Noise - reduction measures

Title

Distance-based assessment of open country Quiet Areas in Greece

Reference

Landscape and Urban Planning
Volume 104, Issue 2, February 2012, Pages 279–288

Author(s)

Nefta-Eleftheria P. Votsi, Evangelia G. Drakou, Antonios D. Mazaris, Athanasios S. Kallimanis, John D. Pantis

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The need to preserve natural quietness, as a resourceful land protection strategy, has increased with the need to implement the EU's Environmental Noise Directive (END, 2002/49/EC) at a national level. We implemented distance-based criteria with view to defining potential Quiet Areas (QAs) in open country of Greece.
Residential areas, industrial sites and traffic noise are the main environmental noise sources considered according to END's prerequisites. Also following the particular characteristics of the country (e.g. leisure facilities) we considered recreational areas and construction sites for our analysis, as well as the cumulative effects of noise sources. The spatial analysis of QAs in open country indicated that the higher values of clustering are found in places of high biodiversity value (as these were characterized by the Habitat's Directive 92/43/EEC), thus multiplying the need for QAs to be preserved.
Although distance-based criteria are considerably less accurate than true noise levels calculations, our research serves as a first step for the estimation of QAs in open country at the national level, before moving on to on-site measurements for the complete definition of QAs (at the regional level), thus providing a rapid, comprehensible but above all a cost-effective solution for the assessment of QAs by management responsibles.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Protected areas/Natura 2000
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies

Keywords

Quietness; Distance-based criteria; Soundscape; Environmental Noise Directive;
Protected areas

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204611003264
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Contact the study author at:

nvotsi@bio.auth.gr

Title

Sound insulation design by using noise maps

Reference

Building and Environment
Volume 49, March 2012, Pages 291–303

Author(s)

Selma Kurra, Levent Dal

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The EU Directive 49 urges countries to prepare the strategic noise maps and the action plans for the agglomerations along major transportation routes and major industrial premises. Environmental engineers, town planners and architects are involved in preparation of action plans in which sound insulation of buildings are to be considered. This article describes a model to determine the required insulation performances for buildings’ external elements by using strategic noise maps. The model employs certain categorization for buildings in relation to indoor noise criteria and for insulation values to be assigned on building facades. A calculation procedure is integrated with the outputs of a noise mapping software to obtain the required noise reduction indexes in terms of both spectral values and the single-number ratings, i.e. “weighted- standardized level differences”. Calculated results are displayed graphically to be able to observe variation of insulation requirement throughout the surface exposed to noise source. Insulation map as a visual tool can facilitate building noise control and can be utilized in preparation of building specifications prior to construction phase and in developing the insulation codes by local administrations. Implementation of the model for two sample buildings located at different environments are explained in the article.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies

Keywords

Sound insulation; Building façade; Noise mapping; Noise control criteria; Action plans

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132311002149
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skurra@bahcesehir.edu.tr

Title

A review of current research on road surface noise reduction techniques

Reference

Pages 144, Date 29/04/2010, Reference PPR443 ISBN 978-1-84608-854-4

Author(s)

P G Abbott, P A Morgan, B McKell

Study type

Report

Abstract

The EU Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC; END) requires Member States to produce Noise Action Plans which, amongst other things, aim to reduce environmental noise where necessary. The Scottish Government has produced Noise Action Plans which have been published on the Scottish Government Website. Road and rail noise reduction methods need to be evaluated and, in the case of the former, one potential option is the use of low-noise surfaces. The Scottish Government commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to undertake a review of the different low-noise road surfaces currently available and comment on their relevance and suitability for use in Scotland, incorporating the views of key staff holders. This review was to take into account not only acoustic performance but also safety, skid resistance, structural durability, environmental sustainability and whole life costing. This report presents the findings from the review, discussing the potential implications of using low-noise road surfaces as a mitigation tool within Scottish Noise Action Plans. Advice on how to make a preliminary selection of appropriate low-noise surfaces is also set out, based on indicative acoustic and non-acoustic characteristics.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Strategic noise mapping; Environmental noise directive; Population exposure; Noise mitigation; Scenario analysis; Acoustical planning; Action planning; Noise modelling

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy Thematic Issue

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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This study is free to view at
http://www.trl.co.uk/online_store/reports_publications/trl_reports/
cat_traffic_and_the_environment/report_a_review_of_current_
research_on_road_surface_noise_reduction_techniques.htm

Contact the study author at:

enquiries@trl.co.uk

Title

Scenario analysis and noise action planning: Modelling the impact of mitigation measures on population exposure

Reference

Applied Acoustics
Volume 72, Issue 8, July 2011, Pages 487-494
Noise Mapping

Author(s)

E. Murphy and E.A. King

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper reports on strategic noise mapping research conducted in Dublin, Ireland. Noise maps are constructed for the day–evening–night-time and night-time periods and levels of population exposure are estimated for the same periods. In methodological terms, the research uses the UK’s calculation of road traffic noise (CRTN) method for calculating noise levels in the study area. This method has been adopted as the interim calculation method by the Irish authorities responsible for meeting the obligations set out in the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END). The research also investigates the usefulness of three noise mitigation measures for ‘acoustical planning’ purposes: traffic reductions, speed reductions and erection of acoustical barriers. The results indicate that levels of population exposure during night-time are extremely high relative to guideline limits set down by the World Health Organisation. In addition, the results highlight the significant role that certain noise mitigation measures can play in good ‘acoustical planning’.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Strategic noise mapping; Environmental noise directive; Population exposure; Noise mitigation; Scenario analysis; Acoustical planning; Action planning; Noise modelling

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy Thematic Issue

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003682X10002343

Contact the study author at:

enda.murphy@ucd.ie

Title

Design of a Noise Action Plan based on a Road Traffic Noise Map

Reference

Acta Acustica united with Acustica, Volume 97, Number 3, May/June 2011 , pp. 492-502(11)

Author(s)

Ausejo, M.; Tabacchi, M.; Recuero, M.; Asensio, C.; Pagán, R.; Pavón, I.

