Because operating a successful port can be a noisy business, Napier Port has proactively introduced a noise mitigation package for our neighbours.
If your home has been identified in the Port Noise Management Plan as experiencing port noise in excess of 60 dB Ldn (5-day), Napier Port will share in the cost of introducing noise mitigation measures to your home.
Noise Mitigation Eligibility
The City of Napier District Plan sets the planning rules for the acoustic treatment of houses in certain areas to achieve a reasonable internal noise environment. Napier Port’s voluntary noise mitigation package reflects best practice and goes over and above the minimum requirements that are set in the Consent conditions and District Plan.
In order determine eligible houses, Port noise contours are produced annually and those existing houses that fall within a 60 dB Ldn (5-day) line are considered eligible. The Port Noise Liaison committee is responsible for determining which additional houses qualify for Port funded mitigation and the process to be followed.
The current Port Noise Contour Map (2022) is available to view here. More information is also available in Napier Port’s Annual Noise Monitoring Review here.
A future noise contours map has also been modelled to identify at specific locations where particular levels of noise are likely to be experienced, out to 2035. This map predicts that a number of additional existing dwellings may qualify for noise mitigation by 2035, however, please note that mitigation will only be available if the actual noise profile increases and the dwelling becomes eligible.
Napier Port Noise Mitigation Contribution
The mitigation for eligible houses is typically prioritised and staged in the following order:
1. Ensure windows and doors form an air tight seal when closed.
2. Install ventilation and air conditioning system(s) to provide suitable ventilation and cooling with the windows closed.
3. If the indoor design criteria are not achieved following Stages 1 and 2, an acoustic consultant should be engaged to provide façade sound insulation recommendations that enable design compliance and provide a noticeable improvement.
Napier Port will facilitate the process and has currently offered to financially contribute 100% of the costs for stages 1 and 2. Napier Port will financially contribute 50% of the cost of stage 3, with up to a maximum total of $50,000 contribution for mitigations required on each property.*
If you think that our noise is affecting your home, we encourage you to get in touch.
*Please note: Full conditions and details of the noise mitigation package are available in the Port Noise Management Plan.
