Noise Exposure

The Port of Québec has set up real-time acoustic monitoring near activities in the Anse au Foulon sector. This program was established to better understand the impact of port operations on the surrounding soundscape and to mitigate its impacts.

The acoustic monitoring, carried out in partnership with a firm specialized in the field, involves two permanent sound measurement stations located near the port facilities in Anse au Foulon.

Data access

The web platform allows you to navigate between stations and display the following:

  • Photo of the station
  • Station position on a map and GPS coordinates
  • Average sound levels measured every 30 seconds and average sound levels over an hour
  • Station data history
  • Continuous sound tracking
Get access to the data 

Why conduct acoustic monitoring?

Port activities can emit different types of noises. Ships, trains, trucks and conveyors are all potential sources of noise that can impact the environment.

Since completely eliminating the noise emitted during port operations is impossible, continuous acoustic monitoring is an essential tool to measure the sound environment in the community 24/7. It is an essential tool for identifying any conditions that could lead to abnormal situations in the surrounding sound environment.

What does a sound station measure?

An environmental sound station measures the noise levels and acoustic characteristics of a given environment. It captures ambient sounds and records their intensity, frequency and duration. After analysis, these data make it possible to evaluate the noise contribution of different sources, to identify potential noise sources (port, trains, trucks, cars, human activities, wildlife, etc.) and, depending on the results, to take measures to preserve the quality of the sound environment.

The data measured by a station is, however, raw data and must be analyzed by experts to draw clear conclusions about the contribution of each source.

Thanks to the community

This web platform is an initiative that is part of a citizen-led consultation and information-sharing process. The Port of Québec would therefore like to recognize their important contribution.