March 30, 2007, 3.13 pm (Singapore time)

Noise limits on construction sites tightened


THE National Environment Agency (NEA) is tightening the noise limits on construction sites and imposing harsher penalties on contractors that do not comply with the new rules, after conducting its review on current regulatory control measures.

The revised construction noise limits and penalties seek to achieve better control over construction noise, to maintain a quiet living environment without imposing overly restrictive measures on the construction industry.

When the new regulations kick in, the maximum allowable noise limits for night-time (10pm to 7am) for all days will be lowered from the current 60 dBA (Leq 5-min), to 55 dBA (Leq 5-min).

The maximum allowable noise limits on Sundays and Public Holidays between 7am and 7pm will be lowered from the current 90 dBA (Leq 5-min) to 75 dBA (Leq 5-min). Noise limits on Sundays and Public Holidays between 7pm and 10pm will be lowered from the current 70 dBA (Leq 5-min) to 55 dBA (Leq 5-min).

The review was conducted after there was an increase in complaints on construction noise, from 4,953 complaints in 2005 to 6,160 complaints last year. These complaints were mainly from residents staying within 150m from construction sites.

Noise measurements by the NEA showed that for more than 90 per cent of the complaints received in 2005 and 2006, the noise levels were found to be within the legal permissible limits.

After consulting various government agencies and industry partners and taking into consideration public feedback on noise pollution from construction sites, the review has identified two key areas of concern- construction noise at night and on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Under the current Environmental Pollution Control Regulations (Control of Noise at Construction Sites), a set of maximum allowable noise limits for construction sites are prescribed for different time periods of the day and for different types of premises affected by construction noise.

The prescribed noise limits is to allow the construction industry to try and minimise noise disturbances, rather than impose a blanket ban on construction work during periods such as night-time, weekends and public holidays.

The current maximum permissible noise limits for construction sites were tightened when the Regulations was last reviewed in October 2001.

Contractors that do not comply with the regulations can face up to a $40,000 fine, double the current maximum fines imposed.

The penalty for a continuing offence after conviction will also be increased from $500 to $1,000 for every day the offence is continued. The increase in penalties will come into effect on Oct 1.