Green group inks pact with agency to draw 'noise map'

Abu Dhabi: In a bid to reduce harmful air emissions and ensure better air quality, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi signed an agreement with the Norwegian Institute for Air Research to manage the air quality monitoring systems in Abu Dhabi.

According to the agreement, the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) will manage, operate and maintain the air and noise quality monitoring network of the city, currently managed by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), for the period 2008 to 2012.

The Air Quality Management Study was first initiated by EAD in Abu Dhabi in 2002 to determine the impact of current and future development activities on the air quality.

Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD, who signed the agreement on EAD's behalf, said that the focus will be implementing the priorities for noise and air quality management. "A comprehensive survey of noise levels in the emirate will be conducted to deliver a Strategic Noise Map for Abu Dhabi," he said.

A source emissions inventory, including point, area and line sources, will be prepared in addition to an assessment of the compliance of industries and areas with the relevant standards and guidelines.

Limit on emissions

A strategy will be developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by setting emission limits for different sectors such as power sector and transportation.

NILU will also be responsible for establishing a state of the art internet solution for online data presentation and dissemination of the ambient air quality in the emirate round the clock utilising all relevant data from the monitoring network and give different end-users their required information in an easy to use interface.

"Under the close supervision of the institute's experts, UAE nationals will be trained in procedures related to inspections/control and reporting of air quality-related issues. Moreover, they will be trained in areas such as green buildings, cleaner fuel technology, renewable energy and sustainable transport," he said.

"They will also receive on-the-job training such as operation and maintenance of the web portal, national database and the data transfer interface. A select number of engineers will be trained in all operations, theoretical and practical training in air quality modelling. As stipulated within the agreement, UAE nationals should be trained and then hired to comprise about 25 per cent to 50 per cent of the total staff.

"A select UAE national will be trained and primed for the role of Deputy Manager by the third year," Al Mansouri added.

The signing ceremony at the Emirates Palace was also attended by Anne Rikter-Svendsen, Ambassador of Norway in the UAE, and Gunnar Jordfald, Director of NILU.