With over 343,000 construction companies in the UK [1] it is little wonder that most people within their lifetimes will be exposed to some form of construction noise. In this blog, we are going to take an in-depth look at construction noise, how construction noise should be assessed and how constriction noise can be managed to ensure as little impact as possible.

What is Construction Noise?

Constriction noise is any noise that arises from construction sites. This can include hand tools, heavy plant and machinery and even the arrival of HGVs delivering construction materials. Generally, constriction noise is what would be deemed as a temporary noise source, however just because building sites are temporary in nature this doesn’t mean that noise from constriction sites can be disregarded. Along with nearly any other noise type construction noise can also cause an adverse impact on surrounding residents or noise-sensitive areas. As well as potential noise sources associated with construction it is also typical for constriction sites to generate significant levels of dust and vibration which can also cause complaints if not effectively managed.

Who is Responsible for Controlling Constriction Noise and Vibration?

The responsibility for managing the noise and vibration emissions from any site is the site manager or constriction company. Typically, good construction firms and companies will have specific control measures and management plans to effectively control noise and vibration from the site. This may include such things as noise barriers, hoarding, and limiting the time periods in which the site operates or undertakes noisy activities. Ultimately however constriction sites are governed by both the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and should a construction site be found to be causing significant impact due to noise vibration or dust the local authority has powers under these acts to serve restriction notices also known as a Section 60 Notice and eventually close sites down should they not comply [2]. These can be very costly to any construction project both economically and in terms of project timelines and thus should be avoided at all where possible.

What is a Section 60 Notice?

A Section 60 Notice can be served by the local authority to any construction site unless prior consent has been approved. The local authority has the power to issue these notices under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. Section 60 Notices can be served both before and during the construction phase of a project causing significant delays. Under this notice, the local authority has powers to outline specific machinery usage or limit specific machinery, outline the hours in which constriction can take place as well as specify specific noise and vibration limits among other restrictions [2].

What is a Section 61 Notice?

A Section 61 Application is a pre-emptive way for a construction company or manager to engage with the local authority before works being undertaken. This avoids the likelihood of retrospective and costly delays due to being issued with a Section 60 notice once works have been completed. During a Section 61 application, the constriction manager will have to prove to the council or overseeing body prior to works being undertaken that appropriate environmental controls are being implemented to reduce noise pollution. As part of the application, a request may be made for a Construction Noise Management Plan and or a Construction Noise Impact Assessment in accordance with BS5228:2009+A1:2014. Once a Section 61 Application has been approved by a local authority typically this would limit them from issuing Section 60 notice or noise abetment orders. However, during the Section 61 application, they may impose restrictions as part of the approval.

How Is Construction Noise Assessed?

Typically, construction noise is assessed by undertaking an analysis of said noise or vibration in accordance with British Standard BS5228:2009 generally called a Constriction Noise Impact Assessment. This standard is divided into two sections the first outlines relevant methods of assessing noise and the second part outlines appropriate methodologies for assessing vibration. In order to undertake these assessments an appropriately qualified individual or acoustic consultant should be commissioned.

For a construction project that has not yet started predictive construction noise impact assessments can be undertaken. An appropriate acoustic consultant would need to identify the noise sources used in each phase of the construction. The noise levels from each phase are then predicted at the closest noise-sensitive receptor typically the closest residential dwelling. The resulting noise levels can then be compared to the appropriate criteria outlined in BS5228. With regard to noise, the appropriate criteria are categorised based on the existing acoustic environment surrounding the site. There are also stricter noise criteria for non-sociable time periods such as evening and night time periods [3]. Upon undertaking the assessment if the potential for noise impact is identified a series of control measures should be implemented to reduce the noise emissions for the site to an acceptable level. This generally includes the re-location of noisy plant, the use of quieter models of plant and construction techniques, enclosures, screening and many other methods. Highlighting to the local authority that the best practical means of noise reduction are being employed via a Section 61 and noise management plan and impact assessment can avoid any future issues.

For construction sites that are already operating perimeter noise monitoring may need to be undertaken during the works. The requirement for continual monitoring of the sites emissions can be identified within a constriction noise management plan or stipulated by the local authority. Perimeter noise monitoring is a great way of proactively managing the noise and emissions for the site and ultimately reducing issues in the local community.

References

[1] – Construction industry: statistics and policy - https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN01432/SN01432.pdf

[2] – ANC Construction Noise Guide - https://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ANC-Construction-Noise-Guide-March-2021.pdf

[3] – British Standard BS5228:2009+A1:2014