The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced that it has launched an initiative to map noise levels across the emirate.
EAD first began monitoring ambient noise in the emirate back in 2007 through its air quality monitoring network.
According to Eng. Faisal Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD, this new initiative builds on that work and will gather detailed scientific data from a variety of locations to highlight the sources of noise pollution and the residential areas that are the worst affected.
“The information will allow us to develop temporary and permanent mitigation measures in collaboration with our stakeholders,” he explained.
A Noise Committee has also been formed, comprising more than ten government entities. The committee will use the findings to explore initiatives that will help each entity mitigate noise in the relevant sector that it regulates.
It was detailed that noise pollution can have various negative health impacts and that by identifying areas with high noise levels, health authorities can assess potential health risks and take necessary measures.
The insights will also aid planners, who can use noise modelling to make informed decisions about land use and zoning regulations.