Noise pollution – Acceptable noise levels and noise limits in South Africa
Noise can be defined as “unwanted sound”; audible acoustic energy that adversely affects the physiological and/or psychological well-being of people or which disturbs or impairs the convenience or peace of any person (affecting their quality of life). One can generalize by saying that sound becomes unwanted when it: Hinders speech communication; Impedes the thinking process […]
National Noise Control Regulations in South Africa (GNR154 of 1992)
The National Noise Control Regulations (“NCR”) were promulgated in terms of section 25 of the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989 (“ECA”). While the ECA has been largely repealed by the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, it should be noted that Section 25 of the ECA has not been repealed and is in full effect (see Section 50 […]
National Noise Control Regulations in South Africa (GNR154 of 1992)
The National Noise Control Regulations (“NCR”) were promulgated in terms of section 25 of the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989 (“ECA”). While the ECA has been largely repealed by the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, it should be noted that Section 25 of the ECA has not been repealed and is in full effect (see Section 50 […]
Free State Noise Control Regulations (Provincial Notice 24/Provincial Gazette 35 of 24 April 1998)
The Free State Noise Control Regulations were also promulgated in terms of section 25 of the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989 (“ECA”), and are very similar to the National Noise Control Regulations (“NCR”). While the ECA has been largely repealed by the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, it should be noted that Section 25 of the ECA has […]
Gauteng Noise Control Regulations (General Notice 5479/Provincial Gazette 75 of 20 August 1999)
The Gauteng Noise Control Regulations were promulgated in terms of section 25 of the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989 (“ECA”). While the ECA has been largely repealed by the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, it should be noted that Section 25 of the ECA has not been repealed and is in full effect (see Section 50 of […]
Free State Noise Control Regulations (Provincial Notice 24/Provincial Gazette 35 of 24 April 1998)
The Free State Noise Control Regulations were also promulgated in terms of section 25 of the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989 (“ECA”), and are very similar to the National Noise Control Regulations (“NCR”). While the ECA has been largely repealed by the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, it should be noted that Section 25 of the ECA has […]
Influence of atmospheric conditions on ambient sound levels and the propagation of noise
Natural sounds are a part of the environmental noise surrounding humans. In rural areas the sounds from insects and birds would dominate the ambient sound character, with noises such as wind flowing through vegetation increasing as wind speed increase. Work by Fégeant (2002) stressed the importance of wind speed and turbulence causing variations in the […]
Acoustic qualification in South Africa
Currently there is no official body in South Africa that register, accredit or control acoustic consulting. Years ago we had the South African Acoustics Institute (“SAAI”), yet, at best we had around 80 members, most of them older than 60 (contact me if you would like this list). It should also be noted that this […]
When is a noise study required?
An environmental noise impact assessment (“ENIA”) is normally completed as part of the supporting specialist studies during the environmental impact assessment process (“EIA”). This however does not mean that a study must be completed during all EIA processes, nor, are an ENIA always associated with an EIA process. Certain legislation however does stipulate the need […]