Construction contractor and workers convicted for illegally carrying out works in Shap Pat Heung in Yuen Long during holidays
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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a public complaint in mid-March this year that workers carried out construction works like wood plank cutting and scaffolding at a construction site at Fraser Village in Shap Pat Heung, Yuen Long, during holidays and caused noise nuisance. Investigations by EPD officers confirmed the construction site carried out works illegally during holidays without a valid construction noise permit (CNP) issued by the EPD. Subsequent prosecutions were initiated against all concerned parties under the NCO.
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 (i.e. between 7pm and 7am the next day on weekdays, or at any time on a general holiday), the contractor has to obtain prior approval from the EPD. 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. Noise mitigation measures, such as installing fencing and using quiet powered mechanical equipment, should also be implemented to minimise noise nuisance.
Under the NCO, carrying out general construction work involving use of powered mechanical equipment or carrying out prescribed construction works (such as scaffolding, handling debris or hammering) within a designated area during the restricted hours 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.
Ends/Monday, December 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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