NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR SCOPING PURPOSES OF THE PROPOSED PENHILL GREENFIELDS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Transcription

1 J KA JO N G E N S K E E T A S S O CI A T E S A C O U S T I CA L E N G I N E E R I N G CO N S U L T A N T S Telephone: Facsimile: jongens@yebo.co.za A.W.D. Jongens 8 Wingerd Avenue 7806 CONSTANTIA Tel/Fax: D. Cosijn 207 Albert Street 0181 WATERKLOOF Tel/Fax: Architectural Acoustics Noise & Vibration Control Environmental Noise Traffic Noise Acoustical Material Research Underwater Sound Nonlinear Acoustics NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR SCOPING PURPOSES OF THE PROPOSED PENHILL GREENFIELDS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Prepared for: Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd Cape Town Prepared by: A.W.D. Jongens December 2017

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The proposed Penhill Greenfields Development Project forms part of a joint programme by the Western Cape Government Department of Human Settlements and the City of Cape Town to upgrade informal settlements and to establish Greenfield human settlements in proximity of the N2. The proposed Penhill Project is a residential development to include approximately housing opportunities; related mixed use; community facilities (education, health, worship); parks and sports facilities; commercial and industrial components; a road network; as well as agricultural land. Jongens Keet Associates (JKA) was commissioned to undertake a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) for scoping purposes into the potential impact of noise on the proposed development. It forms part of an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Penhill Greenfields Development Project. This report describes the required procedure to conduct an NIA for scoping purposes; the associated legislative framework; a description of the study area; a description and preliminary assessment of potential noise sources that may impact on the development alternatives; and provision of potential noise mitigation. It was anticipated that there would be no noise impact on the Penhill Greenfields development project due to a future sewer pipeline and a temporary waste water treatment package plant. The results of the scoping study indicated that there would be a high noise impact due to vehicular traffic on the Van Riebeeck Road on residential land towards the western boundary of the proposed development. The high levels of noise would be in conflict with the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations and therefore the implementation of noise mitigation measures would be legally required. Arising out of the findings it is recommended that a detailed noise impact study be conducted during the EIA phase. It is further recommended that the architects be made aware of the anticipated impact of road traffic noise on future residents in the vicinity of the western boundary of the proposed project and that mitigation procedures be incorporated in the design.

3 ADRIAN W.D. JONGENS Adrian Jongens (M.Sc. Electrical Engineering) has for 40 years trained tertiary undergraduate and postgraduate students in electrical and mechanical engineering at the University of Cape Town the application of fundamental physical acoustics to noise and vibration control. In parallel he has provided a consulting service to government departments, defence institutions, local authorities, local & international industries, public and private bodies throughout Africa in all aspects relating to noise & vibration control, building & architectural acoustics, community & environmental noise, noise management policy formulation and environmental noise impact assessment and mitigation.

4 DECLARATION I Adrian W.D. Jongens as the appointed specialist hereby declare/affirm the correctness of the information provided or to be provided as part of the application, and that I: in terms of the general requirement to be independent: other than fair remuneration for work performed/to be performed in terms of this application, have no business, financial, personal or other interest in the activity or application and that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity; in terms of the remainder of the general requirements for a specialist, am fully aware of and meet all of the requirements and that failure to comply with any the requirements may result in disqualification; have disclosed/will disclose, to the applicant, the Department and interested and affected parties, all material information that have or may have the potential to influence the decision of the Department or the objectivity of any report, plan or document prepared or to be prepared as part of the application; have ensured/will ensure that information containing all relevant facts in respect of the application was/will be distributed or was/will be made available to interested and affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected parties was/will be facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties were/will be provided with a reasonable opportunity to participate and to provide comments; have ensured/will ensure that the comments of all interested and affected parties were/will be considered, recorded and submitted to the Department in respect of the application; have ensured/will ensure the inclusion of inputs and recommendations from the specialist reports in respect of the application, where relevant; have kept/will keep a register of all interested and affected parties that participate/d in the public participation process; and am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 of the 2014 NEMA EIA Regulations. Signature of the specialist: Jongens Keet Associates Name of company: 20 May 2017 Date:

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS WESTERN CAPE NOISE CONTROL REGULATIONS, DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA SEWER PIPELINE AND WASTE WATER TREATMENT PACKAGE PLANT POTENTIAL NOISE SOURCES ESTIMATED NOISE IMPACT VAN RIEBEECK ROAD NORTHERN ACCESS ROAD NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES... 12

