D2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY D-11 D3 BASELINE CONDITIONS D-12 D4 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS D-15

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1 Annex D Noise

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3 CONTENTS D1 INTRODUCTION D-1 D1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THIS ANNEX D-1 D1.2 BASIS OF ASSESSMENT INCLUDING REALISTIC WORST CASE SCENARIO D-2 D1.2.1 Construction D-2 D1.2.2 Construction Traffic D-3 D1.2.3 Plant Operating Assumptions D-3 D1.3 CONSULTATION D-4 D1.4 POLICY, LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE D-4 D1.4.1 Planning Policy D-4 D1.4.2 BS4142 Methods for Rating and Assessing Industrial and Commercial Sound D-5 D1.4.3 BS8233: 2014, Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings, 2014 D-7 D1.4.4 BB93 Noise Design Standard at the School D-8 D1.4.5 Planning History D-8 D1.5 SUPPORTING INFORMATION FOR THIS CHAPTER D-10 D2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY D-11 D2.1 METHODOLOGY FOR BASELINE SURVEYS FOR THE EIA D-11 D2.2 OPERATIONAL NOISE PREDICTION D-11 D3 BASELINE CONDITIONS D-12 D3.1 SUMMARY OF DATA COLLECTED D-12 D3.2 DISCUSSION OF DATA D-14 D4 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS D-15 D4.1 INTRODUCTION D-15 D4.2 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS DURING CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING FROM TRAFFIC D- 15 D4.3 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS DURING OPERATION RESIDENTIAL RECEPTORS D-16 D4.3.1 Initial Estimates of Impacts D-16 D4.3.2 Context Considerations Common to All Residential NSRs D-18 D4.4 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS DURING OPERATION BAE BAGLAN SCHOOL D-19 D4.5 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS DURING DECOMMISSIONING D-19 D4.6 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS D-19 D4.7 UNCERTAINTY AND KEY ASSUMPTIONS D-19 D5 MITIGATION D-21 D5.1 INTRODUCTION D-21 D5.2 SUMMARY OF MITIGATION D-21 D5.2.1 Construction D-21 D5.2.2 Operation D-21 D6 CONCLUSIONS D-23

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5 D1 INTRODUCTION D1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THIS ANNEX This Annex provides an assessment of the likely significant effects on noise and vibration sensitive receptors as a result of the Proposed Development CCGT Option and the Proposed Development OCGT Option. In undertaking this assessment reference is made, where it is appropriate to do so, to the findings of the 2008 ES (Chapter 8 Noise and Vibration). In drawing on the findings of the 2008 ES the following principles have been adopted. The baseline, current policy and assessment methodologies were reviewed to identify where material changes had occurred since the 2008 ES was completed. Where no material changes had occurred, the findings of the 2008 ES in regard to likely significance of effects were deemed to also apply to the Proposed Development CCGT Option and, in some instances, to the Proposed Development OCGT Option. Where material changes had occurred a new assessment was undertaken for both the Proposed Development CCGT Option and the Proposed Development OCGT Option. A new assessment was undertaken to address the differences in design and operational parameters between a 299 MW OCGT and a 870 MW CCGT. This chapter revisits the main conclusions of the 2008 ES for the Consented Development and presents an assessment of the effects of the Proposed Development CCGT Option and the Proposed Development OCGT Option. A comparison between the likely significant effects of the Consented Development and the Proposed Development CCGT and OCGT Options is presented in Chapter 14. The presence of the new Baglan Primary and Secondary School, which has been consented and built since the original consent for the CCGT was granted, has been recognised. The operational effects of the Proposed Development have been assessed at the new school which has a clear view of the site. However, it is noted that the new school was consented after the Consented Development (CCGT). Therefore it is concluded that the decision maker assessed noise impact of the consented CCGT on the proposed school, and deemed the noise impact acceptable and hence granted consent for the new school. It is therefore deduced that the noise levels reported in the 2008 ES would lead to acceptable noise levels at the school. This assessment approach therefore is more precautionary than is required given the existing consent for the CCGT. The baseline acoustic environment at the school is described and ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-1 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

6 suitable design criteria to avoid significant noise effects on the school have been identified. The Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council offices and the caravan site are potentially affected by construction noise and have been included in that assessment, however, they are likely to be screened from operational noise from the site by the presence of intervening buildings and have not been included in the operational assessment. Other commercial buildings in the area have been built since the CCGT consent was granted, but there is no indication that they are noise sensitive and these have not been included. Potential effects of the Proposed Development OCGT and CCGT Option on noise sensitive receptors include the following: noise from construction plant during the various phases of site preparation and installation of equipment and structures including pipeline construction; construction traffic on the wider road network; and operation of the facility during the day or night. On the last point it is noted that the Proposed Development OCGT Option will only operate in response to peaks in power demand under a supply contract with National Grid Transmission. It is considered that the Project will operate for up to approximately 1,500 hours per year under this contract. Vibration is not considered further in this assessment because the major construction plant will be over 100 m from the nearest sensitive receiver and therefore significant vibration effects are not expected. There are no sources of vibration during operation that are likely to give rise to perceptible vibration outside the site boundary and therefore the effects of operational vibration have also been scoped out. D1.2 BASIS OF ASSESSMENT INCLUDING REALISTIC WORST CASE SCENARIO D1.2.1 Construction Construction plant items have not been specified in detail at this stage. The locations at which the plant will operate have also not been established. An assessment of construction noise for the CCGT option was made in Section of the 2008 Environmental Statement (ES) which informed the decision to grant the original consent for the CCGT. The predicted construction noise levels were lower than 60 db L Aeq at the residential receptors around the site. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-2 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

