Noise Impact Assessment Research Articles

Health impact assessment of road traffic noise in the EU in 2020-2035

The negative health effects of road traffic noise in the EU are analyzed over the period 20202035. For a baseline scenario, with autonomous traffic growth and fleet development, it is found that the EU health burden in 2030 is equivalent to the loss of 1.7 million 'healthy life years'. Various noise abatement scenarios are analyzed, with noise solutions such as quiet road surfaces, quiet tyres, and electric vehicles. The health benefits of the scenarios are calculated as healthburden differences from the baseline scenario. The calculation methodology is based on the noise exposure distributions reported in 2017 by EU member states, for urban agglomerations and for major roads. Changes in noise exposure are calculated with EU model Cnossos for vehicle emission, considering different types of roads (residential streets, main roads, motorways,...). The monetized health benefits are used as input for a costbenefit analysis of the scenarios over the period 2020-2035. For quiet tyres, for example, high health benefits and low costs are found, resulting in a high cost-to-benefit ratio. This work was part of a study for the European Commision, exploring different options for reducing the EU health burden caused by noise from road, rail, and air traffic.

Noise impact assessment of onshore and offshore wind turbine

Because of climate change and environmentally friendly energy policy in Korea, the demand for a new renewable energy development has been increased. Especially, the onshore and offshore wind turbines have played an important role in the power system for generating eco friendly energy. However, in the stage of constructing and operating the onshore and offshore wind turbines, the aerodynamic and underwater noise effect on human and marine life becomes a prominent figure on a social issue, and it is necessary to prepare the assessment method of these noise impacts in order to prevent the influences on human and marine life in advance. Therefore, this paper is focused on suggesting the evaluation plans of the noise effect from the onshore and offshore wind turbines.

ASSESSMENT OF NOISE IMPACT OF AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS AROUND PODGORICA AIRPORT

Abstract:This paper analyses impact of aircraft noise on community around Podgorica Airport, Montenegro. The airport is located 12 km from the city centre of the Montenegro capital, Podgorica. It served 1.3 million passengers and 7.5 thousand operations in 2019. The noise impact assessment is conducted in IMPACT web-based modelling platform using the distribution of operations by aircraft types, time of the day, and radar tracks for the busiest day (August 15) in 2019. Noise contours are assessed for Lden and Lnight indicators. They were merged with the Global Human Settlement Layer to assess the number of people exposed to different noise levels. In addition, based on the World Health Organization recommended exposure levels related to their health implications, the percentages of the population highly annoyed and highly sleep-disturbed are estimated. Furthermore, facilities of public importance (schools, hospitals, churches, etc.) are assessed against compatibility with the requirements set for the Zones with increased noise protection in national regulations. The results show that the exposure of community around Podgorica Airport to aircraft noise is still not a serious issue. The near vicinity of the airport is industrial zone and the number of people highly annoyed by noise is approximately 3.2% of the total city population. Nevertheless, it is crucial to draw attention to planners to preserve airport neighbourhood from potential inhabiting, to avoid problems that some airports in the region are facing nowadays.

Comparative UAV Noise-Impact Assessments through Survey and Noise Measurements.

Possibilities to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are rapidly growing. With the development of battery technologies, communication, navigation, surveillance, and autonomous systems in general, many UAVs are expected to operate at relatively low altitudes. Thus, the problem of UAV noise impact on human health and well-being will be more pronounced. In this paper, we conducted noise measurements of two UAVs of different performance (quadrotor and hexarotor) in flying up and down, hovering, and overflight procedures. Respondents of good hearing who were confirmed by audiogram measurement and had participated in the survey during UAV noise measurement gave their subjective assessments on the UAV noise perception. UAV noise measurements and subjective respondents’ assessments were analysed and related. UAV noise analysis showed that the parameters measured at the same measurement point for the hexarotor were higher than those for the quadrotor in flying up and down and flying-over procedures. Low frequency noise was present in the noise spectrum of both drones. Participants were able to distinguish between the noise of UAVs and had a generally more negative experience with the hexarotor. Regardless of the noise perception, more than 80% of the respondents believe there are more pros than cons for UAV introduction into everyday life.

