NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL

ASSIGNMENT 04
ON

NOISE MAPPING

SUBMITTED BY
SUBHAMOY GHOSH
219MN1410
DEPT. OF MINING ENGG.
NIT, ROURKELA
 CONTENTS

SUBJECT PAGE No.

 Noise Mapping..........................................................................................................1

 Case Study 1:

Application Of Noise Mapping In An Indian Opencast Mine For

Effective Noise Management..................................................................................2

 Case Study 2:

Appraisal of Noise Level Dissemination Surrounding Mining and

Industrial Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha: A Comprehensive Approach Using
Noise Mapping.......................................................................................................10

 References...............................................................................................................21
Noise Mapping:

A Noise Map is a map of an area which is coloured according to the noise levels in the area. 
Sometimes, the noise levels may be shown by contour lines which show the boundaries between
different noise levels in an area. The noise levels over an area will be varying all the time.  For
example, noise levels may rise as a vehicle approaches, and reduce again after it has passed.  This
would cause a short-term variations in noise level.  In the slightly longer term, noise levels may be
higher in peak periods when the roads are busy, and lower in off-peak periods.  Then again, there is
a greater volume of activity from more people and traffic in the day-time than in the evening or at
night.  In the longer term, wind, weather and season all affect noise levels.

This means that it is not possible to say with confidence what the noise level will be at any
particular point at any instant in time, but where the noise sources are well-defined, such as road or
rail traffic, or aircraft, then it is possible to say with some confidence what the long-term average
noise level will be. It may be thought that the best way of doing this is by measurement, but
experience shows that this is not the case.  For a start, a long-term average must be measured over a
long period of time.  Secondly, to obtain complete coverage of an area, measurements would have
to be made on private property, where access might be difficult, and thirdly, measurements cannot
distinguish the different sources of noise, so they would not be able to give information on how
much noise was being made by each of the sources in an area. For these and other reasons, noise
mapping is usually done by calculation based on a computerised noise model of an area, although
measurements may be appropriate in some cases.

A further benefit of having a noise model is that it can be used to assess the effects of
transportation and other plans.  Thus the effect of a proposed new road can be assessed and suitable
noise mitigation can be designed to minimise its impact.  This is particularly important in noise
action planning, where a cost-benefit analysis of various options can be tested before a decision is
made.

A few case studies have been presented below on noise modelling and mapping depicting the
execution of the models and the mapping procedures.

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CASE STUDY 1:

Application Of Noise Mapping In An Indian Opencast Mine For

Effective Noise Management

Study Area:

This research study was conducted in a mechanised opencast limestone mine located in
central India. Presently, the mine is operating in three blocks i.e. new pit, old pit and Deosari mine
shown in the figure below. The mining lease area comprises of about 1520.22 ha. All the mining
operations are done by deployment of heavy earth moving machineries like dumpers ,shovels,
excavators, drill machines, dozers etc. The mining work is carried out in two shifts beginning from
07:00 Am to 03:00 PM and again from 04:00 PM to 12:00 Pm. In addition, there is a general shift
which is from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. Daily input requirement of the plant is about 10,000 tonnes.
On an average, 6 dumpers, 3 shovels, 1 drilling machine, and 1 dozer are deployed in a shift of 8
hours in new and old pit whereas 3 backhoe, 5-6 tippers and one dozer are deployed in Deosari
mine for a p[roduction target of 5000 tonnes per shift.

There exists a number of village surrounding the mine. As such, inhabitants of these villages
are directly or indirectly affected by the noise coming out of the mine. Also a number of running
conveyor belts that runs carrying limestone ore and passing through 50-100 metres of mine
residential colony.

