2.                   noise

Introduction

2.1               In this section, the requirements, methodology, equipment, monitoring locations, criteria and protocols for the monitoring and audit of noise impacts during the construction and operational phases of the Project are presented.

Methodology and Criteria

2.2               The construction noise level shall be measured in terms of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq).  Leq (30 minutes) shall be used as the monitoring parameter for the time period between 0700 and 1900 hours on normal weekdays.  For all other time periods, Leq (15 minutes) shall be employed for comparison with the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) criteria.

2.3               Supplementary information for data auditing, statistical results such as L10 and L90 shall also be obtained for reference.  A sample data record sheet is shown in Appendix C for reference.

2.4               Whilst the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) does not provide for the statutory control of construction activities occurring on weekdays during normal working hours (i.e. Monday to Saturday inclusive 0700-1900 hours), a daytime standard of Leq(30 minute) 75dB stipulated in Annex 5 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) shall be used as the appropriate criterion for all residential dwellings; while a daytime standard of Leq(30 minute) 70dB will be adopted for all educational institutions during normal school days and Leq (30 minute) 65dB during examination periods.

2.5               The NCO provides statutory controls on general construction works during restricted hours (i.e. 1900-0700 hours Monday to Saturday and at any time on Sundays and public holidays). The ANLs for evenings and holidays and for night-time are dependent on the Area Sensitivity Rating at the NSR. The relevant ANLs are provided in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1          Acceptable Noise Levels (ANLs)

Time Period

Area Sensitivity Rating

A

B

C

All days during the evening (1900-2300 hours) and general holidays (including Sundays) during the day and evening (0700-2300 hours)

60

65

70

All days during the night-time (2300-0700)

45

50

55

2.6               The locations of noise sensitive receivers (NSRs) within and adjacent to the project area are shown in Figure 2.1.

Monitoring Equipment

2.7               As referred to the Technical Memorandum (TM) issued under the NCO, sound level meters in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651: 1979 (Type 1) and 804: 1985 (Type 1) specifications shall be used for carrying out the noise monitoring.  Immediately prior to and following each noise measurement the accuracy of the sound level meter shall be checked using an acoustic calibrator generating a known sound pressure level at a known frequency.  Measurements may be accepted as valid only if the calibration levels from before and after the noise measurement agree to within 1.0 dB.

2.8               Noise measurements should not be made in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5ms-1 or wind with gusts exceeding 10ms-1. The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s.

2.9               The ET is responsible for the provision of the monitoring equipment.  He shall ensure that sufficient noise measuring equipment and associated instrumentation are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring.  All the equipment and associated instrumentation shall be clearly labelled.

Monitoring Locations

2.10            Based on the EIA Report, locations designated for construction noise monitoring are listed in Table 2.2 and illustrated in Figure 2.2.

Table 2.2          Noise Monitoring Stations during Construction Phase

Identification No.

NSR ID in EIA Report

Noise Monitoring Location

CN1

PTS

Old Teaching Block, Police Training School

CN2

CV2

Country Villa, 28 Shouson Hill Road

CN3

IV1

Island View

CN4

MV

Manly Villa

2.11            During operational phase, potential fixed noise source impact would arise from the fixed plant within the Park and the proposed lagoon night show at the Aqua City.  Monitoring of fixed noise source impact shall be conducted at the locations as listed in Table 2.3 and illustrated in Figure 2.3.

Table 2.3          Noise Monitoring Stations during Operational Phase

Identification No.

