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Press
Releases - 1998
Noisy
piling hammers to be phased out
Noise
level generated from percussive piling will be significantly
reduced as a more stringent control on noisy hammers comes
into effect tomorrow (Wednesday).
The tightened
control, under the Noise Control Ordinance, will phase out
the use of three types of noisy hammers - diesel, pneumatic
and steam hammers in built-up areas and replace them with
quieter alternatives such as the hydraulic ones.
Principal
Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Chan Kam-sun, said hydraulic
hammers were more environmentally friendly than the old noisy
hammers.
"They
are about two to nine dB(A) quieter under the same site conditions
and will not emit filthy smoke," he said.
The phasing
out of the three types of noisy hammers will be implemented
in stages starting from April 1998 in accordance with "the
Technical Memorandum on Noise from Percussive Piling" issued
under the Ordinance.
After
the final phase on October 1, 1999, the use of noisy hammers
in built-up areas will not be authorised in construction noise
permits. Nonetheless, they could still be used in remote areas.
Mr Chan
said the Environmental Protection Department would progressively
refuse to issue permits for the use of these noisy hammers,
starting with piling sites closest to sensitive receivers
such as schools or dwellings.
"The
phasing out programme has given sufficient time for suppliers
of quieter alternatives to meet the demand and reduce the
impact on the construction industry," he said.
Mr Chan
added that the Administration had already taken the lead in
promoting the use of alternative environmentally friendly
methods in public works and housing projects since July 1,
1997.
Carrying
out percussive piling without a permit, or not in accordance
with the permit conditions, will be liable to a maximum fine
of $100,000 on first conviction, $200,000 on second or subsequent
convictions, and a further fine up to $20,000 for each day
during which the offence continues.
End/Tuesday,
March 31, 1998
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