Indicator 2.11 - Noise Pollution at the Fjardaál Smelter
This indicator is only applicable to the Fjardaál smelter.
Ambient noise levels influence the quality of life in a community. The presence of consistent, loud noise detracts from the appeal of an area and may be detrimental to the long-term sustainability of the community.
When the Fjardaál project was planned, local community residents were concerned that the smelter near the town of Reydarfjordur could have a negative effect on noise levels in thetown .
While there are no changes in the operation of the smelter, no noise pollution measurements are performed. Currently, a potlining facility is being built on the Fjardaál site. Noise monitoring will be started when the new potlining facility starts operation.
Performance
a. and b. Average Noise Level (DnL) at established monitoring stations at the smelter site and established monitoring stations in Reydarfjörður.
The table below shows the outcome from 7 monitoring stations in chosen spots near the Alcoa Fjardaál smelter in August 2008.
Targets for the Average Noise Level (DnL) are met, and it does not exceed the levels set for this indicator.
There has been no reason for further measurements than these made in 2008 as the operation of the smelter has remained unchanged. Now the change has been made that a potlining facility is being built on the smelter site. Noise monitoring will be started when the new potlining facility starts operation, by mid-year 2012.
Table 1: Outcomes of noise monitoring (LAeq) near the smelter in August 2008.
| Stations |
Noise level in daytime dB(a) |
Noise level in the evening dB(a) |
Noise level at night dB(a) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. South of the fjord |
39 | 37 |
42 |
| 2. In the east part of town |
40 | 33 |
33 |
| 5. By the west end of the site |
61 | 54 |
51 |
| 6. By the north-west end of the site |
47 | 45 | 46 |
| 7. By the north-east end of the site | 52 | 50 | 50 |
| 8. By the east end of the site | 45 | 47 | 47 |
| 10. The farm of Hólmar |
39 | 32 | 39 |
Source: Alcoa Fjardaál 2009
In order to monitor whether noise from the smelter was within the set limits, sound levels close to the smelter were measured in August of 2008.
Main sources of noise are the unloading equipment at the harbour and the Fume Treatment Plant (FTP) and therefore, noise was measured while the unloading equipment was on. Noise levels were measured in 7 places in Reydarfjördur: 4 places by the border of the smelter site, by the farm of Hólmar, in the town of Reydarfjördur, and south of the fjord facing the smelter site.
The maximum level set for the site border is 70 dB and all levels were under that limit.
Photo below shows the location of the measuring stations.
Metrics, Targets & Monitoring Protocol
Metrics: What is measured?
- Average Noise Level (DnL) at established monitoring stations at the smelter site. (Project effect: direct).
- Average noise level at established monitoring stations in Reydarfjörður. (Project effect: indirect)
Targets
- Day/Evening/Night Noise Levels (db(A)):
-
- Smelter: 70/70/70
- Light Industry/Dwellings: 55/50/40
- Dwellings Only: 50/45/40
- Summer House: 40/35/35
-
Construction: Less than or equal to 65 db(A) Operation: Less than or equal to 55 db(A)
Monitoring Protocol
-
Continuous noise monitor will record data for specified intervals. Data is collected monthly to decide the baseline and thereafter each time the noise level is expected to change.
-
Continuous noise monitor will record data for specified intervals. Data is collected monthly to decide the baseline and thereafter each time the noise level is expected to change.
Additional Resources
Baseline Noise Survey 2004 (pdf)
Rationale for Indicator Selection
Ambient noise levels influence the quality of life in a community. The presence of consistent, loud noise detracts from the appeal of an area and may be detrimental to the long-term sustainability of the community.
Local community residents are concerned that the Fjardaal smelter near Reydarfjordur could have a negative effect on noise levels in the village.
Noise levels will be driven primarily by the transportation of materials, equipment, and personnel to the plant, as well as plant operations.
