Yuen Tat Construction Limited and another renovation contractor illegally carried out renovation works at night and during holidays at Amoy Plaza in Kowloon Bay and at a ground floor shop at Kwong Tin Shopping Centre in Lam Tin respectively, causing noise nuisance. The contractors were fined a total of $18,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (May 24) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).
​The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received public and Police referrals regarding the noise nuisance generated by renovation works at Amoy Plaza and Kwong Tin Shopping Centre. After investigation, it was confirmed that the contractors concerned were using electric drills after 7pm and carrying out hammering work during holidays, causing noise nuisance to nearby residents. The construction company and the contractor involved did not apply for a valid noise permit (CNP) prior to the commencement of the works and the EPD thus initiated prosecutions against the construction works company and the responsible person in accordance with the NCO.
The EPD spokesman stressed that construction contractors should schedule works for the daytime and non-general holidays as far as possible. If any part of the construction work has to be conducted during restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on weekdays or at any time on a public holiday), the contractor has to obtain prior approval from the EPD for a CNP. After the CNP has been granted upon completion of assessment to support compliance with regulatory requirements, applicants must also implement noise mitigation measures in accordance with the CNP, including the erection of noise barriers at the site, to minimise the impact of noise to nearby residents. 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.
Follow this news feed: East Asia