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11.

0 NOISE EMISSIONS – RISKS AND MANAGEMENT


This PER and associated appendices make reference to both the Approved Gorgon Gas
Development and the Revised Gorgon Gas Development, which is the subject of this
PER. For clarification purposes, the following definitions are provided:
♦ “the Approved Gorgon Gas Development” or “the Approved Development” refers to
the development proposed in the EIS/ERMP (Chevron Australia 2005a) and
subsequently approved under Statement No. 748 and EPBC Reference: 2003/1294
♦ “the Gorgon Gas Development Revised and Expanded Proposal” or “the Revised
Gorgon Gas Development” or “the Revised Proposal” refers to the development
proposed in this PER, which is yet to gain approval
♦ “the Gorgon Gas Development” refers to the entire proposal. This descriptor may be
used when the reference is being made to elements of “the Revised Proposal”
described in the PER when they replace the elements of “the Approved
Development” which have changed to create the final product as proposed in this
PER.

11.1 Assessment Framework or Policy


11.1.1 EPA Objective
To protect the amenity of nearby residents from noise impacts resulting from activities
associated with the proposal by ensuring the noise levels meet statutory requirements
and acceptable standards (EPA 2004b).

11.1.2 State (WA) Legislation


Sections 51, 62(4), 65 and 74(3)/50, and 75 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986
(WA) (EP Act) provide the legislative framework for managing noise impacts. The noise
limits cited by the EP Act are assigned in the Environmental Protection (Noise)
Regulations 1997 (Noise Regulations) and further guidance exists in EPA Guidance
Statement No. 8 (EPA 2007a) (Section 11.1.3). Regulation 7 of the Noise Regulations
requires that noise emitted from any premises must comply with assigned noise levels
when received at any other premises. The assigned levels are specified under
regulation 8 of the Noise Regulations, according to the type of premises receiving the
noise. Proposals need to demonstrate compliance with the relevant noise levels
prescribed in the Noise Regulations.

11.1.3 State (WA) Guidelines


The noise assessment for the Revised Proposal Gas Treatment Plant was conducted in
accordance with the requirements of EPA Draft Guidance Statement No. 8 - The
Assessment of Environmental Factors, Environmental Noise (EPA 2007a).

11.2 Detailed Assessment of Potential Impacts


11.2.1 Overview
The change in levels of terrestrial noise emissions from the Revised Proposal are linked
to the operation of the additional LNG train and the increase in number of non-routine
flaring events associated with the operation of the additional train. Noise emissions from
marine activities are also expected to increase due to the increase in LNG and
condensate tanker offtakes and associated infield marine vessel activities.

At Barrow Island, noise emissions from the Revised Proposal have the potential to affect
sensitive terrestrial and marine fauna.

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The focus of the noise emissions assessment for the Revised Proposal is on operational
phase noise emissions, changes to noise levels during the construction phase are
considered to be insignificant. The detailed noise emission assessment results are
presented in terms of noise levels at sensitive receptors around the Gas Treatment
Plant. Specific discussion of the potential effects of noise emissions from the Revised
Proposal to terrestrial and marine fauna are provided in Sections 6.1 and 7.1
respectively.

11.2.2 Background Noise Levels


A baseline noise survey on Barrow Island was conducted by SVT Acoustic Engineering
Consultants during the period 20 January to 10 February 2004 and reported in the draft
EIS/ERMP (Chevron Australia 2005a). A summary of the results of the study is
presented in Table 11.1. Noise levels at the existing Chevron Camp were found to be
dominated by the local air conditioning units, whilst the background noise levels at the
proposed Gas Treatment Plant Site were found to be dominated by noise from winds
and the nearby sea.

Table 11.1: Background Noise Levels

Location Background Noise Levels L90 dB(A)

0700 – 1900 hrs 1900 – 2200 hrs 2200 – 0700 hrs


Monday to Saturday Monday to Saturday 0900 Monday to Saturday
– 2200 hrs on Sunday 2200 – 0900 hrs on Sunday
Existing Chevron 50.0 50.0 49.5
Camp
Proposed Gas 30.0 24.5 23.5
Treatment Plant
Site

11.2.3 Noise Acceptance Criteria


Noise levels within the Proposed Gas Treatment Plant were assessed against the
maximum noise exposure levels for workers as specified in the National Standard for
Occupational Noise (NOHSC:1007[2000]), which are:
♦ an eight-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (Laeq,8h), of
85dB(A)
♦ a C-weighted peak noise level of 140 dB(C).

