This section provides an evaluation of the
potential noise impacts arising from the construction and operation of the
Project, including the Ecological
Reserve, Development Site and Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement. Activities associated with the construction
of the Project, including enhancement work, temporary footbridge and fencing
within Sha Lo Tung Valley, site formation, site foundation and building
construction, and fixed plant provided during the operational phase are the
potential noise sources to the surrounding area. Appropriate
mitigation measures will be recommended, where necessary, in order to mitigate
any adverse impacts.
The D
In accordance with the Outline
Zoning Plan (OZP) for Tai Po (No.S/TP/21), the land uses of the surrounding
areas were zoned as “Green Belt” (GB), “Conservation Area” (CA),
“Government/Institution/Community” (GIC), “Comprehensive Development Area”
(CDA), “Residential (Class C)” and “Village Type Development” (V) (Figure 5.1).
To investigate the prevailing noise l
Table 5.1 Measured
Prevailing Background Noise Levels
|
Time
Periods |
Measured
Noise Levels, Leq, 30min
(dB(A)) |
|
Daytime: 18:00 to 19:00 hrs |
41 |
|
Evening-time: 19:00 to 20:00 hrs |
38 – 40 |
5.3
Relevant Legislation and
Guidelines
5.3.1
Construction Phase
The principal legislation on the control of
construction noise is the Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499)
(EIAO). The Technical
Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM), issued under the EIAO,
provides guidelines and noise criteria for evaluating the noise impact. The Noise
Control Ordinance (Cap 400) (NCO) also provides means to assess the construction
noise impact. A number of technical
memoranda (TMs) have been issued under the NCO to stipulate control approaches and
criteria, and those which may be relevant to the construction works of the
Project include the following:
·
Technical Memorandum
on Noise from Construction Work other than Percussive Piling (GW-TM); and
·
Technical
Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work in Designated Areas (DA-TM).
Under the EIAO,
potential noise impact arising from general construction works during normal
working hours (ie 07:00 to 19:00 hrs on any day not
being a Sunday or public holiday) at 1 m from the external façade of the uses,
which rely on opened windows for ventilation, is to be assessed in accordance
with the noise criteria specified in the EIAO-TM.
The EIAO-TM
noise standards are presented in Table
5.2.
Table 5.2 EIAO-TM Day-time
Construction Noise Standards (Leq, 30
min dB(A))
|
Use |
Noise Standard (dB(A)) |
|
Domestic Premises |
75 |
|
Educational Institutions
(normal periods) |
70 |
|
Educational Institutions
(during examination periods) |
65 |
|
Notes: (1) The above standards apply to uses which
reply on opened windows for ventilation. (2) The above standards shall be viewed as the
maximum permissible noise levels assessed at 1m from the external façade. |
|
When assessing a Construction Noise Permit
(CNP) application for the use of Powered Mechanical Equipment (PME) during the
restricted hours, the Noise Control Authority will compare the Acceptable Noise
Levels (ANLs),
as promulgated in GW-TM, and the Corrected Noise Levels (CNLs) (ie after accounting for
factors such as barrier effects and reflections) associated with the proposed
PME operations. The ANLs
are obtained with corrections for the duration of the CNP and multiple permit
situations, if applicable, to the Basic Noise Levels (BNLs). The BNLs are
related to the noise sensitivity of the area in question and different Area
Sensitivity Ratings (ASR) have been established to
reflect the background characteristics of different areas. The appropriate ASR for the Noise Sensitive
Receiver (NSR) is determined with reference to Table 5.3.
Table
5.3 Area Sensitivity Ratings
|
Types of Area Containing NSR |
Degree to which NSR is affected by Influencing Factor (IF) |
||
|
Not Affected |
Indirectly Affected |
Directly Affected |
|
|
Rural
area, including |
A |
B |
B |
|
Low density residential area consisting
of low-rise or isolated high-rise developments |
A |
B |
C |
|
Urban
area |
B |
C |
C |
|
Area
other than those above |
B |
B |
C |
|
Notes: The following definitions apply:
·
" ·
"directly
affected" means that the NSR is at such a location that noise generated
by the IF is readily noticeable at the NSR and is a dominant feature of the
noise climate of the NSR; ·
"indirectly affected"
means that the NSR is at such a location that noise generated by the IF,
whilst noticeable at the NSR, is not a dominant feature of the noise climate
of the NSR; ·
"not affected" means
that the NSR is at such a location that noise generated by the IF is not
noticeable at the NSR; and ·
"urban
area" means an area of high density, diverse development including a
mixture of such elements as industrial activities, major trade or commercial
activities and residential premises. |
|||
The
relevant BNLs are shown in Table 5.4.
