Loud music blaring from cars and push carts; construction equipment operating, amplifiers blasting from places of worship; dogs barking in the middle of the night; loud generators and equipment operating at various types of workshops are examples of noise pollution around us.  Some get accustomed to the noise while others find it an unbearable nuisance.

Elevated noise levels have scientifically been found to affect the psychological and physical health of humans by causing anxiety and stress and impairment of hearing.  Noise pollution also affects wildlife, for example, whales and birds depend on hearing to find food and communicate and their signals are distorted by loud noise. Noise also affects breeding in animals e.g. frogs cannot hear each other’s mating calls.

To control noise pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the Environmental Protection – Noise Regulations (2000). The Regulations sets noise levels that are allowed in the day and night for operations in residential and industrial locations. These noise limits seek to protect citizens from excessive noise emanating from vehicles, sound systems, construction activities etc.

Before we examine the Noise Regulations, let us establish what is noise pollution. The traditional definition of noise is“unwanted or disturbing sound”.  Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes one’s quality of life.

The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations (2000)

The Regulations sets out that:

• A person or business must apply for approval from the EPA before operating any sound-making device in a public place, e.g., anyone holding a barbecue or open air party, the owner of a hotel who uses generators to supply electricity etc.
• Construction activities, except public works, may be stopped during certain hours of the day on the complaint of a neighbour.
• Operators of entertainment business are required to soundproof buildings if operating beyond midnight.
• No person is allowed to operate any sound-making device or equipment in a public place between the hours of 23:00 h and 07:00 h, except with the prior written permission of the EPA.
• Anyone affected by noise has the right to file a complaint with the EPA.
• Any building, vehicle or private premises should not exceed the following decibel levels:

Anyone involved in an activity causing sound levels above those specified in table above will be committing an offence and liable to a fine varying from $80,000 to $750,000, or imprisonment of not more than a year, depending on the offence.

To make a report on noise nuisance you can call 225-6044/225-5471/225-5467 or email to epa@epaguyana.org or eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Sources: http://www.epa.gov/air/noise.html; http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.co