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This page provides extensive information and resources on Environmental Noise, just follow the links below to the area of interest:

Why Noise?

What is Noise?

Regulations and Standards

Construction Noise

Industrial Noise

Traffic Noise

Community Noise

Noise Measurement

Noise Prediction

Noise Control

Occupational Noise

Consultnet Noise Consultancy Services

Why Noise?

Noise can seriously harm human health and interfere with people’s daily activities at school, at work, at home and during leisure time. The main health risks of noise identified by WHO are:

• Pain and hearing fatigue;
• Hearing impairment including tinnitus;
• Annoyance;
• Interferences with social behaviour (aggressiveness, protest and helplessness);
• Interference with speech communication;
• Sleep disturbance and all its consequences on a long and short term basis;
• Cardiovascular effects;
• Hormonal responses (stress hormones) and their possible consequences on human metabolism (nutrition) and immune system;
• Performance at work and school.

More information on noise and health:

WHO Noise and Health

WHO LARES Noise effects and morbidity [pdf, 277KB]

• Aircraft noise and health
• Children, noise and health
• European Commission - RANCH project (Road traffic and aircraft noise exposure and children's cognition and health)

What is Noise?

Depending upon the circumstances and characteristics of the sound in question, a change in level of 3dB is just perceptible, whereas an increase of 10dB is perceived as a subjective doubling of loudness (as noise is measured on a logarithmic scale).

The frequency of sound is the rate at which a sound wave oscillates, and is expressed in Hertz (Hz). The frequency of a sound produces it's distinctive tone. The rumble of distant thunder has a low frequency, while a whistle has a high frequency. The normal
range of hearing for a healthy young person extends from approximately 20 Hz up to 20 000 Hz (or 20 kHz) while the range from the lowest to highest note of a piano is 27,5 Hz to 4186 Hz. The sensitivity of the human ear to different frequencies in the audible range is not uniform. For example, hearing sensitivity decreases markedly as frequency falls below 250Hz.

A mechanism known as "A-weighting" has been adopted in order to account for this non-linearity of the human ear. Sound levels expressed using "A-weighting" are typically denoted dB(A). An indication of the level of some common sounds is shown below:

Environmental noise levels are usually assessed in terms of A-weighted decibels (dB(A)). If you have to shout to get yourself heard the background noise level is 75-80dBA. An average living room would typically have a noise level of about 40dB(A) while busy road traffic would generate about 70-80dB(A) measured on the pavement (approx 3m from the vehicles).

For more examples listen to the NIOSH online noise meter

The study of sound is called acoustics and covers all fields of sound production, sound propagation and sound reception, whether created and received by human beings or by machines and measuring instruments.
 

Noise generally radiates in all directions, but can bend around and over walls and buildings and can reflect back from solid surfaces. Significantly careful positioning of noisy plant and equipment can be very effective in reducing noise levels.

Regulations and Standards

In Ireland, the principal law relating to noise and nuisance is Sections 106, 107, and 108 of Part VI of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 1992. Local Authorities have powers under Section 107(1) to serve a notice on any person in charge of premises, processes or works, other than an activity which is licensable by EPA, when they consider that it is necessary to do so in order to prevent or limit noise. The EPA has the same power in relation to an activity licensable by it.

The (Noise) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 179) which implemented Section 108 of the EPA Act, 1992, were designed to simplify and strengthen the procedures for dealing with noise nuisance. A Local Authority, the EPA or any other affected person may complain to the District Court under Section 108(1) of the EPA Act, where any noise is so loud, so continuous, so repeated, of such duration or pitch or occurring at such times as to give reasonable cause or annoyance to a person in any premises in the neighborhood, or to a person lawfully using any public place. 

The Department of the Environment has issued a self-explanatory leaflet entitled ‘Guide to Noise Regulations’ which outlines the steps to be taken where a person is experiencing nuisance caused by noise.  It includes a form which can be filled in and then forwarded to the Clerk of the local District Court. There is no requirement to be represented in Court by a solicitor.  In addition, as there are no statutory limits currently in place, noise monitoring data is not necessarily required; however, their guidance indicates that it may be beneficial in comparing data with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines for Community Noise (1999)) provide community noise exposure recommendations (Table 1).  Alternatively, a written record which includes dates and times during which the perceived noise nuisance occurred and/or a tape recording of the type of noise experienced, can provide important evidence which can be presented in Court.

