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Construction contractor in Tseung Kwan O convicted for illegally carrying out works at night
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     The main contractor of a construction site in Tseung Kwan O which carried out construction works at night without permission and caused noise nuisance to the nearby residents was fined $20,000 at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (September 20) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).

     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the department received a complaint from a resident against the noise nuisance at night generated by a Housing Department's construction site near Bauhinia Garden at Chi Shin Street in Tseung Kwan O. During a surprise inspection on December 9 last year, EPD staff found that construction work was carried out with the use of cranes at around 8pm and without a valid Construction Noise Permit (CNP). The EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the main contractor under the NCO after investigation and gathering sufficient evidence.

     Under the NCO, carrying out general construction work involving use of powered mechanical equipment, or carrying out prescribed construction works (such as erection or dismantling of formwork and hammering etc.) within a designated area during the restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or any time on a general holiday) are generally forbidden unless a valid CNP is in force. 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.

     The NCO aims to protect the public from disturbance of rest and to minimise noise nuisance. The spokesman stressed that construction contractors should schedule the works at daytime and on non-general holidays as far as possible. If the construction work has to be conducted during the restricted hours, the contractor has to obtain prior approval from the EPD. The department will conduct noise impact assessment in accordance with the statutory procedures. The contractor should carry out the works in accordance with the conditions set out in the CNP issued by the EPD. Contractors must also implement noise mitigation measures, such as installing fence and using low-noise powered mechanical equipment to minimise noise nuisance.
 
Ends/Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:45
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