Quarries, gravel pits and drilling sites (geothermal drilling, well construction, exploratory drilling) are continuous noise sources with extraction faces that keep moving. Crushers, screening plants, wheel loaders, drilling rigs and truck traffic generate levels of 95 to 115 dB(A). Because the noise sources shift as extraction progresses, mobile, relocatable noise control solutions are more economical here than fixed earth banks and walls.
Legal Framework
The following refers to regulations in Germany; other countries apply their own limit values. In Germany, quarries and gravel pits are operated as installations requiring a permit under the BImSchG (Federal Immission Control Act); the immission guide values of the TA Lärm (Technical Instructions on Noise) apply at the nearest residential buildings. For temporary drilling sites and site development works, the AVV Baulärm (General Administrative Regulation on Construction Noise) applies (details in our construction noise guide). Noise reduction at the source is often part of the permit conditions.
Recommended Solutions
- Mobile steel noise barrier: robust against rockfall and dust, relocatable with a wheel loader – ideal next to crushers and screening plants.
- Inflatable noise barrier up to 7 m: high screening performance next to drilling rigs with tall masts, no foundation required.
- Noise barrier mats on the construction site fence along access roads and at the boundary with residential areas.
- Enclosure of stationary equipment (generators, pumps, compressors) with mats or acoustic panels.
The noise barrier calculator helps you estimate which barrier height is required for the distance to the nearest residential buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which guide values apply to a quarry?
In Germany, those of the TA Lärm at the nearest residential buildings, e.g. 55/40 dB(A) day/night in a general residential area and 60/45 dB(A) in a mixed-use area.
Can the products withstand dust and rockfall?
Mobile steel barriers are designed for exactly that; noise barrier mats have a closed, washable surface and should be positioned outside the direct rockfall zone.
How are the barriers relocated as the extraction face moves?
Steel barriers by wheel loader or forklift, inflatable barriers by van or truck after deflating; mats are moved along together with the construction site fence.
What helps with tall drilling rigs?
A tall barrier close to the rig – the inflatable noise barrier with a height of up to 7 m – supplemented by mats at the site boundary (double barrier).
Can the solutions be combined with earth banks?
Yes. Mobile barriers on the crest of the bank increase the screening where the bank alone is not sufficient.