PANEL HEARING - NORTH DENNINGTON PLANNING SCHEME … · 2014. 6. 27. · RENZO TONIN & ASSOCIATES...

Acoustics

Vibration

Structural Dynamics

Melbourne Sydney Brisbane Gold Coast Kuwait

Renzo Tonin & Associates ABN 30 117 463 297

Suite 218, 87 Gladstone Street SOUTH MELBOURNE VIC 3205

P (03) 9690 6005 [email protected] www.renzotonin.com.au

14 April 2014

MA770-03F03 (rev 0) Statement of evidence

Colleen Gates

Fonterra Australia Pty Ltd

327 Ferntree Gully Road

Mount Waverley VIC 3149

Darren Tardio [[email protected]]

PANEL HEARING - NORTH DENNINGTON PLANNING SCHEME

AMENDMENT C90 - Statement of Evidence

Introduction

1. My name is Darren Tardio and I currently hold the position of Senior Acoustic Consultant at

Renzo Tonin & Associates (VIC) Pty Ltd, consultants in acoustics, vibration and structural

dynamics. The business operates from the premises at Suite 218 / 87 Gladstone Street, South

Melbourne.

2. I hold a Bachelor of Music (Engineering & Technology) and I have practiced as a consulting

engineer in acoustics for 9 years.

3. The majority of my experience relates to the assessment of environmental noise and the

specification of mitigation strategies for achieving compliance with applicable criteria.

4. I am retained by Fonterra Australia Pty Ltd to provide this statement and attached technical

report for the panel hearing regarding Warrnambool Planning Scheme Amendment C90 (the

Amendment),

5. I have been instructed by Fonterra Australia Pty Ltd to assess the potential noise impacts as a

consequence to the Amendment. My assessment is made with regard to the Warrnambool

City Council (Council) exhibited Amendment C90, EPA Publication 1411: Noise from Industry

in Regional Victoria (NIRV) and State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from

Commerce, Industry and Trade) No. 1 (SEPP N-1).

6. I have obtained and reviewed the following documents to assist in my assessment:

− Map of land buffers proposed by Council, supplied by the Fonterra Australia Pty Ltd via

email on 16th March 2014

RENZO TONIN & ASSOCIATES 14 APRIL 2014

FONTERRA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

2


AMENDMENT C90

MA770-03F03 (REV 0) STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE

− North Dennington Structure Plan (NDSP), prepared by Hansen Partnership Pty Ltd,

November 2013

− Exhibited Amendment C90 Clauses and Maps available at dsewebapps.dse.vic.gov.au

7. I have read Planning Panels Victoria – Guide to Expert Evidence and my statement is prepared

in accordance with that document.

8. I have made all the inquiries that I believe are desirable and appropriate and no matters of

significance which I regard as relevant have to my knowledge been withheld from the Panel.

9. I have prepared a technical report in relation to this matter which is annexed to this

statement (Annexure B). The evidence in the attached report is within my area of expertise,

except where I state that I am relying upon the evidence of another person. The summary of

my findings is as follows:

Executive Summary

10. I am of the opinion that Warrnambool City Council has not given due consideration to

potential land encroachment issues regarding noise within the documented NDSP or

exhibited overlays and schedules.

11. Under the exhibited amendment, it is very likely that noise complaints will result at the

residential interface because of Fonterra’s existing operating conditions and subsequent

noise emissions.

12. While a 300m buffer has been recommended by the EPA to manage air emissions, this buffer

would be insufficient to control noise emissions alone.

13. The Fonterra plant is not currently required to meet any prescriptive noise requirements as

the region is not subject to current noise legislation, nor has the current regional noise

guideline (NIRV) been given mandatory status via Fonterra’s operational permit.

14. The Fonterra plant currently emits noise levels exceeding the guideline criteria contained in

NIRV at relatively few proximate dwellings including those situated within the existing

Farming Zone north-east of the plant.

15. I have been instructed by Fonterra that no known noise complaints have been submitted by

existing residents regarding current Fonterra operations. Considering this, this suggests that

the status quo does not appear to be generating any adverse noise amenity impacts.

16. Conversely, I am of the opinion that adverse noise amenity impacts have significant potential

to occur if residential development is allowed to occur within 490m north of the Fonterra

plant, under the facility’s’ current operating conditions. This is due to increased population

densities and new residents proximate to Fonterra that are unaccustomed to industrial noise

sources. I have made estimates of the buffer required between the proposed residential

zoning and Fonterra facility as necessary for compliance with NIRV guidelines. Whilst I have



3


AMENDMENT C90


derived these estimates using acoustic modelling of the applicable area, some verification of

exact buffer distances in all directions may be required by way of additional noise

measurements.

