Impact and Mitigation of Traffic Noise and Air Pollution in Somerville: A Health Lens Analysis (HLA)
Background and Purpose: Near-highway air and noise pollution are significant public health problems that have resulted from top-down policy- and decision-making. In the 1970s, the heart of a thriving neighborhood in the City of Somerville, MA, was demolished for the construction of Interstate 93 (I-93). Today, over 200,000 vehicles drive through this environmental justice neighborhood, exposing residents to elevated levels of traffic related air pollution (TRAP) and noise. We have documented high exposure to TRAP – particularly to ultrafine particles – and shown associations with blood biomarkers of inflammation in Somerville residents. We also documented traffic noise in the area that exceeds the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) noise abatement criteria and health-based levels.

In response to our findings and resident concern, representatives of the neighborhoods near I-93 sought to apply an innovative Health in All Policies tool in order to 1) elevate awareness about
how current TRAP and noise impact resident wellbeing and 2) explore how noise barriers might mitigate these exposures.

Description: To advance these goals, we used HLA to engage residents and decision-makers and elevate health considerations in a public process for noise barriers. Evidence was gathered through outreach, interviews with topical experts, and literature reviews. Recent air monitoring on the I-93 corridor was applied and a noise study and risk assessment was conducted to estimate health outcomes and mortality for area residents due to their near highway exposure.

The project team engaged with residents in community meetings and neighborhood events. Simultaneously, we held discussions with elected officials, municipal staff, and MassDOT – who control noise barrier installation. The project culminated in a design charrette where participants generated evidence-informed and actionable strategies to mitigate exposure to pollutants and improve neighborhood livability through built environment measures.

Lessons Learned: We adapted our process to fit community context; while not our first approach, we shifted to a HLA so we could explore alternatives in the absence of noise barrier funding and to reflect that several sections of the nearby neighborhoods were not suitable for noise barrier installation. We were able to substantially increase the reach of our engagement by attending capacity-building classes for immigrant-residents and by working with youth interpreters. The community-led noise study enhanced the accessibility of findings.

Conclusions and Implications: The HLA approach, combined with a design charrette, was successful at engaging affected near highway communities and generating community- and evidence-informed mitigation approaches that can integrate into public decision-making. The HLA elevated evidence that noise barriers along I-93 could effectively reduce residents’ exposure to pollutants. It was flexible enough to allow creative solutions in locations where geographic and meteorological conditions would limit installation and efficacy. And, the HLA and charrette provided a space where community could push back and lead, shaping recommendations for esthetics, site planning and vegetation.

Next Steps: The ultimate goal of this work is to see the community-generated recommendations adopted by decision-makers. The project team continues to work with local activists, community groups, elected officials, and government employees to raise awareness of this issue and promote evidence-based solutions.

Presenter: Sharon Ron
Agency Affiliation: Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Presenter Biographical Statement: [biography]