Environmental noise impacts from coal handling at electric power plants

Abstract

Since adoption of the Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, there has been increased interest in the use of coal as a boiler fuel both at proposed electric power plants and as an alternative fuel al existing oil‐fired plants. Although coal has been used as boiler fuel, there is very little information available concerning noise emissions from coal handling. Therefore, a study was undertaken to provide an assessment of environmental noise impact for two types of coal delivery systems—railroad and barge. Noise estimates were developed using data obtained at other coal facilities for the following descriptors: Long‐term equivalent sound level, I‐h equivalent sound level, and maximum sound level, The noise estimates have been used in the preparation of environmental impact statements for the two urban sites studied. Noise from coal handling at these facilities are not expected to cause adverse environmental impacts after modest noise abatement treatments are installed and if coal is unloaded during the daytime. The study also demonstrated that coal handling noise emissions are site specific, but with the information developed, estimates of the noise impacts at other sites can be easily developed.