Table 5.4 Basic
Noise Levels for General Construction Works (BNL, Leq,
30 min dB(A))
|
Time
Period |
Leq 30min (dB(A)) |
||
|
ASR “A” |
ASR “B” |
ASR “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 hours) |
45 |
50 |
55 |
5.3.2
Operational Phase
Road
Traffic Noise
The traffic noise standards for planning purposes
specified in Table 1 under Annex 5 of
the EIAO-TM were employed as the
noise limits for the road traffic noise impact assessment. The applicable road traffic noise standard is
70dB(A) L10, 1hr for domestic
premises. This noise limit was applied
for the peak hour traffic flows and for uses that rely on opened windows for
ventilation.
Fixed
Noise Sources
The EIAO-TM
and Technical
Memorandum on Noise From Places Other than Domestic
Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites (IND-TM)
specifies the applicable ANLs for the fixed plant
noise impacts from a development.
The ANLs are dependent on
the ASR and the time of the day and are presented in Table 5.5.
Table
5.5 ANLs to
be used as Operational Noise Criteria
|
Time Period |
Leq 30min (dB(A)) |
||
|
ASR “A” |
ASR “B” |
ASR “C” |
|
|
Daytime
0700-1900 |
60 |
65 |
70 |
|
Evening
1900-2300 |
60 |
65 |
70 |
|
Night-time
2300-0700 |
50 |
55 |
60 |
Fixed plant noise is controlled
under Section 13 of the NCO and the predictions will be
undertaken in accordance with the IND-TM. The criteria noise limits for planning
purposes are set out in the EIAO-TM
as follows:
·
the total fixed source noise level at the facade of the
nearest NSR is at least 5 dB(A) lower than the appropriate ANL (as shown in Table 5.5) as specified in the IND-TM;
or,
·
the prevailing
background noise level (for quiet areas with level 5 dB(A) below the ANL).
The noise criteria stipulated
in the IND-TM are dependent on the
ASR of the NSRs, as shown in Table 5.5.
As the NSRs at Sha Lo Tung are located in a rural area and are not
affected by any Influencing Factor, the ASR “A” has been assumed for these NSRs. Background noise
measurement was conducted to investigate the prevailing noise l
In any event, the noise
criterion employed in this EIA Report is for indicative assessment only. It should be noted that fixed noise sources
are controlled under Section 13 of
the NCO. At the time of investigation, the Noise
Control Authority shall determine noise impact from concerned fixed noise
sources on the basis of prevailing legislation and practices being in force,
and taking account of contemporary conditions / situations of adjoining land
uses.
In accordance with the requirements stated
in Section 3.4.4.2 of the EIA Study Brief, the Study Area for the
noise impact assessment covered the areas within 300m from the boundary of the
Project. The assessment area could be
reduced accordingly if the first layer of the NSRs,
closer than 300m from the outer Project limit, provides acoustic shielding to
those receivers at distances further away from the Project. The Study Area was expanded to include NSRs at distances over 300m from the Project as they may be
affected by the construction and operation of the Sha Lo Tung Road
Improvement. The area considered in the
assessment is shown in Figure 5.2.
The
selected existing representative NSRs that may
potentially be affected by the construction and operation of the Project
include village houses at Tin Sam, Fung
Yuen, Mak Uk and Fung Yuen Lo Tsuen,
and Ha Hang Government Staff Quarters, which are located to the south of the
Project. Although s
Information
from Planning Department indicated that there are a number of schemes approved
for the Fung Yuen Development at CDA(1)
zone. The latest Planning Application
for Residential Development within the Fung Yuen CDA(1)
zone (No. A/TP/333) had expired. In accordance with the approved scheme under No. A/ TP/333,
the area to the east of
The GIC zone at the junction of
As ventilation of
the proposed Multi-Cultural Education Retreat (MCER) and the Nature
Interpretation Centre (NIC) will be rely on Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) type air-conditioning system, they are considered as noise non-sensitive uses.
