Not Duly Made Response

Ref 5104

For Allen Newport Limited c/o PDE Consulting Limited The Alaska Building Sitka Drive Shrewsbury Business Park Shrewsbury SY2 6LG

Cavenham Quarry Western Extension and Alternative Restoration Scheme BS 4142 Noise Assessment for Environment Agency

Date 09 November 2020

Author Dr Paul Cockcroft

The Author

Paul Cockcroft BEng PhD CEng MIMMM FIOA (Senior Partner) has been practising in mining engineering and acoustics since 1983. He joined WBM in 1989, became a Partner in 1997 and Senior Partner in 2004. Paul has worked for many of the major mineral extraction and waste disposal companies in the UK and Mineral Planning Authorities on a wide range of surface mineral workings, aggregate related plant sites, waste disposal and recycling projects, including advising safeguarded wharf operators to protect vital industrial operations. He also specialises in the measurement and prediction of environmental, industrial and transportation noise and acoustic aspects of site development, road schemes, rail-linked sites, traincare depots and commercial and other developments. Paul has prepared and presented evidence at planning appeals and for court cases, including Judicial Review applications, Breach of Condition Notices, nuisance cases and is known for his rigorous approach.

WBM

WBM (the trading name of The Walker Beak Mason Partnership) is an established independent acoustic consultancy specialising in architectural & building acoustics, environmental noise, planning issues and expert work. WBM is a member of the Association of Noise Consultants and is also a Corporate Member of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment. The consultants are Members or Fellows of the Institute of Acoustics.

Page 2 of 34

Contents

The Author ...... 2 WBM ...... 2 1 Introduction ...... 5 2 Environment Agency Requirements for the Assessment ...... 5 3 British Standard 4142: 2014+A1:2019 ...... 5 4 Description of Site and Noise Climate ...... 8 5 Calculated Site Noise Levels ...... 9 6 Baseline Noise Surveys and Background Sound Levels ...... 11 7 BS 4142: 2014+A1:2019 Assessment ...... 12 7.1 (a) Statement of Qualifications ...... 12 7.2 (b) Source Being Assessed...... 12 7.3 (c) Subjective Impressions ...... 13 7.4 (d) The Existing Context and Sensitivity of Receptor ...... 13 7.5 (e) Measurement Locations and Justification ...... 13 7.6 (f) Sound Measuring Systems, Including Calibrator / Pistonphone ...... 13 7.7 (g) Operational Test ...... 14 7.8 (h) Weather Conditions ...... 14 7.9 (i) Date(s) and Time(s) of Measurements ...... 14 7.10 (j) Measurement Time Intervals ...... 14 7.11 (k) Reference Time Interval(s) ...... 15 7.12 (l) Specific Sound Level ...... 15 7.13 (m) Background Sound Level(s) ...... 16 7.14 (n) Rating Level(s) ...... 16 7.15 (o) Excess of the rating level(s) over background sound level(s) ...... 16 7.16 (p) Conclusions of the assessment after taking context into account ...... 17 7.17 (q) The potential impact of uncertainty ...... 17 8 Summary and Conclusions ...... 18 Appendix A – Glossary of Acoustic Terms ...... 19 Appendix B – Location Plan Showing Noise Measurement Locations ...... 21 Appendix C – Site Noise Calculation Locations ...... 22 Appendix D – Baseline Noise Survey Results and Summary ...... 24 Appendix E – Noise Calculation Methods and Summary Calculation Sheet ...... 28

Page 3 of 34

Appendix F – Attenuation of Noise Through Dense Foliage ...... 33 Appendix G – Permit Boundary Drawing Extract ...... 34

Page 4 of 34

1 Introduction

A planning application was submitted on behalf of Allen Newport Limited for a minor extension to the existing Cavenham Quarry (Marston’s Pit) in Suffolk, adjacent to the access road (the western extension), and also to allow for an alternative restoration scheme for the existing quarry using inert materials.

The Environment Agency has requested a noise impact assessment based on the BS 4142 method for a permit application (EPR/ZP3497EW/V004) for the landfilling associated with the restoration at Cavenham Quarry.

This report sets out the findings of noise surveys conducted in May and June 2020 at off- site locations in the vicinity of dwellings nearest to Cavenham Quarry and the extension.

This report sets out the calculated noise levels arising from the alternative restoration scheme for use in the BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 assessment method for the nearest dwellings to Cavenham Quarry. For information, the calculated noise levels are compared with the site noise limits at the nearest dwellings, as stipulated in the planning permission conditions for Cavenham Quarry.

To aid comprehension, a glossary of acoustic terms is presented in Appendix A.

2 Environment Agency Requirements for the Assessment

The information that must be submitted to the Environment Agency in a noise impact assessment that uses computer modelling or spreadsheet calculations is provided in GOV.UK Guidance “Noise impact assessments involving calculations or modelling”.

3 British Standard 4142: 2014+A1:2019

British Standard (BS) 4142:2014+A1:2019 "Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound" describes methods for assessing the likely effects of sound of an industrial and/or commercial nature on residential properties. It includes the assessment of sound from industrial and manufacturing processes, M&E plant and equipment, loading and unloading of goods and materials, and mobile plant/vehicles on the site. It can be used to assess sound from proposed, new, modified or additional industrial / commercial sources, at existing or new premises used for residential purposes.

Page 5 of 34

The standard describes methods to measure and determine ambient, background and residual sound levels, and the rating levels of industrial / commercial sound.

BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 is not intended to be used for the derivation or assessment of internal sound levels, or for the assessment of non-industrial / commercial sources such as recreational activities, motorsport, music and entertainment, shooting grounds, construction and demolition, domestic animals, people, and public address systems for speech.

This standard is not intended to be applied to the rating and assessment of sound from: … “h) other sources falling within the scopes of other standards or guidance.”

Ambient sound is defined in BS 4142: 2014+A1:2019 as "totally encompassing sound in a given situation at a given time, usually composed of sound from many sources near and far". It comprises the residual sound and the specific sound when present.

Residual sound is defined in BS 4142: 2014+A1:2019 as "ambient sound remaining at the assessment location when the specific sound source is suppressed to such a degree that it does not contribute to the ambient sound".

