Cost-benefits analysis of noise abatement measures in the port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Impacts of anthropogenic noise on human beings range from physiological to phycological and include direct damage to auditory organs, to elevated stress and annoyance, to impairments in mental development. Maritime transportation operations are also recognized as a major contributor of anthropogenic noise to nearby communities. The Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada may be a contributor to these concerns because of its noise emitting operations and it being near densely populated areas. This study examines the cost and benefits of implementing noise abatement measures to reduce potential impacts on residents by limiting road and rail traffic and cargo handling noise from Port operations. The upfront investment costs of noise abatement measures are estimated and compared to the associated human health and wellbeing benefits of reducing noise exposures in exposed residential areas. The hedonic price method was used to translate the benefits of reducing noise exposures in monetary terms. Geospatial analysis was conducted to analyze extent of dwellings exposed to unsafe levels of noise before and after the implementation of abatement measures. Total costs were calculated at $6,914,318 CAD and total benefits at $4,127,870 CAD. This equates to a return of investment of $-2,786,448 CAD. Although this may appear to be an unfavourable investment for the Port of Halifax, this study presents opportunities for improvements and recommendations for noise abatement in port operations.