The locations of the identified
representative existing and planned NSRs, and
photographs showing the existing NSRs are presented
in Figures
5.3 to 5.5. Descriptions
of the representative NSRs and the ground levels of the NSRs are presented in Table 5.6.
Table 5.6 Identified Representative Noise Sensitive Receivers
|
NSR |
Location |
Use |
No. of Floors |
Ground Level (mPD) |
|
N1 |
Village house at Fung Yuen Lo Tsuen
(a) |
Residential |
3 |
19 |
|
N2 |
Village house at Fung Yuen (a) |
Residential |
1 |
16 |
|
N3 |
Village house at Mak |
Residential |
3 |
12 |
|
N4 |
Village house at Tin Sam (a) |
Residential |
2 |
5 |
|
N5 |
Ha Hang Government Staff Quarters (a) |
Residential |
4 |
20 |
|
V1 |
NSR at
Village Zone (a) |
Residential
|
3 |
4 |
|
V2 |
NSR at
Village Zone (a) |
Residential
|
3 |
20 |
|
V3 |
NSR at
Village Zone (Lei Uk) (a) |
Residential
|
1 |
165 |
|
CDA1 |
Residential Development and Agricultural Use at Fung
Yuen CDA(1) zone (b) |
Residential
and agricultural |
17 to 28 |
5 |
|
GQ1 |
Guest Quarter within the Nature Interpretation Centre
(NIC) (c) |
Housing
accommodation |
1 |
194 |
|
SQ1 |
Quarters within the D |
Housing
accommodation |
3 |
190 |
|
Notes: (a)
NSRs for construction
noise impact assessment and operational off-site traffic noise impact
assessments only, as these NSRs are located at more
than 300m from the Development Site (with the application for the use of
PME). (b)
Planned NSR CDA1 for operational off-site traffic
noise impact assessment only, as the Fung Yuen CDA(1)
zone is located at more than 700m from the Development Site. (c)
Planned NSR GQ1 for
operational off-site traffic and fixed plant noise impact assessments only,
as this NSR will only be occupied after the completion of the Project. (d) Planned
NSR SQ1 for operational off-site traffic and fixed plant noise impact assessments
only, as this NSR will only be occupied after the completion of the Project. |
||||
5.5
Identification
of Potential Impacts
5.5.1
Construction Phase
Ecological Reserve
In accordance with
Section 3.2, the works within the Ecological
Reserve will include minor improvement to the existing footpath to Lei Uk, construction and removal of a temporary footbridge and
provision of fence around
broken village houses and structures at Lei Uk. All of
the works will be undertaken by hand tools and will be completed within
3 months.
No powered mechanical equipment (PME) will be used.
Sha Lo
The road improvement works will be divided
into three phases (Figure
3.22). Each phase of the road works will be
constructed simultaneously and each will take approximately 19 months. The construction activities of the slope
improvement works will involve excavated/ filling materials like slope cutting/
filling and soil nailing/ retaining structures.
The major construction works will include
the following key activities:
·
Soil nailing for man-made slopes;
·
Concrete retaining all founded on minipiles;
and
·
Earthworks and road works.
The normal working hours of the improvement works will
be between 0700 and 1900 hours from Monday to Saturday (except general
holidays) (Figure 3.24). Should
evening and night works between 19:00 and 07:00 hrs or on public holidays
(including Sundays) be required, the Contractor will submit a CNP application
which will be assessed by the Noise Control Authority.
Development Site
Potential impacts to the NSRs during the construction phase of the Development Site
would mainly arise from the use of PME.
The major construction works will include the following key activities:
·
Site formation;
·
Excavation and site foundation; and
·
Superstructure construction.