17. I have conducted a full survey of the Fonterra plant and identified all major contributing

noise sources within the plant. Under a “best practice” scenario, whereby only some plant

machinery is expected to be feasibly attenuated, compliance at the 300m buffer interface has

been modelled. However I am of the opinion that with such noise attenuation measures in

place, residual low frequency noise may still cause adverse noise amenity impacts. I give the

following reasons for this potential issue:

• Fonterra’s main production plant (dryer / evaporator) emits significant low frequency

noise

• The available control measures for the dryer / evaporator are not feasible due to

conflicts with food safety regulations, difficulties in engineering (i.e. long wavelengths

are not attenuated by standard building material masses/stiffness), significant

production downtime and cost impediment

• Low frequency noise propagates more easily at relatively large distances in comparison

to higher frequency or ‘broadband’ noise issues

• Determination of low frequency noise emission is typically less accurate than that of

high frequency or predominately broadband signals, therefore caution is advised for

such complex noise issues

18. To reduce the risk of inappropriate residential encroachment on existing commercial and

industrial premises under Amendment C90, Renzo Tonin & Associates recommend one of the

following two options be considered by the Panel, with the appropriate framework or Design

and Development Overlay included as part of the scheme (DPO Schedule 8 / Clause 43.0):

an agent of change principle requires all new residential developments within the 1.

North Dennington Growth Area are required to be constructed at a distance

>490m from the Fonterra water treatment plant and assessed to comply with EPA

Publication 1411: Noise from Industry in Regional Victoria (or any ensuing

regulation), including Octave Band Criteria of background +10dB, before approval.

Any design features and measures to minimise the impact of noise from industry

shall be at the cost of the developer.

all new residential developments within the North Dennington Growth Area are 2.

required to be constructed at a distance >300m from the Fonterra water treatment

plant and assessed to comply with EPA Publication 1411: Noise from Industry in

Regional Victoria (or any ensuing regulation), without implementation of Octave

Band Criteria, and approved only after Fonterra has attenuated existing noise

emissions to comply with NIRV beyond the 300m buffer.



4


AMENDMENT C90


19. I note that Option 1 assumes existing noise emission responsibility on the Developer and

Option 2 assumes existing noise emission responsibility on Fonterra.

Signed and dated this date

Darren Tardio

Senior Acoustic Consultant – Renzo Tonin & Associates (Vic) Pty Ltd

14 April 2014

Attch:

Annexure A – Curriculum Vitae

Annexure B – Acoustic Report



5


AMENDMENT C90


ANNEXURE A Curriculum Vitae


1 DARREN TARDIO

CVDT (REV 5) CURRICULUM VITAE

Curriculum Vitae

Darren Tardio

Senior Acoustic Consultant

Qualifications

• B Mus (Eng. & Tech.), Victoria University (2004)

• Rail Track Protection (TTSA)

• Working Safely at Height - Legislation, Harness &

Lanyards

Key Skills and Competencies

Darren completed his Bachelor of Music in 2004 at

Victoria University. His undergraduate thesis researched

the inaudible (infrasound and ultrasound) frequency

spectrum and its effects on reproduction equipment and

the quality of the listener.

With 9 years of professional Acoustic consulting

experience, Darren has been involved in many key local

and overseas projects related to noise and vibration.

Darren’s professional career has demonstrated the ability

to project manage large commercial projects in utilities,

buildings and infrastructure. His hands-on approach has

required travel to all major cities in Australia as well as the

Middle East, including work on the world’s tallest

building, the Burj Khalifa.

Darren has worked extensively on projects relating to:

• Environmental noise studies for industry, commerce

and trade

• Expert in BCA acoustics issues

• Site inspections of acoustic works and workmanship

defects during construction

• VCAT Expert Witness

• Laboratory sample testing for manufacturers

• Industrial and Environmental Noise Control for Power

Stations, Petrochemical, Water Treatment, Mining, etc.

• Community noise disputes

• Construction noise and vibration management

• Offshore vessel noise and vibration control

• Sound reinforcement specifications and system

design

• Human comfort vibration and Structure-borne noise

Relevant Experience

Building Acoustics & Mechanical Services

HM@S Apartments, Port Melbourne; Department of

Environment and Primary Industries offices,

Warrnambool; Hampton on Hampton Apartments,

Hampton; La Trobe University, Bundoora; Constance

Apartments, Hawthorn; Kew Circle Apartments, Kew; 26-

28 Wilson Street, South Yarra; McKinnon Kindergarten,

McKinnon; Martha’s Point Retirement Village; AFL Victoria

offices, Visy Park; 105 Ormond Esplanade; 5-7 Wilson

Street, South Yarra; 108 Glen Iris Road apartments; 101

Collins Street offices, Melbourne; 25-29 Wilson Street,

South Yarra; 54-56 Chapel Street, St Kilda; V6 Concavo,

Docklands; 108 Maribyrnong Road apartments, Moonee

Ponds; Docklands Square Library, Docklands; EXO,

Docklands; Forte Living, Docklands; Serrata, Docklands;

Valley Private Hospital;

