DETR lends an ear to noise nuisance

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), which plays a

leading role through its EHO members in dealing with the public over a wide

range of problems which constitute “nuisance”, produced figures recently

showing that noise complaints, across all complaint sectors, are continuing

to rise.

Nuisances confirmed increased from 1996-97 to 1997-98 for all sectors, with

the number of notices served also increasing over all three categories,

industrial and commercial, domestic and construction/ demolition. In the

domestic area complaints received in 1997-98 totalled 68,133.

Prosecutions for noise, however, have decreased in all categories. Some 76%

of local authorities operate an out-of-hours noise complaint service. This

has increased over a five year period by 17%.

Criticising the “hype” in the press over complaints over domestic noise, Mr

Price says: “For the future, the emphasis needs to move from cure to

prevention, while maintaining a greater scepticism of statistics.”

On the pest control front the CIEH reports that the number of authorities

providing a comprehensive disinfestation service continuing to fall, as

expected.

While the number of premises treated for cockroach infestation has risen by

84%, from 6,545 in 1993-94 to 12,052 in 1997-98, perhaps surprisingly, the

Institute states: “Claims that rat populations are increasing are not borne

out by the trend in the number of premises treated.”

Noise attitudes survey

The Government has been lending an ear to public concern over noise, having

commissioned two surveys, both on contract to the Building Research

Establishment – a Noise Attitudes Survey and a Noise Incidence Survey.

Last month (December 1999) Stanger Science & Environment, an environmental

consultancy within Carillion plc, was awarded the contract to be the

technical research support manager to the Noise and Statutory Nuisance team

at the DETR.

Industry is also increasingly aware of its responsibility in terms of

preventing noise pollution: the construction industry research body, CIRIA,

last year published a new site booklet, How much noise do you make ? (PR70)

which provides information on the assessment and control of noise arising

from construction work.

In November 1999 the Environmental and Safety Engineering Group of the

Institution of Mechanical Engineers mounted a seminar on the theme of Noise

and Vibration Legislation: Enforcement, Compliance and Benefits.