Noise abatement planning
Jena noise action plan
The noise action plan was updated in order to reduce environmental noise in Jena. The aim of the plan is to analyze existing traffic noise conflicts and, if necessary, to eliminate them in the coming years, as well as to protect quiet areas from an increase in noise.
The Jena 2023 Noise Action Plan (Stage 4) was adopted by the City Council on 21.03.2024 (resolution no. 24/2382-BV).
The detailed report can be found under Downloads.
Measures
A total of 17 road sections were identified as noise hotspots and measures to reduce traffic noise were adopted. These include speed reductions, the testing of actual driving speeds and the replacement of noisy road surfaces. In addition, the city's program to promote passive noise protection is to be expanded. Once the 2025/2026 double budget has been approved, it will apply to all noisy buildings with correspondingly high noise levels. Until then, the current program, which is limited to certain road sections, will apply.
A summary of the measures can be found in the noise action plan in Appendix 3.
Public participation
First participation via online survey
The first public participation in the noise action plan took place from 13.05. to 18.06.2023. The citizens of Jena were able to
- Report noise pollution in their area,
- make suggestions for noise reduction and
- propose noise reduction measures.
The findings of the survey were used to derive specific measures and proposals for further reducing traffic noise in the city of Jena as part of the noise action plan.
Feedback that was not related to the noise action plan, i.e. did not concern traffic noise, was forwarded to the responsible departments.
Second public participation
The draft of the noise action plan was available from 17.01. to 11.02.2024 and was also available online. Comments on the draft plan could be submitted during this period.
The comments and suggestions were evaluated and the noise action plan was revised.
Noise mapping
New calculation method
The basis of noise action planning is the calculation of noise pollution and its presentation in so-called noise maps. In Thuringia, the Thuringian State Office for the Environment, Mining and Nature Conservation (TLUBN) is responsible for drawing up noise maps. The calculation is based on the traffic volume and population figures from 2021. The results are published as noise maps on the TLUBN website and can also be viewed on the city of Jena's map portal.
The calculation method used to determine the ambient noise pollution has changed compared to the last noise mapping and is now standardized for all EU member states. In some cases, it differs significantly from the calculation methods used previously. It is therefore difficult to compare the results with previous calculations.
Legal basis
Noise action planning is based on the EU Environmental Noise Directive (Directive 2002/49/EC), which is enshrined in § 47 a to f of the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) and the Ordinance on Noise Mapping (34th BImSchV).
In addition to the scope of application and definition of terms, the BImSchG also defines the responsibilities, time periods and requirements for noise maps and noise action plans. The 34th BImSchV specifies the uniform European requirements for noise maps.