On February 27, 2026, the Chilean Official Gazette published Supreme Decree No. 14/2024 of the Ministry of the Environment, establishing the new Noise Emission Standard for Fixed Sources and replacing the current D.S. No. 38/2011. It is the first substantive update to this regulation in over a decade, and it brings changes that directly affect industrial, energy, port, infrastructure and construction projects across Chile.
Below we summarize the essentials for anyone who needs to assess their exposure to this new standard.
Who does it apply to?
D.S. No. 14/2024 regulates fixed noise sources: any activity, process, work or facility located on a property, site or establishment that generates noise affecting the community. This includes productive, commercial, entertainment and service activities, construction works, and energy, sanitation, transport and telecommunications infrastructure. Equipment such as air conditioning or machinery is also covered, even when it operates inside homes or buildings.
Key changes from D.S. No. 38/11
Zoning: emission limits by zone (I to IV) are maintained, but the land-use combinations corresponding to each zone are clarified, and rules are added to resolve cases not expressly regulated.
Noise in rural areas: the minimum background noise measurement period is extended, and a tiered limit system is introduced based on the existing background noise level. For projects entering the SEIA (Environmental Impact Assessment System), the applicable background noise level will be the one established during the environmental assessment or in the corresponding RCA (Environmental Qualification Resolution).
Measurement methodologies: measurement procedures are updated and a specific methodology is introduced for wind farms, along with new corrections for impulsive and residual noise.
SMA protocols: the Superintendency of the Environment (SMA) must develop noise measurement and prediction protocols, with at least specific protocols for general fixed sources, wind farms, and energy transmission or transport infrastructure.
Enforcement: the role of municipalities in enforcement is strengthened, and «good practice» plans will be required for sectors such as construction and nighttime entertainment venues.
Timeline for entry into force
The standard generally enters into force 30 months after its publication, i.e., on August 27, 2028. However, for projects entering the SEIA from the publication date onward, the requirement begins to apply sooner: in 18 months, on August 27, 2027. In the meantime, D.S. No. 38/2011 remains in force.
What should your company do now?
Although the deadlines may seem distant, projects currently in the design, SEIA submission or expansion stage should already be evaluating how the new zoning criteria, rural noise rules and measurement methodologies affect their baseline and acoustic modeling — especially for wind farms, energy infrastructure and projects with receptors in rural areas.
If your project could be affected by this regulatory change, let’s talk: we can review the scope of your noise study in light of D.S. No. 14/2024 and the D.S. No. 38/11 standard that remains in force during the transition.
He leads Acústica Austral’s environmental noise and vibration studies for the SEIA across energy, port and infrastructure projects, and has contributed to reference work for Chile’s Ministry of the Environment.
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Guide to the D.S. N°14/2024 and the acoustic checklist for entering the SEIA, in PDF. We email them to you.