Condo-Demolition Noise Levels Within Legal Limits

Source : The Straits Times, Sept 27, 2007

WE REFER to the letter by Mr Simon Lee Siang King, 'Condo demolition noise affecting baby's sleep' (ST, Sept 14).

We would like to inform readers that the National Environment Agency (NEA) controls construction noise using a set of maximum permissible noise limits stipulated under the Environmental Pollution Control (Control of Noise at Construction Sites) Regulations.

The noise limits during night-time (10pm to 7am) are more stringent than the noise limits for day-time. The noise limits are also more stringent in areas where the premises affected by the noise pollution are more sensitive to noise disturbances, e.g., hospitals, homes for the aged, schools and residential areas.

Construction companies are required to take noise-abatement measures and manage their works so as to comply with the noise limits stipulated.

The contractor responsible for the project at the worksite in question has been required to set up noise-monitoring equipment to measure the noise levels generated by the demolition works.

The Code of Practice for Demolition prescribes the methods that may be used. In this case, the method used by the contractor is one which is provided for under the code.

The NEA checks the noise-monitoring results for any violations of the permissible construction noise limits. Results of the noise monitoring showed that the noise levels were within legal limits.

We will continue to monitor the worksite in question and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against the contractor if the permissible construction noise limits are exceeded.

We would also like to inform readers that the NEA has recently tightened the permissible noise limits at night and on Sundays and public holidays for construction sites that are located within 150m of residential premises. The set of new noise limits, which will come into effect on Oct 1, takes into consideration the expectations of our people for a quieter living environment, and the needs of the economy.

We thank Mr Lee for his feedback.

Tan Quee Hong
Acting Director
Pollution Control Department
National Environment Agency

Ong See Ho
Director
Building Engineering Division
Building and Construction Authority