4               Contents

                                                                                                         Page

 

4         NOISE IMPACT.. 1

4.1     Introduction. 1

4.2     Legislation, Standards and Guidelines. 1

4.3     Baseline Conditions. 4

4.4     Noise Sensitive Receivers. 5

4.5     Construction Noise Impact Assessment 11

4.6     Road Traffic Noise Impact Assessment 29

4.7     Fixed Noise Impact Assessment 48

4.8     Aircraft Noise Impact Assessment 60

4.9     Helicopter Noise Impact Assessment 62

4.10   Conclusion. 69

 

TABLES

 

Table 4.2.1  Noise Criteria for Daytime Construction Activities  2

Table 4.2.2  Noise Standards for Road Traffic Noise  2

Table 4.2.3  Acceptable Noise Levels (ANLs) 3

Table 4.3.1  Summary of Prevailing Noise Measurement Results  5

Table 4.4.1 Overall Noise Sensitive Receivers  6

Table 4.5.1  Representative NSRs and NAPs for Construction Noise Impact Assessment 11

Table 4.5.2  Predicted Unmitigated Construction Noise Levels at NSRs  17

Table 4.5.3  Number of Residential Dwellings/Classrooms/Other NSRs with Noise Exceedances in Unmitigated Scenario  20

Table 4.5.4  Recommended List of QPME and their Sound Power Levels  21

Table 4.5.5  Predicted Mitigated Construction Noise Levels at NSRs  24

Table 4.5.6  Recommended Minimum Separation Distance between Schools and Critical Works Area during School Examination Period  27

Table 4.6.1  Representative NSRs and NAPs for Road Traffic Noise Impact Assessment 29

Table 4.6.2  Predicted Unmitigated Road Traffic Noise Impact (AM Peak) at Representative Existing NSRs (Outside the PDA) Affected by Project Roads  34

Table 4.6.3  Predicted Unmitigated Road Traffic Noise Impact (AM Peak) at Representative Planned NSRs (Within the PDA) 35

Table 4.6.4  Number of Residential Dwellings/Classrooms/Other NSRs Exceeding the Respective Road Traffic Noise Criteria under Unmitigated Scenario  36

Table 4.6.5  Extents and Locations of Considered Direct Noise Mitigation Measures  37

Table 4.6.6  Evaluation on Considered Direct Mitigation Measures  38

Table 4.6.7  Extents and Locations of Adopted Direct Mitigation Measures  39

Table 4.6.8 Predicted Mitigated Road Traffic Noise Impact (AM Peak) at Representative Existing NSRs (Outside the PDA) Affected by Project Roads (With Direct Mitigation Measures Applied) 39

Table 4.6.9 Predicted Mitigated Road Traffic Noise Impact (AM Peak) at Representative Planned NSRs within the PDA (with Direct Mitigation Measures Applied) 40

Table 4.6.10 Number of Residential Dwellings/Classrooms/Other NSRs with Noise Exceedances in Unmitigated Scenario Benefited or Protected under the Mitigated Scenario (with Direct Mitigation Measures Applied) 42

Table 4.6.11 Provision of Acoustic Windows (Baffle Type) at the Planned NSRs within the PDA   43

Table 4.6.12 Predicted Mitigated Road Traffic Noise Impact (AM Peak) at Representative Planned NSRs within the PDA (with Direct and Additional Mitigation Measures Applied) 44

Table 4.6.13 Number of Residential Dwellings/Classrooms/Other NSRs with Noise Exceedances in Unmitigated Scenario Benefited or Protected under the Mitigated Scenario (with Direct Mitigation Measures and Additional Mitigation Measures Applied) 47

Table 4.7.1  Representative NSRs and NAPs for Fixed Noise Source Assessment (Day and Evening Time) 48

Table 4.7.2  List of Major Existing and Planned Fixed Noise Sources  51

Table 4.7.3  Fixed Noise Impact Assessment for Planned Fixed Source and NSRs  55

Table 4.9.1  Noise Data of Airbus H175 – Lateral Movements  64

Table 4.9.2  Noise Data of Airbus H175 – Non-lateral Movements  64

Table 4.9.3  Minimum Buffer Distance Required for H175  67

 

FIGURES

 

Figure 4.4.1a-d          Location of Noise Sensitive Receivers

Figure 4.5.1a-d          Location of Representative NSRs and NAPs for Construction Noise Assessment

Figure 4.6.1                Location of Representative NSRs and NAPs for Road Traffic Noise Assessment

Figure 4.6.2                Road Categories and Existing Road Mitigation Measures Adopted in Road Traffic Noise Assessment

Figure 4.6.3a              Locations of Considered Direct Mitigation Measures

Figure 4.6.3b              Locations of Adopted Direct Mitigation Measures

Figure 4.6.4                Locations of Additional Mitigation Measures

Figure 4.7.1                Locations of Representative NSRs and NAPs for Fixed Noise Source Assessment

Figure 4.7.2                Area Sensitivity Rating of NSRs

Figure 4.7.3                Locations of Identified Fixed Noise Sources

Figure 4.8.1                Location of PDA and SKARA

Figure 4.9.1                Most Probable Flight Headings for WB16 and WB17

 

 

APPENDICES

 

Appendix 4.3.1          Desktop Review on Approved EIA Study on “Expansion of Hong Kong Airport into a Three-runway System”

Appendix 4.4.1          Photos of Representative Noise Sensitive Receivers

Appendix 4.4.2          Correspondence from Hospital Authority

Appendix 4.5.1          Tentative Construction Programme & Works Area of Concurrent Projects

