Noise Assessment Fact Sheet

An independent noise impact assessment was undertaken to assess potential noise impacts associated with the proposed expansion of the Montrose quarry.

Evaluation of noise impacts on noise sensitive and natural areas was undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 2017 (EP Act) and subordinate legislation. Evaluation of noise impacts first considered General Environmental Duty (GED) requirements, and once all noise sources had been eliminated or reduced so far as reasonably practicable, residual noise impacts were assessed against established criteria.

Noise monitoring was conducted at five nearby properties over five consecutive days, with equipment placed closest to the quarry at each site. The noise monitoring enabled Boral to define the relevant noise limits in accordance with the noise protocol, evaluate the effectiveness of existing noise control measures and inform impact mitigation strategies, such as:

• Acoustic barriers
• Vegetation buffers
• Scheduling of noisy activities

A detailed computer noise model was developed to predicted noise levels at the nearest noise sensitive receptors for the current as well as proposed future expansion operational scenarios.

Key findings of the modelling and noise impact assessment are as follows:

• The noise assessment demonstrates compliance with the noise protocol daytime limits throughout the life of the project.
• Receptors to the north of the Project are relatively unaffected by the expansion activities.
• Receptors to the south may experience an increase in noise due to the expansion activities. Impacts are greatest during the early stages of the expansion, when product is extracted from surface levels. Noise levels will reduce as extraction is undertaken at greater depths.
• Natural areas such as Dr Ken Leversha Reserve, Doongalla Forest and Dandenong Ranges may occasionally detect quarry noise, depending on meteorological factors; however, it’s unlikely to be intrusive above other natural ambient noise sources during the daytime.

To mitigate impacts and reduce the risk of harm to human health and the environment.

• The construction of a noise attenuation bund in the southwest corner.
• The relocation of slow moving product in Zone 2 to enable less frequent vehicle movements close to sensitive receptors.
• Amended hours of operation, including no processing or use of the rotary blast drill prior to 7 am.
• The replacement of the aged heavy vehicle fleet with new late model haul trucks fitted with the latest noise attenuation muffler.
• Regular equipment monitoring and maintenance to ensure noise levels do not increase over time.
• The replacement of reverse alarms with squawker reversing alarms – these are 5dB quieter than the pure tone alarms.

The effectiveness of noise controls will continually be reviewed to ensure that risk of impacts is minimised as far as reasonably practicable. Noise monitoring will also be carried out periodically to ensure the defined limits are being met.