TO maintain peace and order, the northern town of San Remigio will regulate noise pollution.

The Municipal Council en masse approved an ordinance that provides a maximum allowable noise level in school sites, hospitals, churches, residential areas, commercial areas and industrial areas at a certain period.

To establish an ambient noise quality standard, the ordinance has classified each region in the town into general areas.

Class AA are areas within 100 meters from schools, court buildings, hospital, churches and special homes for the aged that “require quietness.”

Class A are sections primarily used for residential purposes, while Class B are primarily commercial areas.

Class C are for sections primarily reserved for light industrial areas, while Class D are reserved for heavy industrial areas.

For areas under Class AA, the maximum allowable noise level is 45 decibels (db) from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is lowered to 40 db from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Residential areas are allowed a maximum of 55 db during the day and 45 db at night.

Those that fall under Classes B and C have a maximum allowable noise level of 65 and 70 db, respectively, during the day.

Heavy industrial areas are allowed 75 db during the day and 65 db at night.

Aside from this, the legislation also provides “special remedies” for establishments and community celebrations that feature live bands, videoke, fireworks display and other similar loud activities.

This includes securing a permit from the town hall, provided that the establishment is equipped with soundproofing devices if the music exceeds the allowable sound level limits.

Exempted from the ordinance are special occasions, public assemblies or election-related gatherings.

Violators will have to pay a fine ranging from P1,500 to P2,500. (RTF)