Environmental,Health and Safety Report 2004 / 05

Noise

Noise Minimization at Construction Sites and Estates

Construction and demolition activities can be a source of significant noise, creating nuisance to residents and the community at large. We fully recognize our responsibility to address this issue and have taken extra steps to minimize noise levels wherever practicable. The following outlines some of our initiatives:

Hydraulic Pile Jacking

The pilot hydraulic pile jacking method which commenced in 2003/04 was successfully completed this year. This method was found to be effective in minimizing noise and vibration effects as well as increasing operating hours and greatly enhancing productivity. The Housing Authority (HA) is now considering the use of this construction method in future noise sensitive projects.

Hydraulic Concrete Crushers

In 2003/04, HA commenced pilot trials on the use of hydraulic concrete crushers in place of traditional concrete breakers. Results have shown that this equipment generates negligible residual noise and emits less dust than the traditional concrete breakers. We have prepared a technical guide on the use of hydraulic concrete crushers and is accessible through our website.

Photo: Guarding against noise generated from water pump

Offsite Prefabrication

Prefabrication of building elements continues to be a key initiative adopted by the construction industry at large to avoid and reduce noise associated with construction and maintenance activities. While we have continued to adopt the use of prefabricated building elements such as precast façades and staircases, we have also introduced the new Enhanced Precast and Prefabrication System (EPPS) [Reference to Materials Management on EPPS] to further enhance our goal of minimizing construction waste and noise impacts on neighbouring residents.

Study on Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)

Further to the completion of the study undertaken in partnership with the City University of Hong Kong, we are currently preparing Specifications and Guidelines to facilitate the use of SCC in appropriate projects.

Replacement of Water Pumps with Quieter Models in Estates

As part of our yearly programme to replace 3 000 rpm water pumps with quieter 1 500 rpm models, we replaced 27 such pumps in 2004/05, taking the total number of replacements up to 172 since 2000/01.

However, noise complaints received at our housing estates have slightly increased from 201 cases in 2003/04 to 208 in 2004/05. We are continuing efforts to work with our Estate Management team and residents to minimize noise nuisance in the community.


	Noise Complaints and Abatement Notices

		The number of noise complaints received against our construction sites went down from 24 in 2003/04 to only 10 in 2004/05. This continues the improving trend of previous years. For our commercial premises, we received two noise abatement notices at two shopping centres from the Environmental Protection Department during the year. This also represents a continual trend of improvement from previous years.