Monitoring & Assessment: Noise Publications

DRAFT Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities (NG4)

Summary: The EPA has revised Guidance Note for Noise (NG4) and the draft guidance document is now available for public consultation.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.

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 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.