Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.4
Slurry Pipeline
Noise
Ambatovy Project
39
January 2006
Criteria are applied at receptors (homes or communities) outside the project
boundary. Towns near the slurry pipeline route have been identified and mapped
in Volume C, Section 5.1 (Socioeconomics). As the slurry pipeline route within
the proposed corridor has not been finalized, exact distances between pipeline
construction machinery noise sources and residences have not been defined.
Residual impacts are not being assessed for the slurry pipeline as the majority of
noise only occurs during construction and specific community receptors have not
been identified. This assessment is intended to provide information on localized
effects which may occur during pipeline construction. Once constructed, noise
effects will be negligible (occasional traffic for monitoring and maintenance).
3.4.4.4 Mitigation
No specific mitigation was considered for the pipeline construction. However, it
is expected that all heavy equipment will be fitted with standard silencers
(mufflers) and that construction ‘best management practice’ for maintaining
equipment will be observed.
3.4.4.5 Sound Emissions
Table 3.4-2 lists noise levels for typical construction equipment that is used for
pipeline construction.
Table 3.4-2 Construction Equipment Sound Emissions
Source
Sound Output (at distance)
bulldozers (2)
(a)
87 dBA (15 m)
dump trucks
(b)
82-89 dBA (12 m)
front-end loader
(b)
79-93 dBA (15 m)
vibratory compactor
(a)
87 dBA (12 m)
generator, small
(a)
76 dBA (15 m)
chain saw cutting trees
(b)
89-95 dBA (3 m)
backhoe
(b)
87-99 dBA (9 m)
backhoe, idling
(b)
74 dBA (9 m)
scraper
(a)
88 dBA (15 m)
(a)
Source: May 1978.
(b)
Source: Cowan 1994.
The number and type of noise sources will also depend on the type of
construction activity. Activities that have multiple noise sources are clearing,
grading and pipe laying operations.
