TÜBİTAK MAM Environment and Cleaner Production Institute will create strategic noise maps to determine the current noise level and the number of people, residences, schools and hospitals exposed to noise in selected residential areas with a population of over 250 thousand and a population density of over a thousand per square kilometer across Turkey for roads, railways and industrial areas.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahadır Tunaboylu stated that within the framework of the project, noise maps of Adana, Adıyaman, Balıkesir, Elazığ, Erzurum, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Kayseri, Manisa, Mersin, Sakarya, Samsun, Sivas and Trabzon provinces will be prepared. Tunaboylu said that at the end of the project, a noise simulation model will be created for the first time in Turkey, a spatial noise database will be prepared, the number of noise sensitive places will be calculated and the number of people exposed to noise will be determined. Tunaboylu stated that the information to be obtained will provide important data on both building technologies and how development and transportation should be planned.
An Important Step Required by the European Union Harmonization Studies was Taken with the Project
In the European Union (EU) harmonization process, within the scope of the harmonization studies of the "Environmental Noise Directive (END)" numbered 2002/49/EC, it has been made obligatory to create strategic noise maps for noise sources within the framework of the criteria included in the "Regulation on Environmental Noise Assessment and Management (ÇGDYY)" prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. With this project, one of the most important implementation steps required by EU harmonization studies will be realized in our country. According to the criteria specified in the EGDYY, noise maps of airports, highways, railways, especially settlements, will be completed.
Strategic Noise Maps of Antalya and Malatya First in Turkey
TÜBİTAK MAM Environment and Cleaner Production Institute completed the strategic noise maps of Antalya and Malatya provinces for the first time in Turkey, covering road, railway, industrial and entertainment facilities in these provinces. In addition, within the scope of two separate protocols signed with the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), airport noise maps were created for the first time in Turkey. Within the scope of the projects carried out with DHMI, noise maps of 39 airports will be completed.
What is a Strategic Noise Map?
Strategic Noise Map refers to a map designed to assess noise impacts from different sources within a given area as a whole or to assess such an area taking into account all sources and physical environmental factors. Strategic noise maps are the most important tools for identifying areas for mitigation and control measures. Together with the strategic estimation of noise exposure (level dependent exposure percentages of the affected population), they help in the further development of noise policy. They are also important for informing the public and decision-makers at local, national and international level.
