TNAG-2864-FCO40-4118-International-Covenant-on-Economic--Social-and-Cultural-Righ-1993 — Page 22

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action to remove the exemption from licensing of certain previously exempt polluting industries, a tightening of control on "nuisance" emissions, and a statutory scheme whereby stated levels of chemicals are automatically considered "dangerous to health" wherever found.

66. The Noise Control Ordinance 1988 provides a comprehensive framework of control of noise pollution. It provides in particular for controls on percussive piling, and on the use of powered mechanical equip, ent at night and at weekends and on public holidays. The Noise Control (Handled Percussive Breakers) Regulations 1991 and the Noise Control (Air Compressors) Regulations 1991, provide for detailed controls on two particularly noisy types of equipment. A further revision to the Noise Control Ordinance (for introduction in 1993) will further tighten up controls on construction noise.

67. A comprehensive package of legislation is under consideration to control effluent from livestock farms flowing into environmental waters. This package of legislation, involving a licensing scheme for livestock farmers, is expected to be enacted in 1993-94.

68.

An Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee was established in 1991 to advise on an appropriate policy on energy efficiency. Action to improve the efficiency with which energy is used in commercial buildings is expected to begin in 1992-93. Action is also in hand to consider introduction of a maximum permitted overall Thermal Transfer Value to design of commercial buildings. Both these initiatives are based on the need to minimise the pollution caused by the production of

energy.

69.

During 1991, a number of initiatives were introduced not only to improve the planning process to ensure that the environmental impact of developments was properly quantified and any damage caused rectified, but also to try to rectify problems caused by past decisions. It was agreed in early 1992 that Environmental Impact Assessments were to be released for public information. Various environmental protection measures are to be included in the major revision of the Town Planning Ordinance, which is expected to be enacted within the next two years.