Vibration & Structural Damage

Richmond Terminal Power Station, transmission tower

structural damage; Webb Dock, Port Melbourne; Regional

Rail Link; Bosch Automotive Shaker Laboratory; 313

Victoria Street Woolworths, Abbotsford;

Environmental & Industrial Noise

Fonterra Denington; Fonterra Cobden; Rilten Kennels,

Yarrambat; Wallington Kennels, Wallington; BP, Balaclava;

35 Elizabeth Street, Abbotsford; Western Highway

duplication, Burrumbeet to Beaufort; Victoria Harbour

pylons, Docklands; Bell City hotels, Preston; Western

Speedway, Hamilton; VicRoads Land, Pakenham Bypass;

Webb Dock, Port Melbourne;

Town Planning, Community Noise Disputes,

Council Peer Reviews, Expert Witness & Legal

Cases

Surf Coast Shire; City of Boroondara; Stonnington Council;

City of Port Phillip; Bayside City Council; The Baron Said,

Fitzroy; Veneziano Coffee, Richmond; 228 Dryburgh

Street, North Melbourne; 9 Chesterville Road,

Cheltenham; 36 Clarendon Street, Melbourne; 133 Miller

Street, Thornbury; Atkinson Street carpark, Oakleigh; 18

Barrett Street rail noise; Seven Seeds Coffee; Newquay

Docklands; Toorak Road McDonalds; Industry Beans,

Fitzroy; St Kilda Road Backpackers;


2 DARREN TARDIO

CVDT (REV 5) CURRICULUM VITAE

Research & Development Studies

Hollowcore Concrete, impact sound insulation; Rehau

wastewater pipe sound insulation; Duratray /

AngloAmerican mining, Hunter Valley;

Music Noise

Queenscliff Music Festival; The Pier Hotel, Port

Melbourne; Iddy Biddy, St Kilda; Alphington Rehearsal

Studios; Mothers Milk, Brighton; The Penny Black,

Brunswick; The George Basement, St Kilda; Branch Bar, St

Kilda; Purepop, St Kilda; The Mint Bar, Melbourne; City of

Port Phillip Noise Management and Application Plans;

Professional History

• 2013 to Present – Senior Acoustic Consultant at Renzo

Tonin & Associates Pty Ltd,

• 2011-2013 - Project Engineer, Renzo Tonin &

Associates Pty Ltd.

• 2006-2011 – Project Engineer, Vipac Engineers &

Scientists Pty Ltd.

Publications

Darren has published papers for national and

international conferences and journals on the topics of

noise.

These include:

• “Plenum Effect of Ceiling Space on the Assessment of

Noise Levels”, 37th

International Congress and

Exposition of Noise Control Engineering, Shanghai,

China, Oct, 2008, D Tardio and X Li.

• “Investigation into the Airborne Flanking Sound

Transmission Paths of Wastewater Pipes and Acoustic

Lagging”, Acoustics 2012, Australian Acoustical Society

Annual Conference, Fremantle, WA, November 2012,

D Tardio and P Tommasini

• “Effect of Singing on Respiratory Function, Voice and

Mood after Quadriplegia: A Randomized Controlled

Trial”, The National Center for Biotechnology

Information, 2012, J Tamplin et al. (contributor only).



8


AMENDMENT C90


ANNEXURE B Noise Impact Assessment Report

Acoustics

Vibration

Structural Dynamics

Melbourne Sydney Brisbane Gold Coast Kuwait

Renzo Tonin & Associates (VIC) Pty Ltd ABN 30 117 463 297

Suite 218, 87 Gladstone Street SOUTH MELBOURNE VIC 3205

P (03) 9690 6005 [email protected] www.renzotonin.com.au

Fonterra Dennington - Assessment of Potential Noise Impacts on

Warrnambool Planning Scheme Amendment C90

1 Introduction

Renzo Tonin & Associates was engaged by Fonterra Australia Pty Ltd (the “Client”) to assess potential

noise impacts associated with its Dennington facility (the “Facility”) in relation to Warrnambool Planning

Scheme Amendment C90 (the "Amendment"). The Amendment introduces new zones and overlays for

the purposes of residential development within the North Dennington Growth Area (the “Precinct”) and

applies to land north and east of the Facility. Renzo Tonin & Associates understands that EPA has

proposed a buffer of 300m between the Precinct and the Facility as a consequence of air emission

requirements (i.e. not noise related). We understand that the buffer “starting point” is considered to be

from the Fonterra Water Treatment Plant, located to the north of the Facility (refer to Appendix A for

buffer plan).

This document addresses the Amendment with respect to potential noise impacts from Fonterra's

existing operations, due to residential encroachment as a consequence of the Amendment.

The work documented in this report was carried out in accordance with the Renzo Tonin & Associates

Quality Assurance System, which is based on Australian Standard / NZS ISO 9001.

