VARTEG OPENCAST INQUIRY: 'Noise won't affect pupils' (From Free Press Series)

VARTEG OPENCAST INQUIRY: 'Noise won't affect pupils'

10:10am Saturday 4th February 2012 in News By Kath Skellon

A NOISE expert told a public inquiry yesterday that school children studying near the site of a proposed open-cast mine would not be affected.

Doctor David Palmer, a technical director at AECOM who specialises in acoustics and vibration, was giving evidence of behalf of Glamorgan Power Company on the third day of an inquiry into Torfaen council’s rejection of a proposal for open-cast mining at Varteg, near Pontypool.

Applicant Glamorgan Power Company is appealing against the decision at County Hall, Cwmbran on the grounds that the proposal is the only way to achieve reclamation of the land.

During cross-examination Tony Kinsella, of the “No Campaign” group , asked if an increase in noise would affect Ysgol Bryn Onnen - just 120 metres away from the proposed site.

Dr Palmer said the level of noise would be significantly less because the school is far enough away and on lower ground.

He assessed noise levels for nearby rear gardens and school playing fields for which the predicted noise level would not exceed 45 decibels, apart from during construction when the noise is predicted to reach levels of up to 67 decibels.

Reuben Taylor QC, representing Torfaen council said noise regulations show that good noise level in a classroom is 35 decibels and a living room is 30 decibels.

In his evidence Dr Palmer, who carried out two noise assessments that include measuring background noise and were agreed with the council, said sound-proofing measures would include a 3.5 metre high barrier and an overburden bund which would act as an acoustic screen for residents on Salisbury Terrace, Pembroke Place and Pembroke Terrace.

An additional temporary three-metre high acoustic barrier would also be put in place during the construction and removal of the scheme.

Proceeding