Transport Noise
Transport Noise is an increasingly prominent feature of our urban environment. Whilst the auditory effects of noise on humans are established, non-auditory effects - the effects of noise exposure on human health, well-being and cognitive development - are less well established.
Another area where transport noise can adversely effect people is sleep disturbance which can cause major health problems also.
Because of this Transport Noise must be monitored closely and measured to ensure it stays within acceptable levels.
There are currently in Ireland, no specific acoustic standards applied to transport noise. Legislation in the form of S.I. No. 140/2006 - Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 offer guidance on noise mapping and assessment of transport noise using Lden and Lnight.
This SI also states that other acoustic parameters may be necessary for correct evaluation of transport noise “supplementary noise indicators”. Dalton Acoustics can carry out your noise measurement requirements and assess using appropriate acoustic standards and guidelines whether complaint may be valid or there is a substantial negative effect on an amenity.
TII – Transport Infrastructure Ireland provides guidance for traffic noise at “day-evening-night 60dB Lden (free field residential façade criterion”.
Dalton Acoustics Ltd. use BS 7445-1:2003 “Description and measurement of environmental noise. Guide to quantities and procedures”, for the acquisition and reporting of all parameters on transport noise. These parameters can then be used to achieve descriptors such as Lden & Lnight.
BS 7445: 2003 – “The Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise”.
It is generally accepted that Environmental Noise Measurement / Sources may vary greatly in nature by way of source, location, frequency (tonal, narrowband or broadband), event level & time.
This requires the expertise of a Qualified Acoustic Consultant to measure and evaluate.