B
G.S. 84
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XCR(77)238
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· Tunnelling works are capital intensive and 24-hour working will allow the expensive plant to be used more economical- ly. It is therefore common practice for works of this nature to be carried out round-the-clock, Should night work not be allowed, it is estimated that the completion time for the project will be delayed by at least 18 months. Furthermore, a ban on night work will raise the project cost by approximately $2 million, and the resulting delay in the double-tracking of the Shatin-Hunghom line and the completion of the interchange at Kowloon Tong will re- present a further loss of revenue.
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The working faces of the tunnel will be underground and hence the noise from the faces is unlikely to disturb the public. However, there will be some noise in the works areas due to the use of ancillary construction equipment and the removal of ex- cavated materials by lorries. Only very few residents on each side could claim to be affected, as development in these areas. is relatively scattered, and the lorries will not be passing through the smaller roads in Kowloon Tong. Works that are not directly connected with tunnelling are to be carried out between the hours of 6:00 a. m. and 11:00 p. m. except in case of emergency.
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Proposed Exemption from section 13 of the Summary Offences Ordinance
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Under section 13 of the Summary Offences Ordinance, it is an offence between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a, m. to make any noise calculated to disturb the public tranquility or to annoy any person. The section does not, however, apply to such areas or in such circumstances as the Governor in Council may specify by order published in the Gazette. Such an order is now sought in respect of the works associated with the construction of the Beacon Hill Tunnel.
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In view of the importance for the timely completion of the project, it is recommended that the draft Summary Offences Ordinance (Exemption from section 13) (No 6) Order 1977 at Annex B be made to allow night work to proceed for the construction of the Beacon Hill Tunnel subject to the following conditions:
(a) that all static plant and equipment shall be sound
reduced to a level of 50 decibels measured at a distance of 50 metres from the plant or equipment;
(b) that all mobile plant and equipment be sound reduced
to a level of 75 decibels measured outside the nearest occupied property for work between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
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