Environmental Noise Attenuation in Port Harcourt Metropolis Using Fences

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue X, October 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Environmental Noise Attenuation in Port Harcourt Metropolis Using Fences

Ogoro Mark¹ and Obafemi Andrew²

^1,2Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author

Abstract: – Whenever environmental pollution is mentioned, what comes to the mind of individuals, scholars and other concerned groups, are water, land and air pollution. Environmental noise as a form of pollution has always been downplayed in some countries while fences, buffer zones, acoustic panels, noise regulations were considered as measures to check noise pollution in other countries. Excessive noise often diminishes the quality of life for people who live in cities. This has resulted in the use of noise barriers as a means of reducing noise effect especially among busy route urban dwellers. The situation is not different as urbanization and human economic activities accelerating noise level has also increased. This has led to the adoption of possible measures to check noise i.e building of fences as barrier against the sound (noise) wave concerted effort is required to check and recommend the most preferred fences types that would attenuate noise level. The digital noise meter (EXTECH) instrument ‘Digital Sound level Meter with RS232’ was used to measure noise level in decibels dBA. Measurement also involved the use of measuring tape and digital camera. It is therefore recommended that most appropriate fences for noise attenuation be used in the bid to attenuate noise. Major findings of this work are that: different fences attenuate noise at different rate in decibel (dBA) and that some fences i.e half block and iron crossed bars do not attenuate noise significantly.

Key Words: Environment, Attenuation, Noise, Urbanization, Fences, Pollution

I. INTRODUCTION

Excessive noise can impair hearing, and may also put stress on the heart, the circulatory system, and other parts of the body. Worker exposure to excessive noise over an extended period may result in a permanent loss of hearing. The introduction of a noise source into a given environment can be potentially hazardous, as well as objectionable to nearby tenants and residents – depending on its sound level. Numerous laws have been enacted at both national and local government levels to limit excessive noise. Such regulations are typically grouped together based upon the landuse characteristics and the proximity to residential or other sensitive areas.

Read More