Table 1: WHO Community Noise Guidance

The Court may order the person or body making, causing or responsible for the noise to take the measures necessary to reduce the noise to a specified level or to take specified measures for the prevention or limitation of the noise.

The defence in the case of proceedings is to prove that all reasonable care was taken to prevent or limit the noise to which the complaint relates by providing, maintaining, using, operating and supervising facilities, or by employing practices or methods of operation, that, having regard to all the circumstances, were suitable for the purposes of such prevention or limitation, or that the noise is within acceptable levels.

Before a complaint is made to the District Court the local authority or the person concerned, as the case may be, shall serve a notice in the prescribed form of the intention to make such a complaint on the person alleged to have made or have caused or have been responsible for the noise.

The District Court will call both parties together and listens to both sides of the case. If the court finds in the complainants favor, it can order the person or body to limit the noise, reduce the level of noise or stop the noise completely. Any Orders made by the court must be complied with.

The maximum fine for conviction on breach of noise regulations is €3,000 or 12 months in prison or both.

The NRA (National Roads Authority) issued Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes and has indicated typically deemed acceptable noise levels at the façade of dwellings during construction (Table 2). These construction limits are often specified in planning conditions as construction phase noise limits to ensure an acceptable noise environment for sensitive receptors in the vicinity of major developments.

Table 2: Maximum permissible noise levels at the façade of dwellings during road construction

In determining acceptable noise levels much depends on the existing noise levels, the character of the area and the nature of the development.

In the UK DOE Advisory Leaflet 72 gives advice as to maximum levels of construction site noise at residential locations during daytime hours at 75dBA (façade Leq) in urban areas, guideline which is also applied by the UK Environment Agency.

British Standard BS 5228:1997 - Noise Control on Construction and Demolition Sites provides detailed guidance on the methods and techniques available to control noise from construction work and is widely used on large scale construction projects. The standard covers areas such as noise sources, remedies and their effectiveness, while it also includes guidance on the monitoring of noise from sites for the purposes of assessing compliance with noise control targets.

As regards industrial noise sources, for licensed activities the EPA noramlly specify daytime and night time limits for IPPC and waste licensed activities. Typical daytime linits are 55dBA and night time 45dBA measured at the nearest noise sensitive location.

European policy on environmental (or ambient) noise (European Commission - Noise Policy)

In 1996 the European Commission issued a Green Paper in which it was stated that an estimated 20% of the EU citizens were exposed to noise levels that scientists and health experts considered to be unacceptable, at which most people become annoyed, sleep is disturbed and health may be at risk.

There are already a number of EU directives in place to control noise from transport sources, for example from vehicles and outdoor machinery. The Green Paper proposed a more strategic approach control by focusing on those exposed to environmental noise. The Commission believes that such an approach would require comprehensive information about noise exposure levels across the EU and what action is being taken at local level.

In July 2000 the Commission issued a proposal for a Directive relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise (the Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC ). It concerns noise from road, rail and air traffic and industry. It focuses on the impacts of noise on individuals, and it complements existing EU legislation which sets standards for noise emissions from specific sources.

Construction Noise

Noise generated by construction activities particularly in urban areas can impact on any adjacent residential and indeed commercial areas, such impacts can be even more severe at night. Construction site noise can also be a health hazard for those who are working on site.

Significantly, there are no statutory limits for construction noise in Ireland and no published Irish guidance relating to the maximum permissible noise level that may be generated during the construction phase of a building project. In many cases with large construction projects the conditions included in the planning permission may specify noise limits (L_Aeq) specified at the boundary of the site, or at the nearest noise sensitive locations.  If these conditions are applicable, then the onus is on the construction company to ensure that the conditions are being complied with. Criteria for construction noise are typically set at higher levels than other permanent intrusive noise sources, as it is a short-term activity.

The NRA (National Roads Authority) issued guidance (October 2004) on the treatment of noise and vibration in national road schemes and has indicated typically deemed acceptable noise levels at the façade of dwellings during construction (Table 3). These construction limits are often specified in planning conditions as construction phase noise limits to ensure an acceptable noise environment for sensitive receptors in the vicinity of major developments.

Table 3: Maximum permissible noise levels at the façade of dwellings during road construction

In determining acceptable noise levels much depends on the existing noise levels, the character of the area and the nature of the development.

