1. Background – The S106 agreement between the Council and ‘LMA’ allows for a mobile noise monitor (MNM) to be provided to the Council (para 6.14). Now that this is imminent both parties are keen to see this equipment used as effectively as possible. The MNM is to be deployed, operated and maintained by Thanet District Council.

2. Aim – This protocol outlines how the Council will utilise the MNM for maximum benefit and to assign priorities to its use. The equipment is not designed for rapid deployment over short-term periods but is an equivalent to the two permanent noise-monitoring stations in its capability. In addition the reliability of measurement data is proportional to the number of aircraft movements. As LMA has relatively few movements, extended periods of monitoring will be required to build up a statistically reliable data set for aircraft noise events. In summary the MNM provides a welcome flexibility to carry out long term investigations at alternative key locations.

3. Noise Mitigation Measures – The airport owner is in the process of producing noise prediction contours – these calculate the 16 hour LAeq (‘average’) noise levels arising from flight movements. These have 3 purposes;

(a) Fulfilment of a S106 requirement to ensure a specified noise contour does not increase its area relative to the prediction for 1996.

(b) They allow the planning authority to ensure noise sensitive development is located and insulated for future noise exposure.

(c) The 63dB contour is the trigger for the Noise Insulation package under the S106 agreement.

4. Role of the MNM – The key tasks for the MNM are as follows;

(a) To validate noise contours by measuring at key locations on contours. This in turn adds confidence to the contours and the subsequent decisions mentioned under 3 above.

(b) To assess routing deviations through extensive testing in partnership with the airport operator. Again this is envisaged as complimenting noise modelling exercises.

(c) To assess aircraft routing practices by use in conjunction with either of the permanent noise monitors.

(d) To measure noise events and exposure at locations that may require clarification with respect to noise contours or the noise insulation scheme.

The priority of MNM usage shall be determined by the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the airport operator. Such priorities will depend on;

(a) The benefits of undertaking the measurements where the MNM is the best source of such information.

(b) The urgency to obtain information relative to S106 or other determined timescale.

(c) The practicalities of undertaking such measurements.

5. Factors affecting Location Choice.

(a) Acoustic –

(i) Distance from other noise sources that may interfere with aircraft noise readings.

(ii) Proximity of reflecting or barrier structures that can affect readings.

(iii) Locations defined by a noise contour or other acoustic feature under investigation.

(b) Security –

(i) As this is a mobile station security becomes a major concern.

(ii) The location must be effectively secure throughout the measurement period.

(iii) The equipment must be as tamper proof as possible.

(c) Communications –

(i) The unit normally operates through a GSM ‘mobile phone’ signal link to download data remotely.

(ii) A good signal strength or telephone landline is required.

(d) Consent –

(i) The landowner must give consent for the use of land for this purpose.

(ii) If the equipment is located for an extended period, planning consent may be required.

6. Reporting and Planning – the noise monitoring results from the permanent stations are reported to the Council and MACC. For the MNM the Council undertakes to;

(a) Provide a programme of the monitor’s use for at least 6 months in advance to the airport owner and MACC (although this may be provisional dependant on the obtaining of permissions).
(b) Report to each meeting the results of monitoring in a format compatible to that used for other noise results.
(c) Give conclusions to the specific investigations undertaken with the MNM to both the airport owner and MACC.
(d) Provide data in electronic form as a preference.
(e) Give an annual report to MACC on the MNM.

7. Prior to any amendment by the Council of this Protocol the airport owners and MACC shall be consulted.

PM/G.LG/WP60[28]

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