Desenzano Advances Noise Plan to Balance Tourism and Livability

The Garda capital is preparing to finally approve the “noise plan.” The project has reached completion after a decidedly long journey. In fact, since the assignment was given by the Rocca administration, five years have passed, and the first adoption dates back over two years ago.

“Studies and assessments, including the mapping of existing activities in the center, have been completed, and therefore I believe I can propose the project for final approval this autumn,” confirms the Ecology Councillor Giovanni Venieri.

The “noise plan” for the city is a fundamental tool to begin an acoustic pollution reduction strategy across the vast territory. An important initiative considering the city’s tourism vocation. Desenzano, in short, cannot overlook the need to offer guests a “lively” and enticing stay, even at night, while still maintaining peaceful nights.

Objectives and Territory Division

Achieving a balance is precisely the challenging task assigned to the Plan. The project divides the territory into zones with varying levels of noise impact. The analysis, entrusted to Engineer Avanzi of Brescia, started from the existing noise levels.

Decibel levels were found to be high almost everywhere: 74 on via Marconi, 74 on via Dal Molin, and 61 along the lakeside promenade. Noise pollution is closely linked to roads and traffic, thus related to transportation, the railway, and the highway. Other causes include the presence of industries and businesses.

The Plan divides the territory into four zones. The first, most protected, includes Montecorno and the hospital. Here, decibel levels cannot exceed 40 during the night and 50 during the day. The second encompasses a large part of the territory and is classified as a predominantly residential area, where limits increase to 45 decibels at night and 55 during the day.

The mixed-use zone converges in the area with intense urban activity, where decibel limits can rise to 55 at night and 65 during the day. The Plan has received numerous comments. Twelve of these have been submitted to the Municipality thanks to the signatures of the Verdi environmental group.

These criticize the exclusion of school facilities from zone one, the most protected, which, according to the Verdi, poses significant challenges to Desenzano’s future livability. “We do not believe it is correct to succumb to noise,” they argue. They propose moving the internal roads within the town, where the school facilities are located (via Michelangelo, Giotto, Foscolo), to zone 2 so that the schools would fall under zone 1.

In San Martino della Battaglia, the Verdi do not agree with the classification of the entire built-up area as zone 3 or 4, where noise limits are highest. The Municipality, at the explicit request of the Department, has also conducted an investigation into small artisanal settlements.

The idea is to grant a “derogation,” increasing the noise limits by one class (from zone 2 to zone 3). This would involve about ten small businesses. Unfortunately, nothing can be done regarding Ferrovie (the railway company) because a law from 1999 designates a noise-neutral area extending 250 meters from the track.

In other words, Ferrovie cannot be forced to install noise barriers. This is a serious issue, as Desenzano’s territory is entirely traversed by the Milan-Venice railway line. “Unfortunately, that’s how it is,” confirms Councillor Venieri.

While awaiting the final approval of the Plan, the Office intervenes whenever there are reports. We issue ordinances and fines, even significant ones. However, only the official adoption of the Plan will allow us to implement “Reclamation Plans.”