7 The noise predictions have been updated drawing on the latest information on noise from construction plant in the current 2014 version of BS 5228 (1) and predicted levels were found to be below the criterion (65 db L Aeq ) for all activities, and were therefore found to be insignificant. This assessment has also enabled the noise levels at the new Baglan Primary and Secondary school to be predicted and assessed. Noise impact from construction of the OCGT option has been based on the same construction plant assumptions as for the CCGT in order to conduct a robust assessment. At the time of the 2008 ES the 1997 version of British Standard BS 5228 was used to set criteria for construction noise impacts of 75 db L Aeq for residential receptors for daytime construction. This standard is still quoted in the current 2014 version of BS 5228, but, additional ways of assessing construction noise are presented. Noise assessment criteria as low as 65 db L Aeq have been proposed in BS 5228 at dwellings in areas where background noise is lower than this standard, and this standard is considered to be appropriate for this site based on daytime sample noise measurements. The current version of BS 5288 also discusses lower cut off values of 65 db L Aeq for educational establishments, and the same conclusion would be reached for the new school. Adopting these noise standards from the updated BS does not change the conclusion of the 2008 ES that no significant impacts are expected. Since no significant noise impacts are predicted with either the OCGT or CCGT, varying the consent is not expected to have any material effect on noise impacts from construction noise. D1.2.2 Construction Traffic Road traffic flows have been forecast during construction for the CCGT in the original 2008 ES. It was concluded that only private cars used during construction would result in substantial changes, but these would be restricted to 0600 to 0700 and 1900 to 2000 hours only. The peak month in terms of HGV traffic was considered and found to not result in significant noise impacts. The effect of varying the consent to allow for the OCGT option will require the same type of construction traffic but will not result in any more traffic movements than were considered for the consented CCGT. Therefore, varying the consent is not expected to have any material effect on noise impacts from construction traffic. D1.2.3 Plant Operating Assumptions While it is anticipated that the Proposed Development will operate up to 1,500 hours per annum, for the purposes of this noise assessment it has been assumed that all plant will operate up to 24 hours a day. Since the number of days of operation does not affect the numerical criteria that have been used, no allowance has been made for the fact that the OCGT option in particular is likely not to operate for 365 days per year. However, it is likely that this will (1) BS5228:2009 +A1:2014 Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites, Part 1 Noise, BSi, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-3 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

8 lessen the temporal extent of any noise impact from the Proposed Development. It has been assumed that the CCGT will operate continuously. The assessment is based on normal operating conditions and excludes noise during failure, abnormal and emergency conditions. The noise from start-up and shut down of the OCGT is included in the noise predictions as this will be a more regular feature of operation of the OCGT. D1.3 CONSULTATION The Applicant has undertaken pre-application consultations with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Natural Resources Wales and the local communities as part of the S36 variation application. However, no comments have been received on the Scoping report or from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council with regard to noise. D1.4 POLICY, LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE D1.4.1 Planning Policy The Welsh Government has published Planning Policy Wales (1) in which Chapter 13 deals with minimising and managing environmental risks and pollution including development management and noise Noise can be a material planning consideration, for example in proposals to use or develop land near an existing source of noise or where a proposed new development is likely to generate noise. Local planning authorities should make a careful assessment of likely noise levels and have regard to any relevant Noise Action Plan before determining such planning applications and in some circumstances it will be necessary for a technical noise assessment to be provided by the developer15 (see 8.5.5) Special consideration is required where noise-generating development is likely to affect a protected species, or is proposed in or near statutorily designated areas, including urban quiet areas designated in Noise Action Plans. The effect of noise on the enjoyment of other areas of landscape, wildlife and historic value should also be taken into account. The nearest quiet areas are Baglan Park which is approximately 1.5 km from the site and Vivian Park which is over 2 km from the site (2). Such quiet areas are designated under the Environmental Noise Directive (3) and generally they are designated because noise levels are low, they are used by a significant number of people and they are of sufficient size. Both sites are separated from the project by intervening buildings. Since there are large distances between the site and the quiet areas, and operational noise emissions are being limited to a low level to protect residential properties (1) Planning Policy Wales Edition 8, Welsh Government, (2) A Noise Action Plan for Wales 2013 to 2018, Welsh Government, (3) Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-4 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

9 at night by proposing suitable noise planning conditions, it is not expected that these areas will be affected significantly by noise from the Proposed Development. Although temporary construction noise might be audible at times in quiet areas from various projects, it is not likely to have a significant effect on the long term use of quiet areas. Technical Advice Note (TAN) 11 Technical Advice Note (TAN) 11 (1) provides guidance to local authorities on how the planning system can be used to minimise the adverse impact of noise without placing unreasonable restrictions on development or adding unduly to the costs and administrative burdens of business. It outlines some of the main considerations which local planning authorities should take into account when determining planning applications for development which will either generate noise or be exposed to existing noise sources. TAN 11 also makes reference to other guidance and criteria applicable for different sources of noise such as industrial and commercial developments, roads and railways. TAN 11 states that BS 4142 is the most appropriate methodology to assess noise from industrial developments and from fixed plant associated with the proposed developments. Since the TAN 11 document was written the BS 4142 standard has been revised. This assessment considers noise assessment criteria based on the current version of BS 4142 which is considered to be the most appropriate method of setting revised noise limits for varied consent at this site. D1.4.2 BS4142 Methods for Rating and Assessing Industrial and Commercial Sound The guidance used for the assessment of sound of an industrial and/or commercial nature is BS 4142:2014 Methods for Rating and Assessing Industrial and Commercial Sound, British Standards Institute. This version has been used in this assessment, whereas the 2008 ES for the CCGT used the 1997 version of the standard. The current version of the standard is applicable to investigating complaints; assessing sound from proposed, new, modified or additional sources of sound and for assessing sound at proposed new dwellings or premises used for residential purposes. The methods described in BS 4142 use outdoor sound levels to assess the likely effects of sound on people who might be inside or outside a dwelling used for residential purposes. BS 4142 is applicable for the determination of the following levels: Rating Levels of industrial and/or commercial sounds; Ambient, Background and Residual sound levels, for the purposes of investigating complaints; (1) Technical Advice Note (Wales) 11, Noise, Welsh Office ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-5 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