 In the UK DOE Advisory Leaflet 72 gives advice as to maximum levels of construction site noise at residential locations during daytime hours at 75dBA (façade Leq) in urban areas, similar guidelines are applied by the UK Environment Agency.

 British Standard BS 5228:1997 - Noise Control on Construction and Demolition Sites provides detailed guidance on the methods and techniques available to control noise from construction work and is widely used on large scale construction projects. The standard covers areas such as noise sources, remedies and their effectiveness, while it also includes guidance on the monitoring of noise from sites for the purposes of assessing compliance with noise control targets.

Progress has been made on limiting construction plant noise levels through EC Directives. One of the first of these directives in 1986 covered noise from plant such as excavators, dozers and loaders. More recently, a wider range of plant has been covered by the EC Directive 'Noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors'.  These Directives have set noise limits in terms of maximum sound power level as measured under specified conditions. The relevent directives include:

Construction Plant Equipment - 79/113/ EEC

Type Approval for Construction Plant and Equipment - 84/532/EEC

Concrete Breakers – 84/537/EEC

The EU Noise Database according to Article 16(4) of Directive 2000/14/EC provides data on a range of construction equipment.

Similarly DEFRA in the UK provides an Update of noise database for prediction of noise on construction and open sites.

Noise monitoring is often required for construction activities, for example to demonstrate compliance with noise limits.  At Consultnet our personnel are very experienced in providing noise monitoring and management solution to major contractors - Consultnet Noise Consultancy Services. We can advise you on the appropriate noise limits and legislation as well as verifying if the noise from your site is acceptable or what practical action may need to be taken to achieve an acceptable solution.

There are many ways to avoid, reduce and control construction site noise, these can include different construction methods, reducing the amount of noise with alternative pieces of plant and by stopping the noise reaching the particular sensitive location ideally by bunding at source which may be as simple as strategically locating stockpiles of material or careful positioning of site hoarding.

Industrial Noise

There are no statutory limits for operational noise emissions, or for ambient noise levels in Ireland.  In practice, noise limits for industrial activities are often specified having regard to the principles contained in the EPA Guidance Note for Noise in Relation to Scheduled Activities - 2nd Edition, the International Standard ISO 1996: Parts 1, 2, & 3 – Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise, and BS 4142: 1997 – Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas.  The usual range of values allowed for industrial activities is 40 - 45 dB(A) at night, and 50 - 55 dB(A) during the day, at the nearest residence or at the boundary of the premises, but further controls may be specified if there are prominent discrete tones or impulses.  Much depends on the existing noise levels, the character of the area and the nature of the development.

As part of the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licensing system, licensed industrial activities normally have noise control conditions attached to their licence. Limits may be imposed at boundary positions and/or at Noise Sensitive Locations (NSLs). In addition, certain limits may be applied to specific sources of noise on-site. in addition the Agency usually requires an annual noise survey to be completed for the site - Environmental Noise Survey Guidance Document.

Community Noise

Non-industrial noise is referred to as community noise, it includes noise from open-air concerts, discotheques, motor sports events etc. The main indoor sources are ventilation systems, office machines, home appliances and neighbours. Other typical sources of neighbourhood noise include the catering trade (restaurants, cafeterias etc.), live or recorded music, sports, playgrounds, car parks, barking dogs.

Services noise can be assessed in accordance with BS 4142 – Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas.

Links to other sources of information on community noise:

• UK DEFRA Neighbour and Neighbourhood Noise - A Review of European Legislation and Practices

• Constant Barking Can Be Avoided: Offering guidance to dog owners

• Guidance on the Control of Odour and Noise from Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Systems

• WHO community noise

Traffic Noise

For national road schemes, potential noise emissions are addressed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process undertaken by, or on behalf of, the National Roads Authority. Complaints about local traffic noise are normally addressed to the relevant local authority in the first instance. 

Noise Measurement

Noise emissions are measured using sound-level meters, which detect and record changes in sound pressure (SPL). Integrating meters also perform statistical analysis and descriptors of interest (e.g. L_Aeq,T, L_Amax,T, L_Amin,T, L_A90,T ) can be determined directly from the meter. These describe the data in various ways such as an average, or a level  reached a certain amount of the time. The descriptors always have an interval of time defined, over which that description applies. With environmental monitoring it is usually 1 hour.

