Assessment of traffic noise at Kolar Gold Fields, India.

Traffic noise produces environmental problems on surroundings. At Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), traffic load at different locations can cause noise pollution. Therefore, a detailed study was carried out at KGF in commercial, residential and silence zone. Different monitoring locations were identified in these zones and A-weighted equivalent sound pressure levels (L(eq)) were measured. The study was conducted on different weekdays and weekend for different periods of the day and compared with ambient noise standards. Since many variables were noted during noise monitoring, therefore, a multiple regression analysis was also carried out to develop a regression model for prediction of L(eq). Stepwise regression procedure was followed for the selection of most influencing variables. Model adequacy was checked using normal distribution with zero mean and constant variance, difference between F-observed and F-critical, and correlation between measured and predicted noise levels.