DSPA says no plans to amend noise law as exemption system ‘operates smoothly’

The Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) has said there are no immediate plans to amend the Environmental Noise Prevention and Control Law, stressing that the current framework and exemption approval mechanism have been operating smoothly since reforms introduced in 2019.

In Leong Hong Sai’s query, the lawmaker recalled that while the SAR has established a basic legal framework for noise control, the continued advancement of urban construction and ongoing social development have meant that the existing legislation has gradually revealed challenges in meeting development needs in practice.

“The construction sector hopes to amend the Environmental Noise Prevention and Control Law, mainly because the current law restricts nighttime construction, affecting project progress –particularly for works that must be carried out continuously, such as road paving, piling, and concreting,” said Leong.

“Therefore, in order to reduce construction periods, costs, and the impact on residents and shops, will the government consider relaxing restrictions on nighttime construction and conducting scientific measurements of noise pollution, allowing lower-noise works to continue after 8 p.m.?” he asked.

In a written reply to the interpellation, DSPA director Ip Kuong Lam said the government has sought to balance residents’ right to rest with the needs of social and economic development by setting clear noise control periods under the existing law.

The provisions restrict noise-generating construction activities while allowing flexibility in exceptional cases.

According to the DSPA director, “in the case of urgent and non-deferrable public repair works, as well as works of significant public interest, applications may be submitted for approval to extend construction periods.”

The bureau added that the current noise law was formulated after “extensive public consultation,” meaning that any future amendments would require “broad social consensus.”

The bureau also said that it remains open to public feedback, adding that it will “continue to listen to views from different sectors of society and conduct relevant analysis” when considering whether further legislative changes are necessary.

Addressing concerns over the implementation of the law, the DSPA noted that the government revised the noise law in 2019 to improve the handling of exceptional construction cases.

The updated procedures were designed to be more practical and better aligned with real-life conditions. “The implementation of these procedures has proceeded smoothly to date,” Ip said, adding that, as a result, “there are currently no plans to revise them.”

Meanwhile, the Public Works Bureau (DSOP) said it will continue to work closely with the construction sector to reduce noise at the source. This includes requiring contractors, through tender documents, to use “new environmentally friendly mechanical equipment” during construction works.

The DSOP also said a range of mitigation measures will be implemented on-site, including “the use of soundproof fabric or acoustic barriers,” to “effectively reduce noise generated by construction machinery.”

In addition, the DSPA said it has issued specific guidelines on pollution control for construction works, providing standards for industry compliance and reference.

The aim, it said, is to “encourage the adoption of more environmentally friendly construction methods” and to minimize the impact of works on surrounding neighborhoods.