Noise Levels

Most mining activities will be underground allowing the natural barrier of rock and earth to shield local properties from noise.

Noise goals are set in accordance with the EPA’s Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007 (EPP) and are derived based on the land uses promoted by the Adelaide Hills Council’s Development Plan.

Potential noise sources of the Bird in Hand Gold Project include:

• Ventilation fans (with silencers)

• Maintenance workshop

• Articulated truck movements from underground to surface

• Front end loader on Integrated Mullock Landform

• ‘Run of Mine’ ore bin and conveyor

• Cement batching plant

• Water pumps, light vehicles, deliveries.

A decibel (dBA) is a unit of measurement that indicates loudness. Humans can hear sounds between 0 and 140 decibels.

Baseline Noise Monitoring

Baseline noise monitoring was conducted over week long periods during October 2014, April 2015, March 2016 and April 2018 at 4 locations surrounding the proposed mine site. More information can be found in the Appendices starting with O (refer downloads).

Day noise levels

Existing average day noise levels surrounding the project are between 46 and 52 dB(A), with maximums occurring frequently above 55 dB(A).

Night noise levels

Existing average night noise levels surrounding the project are between 39 and 45 dB(A), with maximums occurring generally between 45 and 50 dB(A), however, peaks have been observed at 56 dB(A).

Monitoring of sound levels

The proposed Mining Lease and nearest noise-sensitive receptors are located within the Watershed (Primary Production) Zone within the Onkaparinga Valley Policy Area. The following noise levels are the thresholds that we will operate within.

Location of noise monitor

Watershed (primary production)

Mine operating targets

Day limit

57 dB(A)

47 dB(A)

Night limit

50 dB(A)

40 dB(A)