The background sound level is the LA90, T of the residual sound level, and is the underlying level of sound. Measurements of background sound level should be undertaken at the assessment location where possible or at a comparable location.

The measurement time interval should be sufficient to obtain a representative value (normally not less than 15 minutes) and the monitoring duration should reflect the range of background sound levels across the assessment period. The background sound level used for the assessment should be representative of the period being assessed.

The specific sound level is the LAeq,Tr of the sound source being assessed over the reference time interval, Tr. BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 advises that Tr should be 1 hour during the day and 15 minutes at night.

The rating level is the specific sound level plus any adjustment for the characteristics of the sound (tone, impulse, intermittent or other acoustic feature).

The standard describes subjective and objective methods to establish the appropriate adjustment. The adjustments for the different features and assessment methods are summarised in the table below.

Page 6 of 34

Acoustic Adjustment for Acoustic Feature Feature Subjective Methods Objective Methods Tonality +2 dB if just perceptible Third Octave Analysis Narrow Band Analysis +4 dB if clearly perceptible +6 dB if tones identified Sliding scale of 0 to +6 dB depending on audibility of +6 dB if highly perceptible tone Impulsivity +3 dB if just perceptible Sliding scale of 0 to +9 dB depending on prominence of impulsive sound +6 dB if clearly perceptible +9 dB if highly perceptible Intermittency + 3 dB if intermittency is n/a readily distinctive Other + 3 dB if neither tonal nor n/a impulsive, but otherwise readily distinctive

Where tonal and impulsive characters are present in the specific sound within the same reference period then these two corrections can both be taken into account. If one feature is dominant, it might be appropriate to apply a single correction. The rating level is equal to the specific sound level if there are no features present.

The level of impact is assessed by comparing the rating level of the specific sound source with the background sound level. Other factors that may require consideration include the absolute level of sound, the character and level of the residual sound compared to the specific sound, and the sensitivity of the receptor and scope for mitigation.

When the rating level is above the background sound level, a difference of around +5 dB is likely to indicate an adverse impact and a difference of around +10 dB or more is likely to indicate a significant adverse impact, depending on the context.

The lower the rating level with respect to the background sound level, the less likely it is that the specific sound source will have an adverse impact. Where the rating level does not exceed the background sound level, this is an indication of the specific sound source having a low impact, depending on the context.

Page 7 of 34

4 Description of Site and Noise Climate

The site is to the north of Cavenham, east of Tuddenham St Mary, southwest of Icklingham and approximately ten kilometres to the north-west of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. The existing site entrance is from Cavenham Road, approximately midway between Cavenham and Tuddenham St Mary. Cavenham Heath Nature Reserve is to the north west of the site.

This report sets out the findings of noise surveys conducted in May and June 2020 at off- site locations in the vicinity of dwellings nearest to Cavenham Quarry and the extension, see Appendix B. The nearest residential properties to the site are to the east and north east, namely Mill Farm House and The Hassocks at which site noise limits already exist under the current planning permissions.

The three locations selected for site noise calculations are: 3 Tuddenham House, Cavenham Road (junction The Street); 4 Mill Farm House; 5 The Hassocks. These site noise calculation locations are indicated by arrows on the plan in Appendix C.

The noise climate in the area in May and June 2020 was affected by distant and local road traffic noise (reduced due to the national lockdown), aircraft movements associated with RAF Mildenhall (military base), birds, plant associated with the mill at Icklingham. Existing processing plant and vehicles on site access road for Cavenham Quarry were just audible at times at Cavenham (North) but not audible at Mill Farm House (Gates).

The currently permitted hours of operation, as set out in Condition 15 of Application No: SCC\0123\16F, are “No operations authorised or required under this permission, other than water pumping, servicing, environmental monitoring or plant maintenance, shall be undertaken outside of the following times other than with the prior written approval of the Mineral Planning Authority; 0700 to 1800 Mondays to Fridays; 0700 to 1300 Saturdays; and no such operations other than water pumping or environmental monitoring, shall take place on Sundays, Bank Holidays for National Holidays.”

Page 8 of 34

5 Calculated Site Noise Levels

The following assumptions have been made for the calculation of site noise levels for the landfilling and associated operations for the restoration at Cavenham Quarry. The plant items will all operate for 100% of an hour, to represent a reasonable worst case scenario.

The plant items will achieve the dB LWA values stated. The plant items used in the calculations (see Appendix E) are listed in the table below along with the Sound Power

Levels dB LWA used in the calculations. The Plant Items with an asterisk * are not part of the permit application.

Plant Item dB LWA Dozer for tipped material (most days) 108 Loading shovel for recycled material * 106 Screens x 2 for recycling facility * 113 Crusher for recycling facility * 110 Excavator for recycling facility * 104 HGVs on access road (north south) * 104 HGVs on access road (east west) * 104 Excavator (soils and overburden / bund removal) 104 Dump Trucks (soils and overburden / bund removal) 106 Dozer (soils and overburden / bund removal) 108

The Planning Practice Guidance in paragraph 19 states “Proposals for the control or mitigation of noise emissions should estimate the likely future noise from the development and its impact on the neighbourhood of the proposed operations”. The Planning Practice Guidance does not provide details of noise calculation methods to be used. In the absence of detailed guidance, the calculations in this report are based on the methods contained in BS5228-1: 2009 “Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 1: Noise” as amended BS5228-1:2009+A1:2014.

The calculated site noise levels for routine operations at the nearest dwellings and for temporary operations (soils and overburden / bund removal) is shown in the following table,

with the calculated site noise levels in terms of dB LAeq, 1 hour, free field.

Site Noise Calculation Location Calculated Level for Calculated Noise Nearest Infill* Level (Temporary) Tuddenham House 42 (38) 41 Mill Farm House 50 (49) 53 The Hassocks 45 (44) 47 * Infill (dozer only for restoration) + recycling facility + access road

Page 9 of 34

The bunding that currently exists along the eastern side of the working area (to a height of about 1.5 to 2.0 m above local ground level) has not been included in the calculations as this will be removed as part of the campaign extraction of mineral along the eastern edge. A 3 m high bund will be constructed along the eastern edge prior to the infill operations and this has been included in the calculated site noise levels for the infill.

