Environmental propagation of noise in mines and nearby villages: A study through noise mapping

摘要

Background: Noise mapping being an established practice in Europe is hardly practiced for noise management in India although it is mandatory inIndian mines as per guidelines of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). As a pilot study, noise mapping was conducted in an opencastmine with three different models; one based on the baseline operating conditions in two shifts (Situation A), and two other virtual situations whereeither production targets were enhanced by extending working hours to three shifts (Situation B) or only by increased mechanization and notchanging the duration of work (Situation C). Methods: Noise sources were categorized as point, line, area, and moving sources. Consideringmeasured power of the sources, specific meteorological and geographical parameters, noise maps were generated using Predictor LimA software.Results: In all three situations, Lden values were 95 dB(A) and 70–80 dB(A) near drill machine and haul roads, respectively. Noise contourswere wider in Situation C due to increase in frequency of dumpers. Lden values near Shovel 1 and Shovel 2 under Situation B increased by 5 dBand 3 dB, respectively due to expansion of working hours. In Situation C, noise levels were >82 dB(A) around shovels. Noise levels on both sidesof conveyor belts were in the range of 80–85 dB(A) in Situations A and C whereas it was 85–90 dB(A) in Situation B. Near crusher plants, itranged from 80 to 90 dB(A) in Situations A and C and between 85 and 95 dB(A) in Situation B. In all situations, noise levels near residential areasexceeded the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) limits, i.e., 55 dB(A). Conclusions: For all situations, predicted noise levels exceededCPCB limits within the mine and nearby residential area. Residential areas near the crusher plants are vulnerable to increased noise propagation. Itis recommended to put an acoustic barrier near the crusher plant to attenuate the noise propagation.