Environmental Noise Reduction Measures in Cement Industry: Usje Cement Plant Case Study

During 2013, AMBICON Laboratory , as a part of Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences was engaged by TITAN Usje Cement Plant to conduct a noise control study in vicinity of Usje Plant, in order to identify and inventories noise sources within cement plant and marl quarry. For this purpose, at each noise source a 15 min noise levels measurement in one-third octave band were performed and source specific noise profiles were created. Using the noise profiles and Digital Ground Model for the plant and immediate vicinity, a Noise Dispersion Model was developed within SoundPLAN 7.2 software platform. Broadband noise level measurements at 20 points within the plant and 10 points located at most sensitive receptors in a plant immediate vicinity, were used to adjust and verify the model created. Using the data obtained TITAN-Usje and AMBICON joint teams develop a Noise Reduction Plan (NRP), describing protection measures and setting up priorities. In addition, and based on anticipated measures reduction levels, three stages (Realistic, High and Ultimate) were modelled using the same SoundPLAN 7.2 platform. After completing the first stage of the NRP and in order to confirm effectiveness of the actions taken, a follow-up study using the same methodology was conducted (2016/17). The paper presents the study approach and outcomes of the measures taken. Keywords: noise, model, measures, measurement, environment