NSR ID in EIA Report

Noise Monitoring Location

ON1

PTS

Old Teaching Block, Police Training School

ON2

HA

The Hazelton

ON3

OR

Orchid Valley

ON4

MV

Manly Villa

ON5

HY

Hau Yuen

 

2.12            The status and location of noise sensitive receivers may change after issuing this manual.  If such cases exist, the ET Leader shall propose updated monitoring locations and seek approval from the ER and agreement from the IEC on the proposal.  The ET leader shall also inform EPD on the proposal.  When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the monitoring locations shall be chosen based on the following criteria:

·         Monitoring at sensitive receivers close to the major site activities which are likely to have noise impacts

·         Monitoring at the noise sensitive receivers as defined in the Technical Memorandum

·         Assurance of minimal disturbance to the occupants during monitoring

2.13            The monitoring station shall normally be at a point 1m from the exterior of the noise sensitive facade and be at a position 1.2m above ground.  If there is a problem with access to the normal monitoring position, an alternative position should be chosen, and a correction to the measurements shall be made.  For reference, a correction of +3dB(A) shall be made to the free field measurements.  The ET shall agree with the IEC and EPD on the monitoring position and the corrections adopted.  Once the positions for the monitoring stations are chosen, the baseline monitoring and the impact monitoring shall be carried out at the same positions.

Baseline Monitoring

2.14            The ET shall carry out baseline noise monitoring prior to the commencement of the construction works.  The baseline monitoring shall be measured for a continuous period of at least 14 consecutive days at a minimum logging interval of 30 minutes for daytime (between 0700 and 1900 hours of normal weekdays) and 15 minutes (as three consecutive Leq, (5 minutes) readings) for evening time (between 1900 and 2300 hours of normal weekdays), general holidays including Sundays (between 0700 and 2300 hours) and night-time (between 2300 and 0700 of all days). The Leq, L10 and L90 shall be recorded at the specified interval.  A schedule on the baseline monitoring shall be submitted to the IEC for approval and EPD for information before the monitoring starts.  The baseline noise monitoring period shall cover the proposed operation hours of the Project i.e. 1000 - 2200hours.

2.15            There shall not be any construction activities in the vicinity of the stations during the baseline monitoring.  Any non-project related construction activities in the vicinity of the stations during the baseline monitoring shall be noted and the source and location recorded.

2.16            In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with the IEC to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to EPD for information.

Impact Monitoring

Construction Noise

2.17            Noise monitoring shall be carried out at all the designated monitoring stations.  The monitoring frequency shall depend on the scale of the construction activities.  An initial guide on the monitoring is to obtain one set of 30-minute measurement at each station between 0700 and 1900 hours on normal weekdays at a frequency of once a week when construction activities are underway.

2.18            If construction works are extended to include works during the hours of 1900 – 0700, or general holidays and Sundays, impact monitoring in terms of 3 consecutive Leq (5 minutes) shall be carried out at a minimum frequency of once a week during evening, general holiday or night-time works.  Applicable construction noise permits (CNP) under NCO shall be obtained by the Contractor.

2.19            In case of non-compliance with the construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in Event / Action Plan in Table 2.6 shall be carried out.  This additional monitoring shall be continued until the recorded noise levels are rectified or proved to be irrelevant to the construction activities.

Fixed Noise Sources

2.20            Monitoring of fixed noise source impact shall be conducted:

(a)        During the lagoon night show (hereinafter referred to as “lagoon night show noise monitoring”)

(b)        Not during the lagoon night show (hereinafter referred to as “daily operational noise monitoring”)

2.21            Lagoon night show noise monitoring shall be carried out at all the designated monitoring stations during the performance of lagoon night shows at a logging interval of 30 minutes.  The monitoring frequency shall depend on the schedule of the lagoon night shows, and an initial impact monitoring should be conducted at least two times per week, with once on normal weekdays and once on general holidays during the first month of the lagoon night shows. 

2.22            The need for noise monitoring during the lagoon night show should be reviewed monthly based on the previous monitoring results, any adjustment to the loudspeaker system, and any change to the show schedule or rundown.  For the same loudspeaker system and show rundown, if the noise levels of the month comply with the noise criteria as stipulated in Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM), or are consistent with the baseline noise levels, ET may consider not to include this parameter in the subsequent monitoring programme.  Agreement from the IEC and approval from EPD must be obtained prior to suspension of noise monitoring.  Impact monitoring shall re-commence if there is any change to the power, orientation, and volume of the loudspeaker system, or to the show rundown, or an increase of show frequency.

