Construction contractor in Tseung Kwan O convicted for illegally carrying out works at night
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A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the department received a complaint from the resident against the noise nuisance at night generated by the construction site of an international school in Tseung Kwan O. During follow-up investigations, EPD staff found that the contractor carried out construction works using a concrete lorry after 7pm, which is within the restricted hours, and without a valid Construction Noise Permit (CNP). The EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the contractor under the NCO after investigation and evidence gathering.
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) within a designated area during the restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or at any time on a general holiday) is forbidden and 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 works for the daytime and 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 construction works shall commence only when the CNP has been granted upon completion of assessment to support that its noise level would comply with regulatory requirements. Contractors must also implement noise mitigation measures, such as installing fencing and using low-noise powered mechanical equipment to minimise noise nuisance.
Ends/Thursday, December 7, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:07
Issued at HKT 15:07
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