6 GLOSSARY This glossary contains terms defined in South African National Standard (SANS) 10328:2008, SANS and the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations, 2013 used in the measurement and assessment and/or control of sound, or noise. Their meanings are in certain instances loosely described to facilitate understanding. Ambient noise the totally encompassing sound in a given situation at a given time, and is usually composed of sound from many sources, both near and far. It includes the noise from the noise source(s) under investigation. A-weighted sound pressure level, L pa The sound pressure level, in decibels, relative to a reference sound pressure, p 0, and incorporating an electrical filter network (A-weighted) in the measuring instrument corresponding to the human ear s different sensitivity to sound at different frequencies. It is given by the following equation: L pa = 10 Log p 0 2 p A dba p 0 = reference sound pressure = 20 micro Pascal A-weighted sound power level, L WA The A-weighted (as above) sound power level, in decibels, emitted by a sound source relative to a reference sound power of W Equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, L Aeq,T A formal definition is contained in SANS The term equivalent continuous may be understood to mean the average A-weighted sound level measured continuously, or calculated, over a period of time, T. Equivalent continuous rating level, L Req,T The equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, L Aeq,T, measured or calculated during a specified time interval T, to which is added adjustments for tonal character, impulsiveness of the sound and the time of day. An adjustment of 5 db is added for any tonal character, if present. If the noise is of an impulsive nature an adjustment of 5 db is added for regular impulsive noise and 12 db for highly impulsive noise. Where neither is present, such as road traffic noise, the L Req,T is equal to the L Aeq,T. Reference time interval The time interval to which an equivalent continuous A-weighted sound level, L Aeq,T, or rating level of noise, L Req,T, is referred. Unless otherwise indicated, the reference time interval is interpreted as follows: Day-time: 06:00 to 22:00hrs T=16 hours when L Req,T is denoted L Req,d Night-time: 22:00 to 06:00hrs T=8 hours when L Req,T is denoted L Req,n Residual noise (often referred to as background noise) The ambient noise that remains at a given position in a given situation when one or more specific noises (usually those under investigation) are suppressed or absent. District This is related to, but not necessarily equal to, land-use zoning applied in urban and regional planning. For example, mixed-use zoning may comprise a central business district and a residential district.

7 J KA JO N G E N S K E E T A S S O CI A T E S A C O U S T I CA L E N G I N E E R I N G CO N S U L T A N T S Telephone: Facsimile: jongens@yebo.co.za A.W.D. Jongens 8 Wingerd Avenue 7806 CONSTANTIA Tel/Fax: D. Cosijn 207 Albert Street 0181 WATERKLOOF Tel/Fax: Architectural Acoustics Noise & Vibration Control Environmental Noise Traffic Noise Acoustical Material Research Underwater Sound Nonlinear Acoustics NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR SCOPING PURPOSES OF THE PROPOSED PENHILL GREENFIELDS DEVELOPMENT 1 INTRODUCTION The proposed Penhill Greenfields Development Project forms part of a joint programme by the Western Cape Government Department of Human Settlements and the City of Cape Town to upgrade informal settlements and to establish Greenfield human settlements in proximity of the N2. The proposed Penhill Project is a residential development to include approximately housing opportunities; related mixed use; community facilities (education, health, worship); parks and sports facilities; commercial and industrial components; a road network; as well as agricultural land. Jongens Keet Associates (JKA) was commissioned to undertake a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) for scoping purposes into the potential impact of noise on the proposed development. It forms part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed Penhill Greenfields Development Project. This report describes the required procedure to conduct an NIA for scoping purposes; the associated legislative framework; a description of the study area; a description and preliminary assessment of potential noise sources that may impact on the development alternatives. 2 METHODOLOGY The noise impact study for scoping purposes was conducted in accordance with Section 7 of the South African National Standard (SANS) 10328:2008, Methods for environmental noise impact assessments as prescribed under the National Environmental Management Act Nr 107 of A summary of the procedure is outlined hereunder. a.) Provide a brief description of the planned development; b.) Provide a brief description of the existing environment; c.) Identify noise sources that might affect the proposed development; d.) Identify potential noise sensitive areas of the proposed development that could be impacted upon by noise emanating from the identified noise sources; 1