Noise from any particular source is reflected by any facade that directly faces that source. Thus a microphone 1-2m in front of a building would typically yield a level 3dB higher than a free-field measurement (i.e. at least 3.5m away from a facade).

Background noise levels can be established by continuous monitoring over a period sufficient to provide a representative picture of the noise environment or by averaging results from short sampling periods.

Measurements provide definite quantities which describe and rate sounds, the measurements give us an objective means of comparing annoying sounds under different conditions. They can also give a clear indication of when a sound may cause damage to hearing and allow proactive corrective measures to be taken.

The International Standard for Assessment of Environmental Noise ISO 1996 "Acoustics – Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise" is the principal standard referred to for environmental noise assessment. It is divided into 3 parts:

• ISO 1996 Part 1 1982: Basic quantities and procedures

• ISO 1996 Part 2 1987: Acquisition of data pertinent to land use

•  ISO 1996 Part 3 1987: Application to noise limits defining the basic terminology including the rating level parameter and describes best practices for assessing environmental noise.

Typically environmental noise measurements are taken in "free field", least 3.5m from a facade. If the above is not possible then:

• The microphone should be at least 1m from a facade, or wall;
• The microphone should be at a height of 1.2 - 1.5m above the ground;
• A facade reflection correction of -3d(B) should be applied.

Measurements are best avoided when raining, wind >5m/s or temperatures <3 Celsius.

The typical environmental noise measurement parameters are as follows:

 L_AeqT: The average noise level during the measurement period (T), which includes all noise events, the L_Aeq has been found to correlate with human tolerance of noise.

 L_A90 : The noise level exceeded for 90% of the time, general representative of the steady background noise at a location, it tends to exclude short events such as cars passing, dogs barking etc.

 L_A10: The noise level exceeded for 10% of the time, it is a measure of higher noise levels present in the ambient noise. The L_A10 is commonly used to describe traffic noise.

 L_Amax: is the instantaneous maximum sound level measured during the sample period

 L_Amin is the minimum sound pressure measured during the sample period

Appropriate and representative sampling intervals should be selected and justified. Normally, the typical intervals or ‘averaging times’ will be 15 – 30 minutes during daytime, and 15 minutes during night-time. These may need to be supplemented
with shorter or longer sampling intervals in certain cases. Ideally, sampling over different days and at different times during the day will help to ensure that the survey
is statistically representative. Where noise emissions are relatively steady, a series of measurements should be undertaken over a typical period of 4 hours during daytime and over a minimum of 2 hours during night-time, particularly for larger facilities
with numerous external noise sources. Monitoring locations are typically along the site boundary or positions at specified Noise Sensitive Locations. Intervening ground
conditions, buildings, distance and other factors affect noise propagation from a facility.
Measurements should be attended in most cases in order that the numerical values obtained can be confirmed by the assessment personnel as being wholly attributable to the facility (activity) under investigation.

A Type 1 Sound Level Meter is the most appropriate for environmental survey work. It should have a recent (annual) traceable calibration and checked in the field before and after any measurements by the use of an acoustic calibrator with a recent (annual) traceable calibration.

The principal noise index to be recorded will generally be the LAeq, T , the A-weighted equivalent continuous level averaged over a specified time period, T (the sampling interval). This time period must be specified for the measurement result to be meaningful. Most modern instrumentation will provide two different
exponential time weightings – ‘fast’ (with a nominal exponential-time constant of 125 milliseconds) and ‘slow’ (nominal exponential time constant of 1 second). Fast, is generally the preferred time-weighting, especially for statistical data and for variable noise levels.

If there are noticeable significant tonal or impulsive elements in the noise, for
example, noise from fans, compressors, or saws, this is generally far more annoying
than other types of noise. Then these may need to be measured and analysed in a more sophisticated manner. A ‘significant’ tone or impulsive element is one that is clearly audible at a level near or above the general ambient noise level. Tonal analysis requires the use of a third octave or narrow band frequency analyser.

