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The residents from the flats that are located above the boiler room are frequently disturbed from the pulsating noise that is coming from the equipment in that room.
Last September Apollo traced the noise down to the pressurization unit within the boiler house. However since then the noise is back and nobody seems to do anything. Please read the latest updates below and the previous stories at the end of this entry. |
TIMELINE OF EVENTS AND UPDATES
This is continuation of this story.
On 01-10-2013 at 09:07, we received the following e-mail:
From: Alan.Crawford@camden.gov.uk
To: john.stow@camden.gov.uk
Cc: alan.noble@keepmoat.com , Tony.Bowcut@keepmoat.com , Tony.Austin@keepmoat.com , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Source of noise on Curnock Estate
Dear Resident,
Thank you for your email, I can confirm that John Stow is on holiday at the moment but will update John on his return. At the moment the installation works are nearly complete but the boiler house is still having the last remaining issues dealt with. My understanding is that the observation you have raised is being looked at by the consultant to the project. I will speak with the project manager and respond once I have more information.
Regards
Alan Crawford
Mechanical Contract Manager
Telephone: 020 7974 6062
On 07-10-2013 at 15:35, we received the following e-mail:
From: john.stow@camden.gov.uk
To: info@curnockestate.com
Cc: alan.noble@keepmoat.com , alan.Crawford@camden.gov.uk , Tony.Bowcut@keepmoat.com , Tony.Austin@keepmoat.com , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Source of noise on Curnock Estate
Dear Resident,
My apologies for the delay as I have been on annual leave recently and only returned to work today.
In regards to the noise on the chimney our design engineers have been on site and are currently looking at the possible adaptions that would help reduce the noise from the chimney. Once I have more information, I will duly make you aware include times, dates and the works proposed.
Thank you for your email.
Kind regards
John Stow
Mechanical services manager
Telephone: 020 7974 2046
On 11-10-2013 at 02:55, we sent the following e-mail:
To: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk
Cc: alan.noble@keepmoat.com , Alan.Crawford@camden.gov.uk , Tony.Bowcut@keepmoat.com , Tony.Austin@keepmoat.com , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Source of noise on Curnock Estate
Dear Mr Stow and Mr O’NEIL
The noise from the boilers is a nuisance and loud. We cannot sleep properly again and we have to wake up every 6 mins as soon as the noise starts.
Please let me know if Apollo found a solution and the timescale for implementing it.
Yours sincerely
Www.curnockestate.com
On 11-10-2013 at 07:16, we received the following e-mail:
From: john.stow@camden.gov.uk
To: info@curnockestate.com , Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk
Cc: alan.noble@keepmoat.com , Alan.Crawford@camden.gov.uk , Tony.Bowcut@keepmoat.com , Tony.Austin@keepmoat.com , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Source of noise on Curnock Estate
Dear Resident,
Thank you for your email and my apologies for the time it is taking to find a solution to the noise from the chimney.
Following my email on the 7th, I will pursue the designer again today and come back this afternoon with what can be done and by when.
Kind regards
John Stow
Mechanical services manager
Telephone: 020 7974 2046
On 11-10-2013 at 14:53, we received the following e-mail:
From: john.stow@camden.gov.uk
To: info@curnockestate.com
Cc: alan.noble@keepmoat.com , Alan.Crawford@camden.gov.uk , Tony.Bowcut@keepmoat.com , Tony.Austin@keepmoat.com , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk , Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Source of noise on Curnock Estate
Dear Resident,
Just updating you that recommendations have now been passed on to me in regards to the new flue and the atmospheric noise currently being produced. Plans are going ahead to have these modifications carried out which will take place over the next 2 weeks.
Following the completion of these works additional test will be carried out over a 24hour period, to establish the level of noise from the flue / boiler hse. Please note that I will be pushing for the works to start next week once the necessary materials have been obtained.
Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience and stress this has caused.
Kind regards
John Stow
Mechanical services manager
Telephone: 020 7974 2046
On 30-10-2013 at 15:1306, we received the following e-mail:
From: john.stow@camden.gov.uk
To: Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk ,
Subject: RE: Source of noise on Curnock Estate
Dear Resident,
Thank you for the email,
I have requested information earlier today from Apollo updating me on what works taken place since my last email 2 x weeks ago and any recent works that have taken place over the last 48 hours.