Occupied buildings in the vicinity of the Gas Treatment Plant and the Gorgon
Construction village/ Turnaround Camp will be built to comply with the recommended
noise levels in AS2107:2000 (Acoustics – Recommended design sound levels and
reverberation times for building interiors).

Ambient noise levels from the development will be assessed against the noise
acceptance criteria listed in Table 11.2. These criteria are referenced from the Western
Australian Noise Regulations.

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Table 11.2: Assigned Noise Limits for Industrial and Noise-Sensitive Premises

Type of Assigned Level (dB)


Premises Time of Day
Receiving Noise
LA10 LA1 LA max

Industrial and All hours 65 80 90


utility premises1
Noise-sensitive2 All hours 60 + Influencing 75 + Influencing factor 80 + Influencing
factor factor

NOTES:
LAmax: A noise level that is not to be exceeded at any time.
LA1: A noise level that is not to be exceeded for more than 1% of the time.
LA10: A noise level that is not to be exceeded for more than 10% of the time.
1. Industrial and utility premises: classification under Schedule 1, Part A (5) of the Noise Regulations – any
premises used for sand, gravel, clay, limestone, or rock excavation (i.e. a quarry).
2. Noise-sensitive: applies at locations further than 15 m from a building associated with a noise-sensitive
use.

It is proposed to apply the assigned noise limits for industrial and utility premises to the
proposed Gorgon Administration Area, and the noise sensitive development noise limits
to the Gorgon Construction Village and existing Chevon Camp.

Where the noise is received 15 m from a dwelling (or the like) on noise sensitive
premises, the Noise Regulations require that the assigned levels be determined by
inclusion of the influencing factor. The factor accounts for the presence of
industrial/utility or commercial land or major roads within 450 m of the receiving
premises. In the case of the Gorgon Construction Village and the existing Chevron
Camp, there is no such development or a major road within 450 m of these, therefore the
influencing factor should be taken as nil decibels.

11.2.4 Predicted Noise Emissions from Approved Development


Predicted noise levels for the Approved Development at the Gorgon Construction
Village/Turnaround Camp were modelled as part of the assessment of the Approved
Development. These noise levels were subsequently re-estimated by Kellogg Joint
Venture Gorgon (KJVG) as part of the engineering design for the Approved Development
Gas Treatment Plant. The results for the sensitive noise receptors (e.g. Gorgon
Administration Area, Gorgon Construction Village/Turnaround Camp and the existing
Chevron Camp) are summarised in Table 11.3. These noise levels are considerably
below the assigned noise limits for the Gorgon Administration Area and the Gorgon
Construction Village and existing Chevron Camp as per Table 11.2.

Table 11.3: Predicted Sound Pressure Levels dB(A) at Sensitive Receptors

Approved Development Predicted Sound Pressure


Location
Levels dB(A)
Gorgon Administration Area Approximately 54
Gorgon Construction Village 38
Existing Chevron Camp 36

NOISE EMISSIONS RISKS AND MANGEMENT 237


11.2.5 Noise Modelling Methodology for the Revised Proposal
11.2.5.1 Noise Model
Chevron Australia utilised in-house noise modelling capabilities provided by its Gas
Treatment Plant engineering contractor, KJVG. KJVG has used proprietary Plant Noise
Modelling System (PNMS) software, in combination with commercial software
(SoundPlan) for the development of the Revised Proposal Gas Treatment Plant noise
models and the prediction of in-plant and surrounding environmental sound pressure
levels near the Gas Treatment Plant site and at specified sensitive receptor locations.
The full modelling study report (KJVG 2008b) is presented in Appendix D.

11.2.5.2 Receptors of Interest


The noise modelling study was conducted as a desktop study with the purpose of
establishing cumulative noise levels from the Revised Proposal Gas Treatment Plant
operations for the following sensitive receptor locations:
♦ existing Chevron Camp
♦ proposed Gorgon Construction Village/Turnaround Camp
♦ proposed Gorgon Administration Area.

11.2.5.3 Noise Model Assumptions and Inputs


The PNMS software follows the prediction methodology defined in the Engineering
Equipment Material Users Association (EEMUA), Publication No. 141 "Guide to the Use
of Noise Procedure Specification" (EEMUA 1985) and International Standard ISO 9613-
2: Acoustics-Attenuation of Sound during Propagation Outdoors, Part 2: General
Prediction Method, 1996. The PNMS software is used to assemble a matrix of Sound
Power Level input data. The SoundPlan software then uses this PNMS data to calculate
and graphically present both in-plant and noise levels experienced at the specified
sensitive receptor locations. Both in-plant noise and community noise predictions are
performed using the ISO 9613-2 prediction method (EEMUA 1985).