The calculated site noise level of 50 dB LAeq, 1 hour, free field for the dwelling at Mill Farm House is for infill (& recycling) with the highest individual contribution from the dozer, at a distance of about 200 m from the dwelling at Mill Farm House, on top of the proposed infill area.

With a bund to a height of 3 metres along the eastern edge of the workings, over a distance of 400 m, infill up to a ground height of 15 m AOD would give a calculated overall site noise level of 45 dB LAeq, 1 hour, free field at Mill Farm House. For infill above 15 m AOD, the calculated level would be between 45 and 50 dB LAeq, 1 hour, free field.

The current site noise control limits for Mill Farm House are 45 and 55 dB LAeq, 1 hour, depending on the type of operation and duration, so there is flexibility already in the noise limits that Suffolk County Council could incorporate into conditions for these proposals.

There is a substantial wooded area between the dwelling at Mill Farm House and the nearest edge of the site and this would provide excess attenuation due to trees / foliage.

Appendix F provides a calculation of the excess attenuation due to trees / foliage for a dozer, taking into account the noise spectrum of the dozer and a distance of 90 m through dense foliage. The calculated overall reduction in noise level for the dozer is 5 dB(A).

Applying an overall reduction in noise level of 5 dB(A) to the calculated noise level for infill operations of 50 dB LAeq, 1 hour, free field gives a calculated noise level at Mill Farm House for infill operations of 45 dB LAeq, 1 hour, free field.

Page 10 of 34

6 Baseline Noise Surveys and Background Sound Levels

Noise surveys were undertaken at three locations, with a total of 15, 15-minute duration, attended samples, on two weekdays in May 2020 and June 2020.

The measurements were taken at positions considered to be representative of the closest dwellings to the site namely: Tuddenham House and Mill Farm House / The Hassocks.

The selected dwellings and the baseline noise measurement locations are shown on the plan in Appendix B. The site noise calculation locations are shown on a plan in Appendix C.

The details of the noise measurement equipment and calibration and the results of the attended surveys are presented in Appendix D.

The table below is a summary of the average ambient (dB LAeq,15 minute) and average

background (dB LA90,15 minute) noise levels at the baseline measurement positions representative of the nearest dwellings to the site.

Survey Location Average dB LA90, T (range) Average dB LAeq, T (range) Pos A Cavenham (North) 34 (30 to 37) 49 (44 to 53) Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 39 (34 to 42) 44 (39 to 47)

A comparison of the calculated noise level with the background sound level is as follows.

Receiver Location Calculated Site Noise Background Sound Level* dB LAeq, 1 hour Level dB LA90, 15 minute Tuddenham House 42 (38) 34 Mill Farm House 45 (44) 39 The Hassocks 45 (44) 39 * Infill (dozer only for restoration) + recycling facility + access road

The calculated noise level for the dozer only for restoration are above the background sound levels by 5 dB(A) for Mill Farm House and The Hassocks and by 4 dB(A) for Tuddenham House. Tuddenham House is adjacent to the junction of Cavenham Road with The Street and the noise climate at the dwelling will continue to be controlled by passing vehicles on the public highway.

An assessment has been undertaken in accordance with BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 “Methods for Rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound” for the nearest dwelling to the infill (dozer only for restoration), Mill Farm House.

Page 11 of 34

7 BS 4142: 2014+A1:2019 Assessment

The information to be reported, as specified in Section 12 of BS 4142:2014+A1:2019, is set out below where relevant.

7.1 (a) Statement of Qualifications

See details about The Author on page 2 of this report.

7.2 (b) Source Being Assessed

1) Description of the main sound sources and of the specific sound The source under investigation is the importation of inert material to restore the proposed extension area and to allow for an alternative restoration scheme for the existing quarry. The plant items are listed in Section 5 and those within the permit boundary would give rise to the specific sound levels at the off-site receiver locations.

2) Hours of operation The proposed hours of operation are 07:00 to 18:00 hours Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 13:00 hours Saturday and at no other times or on Sundays, Bank and/or Public Holidays.

3) Mode of operation (e.g. continuous, twice a day, only in hot weather) The dozer for tipped material will be used on most days but the period of use in a day will depend on the amount of material to be profiled.

4) Statement of operational rates of the main sound sources (e.g. maximum load setting, 50% max rate, low load setting) The assessment has been based on a “maximum load setting” i.e. material placement taking place for 100% of each hour during the daytime periods stated above.

5) Description of premises in which the main sound sources are situated (if applicable). The use of a dozer for infill will be constrained to the area shown on the Permit Boundary Plan (see extract of drawing provided by PDE Consulting in Appendix G).

Page 12 of 34

7.3 (c) Subjective Impressions

1) Dominance or audibility of the specific sound The specific source is not yet in place but it is expected that the specific sound may be audible at times but would not normally be dominant.

2) Main sources contributing to the residual sound. The noise climate in the area in May and June 2020 was affected by distant and local road traffic noise (reduced due to the national lockdown), aircraft movements associated with RAF Mildenhall (military base), birds, plant associated with the mill at Icklingham. Existing processing plant and vehicles on site access road were not audible at Mill Farm House (Gates).

7.4 (d) The Existing Context and Sensitivity of Receptor

The noise climate during the daytime at Mill Farm House (Gates) is characterised by road traffic noise, aircraft movements, noise from the mill at Icklingham. The sensitivity of the particular receptor (occupants at House at Mill Farm House) corresponding to the assessment location is not known.

7.5 (e) Measurement Locations and Justification

Measurement locations, their distance from the specific sound source, the topography of the intervening ground and any reflecting surface other than the ground, including a photograph, or a dimensioned sketch with a north marker. A justification for the choice of measurement locations should also be included.

The measurement locations were used to determine the acoustic environment and to measure ambient sound levels and background sound levels in the vicinity of dwellings, with the location selected for this assessment at the gated entrance to Mill Farm House.

7.6 (f) Sound Measuring Systems, Including Calibrator / Pistonphone

Precision Sound Level Meter

1) Type 140.

2) Manufacturer Norsonic.

Page 13 of 34

3) Serial number 1403136.

4) Details of the latest verification test including dates

Date of Calibration 17/01/2020 as set out in Campbell Associates Certificate Number 33810 dated 17/01/2020. Correct level with associated calibrator (Norsonic 1251 serial number 31992) is 113.9 dB(A).

