A post-construction noise assessment must be undertaken in accordance with regulation 131D for a WEF that commences operation on or after 1 November 2021.

Under this regulation, operators are required to:

• engage a suitably qualified and experienced acoustician to complete a post-construction noise assessment within 12 months of new WEFs commencing operation – for facilities with staged commencement, the post-construction assessment must be completed within 12 months of each stage being completed 
• ensure a report of the noise assessment is prepared that demonstrates whether or not the WEF complies with the noise limit for that facility 
• engage an EPA appointed environmental auditor to prepare a report verifying that the noise assessment was conducted in accordance with the 2010 Standard
• give a copy of the noise assessment report and auditor’s verification report to EPA within 10 days of the completion of the auditor’s report.

Section 8 of the 2010 Standard sets out the minimum requirements for documenting the background and operational sound level measurements and compliance assessment. In accordance with good industry practice, the general requirements of AS 1055:2018 Acoustics – Description and measurement of environmental noise, Standards Australia, 2018 should be followed, where relevant.

Regulation 131BB(1) excludes the use of alternative monitoring points and when conducting post-construction noise assessments.