2 Review of the Incorporated Documents and Existing Planning

Scheme

Renzo Tonin & Associates has reviewed the North Dennington Structure Plan prepared by Hansen

Partnership Pty Ltd (the “NDSP”). Under Section 3.6 of the NDSP, it is stated that

“The Fonterra Milk Processing Plant located within the NDSP area is also significant to the local economy

of Warrnambool. It is necessary to protect the Plant from incompatible adjoining land uses such as

14 April 2014

MA770-03F02 (rev 2) Acoustic Report

Fonterra Australia Pty Ltd

Colleen Gates

[email protected]

From: Darren Tardio [[email protected]]



MA770-03F02 (REV 2) ACOUSTIC REPORT

2

FONTERRA DENNINGTON

ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL NOISE IMPACTS ON WARRNAMBOOL

PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT C90

residential encroachment. In order to avoid land use conflicts associated with Fonterra the recommended

EPA buffer distance for industrial air emissions associated with the manufacture of milk products is 300m”.

While Section 3.6 of the NDSP identifies the potential for residential encroachment with regard to air

emissions, the NDSP does not identify the same potential conflict with regard to noise emissions. We

note that while air emissions may be sufficiently regulated by default buffer distances, a simplified

strategy (or buffer) for noise does not exist under EPA legislation, nor is it appropriate due to acoustic

variables (e.g. source emission levels, topography, etc.). Instead, relevant guidelines and assessment

methodologies are defined in EPA Publication 1411: Noise from Industry in Regional Victoria (NIRV) and

State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade) No. 1 (SEPP N-

1).

In accordance with the guidelines of NIRV and assessment procedures of SEPP N-1, the onus of

responsibility falls upon the operators of the existing commercial premises and does not provide for an

agent of change principle once residential development is approved.

The Warrnambool Planning Scheme, under Clause 21.07-3 “Industry” responds to such interface issues

and states:

“Manage the interface between industrial and residential activities, particularly in regard to heavy vehicle

traffic, industrial emissions, noise and visual setting”

In addition, the Scheme under Clause 21.05-2 “Housing Objectives” states:

“To protect sensitive uses from adverse impacts of industry and other uses”

And under Clause 21.05-3 “Neighbourhood Character” states:

“Ensure that new development responds to site context”

While the above framework is included in the exhibited supporting documents for the Amendment, no

regard appears to have been given to noise impacts within the NDSP. While Renzo Tonin & Associates is

not aware of the extent of the scope regarding the assessment of environmental impacts with regard to

the Hansen Partnership report, we are of the opinion that the risk of noise impacts, and therefore the

assessment of residential land encroachment, appears to have not been sufficiently addressed in the

exhibited Amendment.

3 Assessment of Noise Emissions from Fonterra Plant

Noise monitoring was carried out at the Facility by Renzo Tonin & Associates in November 2012 (the

“survey”). The scope of work at the time was unrelated to the exhibited Amendment.

At the time of the survey, Renzo Tonin & Associates’ scope was to:




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FONTERRA DENNINGTON



• Measure ambient noise levels at locations representing that noise which would be present in

the absence of the plant operating, to determine the environmental noise criteria.

• Measure noise emission levels at representative worst-case residential receivers, while the plant

was operating at capacity.

• Measure noise emission levels of individual plant items at close range, to estimate the Sound

Power Levels of plant machinery for the purposes of modelling and to identify plant machinery

that was contributing to environmental noise emissions at existing residential receivers.

• Develop noise control specifications for plant machinery that is contributing to environmental

noise emissions at residential receivers.

The Client has instructed Renzo Tonin & Associates that no operational changes have occurred since the

survey was conducted. During the survey, it was observed that the Cooling Towers, Water Treatment

plant and Steam Venting were clearly audible northeast of the site, proximate to the Precinct. In

addition, significant low frequency noise emission was found to be emitting from the evaporator/dryer

buildings and associated exhaust ducting in all directions around the plant that were accessible during

the survey.

3.1 Criteria

Noise emissions from the Facility may only be required to comply with EPA Publication 1411: Noise from

Industry in Regional Victoria (NIRV) at the submission of an authoratative body (i.e. Council or the EPA

via a permit, license or similar). The Client has instructed Renzo Tonin & Associates that no formal

complaints have been made against Fonterra with regard to noise and that the requirements of NIRV

have not been made mandatory by the an Authority with respect to Fonterra’s permit.

As the site is located in a major urban area (as decribed in NIRV) the methodology of assessment is

required to be in accordance with SEPP N-1. Applicable noise emission limits for the proposal have been

calculated, with the inclusion of measured background noise levels, in accordance with the procedures

of SEPP N-1 and are presented in Table 1 below. For the purposes of discussion relevant to land re-

zoning, it is important to note that under the SEPP N-1 assessment methodologies, the criteria for

existing residents located in Farming Zones would be equivalent to residents located in the proposed

Residential Zones.

Because the plant operates 24 hours a day at capacity, compliance during the more stringent ‘Night’

period implies compliance during all other periods. Because of continuous plant operations,

measurements of background (LA90) noise levels were conducted on the 14th November 2012 at an

alternative location where the plant was inaudible, but selected to represent the ambient noise at the

nearest residential receivers. The alternative location was selected to be an equivalent distance (to that

of nearby residential receivers) from dominant ambient noise sources including traffic on Raglan Parade

and surf on the coastline.