The study area as seen from Google Earth

This study is limited to the development of noise map by identifying the dominant sources of noise
that are responsible for the adverse effect on the mine environment and surrounding localities. This
also facilitates in pinpointing action plans for noise management in a significant manner.
Methodology:

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Identification of Noise Sources And Measurement of Noise:

The most important noise sources in mines are shovels, excavators, drilling machines,
dumper, and dozers. Crusher plants and conveyor belts which are the part of mining process are also
the sources of noise. All these different sound sources which contribute overall noise in and around
the mines are identified and categorized it as a point source, line source, moving source and area
source. The choice of source type whether the particular heavy machine is of point, line, area or
moving source depends on source receiver distance. Heavy machines like dumpers and tippers are
moving sources of noise in mines. In contrast, certain sources are stationary, e.g., crusher plants,
screening plants, drill machines, etc. Crushers were treated as stationary area source. Shovels,
backhoe, drilling machines and dozers were considered as point sources and belt conveyors were
represented as line source shown in the table below.

Noise sources in the study area

Sound pressure level was recorded from respective sources with the help of Casella make
Type 1 Sound Level Meter. Measurements were carried out in well defined positions around the
noise sources according to various national and international standards. For example ISO
6395:2008 was used for noise measurements of shovel, drill machine and dozer machine, IS
3028:1998 for dumpers, ISO 8297:1994 for crusher plant and other standards like ISO 1996-
1:2003, ISO-2:2007, ISO 9613-1:1993 & ISO 9613-2:1996 were used. Line source such as belt
conveyors were considered as a series of uncorrelated line section. The centre of each section is
considered as a point source and measurement were taken in the same way as taken for point
sources. At each and every location of noise sources geographic coordinates were collected with the
help of Trimble make GPS. In addition, meteorological parameters like temperature, wind speed,
wind angle and humidity were collected.

Conversion of Acoustic Pressure to Acoustic Power:

For calculating noise maps for industrial or mining area with prediction software, the
software requires sound power data of each relevant noise sources points. This is achieved by
measuring sound pressure level around the identified noise sources of mines. Acoustic Determinator
is a tool to find out sound power level of respective noise sources by measuring sound pressure
levels using reverse engineering methods in accordance with ISO 8297 and other similar guidelines.

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GIS Software:

Surface plan of the mine leasehold area along with nearest residential areas were taken from
the mines in .dwg file format for detailed and close verification of the features through AUTOCAD.
Noise sources were projected and plotted on the surface plan with the help of their corresponding
GPS data. Thus point locations and shapes of crusher plant, dumper haul roads, locations of shovels
& drills were digitized through ARCMAP 10.2 and stored as shapefiles.

Noise Modeling:

For determining the sound pressure level at any receiver point, basic propagation equations
were followed as described in ISO 9613-2 (Eq. below).

𝐿𝑓𝑇 (𝐷𝑊) = 𝐿𝑤 + 𝐷𝑐 − 𝐴

Where,

Lw is the octave band sound power level, in decibels, produced by point sound source relative to a
reference sound power of one picowatt (1pW)

Dc is the directivity correction, in decibels, that describes the extent by which the equivalent
continuous sound pressure level from the point sound source deviates in a specified direction from
the level of an omni-directional point sound source producing sound power level Lw;

Dc equals the directivity index D1 of the point sound source plus an index DΩ that accounts for
sound propagation into solid angles less than 4π steradians; for an omni-directional point
sound source radiating into free space, Dc = 0dB;

A is the octave band attenuation, in decibels, that occurs during propagation from the point
sound source to the receiver.

The attenuation term A in the previous equation is given by the following equation:

𝐴 = 𝐴𝑑𝑖𝑣 + 𝐴𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝐴𝑔𝑟 + 𝐴𝑏𝑎𝑟 + 𝐴𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑐

Where,

𝐴𝑑𝑖𝑣 is the attenuation due to geometrical divergence

𝐴𝑎𝑡𝑚 is the attenuation due to atmospheric absorption

𝐴𝑔𝑟 is the attenuation due to the ground effect

𝐴𝑏𝑎𝑟 is the attenuation due to a barrier

𝐴𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑐 is the attenuation due to miscellaneous other effects

Sources of other types such as line source or area source are treated as composite sources
made of many point sources in various configurations hence the above relation is extensively used
for all noise sources.