I’m also a littler puzzled as I note you mentioned that the noise is back, would this mean that the noise went away and has only returned today?
I will update when I more info.
Kind regards
John Stow
Mechanical services manager
Telephone: 020 7974 2046
On 30-10-2013 at 15:13, we sent the following e-mail:
To: john.stow@camden.gov.uk
Cc: Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Source of noise on Curnock Estate
Dear Mr Stow,
The noise was there for the last few weeks but it was not as noisy as yesterday. Last night I couldn’t sleep and it was such a nuisance and for that reason I said “it is back” (i.e. the nuisance)
I hope that clarifies the situation.
Also residents from Barnborough have complaint about the noise.
Yours sincerely
On 04-11-2013 at 04:47, we sent the following e-mail:
To: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk
Cc: Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Subject: Boiler noises on Curnock Estate
Dear Mr Stow,
It is 04:30am and it hard to sleep with the boiler noise.
The noise situation got worse since last Friday. Now there is another noise as well, similar to the previous one but constant and lower volume, but very disturbing.
It is now more than a month without a proper sleep and the solution that you have promised that it would be installed by last week has not be installed yet.
Could you please provide us the residents with an urgent update?
If Apollo cannot do their job why camden council doesn’t take some action against them?
Finally please have in mind that I am still waiting 3-4 months for the stop cocks to be replaced by Apollo but nothing has happened.
Yours sincerely
On 05-11-2013 at 10:33, we received the following e-mail:
From: john.stow@camden.gov.uk
To: info@curnockestate.com
Cc: Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk , alan.noble@keepmoat.com , Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk , Tony.Bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Boiler noises on Curnock Estate
Dear Residents,
Thank you for your email sent to me on the 4th and sorry I have not got back to you sooner on the progress to-date.
On a more positive note, the flue designers and pump contractors have both been on site to investigate on reducing the acoustic levels of noise that is currently being produced from the plant and I’m awaiting information from them on what additional measures can be installed to reduce the noise levels, which I will duly pass on to you once this has been presented to me.
Please accept my apologies for the stress this is causing to the residents on the estate and to you.
Kind regards
John Stow
Mechanical services manager
Telephone: 020 7974 2046
On 12-11-2013 at 12:30, we sent the following e-mail:
From: info@curnockestate.com
To: Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk
Cc: alan.noble@keepmoat.com , Tony.Bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk , Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk , john.stow@camden.gov.uk
Subject: Boiler noise & Stop Cocks
Dear Mr O’Neil,
I would like to bring to your attention the following matter that has not been resolved for the last 3-4 months but it affects our lives.
A. Boiler House Noise
For the last few months other residents as well as myself we are waiting for the council to do something about the noise which is coming from the chimney. We have received a lot of promises and the whole subject is delayed month after month.
I hope you agree that this situation is not acceptable and that some action has to be taken soon. Especially if we considered that we had suffered from similar problems almost every year with severe consequences to our health.
I would appreciate if you could take some action to solve those problems.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
CSE Group
http://www.curnockestate.com
On 19-11-2013 at 02:07am, we sent the following e-mail:
From: info@curnockestate.com
To: Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk , john.stow@camden.gov.uk
Cc: alan.noble@keepmoat.com , Tony.Bowcut@keepmoat.com , Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Subject: Re: Boiler noise & Stop Cocks
Dear Mr O’ Neil,
It is 02:00am and the noise is nuisance. Please let us know when you will fix the problem.
If there are no news then my neighbours and myself will hire an acoustic expert to measure the noise levels and take further action.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
CSE Group
On 19-11-2013 at 13:18, we received the following e-mail:
From: Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk
To: info@curnockestate.com
Cc: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Alan.Noble@keepmoat.com , tony.bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Subject: FW: Boiler noise & Stop Cocks
Dear Resident,
Thank you for your e-mail dated 19 November 2013. As per John Stow’s e-mail dated 5th November 2013; we are chasing the pump and flue supplier for details of any acoustic remedial measures that can be put in place to reduce noise levels.
I appreciate the upset the noise is causing. We will keep the pressure on to establish the correct technical solution.
Once we have received an update we will let you know what the next steps are.