8 e.) Estimate the noise emission from the identified noise sources by carrying out limited preliminary sound measurements; f.) Estimate the environmental noise impact of the noise sources on the proposed development in accordance with SANS 10103:2008 The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to annoyance and to speech communication and any other legal requirements; g.) Consider possible alternative noise mitigation procedures; h.) If there could be a significant impact and/or if more information is needed recommend whether a full noise impact assessment should be conducted. 3 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK In accordance with the Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989, two procedures exist for assessing and controlling noise, respectively: The South African National Standard (SANS) 10328:2008 Methods for environmental noise impact assessments. The Western Cape Noise Control Regulations (NCR), 2013, P.N. 200 of 20 June SANS 10328:2008 and other South African National Standards relating to noise are incorporated in the NCR and are thereby legally binding. The South African National Standards relating to noise are based on the implementation of recommendations contained in the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Community Noise. A pertinent summary is included hereunder. The glossary contains definitions of the terminology used in the measurement and assessment of sound/noise. 3.1 WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION From the collective input of nations throughout the world, including South Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) has prepared globally applicable Guidelines for Community Noise to serve as the basis for deriving noise standards within a framework of noise management to be implemented at national and regional levels. The Guidelines contain the following summary of thresholds for noise nuisance in terms of continuous outdoor daytime L Aeq in residential districts: At dba noise creates annoyance. At dba annoyance increases considerably. Above 65 dba constrained behaviour patterns, symptomatic of serious damage caused by noise, arise. 2

9 In Chapter 4 of the Guidelines it is stated: To protect the majority of people from being seriously annoyed during daytime, the LAeq on balconies, terraces and outdoor living areas should not exceed 55 dba and not exceed 50 dba to protect them from being moderately annoyed. To avoid sleep disturbance, indoor guideline values for bedrooms are an LAeq of 30 dba for continuous noise. In order for people to sleep with bedrooms open the night-time LAeq at the outside façade should not exceed 40 dba. It will be noted in the next section that the SANS typical day and night-time rating levels for a suburban district are in line with the WHO. 3.2 SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS SANS contains procedures to be followed to predict the impact of noise on a proposed development based on objective, scientific principles. The predicted impact is assessed in accordance with SANS 10103:2008 The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to annoyance and to speech communication by determining whether the rating level, LReq,T, of the noise will exceed the measured residual (background) noise level on the development or, in the absence of measured residual level, exceed the typical rating level of noise pertaining to the particular district as contained in Table 2 of SANS 10103:2008. If the rating level, LReq,T, of the ambient noise under investigation exceeds the measured and/or the typical rating level, it is probable that the noise would be annoying or otherwise intrusive to a community (such as residents) exposed to the noise. This excess is then related to the probable response of a community to the noise as indicated in Table 5 of SANS Tables 2 and 5 of SANS are reproduced in part hereunder. SANS 10103:2008, Table 2 Typical rating levels for noise in districts Equivalent continuous rating level (LReq.T) for noise, dba Type of district Daynight LR,dn a Outdoors Daytime LReq,d b Nighttime LReq,n b Indoors, with open windows Daynight LR,dn a Daytime LReq,d b Nighttime LReq,n b a) Rural districts b) Suburban districts with little road traffic c) Urban districts d) Urban districts with one or more of the following: workshops; business premises; and main roads e) Central business districts f) Industrial districts

10 SANS 10103:2008, Table 5 Categories of community/group response Excess Estimated community/group response (LReq,T) a dba Category Description >15 Little Medium Strong Very strong Sporadic complaints Widespread complaints Threats of community/group action Vigorous community/group action In estimating the response of a community (such as residents) to a particular noise under investigation Table 5 of SANS incorporates the diversity of response of individuals of a particular community to the noise level. The estimated response to an excess of LReq,T of noise under investigation is thus not in discrete 5 db changes, but in overlapping ranges of excess. In terms of Section of SANS 10103: Where occupancies have to be allowed within areas where the acceptable outdoor values in table 2 are exceeded for the particular type of occupancy, the sound insulation of the building housing the occupancy should be proven to be such that the indoor values given in table 2 for the particular type of occupancy are not exceeded. With reference to the glossary tonality and impulsivity are generally absent from noise emanating from road traffic. LReq,T therefore equals LAeq,T. 3.3 WESTERN CAPE NOISE CONTROL REGULATIONS, 2013 Under Land use Regulation 4. (1) The local authority, or any other authority responsible for considering an application for a building plan approval, business license approval, planning approval or environmental authority, may instruct the applicant to conduct and submit, as part of the application (a) a noise impact assessment in accordance with SANS to establish whether the noise impact rating of the proposed land use or activity exceeds the appropriate rating level for a particular district as indicated in SANS 10103; or (b) where the noise level measurements cannot be determined, an assessment, to the satisfaction of the local authority, of the noise level of the proposed land use or activity. (3) Where the results of an assessment undertaken in terms of sub regulation (1) indicate that the applicable noise rating levels referred to in that sub regulation will likely be exceeded, or will not be exceeded but will likely exceed the existing residual noise levels by 5 dba or more - (a) the applicant must provide a noise management plan, clearly specifying appropriate mitigation measures to the satisfaction of the local authority, before the application is decided; and 4

