Oman

EA issues regulations to control noise levels

 
Muscat: Regulations have been issued by the Environment Authority (EA) to reduce noise pollution, which can have a negative effect on human health.

A fine of RO300 to RO500 will be imposed on those who violate these regulations.

Noise control regulations apply to industrial units and public works, transportation, airports, building and construction work, and air transportation.

For residential, tourist, entertainment, hospital, and school areas, the noise level limit is 50 LAEQ T(dB) during the day and 40 LAEQ T(dB) at night; for commercial areas, it is 65 LAEQ T(dB) during the day and 55 LAEQ T(dB) at night; for main and expressway routes, 65 LAEQ T(dB) during the day and 55 LAEQ T(dB) during the night; and for industrial areas, 70 LAEQ T(dB) during the day and 65 LAEQ T(dB).

The industrial sector and public works include factories, commercial equipment, assembly, dismantling, and repair work, power stations, extraction and pumping facilities, water desalination facilities, mining projects, oil and gas extraction projects, and related projects, refineries and sewage treatment facilities.

In cities, motorized transportation methods include public, private, and express roads.

Construction and building works include excavation, construction, demolition, restoration, and related activities.

Ground operations at airports include transportation operations, vehicles that test aircraft, and other related equipment and facilities, such as workshops, testing machines, and fueling stations.

General commercial air transport operations include any operations starting from applying the brakes immediately after take-off until leaving the runway after landing.

The noise level devices used by the operator or the owner of the units should approved by the Environment Authority.