An environmental noise impact assessment (“ENIA”) is normally completed as part of the supporting specialist studies during the environmental impact assessment process (“EIA”). This however does not mean that a study must be completed during all EIA processes, nor, are an ENIA always associated with an EIA process. Certain legislation however does stipulate the need for an ENIA, including:
- Noise was identified as an environmental theme requiring further investigation in terms of the National Screening Tool (promulgated in terms of Regulation 320, dated 20 March 2020 as published in Government Gazette No. 43110 – Issued in terms of the National Environmental Management Act of 1998 [Act 107 of 1008]) for a project or activity requiring Environmental Authorization.
- A proposed project (or activity) may cause result in a disturbing noise (prohibited in terms of section 18(1) of Government Notice 579 of 2014 – Issued in terms of the National Environmental Management Act of 1998 [Act 107 of 1008]).
- It is generally required by the local or district authority as part of the environmental authorization or planning approval in terms of Regulation 2(d) or GN R154 of 1992 (or the similar provincial regulations).
However, in the last two decades I have been involved in a number of projects, where an ENIA should have been done, yet environmental authorization was granted without any supporting noise assessment. I however are also aware of a number of projects where the applicant (client or the environmental assessment practitioner – “EAP”) was advised to do a full ENIA, when a screening noise report would have been acceptable, or none was actually required. Fortunately the latest SANS 10328 guideline is available to assist in the identification of activities that may have acoustical implications (and require input from an acoustic consultant). Activities that may require acoustic consulting include, amongst others:
- A change in land use as highlighted in SANS 10328:2008, section 5.3;
- If an industry is to be established within 1,000 m from a potential noise sensitive development (SANS 10328:2008 [5.4 (h)]);
- If a wind farm (wind turbines – SANS 10328:2008 [5.4 (i)]) or a source of low-frequency noise (such as cooling or ventilation fans – SANS 10328:2008 [5.4 (l)]) is to be established within 2,000 m from a potential noise sensitive development or vice versa;
Lastly, an additional reason why an ENIA is done is for a company to assess the extent and magnitude of their noise impact. This may be done after a number of noise complaints (associated with a directive instructing the completion of such a study), or voluntary (especially companies that subscribe to an Environmental Management Systems such as ISO 14001).
EARES in all cases will be able to assist in advice on whether an ENIA is required, why such a study is required (or why not) as well as the approximate cost of such a study. For this you are most welcome to contact us.