Noise Control - FAQs
As a major mining and industrial company, Alcoa recognises that noise can be a significant community issue. As a result, controlling noise is a priority for Alcoa and the company has an ongoing commitment to reduce noise levels at its mining and refinery operations. Alcoa implements current best practices in noise control and works closely with the Department of Environment to ensure its facilities adhere to strict governmental regulations covering noise control.
Q What are the main sources of noise at the mine site and refinery?
At the Huntly mine the main source of noise is from explosives used to break rock. At the Pinjarra refinery the main sources of noise are the powerhouse, calcination blowers and electric pumps.
Q Does Alcoa have to comply with any regulations in regard to noise levels?
Alcoa is required to adhere to the WA Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. These regulations set the maximum noise for air blasts at the mine and noise levels created by processing equipment at the refinery. Alcoa has a policy of ensuring that noise levels are below these strict standards.
Q How strict are these regulations?
The regulations stipulate that the maximum air blast cannot be over pressure levels of 125 decibels linear peak during specific periods of the day when blasting is conducted. Linear peak is a measure for specific noises such as a gunshot or explosives at the highest point of the noise. At the refinery, noise levels at neighbouring residences cannot rise above 35 decibels after 10pm. For comparison, the background noise in an office is around 40 decibels.
Q Does Alcoa monitor noise?
Alcoa has a series of sound monitors which measure sound emissions at its mining and refining operations. These sound sensitive monitors record surrounding levels of noise and this information assists Alcoa identify noise sources. The information collected is also used for determining the future noise impact of changes to operations in the mine or refinery. This noise planning is referred to as acoustic modelling and can take into account factors such as weather conditions.
Q How does Alcoa deal with complaints about noise?
Alcoa takes very seriously complaints about noise. Complaints are investigated and details are documented in a special community contact database. The results of the investigation are made available both to the complainant and the Department of Environment. Over the last five years, the Pinjarra refinery has received two noise complaints.
Q How does Alcoa control noise levels?
At the Huntly mine, Alcoa uses a blast acoustic model to predict noise in areas surrounding the mine. A blast will only be undertaken if the model predicts that the blast noise will be below the internal blast standard, which is tougher than government noise standards. Any noise complaints about mining are thoroughly investigated and where practical, equipment is shut down or relocated to reduce annoyance.
Noise levels at the refinery are also continually being monitored and reduced. Alcoa recently completed a major noise reduction program at the refinery, identifying specific noises that cause annoyance to human hearing.
As part of this noise control program, three large forced draft fans and six calcination blowers were upgraded using the current best practices in acoustic noise controls. $1.8 million was spent on this noise reduction program, which included installing special sound silencers, placing lagging around pipes and building sound control walls.
Q What impact will the Efficiency Upgrade have on noise levels at the mine and refinery?
The Efficiency Upgrade will have limited impact on mining noise levels. The Huntly mine operations will be relocated during 2004 to the remote McCoy region of the Darling Range, which is more isolated from neighbours. While the Efficiency Upgrade will increase noise levels generated by the overland conveyor at two neighbouring residences, Alcoa believes that these noise levels will still be within permitted levels.
At the Pinjarra refinery, the Efficiency Upgrade will not increase the noise levels being experienced at neighbouring residences.
Many of the pumps at the refinery will be modified to produce less noise. In addition, the new production facilities such as the new mill, calcination blowers and seed filtration building will be constructed using the most effective noise control procedures and equipment.
Q Has Alcoa a long-term commitment to noise reduction?
Alcoa has an ongoing program to monitor noise levels at both its mining and refining operations. The company is currently benchmarking noise management and monitoring systems within the mining industry and is seeking to improve these practices in the future.
Following the Efficiency Upgrade, noise levels will be monitored to ensure predicted levels have been achieved and are in compliance with Noise Regulations.
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If you have an specific question that is not covered here please email pinjarraupgrade@alcoa.com.au or visit the Pinjarra Refinery Efficiency Upgrade website. New questions and answers will be posted to this page on a regular basis.
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