ENG-2015 — Page 295

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The Environment

Kong must meet statutory emission requirements, namely, the Euro Stage IIIA emission standard for regulated machines and the Euro V emission standard for non-road vehicles, both of which are the same standards applied to newly registered on-road vehicles. All machinery to be used in specified activities or locations, such as the airport, container terminals and construction sites, must bear labels issued by the EPD from 1 December 2015.

Noise Pollution

Road Traffic Noise

In Hong Kong, about 960,000 people are affected by traffic noise. Under existing policy, project proponents are required to assess traffic noise impact when planning new roads and provide direct mitigation measures to ensure traffic noise at noise-sensitive receivers stays within acceptable levels. Where direct measures are inadequate, indirect noise mitigation measures must be used.

To address traffic noise from existing roads, a programme to retrofit noise barriers on noisy road sections is being carried out in phases under the Public Works Programme. High-speed roads, of 70kmh or above, have been resurfaced with low-noise material wherever practicable. In addition, a trial programme to surface local roads with low-noise material is being implemented.

To prevent individual vehicles from producing excessive noise, all newly registered vehicles must comply with internationally recognised noise standards.

Railway Noise

The railway operators have implemented various noise reduction programmes since the early 1990s to address noise problems along railways, bringing relief to some 110,000 affected residents thus far. New railway projects are required to undergo environmental impact assessments to ensure their noise impact is properly addressed.

Aircraft Noise

The impact of aircraft noise on almost all residents in the vicinity of flight paths at the airport is within planning standards. However, there is still concern about nuisance from aircraft noise, especially during evenings and early mornings. The government continues to explore all practicable measures to mitigate aircraft noise.

Construction Noise

Noise from general construction works between 7pm and 7am and on public holidays is controlled through construction noise permits. These restrict the use of equipment in accordance with strict criteria and ban noisy manual activities in built-up areas. Percussive piling is prohibited at night and on public holidays, and requires a permit during the daytime on any day that is not a public holiday. The government has phased out the use of noisy diesel, steam and pneumatic piling hammers. The law also requires hand-held percussive breakers and air compressors for construction to meet strict noise standards and to have 'green' noise emission labels.

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