10 assessing sound from proposed, new, modified or additional source(s) of sound of an industrial and/or commercial nature; and assessing sound at proposed new dwellings or premises used for residential purposes. The principal terms used in BS 4142 are broadly defined as follows: Ambient Sound the overall sound level from all sources. Specific Sound Level, Ls = LAeq,Tr the noise source under consideration. Rating Level, LAr,Tr Specific noise corrected to allow for certain distinctive acoustic features. Residual Sound Level, Lr = LAeq,T - the noise remaining when the specific noise is sufficiently suppressed so as not to contribute to the ambient noise level. Background Sound Level, LA90,T the measured L90 level of the residual noise. The method requires deriving the sound Rating Level by measurement or prediction of equipment or plant noise (Specific Sound Level) plus any required correction for its acoustic character. A comparison is then made between this Rating Level and the Background Sound Level and the margin between the two values is used to conduct an initial assessment of noise impacts. The following overall guiding assessment values are then used to provide an understanding of the potential for, and significance of, impact(s): Typically, the greater this difference, the greater the magnitude of the impact. A difference of around +10 db or more is likely to be an indication of significant adverse impact, depending on the context. A difference of around +5 db is likely to be an indication of an adverse impact, depending on the context. The lower the Rating Level is relative to the measured Background Sound Level, it is less likely that the specific sound source will have an adverse impact or a significant 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. The Rating Level of the source is the A-weighted Leq taking into consideration the following characteristics of the sound source; tonality, impulsiveness; intermittency, time of occurrence, duration of event, and any other characteristics of the sound source that are likely to be distinctive in the environment. In this case planning conditions for the CCGT require it to have no tonal content, so there are no corrections to be added to the Specific Sound ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-6 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

11 levels to arrive at the Rating Level and it is proposed to transfer this to the planning conditions for the Proposed Development. The OCGT may operate for short periods, but it is not considered likely that the correction for intermittency in BS4142 would be required. This is further discussed in Section D BS 4142 requires an initial estimate of the Specific Sound to be carried out which may later be modified by further consideration of the context. The standard differs from the previous (1997) version in several ways, and the consideration of context is one of the most important. A series of examples are given in which the initial numerical estimate is interpreted for a given context to arrive at the assessment of significance. Where the initial estimate of the impact needs to be modified due to the context, the following factors need to be considered: the absolute level of sound where background sound levels and rating levels are low; where residual sound levels are very high and the residual sound might itself might result in noise impacts; the character and level of the residual sound compared to the character and level of the specific sound; evidence on likely human response to sound including references given in BS 4142; and the sensitivity of the receptor including façade insulation, acoustic ventilation or screening which will secure good acoustic conditions and reduce receptor sensitivity. As in the previous (1997) version, the current version of BS 4142 makes reference to BS8233 for consideration of absolute (or benchmark) standards for noise which, as indicated in the examples, it recommends for the assessment of impacts when noise levels are low. D1.4.3 BS8233: 2014, Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings, 2014 Benchmark noise criteria for various building uses are provided in BS 8233 (1). The British Standard gives guidelines for avoiding disturbance at night which includes 30 db LAeq at night between 2300 and 0700 inside residential buildings. The external noise levels that are equivalent to this value are typically 10 to 15 db higher with windows open so that a reasonable benchmark would vary between 40 and 45 db L Aeq (free-field hours). These noise targets, which apply outside a building, are based on preserving (1) BS8233: 2014, Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings, BSI, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-7 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

12 good standards for sleep within the building. The night-time criterion does not aim primarily to preserve residential amenity outside the buildings and is less stringent than BS 4142 initial estimate criteria in areas where baseline noise levels are low. BS 8233 recommends the use of BS 4142 for the purposes of assessing noise changes, noting that noise changes should be considered in the context of the absolute levels of noise. An external criterion of 50 to 55 db LAeq (free-field hours) has been proposed for more typical daytime activities. External areas such as gardens should also meet a desirable level of 50 db LAeq where practicable. The derived standards assume that buildings are not fitted with noise insulation, so higher external noise levels could be acceptable to residents if noise insulation and ventilation were provided which resulted in suitable internal noise levels. D1.4.4 BB93 Noise Design Standard at the School BB93 contains guidance on design of schools in relation to noise levels inside classrooms. The standards are lower (more stringent) for classrooms which are designed to accommodate students with Special Education Needs (SEN). Standards can be as low as 30 db L Aeq inside the building. The standards can be relaxed by 5 db for naturally ventilated classrooms. The layout of the school is not known at this stage, and neither are the noise insulating properties of the school façades. This latter factor would affect the external noise level which would be acceptable outside the building. At this stage a conservative approach has been adopted and it is assumed that the most stringent noise standard would be required inside the building and that the façade of the building has openable windows which are used for natural ventilation. This would result in acceptable external levels of approximately 45 db L Aeq. The existing LAeq was measured as 45 db L Aeq which suggests that external noise levels would only change by a small amount (approximately 3 db) and therefore this level has been adopted for this assessment. Notwithstanding the above criterion it is also noted that that the new school was consented after the Consented Development, and therefore the determination of the planning application for the new school should have taken into consideration the Consented Development, including noise. Therefore, in the granting of permission for the new school the Applicant considers that it is reasonable to assume that the projected noise limits of the consented CCGT were compatible with the school development. Therefore, as long as the proposed noise conditions for the Proposed Development do not exceed the consented CCGT noise limits no material change in planning terms will be caused by the variation on the school. The consented CCGT noise limits are set out in Section D D1.4.5 Planning History The existing consent for the CCGT (dated 23 February 2011) contains planning conditions for noise which are reproduced below. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-8 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

