Building site rules welcomed

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) has welcomed the new Environment Management Building Site Regulations which will help to mitigate the effects of demolition and development works on neighbouring residents especially where noise, dust, waste and storage of building materials are concerned.

However the environment lobby said it was very disappointed to note that although excessive noise is one of the main problems for those living close to building sites, regulations constraining noise are initially exempted and will only be introduced at a later, unspecified date.

In the case of noise, the Legal Notice sets limits at those already laid out in current legislation, meaning that the occupational exposure limit is that of 87 decibels.

This noise level is comparable to truck traffic whereas the noise caused by a chain saw or a pneumatic drill would be above the allowable limit.

FAA said the regulations also stipulate a set "siesta" period between 2 and 4 p.m. during which work exceeding the acceptable parameters as per current legislation will have to cease.

Although a far cry from assuring the least possible inconvenience to residents neighbouring development sites, it will be a slight relief to know that they will have a two-hour respite between morning and afternoon works.

FAA urges that these clauses be brought into effect as soon as possible.

The public may phone on 2069 9595 to report any infringements.