Appendix 4.5.2          Construction Plant Inventory

Appendix 4.5.3          Predicted Construction Noise Levels at Representative NSRs (Unmitigated Scenario)

Appendix 4.5.4          Schematic Diagram for Typical Construction Noise Barrier and Noise Enclosure

Appendix 4.5.5          Predicted Construction Noise Levels at Representative NSRs (Mitigated Scenario)

Appendix 4.5.6          Predicted Construction Noise Levels and Minimum Separation Between Schools and Critical Works Areas During Examination Period

Appendix 4.6.1          Comparison of Predicted Road Traffic Noise Levels at Representative NSRs

Appendix 4.6.2          Traffic Data in Year 2044 and Computer Plot of Road Traffic Noise Model

Appendix 4.6.3          Predicted Road Traffic Noise Levels at Representative NSRs (Unmitigated Scenario)

Appendix 4.6.4          Predicted Road Traffic Noise Levels at Representative NSRs (Mitigated Scenario, Direct Mitigation Measures Only)

Appendix 4.6.5          Predicted Road Traffic Noise Levels at Representative NSRs (Mitigated Scenario, All Mitigation Measure)

Appendix 4.7.1          Maximum Allowable SWLs of the Planned Fixed Noise Sources

Appendix 4.7.2          Noise Survey for Existing Fixed Noise Sources

Appendix 4.7.3          esults of Fixed Noise Impact Assessment

Appendix 4.7.4          Request for Information – Enquiry for North District Hospital (NDH) & Response from Hospital Authority

Appendix 4.7.5          Correspondence from WSD and DSD

Appendix 4.8.1          Correspondence from AAHK         

Appendix 4.8.2          Extract of Approved EIA Report “Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (AEIAR-185/2014)”

Appendix 4.9.1          Correspondence from GFS

Appendix 4.9.2          Helicopter Noise Assessment Area Determination

Appendix 4.9.3          Helipads in the vicinity of PDA

Appendix 4.9.4          Helicopter Noise Contour

           

 

4                          NOISE IMPACT

4.1                     Introduction

4.1.1                 This section presents an assessment of the potential noise impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project.  The noise impact assessment is conducted in accordance with the requirements of Annex 5 and Annex 13 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) as well as the technical requirements given in Appendix C of the EIA Study Brief (ESB-318/2019).

4.2                     Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

4.2.1                 The relevant legislation and associated guidance applicable to the present study for the assessment of noise impacts include:

·       Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) (Cap.400);

·       Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap. 499);

·       Technical Memorandum (TM) on Noise from Construction Work other than Percussive Piling (GW-TW);

·       TM on Noise from Construction Work in Designated Areas (DA-TM);

·       TM for the Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites (IND-TM); and

·       Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM).

Construction Noise

Construction Airborne Noise during Non-restricted Hours

4.2.2                 To ensure a better environment, the EIAO-TM promulgated under the EIAO has imposed more stringent criteria.  For construction, there is no statutory limit on daytime construction noise under the NCO and related TMs.  Nevertheless, Table 1B in Annex 5 of the EIAO-TM stipulates noise standards of 65 – 75 dB(A) for daytime construction activities, as shown in Table 4.2.1.

 

Table 4.2.1  Noise Criteria for Daytime Construction Activities

Use	Noise Criteria [1], Leq (30 mins) dB(A) 0700 to 1900 hours on any day not being a Sunday or general holiday
All domestic premises including temporary housing accommodation	75
Hotels and hostels	75
Educational institutions including kindergartens, nurseries and all others where unaided voice communication is required	70 65 (During examinations)

Note:

[1] The above standards apply to uses that rely on opened windows for ventilation.

 

4.2.3                 All the proposed construction works are expected to be carried out during non-restricted hours.  In case of any construction activities during restricted hours and/or percussive piling is found required, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the NCO and the relevant TMs. The Contractor will be required to submit a construction noise permit (CNP) application to the Noise Control Authority and abide by any conditions stated in the CNP, should one be issued. It should be noted that description made in this report does not guarantee that a CNP will be granted for the project construction.  The Noise Control Authority would take into account the contemporary conditions of adjoining land uses and other considerations when processing the CNP application based on the NCO and relevant TM issued under the NCO. The findings in the report shall not bind the Noise Control Authority in making the decision.

Operational Noise

Road Traffic Noise

4.2.4                 Table 1A in Annex 5 of the EIAO-TM provides the assessment criteria for road traffic noise impact at NSRs which rely on the opened windows for ventilation.  The relevant criteria are shown in Table 4.2.2 below.

Table 4.2.2  Noise Standards for Road Traffic Noise

Common Uses	Road Traffic Noise, L10 (1 hour), dB(A)
All domestic premises including temporary housing accommodation	70
Hotels and hostels	70
Offices	70
Educational institutions including kindergartens, child care centers and all others where unaided voice communication is required	65
Places of public worship and courts of law	65
Hospitals, clinics, convalescences and residential care homes for the elderly ·       diagnostic rooms ·       wards	55

Note:

[1] The above criteria apply to noise sensitive uses which rely on open window for ventilation and should be viewed as the maximum permissible noise levels assessed at 1m from the external facades.

 

Fixed Noise Source

4.2.5                 Table 1A in Annex 5 of the EIAO-TM and the Technical Memorandum for the Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites (IND-TM) stipulate the appropriate Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) for fixed noise sources.  The ANLs as shown in Table 4.2.3 are dependent on the Area Sensitivity Ratings (ASRs) of the NSRs, as defined in accordance with the IND-TM.  The EIAO-TM requires that the planned fixed noise sources shall comply with 5 dB(A) below the ANLs shown in Table 4.2.3 or the prevailing background noise levels, whichever lower.

