Contract No. HY/2009/18 Central – Wan Chai Bypass – Central Interchange Noise Management Plan

Reviewed by:
	Anfernee Chow Environmental Officer
Approved by:
	Brian Gillon Site Agent

Introduction

This Noise Management Plan shows the layout plans, details and explanatory statements for the noise mitigation measures to include the use of movable / temporary noise barriers, the use of quiet powered mechanical equipments and the adoption of multiple-phase construction schedules, where appropriate, to be implemented to mitigate the noise impact arising from the construction of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass – Central Interchange Project (hereafter as “the Project”) to the vicinity of the site. Layout plans showing the site boundary are attached in Appendix A.

1 Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

With reference to Tables 4.5, 4.6 & 4.7 and Figures 4.1.1 & 4.1.2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Central – Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link (EIA-057/2001) (hereafter as “the EIA Report”), three noise sensitive receivers have been identified for the Project. The areas, locations and uses of these noise sensitive receivers (NSRs) are listed in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1 Noise Sensitive Receivers

NSR	Area	Location	Use
N1	Sheung Wan	Korea Centre	Residential
N2	Central	City Hall	Performing Arts Centre
N3	Central	PLA Headquarters	Others (Militray)

The layout plan (extracted from the EIA Report) showing the location of noise sensitive receivers is attached in Appendix B.

2 Noise Impact on NSRs

2.1 Noise Impact on Korea Centre (N1)

In accordance with the findings in the EIA report, there would be potential construction noise impact on N1. The adverse noise impact generated from the course of construction would likely to be partially screened by the existing noise tolerant structures (Harbour Building and Wing On Centre) which are located between the project site and N1. In order to minimise the construction noise impact on N1, mitigation measures were still recommended to be implemented during the construction stage.

2.2 Noise Impact on City Hall (N2) and PLA Headquarters (N3)

With reference to the findings in the EIA report, the noise impact on N3 would be dominantly due to CRIII project. In addition, N2 is provided with central air conditioning and noise insulated facilities and the shielding from the noise tolerant structures (General Post Office and Two International Finance Centre) located between the project site and N2. Hence, the noise impact on N2 and N3 is anticipated to be minimal.

3 Mitigation of Noise from Construction Works

In order to minimise the construction noise impacts at the affected NSRs, the following mitigation measures would be implemented during construction stage.

3.1 Adoption of Quieter PMEs

Quieter PMEs would be adopted with reference to the recommendation in the EIA report to reduce the noise generated from construction works, and would be reviewed with the on-going EM&A results. In addition, detailed plant schedule would be proposed in corresponding method statement and submitted to the Engineer.

3.2 Adoption of Good Site Practices

In addition to the mitigation measures mentioned above, the following good site practices would be adopted during the entire construction period:

Ø Only well-maintained plant would be operated on-site and plant would be serviced regularly during the construction programme.

Ø Silencers or mufflers on construction equipment would be utilised whenever necessary and would be properly maintained during the construction programme.

Ø Mobile plant, if any, would be sited as far away from NSRs as possible.

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

Ø Plant known to emit noise strongly in one direction would, where possible, be orientated so that the noise is directed away from the nearby NSRs.

Ø Material stockpiles and other structures would be effectively utilised, where practicable, in screening noise from on-site construction activities.

3.3 Liaison through Community Liaison Group

In accordance with the permit condition 2.4 of the Further Environmental Permit (Permit no.: FEP-05/364/2009/A), a Community Liaison Group (CLG) comprising representatives from the relevant concerned and affected parties, including owners’ corporations, management offices, local committees and schools of affected areas, was set up, to facilitate communication, enquiries and complaints handling on all environmental issues, including the follow up on the implementation of remedial mitigation measures. A designated complaint hotline was also set up for the Project to address such concerns and complaints in an efficient manner.

4 Conclusion

The noise impacts to the affected NSRs were predicted to be lower than limit level. However, the adjacent CRIII project would also contribute noise impacts to the NSRs. In order to reduce the cumulative noise impacts to the NSRs, mitigation measures were recommended to be implemented during the construction of this Project.