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Implementation of Noise Directive needs harmonising

New research has analysed some of the issues around the implementation of the EU’s Environmental Noise Directive (END)1 by Member States. It demonstrated large differences in the way noise levels are calculated and geographically mapped between countries and called for more standardised and clearer guidelines.

Member States and the way in which space is described in terms of scale varies. In addition, the ways in which maps are graphically illustrated differs between countries.
Measuring public exposure to noise is also part of the mapping process and currently this does not have a standardised method. Again methods vary, for example, if the method focuses on the individual it can overestimate noise exposure as it assumes all individuals in a household are exposed to a level experienced at the most exposed side of a building.
The study highlighted several policy implications of these issues. There is a need for more standardisation of calculation methods, mapping methods and estimates of population exposure to provide comparable results. This could involve developing a common software package. To do so the Commission is preparing ‘Common NOise aSSessment methOdS’ (CNOSSOS) which involves various experts from Member States. The first draft of the methods will be available in May- June this year.
Clear guidelines on public consultation are needed to ensure that consultation is more prioritised within planning actions around noise, rather than conducted as an afterthought. In addition, policy to reduce environmental noise needs to occur at a number of different levels. For example, each Member State should develop a national noise strategy as well as a relevant policy at a regional and local level.
1. See http://ec.europa.eu/environment/noise/directive.htm
2. See www.milieu.be/noise/index.html
3. IMAGINE was supported by the European Commission under the Sixth Framework Programme. See: www.imagine-project.org
Source: Murphy. E. & King, E.A. (2010). Strategic environmental noise mapping: Methodological issues concerning the implementation of the EU Environmental Noise Directive and their policy implications. Environment International. 36:290-298.
Contact: enda.murphy@ucd.ie
Science for Environment Policy 22-04-2010
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/192na5.pdf