Controlling Noise Pollution Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Controlling Noise Pollution - Case Study Example However, the most common means of controlling noise is the nuisance law. Section 58 of CoPA74 as well as the Environmental Protection Act 1990 offer specific requirements, and if a developer creates a nuisance, the local authority is obliged to serve a notice requiring that the noise be abated. If, however, the developer feels the notice was wrongly served, an appeal can be entered. Sections 60 and 61 of CoPA74 give powers to the local authority to control noise and vibration from construction sites. The City of London presents on their website a Department of Environmental Services Code of Practice for Deconstruction and Construction Sites following CoPA74 and EPA 1990 guidelines (Code, 2004). This Code offers information and gives an overall view of what a company must do to follow these regulations in order to prevent a situation prejudicial to health or a nuisance. Normal work hours are 08:00 - 18:00 hours (Monday to Friday; 08:00 - 13:00 hours (Saturday) with certain noise sensitive areas 09:00 - 14:00 hours on Saturdays. No working is permitted on Sundays or Bank Holidays (6.0). Quiet working hours are periods when noisy site operations are not allowed. These hours are generally 10:00 - 12:00 (Monday to Friday) and 14:00 - 16:00 (Monday to Friday) in order to allow neighbours at least four quiet hours a day through duration of construction. Essentially, during these hours, there should be no noise audible at the boundary of the site (6.5, 6.6). Noise limits depend on the individual situation and the facts are: (1) Characteristics of noise and effect on neighbours; (2) baseline ambient noise levels; (3) nature and duration of works (14.13). Health and Noise Pollution Persistent exposure to noise, especially at night, is apt to cause psychological distress. The London Health Organization (LHO) defines "noise" as unwanted sound which is perceived as "noise pollution" (Determinants, 2006). Noise constitutes a problem in more than construction sites. Aircraft, trains and road vehicles might well contribute to unwanted noise, and if measured at high levels can effect whole neighborhoods. Another area that can create problems in noise levels is in the work place. People exposed to noise over a long period might have loss of hearing and even 'tinnitus" (ringing in the ears). Noise levels in decibel units (dB(A) are factors in determining excessive noise. There are three 'action' levels; the first two are values of 'daily personal noise exposure' expressed as L EP,d with the first level at 85 dB(A) and the second 90 dB(A). The third is a peak action level of 200 pascals (where loud impulsive sources such as cartridge operated tools are used). The LHO of fers the following guide to noise levels under the Health and Safety Executive: Normal conversation 50 - 60 dB(A) A loud radio 65 - 75 dB(A) A busy street 78 - 85 dB(A) A heavy lorry about 7 metres away 95 - 100 dB(A) A pighouse at feeding time 110 dB(A) A chain