Table 4.2.3  Acceptable Noise Levels (ANLs)

Time Period	Acceptable Noise Levels
	ASR A	ASR B	ASR C
Day (0700 to 1900 hours)	60	65	70
Evening (1900 to 2300 hours)	60	65	70
Night (2300 to 0700 hours)	50	55	60

 

Aircraft Noise

4.2.6                 The noise criterion for aircraft noise is given in Table 1A in Annex 5 of the EIAO-TM. For aircraft noise, NSRs should be planned beyond the NEF25 contour, except for offices which should be beyond the NEF30 contour. Similar to the road traffic noise, all these criteria only apply to NSRs relying on opened windows for ventilation.

4.2.7                 Since there is no relevant noise criteria in the EIAO-TM for aircraft noise impact associated with Shek Kong Airfield, reference has been made to the criteria for Chek Lap Kok Airport. Noise sensitive uses including all domestic premises should beyond the NEF25 contour for assessing the impact from Shek Kong Airfield.

Helicopter Noise

4.2.8                 Table 1A in Annex 5 of the EIAO-TM stipulate the noise standards for helicopter noise between 0700 – 1900, NSRs should be planned beyond having the noise impacts less than L_max 85dB(A), except for offices which should be exposed to noise impacts not exceeding L_max 90dB(A). Similar to the road traffic noise, all these criteria only apply to NSRs relying on opened windows for ventilation.

4.2.9                 Since there is no relevant noise criteria in the EIAO-TM for both evening and night-time periods, reference has been made to the approved EIA report for A Rooftop Helipad at the Proposed New Block of Queen Mary Hospital (AEIAR-208/2017).  According to their findings, there is no statutory noise criterion for emergency services (including air ambulance, search & rescue (SAR), supporting law enforcement agencies, firefighting) during evening and night-time periods.  The emergency services are generally exempted from the flight restrictions. 

4.3                     Baseline Conditions

Existing Environment

4.3.1                 The Project area covering 32 hectares of land of the Fanling Golf Course is located to the east of Fan Kam Road. The Project Site comprises the Potential Development Area (PDA) and works area proposed for the associated infrastructure (i.e. road improvement works and utility works). The proposed residential development is located in Sub-Area 1 (north of the site). It is bounded by Fan Kam Road to the east, Po Kin Road and North District Hospital to the north, and low-rise/ village type development. Background noise in the vicinity is typical of rural environment. The existing noise climate is dominated by major fixed plant noise sources such as mechanical ventilation system at the North District Hospital and road traffic noise from Fan Kam Road and Po Kin Road. Based on desktop review, the PDA is near the departure flight path to be in use under the Three-Runway System (3RS) operation but located over 15km outside the Noise Exposure Forecast 25 (NEF 25) Contour. Details are provided in Appendix 4.3.1.

 

Prevailing Background Noise Levels

4.3.2                 Since the prevailing background noise level may vary with weekday/weekend, background noise measurement has been conducted during weekday and weekend. Two 24-hr prevailing noise levels have been measured near the existing NSRs in the vicinity of the PDA on 18 Dec 2020 and 19 Dec 2020. The measurement results are considered representative. Figure 4.7.2 shows the locations of the prevailing noise measurement.  A summary of the prevailing noise measurement results in given in Table 4.3.1.

4.3.3                 The background noise of BG1 is mainly contributed by the activities from the village while the background noise of BG2 is mainly contributed by activities from the high-rise residential development and schools. Given Sub-Area 1 of the PDA would comprise of high-rise residential development and schools, whereas the existing environment is a golf course site, the prevailing background noise level obtained at BG2 is considered representative of the future prevailing background noise level at Sub-Area 1.

Table 4.3.1  Summary of Prevailing Noise Measurement Results

ID	Location Description	Measurement Results L90(1 hour), dB(A) [1]
		Day time: 0700 to 1900 hours	Evening: 1900 to 2300 hours	Night: 2300 to 0700 hours
BG1	Inside Ping Kong Village	44	44	42
BG2	Near Ching Cheung House	51	50	41

Notes:

[1] The noise measurement descriptor is A-weighted sound pressure level exceeded for 90% of the time (L₉₀) measured using Type 1 sound level meter.  The hour within the daytime/evening period and night-time period with the lowest noise levels were taken to represent the prevailing noise levels.  Measurements were taken free-field.

[2] +3 dB(A) façade correction is included

 

4.4                     Noise Sensitive Receivers

4.4.1                 With reference to Annex 13 of the EIAO-TM, Noise Sensitive Receivers (NSRs) shall include residential uses (all domestic premises including temporary housing), institutional uses (educational institutions including kindergarten and nurseries), hospitals, medical clinics, homes for the aged, convalescent homes, places of public worship, libraries, court of law, performing arts centres, auditoria and amphitheatres, country park and others.

4.4.2                 The assessment area for noise impact is generally defined by a distance of 300m from the boundary of the Project Area and the works of the Project. Representative NSRs within a distance of 300m from the Project Site have been identified with the first layer of NSRs selected as representative NSRs for assessment.  These NSRs include the existing, committed and planned developments during both construction and operation phases.

4.4.3                 Representative existing, planned and committed NSRs within the assessment area have been identified based on the topographic maps supplemented by site surveys, Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs), other published plans in the vicinity of the Project site. The tentative layout of the proposed Public Housing Development confirmed by the Housing Authority (HKHA) have been used to identify the planned sensitive receivers within the PDA. 

4.4.4                 All existing, committed and planned noise uses are identified based on the below latest Outline Zoning Plans. 

