By Sue-Ann Wayow
WITH Independence Day celebrations coming up and a grand firework display planned, one group is asking the organisers to be considerate of persons and animals who may not be able to handle the loud noise.
The Fireworks Action Coalition of Trinidad & Tobago (FACTT) issued a media release on Monday saying while there was no problem with celebrating 60 years of Independence, the impact on the use of traditional fireworks should be evaluated.
Fireworks displays are being planned for Queen’s Park Savannah, San Fernando Hill and Arima Velodrome on August 31.
FACTT proposes that until legislation is passed, it be required that all use of fireworks must be approved and licensed by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and that the locations approved for the disbursements of fireworks must result in not more than 60 dB noise level impacting medical facilities, homes for the elderly, farms, animal sanctuaries and residential areas, in consideration of 175 dB at point of explosion.
FACTT said, “There is no such thing as noiseless or silent fireworks. Those fireworks referred to as noiseless or silent are actually just less noisy and can emit sounds at about 70 dB at point of explosion. The growth of fireworks both in terms of usage and noise level has dramatically increased over the years to the extent that the industry is causing harm to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the Government continues to do nothing to protect its citizens from a health, safety and national security perspective.”
The group is also suggesting other alternative methods of celebrations such as “a national plant a tree” or “clean a beach” celebration with laser light displays.
