The Colombian Senate, with a noisy environment reaching levels of up to 90 decibels, has approved the anti-noise law in its fourth and final debate.
The project, led by Antioquia representative Daniel Carvalho, seeks to harmonize the 17 existing national regulations to address noise pollution and reduce the noise levels in the country.
Issues with Noise Pollution
In 2006, Colombia established maximum levels of noise emissions in different sectors, depending on the time of day. In residential areas, noise levels should not exceed 65 dBA during the day or 55 dBA at night.
However, 25% of the urban population in cities like Cali, Medellín, and Bogotá is exposed to higher levels. Reports from the Network of Cities How We Are indicate that noise pollution is one of the main environmental issues concerning Colombians.
Initiatives and Proposed Changes
The new law establishes that within a year, the National Government will issue a noise quality policy to harmonize the different regulations.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment will review and update the maximum noise levels set in 2006, including indicators to assess noise pollution, strategic noise maps, and the definition of acoustically saturated areas.
Local Plans and Fines
Municipalities with over 100,000 inhabitants will have a year and a half to develop an action plan to manage noise. The law also includes special measures for sound-sensitive individuals, such as those on the autism spectrum, and involves the Ministry of Transportation and municipalities in reducing traffic noise and noise from major events.
Fines for disturbing the peace of a neighborhood will be increased, rising from 8 to 16 daily legal minimum wages. Agents may use various evidence to impose penalties, not limited to measurements from a sound level meter.
Awareness and Compliance
The law includes the establishment of a noise quality surveillance subsystem, with a real-time platform similar to the noise map of the metropolitan area of Valle de Aburrá.
Furthermore, focus will be placed on citizen awareness campaigns to address the cultural noise issue.
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