•  Legal framework to regulate vibration-related damage
•  Quarry blasting and construction activities targeted
• Tougher penalties for air, water and soil pollution
• Warrantless action for select environmental offences

Vibration pollution caused by quarry blasting and construction activities will, for the first time, come under dedicated legal regulation, with the new Environmental Bill set to be presented to Parliament next week introducing powers to curb environmental and social damage caused by excessive vibrations.

Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Director General, Kapila Mahesh Rajapaksha, told The Daily Morning yesterday (18) the new Legislation would take a stricter approach towards environmental issues, including water, air and noise pollution, while also addressing the impact of vibrations on the environment.

He said that although the existing Environmental Law does not contain specific legal provisions relating to vibrations, the new Act would include measures for vibration management and controlling the damage caused by vibration-related activities. Rajapaksha explained that vibrations mainly occur due to activities such as quarry blasting and construction work, including the driving of concrete piles, which could affect nearby buildings and communities in the surrounding areas.

“In the case of blasting activities, we monitor factors such as the frequency of the vibrations, the ground movement and the air pressure generated through explosions,” he explained. He noted that when licences are issued for blasting activities, conditions are imposed regarding the number of blasts permitted, the methods to be used, and the maximum vibration levels that must be maintained.

However, if complaints are received regarding damage such as cracks in buildings or excessive vibrations, the authorities can measure the vibration levels and take action, including stopping blasting activities or cancelling the licences if required, he said. He further said that institutions such as the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) could be engaged to conduct vibration tests to assess the impact of blasting activities. Rajapaksha said that environmental issues such as noise pollution, air pollution and vibrations are among the major environmental concerns addressed by the new Legislation.

He added that the new Act would also strengthen legal action against environmental offences including water, air and soil pollution, with some offences being considered as “cognisable offences”, thereby allowing the authorities to take action without a warrant under specified circumstances.