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FONTERRA DENNINGTON



Table 1 – Background Noise Monitoring Survey Results and NIRV Criterion

Period1 Ambient Noise Location

GPS Co-ordinates Ambient Noise, L90, dB(A)

Permissible Noise Limit, Leq,

dB(A)

Night S38 21.466 E142 27.031 35 44

Notes: 1. For this assessment, complying with the Night period criteria implies compliance for Day and Evening periods also.

3.2 Plant Noise Emission Survey

Measurements of discreet plant equipment and facility areas were measured at distances between 1m

and 30m from sources, depending on the level of acoustic isolation achieved on-site. Best

approximations of plant Sound Power Levels were made using these ‘nearfield’ measurement locations

during the survey and while reasonable accuracy can be assumed for broadband noise sources, low

frequency noise may be underestimated from field measurements.

Table 2 below summarises the calculated Sound Power Levels for all major plant items, based on sound

pressure measurements conducted on the 14th of November 2012.

Table 2 – Sound Power Level (SWL) Estimation of Plant Machinery, dB (re 10-12 W)

Plant Item Octave Band Centre Frequency, Hz

OA 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

Water Treatment Plant 105 100 98 109 103 98 95 86 109

Tipping Area / Pump Motors 98 96 102 100 99 98 97 92 105

Dryer / Stair-core Exhaust Duct 93 93 99 100 101 96 92 84 104

Cooling Towers 110 105 104 101 96 92 89 86 103

Potable Water Pumps 103 97 95 97 92 90 89 84 99

CIP and Ancillaries 91 89 95 93 92 92 91 87 98

Lecithin Door 84 80 81 86 94 92 72 62 97

Boiler House 95 95 91 90 90 86 83 77 94

Evaporator / Dryer Building Exhaust Duct, 30m 118 99 93 86 82 77 73 74 94

Condensate Silo Pumps 80 77 77 84 88 87 87 86 94

Four (4) Evaporator Exhausts, 40m 105 100 95 90 82 70 60 54 92

Silo Pumps 92 89 87 86 84 82 80 77 90

Mechanical Equipment Room 90 93 87 86 82 79 77 62 88

Evaporator / Dryer Building, p/102 m 91 87 84 72 58 52 49 48 78

Evaporator / Dryer Building Doors 84 80 76 72 70 67 61 52 75

Evaporator Building Wall Leak 86 81 76 69 65 64 60 55 73

Substation Louver 91 79 70 69 65 62 58 51 72

Steam Vent1 126 114 113 111 114 118 121 116 125

Notes: 1. SWL based on Lmax levels only for Steam Venting. Steam Venting was observed to occur approximately 5 times

over a single 30-minute period. While steam venting may be a rare occurrence, we understand that there is no

management program in place to limit these events to day periods only.




5

FONTERRA DENNINGTON



3.3 Noise Impacts at Existing Residential Properties

Attended noise measurements were conducted at three (3) property boundaries representing the

nearest residential receivers on each side of the plant. All measurements were conducted on the 14th

November 2012 (between 1am and 2am) during meteorological conditions approximating neutral

winds, i.e. little to no wind which does not increase propagation in any particular direction.

A summary of attended noise monitoring results is presented in Table 3.

Table 3 – Assessment Results at Residential Receivers

Street Address Plant Equipment

Operating Noise Emission Level1 Permissible Noise

Limit Compliance

29 Drummond Street All 52dB(A)

44dB(A)

x

44 Station Street All 51dB(A) x

38 Farnham Road All 40dB(A) �

Notes: 1. In accordance with the procedures of SEPP N1, the noise level includes any penalties applied for ‘impulsive’ and/or

‘tonal” noise (+2dB each where appropriate) emitted by the plant.

During the survey, it was observed that both the Cooling Towers and Water Treatment plant dominated

the audible noise northeast of the site, while the Evaporator and Dryer buildings (and external ductwork)

dominated audible noise south of the site. However, as access to measurement points was restricted to

public land (i.e. residential property boundaries), the perception of low frequency noise from the

Evaporator and Dryer buildings may be greater in areas north of the Facility which are not dominated by

other broadband noise sources.

Measurements at 29 Drummond Street and 44 Station Street indicated exceedances of the NIRV

guideline (under SEPP N-1 procedures) of 8dB and 7dB respectively. However, as the NIRV guideline has

not been made mandatory with regard to the plant’s permit / license, Fonterra is currently not in breach

of any noise regulations.

3.4 Prediction of Noise Impacts under Existing Plant Conditions

A 3D environmental noise prediction model was generated using the CadnaA software and utilising well

established environmental noise propagation algorithms from industrial plants over large distances with

meteorological influence (CONCAWE). The purpose of the modelling is to provide noise data under

worst-case meteorological conditions (i.e. favourable to sound propagation) which were not prevailing

at the time of assessment.

