Two renovation works contractors were convicted on May 20 and today (May 27) at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) by illegally using powered mechanical equipment to carry out renovation works at night and on holidays. The two contractors were fined a total of $13,000.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that through following up on a video provided by a member of the public in December last year, the department confirmed that the renovation works contractor of a ground floor shop of a residential building on Lyndhurst Terrace in Central, Wing Keung Contracting and Engineering Company Limited, used an electric breaker to carry out demolition works on a holiday, causing noise disturbance to nearby residents. Furthermore, during a blitz inspection in Wan Chai in November last year, the department found that the renovation works contractor of a shop at Lee Garden Two, East Joint Designs Limited, generated noise by using an electric grinder to carry out polishing procedures at 10.30pm. The two renovation works companies were not granted a construction noise permit (CNP) before the commencement of the relevant works. After completing investigations and gathering evidence, the EPD prosecuted the two renovation works contractors under the NCO.
The spokesperson explained that the NCO aims to protect the public from disturbance of their rest. Contractors should arrange for renovation works to be carried out during the daytime and non-holidays as far as possible with a view to minimising noise disturbance to residents nearby. If any works procedures have to be conducted during the restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or at any time on a general holiday), a permit must be obtained from the EPD in advance. The construction works shall commence only when the CNP has been granted upon completion of assessment to support its compliance with regulatory requirements. The construction works granted a permit must also strictly comply with the relevant requirements of the CNP, only specified powered mechanical equipment can be used for the construction works and noise mitigation measures should be implemented, including the erection of fences and noise barriers at the sites. Otherwise, it constitutes an offence. Under the NCO, 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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