Noise 'constant' at water plant

Noise at the proposed water treatment plant was "expected to be constant during all time periods", according to the development application.

A report for the development application stated that the treatment plant was expected to produce less than 38dBA in noise to residences along Ocean Beach Rd and Gallipoli Ave, and less than 35dBA to residences adjacent to the depot, between the hours of 10pm and 7am.

Measured noise levels at the current site measure an average of 41dBA during the daytime, 38dBA during the evening and 31dBA at night time.

The application stated that provided the recommended noise controls were implemented, the plant was expected to operate at "acceptable noise levels".

It also stated that vibration would not be an issue during both construction and operation.

It did state, however, that during construction there would be noise created by mobile plant carrying out earthworks and the transport of materials.

The report stated that bore pumps were generally inaudible due to the acoustic shielding provided by the depth below ground and the overlying cabinet.

It stated that the control cabinets to be installed at each bore location would have visual impacts but "such impacts are assessed as being relatively minor in view of the substantial space available around the cabinets".

"The proposal will supplement the town water supply, representing a net social benefit.

"Quality of life enhancements will result from delaying or preventing more severe water restrictions being introduced."

The report stated that care would need to be taken with soil during construction, due to the area being classed as having a low acid sulphate risk occurring in soils at depths of two to three metres and deeper.

If not managed adequately, acidic pollution of waterways could result, and in addition there could be adverse impacts on soil structure and arability.

It stated that during construction, care would be required to be taken to divert stormwater away from any soils stockpiles and to provide and maintain silt fences to stop any water borne dispersed soils.

It stated that factors which were expected to minimize the above risks were the shallowness of proposed excavations, the modest overall scale of the works, the use of a construction environmental management plan (CEMP) and the following of guidelines for working with potential acid sulphate soils.

The report stated that "subject to the appropriate management of any acid sulphate soils, and in view of the shallowness and scale of the proposed works, the likely impacts of acid sulphate soils are assessed as not being significant".

Development application 30602/06 Lyle Stone, July 29