Volume 11, Section 3, Part 7 of the Design Manual details the methodology to be adopted to assess the noise and vibration aspects of new highway schemes in the UK, and sets the overall aims and objectives of the Environmental Assessment process. The latest version of this document was introduced in 2011.

The document details different levels of assessment depending on whether the requirement is for a scoping, simple or detailed assessment. The document also contains some additional advice on calculating noise levels for situations not fully covered in the Calculation of Road Traffic Noise document.

Section 1 sets the framework for Environmental Assessments and is project specific.

Section 2 covers the principles that apply specifically to environmental impact assessments for projects and sets the context for more detailed topic-specific environmental impact assessment guidance presented in Section 3.

Section 3 is broken down into a set of specific topic areas and provides specific guidance on methods of environmental impact assessment, forecasting techniques and the levels of design detail and consultations required for the assessment to be fully undertaken.Guidance on the provision and assessment of mitigation and enhancement measures is also provided in Section 3 each topic scecific section. Clarification on reporting requirements are also included.

Section 4 provides guidance for the Assessment of Implications on European Sites process.