11 (b) implementation of those mitigation measures may be imposed as a condition of approval of the application. 4 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA The proposed Penhill Development Project outlined in red is displayed in Figure 1. It is located within the urban edge near the eastern boundary of the City of Cape Town between Blackheath industrial district and Eersterivier suburban districts to the west; and Stellenbosch agricultural areas to the east. The site is bounded on the north by a water treatment works and on the south by the Welmoed cemetery. The main access to the site is off Van Riebeeck Road bordering the western site boundary. Existing detention ponds, outlined in blue, separate a portion of the western site boundary from Van Riebeeck Road. A railway line runs parallel to and west of Van Riebeeck Road. A proposed additional northern link road to connect with Jeripiko Road in Saxenburg Industrial Park is shown in red. N CITY OF CAPE TOWN STELLENBOSCH km Welmoed cemetery Figure 1 Location of proposed Penhill Greenfields Development site with arrow showing sound measurement location Two alternative conceptual layouts have been proposed. The preferred Alternative A is displayed in Figure 2 and Alternative B displayed in Figure 3. 5

12 Figure 2 Conceptual site layout Alternative A 6

13 Figure 3 Conceptual site layout Alternative B The primary difference between the two alternatives is the consolidation of the agricultural land along the southern border of the site in Alternative B with the addition of adjacent light industrial storage. 7

14 4.1 SEWER PIPELINE AND WASTE WATER TREATMENT PACKAGE PLANT A sewer pipeline within the Van Riebeeck Road reserve will extend southeast of the Penhill Greenfields development. Although the actual alignment is still to be determined no noise impact on the development is anticipated. A temporary waste water treatment package plant is to be located at the southern corner of Penhill Greenfields development to allow for Phase 1 of the erfs to be occupied by April 2022 to bridge the gap until a new bulk sewer capacity becomes available. Although no details are yet available no noise impact on the development is anticipated. 5 POTENTIAL NOISE SOURCES At the initial site inspection on 1 March 2017 the noise emanating from relatively busy road traffic on Van Riebeeck Road was distinctly noticeable throughout the western half of the site. Near the northern site boundary noise from a passing train was just audible but the level was judged to be significantly lower than that of road traffic noise. At a subsequent visit on 11 April 2017 sound measurements were recorded on the site boundary bordering Van Riebeeck Road near the northern end of the site shown by means of a sound level meter (SLM)-on-tripod symbol and arrow in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a photograph of Van Riebeeck Road looking south with the sound measurement location at the extreme left depicted by the SLM-on-tripod symbol. Figure 4 Van Riebeeck Road with SLM on tripod symbol depicting sound measurement location at extreme left 8

15 The impulse A-weighted sound pressure level, LAIeq, at the end of approximately 10 minutes was 70 dba. However, it was judged that the traffic flow was significantly less than during the initial site visit. This is confirmed by the sparse traffic on the southbound carriageway shown in Figure 4 and no northbound traffic at the moment the photograph was taken. No trains passed during the second site visit. No other sources of noise that would impact on the proposed development were identified. 6 ESTIMATED NOISE IMPACT 6.1 VAN RIEBEECK ROAD The assessment of environmental noise is based on the daytime and night-time equivalent levels LReq,d and LReq,n. The 10 minute LAeq of 70 dba was a brief sample that could not be considered to be representative of the average daytime LReq,d. However, it did provide an estimate of the order of magnitude of the noise impact to be expected by noise sensitive residential receptors located close to the Van Riebeeck Road. This would need to be determined by a more extensive investigation of the daytime and night-time levels of road traffic noise in the vicinity of the western site boundary of the proposed development. The measured 70 dba was 20 db in excess of the maximum level recommended for a residential district. This represents a very significant excess. In terms of Table 5 of SANS 10103:2008 the estimated response of a residential community would be very strong. The excess would be in conflict with the Regulation 4 of the NCR and the implementation of noise mitigation measures would be legally required. There would be no difference in exposure to road traffic noise by noise sensitive receptors between the conceptual site layout alternatives A and B. 6.2 NORTHERN ACCESS ROAD Four proposed access roads directly off Van Riebeeck Road are included in both alternative site layouts. It is anticipated that these would be preferred by the future community over the seemingly less convenient northern route. It is anticipated that the traffic flow on the northern route would be low with an associated low intensity of noise impact on residents in the vicinity of Jeripiko Road at the northern end of the proposed development. 9