·       Fanling / Sheung Shui OZP No. S/FSS/25

·       Ping Kong OZP No. S/NE-PK/11

·       Kwu Tung South OZP No. S/NE-KTS/18

4.4.5                 The overall relevant NSRs are summarised in Table 4.4.1 and their locations are shown in Figures 4.4.1a to 4.4.1d.  Photos of these representative NSRs are provided in Appendix 4.4.1.  Representative NSRs and assessment points for construction and operational noise impact assessment are presented in relevant sections.

Table 4.4.1 Overall Noise Sensitive Receivers

 

NSR ID [1]	Location/ Description	Existing/ Planned	Uses [2]	No. of Storeys (Sensitive Use Only)
Existing/ Planned NSRs (outside PDA boundary)
E01	Cheung Lung Wai Estate	Existing	R	32-36
E02	Little Sisters of the Poor Saint Joseph's Home for the Aged	Existing	HE	5
E03	Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Ma Kam Chan Memorial Primary School	Existing	E	7
E04	HKCKLA Buddhist Wisdom Primary School	Existing	E	7
E05	Tsang Mui Millennium School	Existing	E	7
E06	Elegantia College	Existing	E	7
E07	Ching Ho Estate	Existing	R	40
E08	Ming Tak Court	Existing	R	3
E09	Village Houses near Palmera Villa	Existing	R	3
E10	Palmera Villa	Existing	R	3
E11	Yat Tung Villa	Existing	R	3
E12	Village Houses near Yat Tung Villa	Existing	R	3
E13	Windsor Mansions	Existing	R	3
E14	Savanna Park	Existing	R	3
E15	Fu Hei Garden	Existing	R	3
E16	Lok King Garden	Existing	R	3
E17	King Lam Garden	Existing	R	3
E18	Village Houses near King Lam Garden	Existing	R	3
E19	Village Houses at Ping Kong Road	Existing	R	3-4
E20	On Po Village	Existing	R	3
E23	Village Houses south of FGC	Existing	R	3
E24	Village Houses south of FGC	Existing	R	3
E25	Village Houses south of FGC	Existing	R	3
E26	Ebenezer Christian Church	Existing	W	2
E27	North District Hospital [3]	Existing	H	6
E28	Choi Po Court	Existing	R	31-35
E29	Choi Yuen Estate	Existing	R	25-28
E30	Yuk Po Court	Existing	R	20
E31	Tai Tau Leng Village	Existing	R	3
E32	Po Shek Wu Estate	Existing	R	24-32
E33	Metropolis Plaza	Existing	R	24-25
E34	Po Sheung Tsuen	Existing	R	3
E36	Hing Yan Tsuen	Existing	R	3
E37	Tai Yuen Tsuen	Existing	R	3
E38	Shek Wu Hui	Existing	R	4-7
E39	Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School	Existing	E	7
E40	Tsui Lai Garden	Existing	R	30
E41	Construction Industry Council Training Academy Sheung Shui Training Centre	Existing	E	7
E42	Sheung Shui Church Kindergarten	Existing	E	5
E43	Fung Kai Kindergarten	Existing	E	2
E44	Fung Kai Primary School	Existing	E	3
E45	Royal Green	Existing	R	37-40
E46	Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Mother of Christ Church	Existing	W	2
E47	Village Houses at the east of Savanna Park	Existing	R	1-2
E48	Fung Kai Care and Attention Home for the Elderly	Existing	HE	7
E49	Buddhist Li Chong Yuet Ming Nursing Home	Existing	HE	7
E50	Tai Ping Estate	Existing	R	26
E51	Community Health Centre cum Social Welfare Facilities at Pak Wo Road, North District	Planned	G/IC	10
E52	Venice Garden	Existing	R	18
E53	Ng Uk Tsuen	Existing	R	3
E54	Glorious Peak	Existing	R	37
E55	8 Royal Green	Existing	R	37
E56	Sheung Shui Government Secondary School	Existing	E	7
E57	Sheung Shui Police Married Quarters	Existing	R	18
E58	Sheung Shui Disciplined Service Quarters	Existing	R	18
E59	Buddhist Chan Shi Wan Primary School	Existing	E	7
E60	Hong Kong Taoist Association Tang Hin Memorial Secondary School	Existing	E	6
E61	Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Kap Yan Directors’ College	Existing	E	7
E62	Yuk Po Court	Existing	R	20
P1	Private Housing Development at Lot 4076 in D.D.91	Planned	R	N/A
P2	North District Hospital Extension [4]	Planned	H	6
P3	Potential Housing Development at Ching Hiu Road	Planned	R	N/A
P4	Private Housing Development at Lot 1909 in D.D.100	Planned	R	3
P5	Fanling Area 36 Phase 4 (Ching Ho Extension)	Planned	R	N/A
P6	Potential Housing Development at Tai Tau Leng	Planned	R	N/A
Planned NSRs (within PDA boundary)
B01	Block 1, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	38
B02	Block 2, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	37
B03	Block 3, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	37
B04	Block 4, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	37
B05	Block 5, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	37
B06	Block 6, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	41
B07	Block 7, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	36
B08	Block 8, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	43
B09	Block 9, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	39
B10	Block 10, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	39
B11	Block 11, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	39
B12	Block 12, Public Housing Development	Planned	R	39
SWA	Proposed Social Welfare Facilities Building above PTI	Planned	G/IC	7
SWB	Proposed Social Welfare Facilities Building at Ground Level of Carpark Block	Planned	G/IC	1
EDU	Proposed School	Planned	E	7

Notes:
[1] The noise assessments will only include NSRs which rely on opened windows for ventilation.