Agent‐based models to investigate sound impact on marine animals: bridging the gap between effects on individual behaviour and population level consequences

Marine ambient sound levels have risen due to noisy human activities, such as shipping, fishing, seismic surveys and piling for windfarms. Marine mammals and fishes are two prominent taxonomic groups that are exposed to this noise pollution, which may experience detrimental effects at the population level. Acoustic effects on individual behaviour such as deterrence, disturbance, distraction and masking of biologically relevant sounds, can be translated energetically to changes in vital rates (growth, maturation, reproduction and survival) in a population consequences of acoustic disturbance (PCAD) approach. However, we typically neglect spatial variation in species distributions and noise pollution, while abiotic factors like temperature, bathymetry and currents, as well as habitat quality in terms of feeding or hiding opportunities, will also have a geographically variable impact on potential consequences. We here address the conceptual integration of agent based models (ABM) into the PCAD framework, as a suitable theoretical tool with high potential for the exploration of these spatial factors and their modifying role in noise impact assessment studies. We review five ABM case studies, including investigations into: 1) effects of movement strategy on the impact of explosions in harbour porpoise; 2) effects of disturbance sensitivity on pile driving impact on migrating cod; 3) impact of seismic survey sounds on Atlantic mackerel distribution and movement; 4) population‐level impact of mitigation of harbour porpoise bycatch with pingers; and 5) population effects of alternative windfarm construction scenarios in harbour porpoise. We discuss similarities and differences among these studies in sound and species mapping approaches and we evaluate model realism and pattern validation. We believe that ABMs are a valuable tool for integrating spatial information into ecological impact studies that investigate acoustic disturbance, for any type of sound source, and for both marine mammals and fish.

Assessment of noise impact on coal mine workers including way to/from workplace

Purpose. Determination of the noise induced permanent threshold shift for a coal miners in five main working professions, taking into account the noise impact on the way to the workplace and back based on data obtained from personal sound level meters. Methodology. A strategy is selected for measuring the level of noise exposure at workplaces No. 3 per workday (GOST ISO 9612-2016) in a coal mine. Personal sound level meters were attached to the miners shoulders; they measured the noise level on the way to the workplace, during the work shift (8 hours) and on the way back. The processing of the measurement results was carried out on the basis of a quantitative assessment of the noise impact on workers according to the noise induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS). The NIPTS values were calculated for a period from 3 to 30 years for 5 main professions, taking into account the noise impact when moving to the workplace and back. Findings. The values of the equivalent noise level at miners workplaces of are determined, which are 15 to 20 dBA above the maximum permissible equivalent level (80 dBA). Based on the results obtained, a constant shift in the hearing threshold was forecast for workers of five occupations with seniority of 3 to 30 years. A reduction in the hearing threshold of a sinker will amount to 25 dB in 30 years, which corresponds to the occupational disease Stage 3. Originality. Constant displacement of the hearing threshold for workers in coal mines, caused by the effect of an increased noise level during the journey to the place of work and back, was revealed. Practical value. It was found that in order to prevent the development of an occupational disease (sensorineural hearing loss) in underground miners, it is necessary to measure the noise level by using personal sound level meters for an 8-hour working day, taking into account the way time to the workplace and back. Noise exposure assessment should be based on a continuous decrease in the hearing threshold.

