6.1.1.1
During
construction phase for the proposed helipad, powered mechanical equipment (PME)
used in helipad construction would be the primary noise source. Key construction activities would be assembling
the steel framework, helipad structure, safety covered walkway, access ramp and
building the proposed noise mitigation measures (that is, the permanent noise
barrier and noise reducer).
6.1.1.2
Potential construction
noise impact has been assessed at the representative Noise Sensitive Receiver (NSR)
in the EIA report. The calculations show that there is no noise exceedance of
the relevant construction phase noise criterion with the implementation of
recommended mitigation measures. Hence, noise monitoring is not recommended.
6.1.1.3
During the
operation phase of the Project, the main noise source would be from the
helicopter operations associated with the proposed helipad. It should be noted
that the Noise Control Ordinance (Cap.400) does not apply to noise caused by
aircraft. With the implementation of recommended noise mitigation measures such
as setback of helipad, noise barriers and noise reducers and carefully
designated flight paths, there would be no noise exceedance of the relevant
noise criterion at the representative NSRs. The proposed helipad is solely for
emergency use and transportation of organs where the anticipated usage being
less than once per day on average. Operational noise monitoring is
impracticable as there are no arrangements for commercial and planned flights except
trial flights and so noise monitoring
during operational phase is not recommended.
ĄP
Quiet powered
mechanical equipment (QPME) shall be used, and PME shall also be serviced
regularly during the construction programme;
ĄP
Only well
maintained plants shall be used in the construction of the Project; and
ĄP
Machines and plant that may
be in intermittent use should be shut down between works periods or throttled
down to a minimum between work periods.
6.2.1.2
Besides, the Ą§Recommended
Pollution Control Clauses for Construction ContractsĄ¨ published by the EPD
should be adopted in the Contract Specification for the Contractors to follow
and implement relevant measures and good site practices in minimising noise
impact.
Operational
Phase
6.2.1.3
The following
practical measures have been confirmed with the Government Flying Service (GFS)
which will be implemented for helicopter operation to and from the proposed
helipad:
ĄP
GFS Helicopters - The seven new medium-sized single-model
helicopter (Airbus H175) which provide a quieter flight in general, have been
adopted by the GFS; and
ĄP
Flight Sectors - The flight sectors are carefully chosen, and a
buffer distance for flight paths will be maintained to fly away from NSRs. In
addition, one-way-direction for approaching and take-off, subject to flight
condition, is recommended to minimise the overall exposure of NSRs to
helicopter noise;
6.2.1.4
Besides, the
following mitigation measures have been recommended for implementation for the
Project to minimise potential noise impact upon NSRs during operation phase:
ĄP
Setback of
Helipad - Relocation of the proposed helipad to the western
side of the rooftop of the Acute Block of NAH to reduce the noise impact and
direct line of sight at NSRs. The
separation distances between the helipad and the nearest NSRs are also
maximised; and
ĄP
Screening by
Noise Barrier and Noise Reducers ĄV Installation
and maintenance of noise barrier at the rooftop of the Acute Block of NAH to provide noise screening to the Proposed
Helipad during hovering, approaching, take-off and idling on the helipad. In addition, noise reducers shall be used
to further alleviate noise impact.
6.2.1.5
The local
community may lodge noise complaints with the relevant authority. Upon receipt of complaints from the
public or any concerned parties, Hospital Authority (HA) shall undertake the
following procedures:
1)
The complaint shall be recorded in a complaint database and
reviewed by HA and GFS;
2)
Investigate the complaint and determine its validity as
well as the source of the problem by HA and GFS;
3)
Identify mitigation measure(s) by HA and GFS; and
4)
Report the findings and follow-up actions to the
complainant or the concerned parties by HA.
6.3.1.1
Based on the
assessment results and with the implementation of relevant noise mitigation
measures recommended in the EIA report, no adverse noise impact is anticipated
during construction and operation phase. Hence, noise monitoring during construction
and operation phase is considered not necessary. However, regular site
inspections by the ET during the construction phase of at least once per week
are recommended to ensure the Contractor has effectively implemented good
working practices to minimise construction noise as far as possible.