Regulations on Construction Noise and Control Meas

Regulations on Construction Noise and Control MeasuresIES-SIA-MEWR Joint Seminar onEnvironmental Requirements  & Plan Submission Procedures9 Mar 2007: 

Regulations on Construction Noise and Control Measures IES-SIA-MEWR Joint Seminar on Environmental Requirements & Plan Submission Procedures 9 Mar 2007 Khairul Sani B Samsudin Pollution Control Department National Environment Agency

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Regulatory and Enforcement Regimes on Noise at Construction Sites Typical Problems Observed Public Complaints on Construction Noise Measures to Minimise Construction Noise Nuisance SCOPE

Regulatory Requirements: 

Regulatory Requirements NEA regulates noise at construction sites through: Environmental Pollution Control Act (EPCA) EPC (Control of Noise at Construction Sites) Regulations Permissible noise limits tightened in Oct 2001 Construction sites within 150 m from residential premises required to further reduce noise

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Current Permissible Noise Limits

Control of Noise At Construction Sites: 

Control of Noise At Construction Sites In the day (7am - 7pm), noise is measured at 50 m from the boundary of the construction site

Control of Noise At Construction Sites: 

Control of Noise At Construction Sites In the night, noise is measured at 1m from outside the affected premises

Noisy Construction Activities: 

Noisy Construction Activities Typical noisy construction activities against the permissible noise limits

Penalties for Violations: 

Penalties for Violations Penalties for violations of permissible noise limits with effect from May 2005 1st offence: compound fine of $2,000 2nd offence: compound fine of $3,500 3rd offence: compound fine of $5,000 4th offence: court case (max fine of $10,000; max fine of $500 per day for continuing offence) 5th offence: court case (max fine of $20,000; max fine of $1,000 per day for continuing offence) 6th offence: Restrict construction work from 10pm to 7am

Enforcement Regime: 

Enforcement Regime Notice served to construction companies to: Install sound level meters at 1-metre from nearest affected building Submit weekly noise measurements to NEA Maintain and operate sound level meter Inform NEA on factors influencing noise level and reasons on incidents of noise limit exceedance Surprise inspections for problematic sites Night enforcement team

Typical Problems Observed: 

Typical Problems Observed Sound level meters not installed according to requirements in NEA’s Notice, e.g. not in direct line of sight of construction activities Sound level meters not calibrated

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Improper Noise Meter Installation NOISE METER KEPT IN ENCLOSED BOX WITHOUT OPENINGS

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Improper Noise Meter Installation CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF WOODEN PANEL NOISE METER NOT PROPERLY LOCATED – BLOCKED BY WOODEN PANEL

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Improper Noise Meter Installation NOISE METER HIDDEN UNDER WATER TANK ON ROOF-TOP OF AFFECTED BUILDING

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Improper Noise Meter Installation NOISE METER LOCATED BETWEEN TREE TRUNKS. NOT IN DIRECT LINE OF SIGHT OF CONSTRUCTION WORK

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Noise meter located at façade of building Proper Installation of Sound Level Meter

Public Complaints on Construction Noise: 

Public Complaints on Construction Noise

Public Complaints on Construction Noise: 

Public Complaints on Construction Noise Breakdown of complaints 57% on noise from 7pm to 7am 17% on noise from 7am to 7pm on Sun and public holidays 26% on noise from 7am to 7pm on weekdays

Measures to MinimiseConstruction Noise Nuisance: 

Measures to Minimise Construction Noise Nuisance Noise Pollution Control Contractors should reduce noise generated from their worksite by scheduling noisy activities Contractors can also take the following measures: Using advanced construction and noise damping technology Restrict noisier activities to day-time Avoid noisy activities on Sunday, Public Holidays and late at night Use visual screens or noise barriers to help screen off the noise

Measures to MinimiseConstruction Noise Nuisance: 

Measures to Minimise Construction Noise Nuisance Noise Pollution Control Contractors can also take the following measures: Use precast concrete panels Siting facilities far from residential areas Keep residents informed of what is being planned and done Use electrical supply from Powergrid rather than generator Enclose noisy machineries in acoustic enclosure Maintain and service equipment and machineries regularly

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Thank You