Ecological assessment of noise impact of dry transformer substations on the environment

At present, special attention is paid to assessing the negative impact of power facilities on the environment, including the impact of noise generated by power equipment. Power transformers are one of the sources of noise for industrial areas and the surrounding area. The noise of transformers is caused both by the vibration of its active part and by the fans of the cooling system, which is amplified by resonance phenomena in its individual elements. The presented work provides an environmental assessment of the noise impact of transformer substations. The noise impact of a transformer substation is considered on the example of three dry transformers in the area immediately adjacent to the living space. A new corrected approach was developed and tested for calculating the sound power level for dry transformers with the MatLab software package. An assessment of the noise impact of the projected transformer substation to install three dry transformers was the voltage class of which is 400 kVA, and one has 1000 kVA for the territory immediately adjacent to the living area was made. In our researches, the regulated noise characteristic for transformers is the corrected sound power level, which is indicated in the technical characteristics of the transformer. Calculations on non-standard nominal rated powers were carried out.

Estimating the health benefits associated with a speed limit reduction to thirty kilometres per hour: A health impact assessment of noise and road traffic crashes for the Swiss city of Lausanne

Reductions of speed limits for road traffic are effective in reducing casualties, and are also increasingly promoted as an effective way to reduce noise exposure.The aim of this study was to estimate the health benefits of the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits in the city of Lausanne (136′077 inhabitants) under different scenarios addressing exposure to noise and road crashes.The study followed a standard methodology for quantitative health impact assessments to derive the number of attributable cases in relation to relevant outcomes. We compared a reference scenario (without any 30 km/h speed limits) to the current situation with partial speed limits and additional scenarios with further implementation of 30 km/h speed limits, including a whole city scenario.Compared to the reference scenario, noise reduction due to the current speed limit situation was estimated to annually prevent 1 cardiovascular death, 72 hospital admissions from cardiovascular disease, 17 incident diabetes cases, 1′127 individuals being highly annoyed and 918 individuals reporting sleep disturbances from noise. Health benefits from a reduction in road traffic crashes were less pronounced (1 severe injury and 4 minor injuries). The whole city speed reduction scenario more than doubled the annual benefits, and was the only scenario that contributed to a reduction in mortality from road traffic crashes (one death per two years). Implementing 30 km/h speed limits in a city yields health benefits due to reduction in road traffic crashes and noise exposure. We found that the benefit from noise reduction was more relevant than safety benefits.

Assessment of Noise Impact on Hybrid Adaptive Computational Intelligence Multisensor Data Fusion Applied to Real-Time UAV Autonomous Navigation

Assessment of Noise Impact on Hybrid Adaptive Computational Intelligence Multisensor Data Fusion Applied to Real-Time UAV Autonomous Navigation

DETERMINATION OF ACTUAL DISTANCES FOR INSTALLATION OF A 100 kVA NON-SOUND PROOF POWER GENERATOR AT RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Power generators should be professionally sited from the residential areas as noise from them demeans the superiority of our living. This work therefore presents determination of actual distances for installation of a 100 kVA non-sound proof power generator at residential areas. Measurements of noise levels with respect to distance, x from the generator were taken and linear regression method was used to analyse the data obtained. Environmental noise models were developed by using the relevant displayed parameters such as the maximum noise level of the generator, the attenuation coefficient and the coefficient of determination. The results obtained from the models developed, L(modelled) were compared with the results obtained from the physical measurements, L(measured) and there was insignificant difference between them. The results reveal that the distances, xc in metres in which its adverse effects covered in the residential areas were , while the distances, xs in metres at which it can be sited from the residential areas were . With the existence of x, the models developed in this work are recommended to be used as more reliable tools for environmental noise impact assessments.

