Parking problems in major urban centers are typically an accumulation of th
e effects of several factors. including short-sighted urban planning regula
tions. pricing distortions. ineffective enforcement, and vague transport an
d parking policies. This paper evaluates the environmental impacts at a typ
ical proposed parking facility in the greater Beirut area, where parking de
ficiencies have increased significantly in recent years due to development
and reconstruction efforts. The assessment focuses on vehicle-induced pollu
tant and noise emission impacts, which are evaluated along with possible mi
tigation measures to reduce or eliminate potential adverse impacts. The ass
essment showed that the greatest potential impacts would occur during the c
onstruction phase. Increased parking capacity proved to have a more adverse
effect on air quality than on noise levels. Although air quality and noise
levels were not significantly affected with respect to projected baseline
levels and under normal operating conditions, mitigation measures are still
needed because of the urban nature of the area.