Regards
Graeme White
Interim Team Leader M&E Repairs and Improvements
Repairs and Improvements
Housing and Adult Social Care
London Borough of Camden
Telephone: 0207 974 3483
Web: camden.gov.uk
33-35 Jamestown Road
London NW1 7DB
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
On 20-11-2013 at 03:52am, we sent the following e-mail:
From: info@curnockestate.com
To: Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk , Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk
Cc: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Alan.Noble@keepmoat.com , tony.bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Subject: Boiler noise & the constant torture of staying awake
Dear Mr White,
Thank you for your email but it is 2 months now without any solution in sight. At the moment the residents are awake every night and that is constant nuisance and torture.
It is 03:30am and we cannot sleep.
If there is no action soon we will have to deal with this matter in a different way. The last time I lost the legal argument because I did not have an acoustic expert’s report to prove my point. Now I will have one hopefully soon.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
CSE Group
Http://www.curnockestate.com
On 20-11-2013 at 08:18am, we received the following e-mail:
From: Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
To: Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk , Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk
Cc: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Alan.Noble@keepmoat.com , tony.bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk ,
Subject: RE: Boiler noise & the constant torture of staying awake
Dear Pat
Why is it that we cannot sort out this boiler noise which apparently goes on and on night after night?
This matter has been described and reported time after time for a very long period and I would ask that someone sorts it out quickly.
It isn’t fair to the residents at all.
Please advise
Regards
Cllr Roger Robinson
On 20-11-2013 at 11:02am, we received the following e-mail:
From: Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk
To: Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Cc: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Alan.Noble@keepmoat.com , tony.bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Boiler noise & the constant torture of staying awake
Dear Councillor Robinson
I appreciate the frustration and have reviewed all the latest information as a fresh pair of eyes. I have requested an update from Apollo by COP today on what has been established to date and what further investigations (if any) are required.
I appreciate that resident represents the CSE and acts as gate keeper for the noise complaints. However, in order to facilitate establishing the ‘noise assessment’ position[s], it would be beneficial to establish which particular residences are affected.
Apologies if this information has already been provided. However, I cannot find any record on file.
Once I have received Apollo’s update, I will revert back to you.
Regards
Graeme White
Interim Team Leader M&E Repairs and Improvements
Telephone: 0207 974 3483
On 21-11-2013 at 11:07am, we received the following e-mail:
From: Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk
To: Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Cc: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Alan.Noble@keepmoat.com , tony.bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , info@curnockestate.com
Subject: RE: Boiler noise & the constant torture of staying awake
Dear Resident,
Thank you for your e-mail.
I have received the various responses.
The following needs to be actioned to take this forward.
1 A noise survey is undertaken with all boiler plant operating at design to reconfirm noise ratings
2 A Rating Level in relation to the closest potential point of complaint (The Assessment Position) in line with BS 4142 needs to be undertaken. BS4142 “Method for Rating Industrial Noise affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas” describes a methodology for judging whether noise arising from an industrial source near residential areas is likely to give rise to complaints. The Problem Noise is compared against the background noise level and takes into account whether the noise is intermittent or impulsive or has a distinctive character such as whine, hiss or screech
3 From the information available, the closest property where noise issues have been raised is your flat – 4 Goldthorpe. I will establish what measurements are needed and over what timescale they need to be measured
4 Once 1 & 2 have been established then any necessary attenuation measures can be established
Once I have established the scope of the noise assessment, I will revert back to you.
Regards
Graeme White
Interim Team Leader M&E Repairs and Improvements
Repairs and Improvements
Housing and Adult Social Care
London Borough of Camden
Telephone: 0207 974 3483
Web: camden.gov.uk
33-35 Jamestown Road
London NW1 7DB
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
On 21-11-2013 at 11:19am, we received the following e-mail:
From: Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk
To: Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Cc: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Alan.Noble@keepmoat.com , tony.bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , info@curnockestate.com
Subject: RE: Boiler noise & the constant torture of staying awake
Dear Resident
I have received the following advice:
1. Undertake a 24 hour Environmental Noise Survey pursuant to BS4142 in order to establish a Rating Level at the closest potential point of complaint.
2. Following this, analyse and select the appropriate acoustic control hardware to ensure the Rating Level is not exceeded.
As the closest potential point of complaint is your flat, Flat 4 Goldthorpe, we will need to make arrangements with you at a convenient time to undertake the survey.
I trust that this meets with your approval.
