For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL. The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighing network. The level is so read is designated dB(A).
BORROW PIT. An area from which soil or other unconsolidated materials are removed in a manner that results in a pit or pond with the removed materials used for some other purpose.
DIVISION OF LAND RESOURCES. State agency responsible for the permitting of mining activities in North Carolina.
DECIBEL. A unit or level used to measure sound intensity, equal to the logarithm of the ratio of the intensity of the sound to a reference point.
MINING ACTIVITIES. Any excavation, site work, digging, de-watering, loading or unloading of equipment including the loading of trucks of excavated materials for off-site delivery that may occur in conjunction with the construction or operation of a borrow pit.
MINING PERMIT. A permit issued by the North Carolina Division of Land Resources for mining, excavation, and associated reclamation activities.
SOUND LEVEL. The weighted sound pressure level obtained by use of a sound level meter and frequency weighing network, such as “A,” “B,” or “C” as specified in American National Standards Institute specifications for sound level meters (ANSI S1.41971 or the latest approved version). If the frequency weighting employed is not indicated, the A-weighting shall apply.
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument used for measuring sound levels which includes a microphone, a means of displaying the sound level, an integrator or time averager, and weighting network.
(Ord. passed 7-16-2012)