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Community perceptions on noise pollution generated by aircraft in Cape Town
Author(s)
Nchemanyi, John Ngeh
Date Issued
2006
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
Airport operations have become a major source of concern due to aircraft nOIse,
particularly in areas close to airports and aircraft flight tracks. Public opposition to
aircraft noise is a threat to the continued growth of civil aviation in South Africa. This
study investigated the psychological effects of aircraft noise on residents and school
activities at a neighbourhood close to the airport, particularly the area located under
the flight tracks or adjacent to the landing and departure pattern of aircraft. Bishop
Lavis was chosen as the experimental area and Kensington, about 17km away from
the airport, was chosen as a control area. Questionnaires coupled with oral interviews
and observations were used to gather information. The findings are focused on
annoyance and disturbance. The study revealed that noise exposure caused
annoyance, activity disturbance and some mild effects on school results, when
compared with the control area. Disturbances were experienced in some activities that
need concentration. Aircraft noise also caused communication interference, sleep
deprivation and affected the teaching process. The community at the experimental
area indicated some non-acoustical effects, such as fear of aircraft crashing over their
homes but they indicated no willingness to leave the area. As such, it becomes
essential when locating and designing airports to optimise flight paths in a way to
reduce noise exposure to nearby communities. Recommendations for mitigation of
noise exposure are proposed, which include operational procedure, banning chapter I
and 2 aircraft, restricting night flights, proper land use planning and enforcing
international environmental regulations.
particularly in areas close to airports and aircraft flight tracks. Public opposition to
aircraft noise is a threat to the continued growth of civil aviation in South Africa. This
study investigated the psychological effects of aircraft noise on residents and school
activities at a neighbourhood close to the airport, particularly the area located under
the flight tracks or adjacent to the landing and departure pattern of aircraft. Bishop
Lavis was chosen as the experimental area and Kensington, about 17km away from
the airport, was chosen as a control area. Questionnaires coupled with oral interviews
and observations were used to gather information. The findings are focused on
annoyance and disturbance. The study revealed that noise exposure caused
annoyance, activity disturbance and some mild effects on school results, when
compared with the control area. Disturbances were experienced in some activities that
need concentration. Aircraft noise also caused communication interference, sleep
deprivation and affected the teaching process. The community at the experimental
area indicated some non-acoustical effects, such as fear of aircraft crashing over their
homes but they indicated no willingness to leave the area. As such, it becomes
essential when locating and designing airports to optimise flight paths in a way to
reduce noise exposure to nearby communities. Recommendations for mitigation of
noise exposure are proposed, which include operational procedure, banning chapter I
and 2 aircraft, restricting night flights, proper land use planning and enforcing
international environmental regulations.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Environmental Health))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006
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