Congratulations! Your municipality plans to take action to address noise pollution in your neighborhood. What happens next? Do you still have any say in the measures they plan to implement? And what options are actually available?

Congratulations! Your municipality plans to take action to address the noise pollution in your neighborhood. So what now? Do you still have any say in the measures they plan to take? And what options are actually available?

Why implement noise control measures?

There are several reasons why a municipality might take measures against noise pollution. The main reason is that a new road is being built, or an existing road is being repurposed. The increase in traffic may cause noise pollution, and the law states that in such cases, the municipality is required to take action. It may also be the case that construction is planned, zoning plans are being amended, or public spaces are being repurposed. In such cases as well, the local community is entitled to compensation.

There are also less obvious reasons. For example, if a city council member intervenes in a (looming) neighborhood dispute. Or if environmental permits are revoked because a company is producing too much noise.

“A city council member who intervenes in a (looming) neighborhood dispute may be a reason to install a noise barrier.”

In general, municipalities these days prefer to take measures against noise pollution in close consultation with the neighborhood. Information sessions are often organized, and the neighborhood is given the opportunity to provide input. The ideas presented by the municipality—sometimes in collaboration with a traffic expert or engineering firm—range from installing speed bumps and laying low-noise asphalt to constructing an earthen embankment or erecting a noise barrier.

That order is used deliberately. Speed limits are often the least expensive option, while noise barriers are the most effective.

Why a noise barrier?

Why is a noise barrier the most effective? It is (along with an earthen embankment) the only method that physically shields the source of the noise (traffic) from the surrounding area. The noise is thus literally blocked.  The first two methods are based on reducing noise generation (slower driving and quieter asphalt) and therefore use more favorable calculation methods. An earthen embankment is inexpensive and also very effective, but it is less effective than a noise barrier and takes up (too) much space.

What can you do as a resident?

Attend the information sessions and take advantage of the opportunity to have your say. Indicate your preference for a particular method. In consultation with the municipality, there are many options available these days.

If you are interested in a Greenwall sound barrier because it is sustainable, combines noise reduction, and has an attractive green and rustic look, please indicate this as a possible option. Download our brochure or forward it to the planners.

Please let us know as well. Greenwall may be able to discuss your needs with the municipality and answer any questions (which will undoubtedly arise) quickly and expertly.

What can the municipality do?

We also invite planners to join us in this discussion. If sustainability, integration into the landscape, a healthy living environment, and proven noise-reduction results at a reasonable price are important criteria, then a Greenwall noise barrier is the best option.