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Noise Prediction Software and Noise Map:

All the input data mentioned above which affect the propagation of sound were imported in
noise prediction software (Predictor LimA V9.10) for calculation. Predictor LimA was programmed
to calculate noise levels at 10m x 10m grid intersections using Harmonoise and ISO 9613-2
calculation method.

Validation/calibration points:

Three locations inside the mining lease area and one location near the residential area close
to the mine lease boundary were considered as calibration points. The observed data were collected
from these points so as to validate the model. These observed data were not incorporated into the
model for any purpose during calculation of noise propagation.

Results And Discussion:

Noise maps were generated using Predictor LimA software using two principal methods
which are extensively used i.e. Harmonoise and ISO 9613-2 calculation methods. The study
considered same basic inputs for both the methods. According to CPCB (Central Pollution Control
Board) guidelines the noise levels for different zones are shown in the table below.

CPCB Ambient air quality standards in respect of noise* and corresponding Ldn values

Definitions of span of day and night in CPCB guidelines in India are different from what has
been described in the European Noise Directive (END). Incidentally, the calculation methods within
Predictor LimA using Harmonoise and ISO 9613-1: 2003 protocol use time periods which are by
default in accordance with the END. Of course, Predictor V 9.10 offers flexibility to allow user
defined calculation periods. Since the predicted noise levels using Harmonoise and ISO 9613-2
were to be compared with CPCB guidelines, the authors used overall permissible Ldn values based
on combining the day and night noise levels set by CPCB as described in Table 1. Day and night
spans were set following the CPCB guidelines. Later on L den values computed by Predictor LimA
were compared with Ldn limiting values calculated from CPCB guidelines. All the computed values
are based on a complete 24 hours exposure period.

Definitions of day, evening and night periods in CPCB guidelines and END

5
 The main noise indicators for noise mapping are Lday, Levening, Lnight and Lden (day-
evening-night) (END, 2002). Different color codes indicate different Lden noise levels in dB(A).
Noise levels ranging from 50-55 dB(A) and 55- 60 dB(A) are indicated by different shades of
green, 60-65 dB(A), 65 -70 dB(A), 70-75 dB(A) and 75-80 dB(A) are indicated by different shades
of yellow, 80-85 dB(A), 85-90 dB(A) and 90-95 dB(A) are indicated by different shades of red
while the noise level ranging from 95-100 dB(A) is indicated in dark violet bands.

After computation using ISO 9613-2 method it was observed that the noise level inside
crusher plant was in the range 100 - 95 dB (A) forming irregular noise contours. As we move apart
from crusher plant noise level around the crusher plant was found to be in the range of 95 - 90
dB(A) forming irregular contour measuring major axis 55m and minor axis 13m. It further reduced
to 90-85 dB(A) measuring major axis 80m and minor axis 25m. Noise level around shovel No. 1 is
85-80 dB(A) forming radius of 7m whereas at shovel No. 2 it was found to be 80-75 dB(A) forming
irregular contour having major axis 16m and minor axis 12m. Both Shovel No.1 and Shovel No. 2
were working on new pit. Noise level around Drill machine ranging from 90-85dB(A) where as
around shovel No. 3 it was found to be in the range of 85- 80dB(A). Overall noise contours around
Shovel No. 3 and Drill machine which was working on old pit was found to be 80 – 75 dB(A)
forming elliptical shape measuring major axis 61 m and minor axis 38m contour. Noise level
around dozer was found to be in the range of 90-85 dB(A) measuring major axis 8m and minor axis
5m. Noise level at Deosari mines near Backhoe 1, & 3 was found to be 80-75 dB(A) having
diameter of 15 m whereas at around Backhoe no. 3 noise level was ranging from 90-85 dB(A)
forming major axis 8m and minor axis 5m. Overall noise level along the haul road fall in the range
of 60-70 dB(A). Noise levels on both sides of conveyor belts was between 85 and 80dB(A).

