Background Noise: An Increasing Environmental Problem?

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a joint noise study of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) and the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR). The study aims to predict background noise levels caused by road-, railway and aircraft traffic. Background noise may be of increasing importance for future outdoor noise quality and health effects, as traffic activities are expected to grow further in the next decades. A statistical model was used for mapping background noise levels (L90) using traffic numbers. The model was validated for road traffic noise by long term measurements at motorways in the Netherlands. For airport noise, predictions were validated by simulation of time data based on real flight traffic numbers provided by the NLR. Subsequently the model was applied to the main roads, railways and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands. The study shows that both for road traffic noise and airport noise, background noise levels will increase stronger than equivalent noise levels when traffic numbers increase. It is therefore important that policymakers give high priority to further reduction of noise emissions in the next decades.