7.7 (g) Operational Test

1) Reference level(s) of calibrator, multi-function calibrator or pistonphone; 114.0 dB(A). 2) Meter reading(s) before and after measurements with calibrator, multi-function calibrator or pistonphone applied. Before 113.7 dB(A) and after 113.5 dB(A).

7.8 (h) Weather Conditions

1) Wind speed(s) and direction(s) 1-3 m/s from the north west quadrant.

2) Presence of conditions likely to lead to temperature inversion (e.g. calm nights with little cloud cover) None.

3) Precipitation None.

4) Fog None.

5) Wet ground None.

6) Frozen ground or snow coverage None.

7) Temperature 17 to 21oC.

8) Cloud Cover < 1 okta.

7.9 (i) Date(s) and Time(s) of Measurements

Tuesday 02 June 2020: 11:43-11:58.

7.10 (j) Measurement Time Intervals

15 minutes.

Page 14 of 34

7.11 (k) Reference Time Interval(s)

The reference time interval is 1 hour for a daytime assessment between 07:00 to 23:00 hours. A period of 15 minutes is applicable between 23:00 and 07:00 hours.

7.12 (l) Specific Sound Level

1) Measured sound level(s)

The specific sound level could not be measured but has been determined from calculation.

2) Residual sound level(s) and method of determination

The residual sound level measured between 11:43 and 11:58 at the gates to Mill Farm

House on Tuesday 02 June 2020 was 43 dB LAeq, 15 minutes, free field.

3) Ambient sound level(s) and method of determination

The ambient sound level measured between 11:43 and 11:58 at the gates to Mill Farm

House on Tuesday 02 June 2020 was 43 dB LAeq, 15 minutes, free field.

For the sample measurement the following “Comments” were made: “Mill clearly audible, very few vehicles, aircraft”.

4) Specific sound level(s) and method of determination

The specific sound level has been determined from calculation as 44 dB LAeq, 1 hour, free field for Mill Farm House.

5) Justification of methods

Calculation used as the infill operations are not yet taking place at the nearest approach to Mill Farm House at the upper level for infill operations.

6) Details of any corrections applied

See the Potential Impact of Uncertainty section.

Page 15 of 34

7.13 (m) Background Sound Level(s)

Background sound level(s) and measurement time interval(s) and, in the case of measurements taken at an equivalent location, the reasons for presuming it to be equivalent.

The eight 15-minute attended sample measurements undertaken for Mill Farm House have

given background sound levels of 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 40, 42 and 42 dB LA90, 15 minutes, free field.

The background sound level measured between 11:43 and 11:58 at the gates to Mill Farm

House on Tuesday 02 June 2020 was 39 dB LA90, 15 minutes, free field.

7.14 (n) Rating Level(s)

1) Specific sound level(s)

The specific sound level(s) is stated in 7.12 as 44 dB LAeq, 1 hour, free field.

2) Any acoustic features of the specific sound The adjustments for the different features and assessment methods are summarised in the table in Section 3 of this report.

At a separation distance of 200 m from the dozer to the Mill Farm House receiver location, no requirement for a penalty for tonality, impulsivity or intermittency is expected for the infill operations at the Mill Farm House receiver location.

The nature of a dozer grading material could attract the ‘Other’ correction of + 3 dB “if neither tonal nor impulsive, but otherwise readily distinctive” if the dozer tracks are worn. However, at a separation distance of 200 m to Mill Farm House and with the use of a modern dozer the ‘Other’ correction of + 3 dB has not been included.

3) Rating level(s) The rating level for daytime is therefore be 0 dB above the specific noise level of 44 dB

LAeq, T i.e. 44 dB LAr, Tr determined in accordance with BS 4142:2014+A1:2019.

7.15 (o) Excess of the rating level(s) over background sound level(s)

Excess of the rating level(s) over the measured background sound level(s) and the initial estimate of the impacts

Page 16 of 34

The rating level of 44 dB LAr, Tr is 5 dB above the measured background sound level

(which is also the average value) of 39 dB LA90, T for a daytime period on Tuesday 02 June 2020 for Mill Farm House.

7.16 (p) Conclusions of the assessment after taking context into account

The baseline measurements and assessment demonstrate a rating level of 44 dB LAr, Tr

which is 5 dB above the background sound level of 39 dB LA90, T for Mill Farm House.

The conclusion is that the assessment indicates an adverse impact, with mitigation measures incorporated, but not a significant adverse impact for Mill Farm House.

The soundscape for Mill Farm House will continue to be affected by distant road traffic noise, aircraft movements, existing quarry activity and the restoration operations at times.

7.17 (q) The potential impact of uncertainty

Section 10 of BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 states: “Consider the level of uncertainty in the data and associated calculations. Where the level of uncertainty could affect the conclusion, take reasonably practicable steps to reduce the level of uncertainty. Report the level and potential effects of uncertainty.”

The largest level of uncertainty is whether the proposed activity gives rise to the calculated noise level at Mill Farm House and whether the specific noise at Mill Farm House attracts acoustic feature corrections.

The assessment has been based on a “maximum load setting” i.e. material placement taking place for 100% of each hour during the daytime periods stated above. The site noise calculations include zero air absorption.

If a correction of + 3 dB were to be required at Mill Farm House for the nearest and uppermost use of the dozer on the infill for restoration, the rating level would be 47 dB LAr,

Tr which is 8 dB above the background sound level of 39 dB LA90, T for Mill Farm House.

Page 17 of 34

8 Summary and Conclusions

This report sets out the findings of noise surveys conducted in May and June 2020 at off- site locations in the vicinity of dwellings nearest to Cavenham Quarry and the extension.

This report sets out the calculated noise levels arising from the alternative restoration scheme for use in the BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 assessment method for the nearest dwellings to Cavenham Quarry.

The baseline measurements and assessment demonstrate a rating level of 44 dB LAr, Tr

which is 5 dB above the background sound level of 39 dB LA90, T for Mill Farm House. The conclusion is that the assessment indicates an adverse impact, with mitigation measures incorporated, but no a significant adverse impact for Mill Farm House. The soundscape for Mill Farm House will continue to be affected by distant road traffic noise, aircraft movements, existing quarry activity and the restoration operations at times.

