This presentation will describe recent experience of addressing noise issues in relation to a planning application for two proposed shale gas exploration sites in Lancashire that are intended to investigate the viability of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as ‘fracking’.  The presentation will briefly describe the hydraulic fracturing process and then go on to describe the assessment approaches taken. This will include the prediction methods used and modelling undertaken to assess the options for off-site noise mitigation.  The principal noise issue for planning for these two sites was concern about drilling at night and this was the main topic of debate at the planning appeal inquiry, which was held last year. Night time noise relevant to sites of this nature will therefore be discussed in this presentation. Consideration will be given to the predicted night time noise levels and the assessment criteria discussed at the planning appeal inquiry will be described.

Topics and speakers for the evening meetings are generally identified and organised by the London Branch Committee, but we always welcome new ideas and suggestions for future presentations. If you have any ideas or suggestions, or may even like to give a presentation yourself, please contact the London Branch Committee (Roslyn Andrews: Roslyn.Andrews@aecom.com).

This event is free to IOA members and the general public, but we request that you pre-register for this event by going to the registration page at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/institute-of-acoustics-london-branch-meeting-june-2017-tickets-31099267747?aff=erelexpmlt

If you register and are no longer able to attend this event, please cancel your ticket or contact Vicky.Stewart@atkinsglobal.com so that your place can be offered to someone else.

The closest underground stations are Chancery Lane (Central line) and Holborn (Central & Piccadilly line).

For more details of IOA regional branch activities please refer to the IOA website: www.ioa.org.uk