Sounds Of Our Lives
Submitted by SEPA
18th May 2006
As Noise Action Week sets to roar (22 -26 May), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today recommends some top tips for industry on sound.
Measured in decibels (dB), sound affects us all - from everyday household sounds
to traffic and industry noise. A recent Mori survey reveals that 18% of Scots are aware of noise from commercial premises or activity and 9% are disturbed or annoyed by it. Local authorities have primary responsibility for almost all neighbourhood noise related complaints but SEPA also considers noise as part of certain industry pollution control licences.
Martin Valenti, noise specialist for SEPA, said: "Unwanted noise seriously affects people's lives and can, in extreme circumstances, cause illness." He continued, "Noise Action Week provides everyone involved in noise control with an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental problems and provides practical solutions to abate unwanted noise."
SEPA's top tips regarding industry generated noise are:
prevent further noise by: fitting acoustic enclosures and silencers to noisy equipment, and always use the best available technology;
reduce existing levels by: minor engineering modifications, and carry out noisy activities at the least sensitive times;
maintain current noise levels by: maintaining plant and equipment in good repair.
The aim of the Environmental Noise Directive (END) is to define a common approach across the European Union to noise. The intention is to avoid, prevent or reduce, on a prioritised basis, the harmful effects due to exposure to environmental noise, including annoyance. These effects are, the unwanted or harmful sounds created by human activities, including those emitted by means of transport, road, rail and air traffic and from specified sites of industrial activity.
Integral to the Directive is "strategic noise mapping" which will map: major roads; railways; airports and large urban areas, using harmonised noise indicators. These maps will help assess the number of people annoyed or have sleep-disturbed by noise. A World Health Organisation report claims that over 50 million people in Europe are exposed to noise levels above 65 dB(A), which is considered to be detrimental to health. SEPA regulates noise from industry and the typical noise sources can be aerodynamic or mechanical or, often, a combination of both.
Martin Valenti added: "The aim is to manage and reduce environmental noise where
necessary, and preserve environmental noise quality where it is good. For Scotland the Directive will mean informing the public about environmental noise and its effects, the preparation of strategic noise maps for: large urban areas, major roads, major railways and major airports as defined in the directive.
For more information see SEPA Noise
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Protecting and enhancing the natural waters of the North Highland area is a huge task involving many organisations and communities, and Scotland's environment watchdog is urging all those with an interest to get involved. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is asking interested local communities and businesses to read the draft River basin management plans (RBMP) and Local area management plans (AMP) and feed back whether they think the plans are comprehensive enough, how they can help to achieve the aims of the plans, and how we can all work together to achieve them.
In the current economic climate it is essential businesses are prepared for new regulations, as failure to comply could lead to increased costs. NetRegs (www.netregs.gov.uk) is a free UK website offering environmental guidance for businesses and is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Scotland's recycling and composting rate continues to make steady progress. Figures released today (Friday 13 February), by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), show that Scotland's annual recycling and composting rate rose to 32.9% for the year October 2007 to September 2008.
Scotland's environment watchdog has found that 57% of Scotland's water is in good condition, or better. This provides an excellent basis for our future livelihoods, economy and recreation.
A north-east farmer was fined £2000 for allowing diesel to enter surface water drains and into a tributary of the River Ythan causing pollution of the river. Mr Roger Glennie from the Hillhead of Ardo Farm, Methlick, Ellon pled guilty today (21 January 2009) to a contravention of legislation designed to protect the water environment.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced further steps to reduce bureaucracy, while still ensuring high levels of environmental protection. Changes have been put in place to how SEPA enforces three sets of regulations; the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE) and the Trans Frontier Shipment Regulations (TFS).
With the Climate Change Scotland Bill now in parliament, it is important that everyone starts thinking how they will contribute to the ambitious world leading targets set out in the Bill. As Scotland's environment watchdog, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has a key role in addressing climate change and has today (19 December) published its climate change plan for SEPA.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has developed, with Government, a 10-point Plan to support economic activity during the current difficulties. The aim is to help the economy whilst also protecting the environment and the health and well being of communities across Scotland.
Now that the evenings are getting darker, and colder, many people are starting to think about Autumnal celebrations like Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night. While huddling round a blazing bonfire is an important part of the celebrations, and a good way to keep warm, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is reminding everyone that careful consideration needs to be given to what goes on any pyres.
From soggy summers to wet winters, flooding can be a problem in Scotland at any time of the year. Following on from one of the wettest summers for some parts of Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is launching its annual flood awareness campaign today (27 October).
