Annexes to COM(2000)468 - Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2000)468 - Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise. |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2000)468  |
| date | June 25, 2002 |
NOISE INDICATORS
referred to in Article 5
1. Definition of the day-evening-night level Lden
The day-evening-night level Lden in decibels (dB) is defined by the following formula:
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in which:
- Lday is the A-weighted long-term average sound level as defined in ISO 1996-2: 1987, determined over all the day periods of a year,
- Levening is the A-weighted long-term average sound level as defined in ISO 1996-2: 1987, determined over all the evening periods of a year,
- Lnight is the A-weighted long-term average sound level as defined in ISO 1996-2: 1987, determined over all the night periods of a year;
in which:
- the day is 12 hours, the evening four hours and the night eight hours. The Member States may shorten the evening period by one or two hours and lengthen the day and/or the night period accordingly, provided that this choice is the same for all the sources and that they provide the Commission with information on any systematic difference from the default option,
- the start of the day (and consequently the start of the evening and the start of the night) shall be chosen by the Member State (that choice shall be the same for noise from all sources); the default values are 07.00 to 19.00, 19.00 to 23.00 and 23.00 to 07.00 local time,
- a year is a relevant year as regards the emission of sound and an average year as regards the meteorological circumstances;
and in which:
- the incident sound is considered, which means that no account is taken of the sound that is reflected at the façade of the dwelling under consideration (as a general rule, this implies a 3 dB correction in case of measurement).
The height of the Lden assessment point depends on the application:
- in the case of computation for the purpose of strategic noise mapping in relation to noise exposure in and near buildings, the assessment points must be 4,0 ± 0,2 m (3,8 to 4,2 m) above the ground and at the most exposed façade; for this purpose, the most exposed façade will be the external wall facing onto and nearest to the specific noise source; for other purposes other choices may be made,
- in the case of measurement for the purpose of strategic noise mapping in relation to noise exposure in and near buildings, other heights may be chosen, but they must never be less than 1,5 m above the ground, and results should be corrected in accordance with an equivalent height of 4 m,
- for other purposes such as acoustical planning and noise zoning other heights may be chosen, but they must never be less than 1,5 m above the ground, for example for:
- rural areas with one-storey houses,
- the design of local measures meant to reduce the noise impact on specific dwellings,
- the detailed noise mapping of a limited area, showing the noise exposure of individual dwellings.
2. Definition of the night-time noise indicator
The night-time noise indicator Lnight is the A-weighted long-term average sound level as defined in ISO 1996-2: 1987, determined over all the night periods of a year;
in which:
- the night is eight hours as defined in paragraph 1,
- a year is a relevant year as regards the emission of sound and an average year as regards the meteorological circumstances, as defined in paragraph 1,
- the incident sound is considered, as laid down in paragraph 1,
- the assessment point is the same as for Lden.
3. Supplementary noise indicators
In some cases, in addition to Lden and Lnight, and where appropriate Lday and Levening, it may be advantageous to use special noise indicators and related limit values. Some examples are given below:
- the noise source under consideration operates only for a small proportion of the time (for example, less than 20 % of the time over the total of the day periods in a year, the total of the evening periods in a year, or the total of the night periods in a year),
- the average number of noise events in one or more of the periods is very low (for example, less than one noise event an hour; a noise event could be defined as a noise that lasts less than five minutes; examples are the noise from a passing train or a passing aircraft),
- the low-frequency content of the noise is strong,
- LAmax, or SEL (sound exposure level) for night period protection in the case of noise peaks,
- extra protection at the weekend or a specific part of the year,
- extra protection of the day period,
- extra protection of the evening period,
- a combination of noises from different sources,
- quiet areas in open country,
- the noise contains strong tonal components,
- the noise has an impulsive character.
ANNEX II
ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR THE NOISE INDICATORS
referred to in Article 6
1. Introduction
The values of Lden and Lnight can be determined either by computation or by measurement (at the assessment position). For predictions only computation is applicable.
Provisional computation and measurement methods are set out in paragraphs 2 and 3.