The normal working
hours of the construction of the Development
Site will be between 0700 and 1900 hours
from Monday to Saturday (except general holidays). Should evening and night works between
19:00 and 07:00 hrs or on public holidays (including Sundays) be required, the
Contractor will submit a CNP application which will be assessed by the Noise
Control Authority.
5.5.2
Operational Phase
Sha Lo
The increased
traffic on the improved
Development Site
The preliminary
master layout plan and floor plans of the Development Site are given in Annex B. As confirmed
by the Design Engineer that there will not be any mechanical equipment from the
columbarium and temple units.
Potential sources
of noise impacts are identified as the mechanical equipment associated with the
operation of the Confucius Hall, NIC,
Multi-Purpose Hall and offices. A total
of 10 sets of outdoor Variable Refrigerant Volume System (VRV) will be provided
and they are expected to be operated during the daytime and
Since detailed equipment list
to be installed within the plant rooms is not yet available, the maximum
allowable sound power l
The specified SWLs of VRV units
presented in Annex E4 should be included in the tender specification to
ensure the assumptions for the operational noise impact assessment remain
valid. The suppliers of equipment should
guarantee the specified SWLs, with the
characteristics of tonality, impulsiveness and intermittency accounted for, by
providing certificate of measurement and verify the
SWL during testing and commissioning in accordance with international standard
procedures. If necessary, the suppliers
should apply attenuation measures (eg use of
silencers) to achi
5.6.1
Construction Phase
The
construction noise impact assessment was undertaken in accordance with the
procedures outlined in the GW-TM, which
is issued under the NCO and the EIAO-TM.
The assessment methodology is summarised as follows:
·
Locate
representative NSRs that may be affected by the
Project;
·
Determine
the plant teams for corresponding activities, based on the agreed plant inventory;
·
Assign
sound power levels (SWLs) to the Powered Mechanical
Equipment (PME) proposed based on the GW-TM, British Standard BS 5228([1]) and list of SWLs of other commonly used PME([2]);
·
Calculate
the correction factors based on the distance between the NSRs
and the notional noise source position of the work sites;
·
Apply
corrections in the calculations, such as potential screening effects and
acoustic reflection, if any; and
·
Predict
the construction noise levels at NSRs in the absence
of any mitigation measures.
The construction noise
assessment was undertaken based on the proposed construction
works programme and plant inventory presented in Annex
E1. The
Project Proponent has reviewed the programme and plant inventory, and has
confirmed that they are reasonable and practicable for completing the Project within
the scheduled timeframe.
The total SWL associated with each
construction activity was established. Owing to the small construction work sites
involved in the Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement, the construction noise levels at NSRs were calculated based on the distances between the
respective NSRs and their nearest site
boundaries. The potential noise impacts
at NSRs were subsequently evaluated by comparing the
predicted noise levels with the EIAO-TM
day-time construction noise limits (Leq,
30min dB(A)), as outlined in Section 5.3.
5.6.2
Operational Phase
Road Traffic Noise
The road traffic noise impact assessment due
to the Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement was based on the procedures given in Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN) published by the UK Department of
Transport. The assessment has been
undertaken based on the future peak hour traffic flow in respect of the maximum
traffic projections within a 15 year period upon the commencement of the
operation of the proposed roadwork.
The traffic forecast during festival
periods, normal Saturdays and Sundays, and normal weekdays were provided by the
Traffic Consultant, as shown in Table 5.7
below:
Table
5.7 Traffic Forecast during
Festival Periods, Normal Saturdays and Sundays, and
|
Scenarios |
Traffic Forecast during peak hour (veh/hr) |
Remark |
|
Peak
Scenario during Festivals |
100,
all heavy vehicles (HV) for worst-case scenario [Note] |
At
maximum capacity, 2 occasions per year (ie Ching
Ming Festival and Chung Yeung Festival) |
|
Normal
Saturdays and Sundays |
61,
all heavy vehicles (HV) for worst-case scenario |
- |
|
Normal
Weekdays |
36,
all heavy vehicles (HV) for worst-case scenario |
- |
|
Note: The peak traffic forecast of 100 veh/hr with 100% HGV is the design capacity of Sha
Lo Tung Road Improvement. During
normal days, two 24-seats shuttle buses which depending on the technology available, could be
electricity driven, will be provided for serving the visitors. During festive periods, shuttle buses will
be hired from coach suppliers and SLTDC would try to use electric vehicles as
far as practicable. |
||
The peak flow during festival periods was
considered as the maximum capacity within the period from 2014 to 2029, and was
adopted in the traffic noise impact assessment.
The Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement was designed
at speed limit of 50kph and with concrete road surface.
The predicted noise levels due to the
Project were evaluated by comparison with the EIAO-TM traffic noise limits (L10, 1hr dB(A)), as
outlined in Section 5.3.
Fixed Noise Sources
The methodology for
the fixed plant noise impact assessment follows the procedures outlined in the IND-TM.
The methodology is summarised as follows:
·
Identify
types of equipment and the number of equipment (if available);
·
Calculate
the maximum SWL for each type of
equipment;
·
Identify
representative NSRs that may be affected by the fixed
plant;
·
Calculate
the correction factor, using a conservative approach, based on the horizontal
distance between the NSRs and the fixed plant
sources; and
·
Calculate
the maximum allowable SWLs of the Plant Room louvers
by adopting standard acoustics principles;
·
Present
the results in terms of Leq, 30min
dB(A), as specified in the IND-TM.
Split-type
air-conditioners will be provided for the Quarters, Guest Quarter with the NIC, offices and other exhibition rooms. As the SWL of split-type air-conditioners is
very low in general, they will not generate significant noise impact to the NSRs and hence they were not included in the noise impact
assessment.
All equipment will
be operated during the daytime and
The assessment has also taken into account
the facade correction of +3 dB(A). The predicted noise levels at the NSRs are compared with the criterion set out in Section 5.3.
5.7.1
Construction Phase
Ecological Reserve
In view of the
fact that the enhancement and other proposed works to be carried out in the
Ecological Reserve will be relatively minor and will only involve the use of
hand tools, the enhancement and other proposed works are not expected to cause
any adverse noise impact to the identified NSRs.
Development Site & Sha Lo
The predicted construction noise l
Table
5.8 Predicted Construction Noise
Levels during Daytime Period (Without Mitigation)
|
NSR |
Description |
Predicted Construction Noise Levels(a), Leq, 30 min dB(A) |
|
N1 |
Village house at Fung Yuen Lo Tsuen
|
51 – 79 |
|
N2 |
Village house at Fung Yuen |
50 – 81 |
|
N3 |
Village house at Mak |
50 – 81 |
|
N4 |
Village house at Tin Sam |
47 – 80 |
|
N5 |
Ha Hang Government Staff Quarters |
47 – 85 |
|
V1 |
NSR at Village Zone |
46 – 87 |
|
V2 |
NSR at Village Zone |
46 – 91 |
|
V3 |
NSR at
Village Zone (Lei Uk) |
59 – 72 |
|
Notes: (a) All predicted noise levels
were corrected with 3dB(A) for façade reflection. (b) Bold
value indicates exceedance of noise criteria of 75 dB(A) for residential premises. |
||
The results indicate that the construction
noise impacts at all of the representative NSRs,
except V3, exceeded the EIAO-TM noise
criteria during daytime period due to the close proximity to the construction
works site for the Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement. Mitigation measures will therefore be
required to mitigate the construction noise impact for the Sha Lo Tung Road
Improvement. The measures are detailed
in Section 5.8.1.
5.7.2
Operational Phase
Road Traffic Noise
The predicted façade noise l
Table
5.9 Predicted Road Traffic Noise L
|
NSR |
Description |
Predicted Facade Noise Levels, L10, 1 hr dB(A) |
|
N1 |
Village house at Fung Yuen Lo Tsuen
|
64 |
|
N2 |
Village house at Fung Yuen |
64 |
|
N3 |
Village house at Mak Uk |
63 |
|
N4 |
Village house at Tin Sam |
63 |
|
N5 |
Ha Hang Government Staff Quarters |
50 – 58 |
|
V1 |
NSR at Village Zone |
64 |
|
V2 |
NSR at Village Zone |
66 – 68 |
|
V3 |
NSR at
Village Zone (Lei Uk) |
54 |
|
CDA1 |
Residential Development and Agricultural Use at Fung
Yuen CDA(1) zone |
63 |
|
GQ1 |
Guest Quarter within the Nature Interpretation
Centre (NIC) |
64 |
|
SQ1 |
Quarters within the D |
63 |
In view of the
predicted façade noise levels are well below the 70dB(A)
traffic noise criterion, the NSRs located along Sha
Lo Tung Road Improvement will not be adversely affected by the off-site traffic
attracted by the Project.
