Mapping and Mitigating Urban Noise: A Case Study of Loja, Ecuador's Soundscape

Noise pollution in Ecuador and other Latin American countries is an environmental problem that has been scientifically assessed but ignored when implementing internal policies. Up to 2022, Loja was listed as the ninth most populated city in the country and the tenth, with exponential growth, in its automotive sector over the last decade. In 2006, Loja's municipal ordinance aimed to address noise pollution. Since then, the need for well-planned assessments has limited the effectiveness of implementing internal policies. This study evaluates the levels of sound pressure in the urban area of Loja in Ecuador to assess the current noise pollution and develop the first noise map to derive internal policies. Seventy-six sampling points were distributed around residential, commercial, industrial, and service areas which were monitored using type 1 integrating sound level meters. Results revealed that 94% of the points exceeded the maximum allowed limits, with an average of 67 dBA, ranging between 55 and 72.9 dBA. The noisiest places are associated with major traffic routes, primarily avenues with a constant flow of vehicles. To mitigate noise pollution, traffic flow management during peak hours, awareness campaigns promoting quieter transportation modes, and biannual controls are suggested.