Paul Cockcroft BEng PhD CEng MIMMM FIOA Senior Partner

(This document has been generated electronically and therefore bears no signature)

Page 18 of 34

Appendix A – Glossary of Acoustic Terms

General Noise and Acoustics The following section describes some of the parameters that are used to quantify noise. Decibels dB Noise levels are measured in decibels. The decibel is the logarithmic ratio of the sound pressure to a reference pressure (2x10-5 Pascals). The decibel scale gives a reasonable approximation to the human perception of relative loudness. In terms of human hearing, audible sounds range from the threshold of hearing (0 dB) to the threshold of pain (140 dB). A-weighted Decibels dB(A) The ‘A’-weighting filter emulates human hearing response for low levels of sound. The filter network is incorporated electronically into sound level meters. Sound pressure levels measured using an ‘A’-weighting filter have units of dB(A) which is a single figure value to represent the overall noise level for the entire frequency range. A change of 3 dB(A) is the smallest change in noise level that is perceptible under normal listening conditions. A change of 10 dB(A) corresponds to a doubling or halving of loudness of the sound. The background noise level in a quiet bedroom may be around 20 –30 dB(A); normal speech conversation around 60 dB(A) at 1 m; noise from a very busy road around 70-80 dB(A) at 10m; the level near a pneumatic drill around 100 dB(A). Façade Noise Level Façade noise measurements are those undertaken near to reflective surfaces such as walls, usually at a distance of 1m from the surface. Façade noise levels at 1m from a reflective surface are normally around 3 dB greater than those obtained under freefield conditions. Freefield Noise Level Freefield noise measurements are those undertaken away from any reflective surfaces other than the ground Frequency Hz The frequency of a noise is the number of pressure variations per second, and relates to the “pitch” of the sound. Hertz (Hz) is the unit of frequency and is the same as cycles per second. Normal, healthy human hearing can detect sounds from around 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Octave and Third-Octave Bands Two frequencies are said to be an octave apart if the frequency of one is twice the frequency of the other. The octave bandwidth increases as the centre frequency increases. Each bandwidth is 70% of the band centre frequency. Two frequencies are said to be a third-octave apart if the frequency of one is 1.26 times the other. The third octave bandwidth is 23% of the band centre frequency. There are recognised octave band and third octave band centre frequencies. The octave or third- octave band sound pressure level is determined from the energy of the sound which falls within the boundaries of that particular octave of third octave band.

Page 19 of 34

Appendix A (continued)

Equivalent Continuous Sound Pressure Level LAeq,T

The ‘A’-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level LAeq,T, is a notional steady level which has the same acoustic energy as the actual fluctuating noise over the same time period T. The LAeq,T unit is dominated by higher noise levels, for example, the LAeq,T average of two equal time periods at, for example, 70 dB(A) and 50 dB(A) is not 60 dB(A) but 67 dB(A).

The LAeq, is the chosen unit of BS 7445-1:2003 “Description and Measurement of Environmental noise”.

Maximum Sound Pressure Level LAmax

The LAmax value describes the overall maximum ‘A’-weighted sound pressure level over the measurement interval. Maximum levels are measured with either a fast or slow time weighted, denoted as LAmax,f or LAmax,s respectively. Noise Rating NR The noise rating level is a single figure index obtained from an octave band analysis of a noise. The NR level is obtained by comparing the octave band sound pressure levels to a set of reference curves and the highest NR curve that is intersected by the sound pressure levels gives the NR level.

Sound Exposure Level LAE or SEL The sound exposure level is a notional level which contains the same acoustic energy in 1 second as a varying ‘A’-weighted noise level over a given period of time. It is normally used to quantify short duration noise events such as aircraft flyover or train passes.

Statistical Parameters LN In order to cover the time variability aspects, noise can be analysed into various statistical parameters, i.e. the sound level which is exceeded for N% of the time. The most commonly used are the LA01,T, LA10,T and the LA90,T.

LA01,T is the ‘A’-weighted level exceeded for 1% of the time interval T and is often used to gives an indication of the upper maximum level of a fluctuating noise signal.

LA10,T is the ‘A’-weighted level exceeded for 10% of the time interval T and is often used to describe road traffic noise. It gives an indication of the upper level of a fluctuating noise signal. For high volumes of continuous traffic, the LA10,T unit is typically 2–3 dB(A) above the LAeq,T value over the same period.

LA90,T is the ‘A’-weighted level exceeded for 90% of the time interval T, and is often used to describe the underlying background noise level.

Page 20 of 34

Appendix B – Location Plan Showing Noise Measurement Locations

Cavenham Road

The Street

A Field Entrance North of Tuddenham House B Mill Farm House (Gated Entrance) C Icklingham (Saint James Church)

Measurement location for Mill Farm House agreed in advance with SRL for Suffolk County Council

Page 21 of 34

Appendix C – Site Noise Calculation Locations Note: Base Plans for Appendix B and Appendix C are from Planning Application Submission

Cavenham Road 3

The Street

3 Tuddenham House (adjacent to Cavenham Road junction with The Street) 4 Mill Farm House 5 The Hassocks

Page 22 of 34

Appendix C – Site Noise Calculation Locations (continued)

Receiver Location Receiver Ground Approximate Approximate Height (m AOD) Easting (m) Northing (m) Tuddenham House 19 575970 270390 Mill Farm House 17 576840 272140 The Hassocks 12 576840 272570

The Plant Item Locations (Easting and Northing to nearest 10 m) values below relate to Location No. 4 “Mill Farm House” for distances shown in the “Summary Calculation Sheet” in Appendix E.