Fixed Noise
Sources
Based on the
calculated maximum allowable SWLs for the Plant Rooms and the noise data provided by the
suppliers for the VRV units, the
predicted fixed plant noise l
Table
5.10 Predicted
Fixed Plant Noise L
|
NSR |
Description |
Predicted Façade Noise L |
|
|
GQ1 |
Guest Quarter
within NIC |
34 |
|
|
SQ1 |
Quarters within
the D |
31 |
It should be noted
that the operational noise assessment presented above is based on a worst-case
scenario in which the equipment are assumed to be operated simultaneously,
which is unlikely to occur in real situation.
The fixed plant
noise emission should be controlled to comply with the designated
daytime and
5.8
Mitigation of
Adverse Environmental Impacts
5.8.1
Construction Phase
In view of the predicted noise exceedances during the construction of the Project, the
following mitigation measures have been considered:
·
Good
Site Practice;
·
Use
of quiet PME; and
·
Adoption
of movable noise barriers (for Road Improvement Works Phase 1 only).
Good Site Practices
Good site practices and noise management
can considerably reduce the impact of construction site activities on nearby NSRs. The noise
benefits of these practices can vary according to specific site conditions and
operations. Since the effect of the good site practices could not be
quantified, the mitigated noise levels calculated in the subsequent sections
have not taken account of this effect. The following site practices
should be followed during the construction of the Project:
·
Only
well-maintained plant should be operated on-site and plant should be serviced
regularly during the construction program;
·
Silencers
or mufflers on construction equipment should be utilized and should be properly
maintained during the construction program;
·
Mobile
plant, if any, should be sited as far away 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 utilised, wherever
practicable, in screening noise from on-site construction activities; and
·
The
contractor should liaise with the school regarding the examination
periods. Noisy construction activities,
including piling, excavation and earth-breaking works, will be carried out
outside the examination periods.
Use of Quiet PME
The use of quiet PME was considered to be
a practicable means to mitigate the construction noise impact. Quiet
plant is defined as a PME having actual SWL lower than the value specified in
the GW-TM. Quiet PME that have
been adopted in the assessment are summarised in Table 5.11.
Table
5.11 Sound Power Level of Quiet PME
|
PME Item |
BS 5228 Reference |
Sound Power Level, dB(A) |
|
Vibratory poker,
hand-held |
BS
D6/40 |
98 |
|
Excavator |
BS
D3/97 |
105 |
|
Hydraulic
breaker, excavator mounted |
BS
D8/12 |
106 |
Adoption of Movable Noise Barriers (for
Road Improvement Works Phase 1 only)
The use of noise barriers will be an
effective means to mitigate the noise impact arising from the construction
works at the Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement Phase 1, if there is occupant live
within the Village zone during the construction period of Phase 1.
Movable noise barriers of 3 m in height with skid footing should be used
and located within a few metres of stationary plant and mobile plant such that
the line of sight to the NSR is blocked by the barriers. The length of
the barrier should be at least five times greater than its height. It is anticipated that the major noise source
of all PMEs, including movable and large PMEs, will be located at a level lower than the top of the
proposed movable barriers, and therefore these barriers could produce at least
a 5 dB(A) noise reduction for mobile plant such as
excavator mounted breaker. With reference to A Practical Guide for the
Reduction of Noise from Construction Works, the noise barrier material
should have a superficial surface density of at least 7 kg/m2 and
have no openings or gaps.
The
above mitigation measures have been vetted and confirmed by the Project
Proponent as being practicable in completing the works within the scheduled
timeframe. It is considered practical to
specify the total SWL of all plant items to be used on-site so that flexibility
is allowed for the Contractor to select plant items to suit the construction
needs.
