In the exercise of its technical support responsibilities, the Portuguese Environment Agency has produced technical notes and guidelines aimed at integrating noise control and prevention into sectoral policies with environmental impact, particularly regarding the following themes: environmental impact assessment, monitoring, preparation of noise maps, conducting acoustic tests, preparation of municipal noise reduction plans, preparation or revision of municipal master plans, and issuance of special noise licenses. These are available for consultation on the respective websites.

To clarify and compile the legal principles and requirements applicable to each phase of the process of integrating noise into the revision of Municipal Master Plans (PDM), CCDR Lisboa and Vale do Tejo, I.P. has developed a methodological guide that defines the minimum necessary content for the timely selection of land-use solutions that meet the outdoor environmental noise exposure values. Please refer to “Integration of the Environmental Noise Factor in the Process of Preparing and Revising Municipal Master Plans.”

As a result of the regulations of the RJIGT and the subsequent definition of criteria for land classification/reclassification and soil qualification under Regulatory Decree No. 15/2015, of August 19, some PDMs will need to be amended, and it is expected that this procedure will have implications for the acoustic component of the environment. CCDR Lisboa Vale do Tejo, I.P. has established guidelines to optimize this procedure, considering the PDM amendments based on acoustic quality criteria and the subsequent demonstration and verification of their compliance with the General Noise Regulation (RGR). Please refer to “Guidelines for the Integration of the Acoustic Environmental Component in PDM Amendment Processes for Compliance with RJIGT.”

As the Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, CCDR Lisboa Vale do Tejo, I.P., has found that the assessment of the impacts of quarry expansion projects involves specificities that require a distinct methodological approach compared to new exploration projects. To complement the standardization, published methodologies, and national guidelines applicable to this type of project in the specific context of EIA, a supporting document has been produced to assist in the preparation of EIAs, focusing on the scope of the assessment and planning the evaluation methodology. Please refer to “Guidelines for the Assessment of the Environmental Noise Factor in Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures – Quarry Expansion Projects“.

As the Regional Waste Authority, CCDR Lisboa Vale do Tejo, I.P., holds licensing and oversight responsibilities for waste treatment activities (excluding those subject to Environmental Impact Assessment and the energy recovery of non-hazardous waste). The verification of compliance with the legal requirements for these types of projects, through supervision or monitoring, is conditioned by the operational characteristics, due to the temporal and spatial variations of noise emissions. This requires representative acoustic testing and a detailed diagnosis of noisy operations that need special attention and/or priority intervention. To standardize the requirements and minimum content of the information for assessing compliance with the RGR in the operation of waste treatment activities, CCDR Lisboa Vale do Tejo, I.P., has developed a technical note on this matter. Please refer to “Guidelines for the Assessment of Compliance of Waste Treatment Activities with the General Noise Regulation.”

CCDR-LVT’s Role in Noise Matters

Given the importance of the preventive component in the national legal framework, and considering the competencies of CCDRs in overseeing the preparation/revision of municipal land-use plans, CCDR Lisboa Vale do Tejo, I.P. has been contributing to the prevention of noise pollution and the improvement of the acoustic environment by verifying the integration of the acoustic environmental component into preventive environmental policy instruments, such as:

Environmental Impact Assessment;
Environmental Assessment of plans and programs;
Monitoring/approval of PMOT;
Procedures for prior location authorization, prior information, and licensing of urban operations and activities.

CCDR Lisboa Vale do Tejo, I.P. is responsible for approving methodological proposals for determining residual noise in situations where technical impossibility exists for ceasing the activity.

Although its competencies are based on technical and regulatory matters, CCDR Lisboa Vale do Tejo, I.P. has assumed an educational and integrative role, which stems from its coordination responsibilities in various procedures and the technical competencies it holds in urban planning, strategic environmental and impact assessments, noise, and environmental planning. Furthermore, the management of ambient noise is mainly assigned to municipalities and infrastructure managers.

Currently, CCDR Lisboa Vale do Tejo, I.P., is not accredited for conducting acoustic tests.

Documents of Interest

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