Development and Regulations on Noise Control of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

摘要

The abatement of environmental noise is the main focus of the Noise Control Act enacted in Taiwan. Twenty regulations have been issued to regulate the noise pollution resulted from the growing commercial, industrial, and social activities, e.g., entertainment premises (low frequency noise -20 - 200 Hz) in 2005, factories in 2006, and construction sites in 2007. Each regulation is given a common nickname, e.g., Luban plan (constructor) and Nightingale plan (residential neighborhoods), to promote the public awareness. A 24-hr hotline is available for the public to report the noise complaints, which have been decreased from 86,317 in 2014 to 74,600 in 2016 as a result of more stringent regulations put in place. Easily recognizable quiet signs have been posted in public places since 2009 to remind the public to reduce the ambient noise levels. A roadside inspection program in collaboration with the police force was executed in 2010 to curb the noise emitted from the vehicles with modified mufflers. 26,936 vehicles were randomly inspected from 2010 to 2017, with 2,718 violations reported. Taiwan EPA continues to coordinate with both public and private sectors to abate the harmful effects of noise pollution on the public health and welfare.