Bell station level crossing: substation noise report shows inconsistent sound levels

INDEPENDENT experts have questioned the construction of a new piece of the Mernda Rail Extension project in Preston, calling for a review before it’s too late.

INDEPENDENT experts have raised doubts over the accuracy of a noise report justifying the construction of an electrical substation in Preston.

The report was provided by the Level Crossing Removal Authority to residents who were concerned a new substation metres from their homes would create constant disruptive noise.

The report states the noise level generated by the substation, at the corner of Railway Place East and Esther St, would reach 41 decibels, just below the area limit of 42dB.

But acoustic engineer Richard Unkles claimed something did not match up in the report and found the lack of detail concerning.

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Mr Unkles said the 10-minute duration of the measurement and the absence of any detail about the weather, type of equipment or tonal adjustment in the report was unusual at a professional level.

“Did whoever did it know exactly what they were doing? They might know how to operate the equipment but you don’t know what instrument was used or when it was calibrated,” he said.

“I believe that the authority should go back and verify the background noise levels.”

Members of the Bell St Residents Group claim they were only given four days notice before construction began. Picture: Ellen Smith

The LXRA did not answer Leader’s questions about the detail of the report but instead stated the substation was an essential part of new services on the network.

The 42dB limit was based on an LXRA noise assessment in May last year which recorded background noise levels of 42dB and 35dB.

The Bell Residents Group performed their own noise assessment over two nights in June and recorded levels as low as 27dB.

And EPA noise expert Bert Zerbst said he would expect a tonal adjustment to the noise levels because of the frequency of the sound, increasing the expected noise level of the substation from 41dB to 46dB, above the area limit.

The LXRA said the substation is a vital piece of infrastructure to support improved services along the South Morang line. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Bell Residents spokesman Mitch Wall said he was “shocked” by the report and it raised questions about the trustworthiness of the LXRA.

“If they’ve really tried to cook the books on the noise limits what have they done across the rest of the state?” Mr Wall said.

Mr Unkles said lower levels of background noise would require the substation to have sound proofing technology installed.

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