[2] R – Residential Premises; E – Educational Institution; W – Place of Public Worship; HE – Homes for the elderly; G/IC – Social Welfare Facility Building.

[3] North District Hospital is provided with central air-conditioning system and well-gasketted windows and do not rely on opened window for ventilation. It is therefore not considered in the noise assessment.

[4] As advised by Hospital Authority (see Appendix 4.4.2), North District Hospital Extension is an acute hospital which includes accident & emergency service, radiology, pharmacy, ambulatory care services, wards, mortuary, etc. There will not be any staff quarters. The building will be equipped with fixed glazing and centralized air-conditioning system. It does not rely on openable windows for ventilation.  It is therefore not considered in the noise assessment.

N/A denotes relevant information is not available.

 

4.4.6                 The kindergarten proposed at Podium Garden Block would be provided with mechanical ventilation such that it would not rely on openable window for ventilation.

4.4.7                 The passive recreational and ancillary facilities would be provided in Sub-Areas 2 to 3 and no works would be carried in Sub-Area 4. However, the proposed building at Sub-Area 2 (south of block 10) will be designed with mechanical ventilation such that it will not rely on opened window for ventilation.  

4.4.8                 In order to evaluate the construction and operation noise impacts from the Project, all existing/committed/planned NSRs located within the assessment area are identified for assessment. Noise Assessment Points (NAPs) to represent the identified NSRs are selected for carrying out construction and operation impact assessment and presented in following sections.

 

4.5                     Construction Noise Impact Assessment

4.5.1                 Identification of Construction Noise Impact

Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

4.5.1.1            The assessment area for construction noise impact is 300m from the PDA boundary.  The first layer of NSRs located close to the construction activities have been selected from Table 4.4.1. Noise assessment points (NAPs) closest to the construction activities have been assigned for construction noise impact assessment and summarised in Table 4.5.1. Locations are shown in Figure 4.5.1a to Figure 4.5.1d.

Table 4.5.1  Representative NSRs and NAPs for Construction Noise Impact Assessment

NSR ID	NAP ID	Location/ Description	Noise Criteria Leq 30-min, dB(A)	Uses [1]	No. of Storeys (Sensitive Use Only)
E01	E01_CN01	Cheung Lung Wai Estate	75	R	32
	E01_CN02		75	R	32
	E01_CN03		75	R	32
	E01_CN04		75	R	32
	E01_CN05		75	R	32
	E01_CN06		75	R	36
	E01_CN07		75	R	36
E02	E02_CN02	Little Sisters of the Poor Saint Joseph's Home for the Aged	75	HE [3]	5
	E02_CN03		75	HE [3]	5
E03	E03_CN01	Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Ma Kam Chan Memorial Primary School	70 Exam: 65	E	7
	E03_CN02		70 Exam: 65	E	7
E04	E04_CN01	HKCKLA Buddhist Wisdom Primary School	70 Exam: 65	E	7
	E04_CN02		70 Exam: 65	E	7
E06	E06_CN01	Elegantia College	70 Exam: 65	E	7
	E06_CN02		70 Exam: 65	E	7
E07	E07_CN01	Ching Ho Estate	75	R	40
	E07_CN02		75	R	40
E08	E08_CN01	Ming Tak Court	75	R	3
	E08_CN02		75	R	3
E09	E09_CN01	Village Houses near Palmera Villa	75	R	3
	E09_CN02		75	R	3
	E09_CN03		75	R	3
	E09_CN04		75	R	3
	E09_CN05		75	R	3
E10	E10_CN01	Palmera Villa	75	R	3
E14	E14_CN01	Savanna Park	75	R	3
	E14_CN02		75	R	3
E20	E20_CN01	On Po Village	75	R	3
	E20_CN02		75	R	3
	E20_CN03		75	R	3
	E20_CN04		75	R	3
	E20_CN05		75	R	3
	E20_CN06		75	R	3
E23	E23_CN01	Village Houses south of FGC	75	R	3
E28	E28_CN01	Choi Po Court	75	R	31
	E28_CN02		75	R	31
	E28_CN03		75	R	35
	E28_CN04		75	R	35
	E28_CN05		75	R	33
	E28_CN06		75	R	33
E29	E29_CN01	Choi Yuen Estate	75	R	18
	E29_CN02		75	R	18
	E29_CN03		75	R	18
	E29_CN04		75	R	28
	E29_CN05		75	R	25
	E29_CN06		75	R	25
E31	E31_CN01	Tai Tau Leng Village	75	R	3
	E31_CN02		75	R	3
	E31_CN04		75	R	3
	E31_CN05		75	R	3
E32	E32_CN01	Po Shek Wu Estate	75	R	24
	E32_CN02		75	R	28
	E32_CN03		75	R	32
E34	E34_CN01	Po Sheung Tsuen	75	R	3
	E34_CN02		75	R	3
	E34_CN03		75	R	3
E36	E36_CN01	Hing Yan Tsuen	75	R	3
E38	E38_CN01	Shek Wu Hui	75	R	4
	E38_CN02		75	R	4
	E38_CN03		75	R	7
	E38_CN04		75	R	3
E39	E39_CN01	Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School	70 Exam: 65	E	7
E40	E40_CN01	Tsui Lai Garden	75	R	30
	E40_CN02		75	R	30
E46	E46_CN01	Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Mother of Christ Church	75	W [3]	3
E47	E47_CN01	Village Houses at the east of Savanna Park	75	R	3
E50	E50_CN01	Tai Ping Estate Kindergarten	70	E	1
	E50_CN02	Tai Ping Estate Ping Yee House	75	R	26
E52	E52_CN01	Venice Garden	75	R	18
E53	E53_CN01	Ng Uk Tsuen	75	R	3

Notes:
[1] R – Residential Premises; E – Educational Institution;

[2] 70 dB(A) during 0700 to 1900 hours on any school day not being Sunday or general holiday; 65 dB(A) during examinations.

