Strategic noise mapping & action plans for the international airports of Larnaca & Pafos in Cyprus

Abstract

In this paper the results of a study related to the preparation of the SNMs for both Larnaca and Pafos International Airports are presented, focusing on the development of SNM & Noise Action Plans (NAP) scenarios for the time baseline (year 2008 for Larnaca Airport and 2010 for Pafos Airport respectively) and future aircraft movements, for both EU indicators Lden and Lnight. A full Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the surrounding areas is formulated using a Geographical Information System and the "CadnaA" software was implemented for the estimation of the environmental noise indicators Lden and Lnight for aircraft noise. The model was calibrated based on 24h measurements at representative locations around the two airports. Air traffic data of the typical yearly average day was introduced in the acoustic DTM model for all representative flight paths, including geometrical approach data, distribution of airport air traffic for the three partial periods of the typical mean day, and mean meteorological conditions (wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity). Although national limits for the indicators Lden and Lnight are not in place in Cyprus, for the purpose of the study and taking into consideration the residential and mixed use character of the neighbourhood areas of the two airports, the following noise limits are adopted: Lden ≤ 70 dB (A) and Lnight ≤ 60 dB (A). The use of land use re-organization tools was implemented in order to produce a comprehensive Noise Action Plan, including: a) the proposal of land uses in the neighbourhood areas of the two airports that are in line with the estimated noise levels, to be included in the New Local Plans of both Larnaca and Pafos agglomerations; b) the development of a noise monitoring program from the operation of the two airports including mobile and stationary noise monitoring stations; c) the proposal and implementation of sound insulation interventions at exposed residential and other type buildings (schools, conference halls, etc.); and d) the development of a public information campaign for the local communities as well as a public awareness campaign of noise as an environmental issue.