Companies

Progress

In order to monitor whether noise from the smelter is within the set limits, sound levels close to the smelter were measured in August of 2008 and 2012. Main sources of noise are the unloading equipment at the harbor and the Fume Treatment Plant (FTP), noise was measured while the unloading equipment was on. Noise levels were measured in 7 places in Reyðarfjördur: 4 places by the border of the smelter site, by the farm of Hólmar, in the town of Reyðarfjördur, and south of the fjord facing the smelter site (Figure 4). The maximum level set for the site border is 70 dB(A) and all results were below that limit.

The results of the measurements can be seen in Figures 1 - 3. The average volume was measured.

Figure 1. Average noise level at 7 monitoring stations during the day in the vicinity of the smelter and in Reyðarfjörður dB(A).

Figure 2. Average noise level at 7 monitoring stations during the evening in the vicinity of the smelter and in Reyðarfjörður dB(A).

Figure 3. Average noise level at 7 monitoring stations during the night in the vicinity of the smelter and in Reyðarfjörður dB(A).

Updated: March 31, 2014 - Revised April 14, 2020
Source: Alcoa Fjarðaál

Metrics, Targets and Monitoring Protocol

What is measured?

Average Noise Level dB(A) at established monitoring stations at the smelter site. (Project effect: direct).

Monitoring Protocol

Continuous noise monitor will record data for specified intervals. Data is collected monthly to decide the baseline and thereafter each time the noise level is expected to change.

Targets

Day/Evening/Night Noise Levels (db(A)):
- Smelter: 70/70/70
- Light Industry/Dwellings: 55/50/40
- Dwellings Only: 50/45/40
- Summer House: 40/35/35
Noise level in Reyðarfjörður
- Construction: Less than or equal to 65 db(A)
- Operation: Less than or equal to 55 db(A)

Possible countermeasures

Alcoa has a direct impact with its operations. Response plans aim to maintain volume in line with set goals.

Mynd 4. Mælistaðir hljóðstyrks umhverfis álver.

Figure 4. Location of sound meters in the vicinity of the smelter.

Changes of indicator

This indicator was originally number 16.1. It was then named Noise in Reyðarfjörður and can be found under that number in documents of the project from 2005 and 2006.

The indicator number has been changed twice.

**Table 1.** Changes to name and number of indicator
Year	Nr.	Indicator name
2020	4.4.2	Noise pollution in Reyðarfjörður
2007	2.11	Noise Pollution at Fjarðaál and in Reyðarfjörður

Baseline

Base noise levels in the village of Reydarfjordur are approximately 40-50 decibels. Construction work has recently started on the smelter. Construction-related noise level is expected to be within the limits defined in Iceland regulation (no. 933/1999) concerning allowable maximum noise levels for residential housing areas in Iceland (smelter EIA, 2002).

Rationale for Indicator Selection

Ambient noise levels influence the quality of life in a community. The presence of consistent, loud noise detracts from the appeal of an area and may be detrimental to the long-term sustainability of the community. Local community residents are concerned that the Fjardaal smelter near Reydarfjordur could have a negative effect on noise levels in the village. Noise levels will be driven primarily by the transportation of materials, equipment, and personnel to the plant, as well as plant operations.

From phase I/II report on indicators and baseline from April 2005

4.4.2 Noise pollution in Reyðarfjörður

Relates to the following UN World Goals

Relates to the following subgoals

11.6