INTRODUCTION
Noise pollution is not fully addressed within Greater Johannesburg due to the numerous
pressing development problems and is only being monitored on request or in response to
complaints from individuals.STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND
THREATS OF NOISE POLLUTION IN GREATER JOHANNESBURG (Walmsley, 1997)
| STRENGTHS |
WEAKNESSES |
- Standards for noise outputs have been compiled by the SABS
- Noise outputs are regulated by the noise control regulations of the Environmental
Conservation Act 73 of 1989
- Noise buffer zones have been constructed adjacent to some of the major noise pollution
sources in GJ
|
- Excessive exposure to nuisance noise can have serious health impacts by resulting in
deafness, increased stress levels, increased blood pressure, irritability, loss of
concentration and insomnia
- Topography, tall buildings and temperature inversions result in the reflection of noise
in GJ
- The removal of vegetation results in a reduction of noise absorption
- Land values are negatively affected by the orientation of property in relation to noise
pollution sources
|
| OPPORTUNITIES |
THREATS |
- An increase in the use of public transport will decrease the amount of traffic and
decrease the amount of motorised vehicle noise
- Existing legislation and standards need to be more strictly enforced
- Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, traffic circles and the closure of
numerous access points to certain suburbs will decrease the noise emissions in many areas
|
- Densification within the existing city boundaries will result in a more intensified use
of existing noise pollution sources, however, urban sprawl may result in the construction
of say, more roads and highways, thus increasing the city's noise sources
- An increase in private modes of transport will result in an increase in noise output
|
Current noise prevention challenges include the review and integration of existing
legislation to ensure a uniform approach across Greater Johannesburg, and liaison with the
planning departments to take into consideration noise occurrences.
Community noise
- Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1983, section 25)
- Noise Control Regulations (R 154 GG 13717 of 10 January 1992)
- By-laws
- SABS Code of Practice 0103 of 1996
Road traffic noise
- Code of Practice for calculating and predicting road traffic noise 0210 – 1986
- Measurement of noise emitted by road vehicles when stationary 0181 - 1981
Occupational noise
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993)
- Environmental regulations for workplaces (GN R 2281 of 1987-10-16)
- SABS Code of Practice 083 of 1996
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Five general ways of controlling noise were identified by Miller (1994):
- To modify noisy activities and devices to produce less noise
- To shield noisy devices or processes
- To shield workers or other recipients from the noise
- To move noisy operations or things away from people
INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Noise prevention should be considered in conjunction with use zoning provisions and site
development plans
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
- A comprehensive strategy should be developed to raise awareness of noise pollution.
It has been estimated that the major cities of the world are experiencing increasing
levels of noise pollution to the extent that cities could become unlivable.
- Noise pollution prevention education is currently part of the Gauteng Department of
Environmental Health’s education drive.
OCCUPATIONAL NOISE
- Building and using quieter industrial machinery
- Noisy factory operations can be totally or partially enclosed by walls
- Workers should wear protective devices to reduce the amount of noise entering their
ears.
GAPS
Exact levels (decibels) of noise are needed to pinpoint exactly
where noise pollution is really bad, unacceptable, above the human threshold and bad for
human and animal health.
REFERENCES
Miller, G.T. 1994: Living in the
Environment. Wadsworth: California.
Walmsley Environmental Consultants 1997: GJTMC
Integrated Metropolitan Development Plan - Report No. W262. WEC: Rivonia. |
