Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

Large-scale development proposals often require detailed consideration of a host of environmental issues, including noise and vibration. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations stipulate that a comprehensive Environmental Statement (ES) must accompany planning applications for developments deemed as significant in scale or size, and which can potentially cause significant impacts.

As noise and vibration must be robustly evaluated during both the construction and operational stages of these schemes, a noise specialist should be embedded into the wider project team as early as possible. With a track record of engineering success in a fast-paced project consultancy environment, inacoustic is the perfect noise and vibration partner when noise and vibration need to be evaluated as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Statement (ES). 

What do the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations Apply to?

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations apply to a wide range of developments. These include major transportation and infrastructure projects, large industrial and commercial sites, mineral, mining or exploration projects, energy, mixed-use schemes, urban placemaking and large residential schemes.

While some developments may be well-defined or finalised form during the Environmental Statement (ES) stage, most that require noise and vibration input will be in an outline form, incorporating an illustrative master plan and an identification of the key components of the project.

Preparing Noise and Vibration ES Chapters

According to the National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG), a noise and vibration chapter is likely to be required as part of the EIA where noise is considered to be a significant area of consideration or to have “significant effects on the environment”.

Examples of this are where development is anticipated to alter the existing noise climate, to be affected by noise or to generate noise which may cause an impact elsewhere.

With our extensive experience in consulting on noise and vibration, we have successfully prepared noise and vibration chapters for Environmental Statements (ES) across a diverse range of development projects.

Our team employs several techniques to ensure that noise and vibration aspects are comprehensively evaluated during the ES stage, even in cases where final build details are not yet available.

Through our meticulous approach to noise and vibration in the built environment, we effectively identify noise impacts, evaluate mitigation measures, and propose tailored solutions to minimise environmental impacts.

What strategies are required to prepare an ES Noise and Vibration Chapter for an EIA?

Every project is unique and the best approach is therefore often bespoke, taking into account the nature of the development, the needs of the customer, the nature of built constraints and the known position of the local authority or community. In general, however, the following steps are often needed for the production of a Noise & Vibration ES Chapter:

  • Conducting comprehensive noise and vibration surveys to measure and evaluate existing ambient noise levels

  • Reviewing outline or detailed scheme details and specifying the information required to complete the noise and vibration chapter of an Environmental Statement

  • Utilising computer modelling software to simulate and predict the impact of the proposed development on the surrounding areas

  • Consulting with relevant stakeholders to determine appropriate assessment methodologies

  • Evaluating if mitigation measures will be required to minimise noise impacts and recommending appropriate mitigation, where required

  • Assisting in the production of noise and vibration planning conditions

  • Completing commissioning testing, compliance monitoring or continuous noise measurement / remote access noise monitoring to demonstrate that the required standards are met from an environmental impact perspective

So, why choose inacoustic?

At inacoustic we have a proven history of preparing noise and vibration ES chapters across a wide variety of developments. We have implemented various measures to ensure that noise and vibration aspects are fully accounted for at the ES stage, even when final build details are unavailable. Our approach enables us to identify and address potential noise impacts, assess mitigation measures, and provide effective solutions to minimise environmental impacts.

If you require assistance with noise input into your EIA, our team of experienced noise and vibration consultants will be on hand to help. We have the expertise and equipment necessary to perform comprehensive noise assessments and provide tailored solutions to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure compliance with the relevant regulations and guidelines. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

  • "We highly recommend the team at Inacoustic – they do more than just deliver a report and have been instrumental in designing schemes that are sensitive to the environment, enabling us to find a solution on sites where options are limited, when securing consent was crucial to our clients’ business goals and to achieve wider sustainability goals through the renewable energy developments we manage. We know we can rely on the team to deliver high quality work and they are great to deal with"

    Aardvark EM Limited

  • "The inacoustic team provide a genuinely outstanding service, consistently delivering professional and technically robust solutions to our projects”

    Cornish Lithium Plc.

  • "We have a great working relationship with Inacoustic. They have always been very professional and are very knowledgeable when it comes to noise and acoustics. Their work on our projects has always been outstanding and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with them in the future"

    Kairus: Environmental and Sustainability Consultants