Noise enhancement wind analysis program
About the program
The NEWA (noise enhancement wind analysis) program has been developed to assist people in analysing meteorological data to determine whether or not wind is a 'feature' of an area as defined by the NSW industrial noise policy guidelines. It uses the following data:
- meteorological data;
- noise source location;
- receiver location;
- wind speed range; and
- angle of winds.
Also accompanying the NEWA program are:
- sample files of meteorological data;
- NEWA usernotes; and
- a background report
What you need to run NEWA
Before using the program you must have access to computer compatible meteorological data file(s) that represents wind conditions in the area where the assessment is to be applied. The data should cover the seasons and periods (day, evening or night) which need to be considered in the assessment.
Suitable data can be obtained from a number of sources including the Bureau of Meteorology, Sydney Water, OEH, consultants and industries.
The program can process data in three different formats including 'comma separated values' (CSV). This allows the user to easily prepare any data file into the required format from a number of sources (for example the Bureau of Meteorology) using a spreadsheet or a text editor usually with only a modest amount of manipulation.
Please note: We are currently investigating an anomaly in the calculation results when 2010 data is used in the NEWA program. We will post the findings here - however in the meantime it appears that the miscalculation can be rectified by changing the year in the data to 2009 instead of 2010. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Documents to download:
Page last updated: 03 June 2011
