Noise impact assessments involving calculations or modelling
Information you must submit to the Environment Agency in a noise impact assessment that uses computer modelling or spreadsheet calculations.
Applies to England
If you need to give the Environment Agency a noise impact assessment that uses computer modelling or spreadsheet calculations you must include the information listed in this guidance. This includes general information such as descriptions of your site and detailed noise data, usually displayed in tables.
You must also:
- clearly state any assumptions used in the computer model or spreadsheet
- submit all noise modelling files or spreadsheet calculations
- submit all modelling files in both the original software format and, where your modelling software allows, QSI data exchange format
- submit the numerical noise data (except the terrain data - this is not required) in a clearly labelled and concise spreadsheet
If you do not provide all the information we need to process your application we may have to ask you for it. This will delay your application.
We do not require assessments of off-site traffic or construction noise.
General information you must provide
You must provide a description of:
- the site location and layout
- your proposed activities and sources of any noise
- local receptors and reasons for selection
- your noise remediation approach
You must also provide a:
- map showing the site and surrounding area including receptors
- site plan including the site boundary
You must also provide a:
- full noise survey report if you have carried out a BS 4142 assessment
- description of the noise mitigation measures you propose using and supporting evidence, such as the manufacturer’s engineering specification for items that mitigate noise emissions, or calculations of the screening effect of barriers
Noise data you must provide
You must provide the following information. You must use 1 metre resolution National Grid references for all location data.
Fixed and mobile plant
You must provide the following information for fixed and mobile plant:
- grid references
- referenced or derived sound power levels (preferably octave band, for derived provide the measurements and calculations)
- heights
- directivities
- operating times
Noise emitting buildings
You must provide the following information for noise emitting buildings:
- corner grid references
- heights
- octave band reverberant sound pressure calculations or measurements
- referenced octave band transmission coefficients
- façade and roof emissions
You must also account for aperture emissions, providing:
- grid references
- dimensions
- sound power levels
- opening times
Site traffic
You must provide the following information about site traffic:
- grid references for site roads
- vehicle sound power levels
- traffic numbers
- traffic speed
Site buildings
For site buildings, whether acoustically emitting or not, provide:
- corner grid references
- heights
Off-site buildings
For any off-site buildings that may affect sound levels at receptors (through screening, reflection or diffraction), provide:
- corner grid references
- heights
Site acoustic barriers
You must provide the following information about site acoustic barriers:
- grid references at ends
- construction details
- thicknesses
- heights
Terrain data
Where you are relying on screening by buildings or barriers for noise attenuation you must provide accurate elevations (height above sea level) and heights (above ground) for:
- sources
- barriers or buildings
- receptors
Use high resolution spot heights or contours.
You should incorporate the terrain data into the model. Do not submit separate copyrighted terrain files.
Receptors
You must provide the following information about any receptors:
- grid references
- addresses or other identification
- number of storeys (estimate sound pressure levels for each storey)
- sensitivity
- BS 4142 background LA90
- specific and rating levels for site activities
- rationale for applying or not applying acoustic penalties
- numerical impacts
Contact
For general enquiries please contact:
General enquiries
National Customer Contact Centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY
Email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone 03708 506 506
Telephone from outside the UK (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm GMT) +44 (0) 114 282 5312
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
If you have a enquiry about noise impact assessments, email: aqmau@environment-agency.gov.uk
Updates to this page
Last updated 18 August 2022 + show all updates
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Updated the introductory section to say that people should submit all modelling files in both the original software format and, where their modelling software allows, QSI data exchange format.
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To help us process your application quickly and efficiently, we have clarified the information in the first section about the information you must provide.
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First published.