Urban Noise Course: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing Noise Pollution

In this online course, you will explore the critical issue of noise pollution in cities and its effects on human well-being and the environment. Through a comprehensive examination of noise mechanics and its correlation with public health concerns, you will gain essential insights into the importance of addressing noise pollution.

The course encompasses nine (9) different modules. Each one includes a lesson, followed by a test. All nine modules total 140 minutes of lesson time, testing time differs based on the individual. After successful completion of the course, the participant will be able to download a certificate.

Course Overview:

• The mechanics and principles of noise pollution and its impact on health.
• The crucial need to address noise pollution in urban areas.
• Noise pollution as a significant environmental stressor affecting public health in Europe.

Take control of your career goals and join the course today.

Understanding Urban Noise Pollution

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for a variety of professionals and concerned citizens:

• LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS: Noise complaints are frequently filed with the police, and this course will provide you with the training and certification you need to gain satisfactory resolution of complaints.
• HEALTH or CODE OFFICERS: In some jurisdictions, complaints are investigated by the local health or code agency.
• CONSULTANTS: Generating facilities or impacted residents may require your services to investigate a problematic situation. You need to know the applicable laws and the techniques of sound level measurement.
• INDUSTRY: You need to know what laws you are expected to comply with and exactly what procedures an enforcement officer must follow for a valid court case. It is a welcomed trend that the regulated community is now increasingly self-policing, in their desire to be good neighbors as well as to avoid the problems associated with noncompliance.
• CONCERNED CITIZENS: If you are currently impacted by a noise source, or if one is about to be sited nearby, you need to know the law and its application.

Course Modules

The course covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Fundamentals of sound
• Operation of sound level meters
• Sound measurement calculations
• Sound measurement reporting
• Performance and nuisance codes
• Model noise codes
• Development of a prima facie court case
• Courtroom tactics
• Management of agitated complainants
• Octave band analysis
• Highway noise barriers
• Physiology of hearing and hearing loss
• The physiological, biochemical and psychological impacts of noise, etc.

The course includes hands-on experience with several simulated enforcement actions.

Module Highlights:

• Basics of Sound and Acoustics: This module links the concepts learned in the Module 2 (Basics of Sound and Acoustics) to noise-control regulations and compliance.
• Noise-Measurement Equipment: Selecting the right tool is an important part of your noise-measurement project. This module describes the different kinds of noise-measurement equipment and helps you select the right tool for your purposes. Instrumentation is available from many manufacturers; use of graphic depictions or examples from any manufacturer is not an endorsement of that product. A variety of devices measure sound levels (eg, smart phone applications, noise indicators).
• Noise-Exposure Data: Now that we understand the issues surrounding noise-measurement instrumentation, we turn to the collection of noise-exposure data. Once you have collected the data, what conclusions can you draw from it? Can you identify people whose noise exposure crosses critical boundaries? Can you identify jobs or locations with excessive noise levels?
• Frequency Content of Noise Signal: In these situations, you may need to characterize the frequency content of the noise signal. For some signals, A-weighted, slow-response measurements may prove inadequate.
• Noise Control: Noise control is an active or passive means of reducing sound emissions, often incentivized by personal comfort, environmental considerations or legal compliance. Practical and efficient noise control relies on an accurate identification of the source of the noise.
• Documentation of Noise Sampling: Documentation of noise sampling is an important part of the noise-measurement process. Consider who will use the report, which information will be used often, and which information needs to be retained but is not often used.
• Noise Surveys: Noise surveys provides information that can be analyzed and used to develop noise-control measures. One of the most important applications of survey findings is the identification of noise-exposed workers for inclusion in an effective HCP. Noise-exposure assessment is a critical part of effective hearing conservation programs (HCPs).

Highway Noise and Noise Compatible Land Use Planning (NCP)

Appropriately accommodating highway noise is a critical component of project planning and implementation for engineers across the nation. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) prescribes a three-part approach for addressing roadway noise including: 1) source controls and quiet vehicles, 2) reduction measures within highway construction, and 3) developing land adjacent to highways in a way that is compatible with highway noise.

Much emphasis has been given to the first two parts. First, trucks and tires have become quieter. Second, through the end of 2004, forty-five State DOTs and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have constructed over 2,205 linear miles of barriers at a cost of over $2.6 billion ($3.4 billion in 2004 dollars). However, sufficient attention is often not given to the noise compatible land use planning option.

Departments of transportation and local communities would greatly benefit by increased attention to the third method, focusing on land use and adjacent roadway compatibility-Noise Compatible Land Use Planning (NCP). The Federal Highway Administration commissioned a brochure in 2002 entitled Entering the Quiet Zone that provided information to planners and decision makers with the intent of encouraging better highway-compatible land use decisions for properties proximate to highways.

