Working to lower noise level

I REFER to Mr David Chan's letter (South China Morning Post, January 22) concerning the noise from emergency road works in the vicinity of Village Road and Tsui Man Street.

Under the current Noise Control Ordinance, the use of powered mechanical equipment for construction work is normally prohibited during restricted hours without a permit from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).

However, exceptions are made when it comes to restoring utilities/facilities like gas, electricity and water mains to save life and property and to prevent serious interruption to the public.

Details of such works, handled under an Emergency Works Reporting System, are later reportedto the EPD. We received this report on the repair of a burst fresh water main from the Water Supplies Department after the Lunar New Year holidays, and understandthat the equipment used was of a quieter type, complying with our new regulations to minimise the disturbance.

We are, however, reviewing these procedures again to see what further improvements can be made.

STEVEN W.F. HO Principal Environmental Protection Officer for Director of Environmental Protection