After using Harmonoise method, it was observed that the noise level inside crusher plant
was in the range 95-90 dB(A) forming irregular noise contours. As we move away noise level
around the crusher plant was found to be in the range of 90-85 dB(A) forming irregular contour
measuring major axis 66m and minor axis 12m. Noise level around shovel No. 1 is 80- 75 dB(A)
having radius of 10 m whereas at shovel No. 2 it was found to be 75-70 dB(A) forming radius of
12m. Noise level around Drill machine ranging from 90-85 dB(A) forming irregular shape
measuring major axis 8m and minor axis 4m whereas at the same old pit shovel No. 3 was working
producing noise contour of 85 – 80 dB(A). Noise level around dozer was found to be in the range of
90-85 dB(A) measuring major axis 5m and minor axis 2m. It reduced to 85-80dB(A) forming major
axis 13m and minor axis 8m. Noise level at Deosari mine around Backhoe No. 1 and 2 noise levels
were found to be 80-75 dB(A) forming iregular shape whereas at Backhoe no. 2 noise level was 90-
85 dB(A) forming irregular shape measuring major axis 5m and minor axis 2m. As we moved from
Backhoe no. 2 noise level reduced to 85-80 dB(A) forming major axis 12m and minor axis 7m.
Overall noise level along the haul road was in the range of 60-70dB(A). Noise levels on both sides
of conveyor belt was between 85 and 80dB(A).

Further predicted noise level was plotted verses observed values at selected calibration or
validation points within the study area. Correlation analysis showed that the predicted values and
observed values in both Harmonoise and ISO 9613-2 methods had positive correlation (r 2 = 0.97 &
r2 =0.96 respectively).

Several models are used for study of outdoor sound propagation. It is nevertheless difficult
to produce a unanimous decision as to which calculation method performs better because each of
them has certain differences in its use of input parameters for calculation of attenuation. It depends
on the number of correction factors the calculation method includes which influence on attenuation
of sound propagation.

6
Comparison between predicted and observed noise levels using Harmonoise (Lden) calculation
method

Comparison between predicted and observed noise levels using ISO 9613-2 (Lden) calculation
method

Noise Map of a mine using ISO 9613-2 calculation method

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 Noise Map of a mine using Harmonoise calculation method

Correlation between predicted noise and observed noise level by Harmonoise calculation
method

8
 Correlation between predicted noise and observed noise level by ISO 9613-2 calculation
method

Conclusions:

 Indian government does not have general noise policies on noise mapping.
 DGMS have issued specific directives for conducting noise mapping studies in mine
environment. There is still confusion between Noise zoning and noise mapping.
Awareness and training programs are required.
 Noise mapping is considered as a specialized subject and requires specific skills
supported by appropriate hardware and software both.
 The environmental policy/legislations in regard to noise mapping in Industry/ Mines are not
detailed like European Directive. Hence, specific directive may be issued by the government
of India. Even though Harmonoise seemed better, a preferred method will depend on variety
of input variables.
 The cost implications for establishing and maintaining noise mapping laboratory are very
high. So, this will not be feasible for small organisation. Hence, it is advisable to establish
noise mapping facilities at different location/ universities and institutions so that the
technical services can be extended to whole of the country.

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CASE STUDY 2:

Appraisal of Noise Level Dissemination Surrounding Mining

and Industrial Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha:
A Comprehensive Approach Using Noise Mapping

Study Area:

The district of Keonjhar is situated in the northern part of Odisha in India, with an area of
8240 km2; it lies between 21º1'N to 22º10'N latitude and 85º11'E to 86º22'E longitude. According to
the report of Odisha economic survey 2014–2015, the iron ore deposit of Keonjhar district is
approximated as more than 1000 million tonnes. The national highways NH49, NH520, and NH20
are the major roads of the district utilised for transportation of minerals and general public use. The
study area includes the measurement of LAeq, T level at nine industrial, seven commercial, six
residential, seventeen silence zones, and fifteen mining locations. Human dwellings and sensitive
establishments are situated near the highway, and they are also influenced by the high noise levels
of heavy vehicles. Hence, noise levels are also measured at three major highways, viz. NH520,
NH20, and SH-10B, which are connected with two haulage roads from which maximum mining
conveyance takes place.

