Amendments to subsidiary legislation under Noise Control Ordinance gazetted
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Making reference to the relevant internationally recognised standards, the amended Cap. 400C and Cap. 400D will tighten the noise emission standards for air compressors and hand held percussive breakers by 2 decibels (dB(A)) to 3 dB(A), thus improving the local noise environment.
Under the amended Cap. 400L, newly developed built-up areas will be established as designated areas. Communities within the new designated areas will be offered the same protection as those in existing designated areas, so as to reduce the potential construction noise impact. On the other hand, some existing designated areas, where extensive site clearance will be carried out for new town development, will be excluded from the existing coverage of designated areas, in order to reflect changes in actual circumstances as well as avoiding unnecessary constraints on new development projects. The new designated areas will come into effect in phases. The latest designated areas can be found at the Environmental Protection Department’s website: (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/noise/help_corner/da.html).
"The amendment will not affect air compressors and hand held percussive breakers fitted with Noise Emission Labels. A grace period of 12 months after the gazettal will be given to provide ample time for the industry to prepare for the new noise emission standards", a Government spokesman said.
The three pieces of abovementioned subsidiary legislation will be tabled before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on May 3.
Ends/Friday, April 28, 2023
Issued at HKT 10:58
Issued at HKT 10:58
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