2. Interim computation methods for Lden and Lnight
2.1. Adaptation of existing national computation methods
If a Member State has national methods for the determination of long-term indicators those methods may be applied, provided that they are adapted to the definitions of the indicators set out in Annex I. For most national methods this implies the introduction of the evening as a separate period and the introduction of the average over a year. Some existing methods will also have to be adapted as regards the exclusion of the façade reflection, the incorporation of the night and/or the assessment position.
The establishment of the average over a year requires special attention. Variations in emission and transmission can contribute to fluctuations over a year.
2.2. Recommended interim computation methods
For Member States that have no national computation methods or Member States that wish to change computation method, the following methods are recommended:
For INDUSTRIAL NOISE: ISO 9613-2: "Acoustics - Abatement of sound propagation outdoors, Part 2: General method of calculation".
Suitable noise-emission data (input data) for this method can be obtained from measurements carried out in accordance with one of the following methods:
- ISO 8297: 1994 "Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels of multisource industrial plants for evaluation of sound pressure levels in the environment - Engineering method",
- EN ISO 3744: 1995 "Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels of noise using sound pressure - Engineering method in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane",
- EN ISO 3746: 1995 "Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using an enveloping measurement surface over a reflecting plane".
For AIRCRAFT NOISE: ECAC.CEAC Doc. 29 "Report on Standard Method of Computing Noise Contours around Civil Airports", 1997. Of the different approaches to the modelling of flight paths, the segmentation technique referred to in section 7.5 of ECAC.CEAC Doc. 29 will be used.
For ROAD TRAFFIC NOISE: The French national computation method "NMPB-Routes-96 (SETRA-CERTU-LCPC-CSTB)", referred to in "Arrêté du 5 mai 1995 relatif au bruit des infrastructures routières, Journal Officiel du 10 mai 1995, Article 6" and in the French standard "XPS 31-133". For input data concerning emission, these documents refer to the "Guide du bruit des transports terrestres, fascicule prévision des niveaux sonores, CETUR 1980".
For RAILWAY NOISE: The Netherlands national computation method published in "Reken- en Meetvoorschrift Railverkeerslawaai '96, Ministerie Volkshuisvesting, Ruimtelijke Ordening en Milieubeheer, 20 November 1996".
Those methods must be adapted to the definitions of Lden and Lnight. No later than 1 July 2003 the Commission will publish guidelines in accordance with Article 13(2) on the revised methods and provide emission data for aircraft noise, road traffic noise and railway noise on the basis of existing data.
3. Interim measurement methods for Lden and Lnight
If a Member State wishes to use its own official measurement method, that method shall be adapted in accordance with the definitions of the indicators set out in Annex I and in accordance with the principles governing long-term average measurements stated in ISO 1996-2: 1987 and ISO 1996-1: 1982.
If a Member State has no measurement method or if it prefers to apply another method, a method may be defined on the basis of the definition of the indicator and the principles stated in ISO 1996-2: 1987 and ISO 1996-1: 1982.
Measurement data in front of a façade or another reflecting element must be corrected to exclude the reflected contribution of this façade or element (as a general rule, this implies a 3 dB correction in case of measurement).
ANNEX III
ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR HARMFUL EFFECTS
referred to in Article 6(3)
Dose-effect relations should be used to assess the effect of noise on populations. The dose-effect relations introduced by future revisions of this Annex in accordance with Article 13(2) will concern in particular:
- the relation between annoyance and Lden for road, rail and air traffic noise, and for industrial noise,
- the relation between sleep disturbance and Lnight for road, rail and air traffic noise, and for industrial noise.
If necessary, specific dose-effect relations could be presented for:
- dwellings with special insulation against noise as defined in Annex VI,
- dwellings with a quiet façade as defined in Annex VI,
- different climates/different cultures,
- vulnerable groups of the population,
- tonal industrial noise,
- impulsive industrial noise and other special cases.
ANNEX IV
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR STRATEGIC NOISE MAPPING
referred to in Article 7
1. A strategic noise map is the presentation of data on one of the following aspects:
- an existing, a previous or a predicted noise situation in terms of a noise indicator,
- the exceeding of a limit value,
- the estimated number of dwellings, schools and hospitals in a certain area that are exposed to specific values of a noise indicator,
- the estimated number of people located in an area exposed to noise.