13 Construction, Construction Noise and Construction Traffic (10) The commencement of the Development shall not take place until there has been submitted to, approved in writing by, and deposited with the Council a Construction Environmental Management Plan. The Plan shall include details of how noise, dust and other airborne pollutants, vibration, smoke, and odour from construction work will be controlled and mitigated. The Plan shall utilise the Considerate Constructors Scheme ( The construction of the Development shall be completed in accordance with the approved Plan except in so far as any variation to it has been approved in writing by the Council. (11) All activities associated with the construction of the Development shall be carried out in accordance with British Standard 5228, 2009: Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites Part 1 Noise, Part 2 - Vibration. (12) No construction work associated with the Development shall take place on the Site on any Sunday or Bank Holiday or on any other day except between the following hours: Monday to Friday Saturday Unless such work - (a) is associated with an emergency; or (b) is carried out with the prior written approval of the Council; or (c) does not cause existing ambient background noise levels to be exceeded. (13) No impact piling approved under the Plan approved pursuant to Condition (10) shall take place on the Site on any Sunday or Bank Holiday or on any other day except between the following hours: Monday to Friday Saturday Unless such work (a) is associated with an emergency; or (b) is carried out with the prior written approval of the Council. (14) No heavy commercial vehicles associated with the construction of the Development shall enter or leave the Site on any Sunday or Bank Holiday or on any other day except between the following hours: Monday to Friday Saturday Unless such movement: (a) is associated with an emergency; or (b) is carried out with the prior written approval of the Council. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-9 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

14 (15) In any instance where a time limitation referred to in Conditions (13) and (14) is not adhered to, the Company shall as soon as possible notify the Council and follow up the notification with a written statement detailing the nature of the emergency and the reason why the time limitation could not be observed. (18) The commissioning of the Development shall not take place until there has been submitted to, approved in writing by, and deposited with the Council a programme for the monitoring and control of noise generated by the normal commercial operation of the Development. The programme shall specify the locations from which noise will be monitored, the method of noise measurement (which shall be in accordance with BS ) and the maximum permissible levels of noise at each such monitoring location. The programme shall make provision for such noise measurements to be taken by the Company as soon as possible following requests by the Council and such measurements shall be given to the Council as soon as they are available. At such measurement locations noise levels shall not exceed the levels specified in the approved programme, except in an emergency or with the prior written approval of the Council. Such noise shall exhibit no tonal or impulse content at these locations in any weather conditions. (19) Notwithstanding any noise measurement and noise measurement location approved by the Council pursuant to Condition (18) the noise generated by the normal commercial operation of the Development shall not exceed the following levels when measured and assessed in accordance with BS at the nearest residential property at the following measurement locations: Measurement location Daytime ( ) LAeq10mins Night ie ( ) LAeq 10mins Brahams Avenue 56dB 46dB Affendale 51dB 44dB Church Street 55dB 47dB Sunny Mount 54dB 47dB D1.5 SUPPORTING INFORMATION FOR THIS CHAPTER Information on the results of baseline surveys is provided in the following appendices: Appendix A Glossary of Acoustic Terminology; and Appendix B Details of Noise Monitoring Results. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-10 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

15 D2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY D2.1 METHODOLOGY FOR BASELINE SURVEYS FOR THE EIA A comprehensive baseline noise survey was carried out by Spectrum Acoustics in 2010, which provides a representative background noise level which is one of the principles of the guidance in BS4142 (2014), and reported in Appendix B. The long term results from this survey were used in preference to the short sample measurements that were undertaken for the ES in 2008 because they were considered to be more representative of the range of baseline noise levels during the quietest part of the night. The original survey to support the 2008 ES was found to reflect the lowest baseline levels that occur and as such would form an unrepresentative basis for the noise assessment. D2.2 OPERATIONAL NOISE PREDICTION At this stage the Proposed Development OCGT Option is at an early outline design stage and specific turbine supplier noise data are not available. However, the likelihood of the plant being compliant with the proposed varied limits has been considered based on noise emissions data provide by one potential plant supplier for the OCGT. For the CCGT option noise emission data derived from the Keadby CCGT which is a similar generating capacity to the Proposed Development CCGT Option has been used. The key noise source in the Keadby CCGT was found to be the Hybrid cooling system. The same type of system is proposed for the CCGT Option at the Proposed Development. Therefore, ERM considers that that this will give a reasonable assessment of the likelihood of the Proposed Development meeting this proposed limits. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-11 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

16 D3 BASELINE CONDITIONS D3.1 SUMMARY OF DATA COLLECTED The Proposed Development OCGT Option has the potential to increase noise levels at residential properties nearby and to create significant noise effects. The extent of the noise increases depends not only on the levels of noise emitted by the plant but also on the baseline noise conditions at the time of operation. Short sample measurements were made of the baseline noise at quiet times of the day and night and these were reported in the 2008 ES for the CCGT. However, the baseline was measured again in 2010 using measurements over longer periods to give a more representative indication of the baseline noise (1). The noise levels were analysed with and without the existing Baglan Bay Power Plant operating. A slight difference was noted and the lower values have been referred to in this assessment which is a cautious approach. The noise monitoring sites are shown in Figure D3.1. The baseline noise monitoring survey consisted of: continuous monitoring at four sites, for a period to provide at least 14 days of noise data at each receptor (up to a maximum of 21 days) inclusive of the weekend period; and deployment of a meteorological station to measure wind speed data for the purpose of excluding noise measurements affected by periods of high winds and/or rain. Details of the survey methods and results are provided in Appendix B. Daytime sample measurements were also made by ERM in July 2016 at a location close to the new Bae Baglan School to determine baseline noise levels. The approximate location of the school is also shown in Figure D3.1. (1) Pre-development background noise survey Abernedd CCGT Power Station Baglan Energy Park, Port Talbot, Spectrum Acoustics, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-12 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

17 PROJECTION: British National Grid Noise Sensitive Receptor Noise Monitoring Location Proposed OCGT Site Boundary SOURCE: Crown copyright and database rights 2016 Ordnance Survey Metres SCALE: See Scale Bar VERSION: A01 SIZE: A4 DRAWN: WB PROJECT: CHECKED: MF DATE: 04/08/2016 APPROVED: RE ± Figure D3.1 Noise Monitoring Locations and Sensitive Receptors SSE PATH: \\ukbrsdc02\data\bristol\projects\ SSE Abernedd Powerstation.RE\GIS\MAPS\Noise\P _NoiseMonitoringLocations_A01.mxd