Method and Material:

The complete assessment has three stages, where the first stage consists of four steps
for identification of monitoring location, the second stage implicates the data entry of raw data into
Excel sheets and calculation of noise identifiers like equivalent sound levels during the day (Ld),
equivalent noise levels during the night (Ln), day-night average noise levels (Ldn), and sound power
level (Lw), and the last stage involves utilisation of soft – computing techniques for the mapping of
an entire study area. Equipment containing precision-grade Sound Level Meter (SLM) CK: 172B
Optimus Green (Cirrus, UK) with Fast, A-Weighted Sound Level response mode (LAF) and having
data logging of 0.125 s (125 ms) time interval was used for field measurements. The definitive
range of equipment for one-third octave band filter with frequency and measuring level is of 20 Hz
to 20 kHz and 20–140 dB, respectively (CR, 2016). The gadget, sound level meter placed on a
tripod with the microphone pointed at the supposed noise source and positioned away from the
road. The LAeq, T were taken for 1 hour (LAeq, 1) at each location in the day and night time to
obtain Ld and Ln. A short-term noise monitoring strategy was adopted in this work, as it gives a
reliable accuracy levels as compared to long-term monitoring and a better technique for noise
mapping of larger areas. These noise levels are utilised to compute the Ldn values, which is a 24 hrs
day-night average noise level, where extra 10 dB(A) is contributed during the night time as a mark
of penalisation.

10
where Leq is the average equivalent noise level for the duration of 1 hour; t is the time of duration
of the measurement (1 hr in this case) . The obtained sound pressure levels (SPL) for each reading
were converted into their equivalent Lw for different one-third octave band frequencies using
formula

where Lw is the sound power level in dB(A); Lp is SPL in dB(A); Q is the directivity factor which
is 1 in each case; r is the distance from the source which is 1.5 m in every case.

Noise Modelling:

The intent of this study was to assess and inspect the impact of noise engendered due to
mining activity, industrial and commercial activities, and mining conveyance on highways on
nearby residential areas and sensitive establishments. Noise mapping is an effective assessment
method in urban regions and proves an advisable document in planning and noise mitigation
measures. Noise mapping is implemented with the help of Predictor LimA (LimA, 2016) software
(Type 7810, 11v), it defines the spatial distribution of noise levels and produces an adequate
visualisation of the noise dispersals in areas which are sensitive to noise. This prediction tool uses
the ISO 9613 calculation method to predict noise, which is the primary calculation method in this
work. The software predicts attenuation of sound waves as they originated from the sound source
and shows how they would behave if influenced by geographical and meteorological factors in the
environment. This soft computing technique ratifies to be an ideal tool for executing noise impact
assessments in urban and rural settings.

The process of noise mapping initiates with a marking of the selected locations in the
Google Earth and then importing the map into the Prediction software in the suitable file format. A
universal coordinate system was used for integration of the Google Earth map with Geo-referenced
data such as latitude and longitude of the selected noise sources. Then all the sampling locations as
a point, line, and area sources were marked on the workspace of mapping software by keeping the
map of Keonjhar district in the background. The sources of noise from all identified industrial and
commercial zones were treated as point sources, mining areas as an area source, whereas highways
as line source, for noise prediction. Then the calculated Lw for each one third-octave band
frequency is given as input for each point source location as it only accepts the Lw of the noise
sources for calculation of propagation of sound waves. For calculation of the noise levels, the

11
contours were generated on the 200×200 m grid, and each grid point is at the height of 4 m, acting
as receiver points.

Study Area in Northern Keonjhar District

Methodology

12
Results and Discussions:

Assessment of Noise Descriptors:

Ambient noise quality standards in respect of noise (as recommended by CPCB)

In view of industries, there are numerous manufacturing units in this region that include
iron, steel, power loom, stone crushing, and other allied industries. The noise levels of these
manufacturing industries vary from 64.2 to 73.4 dB(A) and 55.2 to 64.4 dB(A) during the day and
in the night time, respectively. The noise levels of these locations are not exceeding the prescribed
limits of CPCB.