The following acoustic source and propagation effects are considered in the predictive model:

• The Sound Power Level’s based on the in-plant sound pressure measurements of Table 2;

• The distance separation between plant and the Precinct;

• Reflections from buildings and obstructions between plant and the Precinct;




6

FONTERRA DENNINGTON



• Screening effects from buildings or obstructions between plant and the Precinct;

• Meteorological effects including temperature and wind inversion in the direction of the

Precinct;

• Relative ground elevation and absorption between plant and the Precinct (terrain data taken

from Vicmap).

The model was validated by comparing the predicted sound pressure levels at measured ‘farfield’

locations (i.e. outside of site boundaries, residential locations), under neutral meteorological conditions

similar to that of the measurement survey. The model (based on in-plant SWL data) shows good

agreement (±1dBA) with these ‘farfield’ measurements for broadband noise sources.

In accordance with the procedures outlined in SEPP N-1 under relative worst-case meteorological

conditions (i.e. downwind of the plant), the required land buffer to comply with the nominated NIRV

criteria is up to 490m north of the Water Treatment Plant under existing conditions. By way of

comparison, Table 3 below also summarises the predicted noise level at the proposed 300m buffer

recommended for air emissions.

Visualisations of the predicted noise contour and required noise buffers around the Fonterra plant under

existing operating conditions are presented in Appendix B.

Table 4 – Predicted Noise Emissions at Proposed Buffers for Existing Operations

Location Wind Condition Assessed Effective

Noise Level, LAeq2

Permissible Noise

Limit Compliance

300m Buffer north to

north-east of Water

Treatment Plant

South to south-

westerly

Up to 50dB(A)

44dB(A)

x


north-east of Water

Treatment Plant

South to south-

westerly

Up to 44dB(A) �

Notes: 1. During steam venting, the LAeq noise level is likely to increase an additional 1dB(A) over a 30-minute assessment

period

2. In accordance with SEPP N1, a penalty has been allowed for ‘tonal” noise emission by the plant at the nominated

distance.

3.5 Noise Control Recommendations

As a result of the measured noise levels, Renzo Tonin & Associates recommended in-principle noise

attenuation measures to comply with NIRV at existing residential premises. It is important to note

however that control of the low frequency noise emissions is recognised as being difficult to engineer,

and hence may be cost prohibitive and in the particular case of food production, may conflict with food

safety regulations. Renzo Tonin & Associates has sought instructions from the Client regarding the

feasibility for implementation of the in-principle attenuation measures. In addition, the economic

viability of the proposed treatments needs to be considered by the Client however is beyond the scope

of this report.




7

FONTERRA DENNINGTON



3.5.1 Evaporator / Dryer Exhausts

Exhaust outlets terminating on the 40m and 30m rooftops are connected to the dryer, large steel

cylinder and ‘knockers’. Significant low-frequency impulsive noise can was observed to be emitting from

the 40m rooftop.

Renzo Tonin & Associates recommend that a reactive silencer is installed to each exhaust system, tuned

to the particular dominant frequencies, however the ability to implement the treatment will be impeded

by:

• Engineering of attenuator to perform reliably at low frequencies without significant

consequences to mechanical pressure requirements

• Significant pre-manufacture engineering, research and development from the supplier to ‘tune’

the reactive silencers

3.5.2 Evaporator / Dryer Building Cladding and ‘Knockers’

The Milk Powder Dryer building is clad with corrugated sheet metal which appears to be reverberating

significant amounts of low frequency energy. The noise source itself is due to the hydraulic ‘knockers’

that impact the hopper cylinder throughout the Dryer enclosure. The impacts are a significant source of

noise both internally and externally and continue to resonate well after the actual impacts have ceased.

In-principle recommendations to reduce the noise from the dryer / evaporator building include:

• Investigation into damping the hopper cylinder or building by way of rubber lining

or other proprietary cladding / damping compound.

• Application of acoustic absorption to all internal dryer enclosure walls such as

200mm thick 40kg/m3 rockwool insulation. The insulation may be covered by a thin

plastic impervious membrane (such as Melinex) and additional perforated steel

cladding (>20% open area) to resist the transfer of fibres from the insulation.

• Modification of the chamber hammer (removal of knockers and replacement with

smaller air hammers)

The ability to implement the treatment will be impeded by:

• Food safety requirements

• Significant shutdown period of processing plant and ongoing commissioning would adversely

affect production outputs

3.5.3 Water Treatment Plant

While the Water Treatment Plant would not be considered as a particularly high noise emitter compared

to other areas within the Facility, its location is proximate to 44 Station Street. Several pumps in this area




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FONTERRA DENNINGTON



as well as the treatment tanks were noted to be the dominant noise sources. Renzo Tonin & Associates

recommends that:

• A 5m high noise barrier is erected proximate to the boundary to the north water

treatment plant, running continuously along the north water treatment plant access

road (approximately 90m). The barrier may be equivalent to the existing Cooling

Tower barrier constructed from composite cement panelling.

