Lnight noise level of industry in the major Walloon agglomerations - 2012 report

This data layer integrated into the 2012 European report locates noise exposure from industrial sites exclusively according to the Lnight index in the major Walloon agglomerations. The mapping of noise originating exclusively from industrial sites in the major Walloon agglomerations based on 2011 source data is the first achievement and, as it stands, the reference to this level. Noise maps have been reported to the European Environment Agency and are included in the 2012 report. The Night Index is one of the two indicators recommended by the European Directive 2002/49/EC, relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise, in order to measure the noise level describing environmental noise. Within the meaning of the Directive, the latter is emitted by means of transport, road, rail or air traffic or comes from sites of industrial activity. This data layer refers to the mapping of noise generated by industry in the major Walloon agglomerations (Liège and Charleroi) in 2011 according to the Lden index. The Lnight (or Ln – Level Night) index represents the average noise level determined over all night periods (from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) in a year (by 2011). This index is, by definition, an exclusive noise index for the night period. It is associated with sleep disturbances. Unlike the parameters included in the calculation of the other indicator (Lden), no weighting is applied for its calculation. It is expressed in decibel A (dB(A)), which is the unit chosen to represent the sensitivities of the human ear. The indicator is averaged over a calendar year. The data layer is therefore representative of a regional annual situation. The data layer is the reference for Lden from industrial sites in large agglomerations for the year 2011 (integrated into the 2012 European report). According to the criteria defined for the mapping of noise emanating from industrial sites in large agglomerations in 2011, the data layer covers IPPC classified sites located in the territory of agglomerations of 100,000 inhabitants and more. In the Walloon region, these are the communal territories of Liège and Charleroi. Only these areas are covered by the mapping. The indicator is averaged over a calendar year. The data layer is therefore representative of a regional annual situation. Industry noise maps for large agglomerations have been compiled on the basis of source data from 2011. Therefore, the data layers transcribe noise exposure to this period of time. The information was reported to the European Environment Agency in 2012 and is therefore included in the 2012 report. The data layer is a vector layer with, as an attribute, the value Lnight. 5 exposure classes are selected: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and > 70 dB(A). The noise-generating industry identifier shall be included for each exposure set.