Noise Compatible Land Use Planning recommends controls that can minimize or eliminate future noise impacts. Local governments should exercise control through appropriate zoning or development approvals to restrict the development of noise sensitive land uses when development has the potential to be noise impacted.

Between April and September 2005, FHWA sponsored a series of 5 workshops strategic locations around the United States. As a next step, FHWA advocates greater dissemination through this four-lesson curriculum to acquaint engineers, planners, developers, students, and other stakeholders with the tools to conduct NCP. This document may be used alone or as a companion to video summaries from the 5 workshops. Corbisier, Chris (2003). A slide presentation (HTML) or (PowerPoint 13.7Mb), the Noise Compatible Workshop Proceedings Report and accompanying videos are available to support this curriculum. It is helpful to utilize a laser pointer with the slide presentation.

Federal and State Guidelines

Roadway noise is unwanted sound resulting from vehicles traveling on a street or highway. States and federal government set guidelines noting acceptable decibel levels at Leq 65 dBA for exterior residences, schools, parks, and churches proximate to roadways.

Federal guidance governing noise abatement is largely contained in two documents: 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 772 (Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise) first issued in 1982 it may be better to state that the most recent was issued in 2005 and the FHWA Policy and Guidance for Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement, issued in 1995. The purpose of the guidance is to provide procedures for noise studies and noise abatement measures to help protect public health and welfare, to supply abatement criteria, and to establish requirements for information to be given to local officials in planning and designing highways.

As a companion to the federal guidelines, each state also develops its own procedures important for noise analysis and monitoring.

The Federal Highway Administration categorizes projects into two types, depending on whether noise abatement is under consideration for an existing roadway (Type 2) or one that is new or anticipated to experience change (Type 1). Noise abatement is required for Type 1 projects, where new highway projects are proposed or where a change is recommended in the physical alignment or size of an existing roadway. Individual state policy guides Type 2 abatement; some states have Type 2 programs, others do not.

Initial noise impact assessment for all projects should determine whether noise sensitive receivers are within the project area and if noise impacts will be likely to occur. Assessments may include computer modeling, a review of land use plans, aerial photography and similar efforts. If the review indicates the possibility of a noise impact, then a detailed noise study is performed, consisting of field data collection and computer analysis. Computer analysis will use the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM). Noise analyses may be conducted by state departments of transportation or consultants following the guidelines established by FHWA and the state Department of Transportation (DOT).

Understanding Decibels and Sound Measurement

Strength of sound is measured on a relative scale of sound pressure levels termed decibels (dB). Decibels are a logarithmic scale, based on values of 10. A sound level of 70 dBA will seem twice as loud as 60 dBA. Sound measurement is weighted as to what the human ear can hear, termed A-weighted. The noise level descriptor will be the hourly equivalent sound level, LAeq1h. LAeq1h represents the steady state of A-weighted sound level over a 1-hour period. In actuality, sound varies across an hour. LAeq1h contains the same amount of acoustic energy as the actual time-varying, A-weighted sound level over a one-hour period.

Attention should be paid to background noise when sound measures are undertaken. Aircraft and farm equipment are examples of sounds that can affect readings. In determining and abating traffic noise impacts, primary consideration is to be given to outdoor activity areas. Mitigation is usually necessary only where frequent human use occurs and a lowered noise level would be of benefit. Exterior noise impact criteria for residences, schools, parks, and churches are Leq 67 dBA. Above this level, two people standing three feet apart may have trouble hearing one another. Exterior noise abatement criterion for commercial activities is Leq 72 dBA.

Traffic noise impacts can also occur when the future predicted noise levels substantially exceed the existing noise levels. A substantial increase is defined by State DOTs and is typically 10 dBA or more.

The nuisance level for traffic noise is perceived differently by people. For instance, roadway noise may not bother people walking to a commercial establishment, but may disturb people at a backyard pool. A noise sensitive receptor is any property where frequent exterior human use occurs and where a lowered noise level would be beneficial.

Traffic Data and Noise Prediction

A key variable in predicting noise levels is traffic data which are needed to predict existing and future traffic noise levels. Traffic data are collected for roadway segments of the project and other roadways that may contribute noise to receptors. Maximum peak-hourly traffic representing Level of Service (LOS) "C" or demand LOS of "A", "B", or "C" are generally used unless analysis shows that other conditions create a "worst-case" level. Noise specialists are encouraged to use the maximum volume at the highest posted speed that will maintain a LOS of "C" or higher. If the posted speed for the future build condition is unknown, engineers use the existing posted speed or design speed whichever seems most logical.

FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM)

Highway traffic noise has been a federal, state, and local problem, even before the first noise barrier was built in 1963. Over the years, planners and engineers have worked to improve noise measurement and modeling tools that aid state transportation agencies in addressing the highway traffic noise problem.

