Guidelines for the Control of Pollution from Construction and Demolition Sites

Construction sites can cause considerable disturbance to residents living nearby. Noise, smoke and odour can disturb sleep or work as well as causing annoyance; especially in the mornings, at weekends or on Bank Holidays.

Noise - Limit working hours to:-

Days / Times work is permitted	Permitted working times
Monday - Friday	08:00 -18:00
Saturday	8:00 -13:00
Sundays or Bank Holidays	No working

Where noisy operations or works outside these hours are unavoidable, or where work is expected to continue for long periods, liaise with local residents and the council so that everyone is kept informed and knows who to contact should problems arise.

Noise Source	Possible Controls
Common plant and machinery e.g. cement mixers, concrete Stihl 'saws', generators	Site the plant and machinery as far away as possible from noise sensitive areas. Screen noisy machinery from noise sensitive areas using existing buildings etc. where possible If the machine is stationary, fit an acoustic enclosure where necessary Machinery should be suitable for the work to be carried out, properly maintained and operated. Switch off machinery when not in use
Vehicles moving on and off site eg. Trucks, JCB's, delivery of building materials	Prevent vehicles from entering the site between 18:00 and 08:00 hours
Radios	Keep the volume of the music from radios down, and at a level that cannot be heard by nearby residents.

Smoke - The burning of any material should be avoided but if necessary care should be taken to avoid causing nuisance to neighbouring properties . Should a Statutory Smoke Nuisance (for a definition of a statutory nuisance see the first page of the nuisance information pack) exist the Environmental Protection Unit would be duty bound to serve a notice requiring that the nuisance be stopped. Failure to comply with a notice served under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 may attract a fine, upon summary conviction in a Magistrates Court, of up to £20,000. Should any materials be burnt that cause the emission of DARK SMOKE, e.g. plastics, rubber, paints etc. then this would be a contravention of the Clean Air Act 1993 and the perpetrator would be liable for prosecution, and upon conviction, again liable for a fine of up to 20,000.
Dust / Grit - Dust and Grit escaping from the site may also cause nuisance to neighbours, efforts should be made to control this, e.g. the wetting down of dusty sites. Again should a Statutory Nuisance be proved the Environmental Protection Unit would be duty bound to serve a notice requiring that the nuisance be stopped. Failure to comply with a notice served under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 may attract a fine, upon summary conviction in a Magistrates Court of up to 20,000.

For further information or advice please contact the Environmental Protection Unit :- Phone: (0151) 356 6457 / 6653 Fax: (0151) 356 6432

Complete the form by clicking on the adjacent link:- Environmental Protection - Construction /Demolition Site Guidelines Form

Write to: Environmental Protection Unit, Council Offices, 4 Civic Way; Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BE

Birth of The Port

Quick Links:

Guidelines for the Control of Pollution from Construction and Demolition Sites