2.23            For daily operational noise monitoring, 30-minute noise measurement at each designated station during the operational hours of the Park but not during the lagoon night show shall be conducted.  Lmax, L10 and L90 shall be recorded at the specified interval for reference.  The monitoring frequency should be the same as that for the noise monitoring during the lagoon night show.  Agreement from the IEC and approval from EPD must be obtained prior to suspension of noise monitoring. 

Event and Action Plan

Construction Noise

2.24            The action and limit levels for construction noise are defined in Table 2.4.  Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the Event / Action Plan in Table 2.6 shall be carried out. If exceedances are resulted from cumulative impacts, all steps stipulated in the Event / Action Plan shall be carried out.

Table 2.4          Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise

Time Period

Action Level

Limit Level

0700 – 1900 hours on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received from any one of the sensitive receivers

75 dB(A)*

1900-2300 on all days and 0700-2300 on general holidays (including Sundays)

60/65/70 dB(A)**

2300-0700 on all days

45/50/55 dB(A)**

*      Reduced to 70dB(A) for schools or institution and 65dB(A) during school examination periods

**     To be selected based on the Area Sensitivity Rating of A/B/C, and the conditions of the            applicable CNP(s) must be followed.

Fixed Noise Sources

2.25            The action and limit levels for the fixed noise sources for every 30 minutes (i.e. Leq (30 minutes)) are defined in Table 2.5.  Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the Event / Action Plan in Table 2.7 shall be undertaken. If exceedances are resulted from cumulative impacts, all steps stipulated in the Event / Action Plan shall be carried out.

Table 2.5          Action and Limit Levels for Entertainment Noise

Identification No.

Action Level

Limit Level

ON1

When one documented complaint is received from any one of the sensitive receivers

60dB(A)

ON2

60dB(A)

ON3

55dB(A)

ON4

55dB(A)

ON5

55dB(A)

 

Table 2.6          Event / Action Plan for Construction Noise

Event

Action

 

ET

Contractor

ER

IEC

Action Level

1.    Identify source.

2.    Notify IEC, ER and Contractor.

3.    Conduct additional noise monitoring to investigate the causes.

4.    Report the investigation results to the IEC, ER and Contractor.

5.    Discuss with Contractor for their formulation of remedial measures if the exceedance is related to construction works.

6.    Conduct additional monitoring to check mitigation effectiveness.

1.    Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance.

2.    Submit noise mitigation proposals to ET, ER and IEC.

3.    Implement noise mitigation proposals.

1.    Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing.

2.    Notify Contractor.

3.    Require Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem.

4.    Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented.

1.    Review the analysed results submitted by the ET.

2.    Review the proposed remedial measures by the Contractor and advise the ER accordingly.

3.    Supervise and confirm in writing the implementation of remedial measures

Limit Level

1.    Identify source.

2.    Notify EPD, IEC, ER and Contractor.

3.    Conduct additional noise monitoring and analyse Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible cause of exceedance.

4.    Provide interim report to EPD, IEC and ER on the causes and proposed actions to be taken for the exceedances if exceedance is related to construction works

5.    Assess effectiveness by additional monitoring and report to EPD, IEC, ER and Contractor the results.

6.    If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1.    Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance.

2.    Submit proposals for remedial actions to ET, ER and IEC within 3 working days of notification.

3.    Implement the agreed proposals.

4.    Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control.

5.    Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by the ER until the exceedance is abated.

1.    Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing.

2.    Notify Contractor.

3.    Require Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem.

4.    Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented.

5.    If exceedance continues, consider what portion of the work is responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that portion of work until the exceedance is abated.

1.    Discuss amongst ER, ET and Contractor on the potential remedial actions.

2.    Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the ER accordingly.

