This week, an extensive noise assessment was carried out in Port of Gävle, including Granudden and nearby areas. The purpose is to ensure that the port’s operations comply with the noise level requirements set in its environmental permit – around the clock, all year round.
The assignment was carried out by Structor Akustik, specialists in environmental noise and acoustic engineering. Measurements were taken at several locations within the port area, including the bulk terminal, container terminal, railway, and waste management operators, as well as at Granudden. Noise levels outside the port area were also measured, for example at Engeltofta.
To obtain a representative picture, the measurements were performed under varying conditions – including when a container vessel was alongside and being loaded, a vessel was at the slurry quay, and when a freight train arrived at the container terminal for loading. After the measurements, calculations will be made to assess how the sound propagates over longer distances, based on both measured values and standard reference values for typical vessels.
“We conduct noise assessments regularly and can compare the results with previous years’ measurements. It is important that weather conditions are favourable when measuring – it should neither rain or be too windy. Earlier this summer, we had to cancel several planned occasions when forecasts were not suitable,” says Elin Frisk, Environmental Specialist at Port of Gävle.
The results will be presented in a detailed report including data, assessment criteria, and noise propagation maps. These will be compared against the applicable guideline values for noise levels at residential properties:
- Daytime (07:00–18:00, weekdays): max 55 dB(A) equivalent level
- Evenings/weekends (other times): max 50 dB(A) equivalent level
- Night-time (22:00–07:00): max 50 dB(A) equivalent level
- Maximum instantaneous night-time level: max 65 dB(A)
This work is part of Port of Gävle’s long-term environmental efforts, aimed at both meeting legal requirements and showing consideration for residents in surrounding areas.
