ACCON are delighted to learn that planning permission was granted for the Retford Circular Economy Project Lound, Nottinghamshire, the aim is to carefully extract pulverised fuel ash (PFA) waste deposits from a former landfill and process it to allow it to be reused as a sustainable and low-carbon cement replacement product. The nature of this project presented a number of environmental concerns due to the sensitive location of the site.

ACCON was contracted to undertake a Noise Impact Assessment in accordance with UK Minerals Guidance for a large-scale Pulverised Flue Ash extraction project with an approximate project duration of 22 years. ACCON undertook extensive baseline noise surveys in and around the project area. The project involved detailed noise modelling of extraction activities in order to predict noise emissions throughout all stages of the project. ACCON also provided the air quality input in respect of emissions and dust control measures for the project.

Noise mitigation options were extensively reviewed with the client and other subcontracted consultants such as ecologists, landscape and visual consultants in order to identify sustainable mitigation solutions that did not adversely impact local wildlife or have significant visual impacts.  The project required expert knowledge of the relevant acoustic guidance documents such as BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 Code of Practice for Noise Control and Vibration on Construction and Open Sites and BS 4142 Method for Rating and Assessing Industrial and Commercial Sound.

You can learn more about the project at the following website: https://www.retfordcep.co.uk/