The commercial and business organisations are of several categories including individual
establishments, a group of shops and assigned vicinity in the form of supermarkets, shopping malls,
etc. The noise levels in these regions varied between 62.2 to 72.7 dB(A) and 52.6 to 55.6 dB(A)
during the day and in the night time. The highest noise level (72.7 dB(A)) was observed during the
day period in the Champua marketplace due to the substantial movement of different types of
vehicles on NH-20 passing closely from the sensitive zones. The noise levels in five locations
(i.e.,C3–C7) are exceeding the prescribed limits of CPCB. These surpassing noise levels may occur
because during the day time the extra traffic of private vehicles for activities such as shopping
appears, resulting in high traffic blockages and more sound emissions. On the other hand, though
the measurements of the night time are below the prescribed limits of CPCB except for C7, on the
contrary, all the readings are above 52.6 dB(A). The insufficiency of appropriate parking area
proximate to market zone besides, ineffective management of the traffic scheme generates severe
noise throughout the day and particularly in peak hours. The intermittent blaring of honking is also
responsible for annoyance in the entire area. Additionally, the average noise observed in the 15
mining areas varies between 91.1 to 117.0 dB(A) during the day time and 84.2 to 120.5 dB(A)
through the night time. Most of the noise in the mining area is due to heavy-duty machinery like
rock breakers, drill machines, dumpers, dozers, etc.

13
 Average noise levels of considered noise sources.

Simplified version of permissible limits of day-night average equivalent sound levels (as
recommended by EPA).

14
 Observed noise levels on highways and haulage road.

Noise measurements appraising the impact of noise induced from road traffic on the
residential and sensitive establishments were carried out on highways and other arterial roads.
As heavy vehicles are the major source of noise in urban as well as in rural areas, here only the
traffic from heavy vehicles was considered for noise prediction purpose. The predicted noise
contour maps of the study area are generated to visualise the effect of annoying noise levels
instigated from mining, road traffic, commercial and industrial activities on the human dwellings
and sensitive establishments illustrated in figures below.

Noise contour map representing predicted noise index during the day time.

15
 Noise contour map representing predicted noise index during night time.

Noise contour map representing predicted noise index during the day-night time.

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Noise Mitigation:

The observed and the predicted data clearly reveal that the residential and silence zones of
Joda, Badrasahi, Champua, and Rimuli towns are highly exposed to noise levels, primarily due to
heavy transportation. The mitigation measures are required to regulate these noise levels to avoid
any adverse health effects on the population living in the highly noise exposed zones. The traffic
flow relocation plan, such as the construction of the bypass highway away from this area for the
transportation of extracted minerals could be a useful mitigation measure to regulate the noise levels
in the study area. Assuming the strategy of traffic flow relocation, the Ldn predicted noise couture
map of the survey area is regenerated by nullifying the noise levels contribution of heavy vehicles
on existing highways and haulage roads which show significant decrease in noise levels from 0–5.3
dB(A). In addition, with the implementation of mentioned noise control approach, there is a
possibility of further decrease in the overall noise level in the study area. The traffic congestion on
the existing highways and the haulage road is expected to be reduced and subsequently the noise
generated due to honking will come down by 3–5 dB(A). Thus, with this mitigation measure, the
anticipated overall noise levels in the study area are within the permissible limits of CPCB and EPA
as well.

The mean difference between measured and predicted noise descriptors Ld, Ln, and Ldn was
found to be 6.1, 7.2, and 5.1 dB(A), respectively, which is considered an acceptable range. The
average noise recorded in residential regions at six locations close to these zones varies from 45.7 to
56.4 dB(A) and 35.5 to 49.5 dB(A) during the day and night intervals. The higher noise level was
recorded at R1, R3, and R4 locations in the day time and R1, R2, R4, and R5 locations during the
night time due to the heavy vehicular movement through this area, later it connects to the mining
areas which are exceeding prescribed limits of CPCB. At the same time the minimum and
maximum evaluated Ldn levels are 33.9 to 47.2 dB(A), which is below the EPA limits for all
locations.