[3] W – Place of Public Worship; HE – Homes for the elderly; Noise standards for daytime construction activities for these uses are not specified in EIAO-TM. Considered the nature of these uses is similar to residential premises, Leq (30mins) 75dB(A) is adopted as noise criteria in the assessment.

 

Noise Sources during Construction Phase

4.5.1.2            Potential construction noise impacts would arise from the use of powered mechanical equipment (PME) during the construction works of the Project.  The key activities during construction phase are typical to other land-based housing development projects, which include site clearance, site formation, piling works, pipeworks, utility works and road improvement works.  Based on the current construction design, percussive piling and blasting are not required.

4.5.1.3            Based on the current design, there is no planned vehicular/ railway tunnel for the development. No rock breaking/drilling works is envisaged during the construction phase of the Project. Trenchless method would be adopted at some critical locations of pipe laying works. The pipe jacking system, mini Tunnel Bored Machine and grout pump will be located at the bottom of pit, the airborne noise impact associated with these PMEs would be insignificant. Mini Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) adopted for proposed pipe jacking works is of approximately 1.5m diameters. Considered the small-scale of pipe jacking works and the size of mini TBM, the groundborne noise impact associated with the mini TBM is anticipated to be insignificant. Therefore, groundborne noise impact is not anticipated during the construction phase.

4.5.1.4            The construction of the Project would be carried out concurrently with the following project that may induce cumulative environment impacts:

·       Reclaimed Water Supply to Sheung Shui and Fanling – Investigation, Design and Construction (Proposed Pumping and Distribution Mains Works near Po Shek Wu Road)

·       North District Hospital Extension

·       Improvement of Po Shek Wu Interchange Improvement under NENT NDA development (including Po Shek Wu Road Flyover)

·       Improvement to So Kwun Po Interchange

·       Engineering Feasibility Studies for Site Formation and Infrastructural Works for Housing Developments in North District – Tai Tau Leng Site and Ching Hiu Road Site.

Reclaimed Water Supply to Sheung Shui and Fanling – Investigation, Design and Construction

4.5.1.5            According to the approved Preliminary Environmental Review (PER) Report of the Reclaimed Water Supply to Sheung Shui and Fanling – Investigation, Design and Construction, the works for pumping main were scheduled to commence in 2020 for completion in 2022, whereas the flushing water distribution mains was scheduled to commence in 2020 for completion in phases by 2025. Based on its works area, this concurrent project will have cumulative impact with works of flushing water mains laying and sewer laying.

North District Hospital Extension

4.5.1.6            North District Hospital Extension is an acute hospital which includes accident & emergency service, radiology, pharmacy, ambulatory care services, wards, mortuary, etc. There will not be any staff quarters. The building will be equipped with fixed glazing and centralized air-conditioning system. It does not rely on operable windows for ventilation. As advised by Hospital Authority (see Appendix 4.4.2), this project is still at the early design stage, construction details are yet to be finalized or available. 

Improvement of Po Shek Wu Interchange Improvement under NENT NDA development

4.5.1.7            Po Shek Wu Interchange is currently exceeding its junction capacity.  In order to cater for the traffic flow from the FLN NDA, improvement work, including realignment of Po Shek Wu Road and the construction of an elevated southbound right-turning slip road to bypass the interchange, is proposed.  According to approved EIA, the targeted commencement date for construction works would be in 2025 and targeted completion of construction works by 2029. As checked with CEDD, the relevant information (e.g. plant inventory) in the approved NENT NDA EIA are the latest available information for cumulative assessment at this time of study.

 Improvement to So Kwun Po Interchange

4.5.1.8            Improvement of So Kwun Po Interchange is to construct a new carriageway linking San Wan Road and Pak Wo Road directly. This project is a statutory EIA.  According to the Project Profile of this project, the Investigation, Design and Construction (IDC) study including EIA will commence in mid-2021. The targeted commencement date for construction works would be in 2025 and targeted completion of construction works by 2030. As advised by CEDD, there is currently no proposed plant inventory available during the preparation of FGC EIA study.

Engineering Feasibility Studies for Site Formation and Infrastructural Works for Housing Developments in North District – Tai Tau Leng Site and Ching Hiu Road Site

4.5.1.9            The Government continues to optimise the use of potential areas to meet the community’s pressing demand for housing. During the preparation of the EIA Study, detailed information of these feasibility studies is not available.

4.5.1.10         Construction worksites are shown in Figure 4.5.1 and tentative construction programme is presented in Appendix 4.5.1. The works area of the concurrent project can be referred to Appendix 4.5.1.

 

4.5.2                 Assessment Methodology

4.5.2.1            The assessment of construction noise impacts arising from works other than percussive piling were based on standard acoustic principles and guidelines given in the GW-TM issued under the NCO where appropriate.  The sound power levels (SWLs) of the PME were referenced to those listed in Table 3 of GW-TM.  Where SWL was not available in the GW-TM, reference has been made to the following sources of information in descending order of preference.

·       Typically available Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment (“QPME”) with valid QPME Labels maintained and listed in EPD’s website

·       Other commonly used PME in EPD’s website

·       Other EIA reports or measurements taken in other relevant studies.

