Ground
Investigation Work at Shek Kip Mei
The
project involved the accelerated, detailed ground investigation
work at Shek Kip Mei to identify the ground stabilization works
required for subsequent follow-up to prevent landslide reoccurrence.
Environmental
Concern
The
ground investigation works involved the use of rotary type
drill rigs, water pumps, air compressor and generator. It
was originally proposed that the work be carried out round
the clock. Noise impact arising from the night-time operation
on the nearby residents who were only 65 m from the works
area was the main concern. Without any noise mitigating measure,
the noise generated from the aforesaid equipment would be
about 78 dB(A), exceeding the 50 dB(A) night-time Acceptable
Noise Limit by 28 dB(A). This noise from the works would cause
serious nuisance to its neighbourhood. |
 
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Block 37 |
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Water pump |
Rotary type drill rig |
Measures
Adopted
Enclosure
and Screening - Acoustic enclosures were provided to the
power generating part of the drill rigs. The compressor, generator,
and water pumps were relocated so that they were screened off to
minimise the noise impact caused to the nearby residents.
Administration
- Overnight work was avoided and the use of powered mechanical equipment
was restricted to the minimum through proper work scheduling. Works
at drill holes which were too close to the residents were restricted
during the noise sensitive hours (1900 to 2300 hours). Arrangement
was also made to alert the nearby residents in advance and a special
complaint hotline was established to provide prompt response to
complaints.
Monitoring
- Additional noise monitoring were conducted to gauge the impact.
Observations
& Achievements
There
was a total noise reduction of about 10 dB(A) through implementing
the various mitigating and administrative measures. Overnight work
between 11p.m. to 7a.m. was avoided and noise impact arising from
works during the other restricted hours was also minimized. The
ground investigation requiring night time work was completed according
to schedule with no complaint received. Residents in Shek Kip Mei
Estate were protected from the excessive construction noise as a
result.
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