Victims of noise pollution may soon have their prayers heard with a dedicated 24/7 hotline through which they can file and track their complaints.
There should be a separate discussion on village feasts and fireworks
Environment Minister Mario de Marco yesterday published a White Paper on noise pollution, which made this proposal, and he invited the public to contribute to a two-month consultation process.
Dr de Marco said the White Paper should spark a debate about the way forward on this important issue which had dominated the feedback received during the National Environment Policy process.
Authored by the University’s head lecturer of environmental law Simone Borg, the White Paper analyses the current legislation and regulation bodies regarding noise pollution.
Dr de Marco said neighbourhood noise legislation was fragmented, with various institutions responsible for different aspects, forcing individuals to go from one department to the other and resulting in a “lack of ownership” from the authorities responsible. The White Paper proposes setting up a Noise Control Board, which will streamline and update existing guidelines and regulations according to latest developments.
The board will be made up of representatives from various institutions and authorities, as well as a representative from an environmental NGO.
Meanwhile, a 24/7 hotline will be set up to receive and redirect complaints, with the help of a tracking system which will ensure accountability and enable callers to follow up their complaints. Dr de Marco said the White Paper was drawn up in consultation with the social partners, the three political parties and NGOs, particularly the Noise Abatement Society of Malta, which was present for the press conference.
The White Paper proposes a preventive approach to noise pollution and stresses that excessive noise has adverse effects on health and the environment.
It proposes new subsidiary legislation under the existing Environment and Development Planning Act to impose criminal liability (in the form of fines, not imprisonment) for serious noise-related offences, introducing stiffer penalties.
Meanwhile, complainants will be able to use both subjective and objective thresholds to make their complaints. Today, most laws allow only for subjective criteria, meaning the courts must decide whether the noise is excessive.
With the introduction of objective noise limit values as established by the World Health Organisation, complainants will be able to prove their case factually. However, they will still be able to use subjective criteria in cases where measurements do not satisfy.
The White Paper says there should be a separate discussion on village feasts and fireworks which although could be a nuisance, were part of a cultural tradition.
However, Dr de Marco pointed out that the paper made mention of fireworks regulations and if people notice a breach of these regulations they would eventually be able to call the hotline.
The White Paper, entitled Neighbourhood Noise Prevention, Abatement and Control, can be found online at www.tsdu.gov.mt/noise. Questions and suggestions can be emailed to noise.mtce@gov.mt. Consultation will close on April 15.