Licence conditions for pollution studies and reduction program


  

Licence conditions for pollution studies and reduction programs

Summary
 
Licence number: 12208
Title: Investigation of the Causes of Wheel Squeal in the Waverton and Wollstonecraft Area
Start date: 13 Nov 2015
 
Licence Condition
The level of community concern around noise associated with the Sydney Trains passenger fleet on the Sydney Metropolitan Network in the Waverton and Wollstonecraft area has increased over time. Wheel rail interaction is resulting in wheel squeal and flanging due to the tight radius curves at Waverton and Wollstonecraft. The curves, which carry passenger trains only, are some of the tightest radius curves on the NSW network. Curve squeal is the very loud, tonal noise emitted by the wheels of some rail vehicles negotiating tight radius curves. Flanging noise occurs when there is contact between the wheel flange and the gauge faceof the rail. The purpose of PRP U2 is for the licensee to undertake a program of investigative works to identify the occurrence and cause of curve noise in the Waverton and Wollstonecraft area to allow consideration and application of appropriate mitigation measures. The licensee is required to comply with PRP U2 outlined in U2.1 below by completing each described action within the set timeframe.
Action 2.0 A The licensee will undertake or engage an appropriately qualified contractor to undertake the following investigations regarding the occurrence of curve noise from wheel-rail interaction in the Waverton and Wollstonecraft area:   a.      Assessment of the track in the Waverton and Wollstonecraft area including rail profile, gauge face condition and alignment and comparison of how these activities meet the requirements of the engineering standards set by the Transport for NSW Asset Standards Authority; b.     Conduct a detailed noise study to assess the contributing factors of curve noise in the area and potential mitigation options. The study must be undertaken over a suitable period to allow collection of a statistically significant data set. The study must:          i. identify the track locations from which noise is generated;          ii. identify the specific rail components from which noise is generated such as the top of the high or low rail or the gauge corner of the high or low rail and the type of noise generated for each;          iii. investigate potential differences in the noise profile of various train types that pass through the area;          iv. identify the conditions and variables that can affect rail noise in the area;   c.     Determine the most appropriate locations for noise mitigation options and type of mitigation such as gauge face lubrication, top-of-rail-friction modification and rail profiling. Timeframe The licensee must provide the EPA with a scope of works for review for the investigations required under Action 2.0 A by 31 December 2015 to allow monitoring to commence in the first quarter of 2016.   The licensee must provide the EPA with a report summarising the findings of the investigations required under Action 2.0 A by 30 June 2016. _________________________________________________________________________________