A typical Noise Measurement Report will contain:

• The manufacturer, model type and serial number of the sound level meter, calibrator and microphone used.
• The type of windshield and other microphone attachments used.
• The date the equipment was last calibrated to a traceable standard.
• A statement of on-site calibration before and after the measurements.
• The frequency weighting networks and meter responses used.
• A description of the measurement site and of the range of sound sources including the type of sound (continuous, intermittent, impulsive, tones).
• Measures to exclude extraneous noise and reference to the methodologies followed throughout the survey.
• A map of the measurement site showing the locations of the measurement positions.
• Details of the intervening ground between sources and measurement positions and the presence of barriers etc.
• The time and date of the measurement.
• A description of the meteorological conditions.
• The background noise level (where practicable).
• The names of the person/s that undertook the survey and drafted the survey report.
• Tabular values of the measured and rated noise levels for each measurement period.
• Where one third octave band or narrow band frequency analysis has been undertaken, the frequency spectrum should be enclosed with the report.
• A statement of compliance or otherwise with the licence/planning permission
  conditions where applicable.

Links to additional information on noise measurement:

• B & K Basic Frequency Analysis of Sound Basic Concepts of Sound

• EPA Environmental Noise Survey Guidance Document

Noise Prediction

Noise levels at a receiver point can be calculated instead of being measured. In
addition, noise propagation from one measurement point to another can also be
calculated. Noise prediction is typically carried out as part of the environmental impact assessment process or where existing levels have a significant element of high background noise such a s a construction site located adjacent to a busy road.
 

Prediction can be made suing proprietary software of in accordance with standards such as ISO 9613 & BS 5228

Noise prediction requires the combination of noise from each item of plant/activity to arrive at the equivalent continuous sound level (L_Aeq,T ) after taking account of the noise generated, the amount of time in use, the distance of the reception point from the noise-generator and whether there will be any screening. The level of sound generated by each source can be defined as its Sound Power Level (SWL). This should be provided by the manufacturer, but BS5228 : Part 1 (1997) provides generalised data on noise emissions from various plant and activities. If the SWL cannot be obtained, then it can be determined by measuring the SPL at a distance of 10m from the source and using the following a standard equations, if for example  the SWL of the source, and the distance between source and receptor are both known.

SPL = SWL - (20*Log₁₀(Distance)) - 8

However, the measured SPL is likely to be lower than this, as adjustments have to be made for the presence of any barriers and the nature of the ground the noise has to travel over.

The corrections for barriers requires a knowledge of sound pressure levels at different frequencies and of the precise geometry of the receptor in relations to the source and barrier. Such adjustments are quite complex, and are outlined in detail in Annex D of BS5228 : Part 1: 1997. However the Standard suggests that as a working approximation, an attenuation of 10dB can be made if a screen completely hides the source from the receiver and If the top of the plant is just visible to the receiver, then an attenuation of 5dB can be assumed.

The adjustments for ground conditions are also complex and require the classification of the ground as either hard or soft. Further details should be obtained from the relevant Standard.
 

In many instances, a receptor will be subject to noise from a number of different sources. If this is the case, then the total SPL at that location can be obtained from the SPLs of each source by the following equation.

SPL = 10*log₁₀[10^SPL1/10 + 10 ^SPL2/10...+ 10 ^SPLn/10]

For mobile equipment the factors used are slightly different. These can sometimes be treated as line sources, so not only has the SWL of the equipment and the distance to be taken into account, but also the speed of the machine and the flow rate. The equation used is then:

SPL = SWL - 33 + 10*log₁₀(Flow rate) - 10*log₁₀(Velocity) - 10*log₁₀(Distance)

Further corrections are outlined in Annex D of BS5228 : Part 1: 1997 and include factors for angle of view, reflections from facades, etc.

As decibels are determined on a logarithmic scale the results of adding or subtracting decibels does not follow as for arithmetic subtraction or addition, for example:

§         If a second machine of the same sound power is bought to a site to join an existing similar machine, (total of 2 machines) this will cause the noise to increase by 3dB(A), a just perceptible change of loudness.

§         The addition of nine similar items of plant to join one item of the same sound power to a site (total of 10 machines) will result in a 10 dB(A) increase, a doubling in loudness.

• Sound pressure level decreases with distance. This decrease in sound level is quantified by the inverse square law. The doubling of the distance of the sound level meter from a point source (e.g. a compressor on a construction site) will result in a 6 dB(A) decrease in sound pressure level, a substantial change in loudness. Noise at 3m from an item of plant is four times greater than the noise at 20m away.

Noise Control

It is significantly less expensive (unit cost per decibel reduction) to make noise-generating processes quieter than to make a barrier to screen the noise.