The FHWA TNM, the approved model, is a computerized model used for predicting noise impacts proximate to highways under a variety of conditions. It uses advances in acoustics and computer technology to improve the accuracy and ease of modeling highway traffic noise, including the design of efficient, cost-effective highway noise barriers. Graphically interactive noise barrier design optimization. Attenuation over/through rows of buildings and dense vegetation.

Key Terminology

• Absolute criterion: one of two criteria used to determine when a noise impact occurs. Under this criterion, a noise impact occurs when the predicted noise level approaches, equals or exceeds the FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria.
• Design year: The future year used to estimate the probable traffic volume for which a highway is designed.
• Receiver or receptor: the specific location of an outdoor area where frequent human activity occurs that might be impacted by highway traffic noise and may benefit from reduced noise levels.

State Resources

Most states have web sites with their noise manuals and individual state guidelines; students should conduct a web based search to find on-line noise planning guidelines for their state. Focal points for review include:

1. Is noise compatible land use planning prominently displayed as an option in the on-line material?
2. Is information available that enhances your understanding of this subject?
3. Is there a link or drop down option for examples of local communities within the site?

Benefits of Noise Compatible Land Use Planning

Noise Compatible Land Use Planning eliminates or reduces the undesirable effects of highway traffic noise by encouraging less noise sensitive land uses next to highways, promoting the use of open space, or using special building construction techniques to minimize noise impacts. The objective is to help address potential highway noise before problems occur. The concept is to establish appropriate development next to highways, preventing noise problems before they occur.

Commercial, office, retail or industrial uses next to highways experience improved accessibility and appreciate easy access to transportation arteries. Visibility is better for customers and deliveries, as well. These land uses are not negatively affected by the noise and they can serve to buffer residential or other sensitive uses from roadway generated sound. Vegetation may be planted to further buffer commercial uses from residential areas.

Community planners should actively seek opportunities to reserve undeveloped land and open space in locations where future roadways may be constructed. Open space allows sound to diminish before reaching sensitive receivers. Open space strategies may be used in combination with other strategies including commercial uses or noise reducing construction methods for buildings.

A lack of vacant land and pressures to develop or redevelop in urban areas result in residential next to highways. In these instances, residential uses can be specially oriented or constructed to reduce the negative effect of nearby highway noise.

Benefits to Noise Compatible Land Use Planning are numerous. NCP better positions communities for proactive as opposed to reactive planning to address noise impacts. Planning ahead can lead to better quality of life for adjacent landowners and residents. When communities land uses are designed so that residences are separated from highways by commercial or retail uses or an adequate distance so noise is diminished, homes are a less affected by high noise levels. Sound planning reduces the number of complaints from residents. An added advantage can be future cost savings realized by not constructing as many noise barriers.

Planning for future highway noise promotes public-private shared responsibility for accommodating highway noise.

Obstacles to Implementation

A number of obstacles prevent aggressive implementation of NCP. Developers may perceive that NCP is cost prohibitive. They fear requirements for setbacks and open space will reduce the amount of usable property for development. Some communities may be concerned that differing guidelines within a region could lead to intergovernmental conflicts. Communities implementing NCP principles may feel disadvantaged and that with a choice, developers might choose communities without noise compatible guidelines. There is a potential for conflicts with zoning and other ordinances. Inadequate data exists to prove numerically or statistically the benefits of NCP. Some policy makers are wary of potential lawsuits and ensuring maintenance of property owner rights. Planners and engineers convinced of noise compatible land use advantages are not confident about selling the idea of NCP to developers and elected officials. Create a culture to use noise walls less frequently as future impacts of roadway noise are minimized by advanced planning.

Case Study: Frederick County, Maryland

In 2003, Fredrick County Maryland's Citizens Zoning Review Committee circulated a discussion paper which encouraged its county to implement a noise compatible program. They noted studies indicating a substantial increase in the projected number of residential units that would be exposed to noise levels of 66 dBA by 2020. Existing regulations required that new developments with noise sensitive uses adhere to Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Noise standards. The Committee emphasized the influence of individual attitudes and values in contributing to determining unacceptable noise levels. Perception about the noise is partly based on the importance a person gives to the source of the noise, general sensitivities and feelings of fear associated with the noise. Also, of note is the activity the person is engaging in when the noise occurs.

Other variables found to influence attitudes about noise are the income and educational background of the individuals; those of higher incomes and educational levels are more likely to be offended by higher than expected noise levels.

Frederick County's Citizen Committee recommended administrative techniques, such as zoning, subdivision regulations or physical techniques including acoustical site planning, design or construction. Proposed zoning changes could include the creation of an "overlay zone". Such a zone would be superimposed over the regular zoning map. Areas where additional noise regulations are applicable would be designated according to the overlay map. Another method would be to segment the existing zoning map, identifying with new notations, areas that could potentially be impacted by noise. Site planning and design techniques take advantage of the property's natural shape and site buildings so hills or contours or the land can serve to buffer sound. Also room arrangement or window placement and design can reduce noise impacts.