Work zone noise levels at Aarti steel plant, Orissa and its attenuation in far field.

The outdoor noise levels from the various work places of the integrated steel plant were measured. The average noise level (L(eqst)) at the outdoor was found between 59-84 dBA. The combined noise level (L(eq)) of the plant was 90 dBA and 92 dBA on 1.12.2006 and 1612.2006, respectively. The noise levels in the far fields were found between 43-70 dBA for daytime and meet the noise quality for industrial (75 dBA) area and residential (55 dBA) areas. Maximum attenuation of 47-49 dBA of noise level was found at worker's colony and may be attributed mainly to the ground absorption. As the air quality standards of the area in respect of noise in the ambient is tending to increase, engineering control measures suggested to the noisiest equipments for better economically viable and higher payback period.