Study to gauge the effectiveness of noise control measures introduced by Malta Freeport Terminals (MFT) to reduce noise impacts on the residents of Birżebbuġa from the operations of the MFT - Projects - Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd

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Projects

Client: Malta Freeport Terminals (MFT)

Start / Finish Dates: August 2020 – January 2022

Over the period from August 2020 to January 2022, Adi Associates conducted a study to determine the change in the ambient noise levels in Birżebbuġa following the implementation of measures to control noise emissions from operations at the MFT since 2015. The study involved taking a series of noise measurements at selected locations over the period August 2020 to May 2021, and comparing these with measurements taken at the same locations in 2014 / 2015. The report of the study was submitted for consideration by the Environmental Management Committee of the MFT in January 2022.

Background to the Project:
Adi Associates had previously conducted a year-long study (over the period February 2014 to January 2015) to ascertain the noise impacts of the MFT on the residents of Birżebbuġa. The conclusions of the 2014 / 2015 study included the identification of noise control measures to be implemented by the MFT over the short and longer-term period. The MFT subsequently implemented a number of these measures.

Project Objectives

To measure ambient noise levels during the day and at night at five locations in Birżebbuġa in the months of August and October 2020 and February and May 2021 when the MFT was in normal operation, allowing for analysis of the change in the ambient noise levels at these locations from 2014 / 2015;
To conduct measurements within the MFT of the noise levels from certain MFT noise-generating activities / equipment related to container movement, allowing for analysis of the change in the noise arising from these specific noise sources from 2014 / 2015, and including allowing for diagnosis of the level of noise from these sources reaching the residential locations in Birżebbuġa;
To measure ambient noise levels during the day and at night at the same five locations in Birżebbuġa on 15th August 2020 (Santa Marija) and 1st May 2021 (May Day), when the MFT was on shutdown, allowing for analysis of the change in the current ambient noise levels when the MFT is on shutdown and when it is in operation; and
To review all available data on noise complaints received by the MFT and the Birżebbuġa Local Council since 2015, allowing for analysis of the perception of the change in the audibility and influence of MFT noise levels from 2015.