Up to $750K fine for noise nuisance offenders

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding the public that persons found guilty of creating noise nuisance can face hefty fines ranging from $300,000 to $750,000, along with possible arrest and seizure of equipment.

Speaking on an episode of the ‘Police and You’ programme, Surujpaul Singh, Head of Investigation and Enforcement at the EPA on Sunday said the agency continues to receive a high number of noise complaints from across the country.

However, many of these reports come from persons who wish to remain anonymous.

“Once we have a location, we can go and investigate. But when the Police are called in, a formal statement is needed to move the matter forward,”Singh said.

The EPA has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to tackle noise nuisance cases more effectively. Under this partnership, police ranks are being trained in the use of sound level meters, which measure the intensity of noise at specific locations.

Singh said according to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), acceptable sound levels in residential areas are 75 decibels during the day and 60 decibels at night.

Activities that exceed these limits, including music from bars, workshops, or public events like weddings and parties, can lead to penalties.

Singh emphasized that formal complaints are essential for cases to be pursued and that once a report is made at a police station or through the EPA’s official channels, enforcement action can be taken swiftly.

“If you’re being affected by noise from an event or a nearby establishment, lodge a formal complaint. That’s the only way the matter can be prioritized and dealt with legally,” Singh urged.

Although the agency has not prosecuted anyone for noise nuisance so far this year, Singh said the EPA is working on arrangements that will allow the Police to charge offenders directly under EPA regulations.

The EPA is also promoting voluntary compliance, encouraging business owners particularly bar operators to install soundproofing or enclose their facilities to minimize disturbances.

As the Christmas season approaches, Singh warned that monitoring will be intensified and urged citizens to operate within the law.