18 D3.2 DISCUSSION OF DATA The attended measurements for the 2008 CCGT ES (which were carried out in 2007) corresponded with the minimum values which were recorded in the 2010 survey, and using current guidance which suggests that a representative rather than a minimum baseline value is required, the average values recorded by the more robust 2010 survey have been adopted for residential receptors. The Representative Sound Levels obtained are as follows. Table D3.1 Summary of Representative Sound Levels at NSRs (with Baglan Bay Power Plant operating) Night-time 1 NSR L 90, 15 minutes db 1 - Brahms Avenue/Handel Avenue Affendale Church Street Sunny Mount 47 The noise was also measured at the new Bae Baglan School (based on a measurement at the nearest point of the playing fields as shown on Figure D3.1). The appropriate standards for schools are set in terms of the L Aeq parameter and therefore it is the L Aeq which is of interest at this location. The sample measurement of 45 db L Aeq was therefore considered to be appropriate for assessing the impact of the plant on the new school. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-14 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

19 D4 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS D4.1 INTRODUCTION This assessment compares modelled noise levels from the Proposed Development OCGT Option and CCGT Options with appropriate criteria which are informed by baseline survey work. Where necessary the likely effect of mitigation has been included in the predicted noise levels although it is recognised that this is based on provisional design information. D4.2 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS DURING CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING FROM TRAFFIC Noise from the construction of the CCGT or OCGT has been based on experience of previous power station construction projects. The predictions at residential noise sensitive receptors NSR1 to NSR4 from the main site activities are shown in Table 4.1. The new Bae Baglan School (NSR5) and the Port Talbot County Borough Council offices (NSR6) are also included. Table 4.1 Predicted Construction Noise Levels from Activities on Main Site Activity Receptor NSR1 NSR2 NSR3 NSR4 NSR5 NSR6 Distance (m) Site Preparation Plant Sound Power Receptor Construction Noise Level (LAeq db) Level db Foundation Works Piling Structural Works The predictions indicate that noise levels will be below the assessment criterion of 65 db L Aeq,12 hour and therefore no significant noise effects are predicted from works on the main site. Some activities will take place associated with pipeline construction which is required only for the CCGT Option; however these effects will be transient and will only generate noise close to individual receptors for a short period of time. Also, the activities take place close to the M4 which is expected to mask noise from most mechanical plant (typically as noisy as a tracked excavator) which is used in this activity. The closest receptor to the pipeline route is a caravan park which is approximately 40 m from edge of the pipeline corridor. Noise levels of 65 db L Aeq,12 hour have been predicted at this location leading to impacts that are not significant. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-15 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

20 Road traffic flows have been forecast during construction for the CCGT in the 2008 ES. Overall construction traffic was found to not result in significant noise impacts. The effect of varying the consent to allow for the OCGT option will involve the same type of construction plant but not result in any more traffic movements than was considered acceptable for the consented CCGT. Therefore, varying the consent is not expected to have any material effect on noise impacts from construction traffic. D4.3 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS DURING OPERATION RESIDENTIAL RECEPTORS D4.3.1 Initial Estimates of Impacts Given that noise assessment standards have been revised, and further baseline surveys have been conducted since the original consent was granted for the site, the opportunity has been taken to seek to modify the noise conditions as part of the variation to the Section 36 consent. The Applicant will seek to design the plant to meet the standards which are discussed in this Annex. The criteria used to assess noise impacts are discussed in Section D1.4. First an initial estimate of the impact is made using the BS 4142 method. Then the context of that estimate is considered for each NSR in turn using the guidance in BS 4142 to determine the effect significance. No correction for tonal noise at receptors is required because tonality will be avoided during design and this will be enforced through the setting of an appropriate planning condition. BS4142 also specifies that If the intermittency is readily distinctive against the residual acoustic environment, a penalty of 3 db can be applied. However, in this case noise from the Proposed Development is being designed to avoid significant changes in background noise due to the context considerations discussed in Section D4.3.2, and therefore the noise from the OCGT or CCGT is not expected to be readily distinctive against background noise. Providing the design achieves this there would be no need for an intermittency correction. (Even if such a correction was applied the Rating Level would be below the background noise level and it would not change the conclusion of the initial assessment described in Table D4.2.) Table D4.2 summarises the baseline noise levels and gives an initial estimate of impacts as defined in BS4142 at each of the four residential NSRs. BS 4142 requires the final assessment of significance to take the context of the initial estimate into account. Section D4.3.2 goes on to present the final assessment of noise from the Proposed Development assuming it is designed to meet the Rating Levels specified in Table D4.2 at all NSRs, which is actually a worst case because in reality noise will be lower at some receptors because they are further from the site. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D1-16 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

21 Table D4.2 Initial Estimate of Noise Impacts (OCGT/CCGT) Rating Level from Proposed Development db L Aeq, 15 mins Baseline (1) Night-time Exceedance of Night-time Baseline L90 by Rating Level Proposed Planning Limit for Rating Level from Proposed Development Exceedance Proposed Planning Limit for Rating Level from Proposed Development Initial Estimate of Noise Impact NSR L 90, Brahms Avenue/Handel Avenue minutes db Night db Night db Low impact depending on context Night db 2 - Affendale Low impact depending on context 3 - Church Street Low impact depending on context 4 - Sunny Mount Low impact depending on context ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D-17 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

