Mastering Section 61: The ultimate guide to environmental monitoring and compliance

For construction and demolition firms in the UK, navigating the Control of Pollution Act 1974 is a critical component of project delivery. Specifically, securing a Section 61 consent is the gold standard for proactive site management. It not only protects your project from the risk of a Section 60 stop-work notice but also demonstrates your commitment to Best Practicable Means (BPM) in mitigating noise, vibration, and dust.

At Campbell Associates, we provide more than just equipment; we provide a full-spectrum partnership to guide you through the Section 61 application process, from baseline surveys to automated compliance reporting.

What is a Section 61 Application and Why is it Essential?

A Section 61 application is a formal request for “prior consent” from a Local Authority regarding the noise and vibration impact of your planned works. By securing this agreement before you break ground, you achieve:

• Legal Protection: Compliance with a Section 61 agreement prevents the council from serving a Section 80 abatement notice or a Section 60 notice, which can impose strict working hours or halt production.
• Community Trust: Providing a clear Dust Management Plan (DMP) and noise mitigation strategy reduces community complaints and enhances your brand reputation.
• Operational Certainty: You establish agreed-upon threshold limits and working hours, allowing for accurate project scheduling and budgeting.

How Campbell Associates Supports Your Section 61 Journey

We help you meet the rigorous requirements of BS 5228 (Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites) and IAQM (Institute of Air Quality Management) guidance through a three-stage approach:

1. Pre-Construction: Baseline Surveys and Prediction

Before work begins, you must establish the existing “ambient” levels of the area. We provide Class 1 Sound Level Meters and Vibration Monitors to conduct accurate baseline surveys.

• Acoustic Prediction: We offer CadnaA noise prediction software to help you model the impact of your plant and machinery, a vital part of your Section 61 submission.

2. Construction Phase: Real-Time Monitoring & NVD Strategy

Once the project is live, our NVD (Noise, Vibration, and Dust) monitors provide the 24/7 data required to prove you are working within your agreed limits.

• Noise Monitoring: Our NoiseSens and SiteSens systems offer remote access and audio triggers to identify the source of any noise breach.
• Vibration Monitoring: Using the Syscom Rock we measure Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) to protect sensitive structures and satisfy BS 7385-2 requirements.
• Dust Monitoring: Our DustSens systems are MCERTS certified, utilising heated inlets to ensure accurate PM10 and PM2.5 readings, even in the UK’s high humidity.

3. Compliance & Reporting: The Sonitus Cloud

The key to a successful Section 61 is the audit trail. All Campbell Associates monitors feed data into the Sonitus Cloud, a centralized portal that:

• Automates Reporting: Generate weekly or monthly compliance reports to send directly to Environmental Health Officers (EHOs).
• Instant Alerts: Receive SMS and email notifications the moment a threshold is approached, allowing for immediate on-site mitigation.

Optimising Your Site with Integrated Environmental Monitoring

Don’t Risk Your Project’s Timeline

A failed Section 61 submission or a single noise complaint can cost thousands in delays. By partnering with Campbell Associates, you ensure your site is equipped with the UK’s most reliable, MCERTS-certified and Class 1 monitoring technology.

Would you like our team to review your upcoming project requirements and recommend a bespoke monitoring package for your Section 61 application?