4.5.2.2            The approach adopted is considered by Project Engineer to be practicable and summarised as follows:

(i)             Devise a typical and realistic construction programme as shown in Appendix 4.5.1;

(ii)           Prepare an assumed project-specific equipment inventory, including equipment type, number and utilization rates during any 30 minutes working period within the non-restricted hours without mitigation,  is confirmed by Project Engineer to be appropriate and practicable for completing the works within the proposed construction programme, as appended in Appendix 4.5.2;

(iii)         Obtain from GW-TM or other sources mentioned above, the SWL of each PME assumed in the equipment inventory;

(iv)          Select representative NSRs for the construction noise impact assessment as shown in Figure 4.5.1a to Figure 4.5.1d;

(v)           Calculate the unmitigated Predicted Noise Level (PNL) based on assumed work Sub-Areas, notional source positions, together with correction for distance attenuation, in-situ/ inherent screening due to architectural features or existing buildings;

(vi)          Calculate the unmitigated overall Corrected Noise Level (CNL) at any NSRs for each month over the entire construction period;

(vii)        In the event of noise exceedance, devise necessary mitigation measures including use of typical quiet equipment (e.g. QPME registered by EPD) and/or use of adequate screening by noise barrier/ enclosure as earmarked in the mitigated plant inventory and calculate the mitigated noise impact; and

(viii)      Compare the mitigated overall CNL with the noise standards given in  Table 4.2.1 to determine the need for further mitigation.

4.5.2.3            Noise impact levels due to individual noise sources have been predicted at each NSR after the corrections for distance attenuation and screening effects as the PNL.

PNL_i = SWL_i + C_dist + C_barrier

4.5.2.4            For any construction activities that will be carried out concurrently, the relevant individual PNLs are then summed logarithmically with correction for façade reflection for the overall impacts (“CNL”) at each individual NSR:

CNL = ∑PNL_i + C_facade

where

·       PNLi = Predicted noise level arising from various individual source after corrections for distance attenuation and screening

·       SWLi = Sound power level of individual construction noise sources

·       C dist = Correction for distance attenuation

·       C barrier ­­= Correction [-5 to -10 dB(A)] for barrier effects due to in-situ screening by obstacles, architectural features or purpose-built noise barrier

·       C façade = Correction [+3 dB(A)] for façade reflection at NSR

·       CNL = Corrected overall noise level being logarithmic sum of individual PNLs occurring at the same time together with correction for façade at the NSR

4.5.2.5            To assess the cumulative impact from concurrent project, the maximum SWL of their construction activities was taken from the approved PER Report of Reclaimed Water Supply to Sheung Shui and Fanling – Investigation, Design and Construction and approved EIA report of North East New Territories New Development Areas.

 

4.5.3                 Prediction and Evaluation of Construction Noise Impacts (Unmitigated Scenario)

4.5.3.1            The predicted unmitigated construction noise levels at representative NSRs were predicted and summarised in Table 4.5.2 with detailed results presented in Appendix 4.5.3.  There would be exceedances predicted at the majority of NSRs.  Mitigation measures are therefore required.

Table 4.5.2  Predicted Unmitigated Construction Noise Levels at NSRs

Notes:
[1] R – Residential Premises; E – Educational Institution; W – Place of Public Worship; HE – Homes for the elderly;

[2] 70 dB(A) during 0700 to 1900 hours on and school day not being Sunday or general holiday; 65 dB(A) during examinations.

[3] Bolded value represents the exceedance of their respective noise criteria.

 

 

4.5.3.2            The total number of dwellings, classrooms and other NSRs that would be exposed to noise exceeding the relevant criteria are presented in Table 4.5.3 below.

Table 4.5.3  Number of Residential Dwellings/Classrooms/Other NSRs with Noise Exceedances in Unmitigated Scenario

Note:

[1] For high-rise building, 1 NAP is assumed to represent 2 dwellings per floor. While for village house, 1 NAP is assumed to represent 1 dwelling per floor;

[2]  1 NAP is assumed to represent 3 classrooms per floor; and 

[3]  Other uses refer to Homes for the elderly and Place of Public Worship. 1NAP is assumed to represent 2 habitat rooms per floor.

 

 

4.5.4                 Mitigation Measures

4.5.4.1            The predicted noise levels show that the unmitigated construction noise impacts would exceed the daytime noise criteria.  Mitigation measures are therefore required. The recommended mitigation measures are confirmed by Project Engineers to be feasible and practicable. The following mitigation measures have been considered:

·       Adoption of quieter construction method;

·       Use of quality PMEs (QPMEs) with lower SWL;

·       Use of movable noise barriers, noise insulating fabric and noise enclosures to screen noise from relatively static PMEs; and

·       Good site practices to limit noise emissions at source

Adoption of Quieter Construction Method

4.5.4.2            Instead of traditional construction method as presented under the unmitigated scenario, a quieter construction method is recommended for site clearance works. Non-Explosive Chemical Expansion Agent (Soundless Chemical Demolition Agent) is proposed to be adopted to replace the use of breakers. Unlike explosive chemicals or expansive compounds, Soundless Chemical Demolition Agents do not produce vibrations, and hence, they are completely quiet and safe to use. When the chemical agent is properly used, it does not cause significant noise, ground vibration, fly rock, gas, dust or any other environmental pollution. This soundless chemical demolition agent is used for concrete demolition or rock breaking and much quieter than traditional breakers. According to the information provided by EPD, the sound pressure level (SPL) of the operation of the Soundless Chemical Demolition Agent ranges from 60 to 65 dB(A) at 7m from equipment, i.e. the sound power level (SWL) of the operation is 85 to 90dB(A). 90dB(A) has been adopted in this assessment as the conservative approach.  This method is considered by Project Engineer to be feasible in actual situation and practicable in the context of construction programme.

