Tegel trucks to turn without reversing. Designing all plant buildings to ensure that low noise emissions result. This may include the provision of critical residential mufflers to exhaust stacks, selection of quiet plant, etc. Prepare a noise management plan for the site to ensure that noise is managed appropriately. Subject to these measures, it is considered that the operation will meet the duties set out in Section 16 of the Resource Management Act. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 18

19 7.0 SUMMARY Tegel Foods proposes to construct a free-range poultry farm at Arapohue, New Zealand. The site is proposed to consist of thirty-two (32) sheds, stocked up to a density of approximately 15 birds per m 2. The maximum number of birds would be approximately 1.32 million on the subject land at any one time. Marshall Day Acoustics has undertaken an environmental noise assessment of the site. The assessment has been prepared using a detailed computer noise model to predict noise emissions from all potential sources of operational noise on the site. The assessment shows that the proposed site operations will readily achieve the provisions of the Kaipara District Plan at all surrounding dwellings. Construction occurring within the site will readily comply with the District Plan noise rules where this occurs during the morning, daytime or evening. Delivery of large equipment by truck during the night-time would also comply with the District Plan noise rules. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 19

20 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY SPL or L P SWL or L W db dba L Aeq (t) L A90 (t) L Amax NZS 6801:2008 NZS 6802:2008 Prescribed time frame Rating Level Residual Sound Specific Sound Total Sound Or Ambient Sound Sound Pressure Level. A logarithmic ratio of a sound pressure measured at distance, relative to the threshold of hearing (20 µpa RMS) and expressed in decibels. Sound Power Level. A logarithmic ratio of the acoustic power output of a source relative to watts and expressed in decibels. Sound power level is calculated from measured sound pressure levels and represents the level of total sound power radiated by a sound source. Decibel - The unit of sound level. Expressed as a logarithmic ratio of sound pressure P relative to a reference pressure of Pr=20 Pa, i.e. db = 20 x log(p/pr) The unit of sound level which has its frequency characteristics modified by a filter (Aweighted) so as to more closely approximate the frequency bias of the human ear. The equivalent continuous (time-averaged) A-weighted sound level. This is commonly referred to as the average sound level. The suffix "t" represents the time period to which the sound level relates, e.g. (8 h) would represent a period of 8 hours, (15 min) would represent a period of 15 minutes and ( ) would represent a measurement time between 10 pm and 7 am. The A-weighted sound level equalled or exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. This is commonly referred to as the background sound level. The A-weighted maximum sound level. The highest sound level which occurs during the measurement period. New Zealand Standard NZS 6801:2008 Acoustics Measurement of environmental sound New Zealand Standard NZS 6802:2008 Acoustics Environmental Noise Daytime, night-time, evening, or any other relevant period specified in any rule or national environmental standard A derived level used for comparison with a noise limit. Takes into account any and all corrections described in NZS 6801 and NZS 6802, e.g. duration, special audible character, residual sound etc. The total sound remaining at a given position in a given situation when the specific sounds under consideration are suppressed or are an insignificant part of the total sound A component of total sound that can be identified as associated with a specific source. Specific sound is the sound of interest in an assessment The totally encompassing sound in a given situation at a given time, from all sources near and far, including the Specific Sound. See also Residual Sound. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 20

21 APPENDIX B NEW ZEALAND STANDARD NZS 6803: 1999 ACOUSTICS - CONSTRUCTION NOISE Residential zones and dwellings in rural areas: Table 2 Recommended upper limits for construction noise received in residential zones and dwellings in rural areas Time of week Time period Duration of work (dba) Typical Short-term Long-term Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Weekdays Saturdays Sundays and public holidays Industrial or commercial areas: Table 3 Recommended upper limits for construction noise received in industrial or commercial areas for all days of the year Time of week Time period Duration of work (dba) Typical Short-term Long-term Leq Leq Leq All days Notes in the standards to the tables above: The night time limits in Table 2 shall apply to activities carried out in industrial or commercial areas where it is necessary to prevent sleep interference, specifically where there are residential activities, hospitals, hotels, hostels, or other accommodation facilities located within commercial areas. The limits in Table 2 may also be used to protect other specific noise sensitive activities at certain hours of the day One major factor which should be considered is whether there is a relatively high background sound level (L 90) due to noise from sources other than construction work at the location under investigation. In such cases limits should be based on a determination of the existing level of noise in the area (a background plus approach) Where there is no practicable method of measuring noise outside a building, the upper limits for noise measured inside the building shall be the levels stated in tables 2 and 3 minus 20 dba. This is considered to be a typical value for the sound reduction normally achieved in New Zealand buildings with doors and windows closed. Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 21

22 APPENDIX C VENTILATION DIFFERENCE OVER THE PROPOSED SITE Block House Summer Operating State Winter Operating State Hypothetical ALL ON Operation # Roof Fans # Roof Fans # Roof Fans Rp 001 R PAI Free Range Broiler Farm, Arapohue Acoustic Assessment of Environmental Effects ISSUE.docx 22