22 D4.3.2 Context Considerations Common to All Residential NSRs The 2010 noise measurements indicated background L A90 noise levels in the range 43 to 47 db at night. BS 4142 guidance indicates that because these are relatively high relative to night-time noise thresholds for the onset of sleep disturbance, it is relevant to consider absolute levels in addition to noise change. This is because a noise change above a low background could be created but with absolute levels still within standards (such as the BS8233 sleep disturbance standard of 40-45dB with open windows), or it could result in noise levels above these standards which can affect the acceptability of conditions even though changes are small. This would result in so called noise creep where noise in an industrial area increases over time. This is relevant here at all residential NSRs. In order to guard against unacceptable noise levels it is proposed to vary the conditions so that noise from the project is limited to a level 4 db below the existing L A90 noise level. This would result in an increase in the L A90 background of not more than 1 db(a). A change of 3 db(a) is generally considered to be the smallest noise level change that is audible under normal listening conditions and therefore the potential 1 db(a) change is a robust standard and would prevent noise creep. The characteristics of the residual sound in the area (i.e. the sound without the Proposed Development OCGT Option or CCGT Option) include noise from the existing power station development and traffic in the area. The new noise from the Proposed Development would not be the only form of industrial noise heard at NSRs, and to some extent this common character will lessen how obtrusive it is and hence its impact. The Applicant will instruct designers to ensure that the proposed plant does not attract an acoustic feature correction as described in BS This is in keeping with the existing consent which requires the plant to contain no tonal noise components which would trigger such a correction. It is not likely that any other planning conditions to control potential acoustic features of the site, such as intermittency, will be necessary and so have not been included in the proposed planning conditions. Initial calculated noise levels were calculated in accordance with ISO (1) under moderate adverse weather conditions for the OCGT Option based on data from potential equipment suppliers. These confirmed that it will be possible to meet the proposed noise limits and therefore no significant noise impacts are predicted as a result of the variation to the consent. The CCGT noise was predicted to be approximately 35 to 45 db L Aeq, 15 mins at the closest residential receptor NSR1 which is the most critical receptor (i.e. the receptor where noise levels are likely to determine the amount of mitigation required). The predicted level of noise depends on the amount of mitigation that is applied to reduce noise from the plant, but, predictions (1) Acoustics -- Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors -- Part 2: General method of calculation, ISO, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D-18 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

23 show that the proposed noise limits can be complied with if the CCGT option were to be built. D4.4 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS DURING OPERATION BAE BAGLAN SCHOOL The new school may have included noise reducing façade treatments since it is located in an industrial area, however, this information is not available at this stage. A robust position has been taken assuming that the school houses highly noise sensitive classrooms with openable windows as described in Section D Initial calculations for the OCGT and CCGT following the methodology in Section D2.2 confirm that it will be possible to meet the proposed noise limit (45 db L Aeq ) and therefore no significant noise impacts are predicted as a result of the variation to the consent. The school will also have been planned in the knowledge that the CCGT is consented could be built in the area, and no limit was included in the planning conditions for the school relating to noise from the CCGT, so this proposed limit offers greater protection than is required by the existing consent for the school. D4.5 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS DURING DECOMMISSIONING The main source of noise from decommissioning is likely to be demolition of the main structures on the site. Noise levels from this activity will be similar to those during construction. Provided work proceeds with equivalent mitigation measures, in particular no evening or night work which is likely to exceed the criteria in BS 5228 (the ABC method) for those periods, and no new noise sensitive receivers have been built closer to the site, significant effects should not arise. D4.6 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The cumulative effect of noise from the Proposed Development OCGT Option above the consented existing Baglan Bay Power Plant has been considered by setting the proposed noise limits to a level which will avoid significant changes in background noise. The noise survey showed that the existing power station was a secondary contribution to background levels (with traffic noise from the M4 and A48 providing the main contribution). D4.7 UNCERTAINTY AND KEY ASSUMPTIONS Construction noise predictions are necessarily approximate. However, the BS 5228 method is conservative so that a realistic worst case assessment has been undertaken. To assess operational noise in accordance with BS 4142 it is necessary to establish representative baseline sound levels. Environmental noise levels vary over time as weather changes and local noise sources such as road traffic ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D-19 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

24 varies. To address this, a comprehensive baseline noise survey was undertaken at key receptors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D-20 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

25 D5 MITIGATION D5.1 INTRODUCTION The following sections describe the mitigation measures included in the Proposed Development OCGT Option to minimise impacts. D5.2 SUMMARY OF MITIGATION D5.2.1 Construction Due to the large separation distances between the NSRs and the site and predicted noise impacts, standard construction site noise mitigation is likely to be sufficient to avoid significant noise impacts. These mitigation measures are described in the 2008 CCGT ES. It is proposed that the conditions (10) to (15) of the CCGT planning consent (see Section D1.4.5) are also applied to the consent for the Development Project which provide restrictions during construction which will mitigate noise impacts through the restriction of hours in which work will be carried out. D5.2.2 Operation The Proposed Development OCGT Option is at an early stage in design but a number of potential embedded noise mitigation measures have been identified and factored into the equipment sound power levels used to predict noise levels at receptors to confirm that it will be possible to meet the noise limits that are proposed. For the OCGT this may involve the following measures, but the final mitigation will be developed during detailed design and procurement: sound enclosure around the Gas Turbine (including fuel gas module and hydraulic skid); sound enclosure around the generator; low noise design, and improved silencer for the air intake; sound enclosure around diffuser extension duct; enclosure of bypass stack base and casing; low noise transformer design; low noise fin fan cooler; ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D-21 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

26 low noise Power Control Centre s air handling/air Cooling units; low noise gas reducing station with insulation; and low noise design of control building with silencers for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system. Other items of the plant will also require careful acoustic design as the Proposed Development OCGT Option progresses. The target of this design will be to reduce noise levels as far as practicable using the best available techniques as far as necessary i.e to ensure that the proposed planning limits are met. This design will also ensure that the plant has no discernible tonal characteristics at affected NSRs. The noise predictions for the CCGT Option have been based on the SSE design at the Keadby Power Station which incorporates a number of similar low noise fans, motor attenuation, baffling of inlets, pump enclosures or operational controls such as reducing fan speed (rather than cutting out units) in cooler conditions including at night. The Applicant also proposes that Conditions (20), (21), (22) and (23) from the CCGT consent will apply to the Proposed Development which will further mitigate the effects of noise by ensuring that a commissioning test is carried out, and procedures for dealing with noise during emergency events or operation of pressure relief valves and similar equipment in non-emergency situations and by providing an noise complaints procedure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D-22 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