Equipment noise limits were based on the general project requirement of 82 dB(A) at 1
m from equipment casings or surfaces, with the exception of air coolers, where the
prescribed limit is 85 dB(A) at 1 m underneath the air cooler fan.

Noise contour maps were calculated at an elevation of 1.5 m above grade. These maps
represent a composite model of the noise emissions from the Gas Treatment Plant.

11.2.6 Results of Noise Modelling


This section summarises the noise emission modelling results for the Revised Proposal
with regard to the sensitive receptor locations and compares these to the predicted noise
levels for the Approved Development.

In summary, although the predicted noise levels from the Revised Proposal at sensitive
receptors are predicted to increase in comparison to the Approved Development, this
increase is relatively small and noise levels still comply with the assigned levels under
the Western Australian Noise Regulations.

Noise predictions for the Revised Proposal at the specified sensitive receptor locations
are provided in Table 11.4, Figure 11.1 and Figure 11.2. These predictions do not
consider the ambient noise conditions, which in some cases could overpower noise
contributions from the Gas Treatment Plant.

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Table 11.4 presents a comparison of the Revised Proposal results to the Approved
Development noise study results conducted by KJVG for the Approved Development
Gas Treatment Plant.

Table 11.4: Predicted Environmental Sound Pressure Levels in dB(A)


Approved Development Revised Proposal
Location Predicted Sound Predicted Sound Pressure
Pressure Levels dB(A) Levels dB(A)
Gorgon Administration Area 54 (approx.) 60.6
Gorgon Construction Village 38 46.7
Existing Chevron Camp 36 42.3

The increase of in predicted sound pressure levels (i.e. between 6 and 8 dB(A) on
average) is due to several factors:
♦ the increase in sound power level of the Gas Treatment Plant due to contributions of
the additional LNG train, Acid Gas Removal Units (AGRUs), and CO2 re-injection
compressor
♦ the change of assumptions for the ground type over which sound is propagating. It is
now assumed that an acoustically “hard” ground is present for all areas over which
sound is propagating, which is in accordance with noise level prediction methodology
outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No.8 (EPA 2007a)
♦ the small change in temperature and humidity assumptions to align with
requirements outlined in EPA Guidance Statement No. 8 (EPA 2007a).

NOISE EMISSIONS RISKS AND MANGEMENT 239


Figure 11.1: Noise Contours within the Gas Treatment Plant and at Plant Boundary
NOISE EMISSIONS RISKS AND MANGEMENT 240
Figure 11.2: Noise Levels at Sensitive Receptor Locations [dB(A)]
NOISE EMISSIONS RISKS AND MANGEMENT 241
11.2.7 Additional Sources of Noise During Operations
An additional noise emission source during operations will be the wet and dry gas
ground flares during a process upset or emergency flaring scenario. A noise modelling
study for the ground flare was conducted (separate to the noise modelling undertaken for
the Revised Proposal) as part of the engineering design for these systems specifically
comparing a ground versus an elevated flare configuration. The study modelled noise
emissions for the highest flowrate emergency flaring event (i.e. a propane compressor
relief to the dry flare at a flowrate of 582 kg/s). The overall sound power level for the
selected ground flare options was 156 dB(A) as supplied by the flare vendor.

Table 11.5 presents the results of a noise study for noise levels from the ground flare at
1.75 m above ground.

Table 11.5: Flare Noise Study Results

Sound Pressure Levels in dB(A) Distance from Source (metres)

>105 100
85–90 505
75–80 1131
70–75 1697
65–70 2505

With the present location of the ground flare (on the western side of the Gas Treatment
Plant plot plan) the noise levels likely to be experienced at the Gorgon Construction
Village/Turnaround Camp and the existing Chevron Camp during plant upset or
emergency events are well below 65 dB(A). These noise levels may never be
experienced as a flaring rate of the magnitude used in the study is considered to be a
very unlikely event.