With the implementation of the use of
quiet PME and movable noise barriers for various construction activities as
shown in Annex E5, the mitigated noise levels at the
representative NSRs were calculated and the results
are summarised in Table 5.12.
Table
5.12 Predicted Construction Noise
Levels during Daytime Period (With Mitigation)
|
NSR |
Description |
Predicted Construction Noise Levels(a), Leq, 30 min dB(A) |
|
N1 |
Village house at Fung Yuen Lo Tsuen
|
51 – 67 |
|
N2 |
Village house at Fung Yuen |
50 – 68 |
|
N3 |
Village house at Mak Uk |
50 – 68 |
|
N4 |
Village house at Tin Sam |
47 – 67 |
|
N5 |
Ha Hang Government Staff Quarters |
47 – 71 |
|
V1 |
NSR at Village Zone |
46 – 73 |
|
V2
|
NSR at
Village Zone (b) |
46 – 75 |
|
V3 |
NSR at
Village Zone (Lei Uk) |
56 – 69 |
|
Notes: ·
All predicted noise levels were corrected
with 3dB(A) for façade reflection. ·
If there is any occupant lives within this village zone during the
construction of Road Improvement Works Phase I, noise barriers will be
provided for grout pump, hydraulic breaker and
poker (see Annex
E5). |
||
The results indicate that with the
adoption of the recommended mitigation measures, no exceedance
of the EIAO-TM noise criteria during
the daytime period is anticipated. No further mitigation will therefore
be required.
5.8.2
Operational Phase of Development Site
Fixed Noise
Sources
While no adverse noise impact is expected
due to the operation of fixed plant items, it is still recommended that the
following measures be implemented as far as practicable:
·
Choose
quieter equipment;
·
Include
noise levels specification when ordering new plant items;
·
Locate
fixed plant items or noise emission points away from the NSRs
as far as practicable;
·
Locate
noisy machines in completely enclosed plant rooms or buildings with suitable
and practicable noise remedies; and
·
D
Road Traffic Noise
While no adverse noise impact is expected
due to the road traffic noise from the Sha
Lo Tung Road Improvement, two 24-seats shuttle buses which depending on the
technology available, could be electricity driven, will be provided for serving
the visitors during normal days to further minimise the traffic noise. During festive periods, shuttle buses will be
hired from coach suppliers and SLTDC would try to use electric vehicles as far
as practicable.
5.9.1
Construction Phase
With the implementation of the recommended
noise control mitigation measures, the predicted construction noise levels
would comply with the EIAO-TM daytime
noise criteria. No residual impact is anticipated.
5.9.2
Operational Phase
Based on the specified maximum SWLs
for the fixed plant items, the predicted noise l
5.10.1
Construction Phase
There
are recently no planned and concurrent projects to be constructed in sufficient
proximity to the Project. It is
therefore concluded that no cumulative noise impact is anticipated.
5.10.2
Operational Phase
No
cumulative impact is anticipated during the operational phase.
5.11
Monitoring and
Audit Requirements
5.11.1
Construction Phase
Noise
monitoring is recommended during the construction phase to ensure compliance
with the noise criterion at the NSRs. Weekly noise monitoring should be undertaken
at the representative NSRs (N1 and N5). Regular site audits at the frequency of once
a month should be conducted to ensure that the recommended mitigation measures
are properly implemented during the construction stage.
5.11.2
Operational Phase
Results
of operational noise assessment indicate that the NSRs
will not be affected by the off-site traffic and fixed plant noise sources and
therefore operational phase noise monitoring is not required.
Owing to the proximity of the NSRs to the Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement, mitigation
measures are required to be implemented to mitigate the construction noise
impacts. Practicable mitigation
measures, including use of quiet construction plant, reduced utilisation rates
of PME and movable noise barriers, have been recommended to be implemented
during the three phases. With the
implementation of mitigation measures, the mitigated construction noise levels
at the representative NSRs would comply with the
construction noise criterion of 75 dB(A) throughout the construction
period. Noise monitoring during the
construction stage is recommended to ensure compliance with the relevant noise
criteria.
During the operational phase of the
Project, the induced traffic on