3.    Supervise and confirm in writing the implementation of remedial measures.

 

Table 2.7          Event / Action Plan for Entertainment Noise

Event

Action

 

ET

Ocean Park

IEC

Action Level

1.    Identify source.

2.    Notify EPD, IEC and Ocean Park.

3.    Conduct additional noise monitoring and investigate the causes.

4.    Report the investigation results to the EPD, IEC and Ocean Park.

5.    If the exceedance is related to the show, conduct additional monitoring for checking mitigation effectiveness and report the findings and results to EPD, IEC and Ocean Park.

1.    Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance.

2.    In consultation with IEC, submit proposal for remedial actions within 3 calendar days of notification.

3.    Amend proposal if required by the IEC.

4.    Implement the agreed remedial actions immediately.

1.    Review the monitoring and investigation results submitted by the ET.

2.    Require Ocean Park to submit proposal for remedial actions.

3.    Review and endorse the proposed remedial measures by Ocean Park.

4.    Supervise and confirm in writing the implementation of remedial measures.

Limit Level

1.    Identify source.

2.    Notify EPD, IEC and Ocean Park.

3.    Analyse with IEC the programme of the show and the setting of loudspeaker system in order to investigate the causes of exceedance.

4.    Provide interim report to EPD, IEC and Ocean Park the causes of the exceedances.

5.    If the exceedance is related to the show, assess effectiveness by additional monitoring.

6.    Report the remedial action implemented and the additional monitoring results to EPD, IEC and Ocean Park.

7.    If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1.    Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance.

2.    Assist ET and IEC to analyse the programme of the show and the setting of loudspeaker system.

3.    In consultation with ET and IEC, determine possible mitigation to be implemented and submit proposal for remedial actions within 3 calendar days of notification.

4.    Amend proposal if required by the IEC.

5.    Implement the agreed remedial actions immediately.

6.    Resubmit proposal if the problems is still not under control.

7.    Suspend relevant portion(s) of show as determined by the IEC until the exceedance is abated.

1.    Analyse with ET the programme of the show and the setting of loudspeaker system in order to investigate the causes of exceedance.

2.    Require Ocean Park to submit proposal for remedial actions.

3.    Review and endorse the proposed remedial measures by Ocean Park.

4.    Supervise and confirm in writing the implementation of remedial measures.

5.    If exceedance continues, consider what portion(s) of show is responsible and instruct Ocean Park to suspend the relevant portion(s) until the exceedance is abated.

 

 

Mitigation Measures

Construction Phase

Good Site Practice

2.26            Although the noise mitigation effects are easily quantifiable and the benefits may vary with site conditions and operating conditions, good site practices are easy to implement and do not impact upon the works schedule.  The site practices listed below should be followed during each phase of construction:

·         Only well-maintained plant should be operated on-site and plant should be serviced regularly during the construction programme

·         Silencers or mufflers on construction equipment should be utilized and should be properly maintained during the construction programme

·         Mobile plant, if any, should be sited as far from NSRs as possible

·         Machines and plant (such as trucks) that may be in intermittent use should be shut down between work periods or should be throttled down to a minimum

·         Plant known to emit noise strongly in one direction should, wherever possible, be orientated so that the noise is directed away from the nearby NSRs

·         Material stockpiles and other structures should be effectively utilized, wherever practicable, in screening noise from on-site construction activities

Adoption of Quieter Plant

2.27            In order to reduce the excessive noise impacts at the affected NSRs at the Waterfront during normal daytime working hours, quieter plants are recommended.  The Contractors do not have to use specific items of quiet plant adopted in this assessment.  The Contractors may use other type of quiet plant, which have the same total SWL, to meet their needs.

Use of Movable Noise Barrier

2.28            The use of movable barrier for certain PME could further alleviate the construction noise impacts.  In general, 5dB(A) reduction for movable PME and 10dB(A) for stationary PME can be achieved depending on the actual design of movable noise barrier.