Regards
Graeme White
Interim Team Leader M&E Repairs and Improvements
Telephone: 0207 974 3483
On 21-11-2013 at 11:29am, we sent the following e-mail:
From: info@curnockestate.com
To: Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk , Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk
Cc: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Alan.Noble@keepmoat.com , tony.bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk
Subject: RE: Boiler noise & the constant torture of staying awake
Dear Mr White,
The noise starts every few minutes and last for another few. Then it stops for the same period of time and starts again. You can hear the noise from outside the boiler house on the position that I have mentioned in my previous emails (Next to the old bulk items storage unit.) You do not need special equipment for identifying the noise or the equipment.
The point is to find the machine that creates the noise and takes measure to minimise it such as anti-vibration pads etc. Unfortunately the Apollo recommendations have the following disadvantages:
1) It will take extremely long time to accomplish anything
2) They will charge Camden council a fortune for doing the obvious
3) Then council will start the same arguments as before about what noise levels are acceptable. This in my experience will take 5-7 years if I judge from the previous arguments with the council which is not acceptable.
I hope we will avoid all of these by simply
1) Go to the area outside the boiler room
2) Listen to the noise and
3) Identify the noisy unit which will be very easy. It starts and stops at specific intervals and it is extremely easy to identify.
4) Take measures that minimise the noise and spend the money on that part rather than in pointless surveys and recommendations.
Dear Mr Stow and Mr O’Neil,
Could you please send one engineer to come onsite and listen the noise so he can identify the noisy unit before the council starts spends a fortune in unnecessary recommendations?
Looking forward to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
CSE Group
On 21-11-2013 at 11:42am, we sent the following e-mail:
From: info@curnockestate.com
To: Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Cc: Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk
Subject: Is there a way to stop the unnecessary bureaucracy?
Dear Cllr Robinson,
While I appreciate Mr White’s efforts to do something, I do not understand the point of all the surveys and expenditure for identifying something obvious. In the past Camden council used that tactic in order to avoid taking action. They were arguing for years that the noise is below the 36dB and refused to do anything. Do we have to go the same path again?
My recommendations for identifying the noise is simple and cheap. The residents have already suffered for three months now and for many years in the past.
Please advise.
Yours sincerely,
CSE Group
http://www.curnockestate.com
On 21-11-2013 at 11:55am, we received the following e-mail:
From: Graeme.White@camden.gov.uk
To: Pat.O’Neill@camden.gov.uk , Roger.Robinson@camden.gov.uk
Cc: john.stow@camden.gov.uk , Alan.Noble@keepmoat.com , tony.bowcut@keepmoat.com , Mike.Fegredo@camden.gov.uk , info@curnockestate.com
Subject: RE: Boiler noise & the constant torture of staying awake
Dear Resident,
I appreciate your frustration and we want to minimise the distress caused. As you can appreciate noise is a complex issue and in order to arrive at the correct solution it requires the input of a technical specialist so that any attenuation equipment selected meets the noise rating criteria. I believe that this approach has been suggested in the past.
I have requested the methodology for doing the survey and will revert back to you when I have received the information.
Regards
Graeme White
Interim Team Leader M&E Repairs and Improvements
Repairs and Improvements
Housing and Adult Social Care
London Borough of Camden
Telephone: 0207 974 3483
Web: camden.gov.uk
33-35 Jamestown Road
London NW1 7DB
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
On 13-12-2013 at 12:51, we received the following e-mail:
From: Stephen.Carter@camden.gov.uk
To: info@curnockestate.com
Cc: hascfoi-dparequests@camden.gov.uk
Subject: Information request (ref: 9011438)
Camden Council – Information request (FOI/EIR) – Housing and adult social care
Our reference: 9011438
Dear Resident
Re: Freedom of Information Act 2000
Further to your email, received on 25 November 2013, we are pleased to enclose/append/attach the requested information.
You requested
On the 11th October 2013, Mr Stow, Mechanical Service Manager, had mentioned in his email (attached below) that he received some recommendations for reducing the boiler noise on the Curnock Estate. He also mentioned that some works that took place on October 2013.
Under the Freedom of Information Act I will like to:
1) Have a copy of those “recommendations”
Response: please see attached PDF
2) A list of all the works that took place based on those recommendations
Response: No works have taken place as Camden still have to commission the recommended surveys; this will inform the design process
3) Equipment involved on those works. By that I mean which part of the boiler house equipment was affected by those recommendations
Response: Equipment involved at this stage is any mechanically/ electrically powered plant & ancillary equipment. Areas of focus are the flue and pumps
4) Which machine created the noise?
Response: as per 3.