Sound

2016 Noise Pollution Map

In 2004, the European Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC was implemented into Dutch law and entered into force. It was later incorporated into the Environmental Management Act under Title 11.2, “Noise Exposure Maps and Action Plans.” The purpose of this directive is to assess noise pollution from traditional sources and, through an action plan, to consider measures for controlling and reducing excessive noise pollution. The preparation of a noise exposure map is repeated every five years and has now been carried out for the municipality of Voorschoten for the years 2006, 2011, and 2016. The subsequent action plans are also drawn up every five years.

The results for 2016 are included in the report “Noise Exposure Maps 2016: EU Environmental Noise Directive.” You can download it at the bottom of this page. The report illustrates the noise levels observed near residential properties and certain other noise-sensitive buildings, caused by road and rail traffic. The study is of an inventory nature and does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the cause-and-effect relationship. However, a comparison is made with the results from the previous 2011 noise exposure map. To view the maps accompanying the report clearly, they can be accessed interactively on a special website: www.icinity.nl. Select the municipality of Voorschoten, road or rail traffic, and the map type showing the results.

For road traffic, the study data show that the highest noise levels occur along the N447 thoroughfare, from the border with the municipality of Leidschendam-Voorburg to the border with the municipality of Leiden. Compared to 2011, the number of residences with an Lden noise exposure level exceeding 55 dB has decreased by 10%. This is primarily due to improved modeling of several parameters in the noise model. Traffic volumes and noise exposure levels have remained virtually unchanged. For rail traffic, the study data show that the number of residences with an Lden noise exposure level >55 dB has increased by approximately 30%–34% compared to 2011. This is due, on the one hand, to an increase in the number of rail traffic movements, but on the other hand—and primarily—to improved modeling of several parameters in the noise model.