NOISE OBSERVATORY - REGIONAL REGULATIONS

    Panel 1
    Update date
    Authors

    Gabriele Bellabarba, Francesca Sacchetti

    Abstract
    Immagine
    Abstract

    The Framework Law on Noise Pollution (LQ 447/1995) requires regions and autonomous provinces to issue their own regulations defining a set of criteria, methods, and procedures necessary for the full implementation of the national law. Since the enactment of LQ 447/95, the regional legislative framework remains incomplete: five regions have yet to adopt a regional law on noise pollution, while some regions, lacking specific legislation, have issued specific regulatory acts. 

    Description

    The indicator provides a list of regulatory acts issued by each Region/Autonomous Province under LQ 447/95. To ensure comprehensive coverage, it also includes regulations adopted in compliance with Legislative Decree 194/2005 concerning the determination and management of environmental noise, which transposes Directive 2002/49/EC. The indicator offers an overview of regional regulations on noise pollution, based on information provided by ARPA/APPA and collected by ISPRA. 

    Purpose

    To assess the response of Regions/Autonomous Provinces regarding their responsibilities under LQ 447/95 and compliance with Legislative Decree 194/2005. 

    Policy relevance and utility for users
    It is of national scope or applicable to environmental issues at the regional level but of national significance.
    It is able to describe the trend without necessarily providing an evaluation of it.
    It is simple and easy to interpret.
    It provides a representative overview of environmental conditions, environmental pressures, and societal responses.
    Analytical soundness
    Presents reliability and validity of measurement and data collection methods
    Temporal comparability
    Spatial comparability
    Measurability (data)
    Adequately documented and of known quality
    Updated at regular intervals in accordance with reliable procedures
    Readily available or made available at a reasonable cost/benefit ratio
    An “adequate” spatial coverage
    An “appropriate” temporal coverage
    Main regulatory references and objectives

    Article 4, paragraph 1 of LQ 447/95 stipulates that, within one year of its enforcement, regions and autonomous provinces must establish their own regulations outlining criteria for municipal noise classification, procedures for granting permits for temporary noisy activities, and guidelines for preparing acoustic impact assessments and climate noise evaluations, among other implementation measures. 

    DPSIR
    Response
    Indicator type
    Descriptive (A)
    Limitations

    None

    Further actions

    None

    Data source

    ISPRA/ARPA/APPA 

    Data collection frequency
    Yearly
    Data availabilty

    The data required for populating the indicator are available within the Noise Observatory database, which is maintained by designated ARPA/APPA representatives and is publicly accessible through the following website: https://agentifisici.isprambiente.it/osservatoriorumore_public/home.php

    Spatial coverage

    Nazionale, Regionale (20/20)

    Time coverage

    Updated as of December 31, 2024

    Processing methodology

    The indicator consists of a list of regional laws/resolutions issued under LQ 447/95 and related to the requirements of Legislative Decree 194/2005.

    Update frequency
    Year
    Data quality

    The indicator is highly relevant in describing the response of regions/autonomous provinces to the implementation of noise pollution regulations. It ensures the reliability and accuracy of data collection methods. The indicator provides national-level spatial coverage by documenting current regional legislative measures on noise pollution. 

    State
    Medium
    Trend
    Steady
    State assessment/description

    Since the enactment of LQ 447/95, the regional legislative framework remains incomplete: five regions have yet to adopt a law on noise pollution. Of these, three have issued specific regulatory acts. 

    Trend assessment/description

    No changes have been observed compared to the situation as of December 31, 2023. 

    Comments

    Table 1 lists the regional laws and resolutions issued under Article 4 of LQ 447/95 and other regional regulations on noise pollution. Five regions have yet to adopt a regional law on noise pollution: Molise, Campania, Basilicata, Sicily, and Sardinia (Figure 1). In the absence of a regional law, Campania and Sicily have issued guidelines for municipal noise classification, while Sardinia has adopted a resolution defining regional directives on noise pollution. Molise and Basilicata have not yet enacted any regulations on the matter. 

    Graph
    Data
    Thumbnail
    Headline

    Figure 1: Regional Regulations

    Data source

    ARPA/APPA

    Headline

    Table 1: Regional Regulations on Noise Pollution

    Data source

    ARPA/APPA

    English