A spatially explicit impact assessment of road characteristics, road-induced fragmentation and noise on birds species in Cyprus

ABSTRACT The rapid increase of transportation infrastructure during the recent decades has caused a number of effects on bird species, including collision mortality, habitat loss, fragmentation and noise. This paper investigates the effects of traffic noise and road-induced fragmentation on breeding bird richness in Cyprus. Cyprus, situated along one of the main migratory routes for birds, has a rich and diverse avifauna threatened by an ever-expanding road network and a road density among the highest in Europe. In this first island-wide study we used data from 102 breeding birds recorded in 10 km × 10 km grid cells. Within every cell we calculated road traffic noise and eight road-related properties. Most of the grid cells are subject to intense fragmentation and traffic noise with combined impact ‘hotspots’ located even within protected areas (such as Cape Greco, and the Troodos Massif). Results from variance partitioning indicated that road-related properties (total road extent and road length) accounted for a combined 59% of variation in species richness, followed by fragmentation-related properties and noise properties. The study posits the need for further in-depth research on the effects of road networks on birds, and road construction, particularly in protected areas within Mediterranean islands. Key policy insights Road areal extent is as important as road density when evaluating the effects of roads on biodiversity In addition to roadless areas, conservation efforts should focus on areas with low combined impact of noise and fragmentation Mitigation measures are required within protected areas where high noise and fragmentation are documented

When the noise goes on: received sound energy predicts sperm whale responses to both intermittent and continuous navy sonar.

ABSTRACTAnthropogenic noise sources range from intermittent to continuous, with seismic and navy sonar technology moving towards near-continuous transmissions. Continuous active sonar (CAS) may be used at a lower amplitude than traditional pulsed active sonar (PAS), but potentially with greater cumulative sound energy. We conducted at-sea experiments to contrast the effects of navy PAS versus CAS on sperm whale behaviour using animal-attached sound- and movement-recording tags (n=16 individuals) in Norway. Changes in foraging effort and proxies for foraging success and cost during sonar and control exposures were assessed while accounting for baseline variation [individual effects, time of day, bathymetry and blackfish (pilot/killer whale) presence] in generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs). We found no reduction in time spent foraging during exposures to medium-level PAS (MPAS) transmitted at the same peak amplitude as CAS. In contrast, we found similar reductions in foraging during CAS (d.f.=1, F=8.0, P=0.005) and higher amplitude PAS (d.f.=1, F=20.8, P<0.001) when received at similar energy levels integrated over signal duration. These results provide clear support for sound energy over amplitude as the response driver. We discuss the importance of exposure context and the need to measure cumulative sound energy to account for intermittent versus more continuous sources in noise impact assessments.

Traffic Noise Assessment among Residential Environment in Batu Pahat, Johore, Malaysia

Noise pollution arises as a severe problem to the community and ground transportation has highly impacted noise environment of the neighbourhood. In the present study, six stations were selected from three different locations in order to assess the traffic noise impact among residential area along Jalan Kluang, Batu Pahat. The objectives of this study focused on two main stages: (1) determination of noise indices; and (2) assessment of traffic noise impact. The noise indices such as equivalent continuous noise level (LAeq), noise level exceeded 10% (L10), 90% (L90) and the maximum noise level (LAFmax) of peak hours measurement time were determined using sound level meter (SLM) at all six stations. Besides, traffic noise index (TNI) and noise pollution level (LNP) were calculated based on the measured noise indices to expose the traffic noise impact. Overall, the result of the present study showed that residential area faces traffic noise disturbance partially whereby 50% of the stations exceeded the DOE standard which was 55dBA. Nevertheless, the residents living nearby Jalan Kluang are commonly facing traffic noise nuisance, but stations located further inside residential areas tend to have more residential background noises apart from traffic influence.

3D noise mapping for preselected locations of urban area with and without noise barriers: A case study of Delhi, India

Abstract Noise pollution has been rising as a critical issue in recent days particularly for the people living in urban areas. This study has been conducted to find out the effects of traffic induced noise on nearby residential building through 3D noise mapping with and without noise Barriers. Monitoring has been carried out at various densely populated preselected locations of Delhi, India. Thereafter, 3D noise mapping has been done using hourly average noise levels for the locations exposed with maximum noise. The developed 3D noise map shows the variation of noise level along X, Y and Z direction for all selected locations before and after installation of noise barriers. Moreover, the result also shows that exact assessment of noise impact is possible through 3D noise mapping, when a multistory building close to the source of noise is taken into consideration. This paper also elaborates the adequate height, distance and NRC value of noise barrier to reduce the effect of road traffic noise on nearby high rise building. Reduction pattern of noise level can easily be visualized and evaluated by using these maps. This type of study could support decision makers during adaptation of suitable remedial measures.

