Effective sound barriers have been implemented.
In the city of Pforzheim, Germany, the results of the latest noise mapping exercise, conducted in 2023, have been made available to the public. The exercise, carried out every five years as mandated by the Federal Immission Protection Act, aimed to identify areas with high noise levels and assess the impact on public health.
The engineering firm Modus Consult from Karlsruhe was commissioned with the update of the noise mapping, which investigated 16 industrial and commercial areas, approximately 265 km of roads, and around 5.6 kilometers of non-federal railway tracks. The process involved using EU-wide uniform, binding calculation procedures for the first time, ensuring a consistent approach across the continent.
The results reveal that approximately 7,000 people are still exposed to health-endangering noise during the day and more than 8,500 at night. An additional 17,000 and 18,000 people are exposed to health-critical noise levels during the day and night, respectively. However, it is encouraging to note that more than 1,500 people are protected from harmful noise during the day and more than 2,500 at night due to noise protection efforts in the city.
Road traffic noise is the primary source of noise pollution in Pforzheim, as observed in both the 2017 and 2023 noise mappings. Numerous quiet areas have been identified during the process, offering potential for future noise reduction measures.
In response to the findings, an early public participation process will be conducted in March/April, which will be held online for the first time. Affected parties and interested individuals can submit suggestions and proposals to the environmental protection office during this period. Based on the received proposals, a plan of measures will be drafted and coordinated with the affected authorities and the city council.
Extensive and sometimes controversial noise reduction measures have been proposed for heavily loaded streets, including speed limits and road repairs. Industrial and commercial noise, as well as rail noise, play a subordinate role and affect only a small number of people at low levels.
It is important to note that the current noise action plans or upcoming measures for noise reduction in Pforzheim following the 2023 noise mapping are not available at this time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on this topic, it would be advisable to contact local authorities or check their official websites for details on noise reduction strategies and initiatives in Pforzheim.
The next steps in the noise mapping process will be announced on the environmental protection office's homepage in the coming days. The city continues to strive towards a quieter, healthier environment for its residents.
Science plays a crucial role in addressing the health-and-wellness concerns associated with noise pollution in Pforzheim, as environmental-science experts, such as Modus Consult, use advanced calculation procedures to map noise levels and assess their impact on mental-health and public health. The municipal authorities are currently working on developing noise reduction strategies, and the public will be invited to participate in this process, offering an opportunity for health-and-wellness advocates to engage in shaping a quieter and healthier city.