 

4.5.4.3            Silent Piling by Press-in Method is proposed to be adopted to replace traditional massive augering and piling machines for sheet piling work at hard ground condition which would create significant noise and vibration impacts to neighbours. For the Silent Press-in Method, a sheet pile is clipped andpressed underground. Even for harder ground, noise and vibration can also be minimized by pressing-in sheet piles with simultaneous augering, by the Gyropress Method. Construction work can also be completed in shorter duration by using this method so that the noise impact to nearby NSRs can also be further alleviated. According to approved EIA on Shatin to Central Link - Mong Kok East to Hung Hom Section (Register No. AEIAR-165/2012), Giken Piler and Power-pack for silent piling has been proposed and the SWL of 94dB(A) has been adopted in this assessment. This method is considered by Project Engineer to be feasible in actual situation and practicable in the context of construction programme.

 

Use of Quality PMEs

4.5.4.4            Use of QPMEs with lower SWL is recommended to reduce the noise impacts for the Development.  The list of proposed QPMEs and their respective SWLs are presented in Table 4.5.4 below.

Table 4.5.4  Recommended List of QPME and their Sound Power Levels

Regular PME	Description	SWL, dB(A)	QPME on EPD’s website	Description	SWL, dB(A)
CNP 004	Asphalt paver	109	EPD-05557	Asphalt Paver Dynapac, Model: SD2500W	105
CNP 048	Crane, mobile/ barge mounted (diesel)	112	EPD-05797	Crane, mobile Maeda, Model: CC985S-1	91
CNP 030	Bulldozer	115	EPD-07836	Bulldozer, tracked SHANTUI, Model:DH13K	105
CNP 081	Excavator/ loader, wheeled/ tracked	112	EPD-10406	Excavator , wheeled/tracked, YANMAR Model: VIO12-2A	87
CNP 001	Air compressor, air flow <= 10m3/min	100	EPD-10517	Air Compressor, DENYO CO LTD / DENYO, Model: DAS180LB	94
CNP 185	Road roller	108	EPD-10665	Road roller, Kanto, Model: KV40DS	94
CNP 101	Generator, standard	108	EPD-10735	Generator, DENYO Model: DCA-45LSK	87

 

Use of Noise Insulating Fabric

4.5.4.5            Noise insulating fabric can be adopted for certain PME such as piling machine. According to the approved Tsim Sha Tsui Station Northern Subway EIA Report (Register No.: AEIAR127/2008), provided that the noise insulating fabrics are lapped such that there are no openings or gaps on the joints, a noise reduction of 10 dB(A) can be achieved.

 

Use of Movable Barriers and Noise Enclosures

4.5.4.6            Use of movable noise barriers and noise enclosures at the PMEs are recommended.  The barriers will be placed as close to the PME as possible and at a location intercepting the line of sight between the NSRs and PME. They should have a minimum surface density of 10 kg/m² and be moved concurrently with the PME along the worksites.  A cantilevered top cover would be used for noise screening for upper floors of NSRs to achieve screening benefits.  According to the Guidance Note on Preparation of Construction Noise Impact Assessment GN No.9/2010, noise reduction of 5dB(A) and 10dB(A) can be achieved by direct application of the noise barriers to movable and stationary plant, respectively.  Movable noise enclosure made up of plywood is proposed to surround certain static PME. The internal wall of the enclosure should be laid with sound absorbent such as mineral wool. Without direct view of the noisy part of the enclosed PME from NSR, this design can achieve 10dB(A) reduction. The schematic diagrams for typical construction noise barrier and noise enclosure are provided in Appendix 4.5.4. 

 

4.5.4.7            The future contractor will be required through contract specifications to provide and implement sufficient direct mitigation measures with reference to the recommendations in this EIA or the future detailed design to achieve acceptable noise levels on the nearby NSRs.  The future contractor will also be required to prepare a construction noise management plan with reference to Section 8 and Annex 21 of the EIAO-TM as well as this EIA Report and EM&A Manual.  The construction management plan shall identify the inventory of noise sources and assess the effectiveness and practically of all mitigation measures considered during the design and tendering stage to minimize the construction noise impact. The construction management plan should confirm and summarise the mitigation measures to be implemented for the Project, and shall be submitted six months prior to the commencement of construction.

 

Good Site Practices

4.5.4.8            It is also recommended to implement good site practices as far as practicable so as to further reduce the noise impact at NSRs.  Since the effect of the good site practices could not be quantified, the mitigated noise levels calculated in the subsequent sections have not taken into account this effect.  The following good site practices should be followed during the construction of the Development:

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

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

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

·       Use of site hoarding as a noise barrier to screen noise at low level NSRs;

·       Machines and plant that may be in intermittent use should be shut down between works periods or should be throttled down to a minimum; and

·       Any material stockpiles and other structures should be effectively utilized, wherever practicable, to screen the noise from on-site construction activities.

 

 

 

4.5.5                 Prediction and Evaluation of Construction Noise Impacts (Mitigated Scenario)

4.5.5.1            The equipment inventory under the mitigated scenario, that is confirmed by Project Engineer to be appropriate and practicable for completing the works within the proposed construction programme, is appended in Appendix 4.5.2. The mitigated construction noise levels at representative NSRs are summarised in Table 4.5.5 below. Detailed results are presented in Appendix 4.5.5.

 

Table 4.5.5  Predicted Mitigated Construction Noise Levels at NSRs