Bosses at the under-construction Carrington Power Station are warning that local residents should expect up to 11 days of noise disturbance as it continues to test its gas turbines.
GE Power and DF Energy are building the new gas-fired 880MW power station on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal near Irlam Wharf.
These turbines are now being tested to produce electricity.
Local residents across Irlam and Cadishead, and further north up to Barton and Eccles, could be affected.
Work starts today, Monday 18 April, for the second stage of ‘commissioning’, where gas turbines are cleaned and large plumes of white smoke are emitted from the gas station towers.
Management admitted the first stage which started around 23 March did cause excessive overnight noise.
The two turbines being tested
Residents reported being woken by “mechanical clanking” and the sound of “an aeroplane constantly going overhead” in the early hours of the morning over several days in March.
Read: Carrington Power Station admits gas turbines caused ‘late night noise’
Read: What are the strange noises keeping Salford awake?
The cleaning stage of the process will last eight to 11 days, say Carrington.
Anyone who hears excessive noise can complaint to the plant direct through the Local Liaison Group, by calling Carrington Power on 0800 169 5290, through the 17,000-member SalfordOnline.com Facebook group or through their local councillor or MP as normal.
Read: Evening and weekend noise in August for gas pipeline testing, say Carrington Power Station
A spokeswoman said in a statement: “We would like to apologise in advance for any disturbance which may occur during this necessary operation, though this work is essential as part of the overall safe commissioning process.
“This is the final phase of the construction of the power station and in no way reflects how the plant will operate in the future.
“When commissioned, the plant must adhere to strict operational limits set out in the licence agreements from the relevant authorities, which include noise levels and emissions.”
The station, on Manchester Road in Carrington, is expected to be complete and running by September 2016.
It is using natural gas combined cycle technology and promises to generate enough electricity to supply around a million homes.
