Estimation of Acoustic Safe Distances for Site of a Cassava Processing Mill from Residential Areas of Nigeria

Abstract

Noise from a source like a cassava processing mill degrades the quality of our environment. The distances at which its sound can be tolerated have to be professionally estimated. This work therefore presents estimation of acoustic safe distances for site of a cassava processing mill from residential areas. Hence, measurements of noise levels with respect to distance, x from the cassava processing mill were considered. The linear regression method was used in analysing the data. Environmental noise models were developed by using the relevant displayed parameters. The results obtained from the models developed in this work, L_(modelled) were compared with the results obtained from the physical measurements, L_(measured). The results were also compared with the World Health Organisation tolerant levels. The results reveal that the maximum noise level of the Mcassava processing mill is ((107.97±0.72) dBA. The distances, x_c in metres at which its adverse effects covered in the residential areas are , while the distances, x_s in metres at which it can be sited from the residential areas are . The results indicate that the equivalent continuous noise level, L_eq decreased as x increased. It was shown that there was no significant difference between L_(measured) and L_(modelled). Therefore, with the existence of x, the models developed in this work are recommended to be used as more reliable tools for environmental noise impact assessments.