Journal of Environmental Biology

Work zone noise levels at Aarti steel plant, Orissa and its attenuation in far field

 

S. Kerketta¹, P.K. Dash² and L.T.P. Narayan²

¹Ministry of Environment and Forests, Eastern Regional Office, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar - 751 023, India

²Aarti Steels Limited, Ghantikhal, Cuttack - 754 029, India

(Received: September 21, 2007; Revised received: October 05, 2008; Accepted: October 11, 2008)

 

Abstract: The outdoor noise levels from the various work places of the integrated steel plant were measured. The average noise level (L_eqst) at the outdoor was found between 59-84 dBA. The combined noise level (L_eq) of the plant was 90 dBA and 92 dBA on 1.12.2006 and 16.12.2006, respectively. The noise levels in the far fields were found between 43-70 dBA for daytime and meet the noise quality for industrial (75 dBA) area and residential (55 dBA) areas. Maximum attenuation of 47-49 dBA of noise level was found at worker?s colony and may be attributed mainly to the ground absorption. As the air quality standards of the area in respect of noise in the ambient is tending to increase, engineering control measures suggested to the noisiest equipments for better economically viable and higher payback period.

Key words: Outdoor noise, Far fields, Attenuation, Ground absorption

Copyright ? 2009 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).