Newsletter
LOW-FREQUENCY NOISE CON-TROLS
Under Article 7 of the Noise Control Act, noise emitted by the following premises, works, and facilities within a noise control zone may not exceed the noise control standards set by the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA):
。factories and workshops;
。leisure and entertainment establishments;
。business premises;
。construction works;
。public address systems; and
。other premises, works, and facilities an-nounced by a competent authority.
The EPA recently announced methods for measuring low-frequency noise, and brought low-frequency noise within the scope of controls under the Act. With effect from 1 July 2005, in addition to complying with general noise control standards, equipment such as refrigeration water towers, air-conditioning systems, and extractor fans, located at business premises, entertainment establishments, or residential zones, also has to comply with low-frequency noise control stan-dards. Any non-complying equipment will trigger fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$30,000, and a time limit may be set for im-provement. If improvements are not made within the specified period, successive fines may be applied on a daily basis and the environmental authorities may order suspension of work, op-eration, or use.