A commercial building construction site at Middle Road in Tsim Sha Tsui was found to have illegally carried out construction works at night. The contractor, Hong Kong Construction (General Builders) Limited, was fined a total of $12,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (June 12) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) conducted a blitz inspection at the above construction site after receiving a complaint last June. It was found that powered mechanical equipment was operating illegally at the site after 7pm, including the use of a concrete lorry for foundation works. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the contractor in accordance with the NCO.
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 surroundings. If the construction work has to be conducted 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 valid construction noise permit (CNP) from the EPD. The construction works shall commence only when the CNP has been granted upon completion of assessment to support that its noise level would comply with regulatory requirements. Only specified powered mechanical equipment could be used for the construction works and contractors must also implement noise mitigation measures to minimise noise nuisance as stipulated by the CNP. 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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