Background
Barhale won this £9m contract to install a pipeline between Crooms Hill, Greenwich and Ordnance Crescent, adjacent to the O2 stadium on the Greenwich Peninsular.
The programme of works was a key element of Phase Two of the construction of new water infrastructure between Deptford Water Treatment Works (WTW) and the Greenwich Peninsular that was due to be completed early 2024.
What we did
Control Measures
To minimize potential noise and vibration impacts on neighbouring residential properties and other sensitive receptors, Barhale commissioned Anderson Acoustics to prepare a S.61 application recommending the application of Best Practicable Means (BPM) as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The measures we recommended were aligned with the recommendations of BS5228:2009+A1:2014, the Code of Practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites.
Key BPM measures recommended included:
- Screening of Equipment: Generators, compressors, and other static plant screened to reduce noise emissions. All pneumatic tools fitted with silencers or mufflers. Acoustic barriers used around breakers and saws.
- Equipment Maintenance: Equipment to be well-maintained and used in a manner to minimize noise. Equipment to be turned off when not in use or throttled down if it would be reused soon.
- Day Works Only: Construction activities to be limited to daytime hours.
- Worker Briefings: Site workers to be briefed on minimizing unnecessary emissions and adhering to BPM.
- Reversing Alarms: Noise from reversing alarms to be controlled using directional sounders, broadband signals, self-adjusting output sounders, or flashing warning lights.
- Continuous Monitoring: Continuous noise and vibration monitoring with live access and email alerts to be conducted at the closest sensitive residential receptor
Baseline Noise Survey
A pre-construction baseline noise survey was conducted in March 2022. The survey results, along with noise insulation thresholds, were then used to establish a reference for monitoring and compliance.
Vibration Risk Assessment
Given the use of a vibratory roller within 10m of a dwelling, vibration monitoring was proposed at one location. The vibrations were predicted to be perceptible but below the threshold for potential cosmetic damage.
Monitoring Regime
Continuous unattended noise and vibration monitoring was conducted at various stages of the main works between 2022-2023. Alerts were set up to notify site management if trigger levels were exceeded, prompting a review of working methods and additional mitigation measures.
Noise measurements could then be used to:
- Verify adherence to BPM.
- Investigate noise or vibration complaints.
- Compare measured noise levels against predicted levels and provide compliance reporting.
Conclusion
The implementation of comprehensive noise and vibration control measures ensured that the water pipe installation project was conducted with minimal impact on the surrounding community. Continuous monitoring and adherence to BPM demonstrated the project team’s commitment to environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance.