27 D6 CONCLUSIONS During construction, work is not likely to give rise to significant noise impacts. No significant impacts are expected from construction traffic based on the work in the 2008 ES for the CCGT. Construction work which is likely to be audible at receptors is expected to be carried out during the day. Comprehensive baseline noise surveys have been undertaken in The planning consent for the CCGT plant includes conditions allowing operational noise levels of up to 46 db at night at the nearest Noise Sensitive Receiver (NSR 1). Given that noise assessment standards have been revised, and further baseline surveys have been conducted since the original consent was granted for the site, the opportunity has been taken to seek to modify the noise conditions as part of the variation to the Section 36 consent. The Applicant will seek to design the plant to meet the standards which are discussed in this Annex. The proposed planning condition would limit noise at NSR 1 to 41 db which would be more stringent than the existing CCGT noise consent. This would be the receptor at which the highest level of mitigation may be required to meet the limit. Noise levels will be lower at other receptors. Key items of the plant have been identified that will require careful acoustic design as the Proposed Development for the OCGT or CCGT Options progress. The target of this design will be to reduce noise levels as far as practicable using the best available techniques to meet the proposed noise limits. Initial modelling of the Proposed Development for the OCGT and CCGT Options has shown that noise levels can be reduced to meet the proposed noise limits. Similarly cumulative noise levels from the Baglan Bay Power Plant and the Proposed Development Option or CCGT Option will not give rise to significant noise impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT D-23 ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD

28

29 Appendix A Acoustic Terminology Glossary, Definitions and Abbreviations

30

31 A1 ACOUSTICS - GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND DEFINITIONS A1.1 WHAT IS NOISE? Noise is often defined as unwanted sound but technically, noise is the perception of a series of compressions and rarefactions above and below normal atmospheric pressure. A1.2 HOW TO MEASURE AND DESCRIBE NOISE? Noise is measured using a specially designed sound level meter which must meet internationally recognised performance standards. Audible sound pressure levels vary across a range of 10 7 Pascals (Pa), from the threshold of hearing at 20 Pa to the threshold of pain at 200 Pa. Scientists have defined a statistically described logarithmic scale called Decibels (db) to more manageably describe noise. To demonstrate how this scale works, the following points give an indication of how the noise levels and differences are perceived by an average person: 0 db - represents the threshold of human hearing (for a young person with ears in good condition); 50 db represents average conversation; 70 db represents average street noise, local traffic etc; 90 db represents the noise inside an industrial premises or factory; 140 db - represents the threshold of pain the point at which permanent hearing damage may occur. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD A-1

32 A1.3 ACOUSTIC TERMINOLOGY & STATISTICAL NOISE DESCRIPTORS Environmental noise levels such as noise generated by industry, construction and road traffic are commonly expressed in db(a). The A-weighting scale follows the average human hearing response and enables comparison of the intensity of noise with different frequency characteristics. Time varying noise sources are often described in terms of statistical noise descriptors. The following descriptors are commonly used when assessing noise. 1/3 Octave Single octave bands divided into three parts Octave Ambient Noise A Weighting A division of the frequency range into bands, the upper frequency limit of each band being twice the lower frequency limit. The noise associated with a given environment. Typically a composite of sounds from many sources located both near and far where no particular sound is dominant. A standard weighting of the audible frequencies designed to reflect the response of the human ear to noise. Decibel (db) The units of sound level and noise exposure measurement where a step of 10 db is a ten-fold increase in intensity or sound energy and actually sounds a little more than twice as loud. db(a), dba db(c, dbc db(z), db(l) Hertz (Hz) Decibels A-weighted. Decibels C-weighted. Decibels Linear or decibels Z-weighted. The measure of frequency of sound wave oscillations per second - 1 oscillation per second equals 1 hertz. LA10 The percentile sound pressure level exceeded for 10% of the measurement period with 'A' frequency weighting calculated by statistical analysis. Typically used to assess the impact of an existing operation on a receiver area and is referred to as the cumulative noise levels at the receiver attributable to the noise source. LA90 The percentile sound pressure level exceeded for 90% of the measurement period with 'A' frequency weighting calculated by statistical analysis. LMax LAeq, T The maximum of the sound pressure levels recorded of a measurement period. Equivalent continuous sound pressure level with 'A' frequency weighting - The value of the sound pressure level of a continuous steady noise that, a measurement interval of time (t), has the same mean square sound ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD A-2

33 pressure as the sound under consideration whose level varies with time. LAN Percentile level - a measure of the fluctuation of the sound pressure level with 'A' frequency weighting which is exceeded N per cent of the measurement time. LA10 LA90 LA50 LAeq LAmax L A p, (db) Time (s) SPL, Lp SWL, Lw Sound pressure level - The level of sound pressure; expressed in decibels, as measured by a standard sound level meter with a microphone. This differs from Lw in that this is the received sound as opposed to the sound intensity : where p is the rms sound pressure in pascals and p o is the sound reference pressure at 20 Pa (2 x 10-5 ). Sound power level - This is a measure of the total power radiated by a source. The Sound Power of a source is a fundamental property of the source and is independent of the surrounding environment: where W is the sound power in watts and W o is the sound reference power at watts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD A-3

34 A1.4 BRITISH STANDARD BS4142: METHOD FOR RATING INDUSTRIAL NOISE AFFECTING MIXED RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS - SPECIFIC TERMS Ambient noise Background noise level LA90,T Totally encompassing sound in a given situation at a given time usually composed of sound from many sources near and far. The A -weighted sound pressure of the residual noise at the assessment position that is exceeded for 90 per cent of a given time interval, T, measured using the time weighting, F, and quoted to the nearest whole number of decibels. Measurement time interval Tm The total time over which measurements are taken. Rating level, LAr,Tr Reference time interval, Tr Residual noise Residual noise level, LAeq,T Specific noise level, LAeq,Tr Specific noise source The specific noise level plus any adjustment for characteristic features of the noise. The specified interval over which an equivalent continuous A -weighted sound pressure level is determined. The ambient noise remaining at a given position in a given situation when the specific noise source is suppressed to a degree such that it does not contribute to the ambient noise. The equivalent continuous A weighted sound pressure level of the residual noise. The equivalent continuous A -weighted sound pressure level at the assessment position produced by the specific noise source over a given reference time interval. The noise source under investigation for assessing the likelihood of complaints. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ABERNEDD POWER COMPANY LTD A-4

