ENG-1995 — Page 452

THE ENVIRONMENT

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a noise level of road traffic higher than 70 dB(A)/L10(1hr), which is the standard specified in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines.

Conscientious noise planning remains the most effective technique in tackling road traffic noise. Through the EIA process, the potential noise impact of new road projects is examined at the early stage of planning and counter-measures planned. As a last resort, building insulation may be undertaken to redress the impact on the affected premises. This requires improving the windows of the building and providing air-conditioners.

The Quiet Road Surface Programme and the Noise Abatement in Schools Programme are the major programmes to redress traffic noise problems. Up to 1995, close to 8.5 kilometres of noisy roads were resurfaced with a special, porous, low- noise road surface bringing relief to some 11 000 residents. In addition, 7 300 classrooms were acoustically treated and about 340 000 students benefited.

The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) completed the first total noise enclosure built along a rail line in Hong Kong at Tai Wo station, bringing significant relief to 15 000 residents adversely affected by rail noise. Other projects in the KCRC's 10-year noise-reduction programme include two semi-covers at Hin Keng Estate and Tai Po Market, which will be completed by 1996, and noise-screening structures at 15 other sites.

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) completed the design of a noise cover for protecting 2 300 residents at Heng Fa Chuen. The KCRC and MTRC are implementing a series of measures such as rail grinding to reduce the noise impact of their operations on the 100 000 people living close to their rail networks.

Aircraft noise has continued to be a major problem for those living under the flight path. Increasing air traffic demand has added to the problem. A comprehensive package of mitigation measures was implemented but this noise problem cannot be satisfactorily resolved until the airport is relocated.

Controls on the discharge of oily wastes and noxious liquids from ships have been introduced and the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre provides a proper facility for treatment and disposal of oily and noxious liquid waste from ships.

Construction and Demolition

The environmental impact of the percussive pile-driver, once so characteristic of Hong Kong's massive construction programme, is now minimised by restrictions on its operations. The construction industry is no less active, however, and still generates noise, smoke and dust. It also produces vast quantities of solid waste that need safe disposal.

Operation of powered mechanical equipment for general construction work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and on public holidays, is controlled through a Construction Noise Permit system administered by the department. The permits restrict the equipment that may be used at a given time in accordance with stringent noise criteria. Percussive piling work requires a permit even during the daytime and is prohibited during the restricted hours. Noisy piling machines may be operated only up to three hours a day in urban areas whereas quieter ones can work up to 12 hours. In 1995, out of 3 776 permit applications, 3 080 permits were issued. There were 92 convictions for work without permits or violating permit conditions.