Curb noise nuisance or face hefty fines – EPA warns public about health risks

Noise pollution is becoming an increasingly serious public health concern in Guyana, with prolonged exposure linked to conditions such as elevated blood pressure and mental disorders, according to Head of the Investigation and Enforcement Department at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Surijpaul Singh.

Speaking during an interview on the Guyana Today Show, Singh warned that the effects of excessive noise extend beyond mere disturbance and can significantly impact the well-being of individuals, particularly those considered vulnerable.
“So definitely, it is something that is very serious because we have, I would say, a lot of sensitive receptors. And when I say sensitive receptors, these are persons who are affected by noise severely,” Singh explained. “Exposure to noise… [can have] severe consequences. So, whether it’s elevated blood pressure, you can even get mental disorders from continuous noise.”
Duty of care campaign
Singh’s remarks come as the EPA continues to roll out its Duty of Care Campaign, an initiative aimed at educating citizens about their responsibility to minimise the environmental impact of their activities, including noise.
“Our Duty of Care Campaign is basically there to let people know of their responsibility, let them know what they’re responsible for, what actions they can take to actually mitigate impacts from their activities,” he said.
As part of ongoing efforts to address noise nuisance, the EPA has been working closely with the Guyana Police Force through a formal agreement, allowing for joint interventions and investigations.
“So we have an existing memorandum of agreement with the Guyana Police Force, where they assist us, and we assist them. So, it’s a joint effort where we can investigate matters together… and address noise nuisance collectively,” Singh noted.
He explained that while the EPA has direct oversight of commercial entities such as bars and nightclubs, members of the public are encouraged to first report domestic noise disturbances, such as loud music from neighbours or supermarkets, to the nearest police station.
“For noise nuisance cases… we would advise persons to first reach out to the closest police station. The proper channel is you call, you lodge a complaint… and then the police act upon it. After that, if they need further intervention, that’s where the EPA steps in,” he said.
Singh also outlined the national standards governing acceptable noise levels, which are established by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and adopted by the EPA.
“For example, residential areas… [have] a decibel level of 75 during the daytime and 65 during the nighttime,” he explained.
He added that noise levels are measured to determine compliance. He further noted that daytime hours for permissible noise typically run from 06:00h to 18:00h, while limits differ across commercial and industrial zones.
According to Singh, noise nuisance is defined under the EPA’s regulations as “any unwanted sound that is loud and continuous,” and may also include vibrations.
He urged businesses, particularly bars and nightclubs, to take proactive steps such as soundproofing their establishments and adhering to approved operating hours and noise limits.
At the individual level, Singh stressed that simple acts of consideration can go a long way in reducing the problem.
“So I have just one message for viewers… when you’re engaged in activities that will generate noise, just be mindful of your neighbours or the environment in general. Just be considerate, play your music at a moderate level, and we all can coexist,” he said.
The EPA has also been increasing its outreach through social media and community engagement as part of the campaign, encouraging citizens to utilise its online platforms and reporting systems to lodge complaints and seek assistance.
Noise nuisance offenders in Guyana can face substantial fines ranging from $300,000 to $750,000 GYD, along with potential imprisonment for up to one year and seizure of sound equipment.