Noise levels can be lowered by eliminating or reducing the noise at source with the use of noise-control enclosures, absorbers, silencers and baffles and by the use of personal protective equipment, such as earmuffs. Where technical methods are insufficient, noise exposure may be reduced by use of hearing protection and by administrative controls -- such as limiting the time spent in noisy environment and scheduling noisy operations outside normal shifts or at distant locations.

Essential elements of environmental noise control programmes are education and training of the workers to minimise noise generation on a site.

When aiming to reduce the effects of environmental noise on people, it is important to consider the:

• Noise sources

• Transmission path

• Types of homes in which people live

Outdoor noise levels usually decrease with increasing distance from the source
because of geometrical spreading of the noise energy over a bigger surface and
absorption of the noise by the atmosphere and by the ground. Barriers can
achieve additional reduction of noise levels. The sound insulation of buildings is the final barrier to the potentially intruding
effects of environmental noise.

Consultnet Noise Consultancy Services

At Consultnet we offer a range of noise consultancy services including:

• Construction & Industrial site baseline monitoring - very useful in the event of noise issues emerging during the construction phase as it can be used to deal effectively with spurious complaints 

• Construction & Industrial site noise predictions and impact assessment

• Construction & Industrial site noise monitoring, impact assessment and noise control recommendations

• Annual noise reports as per EPA IPPC and waste Licence requirements

• Design, development and independent verification of existing noise monitoring programmes

• Liaison with local authorities, EPA and neighbours

• Expert representation in the event of noise complaints

Our consultants have over twenty years experience in noise monitoring, interpret ting regulations, developing noise control solutions and community relations. As a small company we are flexible, can make decisions quickly and develop practical cost effective solution for our clients.

Our noise level meters (Cirrus CK831 Sound Level meter fitted with 1:1 and 1:3 Octave band Filters) are all owned and operated exclusively for our own use, and calibrated externally by NAMAS accredited laboratories. All our instrumentation complies with Type 1 of BS EN 60804. We utilise the latest proprietary and customised analysis and reporting software. Our monitoring can include assessment of Broadband and 1:3 Octave frequency measurements.

We also provide vibration monitoring at sensitive locations during piling and blasting operations and a range of other environmental, civil and structural engineering services.

Noise at Work Measurement

Links to Information Sources on Noise:

• Occupational Noise
• UK based Institute of Acoustics  
• UK based Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre site has live case studies illustrating best practice in management of noise and vibration
• CAA Information on aircraft noise
• EU Environment Commission information on Noise 

• Good Quarry Noise Information

• The X-Noise Network- dedicated to aircraft noise reduction efforts in Europe. 

• UK: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Noise Pages

• DEFRA Low frequency noise research papers

• B & K Knowledge Center on Environmental Noise Management

• B & K Environmental Noise Booklet

• B & K Environmental Noise Case Studies

• The London Noise Map

• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

• Aviation Environment Federation (AEF)  
•  UK Noise Association (UKNA) - campaign to bring together groups and individuals involved in noise campaigning
• Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (HACAN)
• The Noise Abatement Society - seeks to eradicate unnecessary noise in all its forms to improve the quality of life for all
• Neighbours From Hell - a voluntarily run UK organisation
• French: Noise Information and Documentation Centre (CIDB)
• International Commission on Acoustics
• United Nations System - Wide Earthwatch: Noise Pollution
• International Institute of Noise Control Engineering
• Institute of Noise Control Engineering (USA)
• ASA Information Service

• NoiseNet noise and vibration information

• Acoustics and Vibration Animations - Dan Russell, Kettering University

• Acoustics and Vibration WWW Virtual Library
• Acoustical Society of America
• US based Elcosh on Construction Noise and Vibration
• Australian information on Noise and Best Practice in Noise and Vibration including Noise Management Data Sheets
• Canadian information on Noise and Vibrating Equipment
• Noise Control Information

• EU Stop That Noise Campaign

• CALM Research Network - Coordination of European Research for Advanced Transport Noise Mitigation

• Harmonoise European Environmental Noise Calculation Method - Imagine project to update Harmonoise and provide guidelines

• FHWA Highway Construction Noise Handbook

  • US FHA Keeping the Noise Down, Highway Traffic Noise Barriers HTML or PDF (1.3 MB)