Lawmakers pass bill regulating environmental noise

Lawmakers discuss environmental noise bill

Legislation introducing new measures to prevent and control environmental noise was passed by lawmakers in yesterday’s Legislative Assembly plenary meeting.
The bill introduces changes to control noise emanating from construction sites and the use of construction equipment, such as pile-drivers, while also regulating residential noise, such as from everyday activities both in public and private spaces, and even noise produced by domestic pets.
The draft law on the “Prevention and Control of Environmental Noise” was discussed and voted on in detail by lawmakers.
Although some have highlighted its usefulness, many legislators raised doubts regarding the concepts included in the law. Others are concerned that the prompt execution of certain construction work might be jeopardized if employees are only allowed to work during a limited time period.
Lawmaker Mak Soi Kun was particularly interested in learning more about the concept of “disturbing noise,” while also voicing his concerns regarding public works that might be prolonged when the legislation comes into effect.
“I am worried that it will be difficult to implement the law in certain occasions. And by reducing the working hours in construction sites, the deadlines to complete works might have to be extended,” he said.
Legislator Chui Sai Peng also stressed that some construction projects are urgent and need to be completed quite quickly.
The law does not allow pile-driving works to take place on Sundays and public holidays. During the week, such construction work cannot be performed between 20:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Au Kam San criticized the bill’s fourth article, precisely because it addresses noise produced by pile-drivers but fails to regulate other types of noise.
The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, said that the government will be taking into account the use of new technologies in construction sites, and will act accordingly by updating legislation on these matters.
“We will keep maintaining a dialogue with the civil construction sector so that they are also able to work without constraints, but [we will keep] balancing that work with the population’s welfare,” he said.
Regarding the working schedule, the Secretary reinforced that they have spoken with construction sector representatives and that there are a number of construction works that do not imply a need to produce significant noise. He also said that the civil construction sector will also be able to adjust works according to the schedule imposed in the bill.
“In the future, we will continue assessing the situation and maintaining a close dialogue with the operators,” he added.
Nevertheless, some lawmakers urged the government to perfect the draft to include criteria for other types of construction work. Chui Sai Peng recalled that there is a need to define rules for other forms of construction works, so that citizens are also informed.
Still, the draft provides criteria on residential noise as well, stating that performing modifications, maintenance and repair works in residential buildings is prohibited on Sundays and public holidays, as well as between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. during week days.
Lau Si Io pointed out that the bill was also intended to improve workers’ performance when it comes to controlling noise. “A lot of noise may be avoided if workers are more careful. We hope that the sector can improve and change old habits,” he assured.
The bill comes into force 180 days after its announcement.
During yesterday’s AL plenary meeting, lawmakers also passed a bill regarding real estate agents. As already announced, the new measure will allow people who run real estate agencies in residential buildings, or in shops located on the ground floor of industrial buildings, to apply for a provisional license, enabling them to continue operating. However, these provisional licenses are set to expire in 2019.
Legislators vetoed a bill put forward by lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho on the promotion of human rights. Some of his fellow lawmakers stated that he had already presented a similar draft in April last year, which was also vetoed.

Catarina Pinto