Study of the Noise Pollution at Container Terminals and the Surroundings

Noise emissions from various transportation modes including seaports have become a major concern to environmental and governmental agencies in recent years due to the impact they have on the community. The Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex is the nation’s largest ocean freight hub and its busiest container port complex. As the container sector has the highest growth potential, the levels of noise generated by activities at the container terminals may affect the port personnel as well as the residential neighbors. In this research effort, the noise distribution at the port of Long Beach was evaluated. The level of noise generated by the cargo handling and transport activities at the container terminals was determined using noise mapping. A noise model of the port and its surroundings was created, and validated with field measurements. The noise level in any area was assessed as to whether it exceeds relevant noise regulations or guidelines, and the key noise source in the area was identified. The noise and activity variations during the period of study were determined. The developed noise model will be a very valuable tool for the city and port authorities in making planning decisions as it allows the prediction of the noise impact of future development projects on the port and the surroundings.