• Tunneling and Pipe Installation
    Tunneling and Pipe Installation

Tunneling and pipe installation for underground utilities involve the use of various mechanical equipment. Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment (QPME) such as excavator, generator and mobile crane which emitted relatively less noise compared with non- QPME are widely available in the territory. Moreover, the employment of some quieter construction methods such as top-down construction method or pipe jacking can also reduce the construction noise generation.

Sound pressure level at 7 meters from equipment

 

Noise reduction for some mitigation measures for reference.

Noise reduction

 

Equipment with QPME Label

QPME or Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment items, are construction equipment items that are new, notably quieter, more environmentally friendly and efficient. QPME system is an administrative system developed by Environmental Protection Department to reflect the state-of-the-art construction equipment, to facilitate the Construction Noise Permit (CNP) application process, and at the same time supports the "Pay for Safety and Environment" concept of the Works Branch of the Development Bureau. Applications from equipment over 6 years old are not normally be accepted. The capital expenditure on QPME can be deducted from Profits Tax. Detailed information can found in the website below:

http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/noise/qpme/index.html