Requiring Developers to Publish Noise Level Reports and Fund Noise Mitigation Measures for Housing and Commercial Projects Near Public Infrastructures
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns proposals by Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim for developers to publish noise disclosure reports, require buyer acknowledgement, and bear mitigation costs for one year post-completion. Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien replied that the National Environment Agency already requires developers near traffic noise sources to conduct Noise Impact Assessments and implement mitigation measures. These requirements include using strategic building orientation or non-noise-sensitive structures, such as multi-storey carparks and electrical substations, as buffers to meet specified noise limits. The Minister noted that while regulatory limits are maintained, some level of traffic noise remains inevitable due to proximity to pre-existing public infrastructure. Consequently, prospective property buyers are encouraged to conduct their own assessments of noise levels and surrounding environmental factors before making a purchase.
Transcript
99 Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether the Ministry will consider requiring (i) developers of housing and commercial projects to publish environmental factors disclosure reports covering noise and proximity to Mass Rapid Transit viaducts, expressways and substations and (ii) buyers to acknowledge these reports prior to purchase.
100 Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether the Ministry will consider requiring developers of housing and commercial projects to bear part of the costs to address noise-related issues arising from pre-existing public infrastructure near said projects for up to a year after the new owners receive Temporary Occupation Permits, similar to the one-year Defects Liability Period for Housing and Development Board projects.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: As part of the building approval process, the National Environment Agency requires developers of new residential and noise sensitive developments, such as hospitals and nursing homes, located near pre-existing land traffic noise sources to conduct and submit a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA). Developers will need to put in place mitigation measures to ensure that traffic noise identified in the NIA meet noise limits specified in the Technical Guideline for Land Traffic NIA. Examples of such measures include placing windows or openings away from noise sources, or using non-noise-sensitive buildings, such as multi-storey carparks and electrical substations, as noise buffers.
That said, even as developers ensure that noise levels remain within the applicable noise limits, it is inevitable that some level of traffic noise will remain. Buyers of residential properties are therefore encouraged to conduct their own assessment on surrounding noise before making property purchases.