Reference Document MCU22/0102 Updated Environmental Noise Assessment (2)

3 Criteria

3.1      Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2019
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 provides a framework for the management of noise in
Queensland. The Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2019, EPP (Noise), specifically identifies
the acoustic environmental values that are to be enhanced or protected. These values include:
      ➢ The protection of human health and wellbeing by ensuring a suitable acoustic environment
        for individuals;
      ➢ The protection of the amenity of the community;
      ➢ The protection of health and biodiversity of ecosystems.
There are two main considerations when assessing noise from sources such as car washes, namely
      ➢ The acoustic quality objective – noise levels that are conducive to human health and
        wellbeing, ensuring a suitable acoustic environment for individuals to sleep, study or learn,
        be involved in recreation, including relaxation and conversation; and preserve the qualities
        of the acoustic environment that are conducive to protecting the amenity of the
        community;

      ➢ Controlling background creep.

3.1.1       Acoustic Quality Objectives
The EPP (Noise) defines the acoustic quality objective as seeking to protect the amenity of an
acoustic environment. The indoor night-time goals address sleep disturbances and sleep
awakenings, while during the day it protects the ability to have a conversation.
The acoustic quality objectives are expressed as indoor noise level goals for dwellings during the
night period, from 10pm to 7am, and outdoor noise level goals during the day and evening periods,
7am to 6pm and 6pm to 10pm respectively. The EHP EcoAccess Guideline “Planning for Noise
Control” proposes that a typical residential building façade reduction is between 5-10dB(A) with
windows open for ventilation. EcoAcoustics understands that based on this noise reduction range,
EHP applies a reduction of 7dB(A) from outside a house to inside a house with windows fully open.
Table 3.1 provides a summary of the acoustic quality objectives.




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