• All noisy pumps are enclosed with acoustically treated ventilation housings.

3.5.4 Cooling Towers

Renzo Tonin & Associates recommends that the existing 5.2m high composite cement barrier is

extended to cover the north face of the cooling towers, terminating at the boiler house access road

(approximately 20m in length).

3.5.5 Potable Water Pumps

The potable water pumps are currently located in a semi-enclosure constructed of corrugated sheet

metal. Renzo Tonin & Associates recommends that the open (north facing side) be fully enclosed with

an equivalent material mass (including access doors). We anticipate that adequate ventilation may be

provided via penetrations in the enclosures south walls.

3.5.6 Steam Vent

Where steam venting cannot be managed in a way that only allows emissions during the day, we

recommend that industrial grade mufflers be inserted on all steam vent pipes.

The ability to implement the treatment will be prohibited by:

• Engineering of mufflers to perform reliably at without significant consequences to temperature

and mechanical pressure requirements

3.6 Prediction of Noise Impacts under Attenuated Plant Conditions

Predicted noise levels are presented in Table 5 under the same worst-case meteorological conditions,

after the recommended in-principle control mechanisms have been implemented. We note that the

control recommendations under Section 3.5.2 of this report have not been assessed as the Client has

instructed Renzo Tonin & Associates that such treatments would be extremely difficult to implement.




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Table 5 – Predicted Noise Emissions at Buffers after Noise Control

Location Wind Condition Assessed Effective

Noise Level, LAeq2

Permissible Noise

Limit Compliance


north-east of Water

Treatment Plant

South to south-

westerly

Up to 43dB(A)

44dB(A)

�


north-east of Water

Treatment Plant

South to south-

westerly

Up to 30dB(A) �

Notes: 1. During steam venting, the LAeq noise level is likely to increase an additional 1dB(A) over a 30-minute assessment

period

2. In accordance with SEPP N1, a penalty has been allowed for ‘tonal” noise emission by the plant at the nominated

distance.

As indicated in Table 5, with the noise control recommendations installed, compliance with NIRV is

predicted at the exhibited 300m buffer. However with little margin for error (1dB) and potentially

underestimated low frequency noise emissions at large propagation distances, there is still some

residual risk of noise complaints from residents situated at a buffer distance of 300m.

Visualisations of the predicted noise contour around the Fonterra plant with noise control implemented

is presented in Appendix C.

4 Discussion & Conclusion

Renzo Tonin & Associates has completed an acoustic assessment of the potential noise impacts as a

consequence to the exhibited Warrnambool Planning Scheme Amendment C90, and the required buffer

distance between the Fonterra Dennington facility and proposed residential development to reduce the

risk of residential encroachment. The assessment highlights that noise associated with existing Fonterra

operations will exceed the EPA NIRV guidelines at residential zoned land proposed under Amendment

C90, where only air emissions have been considered with an exhibited 300m buffer. To our knowledge,

no consideration appears to have been given by Warrnambool City Council with regard to noise impacts

associated with Amendment C90 and therefore we are of the opinion that potential noise impacts have

not been sufficiently addressed in the exhibited Amendment.

While an assessment conducted at existing dwellings (including those within Farming Zones) indicated

exceedances of the NIRV guidelines, consideration needs to be given to:

a) NIRV not being given mandatory status and not being applicable to Fonterra’s permit,

b) no evidence of noise complaints due to Fonterra’s existing operation, and

c) there being relatively few existing dwellings proximate to the Facility.

The above points suggest that the status quo does not appear to be generating any adverse noise

impacts. However, with increased population densities and new residents proximate to Fonterra that are

unaccustomed to industrial noise sources, the risk of complaints is high.




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FONTERRA DENNINGTON



Noise control recommendations to provide compliance with NIRV (for existing and proposed residential

developments) have been made by Renzo Tonin & Associates. While broadband sources to the north

and north-east of the plant may be feasibly attenuated, Fonterra has instructed Renzo Tonin &

Associates that reduction of the low frequency noise emissions generated by the ‘knockers’ is likely to

be beyond best practice feasibility and such implementation would unlikely meet the commonly

available technology suggested in NIRV. If the noise control recommendations are implemented, the

exhibited 300m buffer for air emissions is predicted to be sufficient to generate compliance with NIRV.

However, as there is currently no obligation for Fonterra to implement the noise control

recommendations, a buffer of up to 490m would be required to generate compliance with NIRV for any

new residential development. In addition, because the Fonterra plant may still generate significant low

frequency noise emissions at 300m, there is residual risk of noise not meeting the amenity expectations

of new residents. NIRV suggests Octave Band criteria for complex noise issues such as low frequency

noise emissions. While this criteria was not measured or assessed during the Renzo Tonin & Associates

survey in 2012, in light of the exhibited Amendment and with consideration of the developer being the

agent of change, the upper Octave Band criteria suggested in NIRV of background level +10dB may be

appropriate.

