THE Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has launched the first version of its Noise Tracker TT app. The first test of the application will be held in Woodbrook in May 2025.
Speaking at the launch of the app at a town hall meeting at Fatima College on April 9, EMA chairman Nadra Nathai-Gyan said the mobile app will measure noise pollution and enabling reporting. She said it will harness the power of citizen science in the ongoing fight against noise pollution.
“The app will allow users to report instances of noise pollution in real time. Not only does this streamline the reporting process, but it also provides relevant authorities with accurate and comprehensive data. Through this valuable information, we can better understand where noise pollution is most severe and take more targeted, effective action. The app will help identify hotspots of disturbance and assist in enforcing regulations where necessary.”
EMA representative Nadia Tewarie said the testing phase of the app from May 12-26 would feature several layers.
“The EMA will conduct spot checks on background noise levels during the day and night, using our noise meters. We will also collect data from selected locations during peak periods with noise meters. Simultaneously, data will be collected from citizens using the Noise Tracker TT app.”
She said the proposed study area would include portions of Ariapita Avenue, Tragarete Road, and areas of St Clair. She said the data collected by the EMA would be compared to that collected by the app.
“Data from the app will be used to identify noise hot spots in the study area. It will be used for more effective engagement with stakeholders and to support evidence-based noise management strategies. This exercise will encourage citizen science participation and empower the community as it relates to noise pollution, data collection and reporting.”
Tewarie said the data collected during the trial period would be collated and the resulting report would be shared with participants for feedback, which would then be used to improve the app before releasing it countrywide.
App developer Johnny Tiu, who was the winner of the Digital Transformation Ministry’s D’Hub Challenge, explained how the app would work. Users would sign up for an account and would be able to see the noise levels in their area, including registered events from people who would have applied for variations from the EMA. Users would send a report of excessive noise, with options for residential, construction, bars, events or fetes, and commercial, with a GPS locator marker and a recording of the noise levels. The app would also show the number and location of the nearest police station. Users would be able to see the status of their report and give feedback.
Digital Transformation Minister Hassel Bacchus requested a tutorial be done to assist people in using the app. He said younger people in the community needed to assist the older people with using the app.
Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland said the issue of noise pollution i