Ref Plant Item Easting (m) Northing (m) 1 Excavator for mineral extraction (campaign basis) n/a n/a 2 Dump trucks for mineral extraction (campaign basis) n/a n/a 3 Dozer for tipped material (most days) 576640 272130 4 Washing plant for processing the mineral n/a n/a 5 Loading shovel for processed mineral n/a n/a 6 Loading shovel for recycled material 575900 271670 7 Screens x 2 for recycling facility 575900 271670 8 Crusher for recycling facility 575900 271670 9 Excavator for recycling facility 575900 271670 10 Dump trucks plant site to working area n/a n/a 11 HGVs on access road (north south) north 575730 271570 HGVs on access road (north south) south 575780 271000 12 HGVs on access road (east west) east 575780 271000 HGVs on access road (east west) west 575250 270800 13 Excavator (soils and overburden / bund removal) 576660 272130 14 Dump Trucks (soils and overburden / bund removal) 576650 272130 15 Dozer (soils and overburden / bund removal) 576650 272130

Note: Plant Items 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10 are not used in the site noise calculations for the EA permit

Bund start, turn and end point co-ordinates for Location No. 4 “Mill Farm House” Approximate Approximate Easting (m) Northing (m) Northern end 576610 272300 Turning point 576600 272250 Turning point 576640 272230 Southern end 576680 271850

Page 23 of 34

Appendix D – Baseline Noise Survey Results and Summary

Thursday 21 May 2020

Dry and settled, 21 to 25oC, with wind speeds of 1.0 to 2.5 m/s from SW quadrant.

Start Measurement dB dB dB dB Comment Time Location LAeq, T LAFmax LA10, T LA90, T 09:12 Pos A Cavenham 45 66 45 35 Cavenham Road traffic, (North) local cars, birdcalls 09:33 Pos B Mill Farm 39 53 41 34 Local cars, birdsong, plant House (Gates) at mill, distant road traffic 10:01 Pos C Icklingham 56 69 59 50 A1101 road traffic, mill Village plant, aircraft movements 10:26 Pos B Mill Farm 39 55 41 35 Distant road traffic, mill House (Gates) plant, birdsong, aircraft 11:24 Pos A Cavenham 53 80 45 37 Cavenham Road traffic, (North) birdcalls, local vehicles 11:45 Pos B Mill Farm 44 59 46 40 Plant at mill dominant, House (Gates) birdsong, aircraft, voices 12:07 Pos A Cavenham 44 66 43 36 Cavenham Road traffic, (North) local vehicle, birdcalls 13:04 Pos A Cavenham 53 79 43 34 Cavenham Road traffic, (North) local vehicles, birdcalls 13:25 Pos B Mill Farm 47 65 48 36 Mildenhall base aircraft, House (Gates) mill at Icklingham T = 15 minutes

Note: road closed due to roadworks at bridge north of Mill Farm House

Page 24 of 34

Appendix D – Baseline Noise Survey Results and Summary (continued)

Tuesday 02 June 2020

Dry and settled, 17 to 21oC, with wind speeds of 1.0 to 3.0 m/s from NW quadrant

Start Measurement dB dB dB dB Comment Time Location LAeq, T LAFmax LA10, T LA90, T 09:18 Pos A Cavenham 44 71 41 34 Birds in woods, pigs in (North) fields, very few vehicles 09:38 Pos B Mill Farm 46 63 49 42 Mill clearly audible, very House (Gates) few vehicles, birdsong 10:00 Pos A Cavenham 49 77 43 34 Birds in woods, birdsong, (North) very few vehicles, aircraft 10:20 Pos B Mill Farm 45 60 47 42 Mill clearly audible, aircraft House (Gates) associated with Mildenhall 10:40 Pos C Icklingham 66 87 64 51 Mill plant > 50 dB(A), Village A1101 road traffic 11:00 Pos B Mill Farm 43 58 45 40 Mill clearly audible, very House (Gates) few vehicles 11:20 Pos A Cavenham 44 66 45 33 Birds in woods, birdsong, (North) very few vehicles 11:43 Pos B Mill Farm 43 58 45 39 Mill clearly audible, very House (Gates) few vehicles, aircraft 12:04 Pos A Cavenham 48 74 41 30 Very few vehicles, distant (North) aircraft, birds in woods T = 15 minutes

Note: existing processing plant and vehicles on site access road just audible at Cavenham (North) but not audible at Mill Farm House (Gates)

Page 25 of 34

Appendix D – Baseline Noise Survey Results and Summary (continued)

SITE VISITS THURSDAY 21 MAY 2020 & TUESDAY 02 JUNE 2020 PWC

File Date Start Time Measurement Location LAeq LAF(max) LA10, T LA90, T NOR140_8189110_200521_0003.NBF (2020/12/21 09:11:54.00) 09:12 Pos A Cavenham (North) 45 66 45 35 NOR140_8189110_200521_0008.NBF (2020/12/21 11:23:50.00) 11:24 Pos A Cavenham (North) 53 80 45 37 NOR140_8189110_200521_0010.NBF (2020/12/21 12:07:04.00) 12:07 Pos A Cavenham (North) 44 66 43 36 NOR140_8189110_200521_0014.NBF (2020/12/21 13:03:24.00) 13:04 Pos A Cavenham (North) 53 79 43 34 NOR140_8189110_200602_0003.NBF (2020/06/02 09:17:46.00) 09:18 Pos A Cavenham (North) 44 71 41 34 NOR140_8189110_200602_0005.NBF (2020/06/02 09:59:42.00) 10:00 Pos A Cavenham (North) 49 77 43 34 NOR140_8189110_200602_0010.NBF (2020/06/02 11:21:44.00) 11:20 Pos A Cavenham (North) 44 66 45 33 NOR140_8189110_200602_0012.NBF (2020/06/02 12:03:47.00) 12:04 Pos A Cavenham (North) 48 74 41 30 Average Values Pos A Cavenham (North) 49 43 34 File Date Start Time Measurement Location LAeq LAF(max) LA10, T LA90, T NOR140_8189110_200521_0004.NBF (2020/12/21 09:33:16.00) 09:33 Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 39 53 41 34 NOR140_8189110_200521_0006.NBF (2020/12/21 10:25:55.00) 10:26 Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 39 55 41 35 NOR140_8189110_200521_0009.NBF (2020/12/21 11:45:35.00) 11:45 Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 44 59 46 40 NOR140_8189110_200521_0015.NBF (2020/12/21 13:24:11.00) 13:25 Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 47 65 48 36 NOR140_8189110_200602_0004.NBF (2020/06/02 09:37:55.00) 09:38 Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 46 63 49 42 NOR140_8189110_200602_0006.NBF (2020/06/02 10:20:10.00) 10:20 Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 45 60 47 42 NOR140_8189110_200602_0009.NBF (2020/06/02 11:00:52.00) 11:00 Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 43 58 45 40 NOR140_8189110_200602_0011.NBF (2020/06/02 11:42:38.00) 11:43 Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 43 58 45 39 Average Values Pos B Mill Farm House (Gates) 44 45 39

Page 26 of 34

Appendix D – Baseline Noise Survey Results and Summary (continued)

Dates and Locations of Surveys

Thursday 21 May 2020 and Tuesday 02 June 2020

Three off-site locations (A, B, C)

Surveys carried out by

Dr Paul Cockcroft

Instrumentation and Calibration

The instrumentation used (including serial number in brackets) for the attended sample measurements is tabulated below.

