Black Locust Restoration Plantations Reduce Noise Exposure at a Mining Area in Greece

Abstract

Mining activities elevate environmental noise and represent a major disturbance in terrestrial ecosystems. Vegetation belts are often used as mitigation measures. This study evaluates the role of Robinia pseudoacacia L. forest plantations in reducing noise at the lignite complex of western Macedonia, in Greece. Field measurements of noise level (LAeq) were conducted inside and outside the plantations from spring to autumn during 2020 and 2021. Measurements were taken at five points across four sites differing in their distance from the noise source. Leaf Area Index (LAI) was recorded, and meteorological variables were measured concurrently. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the effects of forest presence, distance from source, climatic conditions, and LAI, while accounting for repeated measurements across sampling days and sites. Noise levels were significantly lower within plantations than outside, indicating that restored forest stands can act as buffers to mining noise. The distance of trees from the noise source and atmospheric conditions are also significant drivers of noise levels. These findings highlight the potential of post-mining plantations to provide an additional acoustic regulation service in restored industrial landscapes.