2.29            The Contractor should be responsible for design of the movable noise barrier with due consideration given to the size of the PME and the requirement of intercepting the line of sight between the NSRs and PME.  Barrier material of surface mass in excess of 7kg/m2 is recommended to achieve the predicted screening effect. 

2.30            Exceedance of up to 5 dB(A) would be predicted at the Police Training School (NSR PTS) during the examination periods. Early liaison with the principal of this impacted school is recommended to plan for the construction programme.  Noisy construction activities should be avoided during the examination period as far as practicable so as to reduce the potential noise impact at the school to comply with the noise criterion of 65dB(A).

Blasting

2.31            Although of short duration of blast, the following mitigation measures are recommended to be implemented to minimise the nuisance from blasting noise:

·         The Contractor shall establish a communication channel with the nearest NSRs to liaise on the blasting schedule and inform them of any scheduled blasting in advance

·         Sufficient time shall be allowed for alerting all the potential sensitive receivers through established channel of communication prior to each and every blasting activity

·         Proper procedures shall be put in place to alert and minimise any startling effect on the staff working in Ocean Park

·         Subject to detailed design to be conducted by the Contractor, trial tests could be conducted to evaluate the optimal amount of charge to be used for each blasting

Operational Phase

Fixed Noise Sources

Fixed Plant

2.32            The following noise reduction measures should be considered as far as practicable during detailed design:

·         Choose quieter plant such as those which have been effectively silenced. 

·         Include noise levels specification when ordering new plant (including rides, E/M equipment and PA system).

·         Locate fixed plant away from any NSRs as far as practicable.

·         Locate fixed plant in walled plant rooms or in specially designed enclosures.

·         Locate noisy machines in a basement or a completely separate building.

·         Develop and implement a regularly scheduled plant maintenance programme so that equipment is properly operated and serviced in order to maintain controlled level of noise.   The programme should be implemented by properly trained personnel.

2.33            Since the assessment was conducted based on conceptual design information, a review of noise impact due to fixed plant (together with that due to the open-air lagoon night show) based on detailed design available at a later stage is recommended. 

Entertainment Noise

2.34            The following factors should be taken into account in the detailed design of the loudspeaker system as far as practicable.

§          The system should comprise a cluster of small power loudspeakers instead of a few large-power loudspeakers. 

§          Speakers should be distributed throughout the spectator area rather than being clustered at one end of the venue or directly pointing to NSRs, and should be placed closer to the audience. 

§          Directional speakers should be used as far as practicable and oriented to point towards the audience and away from the nearby NSRs. 

§          The sound system should comply with criteria set out in the EIAO-TM, whilst also providing sufficient direct sound when considering the intelligibility of a sound system. 

2.35            Upon completion of system installation, sound tests to be witnessed by qualified professionals of IEC should be performed to demonstrate that the loudspeaker system will satisfy the above-mentioned acoustic design requirements.


Noise Review Study

2.36            The conceptual design and other assumptions made in the EIA study would be used as a reference for future detailed design of the show.  When detailed design information is available, it is considered necessary to conduct a Noise Review Study to verify the EIA predictions. 

Good Management Practices

2.37            Good management practices should be in place, including noise monitoring, setting up a complaint hotline, and distributing advance notice to nearby NSRs.  It is recommended that good management practices be implemented during both rehearsals and shows.

Fall Back Option

2.38            As a fall back option, should non-compliance of EIAO-TM noise limit at NSRs be identified for the lagoon night show, interim measures such as turning down/off music volume shall be implemented before long-term measures such as redesigning show with no music/lower music volume are in place. 

Cumulative Fixed Noise Source Impact

2.39            Since the assessment was conducted based on conceptual design information, a review of fixed noise source impact (including fixed plant and entertainment noise) is recommended in detailed design stage to verify the EIA predictions.

2.40            The implementation schedule for the recommended noise mitigation measures is presented in Appendix B.