The sensitivity of the meter was verified on site immediately before and after the surveys using the field calibrator. The measured calibration levels were as follows:

Instrumentation for sample measurements 21.05.20 Start Calibration End Calibration Norsonic 140 Sound Level Meter (1403136) 114.0 dB(A) 113.8 dB(A) Norsonic 1251 Calibrator (31992) Instrumentation for sample measurements 02.06.20 Start Calibration End Calibration Norsonic 140 Sound Level Meter (1403136) 113.7 dB(A) 113.5 dB(A) Norsonic 1251 Calibrator (31992)

The meter and calibrator are tested monthly against a Bruel and Kjaer Pistonphone, type 4220 (serial number 375806) and a Norsonic Calibrator, type 1253 (serial number 22906) with UKAS approved laboratory certificate of calibration.

In addition, the meter and calibrator undergo traceable calibration at an external laboratory every two years.

Fully attended sample measurements of 15-minute duration were taken three locations, a total of eighteen measurements at the off-site locations. Photos were taken at each of the measurement locations.

The microphone was at a height of between 1.2 and 1.5 metres above local ground level, at least 3.5 m from vertical reflecting surfaces, with a windshield used throughout.

Page 27 of 34

Appendix E – Noise Calculation Methods and Summary Calculation Sheet

Specific noise levels are predicted or measured in terms of the Equivalent Continuous Noise Level,

LAeq,T over a given reference time interval, T. In BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 the reference time interval is 1 hour for daytime and 15 minutes for night-time.

The calculation method for any plant which is relatively fixed in location is that set out in BS 5228-

1: 2009 + A1: 2014, Annex F, and is the “Method for activity LAeq” described in section F.2.2 or the “Method for plant sound power level” described in section F.2.3.

The calculation method for site mobile plant such as lorries and dump trucks is that set out in BS 5228-1: 2009 + A1: 2014, Annex F, and is the “Method for mobile plant using a regular well defined route (e. g. haul roads)” described in section F. 2. 5.

Ground Absorption has been calculated using the technique set out in BS 5228-1: 2009 + A1: 2014, Annex F, assuming 90% soft ground between the site and the receiver locations.

The method of assessing screening is that attributed to Maekawa as used in BS 5228-1: 2009 + A1: 2014, Annex F and various other Government published documents. This method uses the calculated path difference and octave band noise data for each noise source over the frequency range stated in BS 5228-1: 2009 + A1: 2014, Annex F.

The effects of ground absorption are not used in the calculations if screening has been assessed and offers a higher attenuation.

The nearest distances to the respective dwellings, from the various items of plant, have been used in an acoustic model for the site to calculate the reasonable worst case LAeq,T site noise levels.

A summary site noise calculation sheet for the nearest dwelling, Mill Farm House, is included after the explanation of table headings used in the calculation spreadsheet.

More detailed site noise calculation summary sheets for the three receiver locations are provided separately for examination by the Environment Agency.

Page 28 of 34

Appendix E – Summary Calculation Sheet (continued)

Table at top of page, a summary of the noise sources identified for calculation.

Ref. Reference number for plant items.

Plant Item A list of plant items selected as potentially significant noise sources.

Comments on Plant Typically a reference to where the noise data has been measured or sourced from.

Activity LAeq @ 10 m The equivalent A-weighted noise level for a nominal period, T, at a distance of 10 metres for this noise source, where appropriate.

Power LWA or LWA / m The A-weighted sound power level for each plant item. A sound power level can be used to determine an LAeq, T at any distance required, assuming hemispherical propagation.

15 min/1 hour On-time % The operating time of each plant item given as a percentage of the period, generally taken to be 1 hour.

Capacity Tonnes Capacity in tonnes of for example a dump truck; when in combination with a daily or hourly amount of material to be moved by dump trucks can be used to determined the number of dump truck movements per day or per hour.

Source Height The height above the ground at which the actual noise source is located, for example noise sources associated with a medium sized wheeled loader would normally be approximately 2 m above ground level.

2 way flow Q per hour Used for haul road calculations and specifies the number of vehicles expected on the haul road per hour.

Speed V kph The expected average speed of the vehicles on the haul road.

Plant Set back(m) This plant set back, e.g. 10 m, is used when barrier attenuation is being considered to test and ensure that the barrier attenuation is not overstated by placing the noise source too close in behind a bund or barrier.

BS5228 method The reference number is used in a look up table to indicate which method within BS5228 has been used for assessing this particular noise source.

Page 29 of 34

Appendix E – Summary Calculation Sheet (continued)

Table at bottom of page, dB LAeq, T noise level contributions from the individual noise sources.

Ref. Reference number for plant items – to link with table at top of page.

Plant Item A list of plant items felt to be a potential noise source – to link with table at top of page.

Plan Distance The distance from the noise source to receptor in metres, when appropriate the worst case scenario is used i.e. the shortest separation distance.

Working Distance Any further distance correction, in metres, used to alter the distance of the noise source to the receptor, for testing alternative scenarios if required.

Ground Height The ground height at the location of the noise source, in metres above sea level (Ordnance datum).

Working Height / depth Any further adjustment to the height of the noise source, for example if noise sources are positioned above or below existing ground level.

Source Height Indicates the noise source height taking account of the ground height and the height / depth adjustment.

Angle Degrees & Range Metres Used in the Haul Road Method calculations only and specifies the angle of view and the perpendicular distance to the haul road or extended line of the haul road.

Barrier – Receiver Distance of any acoustic barrier to the receptor in metres, used to determine path difference.

Barrier Height The height of the barrier in metres, used to determine path difference.

Path Diff. The difference in path length from noise source to receptor to which the sound propagation is subjected by introduction of any barrier.