35 Appendix B Noise Survey Report

36

37 Pre-development background noise survey Abernedd CCGT Power Station Baglan Energy Park, Port Talbot Report ref. PJ2835/29347 Date November 2010 Issued to Scottish & Southern Energy plc Issued by Peter Jackson MSc MIOA Principal Consultant

38 SPECTRUM ACOUSTIC CONSULTANTS TELEPHONE +44 (0) (HEAD OFFICE) +44 (0) (WIGAN) SECTION TITLE PAGE 1. INTRODUCTION PRE-OPERATIONAL BACKGROUND NOISE SURVEY MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS NOISE SURVEY DETAILS AND INSTRUMENTATION NOISE SURVEY RESULTS CONCLUDING SUMMARY...13 Appendix A: Bulk noise data: Tables A1 and A2 Appendix B: Results and analysis charts 1-6.

39 SPECTRUM ACOUSTIC CONSULTANTS 1. INTRODUCTION Scottish & Southern Energy plc are proposing to build a new Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station at Abernedd, on the site of the former BP Chemicals site, now referred to as the Baglan Energy Park (BEP), in Port Talbot, South Wales Abernedd Power Station will comprise two generating units of 435MW output, giving a combined output of 870MW. Consent for the project is currently being sought under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The impact of noise emission from the proposed power station has been covered in the noise section of the environmental statement (ES) and, as part of this assessment, short period background noise samples have been recorded at four positions covering residential locations to the north, east and south of the power station site. In order to provide a more accurate analysis of any background noise change, due to the construction and operation of the Abernedd Power Station, Scottish and Southern Energy has now commissioned Spectrum Acoustic Consultants to complete pre and post development noise surveys. For the purpose of assessing future power station noise at residential receptor positions it will be necessary to obtain measurements under the sound propagation condition where the receptor is downwind from the source and the wind is light (1-5m/s). This presents the typical worst-case condition that noise limits, or any noise change would subsequently be checked under. To allow comparison of noise levels under the same receptor downwind condition a longer period survey has been commissioned, in order to obtain sufficient data points under this condition. In February 2010 a long-term background survey was completed at a position on the south boundary of the Baglan Energy Park (BEP), which is close to receptor position 1 (as defined in the ES). This position represents the nearest main housing conurbation, approximately 850m south of the power station site in Sandfields West. The results from this survey were issued in Spectrum report reference PJ2754/ Following on from this report Scottish & Southern Energy has decided to extend the survey to include measurements at all four receptor positions defined in the ES and under conditions where the nearby GE Power Systems Baglan Bay Power Station is operating and not operating. This report provides the details from the pre-operational (and pre-construction) background noise survey, conducted at all the 4 receptor positions, during the period 20 October to 24 November 2010, taking in periods when the GE power plant was both operating and also not operating. PJ2835/

40 SPECTRUM ACOUSTIC CONSULTANTS 2. PRE-OPERATIONAL BACKGROUND NOISE SURVEY 2.1 MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS With a long-term unmanned survey requiring security for the monitoring equipment, permission was initially sought from householders to install monitoring equipment inside garden areas of houses located at each of the ES defined receptor positions 2, 3 and 4. Position 1 was located inside the security fence, on the south side of Baglan Energy Park, as this position is just to the north (and therefore representative) of the nearest houses on Handel Avenue and Brahms Avenue, in Sandfields West. The measurement positions are described in the following table: Position 1: Baglan Energy Park (BEP) South perimeter fence Position 2: Afandale, Sandfields Position 3: Church Street, Briton Ferry Position 4: Sunny Mount, Baglan This position is inside the south boundary of the Baglan Energy Park, 700m south of the centre of the Abernedd Power Station site and 130m north of Handel Avenue and Brahms Avenue, in the Sandfields West residential area. This position is in the rear garden of No. 2 Afandale, in Sandfields, approximately 1050m southeast of the centre of the Abernedd Power Station site. The rear garden faces north, overlooking the B4286 and the Baglan Energy Park. This position is in the rear garden of No. 69 Church Street, in Briton Ferry, approximately 2km north of the centre of the Abernedd Power Station site. The rear garden faces south, overlooking the A48 and M4 and across to the Baglan Energy Park. This position is in the side garden of No. 11 Sunny Mount, in Baglan, approximately 1600m north-east of the centre of the Abernedd Power Station site. This property looks southwest, overlooking the A48 and M4 and across to the Baglan Energy Park. Table 1: Description of community receptor positions A weather station was also set up for the purpose of measuring wind speed and direction through the period of the survey. This station was set up to the north of the position 1 noise monitoring position, on Baglan Energy Park. A plan of the development site, showing the noise measurement positions and the Abernedd Power Station site, is included as Figure 1 following this section. The site of the Abernedd CCGT power station is shown by the red line boundary. The land is immediately to the south of the existing Baglan Bay 525MW CCGT Power Plant, operated by GE Power Systems. The land around the Abernedd power station site is flat, providing a clear line of sight between this site and reference measurement positions 1 and 2, located to the south. Reference positions 3 and 4, in Briton Ferry and Baglan, respectively, are located at further distance on the far side of the M4 and A48(T) highways and consequently there is no line of sight to the Abernedd Power Station site from these positions. PJ2835/

41 S P E C T R U M A C O U S T I C C O N S U LT A NT S Abernedd Power Station Site Weather Station Figure 1: Plan showing power station site and noise receptor positions PJ2835/

42 SPECTRUM ACOUSTIC CONSULTANTS The noise measurement locations are illustrated in the following photographs. Photo 1: View of Position 1 (BEP boundary) towards power station site to the northwest Photo 2: View from Position 1 towards houses to the southeast Photo 3: View of Position 2 (Afandale) looking northwest to Baglan Energy Park Photo 4: View of Position 3 (Church Street), looking south to Baglan Energy Park Photo 5: View of Position 4 (Sunny Mount) looking west to Baglan Energy Park Photo 6: View of weather station on BEP PJ2835/