Strategic noise mapping in Greece & Cyprus - Some considerations regarding delays and particularities in south European countries from the implementation of the directive 2002/49/EC

Abstract

The Strategic Mapping of Environmental Noise, (SMEN) as per the European Directive 2002/49/EC, aims at the determination of a common approach for the avoidance, prevention or reduction, on a prioritized basis of the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environment noise, in order to create a platform base for noise mitigation measures related to major environmental noise sources. Environmental Noise is an important environmental factor responsible for the degradation of the urban environment and the quality of life especially in countries where climatic conditions favours outdoor activities & the night life. In Greece in the period of 2007 - 2010, Strategic Noise Mapping, was completed for: The New Athens International Airport (A.I.A.), the Attica Tollway (Athens Ring Road) and the Egnatia Motorway. In Cyprus within the same period the Strategic Noise mapping for all highways & motorways with more than 6 million passages/year and the Int. Airports of Larnaka & Pafos was completed. Even though the relevant results are interesting and of a high scientific value, however in Greece and Cyprus and also in several EU member states noise contours and data on noise mapping - due to be submitted by 30 December 2007- Are still incomplete or missing especially regarding the urban agglomerations. Moreover, for roads, airports and railways outside urban agglomerations, in several cases, the data on noise mapping reported to the Commission cannot be linked to the list of major infrastructures, and therefore it is impossible to assess the completeness of the data reported. Copyright © (2013) by Austrian Noise Abatement Association (OAL).