UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA FACULTY OF GEOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCES Zanda Krūkle ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE MANAGEMENT IN LATVIA DOCTORAL THESIS Submitted for the scientific doctor's degree - doctor of science (Ph.D.) in earth sciences, physical geography, environmental sciences Scientific advisor: Assist. Prof., Dr. phys. Rūta Bendere Rīga, 2020 1 The doctoral thesis was carried out in the Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences over the period from 2010 to 2020. Scientific advisor: Dr. phys., Assist. Prof. Rūta Bendere, University of Latvia Reviewers: Dr. geogr., Assoc. Prof. Iveta Šteinberga, University of Latvia Dr. sc. ing., Prof. Ritvars Sudārs, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Dr. techn., Prof. Linas Kliučininkas, Kaunas University of Technology Doctoral Committee: Dr. biol., Prof. Viesturs Melecis, University of Latvia, chairman of the Committee Dr. geogr., Prof. Oļģerts Nikodemus, University of Latvia Dr. habil. chem., Prof. Māris Kļaviņš, University of Latvia Dr. geogr., Assoc. Prof. Iveta Šteinberga, University of Latvia Dr. habil. paed., Prof. Raimonds Ernšteins, University of Latvia Dr. sc. ing., Prof. Gatis Bažbauers, Rīga Technical university Dr. geog., Assist. Prof. Oskars Purmalis, University of Latvia, secretary of the Committee The defence of the doctoral thesis will be held on the 12th of June, 2020 at 12:00 in a public session of the Doctoral Committee at the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences of the University of Latvia, 1 Jelgavas iela, Rīga. The dissertation is available at the Scientific Library of the University of Latvia, 4 Kalpaka blvd. References should be addressed to Dr. biol. Viesturs Melecis, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, 19 Raiņa blvd, LV-1586, Rīga. E-mail: [email protected]. © University of Latvia, 2020 © Zanda Krūkle, 2020 2 ABSTRACT Environmental noise affects a large number of Europeans day-to-day. Several studies have revealed that increased noise levels cause a negative impact on human health, both physiologically and psychologically, interfering with basic activities such as sleep, rest and communication. The World Health Organization (hereinafter - WHO) has recommended limiting outdoor night noise to Lnight 40 dBA, however, given the trend of increased transportation, expansion of business activities and infrastructure, such limitation is not expected to be an easy task. This thesis studies the possible solutions on how to prevent and reduce environmental noise through management practices in Europe and Latvia. The aim of the research is to deal with environmental noise issues and to develop a strategic, practice-based model for environmental noise management in Latvia, which has not been done prior to this study. To achieve the aim, the study is based on several research objectives, including a comprehensive analysis of environmental noise management policies and research on established practices in Europe and Latvia for legislation, institutional systems, society feedback management and identification of the main deficiencies of existing noise management. Empirical and statistical data analysis, documentation analysis, sociological research, and case study methods have been used for this purpose, including the analysis of both acoustic and non-acoustic aspects. The results showed that environmental noise management issues in Latvia are mainly related to high subjective noise perception, a poor understanding of environmental noise, low prioritisation and ineffective implementation of the existing noise management policies. Taking into account the mentioned factors, an integrated comprehensive and multi-level practice based environmental noise management model has been proposed. The model comprises process sub-models for national and municipal levels and a coordination model, and it takes into account and proposes improvements to current management processes. The model proposals have been approved with experts and stakeholders from state and municipal levels. The thesis provides significant scientific and practical value, and its results can be applied on a practical level, and adapted for noise management policy planning, assessment, and implementation at state and municipal levels in Latvia. It can serve as an example for the situation analysis and also shows room for further improvements in other countries that want to develop noise management at a faster pace. These results complement and update the theoretical and management practice knowledge and outline further research directions that could contribute to more effective and meaningful noise management development. Keywords: environnemental noise, Latvia, noise management, practice-based management model 3 CONTENTS Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... 3 Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 10 1. Environmental noise and its effects ........................................................................................ 16 1.1. Health impacts .................................................................................................................... 16 1.1.1. Diseases and risk factors .............................................................................................. 17 1.1.2. Feelings of discomfort ................................................................................................. 18 1.1.3. Sleep disturbance ......................................................................................................... 18 1.2. Socio-economic impacts ...................................................................................................... 19 1.3. A brief summary of Chapter 1 ............................................................................................. 20 2. Environmental noise policy and management ......................................................................... 21 2.1. The topicality of environmental noise pollution in Europe and Latvia – a need for pollution management ........................................................................................................................ 21 2.1.1. Exposure ...................................................................................................................... 21 2.1.2. Europeans’ views on noise issues ................................................................................. 25 2.2. The topicality of environmental noise management ............................................................. 26 2.2.1. Environmental noise management issues...................................................................... 28 2.2.2. Public feedback on environmental noise – a signal for the need for better management 30 2.2.3. Environmental noise management influencing factors and management levels ............. 31 2.3. Legislation and policy: framework and EU requirements ..................................................... 33 Road transportation noise ...................................................................................................... 34 Aircraft noise ......................................................................................................................... 34 Railway noise ........................................................................................................................ 34 Equipment used outdoors....................................................................................................... 34 Framework legislation ........................................................................................................... 35 Transposition and noise levels ............................................................................................... 35 2.4. Environmental Noise Management Practice in European countries ...................................... 36 2.4.1. The United Kingdom ................................................................................................... 37 2.4.2. The Netherlands ........................................................................................................... 39 2.5. A brief summary of Chapter 2 ............................................................................................. 41 3. Methods and Methodology ..................................................................................................... 42 3.1. Research methodology (research design) ............................................................................. 42 3.2. Methods used ...................................................................................................................... 45 3.2.1. Theoretical section ....................................................................................................... 45 3.2.2. Analysis of law and institutional system ....................................................................... 45 3.2.3. Practical research on local level noise management practice......................................... 47 3.2.4. Analysis of noise policy planning in Latvia’s municipalities