Estimation of Acoustic Safe Distances for Site of a Cassava Processing Mill from Residential Areas of Nigeria

Noise from a source like a cassava processing mill degrades the quality of our environment. The distances at which its sound can be tolerated have to be professionally estimated. This work therefore presents estimation of acoustic safe distances for site of a cassava processing mill from residential areas. Hence, measurements of noise levels with respect to distance, x from the cassava processing mill were considered. The linear regression method was used in analysing the data. Environmental noise models were developed by using the relevant displayed parameters. The results obtained from the models developed in this work, L (modelled) were compared with the results obtained from the physical measurements, L (measured) . The results were also compared with the World Health Organisation tolerant levels. The results reveal that the maximum noise level of the Mcassava processing mill is ((107.97±0.72) dBA. The distances, x c in metres at which its adverse effects covered in the residential areas are , while the distances, x s in metres at which it can be sited from the residential areas are . The results indicate that the equivalent continuous noise level, L eq decreased as x increased. It was shown that there was no significant difference between L (measured) and L (modelled) . Therefore, with the existence of x, the models developed in this work are recommended to be used as more reliable tools for environmental noise impact assessments.

Vibration annoyance assessment of train induced excitations from tunnels embedded in rock

Train movements generate oscillations that are transmitted as waves through the track support system into its surroundings. The vibration waves propagate through the soil layers and reach to nearby buildings creating distractions for human activities and causing equipment malfunctioning. Not only the train components and the rails, but also the surrounding tunnel, soil and rock strata have dynamic characteristics that play significant roles in the vibration levels felt in a nearby structure. This paper presents a finite element study conducted to investigate the vibrations resulting from train movements in nearby subway tunnels. The subway line is located at an average horizontal distance of 50 ft (15.2 m) from the structure in assessment, which is a six-story office building. The main goal of the work is to assess the train-induced vibrations at the ground level of the building through a case study and sensitivity analysis. A plane strain finite element model is built to represent the railroad tunnel embedded in the rock and the soil stratum above it. The one train loading function is applied to the model as a point source at the track level and compared to the two-train scenario. Other simulations are undertaken for sensitivity analysis involving increased loading, decreased damping and decreased distance to tunnels. Even though there are several numerical studies on the propagation of train induced vibrations in the literature; a finite element model accompanied with a sensitivity analysis has not been discussed in detail in a technical publication before. The paper not only presents the finite element modeling but also compares the results with the criteria of Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, which was published by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Recreational vessels without Automatic Identification System (AIS) dominate anthropogenic noise contributions to a shallow water soundscape

Recreational boating is an increasing activity in coastal areas and its spatiotemporal overlap with key habitats of marine species pose a risk for negative noise impacts. Yet, recreational vessels are currently unaccounted for in vessel noise models using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Here we conduct a case study investigating noise contributions from vessels with and without AIS (non-AIS) in a shallow coastal area within the Inner Danish waters. By tracking vessels with theodolite and AIS, while recording ambient noise levels, we find that non-AIS vessels have a higher occurrence (83%) than AIS vessels, and that motorised recreational vessels can elevate third-octave band noise centred at 0.125, 2 and 16 kHz by 47–51 dB. Accordingly, these vessels dominated the soundscape in the study site due to their high numbers, high speeds and proximity to the coast. Furthermore, recreational vessels caused 49–85% of noise events potentially eliciting behavioural responses in harbour porpoises (AIS vessels caused 5–24%). We therefore conclude that AIS data would poorly predict vessel noise pollution and its impacts in this and other similar marine environments. We suggest to improve vessel noise models and impact assessments by requiring that faster and more powerful recreational vessels carry AIS-transmitters.

