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Table 8 of RCER-2025 Volume I limits noise at the property line as L10, the level that may not be exceeded more than 10% of the measured time: 75 dBA for industrial areas, 65 dBA for small business and commercial areas and 50 dBA over 18 hours for residential and institutional areas. A facility with equipment above 85 dBA surveys its perimeter at least once a year and reports within 30 days. The Royal Commission gets at least 14 days’ notice of noise monitoring. RCER-2025 counts days as working days. Appendix J of Volume II sets the measurement method.
Key terms used in this guide 1 terms
- Day
- Refers to a working day. RCER-2025 Vol. I, Glossary, page ix
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What are the limits?
Table 8 sets the maximum noise measured at the property line that may not be exceeded more than 10% of the measured time (L10):RCER-2025 Vol. I, Table 8, page 113
| Industrial | 75 dBA (L10, 1 hour), the same day and night |
|---|---|
| Small business and commercial | 65 dBA (L10, 1 hour) |
| Residential and institutional | 50 dBA (L10 over 18 hours) |
For residential, small business and commercial areas, Royal Commission and applicable national standards must also be met.RCER-2025 Vol. I, Table 8, page 113
The standards apply outside the facility’s fence next to the noise source, or in public areas.RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.1.1, page 112
No person, facility, agency or contractor may operate equipment that makes noise above Table 8 at their boundary fence.RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.1, page 112
Table sourceRCER-2025 Vol. I, Table 8, page 113
Who must carry out a boundary noise survey?
- A facility with equipment operating above 85 dBA surveys its perimeter at least once a year.RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.2, page 112
- The results go to the Royal Commission within 30 days of completing the monitoring.RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.2, page 112
- Give the Royal Commission at least 14 days’ notice before noise monitoring. The Royal Commission may witness all or part of it.RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.5, page 112
- RCER-2025 defines a day as a working day.RCER-2025 Vol. I, Glossary, Day, page ix
- The Royal Commission may waive or reduce the survey frequency if the facility shows it consistently complies.RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.3, page 112
In the permit application, form PA-M3 asks for a list of equipment above 85 dB, a plot plan of those sources, and a boundary noise model or survey report.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Form PA-M3, page M3-1
How must noise be measured?
- Follow ISO 1996 Part II or an equivalent standard, with an instrument that meets BS EN 61672-1:2013 or better.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- Class 2 sound level meter as a minimum below 40°C, and Class 1 above 40°C.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- Microphone on a tripod at 1.2 to 1.5 m, and where feasible at least 3 m from walls and other reflecting surfaces.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- No rain and wind below 5 m/s. Record the weather and ambient temperature in a logbook.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- A-weighting, fast response, and L10 compared with the Volume I limits.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- At least 5 minutes at each location around the perimeter.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- Field calibration before and after. A difference of more than 1 dB between the two may make the measurements invalid and mean repeating them.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- Measurements by personnel trained to use the equipment.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
What goes in the report?
Appendix J gives an outline for a boundary noise report: a cover page, an approval page signed by the author, reviewer and approver, an executive summary, an introduction with the RCER limits, the scope and method, results with a summary table and the pre and post calibration checks, and conclusions. The annexes hold the raw data, a layout of the monitoring points, the calibration certificates and the RC authorisation letter.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, pages J-3 and J-4
What are the fines?
| Clause 8.2.1, noise above Table 8 at the boundary fence | 5,000 to 10,000 riyals |
|---|---|
| Clause 8.2.2, annual perimeter survey and 30 day report | 120,000 to 180,000 riyals |
| Clause 8.2.5, 14 days’ notice of monitoring | 10,000 to 40,000 riyals |
Table sourceRCER-2025 Vol. III, Table 3.1, page 9
What can go wrong?
- Measuring in rain or in wind of 5 m/s or more.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- Skipping the calibration check at the end of the survey.RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- Sending the notice of monitoring with fewer than 14 working days to go.RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.5, page 112
We are approved by the Royal Commission for noise studies and carry out annual perimeter surveys to Appendix J.
References
Each small number in this guide shows the article or section that point comes from. Hover over or tap a number to see it, or open the full list below.
Show all 11 references and the 3 regulation texts
- RCER-2025 Vol. I, Table 8, page 113
- RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.1.1, page 112
- RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.1, page 112
- RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.2, page 112
- RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.5, page 112
- RCER-2025 Vol. I, Glossary, Day, page ix
- RCER-2025 Vol. I, 8.2.3, page 112
- RCER-2025 Vol. II, Form PA-M3, page M3-1
- RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, page J-2
- RCER-2025 Vol. II, Appendix J, pages J-3 and J-4
- RCER-2025 Vol. III, Table 3.1, page 9
How to read these references 3 texts cited
- RCER-2025 Vol. I
- Royal Commission Environmental Regulations 2025, Volume I, Regulations and Standards
- RCER-2025 Vol. I, 1.3.6, page 6 means Volume I, clause 1.3.6, on printed page 6. All three volumes define a day as a working day.
The three RCER-2025 volumes are listed in the Royal Commission library.
Regulation texts this guide is written from
- Royal Commission Environmental Regulations 2025, Volume I, Regulations and Standards
- Royal Commission Environmental Regulations 2025, Volume II, Environmental Permits and Licenses Program
- Royal Commission Environmental Regulations 2025, Volume III, Penalty System and Service Charges
This guide is general information written from the regulation texts listed above. It is not legal advice. Regulations change, and the official text always prevails. Spotted something out of date? Request a change.