Updated Noise Action Plan
The Environmental Noise Directive (END, 2002/49/EC) requires member states to develop action plans designed to manage noise issues and effects, including noise reduction if necessary for major roads and agglomerations.
In this regard, the updated Noise Action Plan is designed to address the management of environmental noise affecting Malta from transport noise including road and air, together with industrial noise as well as Major Roads across the Maltese Islands. The NAP provides an overview of the requirements and obligations of the regulations, present a summary of the results of the strategic noise maps and illustrate actions which responsible authorities intend to take in the coming five years. Noise as a nuisance and environmental noise pollution are different and are not interchangeable. It is continuous long term exposure to noise that exceeds a limit that harms the environment that is considered as pollution.
The objectives of the Noise Action Plan are to outline a long-term plan aiming to prevent and reduce environmental noise where necessary and particularly where exposure levels can induce harmful effects on human health and preserve environmental noise quality where it is good; to take a staged approach in assessing the existing levels of environmental noise from the different noise sources to identify potential locations for actions using a prioritization exercise; and to preserve relatively quiet areas in the agglomeration and in open countryside through the identification and delineation of such areas.
ERA published the third round Noise Action Plans (NAP) for public consultation from 8th November 2022 till 19th December 2022. The plans were approved in line with Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549).
Documents
Noise Action Plan Malta Agglomeration 2019-2024 – Approved Policy
Intent and Objectives – Consultation Brief
Intent and Objectives – Public Consultation Submissions & Responses
Draft Policy – Consultation Brief
Draft Policy – Public Consultation Submissions & Responses
