Amid its colonial charm and picturesque landscapes, the city of San Miguel de Allende faces a growing challenge: noise pollution caused by excessively loud music.
In a city where tranquility and serenity are an integral part of its appeal, the increase in noise levels has raised concerns among its inhabitants, reports from the Municipal Government reveal.
According to a report from the Department of Environment and Sustainability, complaints about noise levels have been increasing in the city’s businesses in recent years.
The municipal agency revealed that, in 2021, 150 reports of excessive noise were attended by local authorities, a figure that increased to 182 in 2022. By 2023 there were 142 reports and so far this year, 95 reports of excessive noise have been registered.
In recent years, at least 569 commercial establishments have been visited by inspectors, data from the department that regulates this problem reveal.
Municipal regulations establish limits of 68 decibels in commercial areas from 6 in the morning to 10 at night, and 65 decibels (dB) from 10 at night to 6 in the morning.
According to various graphs showing decibel levels in different ranges, 60 to 70 dB is considered a high noise level, equivalent to listening to a television at a moderate volume or sitting in light traffic.
Noise pollution is recognized by the World Health Organization as a public health problem, with negative impacts on stress, sleep, cardiovascular disease and mental health.
According to San Miguel citizens consulted by local media, the establishments where noise pollution is detected are bars, canteens, workshops, private homes and even houses that function as temporary lodging.
However, the requested report indicates that there is no major recurrence in any street, neighborhood, establishment or in any particular area of San Miguel de Allende.
What to do about excessive noise?
In the event of excessive noise, reports can be made to the Directorate of Environment and Sustainability of San Miguel de Allende. If it is positive and emanates from a fixed source, three measurements will be made outside the business from different points with a sound level meter.
If the measurements violate the limits of the area, the schedules and the decibels of the Environment and Sustainability regulations or the Official Mexican Standard NOM-081-SEMARNAT-1994, an administrative procedure will begin.
To report or perceive excess sound emitted by a fixed source, such as the electric generator in a business, air conditioning equipment or industrial machinery, you can do so from Monday to Friday from 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon to the telephone numbers (415) 150 1727 and (415) 154 9589.
Sanctions
If you are reported for acoustically contaminating the quiet environment of San Miguel de Allende, you may be subject to a reprimand, warning, fine and even temporary or permanent closure.
Closure may occur if the offender does not comply with the deadlines and conditions imposed by the authority, with the corrective or urgently applied measures ordered; when you are a repeat offender for infractions that generate negative effects on the environment; or if there is repeated contempt on three or more occasions, to comply with one or more corrective or urgently applicable measures imposed by the authority.
The offender could also be subject to administrative arrest for up to 36 hours in detention; to the confiscation of instruments directly related to the conduct that gives rise to the imposition of the sanction and of the products related to violations of the regulations; as well as the suspension or revocation of the corresponding concessions, licenses, permits or authorizations.
San Miguel Times
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