2. Strategic noise maps may be presented to the public as:
- graphical plots,
- numerical data in tables,
- numerical data in electronic form.
3. Strategic noise maps for agglomerations shall put a special emphasis on the noise emitted by:
- road traffic,
- rail traffic,
- airports,
- industrial activity sites, including ports.
4. Strategic noise mapping will be used for the following purposes:
- the provision of the data to be sent to the Commission in accordance with Article 10(2) and Annex VI,
- a source of information for citizens in accordance with Article 9,
- a basis for action plans in accordance with Article 8.
Each of those applications requires a different type of strategic noise map.
5. Minimum requirements for the strategic noise maps concerning the data to be sent to the Commission are set out in paragraphs 1.5, 1.6, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 of Annex VI.
6. For the purposes of informing the citizen in accordance with Article 9 and the development of action plans in accordance with Article 8, additional and more detailed information must be given, such as:
- a graphical presentation,
- maps disclosing the exceeding of a limit value,
- difference maps, in which the existing situation is compared with various possible future situations,
- maps showing the value of a noise indicator at a height other than 4 m where appropriate.
The Member States may lay down rules on the types and formats of these noise maps.
7. Strategic noise maps for local or national application must be made for an assessment height of 4 m and the 5 dB ranges of Lden and Lnight as defined in Annex VI.
8. For agglomerations separate strategic noise maps must be made for road-traffic noise, rail-traffic noise, aircraft noise and industrial noise. Maps for other sources may be added.
9. The Commission may develop guidelines providing further guidance on noise maps, noise mapping and mapping softwares in accordance with Article 13(2).
ANNEX V
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACTION PLANS
referred to in Article 8
1. An action plan must at least include the following elements:
- a description of the agglomeration, the major roads, the major railways or major airports and other noise sources taken into account,
- the authority responsible,
- the legal context,
- any limit values in place in accordance with Article 5,
- a summary of the results of the noise mapping,
- an evaluation of the estimated number of people exposed to noise, identification of problems and situations that need to be improved,
- a record of the public consultations organised in accordance with Article 8(7),
- any noise-reduction measures already in force and any projects in preparation,
- actions which the competent authorities intend to take in the next five years, including any measures to preserve quiet areas,
- long-term strategy,
- financial information (if available): budgets, cost-effectiveness assessment, cost-benefit assessment,
- provisions envisaged for evaluating the implementation and the results of the action plan.
2. The actions which the competent authorities intend to take in the fields within their competence may for example include:
- traffic planning,
- land-use planning,
- technical measures at noise sources,
- selection of quieter sources,
- reduction of sound transmission,
- regulatory or economic measures or incentives.
3. Each action plan should contain estimates in terms of the reduction of the number of people affected (annoyed, sleep disturbed, or other).
4. The Commission may develop guidelines providing further guidance on the action plans in accordance with Article 13(2).
ANNEX VI
DATA TO BE SENT TO THE COMMISSION
referred to in Article 10
The data to be sent to the Commission are as follows:
1. For agglomerations
1.1. A concise description of the agglomeration: location, size, number of inhabitants.
1.2. The responsible authority.
1.3. Noise-control programmes that have been carried out in the past and noise-measures in place.
1.4. The computation or measurement methods that have been used.
1.5. The estimated number of people (in hundreds) living in dwellings that are exposed to each of the following bands of values of Lden in dB 4 m above the ground on the most exposed façade: 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, > 75, separately for noise from road, rail and air traffic, and from industrial sources. The figures must be rounded to the nearest hundred (e.g. 5200 = between 5150 and 5249; 100 = between 50 and 149; 0 = less than 50).
In addition it should be stated, where appropriate and where such information is available, how many persons in the above categories live in dwellings that have:
- special insulation against the noise in question, meaning special insulation of a building against one or more types of environmental noise, combined with such ventilation or air conditioning facilities that high values of insulation against environmental noise can be maintained,
- a quiet façade, meaning the façade of a dwelling at which the value of Lden four metres above the ground and two metres in front of the façade, for the noise emitted from a specific source, is more than 20 dB lower than at the façade having the highest value of Lden.
