Noise Monitoring Protocols of Construction Sites and Usage of Noise Readings in Addressing Resident Complaints
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) noise monitoring protocols for construction sites and how these readings are used to address resident complaints. Ms Gho Sze Kee inquired about the frequency of Leq-5-minutes readings, the deployment of noise meters, and whether maximum noise levels (Lmax) are measured. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that sites near sensitive premises must install meters that record continuous Leq levels at five-minute intervals. The Minister explained that NEA enforces compliance based on these Leq recordings and is currently reviewing the potential use of Lmax data for future regulatory updates. Enforcement actions are taken against contractors who exceed permissible noise limits, with more severe penalties for repeated offences or those of longer duration.
Transcript
24 Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) how does NEA monitor noise levels at construction sites, including (i) how many Leq-5-minutes readings are taken per day per work site, (ii) how many noise meters are emplaced for each work site and (iii) whether NEA also measures Lmax or maximum noise levels; and (b) how does NEA use these values in assessing compliance and addressing resident complaints.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Contractors of construction sites within 150 metres of noise-sensitive premises, such as hospitals, schools and residential premises, are required to install noise meters. The National Environment Agency (NEA) specifies the number of noise meters to be installed and their locations, based on the construction site characteristics. These noise meters take measurements continuously and record the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) at five-minute intervals throughout the day. They are also able to measure spikes, such as the maximum noise level (Lmax).
NEA refers to the recorded Leq noise levels to determine compliance with the permissible noise limits stipulated under the Environment Protection and Management (Control of Noise at Construction Sites) Regulations. This is aligned with the World Health Organization's guidelines which recommend Leq measurements for continuous and ongoing noise. NEA takes strict enforcement action against contractors who exceed the permissible noise levels, with more severe enforcement action typically taken for repeated offences as well as those with a longer duration of exceedances.
NEA will continue to review the regulations, including the possible use of Lmax, to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in protecting public health.