16 7 NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES The only practical mitigation measure to reduce the very significant 20 db excess would be a high continuous barrier located close to the Van Riebeeck Road. An example is displayed in Figure 5 where a glass façade functions as a noise barrier to the access to apartments that back onto the road with the living spaces and balconies facing away from the road. The first line of such apartment buildings would protect other residential buildings and outdoor spaces beyond. Alternatively, commercial buildings could provide similar noise mitigation. These considerations should be included by the architects during further design of the proposed project. Due to the large median width between carriageways, noise barriers at the nearest edge of the road reserve, in the form of berms or walls, would need to be excessively high. A height of at least 7 m would be required to screen the upper storey of a two storey apartment building located close to the western site boundary. Figure 5 Apartment building with glass façade noise barrier. 10

17 8 NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT SUMMARY LAYOUT ALTERNATIVE Short description Alternative A (preferred) An L shaped agricultural area which will provide a more suitable interface with the agricultural areas upslope to the east of the site. Description of attributes Noise Noise List of negative impacts Exposure by residents to noise from road traffic on the Van Riebeeck Road Alternative B Based on a consolidated agricultural area as one block on the east of the site, to allow for a 500m buffer with the Welmoed Cemetery. Exposure by residents to noise from road traffic on the Van Riebeeck Road List of positive impacts None None List of potential Multi-storey buildings near western Multi-storey buildings near western mitigations site boundary to form noise barriers site boundary to form noise barriers Assessment Nature Positive Negative Positive Negative Duration Long term Long term Extent Small Small Magnitude High High Probability High High Confidence High High Reversibility Reversible Reversible Resource irreplaceability Medium Medium Mitigatability Medium Medium Significance Medium Medium Conclusion Ranked preference n/a n/a Motivation for preferred There would be no difference in noise impact alternative ACCESS ROAD Short description Description of specific attributes Only alternative Northern link road ± 1.1km in length with a 25m servitude, and connect with Jeripiko Road to the north. Noise List of negative impacts Exposure by residents to traffic on Jeripiko Road List of positive impacts None List of potential mitigations None required Assessment Nature Positive Negative Duration Long term Extent Small Magnitude Low Probability Low Confidence High Reversibility Reversible Resource irreplaceability High Mitigatability Medium Significance Very low Conclusion 11

18 Ranked preference Motivation for preferred alternative n/a n/a 9 CONCLUSIONS The results of the scoping study indicated that there would be a high noise impact due to vehicular traffic on the Van Riebeeck Road on residential land towards the western boundary of the proposed development. The high levels of noise would be in conflict with the Regulation 4 of the NCR and therefore the implementation of noise mitigation measures would be legally required. It was anticipated that there would be no noise impact on the Penhill Greenfields development project due to the future sewer pipeline and the temporary waste water treatment package plant. 10 RECOMMENDATIONS In light of the preliminary findings of this scoping study it is recommended that a detailed noise impact study be conducted during the full EIA phase of the project. This would be conducted in accordance with Section 8 of SANS 10328:2008. This is similar to the procedure outlined in Section 2 of this report but with estimate replaced with quantify. It would include a detailed investigation of the road traffic flow on Van Riebeeck Road during a 24-hour period and the calculation of the daytime and nighttime levels of road traffic noise on the proposed development in accordance with SANS 10210, Calculating and predicting road traffic noise. The Aurecon standard assessment methodology will also be applied to the findings to establish the significance of the noise impact. It is recommended that the architects be made aware of the anticipated impact of road traffic noise on future residents in the vicinity of the western boundary of the proposed project and that mitigation procedures be incorporated in the design. REFERENCES Berglund, B., Lindvall, T., Schwela, D.H Guidelines for Community Noise, World Health Organization, Geneva. SANS 10103:2008, The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to annoyance and to speech communication. SANS 10210:2004, Calculating and predicting road traffic noise. SANS 10328:2008, Methods for environmental noise impact assessments Western Cape Noise Control Regulations, P.N. 200 of 20 June