An indication should also be given on how major roads, major railways and major airports as defined in Article 3 contribute to the above.
1.6. The estimated total number of people (in hundreds) living in dwellings that are exposed to each of the following bands of values of Lnight in dB 4 m above the ground on the most exposed façade: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, > 70, separately for road, rail and air traffic and for industrial sources. These data may also be assessed for value band 45-49 before the date laid down in Article 11(1).
In addition it should be stated, where appropriate and where such information is available, how many persons in the above categories live in dwellings that have:
- special insulation against the noise in question, as defined in paragraph 1.5,
- a quiet façade, as defined in paragraph 1.5.
It must also be indicated how major roads, major railways and major airports contribute to the above.
1.7. In case of graphical presentation, strategic maps must at least show the 60, 65, 70 and 75 dB contours.
1.8. A summary of the action plan covering all the important aspects referred to in Annex V, not exceeding ten pages in length.
2. For major roads, major railways and major airports
2.1. A general description of the roads, railways or airports: location, size, and data on the traffic.
2.2. A characterisation of their surroundings: agglomerations, villages, countryside or otherwise, information on land use, other major noise sources.
2.3. Noise-control programmes that have been carried out in the past and noise-measures in place.
2.4. The computation or measurement methods that have been used.
2.5. The estimated total number of people (in hundreds) living outside agglomerations in dwellings that are exposed to each of the following bands of values of Lden in dB 4 m above the ground and on the most exposed façade: 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, > 75.
In addition it should be stated, where appropriate and where such information is available, how many persons in the above categories live in dwellings that have:
- special insulation against the noise in question, as defined in paragraph 1.5,
- a quiet façade, as defined in paragraph 1.5.
2.6. The estimated total number of people (in hundreds) living outside agglomerations in dwellings that are exposed to each of the following bands of values of Lnight in dB 4 m above the ground and on the most exposed façade: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, > 70. These data may also be assessed for value band 45-49 before the date laid down in Article 11(1).
In addition it should be stated, where appropriate and where such information is available, how many persons in the above categories live in dwellings that have:
- special insulation against the noise in question, as defined in paragraph 1.5,
- a quiet façade, as defined in paragraph 1.5.
2.7. The total area (in km2) exposed to values of Lden higher than 55, 65 and 75 dB respectively. The estimated total number of dwellings (in hundreds) and the estimated total number of people (in hundreds) living in each of these areas must also be given. Those figures must include agglomerations.
The 55 and 65 dB contours must also be shown on one or more maps that give information on the location of villages, towns and agglomerations within those contours.
2.8. A summary of the action plan covering all the important aspects referred to in Annex V, not exceeding ten pages in length.
3. Guidelines
The Commission may develop guidelines to provide further guidance on the above provision of information, in accordance with Article 13(2).
Declaration by the Commission
in the Conciliation Committee on the Directive relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise
The Commission takes note of the text agreed for Article 1(2) of the Environmental Noise Directive by the members of the Conciliation Committee for the European Parliament and the Council.
The Commission considers that legislative proposals to reduce noise emissions from all major sources should be made on the basis of robust evidence supporting such proposals. This is in line with the "knowledge-based approach" for policy-making as proposed in the Sixth Environment Action Programme (COM(2001)31) and approved by the European Parliament and the Council.
In this regard, the reports required from Member States under the Directive on the basis of harmonised noise indicators will be an essential element. The provision of such data across the Community will allow the impact and benefits of possible measures to be properly assessed prior to presenting Community legislative proposals.
Therefore, and in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community, the Commission will evaluate the need to come forward with new legislative proposals, reserving its right to decide as and when it would be appropriate to present any such proposals.
This is consistent with the Commission's right of initiative, as laid out in the Treaty, while the requirements of Article 1(2) relating to the submission of new proposals within a fixed time frame appear to be prejudicial to this right.