Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Noise Monitoring Protocols of Construction Sites

Question:

Ms Gho Sze Kee: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) how does NEA monitor noise levels at construction sites, including (i) how many Leq-5-minutes readings are taken per day per work site, (ii) how many noise meters are emplaced for each work site and (iii) whether NEA also measures Lmax or maximum noise levels; and (b) how does NEA use these values in assessing compliance and addressing resident complaints.

Answer:

Contractors of construction sites within 150m of noise sensitive premises, such as hospitals, schools and residential premises, are required to install noise meters. The National Environment Agency (NEA) specifies the number of noise meters to be installed and their locations, based on the construction site characteristics. These noise meters take measurements continuously and record the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) at five-minute intervals throughout the day. They are also able to measure spikes such as the maximum noise level (Lmax).

NEA refers to the recorded Leq noise levels to determine compliance with the permissible noise limits stipulated under the Environment Protection and Management (Control of Noise at Construction Sites) Regulations. This is aligned with WHO's guidelines which recommend Leq measurements for continuous and ongoing noise. NEA takes strict enforcement action against contractors who exceed the permissible noise levels, with more severe enforcement action typically taken for repeated offences as well as those with a longer duration of exceedances.

NEA will continue to review the regulations, including the possible use of Lmax, to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in protecting public health.