DRAFT Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities (NG4)
Summary: The EPA has revised the Guidance Note for Noise (NG4) and the draft guidance document is now available for public consultation. Should you wish to make a submission, please submit your comments to airthematicteam@epa.ie with the subject line ‘NG4’. The consultation period is open until Friday 28/02/2025.
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Key revisions to NG4 include:
- Updates and extends the information on Noise Basics (fundamentals) with diagrams and examples. Links to sound files (QR codes) to aid explanation of some noise concepts.
- Identification of scenarios where specialist expertise/further assessment may be required (e.g. for tonal or impulsive noise).
- Updated sections on licence application requirements, including interaction with the provisions of the Environmental Noise Directive agglomerations.
- Expansion of noise impact assessment using calculation methods.
- Expansion of details required in Environmental Noise Compliance Survey Reports for licensed sites.
- Updated information and methodologies on the measurement of tonal, low frequency and impulsive noise.
- Updated guidance on 1/3 octave analysis, narrow band frequency analysis or FFT.
- Updates on the assessment of low-frequency noise, intermittent noise and other sound characteristics.
- Changes to penalties for noise sensitive locations for both tonal and impulsive noise
- A new section on noise management planning.
- Expanded sections on noise complaints, noise control and mitigation.