11.2.8 Discussion of Modelling Results


Due to the large separation distance between the Gas Treatment Plant and the sensitive
receptor locations at the Gorgon Construction Village/Turnaround Camp, and the
existing Chevron Camp, contribution from the Revised Proposal Gas Treatment Plant
operations to noise levels at these locations is expected to be minimal and the resultant
noise levels will still comply with the noise levels prescribed in the Western Australian
Noise Regulations. The levels at the existing Chevron Camp will continue to be
dominated by local sources of noise (i.e. air conditioning units). The same is expected to
occur at the proposed Gorgon Construction Village/Turnaround Camp which will also
have local sources of noise (e.g. air conditioning units, a diesel generator etc.).

The Administration Area, although in proximity to the Gas Treatment Plant, will be built
and acoustically insulated to ensure the relevant Australian occupational health and
safety standards are met.

11.2.9 Marine Vessel Noise Emissions


Movements of marine vessels (e.g. LNG carriers, condensate export tankers, supply
vessels and infield vessels, tugs and pilot boats) will increase due to the increase in
throughput at the Gas Treatment Plant under the Revised Proposal. This increase in
vessel movements will not increase cumulative noise levels, however it will increase the
frequency of which the noise source (e.g. marine vessel) is present/operating in the Port
of Barrow Island. The noise emissions from the marine vessels will be concentrated

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around the LNG Jetty and the MOF which are approximately 4 and 2 km respectively
from the beaches at Town Point.

Speed restrictions imposed on LNG carriers and condensate tankers within the Port
limits will ensure that noise associated with engines will be kept as low as reasonably
practicable. LNG carriers and condensate tankers, escorted by infield vessels (pilot boat
and tugs) will also follow a pre-determined safe access corridor to the LNG Jetty, which
will therefore result in noise affecting the same marine areas in and out of the Port of
Barrow Island.

Supply vessel visits will not increase at the same proportion as the increase in LNG
carriers and condensate tanker visits and therefore the frequency at which this noise
source is present in the Port of Barrow Island should not significantly increase.

Support vessels (i.e. pilot boat and tugs) will be purpose built to GJV’s specifications and
requirements. These specifications include a number of environmental considerations
including light spill, noise and air emissions, as well as marine discharges.

11.3 Proposed Management Actions


The noise control philosophy for the Revised Proposal [refer to full Noise Study Report
(KJVG 2008b) (Appendix D) is aligned with the design basis planned for the Approved
Development. This philosophy is reiterated below:
♦ All compressor suction/discharge/recycle piping and connected piping are to be
insulated with an appropriate acoustic insulation system.
♦ Acoustic enclosures limiting noise to 90 dB(A) at 1 metre from the equipment surface
for gas turbine drives for Mixed Refrigerant Compressors and Propane Compressors
are recommended.
♦ No enclosures on compressors and expanders for safety and operability reasons.
♦ No enclosures on generators themselves for safety and operability reasons.
♦ Compressor gas turbine drive and generator gas turbine drive intake/exhaust ducting
are to be acoustically insulated.
♦ Exhaust silencers are required for gas turbine drives of generators.
♦ Use of vibration isolation pads, such as Fabreeka or equivalent, for compressor
suction/ discharge pipe supports to reduce the noise radiation from pipe supports.
♦ Low noise type air coolers not to exceed sound pressure level of 85 dB(A) per fan 1
metre below fan centre.
♦ Inlet silencers required for the gas turbines of Mixed Refrigerant and Propane
Compressors.
♦ Exhaust silencers required for gas turbine drives of Mixed Refrigerant and Propane
compressors.
♦ Inlet silencers for generator gas turbine drives are required.
♦ Noisy control valves, if any, and compressor recycle valves and their downstream
piping are to be acoustically insulated.
♦ Personnel hearing protection will be mandatory in the designated “Restricted Areas”
in the Gas Treatment Plant, where sound pressure levels exceed 85 dB(A).

These measures define the best practice approach to noise mitigation for this type of
Gas Treatment Plant.

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11.4 Predicted Residual Environmental Risk
Noise emissions from the Revised Proposal are not considered to pose any significant
new or additional risks to noise sensitive receptors in comparison to the Approved
Development. Furthermore, there are no unacceptable cumulative impacts related to
noise emissions as a result of the Gorgon gas Development.

Based on the modelling completed, increases in noise levels at the Gorgon Construction
Village and the existing Chevron Camp are expected to be minimal and well below the
noise levels prescribed in the Noise Regulations. The noise design philosophy
(developed to be consistent with EIS/ERMP commitments made in relation to the
Approved Development) is expected to manage the increase in noise emissions from the
Revised Proposal to a level consistent with that considered acceptable and therefore
approved for the Approved Development, and to meet the EPA objective on noise
emissions (section 11.1.1).

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