RTA takes firm stand on noise levels

In response to reader queries on noisy construction during the night and weekends on Metro station sites, the CEO of the Rail Agency at Road Transport Authority (RTA) has said that the Authority takes a firm stand on noisy construction at night and sends its EHS inspector to monitor the noise levels and see that they are consistent with the Dubai Municipality (DM) standards should complaints arise.

"DM permits construction work after 8pm with limits on the amount of noise generated. The contractor, under the direct supervision from an engineer, who is working on behalf of the Rail Agency of RTA, should follow DM guidelines and NOCs. Noisy activities are allowed in weekends but only between 10am to 5pm after getting an NOC from DM," Adnan Alhammadi, CEO, Rail Agency at the RTA, told Emirates Business in an exclusive e-mailed response.

What are your detailed guidelines to contractors when they sign up in terms of construction next to residential areas?

The local order 61 of year 1991 (Environment Protection in the Emirate of Dubai) and Dubai Municipality Technical Guideline number 53 (Environmental Impact Assessment procedures) should have been followed, as part of the approval procedures. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out and approval was obtained from the Dubai Municipality prior to the start of the [Metro] project."

Are the guidelines the same for roads and Metro or do they vary?

Dubai Municipality Technical Guideline number 53 is applicable to all mega projects regardless of the project type. This is in addition to local order 61 of year 1991 (Environment Protection in the Emirate of Dubai).

What are the noise level guidelines?

The work on the Metro is carried out in accordance with the guidelines published by DM and the Rail Agency of RTA has obtained NOC from Dubai Municipality for the Dubai Metro Project.

Does the RTA follow DM guidelines for construction or are they unique to the RTA?

I believe DM does not permit construction after 8pm. For the Metro, its guidelines are followed. DM permits construction work after 8pm with limits on the amount of noise generated.

The contractor, under the direct supervision from the engineer, who is working on behalf of the Rail Agency of RTA, should follow DM guidelines and NOCs, Noisy activities are not allowed between 8pm to 7am. Permit should be obtained from DM for special cases.

What about working on weekends?

DM does not prohibit work during weekends. But the NOC states that noisy activities are allowed in weekends only between 10am to 5pm and a permit should be obtained from DM for special cases.

What does RTA do in terms of surprise checks and inspections to see if contractors are following these guidelines?

Again, the contractor under the direct supervision from the engineer, who is working on behalf of the Rail Agency, conducts regular environmental monitoring, where competent people use calibrated devices.

However, the Rail Agency environment team conducts regular site audits and inspections, as well as site visits in case of complaints. We have noise monitoring device, which we use just to verify noise levels and in case of emergency.

Does the RTA fine erring contractors?

If the contractor breaches the contract, then fines can be imposed. In addition, Dubai Municipality can impose fine in case if the limits for the environmental aspects (noise, vibration, dust, etc) exceed the limits set by DM in the NOC.

Does the RTA have a provision to assist residents when they call and complain on such issues?

The RTA has a complaint system, which can be reached through a hotline or through our main website. There is a team designated to respond to the public complaints, which channels the complaints immediately to the relevant authorities within the RTA to handle the cases.

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