Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.4
Slurry Pipeline
Noise
Ambatovy Project
37
January 2006
Table 3.4-1 Summary of Existing Noise Levels, Slurry Pipeline
Location
Period
Quietest Hour
L
eq
[dBA]
Period L
eq
[dBA]
day
23
41
Berano
night
20
40
day
39
42
Amboakarivo
night
37
42
Detailed noise measurements including tables of hourly noise levels and graphs
of one-minute raw data are provided in Volume I, Appendix 5.1.
3.4.4
Impact Assessment
3.4.4.1 Issue Scoping
Through consultation with stakeholders and review of previous environmental
assessments for resource developments in Madagascar and elsewhere, several
issues were identified with respect to the potential impacts of the project on
noise.
Slurry pipeline factors that may affect noise levels include:
•
construction noise generated by mobile heavy equipment, welders,
chainsaws and other miscellaneous motors; and
•
maintenance and inspection traffic on public and local access roads may
lead to localized increases in noise levels.
Most noise effects are expected to occur during construction. Changes in noise
due to the project may have an effect on wildlife and human health. This results
in one key question for noise:
Key Question N-1
What Effect Will Noise From the Ambatovy
Slurry Pipeline Have on Sensitive Receptors?
3.4.4.2 Assessment Methods
The key indicator which will be used to assess potential changes in noise levels is
the equivalent sound level or L
eq
. This indicator is a logarithmic average that
represents noise levels measured over a selected period of time and is measured
in A-weighted decibels (dBA) to mirror the response of the human ear. This type
