The latest Environment Agency Guidance for Noise and Vibration Management of Environmental Permits

Abstract

Environmental permits have conditions that require operators to control pollution - this includes controlling noise and vibration. The Environment Agency (EA), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) produced and published new guidance for Management of Noise for Permitted Processes in 2021, to help holders and potential holders of permits apply for, vary, and comply with their permits. The guidance is common to all four regulators. This guidance replaced the original Horizontal guidance for noise usually referred to as H3. The paper will cover the development, authoring and publishing of the guidance. It will also cover some of the reasoning behind and the major clarifications which are contained within the new guidance. Issues with noise impact assessments and demonstrations of Best Available Techniques and Appropriate Measures will also be covered. The guidance was developed to be consistent with the noise policies of all four devolved governments. The paper will briefly cover requirements of both operators and their consultants under legislation and the published guidance.