THE ENVIRONMENT
direct engineering solutions are impracticable or where these solutions alone are inadequate in reducing the noise to an acceptable level, the feasibility of non- engineering solutions such as traffic management measures would be explored on a case-by-case basis.
The Government has identified 30 existing roads as targets for the retrofitting of noise barriers or enclosures. As this will be a large works project, the retrofitting programme would be carried out in phases with priority given to roads with a more serious noise problem and that affect the largest number of residents.
In addition, 72 local roads have been identified as possible targets for resurfacing with new low noise material. Further feasibility studies will be carried out on these roads to establish whether they are suitable for resurfacing with low noise material.
The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation has embarked on a 10-year noise reduction programme. It has completed noise mitigation projects at 17 sites, bringing relief to some 106 000 residents affected by train noise. Another package of mitigation measures covering a total of three sites in the Sha Tin, Fo Tan and University station areas began in late 2001 with a target completion date in 2002.
The problem of aircraft noise has ended for those living under the old Kai Tak airport flight path, with the relocation of the airport to Chek Lap Kok, where the surrounding sea is the only area affected by such severe noise. Only about 100 village houses are within the moderately affected area under more stringent planning controls. Nonetheless, although the noise levels are far lower than those experienced around Kai Tak airport, there is concern about the impact on other residents under the new flight paths who were previously unaffected. The Government is mindful of the concern and is studying and implementing aircraft noise mitigating measures as far as practicable.
Construction Noise
Noise from general construction work between 7 pm and 7 am, and on public holidays, is controlled through construction noise permits. The permits restrict the use of equipment according to strict criteria and ban noisy manual activities in built- up areas. Percussive piling is prohibited at night and requires a permit even during daytime. Noisy piling machines may operate up to only three hours a day in urban areas but quieter ones can work up to 12 hours. In 2001, some 3 000 permits were issued. There were 270 prosecutions for work without permits or violating permit conditions. The use of noisy percussive piling hammers, including diesel, steam and pneumatic hammers, in built-up areas was phased out in October 1999.
The Government has also phased out old and noisy equipment. The law now requires hand-held percussive breakers and air compressors for construction to meet strict noise standards and to have a 'green' noise emission label. In 2001, about 1 300 labels were issued - over 85 per cent of them to newly imported quiet models.
Intruder Alarm and Neighbourhood Noise
The Police Force handles complaints on intruder alarm and neighbourhood noise from domestic premises and public places. In 2001, the police dealt with some 4 600 complaints and 31 offenders were convicted.
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