XN000022-1995-04-26 — Page 36

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I wish to assure Members that the MTRC and the Government have taken the environmental issues very seriously, with dedicated staff resources to address such matters. The MTRC has 8 general staff with another 7 overseeing staff carrying out supervisory work and environmental control, while the Government has 6 overseeing staff.

(b)

(c)

Mr President, construction work at Lai King commenced almost twelve months ago, whereas noise complaints only began to be received early this year. The complaints have been traced to source, and it is true that there have been exceedences of the MTRC's self-imposed 75db noise limit despite the considerable efforts made to stay inside this limit. The problem stems from the need to construct substantial concrete footings involving rock excavation for a noise enclosure structure, which is itself a temporary but essential part of the noise mitigation measures being provided for construction of the permanent works. Following completion of this noise enclosure by May 1995, i.e. next month, the MTRC is confident that the 75db limit will be adhered to. In the meantime, constant efforts have been made to reduce noise impacts, and the record shows continuous improvement so that the levels are now contained to about 75 to 77 db.

The Administration will continue to work closely with the MTRC to contain the noise impact problems at Lai King, and indeed elsewhere arising from the construction of the Airport Railway. Local residents are being contacted almost daily and local representative bodies also are being kept fully in the picture.

The Housing Department is unable to offer rehousing to tenants of Lai King Estate as a general practice on the grounds of noise nuisance over a limited period of time. However, it is always willing to consider sympathetically exceptional arrangements for tenants with special needs, e.g. where there are health grounds for transfer. Apart from the resource considerations, the Department believes that it is essential and most effective to mitigate noise levels at source, and this as I have pointed out is the approach which the MTRC and other government departments are adopting,

End/Wednesday, April 26, 1995