To reduce the risk of inappropriate residential encroachment on existing commercial and industrial

premises under Amendment C90, Renzo Tonin & Associates recommend one of the following two

options be considered by the Panel, with the appropriate framework or Design and Development

Overlay included as part of the scheme (DPO Schedule 8 / Clause 43.04):

1. an agent of change principle requires all new residential developments within the North

Dennington Growth Area are required to be constructed at a distance >490m from the Fonterra

water treatment plant and assessed to comply with EPA Publication 1411: Noise from Industry in

Regional Victoria (or any ensuing regulation), including Octave Band Criteria of background

+10dB, before approval. Any design features and measures to minimise the impact of noise

from industry external to the development shall be at the cost of the developer.

2. all new residential developments within the North Dennington Growth Area are required to be

constructed at a distance >300m from the Fonterra water treatment plant and assessed to

comply with EPA Publication 1411: Noise from Industry in Regional Victoria (or any ensuing

regulation), without implementation of Octave Band Criteria, and approved only after Fonterra

has attenuated existing noise emissions to comply with NIRV beyond the 300m buffer.

It is noted that Option 1 assumes existing noise emission responsibility on the Developer and Option 2

assumes existing noise emission responsibility on Fonterra.




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FONTERRA DENNINGTON



APPENDIX A Air Emission Buffer Map




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FONTERRA DENNINGTON



APPENDIX B Noise Contour Map, No Change to Fonterra

Operations

Fonterra Site

Water Treatment

300m Buffer

Compliance Line, 490m

624600

624600

624800

624800

625000

625000

625200

625200

625400

625400

625600

625600

625800

625800

626000

626000

626200

626200

626400

626400

626600

626600

626800

626800

627000

627000

627200

627200

5753200

5753200

5753400

5753400

5753600

5753600

5753800

5753800

5754000

5754000

5754200

5754200

5754400

5754400

5754600

5754600

Fonterra Site

Water Treatment

300m Buffer

Compliance Line, 490m

Scale: 1: 11506 at A3

Consultants in Acoustics, Vibration & Structural Dynamics

Suite 218/87 Gladstone Street

South Melbourne VIC 3205

P: 03 9690 6005

Legend

Point Source

Building

Cylinder

Barrier

Ground Absorption

Contour Line

Receiver

Noise Levels - dB(A)

45.0 < ... <= 50.0

50.0 < ... <= 55.0

55.0 < ... <= 60.0

60.0 < ... <= 65.0

65.0 < ... <= 70.0

70.0 < ... <= 75.0

75.0 < ... <= 80.0

80.0 < ... <= 85.0

85.0 < ...

Noise levels are approximate due to

interpolation of contours and should be used

for reference only.

Penalties for noise character are also not

included in contours.

This information is protected by copyright.

FONTERRA DENNINGTON


EXISTING NOISE EMISSIONS

LAeq 30-MIN NOISE LEVELS, WIND FROM SOUTH-WEST

FIG No.MA770-03 REV 0

OptionEXISTING SCENARIO

SHEET 1 SIZE A4

10/04/2014




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FONTERRA DENNINGTON



APPENDIX C Noise Contour Map, Plant Noise Control

Implemented

300m Buffer

624600

624600

624800

624800

625000

625000

625200

625200

625400

625400

625600

625600

625800

625800

626000

626000

626200

626200

626400

626400

626600

626600

626800

626800

627000

627000

627200

627200

5753200

5753200

5753400

5753400

5753600

5753600

5753800

5753800

5754000

5754000

5754200

5754200

5754400

5754400

5754600

5754600

Scale: 1: 11506 at A3

Consultants in Acoustics, Vibration & Structural Dynamics

Suite 218/87 Gladstone Street

South Melbourne VIC 3205

P: 03 9690 6005

Legend

Point Source

Building

Cylinder

Barrier

Ground Absorption

Contour Line

Receiver

Noise Levels - dB(A)

45.0 < ... <= 50.0

50.0 < ... <= 55.0

55.0 < ... <= 60.0

60.0 < ... <= 65.0

65.0 < ... <= 70.0

70.0 < ... <= 75.0

75.0 < ... <= 80.0

80.0 < ... <= 85.0

85.0 < ...

Noise levels are approximate due to

interpolation of contours and should be used

for reference only.

Penalties for noise character are also not

included in contours.

This information is protected by copyright.

FONTERRA DENNINGTON


AFTER NOISE CONTROL

LAeq 30-MIN NOISE LEVELS, WIND FROM SOUTH-WEST

FIG No.MA770-03 REV 0

OptionNOISE CONTROL SCENARIO

SHEET 2 SIZE A4

10/04/2014

PANEL HEARING - NORTH DENNINGTON PLANNING SCHEME … · 2014. 6. 27. · RENZO TONIN & ASSOCIATES...

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