Noise

OVERVIEW

In the period analyzed for the purposes of this report, there were no significant changes in the legislative framework. There has been some progress in implementing regulations. However, communal noise remains a major problem. For example, the daily level of noise recorded in Belgrade in 2017, in 9 out of 10 locations that were presented in the publication “Belgrade in Figures” was higher than 60 dB(A), while in all ten locations, the level of recorded noise at night was higher than 53 dB(A).^[1]

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LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Legislative framework for noise in the Republic of Serbia includes:

Law on the Protection of Environmental Noise (”Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia“, 36/09 and 88/10)
Regulation on Noise Indicators, Limit Values, Noise Indicators Assesment Methods, Annoyance and Harmful Effects of Environmental (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, no. 75/10)
Rulebook on the National List of Indicators of Environmental Protection Indicator (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, No. 37/2011)
Rulebook on the Methods of Noise Measurement, Content and Scope of the Noise Measurement Reports (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia” No. 72/10)
Rulebook on the Methodology for Action Plan Development (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, No. 72/10)
Rulebook on the Methodology for Determining Acoustic Zones (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, number 72/10)
Rulebook on the Content and Method for the Development of Strategic Noise Maps (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, No. 80/2010)
Rulebook on the Conditions to be Fulfilled by a Professional Organisation for Noise Measurement, and Documentation to be Submitted with the Application for Acquiring the Authorisation for Noise Measurement (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia” No. 72/2010)

The Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the Protection of Environmental Noise, which should contain changes in competencies, new methods for the assessment of indicators defined in Annex II of the Directive 2002/49/EC, reporting mechanisms, introduction of the “polluter pays” principle, and deadlines for harmonization with obligations was not delivered, even though it was planned (Government Work Plan for 2018).^[2]

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IMPLEMENTATION OF LEGISLATION

Since 2010, regulations in the area of noise protection in the Republic of Serbia have been aligned to a large extent with the regulations in force in the countries of the European Union. The most important regulation in the noise sub-sector is the Noise Directive (2002/49/EC), which requires Member States to prepare and publish Strategic Noise Maps every 5 years (which includes noise assessment, noise reduction action plans for larger inhabited centers, road junctions and transport networks, and public information; a strategic noise map is part of the Chapter 27 recommendations relating to the approximation of European environmental standards whose full implementation is foreseen by the end of 2021 roads^[3]. Other noise directives help implement the Framework Directive.

According to available data, there has been some progress in this area between March 2018 and February 2019. By developing strategic noise maps for road traffic directive 2002/49/EC is partially implemented. PE “Roads of Serbia” made strategic noise maps for all 843 km of roads ^[4]. In addition, the JSC ” Serbian Railways Infrastructure” in October 2018 adopted a Decision on awarding the Low-Value Public Procurement Contract – Environment Noise Measurement and Strategic Noise Mapping Development^[5]using the CNOSSOS method for railways on which annual traffic volume exceeds more than 30000 trains per year, i.e. for three railway lines in the total length of 25,879 km. ^[6] In June 2018, a project for the development of the Strategic Noise Mapping of the City of Niš was launched using the CNOSSOS method that will last for 14 months.^[7] The full implementation of Directive 2002/49/EC is envisaged by the end of 2021.^[8]

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FINANCING

The funds for the creation of the Strategic Noise Mapping of the City of Niš were partly provided by the IPA project. In addition, it is envisaged to provide funds from the IPA project for the development of other strategic noise maps and action plans roads.^[9]

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Legislative framework

Fully harmonize the Law and bylaws with Directive 2002/49/EC.
Make changes to the Law on Environmental Noise Protection.
Introduce unique noise-level calculation methods in accordance with Directive 2015/996 (CNOSSOS).

Implementation of Legislation:

Develop strategic noise mapping and action plans for the remaining 4 agglomerations (Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac and Subotica), as well as Nikola Tesla Airport.
Develop action plans to reduce noise levels in “noisy” zones and maintain existing levels in “quiet” zones.
Introduce 24 hour continuous noise monitoring and make data available through a unified display of automatic noise monitoring.
Evaluate the adverse effects of noise on human health and the environment.
Work on the training of the noise experts (especially at the local level).

Financing

Provide funds for the implementation of plans (and responsibilities) in the field of noise.

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[1] https://zis.beograd.gov.rs/images/ZIS/Files/Publikacije/BUB_2018_E.pdf

[2] http://civilnodrustvo.gov.rs/upload/documents/zakoni/Plan%20Rada%20Vlade%202018.PDF

[3] http://www.mei.gov.rs/upload/documents/nacionalna_dokumenta/npaa/npaa_2018_2021.pdf

[4] http://www.mei.gov.rs/upload/documents/nacionalna_dokumenta/npaa/npaa_2018_2021.pdf

[5] http://infrazs.rs/nabavke/odu_jnmv_1002018.pdf

[6] http://infrazs.rs/nabavke/kd_jnmv_1002018.pdf

[7] http://www.pregovarackagrupa27.gov.rs/envap-3-projekat-je-podrzao-radionicu-za-izradu-strateske-karte-buke-za-aglomeraciju-grada-nisa-envap-3-supported-organization-of-a-workshop-implementing-environmental-noise-directive-for-nis-aggl/

[8] http://www.mei.gov.rs/upload/documents/nacionalna_dokumenta/npaa/npaa_2018_2021.pdf

[9] http://www.mei.gov.rs/upload/documents/nacionalna_dokumenta/npaa/NPAA_2016_revizija_srp.pdf