Furthermore, the study area was also categorised for different sensitive zones comprising
educational institutions, courts, spiritual and health organizations (like hospitals, clinics, etc.) The
noise levels recorded at seventeen different silence places ranged from 43.2 to 63.2 dB(A); 32.4 to
53.4 dB(A) throughout the the day and night. The highest noise levels, obtained at 11 locations
during the day hours and at 9 locations during the night hours, exceed the permissible limit
prescribed by CPCB. The maximum and minimum Ldn levels are 32.7 to 51.2 dB(A), which
exceeds the norm for two locations (S1 and S16) as per EPA standards.

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Noise contour map of predicted noise levels of Ldn assuming mitigation criteria.

Observed and computed noise descriptors for residential and sensitive zones.

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 The below figure shows the best-fit lines generated between observed and predicted values
that give correlation coefficients R2 as 0.5242 for Ldn. Also, for the day time it shows R2 of 0.605,
and 0.217 for the night time at residential and sensitive zones.

Conclusion:

The processed data show that the noise levels obtained in residential and sensitive zones are
exceeding the limits set by CPCB and these zones are profoundly affected. The day and night time
LAeq, T levels ranged between 43.2–62.2 dB(A) and 30.5–53.4 dB(A), respectively, whereas, the
average Ldn values ranged between 32.7 and 51.2 dB(A). The LAeq, T levels are surpassing the
permissible limits at 3 locations in the day time and 4 locations in the night time for the residential
zone, whereas, for sensitive area it is true for 11 locations in the day time and at 9 locations in the
night time. However, the Ldn levels computed for these zones are within the permissible limits of
the EPA, except for two places in the silent zone. From the value of R2, it can be concluded that the
observed and predicted LAeq, T are significantly closer to each other. It is also evident that
annoying noise instigated from various sources is affecting the human dwellings and sensitive
establishments.

Furthermore, the contour maps specifying the existing noise scenario also illustrate that
these two zones are under the influence of high noise levels in more than half of the locations due to
mining and road traffic noise. Hence, there is a need to control noise levels in the areas like Joda,
Badrasahi, Champua, and Rimuli that are highly exposed to noise. However, the noise contour map
forecasting the noise scenario assuming substantial reduction in the noise levels at most of the
locations by 0–5.3 dB(A). This proves to be an effective control strategy to condense the
unnecessary noise levels in residential as well as in silence zones. The results shown by this
approach are very promising and show a significant noise reduction in the study area.

Finally, to mitigate the noise pollution level in a district like Keonjhar, which is surrounded
by a plethora of mines and industries, such noise maps become an initial document to identify the
noise-affected regions. Such maps raise awareness to provide an effective documentation for town
planners to execute noise remedial measures. It will also help to plan the infrastructure of the city
and will play a crucial part in it. However, the growing economic activities and increasing daily
demand of the market will put a major impact on the environment as well as on the health of every

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species. The noise control policies have to be implemented to avoid the negative effect on the urban
or rural population living in the proximity to the mines.

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References:

 Case study 1 - Application of noise mapping in an Indian opencast mine foreffective noise
management by Veena Manwar, Bibhuti Bhushan Mandal, Asim Kumar Pal; 12th ICBEN
Congression - Noise as a Public Health Problem: 18 - 22 June, 2017.

 Case study 2 - Appraisal of Noise Level Dissemination Surrounding Mining and Industrial
Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha: a Comprehensive Approach Using Noise Mapping by Lokhande
K, Satish, Dhawale A, Satyajeet, Pathak S, Sameer, Gautam, Rakesh, Jain C, Mahindra,
Bodhe L, Ghanshyam; Archives of Acoustics, Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 423–432 (2017)

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