ALPNAP - Monitoring and minimisation of traffic-induced noise and air pollution along major Alpine transport routes

A network of regional experts aims at the integrated use of advanced science-based methods to monitor, assess, and predict air pollution and noise and their impact on the environment, quality of life and health along major transport routes. These methods are adapted to the Alpine topography and its specific meteorological phenomena which often amplify the levels of concentration and noise. The purpose of the project is to promote these methods to regional and local authorities, to supplement standard methods towards more reliable predictions and scenario assessments, to quantify the tolerable limits of emissions if given air quality and noise standards are met, and to assess the environmental impact of traffic flow changes due to regulations, new infrastructure, or modal shifts. The project will enhance the understanding of local people and their political/societal representatives to the interdependency between natural processes and air quality and noise in the sensitive Alpine area.