Number of Construction Noise-related Complaints
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns construction noise complaints and the measures taken to mitigate noise levels in residential areas like Woodlands. MP Mariam Jaafar inquired about complaint statistics and noise reduction strategies, to which Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien reported an average of 23 monthly complaints from Woodlands residents. Key policies include strict noise limits, a "no-work rule" on Sundays near residential buildings, and mandatory video surveillance for contractors who violate regulations. Long-term efforts involve $8.3 million in incentives for quieter equipment and the adoption of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly technologies to shift construction activities off-site. These measures aim to reduce dis-amenities like noise and dust while shortening construction timelines and improving overall construction quality.
Transcript
28 Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry tracks the number of construction noise-related complaints; (b) if so, what is the number of construction noise-related complaints that have been received from Woodlands residents each month over the past year; and (c) what are the measures being taken to mitigate the noise in the short term and the long term, including the use of more technologically advanced construction techniques.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: From October 2020 to September 2021, the National Environment Agency (NEA) received an average of 23 construction noise-related complaints each month from residents in Woodlands.
NEA adopts an outcome-based approach in regulating construction noise. Construction sites must adhere to the regulatory noise limits, and noise meters are installed at the nearest affected premises to monitor compliance.
Under the no-work rule, construction work on Sundays and public holidays is prohibited at sites located within 150 metres of any hospital, home for the aged sick or residential building. From 1 October 2022, contractors that have contravened the no-work rule will be required to install electronic video surveillance systems to ensure compliance and deter further violations.
There are incentives to encourage the construction industry to adopt quieter construction equipment and methods, such as quieter piling and hacking equipment, noise barriers and enclosures. Since April 2014, NEA has disbursed a total of $8.3 million to help contractors adopt quieter construction equipment and methods.
The Building and Construction Authority has been actively championing the adoption of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly technologies, which shifts as much on-site construction activities to off-site prefabrication as possible. Construction becomes faster, cleaner, quieter and of higher quality. Dis-amenities such as noise and dust pollution will be reduced, and construction time can be shortened.