Barrier Atten. The attenuation in dB(A) caused by the barrier to the resultant dB LAeq, T for the noise source, based on calculations in octave bands for each noise source.

Page 30 of 34

Appendix E – Summary Calculation Sheet (continued)

Soft Ground % The percentage of the ground between the noise source and receptor which is taken to be soft, i.e. grass and farm land, rather than hard, i.e. concrete or water.

Ground Atten. The attenuation in dB(A) caused by any soft ground to the resultant dB LAeq, T for the noise source, in decibels.

Resultant LAeq The resulting dB LAeq, T noise level for the individual noise source at the receptor, including attenuation factors and any mitigation at source.

Page 31 of 34

Appendix E – Summary Calculation Sheet (continued)

50.5

45.5

47.0

21.8

22.4

15.0

29.4

35.4

38.4

30.3

9.3

13.0

49.1

19.9

25.9

LAeq

Resultant

Activity

Defined Area Defined

Activity

Haul Road Haul

Activity

Activity Haul Road Haul Activity

4.0

3.8

6.6

7.4

4.8

6.2

7.3

7.5

5.7

4.1

Atten.

Ground

method

BS5228

90.0

Ground % Ground

Soft

m back m

0.0

5.1

5.4

5.0

4.9

0.0

Atten.

Barrier

Plant Set back(m) Plant

-1.000

0.002

0.004

0.001

-0.105

Diff.

Path Path

V V kph

Speed

m AOD m

m for House m Farm Mill

0.0

20.0

17.0

Height

Barrier

Q per hour

2 2 way flow

1.5

180

-Receiver

Barrier

300

100

Metres

Range

Height

Source

Plant Site Ground Height : Height Ground Site Plant

Infill Barrier Height : Barrier Height Infill

Receiver Height : Height Receiver

Degrees

Angle

Tonnes

Capacity

2.0

23.0

21.0

24.0

20.0

19.0

Height

Source

100

On-time % On-time

1 1 hour

0.0

Height/depth

Working

temporary operations (soils and overburden stripping, bund formation and final restoration) final and formation bund stripping, overburden and (soils temporary operations

infill + recycling facility +facility access road+ recycling infill

108

106

104

106

104

110

113

106

108

106

104

or LWA / m

Power LWA

0.0

19.0

18.0

17.0

Height

Ground

LAeq @ 10 LAeq m

Activity

PWC

190

180

750

1100

300

1050

1150

200

Distance

Working

dB LAeq, 1 hour, free LAeq, dB 1 field hour,

m AOD m

Mill Farm House Farm Mill

INFILL OPERATIONS ONLY (FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT) (FOR ONLY ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATIONS INFILL

03-Nov-20

180

750

1100

300

1050

1150

190

Distance

Plan

18.5

final restoration operations restoration final

Comments on Plant on Comments

5104

Dozer (soils and overburden / bund removal) / bund overburden and (soils Dozer

Dump Trucks (soils and overburden / bund removal) / bund overburden and (soils Trucks Dump

Excavator (soils and overburden / bund removal) / bund overburden and (soils Excavator

HGVs on access road (easton west)HGVs

HGVs on access road (north south) south) access road (north on HGVs

Dump trucks plant site toarea trucks plant working Dump

Excavator for recycling facility for recycling Excavator

Crusher for recycling facility for recycling Crusher

Screens x 2 for recycling facility 2 forx recycling Screens

Loading shovel for material recycled shovel Loading

Loading shovel for processed mineral shovel Loading

Washing plant for processing the mineral the for plant processing Washing

Dozer for (most days) Dozer material tipped

Dump trucks for mineral extraction (campaign basis) (campaign extraction trucks for mineral Dump

Excavator for mineral extraction (campaign basis) (campaign extraction for mineral Excavator

Plant Item Plant

Site Noise Level for Items Level 13 to 15 Noise Site

Site Noise Level for Items Level 3, 6 to Noise Site 9, 11 & 12

Receiver Height Receiver

Location No. Location

Dozer (soils and overburden / bund removal) / bund overburden and (soils Dozer

Dump Trucks (soils and overburden / bund removal) / bund overburden and (soils Trucks Dump

Excavator (soils and overburden / bund removal) / bund overburden and (soils Excavator

HGVs on access road (easton west)HGVs

HGVs on access road (north south) south) access road (north on HGVs

Dump trucks plant site toarea trucks plant working Dump

Excavator for recycling facility for recycling Excavator

Crusher for recycling facility for recycling Crusher

Screens x 2 for recycling facility 2 forx recycling Screens

Loading shovel for material recycled shovel Loading

Loading shovel for processed mineral shovel Loading

Washing plant for processing the mineral the for plant processing Washing

Dozer for (most days) Dozer material tipped

Dump trucks for mineral extraction (campaign basis) (campaign extraction trucks for mineral Dump

Excavator for mineral extraction (campaign basis) (campaign extraction for mineral Excavator

Plant Item Plant

MINOR EXTENSION TO CAVENHAM QUARRY SUFFOLK QUARRY TO EXTENSION MINOR CAVENHAM

ALLEN NEWPORT LTD (PDE CONSULTING LTD) NEWPORT LTD CONSULTING (PDE ALLEN

Ref

1 Ref

Page 32 of 34

Appendix F – Attenuation of Noise Through Dense Foliage

ALLEN NEWPORT LTD (PDE CONSULTING LTD) 4980 28-May-20 PWC

PROPOSED EXTENSION TO CAVENHAM QUARRY SUFFOLK

ISO 9613-2: 1996 Acoustics - Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors - Part 2: General method of calculation

Annex A (informative) Additional types of attenuation (Amisc) 90 m distance df Table A.1 Attenuation of an octave band of noise due to propagation a distance df through dense foliage (trees and shrubs)

Octave Band Centre Frequency (Hz) 125 250 500 1000 2000 dB(A) A weighting -16 -9 -3 0 1 dB values for dozer 82 72 75 74 71 78

Attenuation dB/m 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.08 Distance through dense foliage 90 90 90 90 90 Attenuation for distance, dB 2.7 3.6 4.5 5.4 7.2

Attenuated dB values for dozer 79 69 70 68 64 73

Overall dB(A) reduction 5

Page 33 of 34

Appendix G – Permit Boundary Drawing Extract

Page 34 of 34