Noise mapping and management

Figures quoted by the European Commission suggest that around 20 percent of the European Union's population - nearly 80 million people - suffer from noise levels that scientists and health experts consider to be unacceptable, where most people become annoyed, where sleep is disturbed and where adverse health effects may arise. A further 170 million citizens experience noise levels which are sufficient to cause serious annoyance during the daytime [1].

These figures have prompted the European Commission to legislate against noise. A proposed European directive [2] will require the production of noise maps and noise reduction plans for conurbations of more than 250,000 population, and for major roads, major railways and major airports. This requirement will later be extended to all centres of population above 50,000.

This initiative is firmly supported by the UK government. The DETR (Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions) recently ran an 'Action Against Noise' campaign. This highlighted the importance of strategic and integrated planning, at all levels, to ensure continuing and effective management of environmental noise. Noise mapping is an essential part of this process.

The production of a noise map is relatively simple, provided the sources of noise can be identified and quantified. The difficulty arises in producing a noise map which contains the relevant level of detail, and properly weighted, to make it useful in practice.

Noise is just one aspect to consider. Environmental noise management involves compromise, balancing the interests of the noise-exposed population against the need to maintain an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable transport and commercial infrastructure. Noise maps are a means to an end: the end is an effective noise action plan to improve local quality of life - sustainably.

ISVR has the experience and specialist knowledge to assist local authorities develop noise management plans at all levels. Sometimes this will involve a comprehensive noise map.

Other problems may be better dealt with at a local or individual level. The most cost-effective solution is not always the most obvious but, whatever the solution, we can assist.

At ISVR we are uniquely qualified, not only to assist in effective noise mapping, but also to advise on the necessary technologies, materials and practices which can help create a better acoustic environment. We can offer a specifically tailored service to local authorities and other bodies involved in noise management, covering the whole range from noise control through to strategic policy development. Why not call us now to help identify your longer term requirements, both to comply with the forthcoming EC directive and to improve local quality of life in your area.

References

Future Noise Policy: European Commission Green Paper. (COM(96) 540 Final) Brussels, 1996
Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise. (COM(2000) 468 Final) Brussels 2000

For further information contact

Stuart Dyne, Manager,
ISVR Consulting,
University of Southampton,
Highfield,
Southampton,
SO17 1BJ,
United Kingdom

Telephone enquiries: 023 8059 2162 (+44 23 8059 2162 from outside the UK)
Fax: 023 8059 2728 (+44 23 8059 2728 from outside the UK)

Or E-mail: consultancy@isvr.co.uk