A noise impact assessment model for passive acoustic measurements of seabed gas fluxes

Accurate determination of seabed gas flux is important for understanding natural processes as well as giving confidence that the size of any leaks from marine infrastructure can be properly assessed. Acoustic methods for flux determination require a relatively quiet underwater environment, and can fail when there is too much noise from other natural or anthropogenic sources. This study applies an acoustic monitoring example of seabed gas leakage in terms of sound level intensity, to statistically assess and minimize the impact from oceanic noise on seabed acoustic experiments which require a relative quiet environment. It addresses the question: how far from a source of radiated ambient noise does a recording hydrophone and location of seabed gas need to be so that acoustic methods for remotely determining gas flux are successful. We develop a model to assess impacts of ambient noise under various conditions, incorporating sound/noise sources (seabed gas leaks, sea surface agitation and shipping) and underwater acoustic propagation. The reliability of the model is tested by comparing measured seabed ambient noise in the central North Sea, and the robustness of it is verified by presenting statistical outliers and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A range of scenarios are presented for several gas flow rates, which show the threshold of detection when the recording hydrophone is at different distances from the location of seabed gas escape, and competing noise sources (including shipping and surface waves).

Noise Impact Assessment of Thermal Plant Facilities on Receptor Environments

Noise pollution is considered as a serious environmental nuisance in the urban areas. This study has used the VDI code 2714 to investigate the impacts of the noise from all the power generation and ancilliary facilities in the proposed Independent Power Plant, Agbara, Ogun State receptor environment. Kriging interpolation method in SurferR 8.0 software to predict noise emission levels within the fence line of the proposed Independent Power Plant. Calculations of possible noise levels at some receptors locations around the plant were carried out using the VDI code 2714. Four operation scenarios were considered in this study. The scenarios considered include: Noise emission from power generation facilities only (Scenario 1); Noise from the use of Compressors and Transformers (Scenario 2); Noise emission from the operation of power generation and ancillary equipment (Scenario 3); and Noise emission from the use of Backup Generators (Scenario 4). The maximum noise from the four scenarios were 112.34, 114.58, 116.61 and 110.01 dB(A), respectively, which is above the 8-hour 90 dB(A) limit recommended by the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv). The operation of the proposed power plant will not have significant impact on the receptor environments except for Karogbaji which receives less than 12 dB(A) for the worst-case scenario (Scenario 3). The modeling results show that the predicted noise levels generated by the proposed operation would generally be within the established noise criteria at all the receptor locations under all conditions.

Assessment of ventilation noise impact from metro depot with over-track platform structure on workers and nearby inhabitants

In order to alleviate the shortage of land use accompanied with urbanization, over-track building complexes above metro depots are developed rapidly in China, resulting in the larger mechanical ventilation needs in the metro depot. Excessive noise exposure caused by the huge ventilation system will bring serious impacts on the health of workers in the metro depot. This research intends to evaluate the noise annoyance in the metro depot and the noise influences on adjacent residential buildings by the ventilation system. A questionnaire survey of 100 people working in a metro depot of Guangzhou Metro Line 6 was conducted, and field measurements inside the metro depot and inside adjacent residential buildings were carried out. The environmental noise level in the metro depot and the ventilation fan-induced noise level inside adjacent residential buildings exceed the corresponding criterion limit of China. Dose-response relationship modeled by logistic function was used to assess the noise annoyance, which is found underestimating the percentage of "Annoyed" (% A) and percentage of "Little Annoyed" (% LA) of staffs in the metro depot, especially for the % LA. This may be attributed to the reducing reliability of dose-effect curves as the Ldn is higher than 65dB(A). In order to alleviate the noise impact, noise-controlling measures need to be took. However, traditional noise-controlling measures cannot solve low-frequency noise disturbance.