Community environmental noise and the built environment in two Halifax neighbourhoods

Abstract

A study of two Halifax neighbourhoods was conducted to examine the effect of the built environment and land use on levels of environmental noise during January and February of 2008. The study areas were identified using dissemination areas of the Canadian Census program, land use information, air photography and ground truthing. The first study area was a residential area consisting of two- to three-story single family homes and the second was a mixed-use region with apartment buildings, as well as commercial and institutional development. Study areas were gridded into six areas and a random sample point in each grid area was identified using ArcGIS. Each sample point was sampled four times over the 24-hour day, resulting in a total of 24 samples for each of the two areas, with one sample taken per hour. Study results demonstrate that the mixed-use area had statistically significant higher levels of environmental noise then the residential area. Study results were compared to health guidelines from the EPA and Italian Government and found to exceed the allowable limits.