Study type

Peer Review Journal 

Abstract

According to European Directive 2002/49/CE, EU state members had to compile a strategic noise map no later than 30 June 2007 and a corresponding action plan no later than 18 July 2008 for all agglomerations with more than 250,000 inhabitants and for all major airports, roads and railways. A study on environmental noise was thus conducted for the city of Palma de Mallorca (Spain) using a commercial noise prediction package. The noise level assessment reveals a troublesome situation that requires an urgent noise action plan. In this report, various noise mitigation measures are analysed considering not only the reduction of noise and the number of people that can benefit from these measures, but also the net monetary benefits generated. Given the possible options, it is clear that to achieve the best long-term solution, global noise abatement measures (i. e., traffic management) and local measures (i. e., noise screens) should be combined.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy Thematic Issue

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/dav/aaua/2011/00000097/00000003/art00014

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mausejo@i2a2.upm.es

Title

Sustainable acoustic absorbers from the biomass

Reference

Applied Acoustics
Volume 72, Issue 6, May 2011, Pages 350-363

Author(s)

David J. Oldham, Christopher A. Egan and Richard D. Cookson

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

There is currently considerable interest in developing sustainable absorbers, either from biomass materials or recycled materials, and it is the former that is the subject of this paper. A number of potential candidate materials are available from the biomass in the form of organic fibres. Non-fibrous materials, such as configurations of whole straw or reed, can also act as sound absorbers. A combination of impedance tube and reverberation chamber measurements have been carried out for a number of biomass materials and the effectiveness of current models for the prediction of the absorptive properties of natural fibres has been investigated. Examination of the acoustical characteristics of a range of natural fibres has confirmed their effectiveness as porous sound absorbers and also the limitations of current models for predicting their performance. Examination of the acoustical performance of materials consisting of different configurations of whole reeds and straws has revealed that these also possess considerable potential for application as broadband sound absorbers with particularly good low frequency absorption characteristics. The combination of natural fibres and whole reeds offer the possibility of developing a range of sustainable absorbers which act very effectively across the complete audio frequency range.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Reduction measures

Keywords

Sound absorbers, Sustainable, Biomass, Natural fibres, Reeds

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003682X10002914
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Contact the study author at:

djoldham@liv.ac.uk

Title

Ban on night flights at Heathrow Airport : A quick scan Social Cost Benefit Analysis

Reference

Delft Report: January 2011

Author(s)

Jasper Faber, Maria Korteland

Study type

Report

Abstract

Night flights are often considered an essential element of airline networks. Long haul passengers who want to arrive in Europe at the beginning of the day often need to land during the night, especially when they arrive at a transfer airport such as Heathrow from where they take another flight to their final destination.
However, the noise they create is detrimental to human well-being as it causes sleep disturbance, increase in medicine use, stress and (environmental) insomnia. Around London Heathrow Airport, a large number of people are affected by aircraft noise during the night time.
As the UK Government reviews its limit on the number of night flights allowed at Heathrow, this report endeavours to quantify the costs and benefits to the UK of a ban on night flights at Heathrow before 6.00am. It uses social cost benefit analysis (SCBA) to do so. SCBA systematically identifies all the direct, indirect and external effects of a night flight ban and expresses them in monetary terms so that the net costs or benefits can be calculated. It uses the broad definition of welfare, in which all items that add to the well-being of the society are benefits, and all items that decrease well-being are costs. The boundaries of SCBA presented here are UK welfare effects. The presented SCBA is a quick scan SCBA, based on values from the literature.
We assess the costs and benefits of a night flight ban against a baseline scenario in which the current regime is continued. Airlines and passengers can respond in several ways to a night flight ban. We identify three extremes:
All flights and connections are rescheduled to daytime operations.
All flights are rescheduled to daytime operations but connections are lost, leading to a decrease in the number of transfer passengers.
All flights currently arriving or departing during the night are cancelled.
Most responses are likely to fall within these boundaries. Likewise, the costs and benefits of a night flight ban are likely to fall between the costs and benefits of these extremes.
This report finds that the impacts of a night flight ban on UK welfare are likely to range from an increase of £860 million to a decrease of £35 million over a period of ten years (2013-2023). The loss would occur if all current night time passengers stopped travelling to Heathrow once a night flight ban was introduced. That however is highly unlikely. The most likely scenario is that a proportion of them will continue to use the airport. If that is the case, a night flight ban before 6.00am will bring economic benefits to the overall economy. This is because there will be a significant decrease in the costs associated with sleep disturbance. The savings that will bring, in terms of improved health and well-being, are expected to offset the main costs of a ban - passengers' time and airline profits - by a wide margin. The results are sensitive, however, to the valuation of night noise, and we recommend studying the benefits of noise reductions in more detail. Other items that require more study are the impact on passenger choices, on airline networks and on tourism.

Policy theme(s)

Environment and health >> Health risks >> Noise pollution
Environmental economics >> Economic impacts of environmental change
Noise >> Health impacts
Noise >> Reduction measures

Keywords

Aviation, Night flights, Costs, Effects, Analysis

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.hacan.org.uk/resources/reports/night.flight.final.report.pdf
This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

www.cedelft.eu