NZS 6808:2010 — Definitions and Mandatory Requirements
Plain-English guide to the definitions and mandatory language that underpin the Lal Lal Wind Farm noise compliance record.
Definitions control the record
The repository uses NZS 6808:2010 definitions carefully because the Planning Permit and endorsed NCTP rely upon that Standard for operational wind farm noise assessment. This page records the key definitions and explains why they matter in the disclosed administrative record.
Background sound
Definition: the A-frequency-weighted L90 centile level measured prior to the installation of any wind turbines in an area.
Why it matters: background sound is the foundation for background-dependent operational noise limits. The words “prior to the installation” are central to understanding the K15aa documentary chronology.
Notional boundary
Definition: a line 20 metres from any side of a dwelling or other building used for a noise-sensitive activity, or the legal boundary where this is closer to such a building.
Why it matters: the NCTP requires operational noise measurements to occur within 20 metres of the dwelling and as close as practicable to the background monitoring location.
Mandatory language
Auditor correspondence records that, for NZS 6808:2010, shall refers to requirements mandatory for compliance with the Standard, while should refers to recommended practice.
Why it matters: the NCTP repeatedly uses mandatory language for measurement location, acoustic data, wind speed data, attended observations and reporting.
How the definitions connect
The repository does not treat these as isolated technical terms. They form part of a regulatory chain: planning permit conditions adopt the Standard; the NCTP operationalises the Standard; later compliance assessments and agency records rely on the NCTP pathway.
Key mandatory NCTP requirements tied to NZS 6808
| Area | Requirement recorded in the NCTP | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement locations | Operational measurements shall be carried out at six preferred receiver locations, including K15aa, subject to landowner permission. | Identifies K15aa as part of the operational monitoring framework. |
| Measurement position | Measurements shall not occur within 3.5 m of a reflecting surface, shall occur within 20 m of the dwelling, and shall occur as close as practicable to the background monitoring location. | Connects the notional boundary, receiver location and continuity between background and operational measurements. |
| Acoustic data | Measurements shall be conducted in accordance with NZS 6808:2010, with specified instrumentation, synchronised 10-minute intervals and audio / modulation data collection. | Defines the technical minimum for operational assessment. |
| Site wind speeds | Site wind speeds shall be collected in synchronised 10-minute intervals and used to determine 93 m AGL reference wind speeds. | Connects noise data to hub-height wind speed relationships used for compliance assessment. |
| SAC observations | The NCTP adopts attended observation procedures for special audible characteristics. | Links subjective attended listening and objective assessment to penalty / character assessment. |
| K15aa update | The NCTP states that an updated background noise report for K15aa was to be submitted before operation. | Creates a key verification question for the disclosed administrative record. |