From July 2007 onwards residents of Anick and Oakwood have experienced unacceptable levels of noise from the new Egger plant. These have been moderated by actions taken by Egger following intervention by Tynedale District Council, but noise levels remain too high – and above the levels permitted by the planning conditions for the plant. However, the outcome is still awaited of further actions beginning 1 October to implement the recommendations of a survey by noise consultants employed by Egger and the effect of finally closing down the old plant, currently expected during October.

If you would like to read it the Tynedale District Council Planning approval for the new Egger factory can be downloaded from [here]

You can log any noise intrusions online by clicking this link [Log it!]

Noise Report - July 2007
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 06 2007 at 4:00 pm
Noise levels >>

Impact of industrial developments at Bridge End Hexham on residential properties at Oakwood, Hexham. [Download the full report 1.2mb] [Compare actual noise levels]

 
Map showing location of affected properties and proximity of the Egger factory

Firstly a datum recording (#1) was made at a point in the residential area, but sheltered from the direct factory noise, although within sight and hearing range of the A69. This provided a waveform and a spectrum analysis against which subsequent recordings of the noise levels experienced by residential properties could be gauged.

Next, a series of short recordings at the west, middle and east ends of Oakwood (#2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7) were made at a point on the south side of the road and where no trees or shrubs provided any masking. This simulated the open and exposed position of the properties as much as possible.

 

Finally a similar recording (#8) was made from the north side of the Anick green.

 

Each recording was digitised and a waveform created showing the decibels generated by a short sample of the sound. From this a spectrum analysis chart was produced and the result from each sample recording compared visually.

Further recordings were made and analysed when it was observed the following day that the new chimney was not in operation and the noise levels were considerably reduced. The difference between the data recorded when the new production line is in operation and that recorded when it is not, is highly significant and clearly supports the residents' demands for action.

 

It is the opinion of a large number of residents, based on their long-term local knowledge and supported by this data, that the noise levels from the factory have increased to an intolerant level and now require a formal investigation into the cause and effect, with a view to ensuring that appropriate action is taken to reduce the noise.

 

 

Peter Rodger

Anick

3 July 2007.

The full report may be downloaded here.  It is in MS Word format (1.2mb)
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