Contractors of Harbour Glory construction site, Aggressive Construction Company Limited and Wise Max Engineering Limited, violated the requirements of a construction noise permit (CNP) and caused noise nuisance to nearby residents. The contractors were convicted and fined a total of $90,000 at Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (January 30) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received reports from members of the public in January last year that the Harbour Glory construction site in North Point generated noise nuisance by carrying out construction works on a Sunday. The EPD staff conducted investigation and found that the contractors carried out construction works during restricted hours on a Sunday and did not comply with the requirements of the CNP as they used unpermitted powered mechanical equipment and handled rubble. The EPD immediately revoked the CNP of the construction site concerned and prosecuted the two contractors after collecting the evidence.
The NCO aims to protect the public from disturbance of rest. An EPD spokesman stressed that construction contractors should schedule works for the daytime and non-general holidays as far as possible, so as to minimise noise nuisance to the surrounding population. If there is a need to use powered mechanical equipment or conduct "Prescribed Construction Work" (i.e. erection or dismantling of formwork or scaffolding; loading, unloading or handling of rubble, wooden boards, steel bars, wood or scaffolding materials; or hammering) during the restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or at any time on a general holiday), the contractor has to obtain a CNP from the EPD prior to the commencement of works. The contractor shall comply with the requirements of the CNP to use specified powered mechanical equipment and conduct specified "Prescribed Construction Works". The contractor must also implement noise mitigation measures to minimise noise nuisance. Otherwise, it constitutes an offence. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.
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