Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 36.4.3.8 Commercial Airstrips and Helipads 36.4.3.8.1 Assessment Criteria Without limiting the scope of section 88(4)(b) and the Fourth Schedule of the Act, the matters to be assessed shall also include: a) Hazard from aircraft movements; b) Noise; c) Ground access and traffic; d) Intrusion into the visual environment; e) Effect on amenity values in the surrounding area; f) Effects of development on natural and physical resources; and g) Hours of operation. 36.4.3.8.2 Standards a) The following shall be the maximum permitted noise levels generated by the use of helipads as received at the boundary of an adjoining site. Zone Sel dB(A) Ldn dB(A) Residential and Recreation Activities 85 55 Rural Activities - within 20 metres of a dwelling 85 55 Commercial and Industrial Activities 90 60 b) The Ldn values are to be calculated based on a daily average to be determined over a period of a week; c) Ldn values are to be calculated from typical flight paths based on the technique described in Report DOT-FAA-EE-82-16 or any subsequent document approved by the Department of Health or Civil Aviation Division, MOT. All calculations or measurements are to be certified by a registered acoustical engineer; d) All rescue or emergency helicopter and fixed wing aircraft movements included in the calculations are to be based on the daily average movements over the six months prior to the week in respect of which levels are to be calculated; e) The flight operations log of any aircraft operating at the strip or pad is to be open for inspection by the Council; f) All aircraft using the facility are to be FAA noise certified or hold a comparable New Zealand certification as approved by the Department of Health or Ministry of Transport Civil Aviation Division, such that by calculation it can be shown that the noise performance standards, or any standards imposed by way of conditions of consent will be complied with; g) During the first year following the grant of any consent a referee (who shall be an acoustics engineer) retained by the operator of the facility and approved by the Council shall undertake a quarterly audit with a view to determining whether the facility has been operated in accordance with consent conditions; 36 - 36