Construction site contractor convicted for illegally carrying out work in Pok Fu Lam at night
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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a report from a member of the public in mid-May that a construction site in Pok Fu Lam used powered mechanical equipment in the evening and generated noise. Upon investigation, the EPD found that the contractor did not hold a valid construction noise permit (CNP). The EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the main contractor under the NCO.
An EPD spokesman commended the member of the public for providing information and testimony to assist the department in successful prosecution against the contractor.
According to the NCO, anyone who uses powered mechanical equipment for construction works or carries out prescribed construction works (such as handling debris or hammering) in a designated area during restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am the next day on weekdays or any time on a public holiday) should apply for a CNP. The construction works should commence only when the CNP has been granted upon completion of assessment to support that its noise level would comply with regulatory requirements. 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.
The spokesman reminded members of the construction sector that they should manage and arrange their works properly. They should neither use powered mechanical equipment nor carry out prescribed construction works in a designated area during restricted hours. Even with a valid CNP, they should carry out works in strict accordance with the permit, and should also adopt practicable noise mitigation measures, including the erection of fences and noise barriers at the sites, to reduce the impact of noise on the public nearby as far as practicable.
Ends/Monday, December 11, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:45
Issued at HKT 14:45
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