Conducting Island-wide Noise Management Studies in Areas Affected by Multiple Construction Projects

1 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry intends to conduct another islandwide noise measurement study, since the last study was done in 2018, particularly in areas affected by multiple construction projects, such as Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 which is located in the vicinity of ongoing residential development projects and the North South corridor construction; and (b) when was the last traffic noise impact assessment conducted for Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6,

The Senior Minister of State for Transport (Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan) (for the Minister for Transport): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducted an islandwide noise measurement study in 2018, for the specific purpose of identifying locations near above-ground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations where the noise level exceeded the National Environment Agency's (NEA's) recommended threshold.

NEA requires LTA's contractors to carry out localised noise impact assessments prior to the commencement of all major infrastructure projects. LTA conducted a noise impact assessment at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 in 2019 prior to the commencement of North-South Corridor (NSC) construction works.

LTA and its contractors have taken various measures to mitigate the impact of construction noise. These include erecting noise barriers and noise enclosures, installing mufflers on machineries, using rubber mallets for hammering and carrying out noisier works in the day. However, safety critical works, such as the construction of diaphragm walls, have to be conducted continuously, which could include working through the night. In such instances, LTA and the contractors will notify affected stakeholders through circulars and social media platforms.

LTA regularly engages residents to inform them of the progress of the project. We seek the understanding of all stakeholders for the NSC project which will enhance connectivity between the north to the city centre for all residents when completed.

Mr Speaker: Mr Yip Hon Weng.

Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang): I thank the Senior Minister of State for the reply. Will the Ministry consider more targeted and frequent noise monitoring at residential developments, which are affected by multiple construction projections managed by different agencies, as the noise can be amplified by these different things that are happening on the ground?

For instance, Nuovo and Castle Green condominiums along Avenue 6 are affected by noise from the NSC, the MRT line, as well as the Build-To-Order (BTO) construction, all happening within the same vicinity. Will the Ministry of Transport (MOT) also consider constructing noise barriers along the MRT lines near these residential projects?

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan: I thank the Member for his supplementary question. There are two parts to this. Firstly, for construction noise, for all construction projects, if they are near residential projects or noise-sensitive facilities, NEA requires these projects to have noise meters installed throughout the projects' duration to monitor the noise levels. And all contractors are required to mitigate the impact of the noise and not exceed the levels stipulated.

For LTA projects, we go beyond that, in the sense that we do everything that is possible, particularly in national, major projects, like the NSC project. We do as much as possible to mitigate noise from the construction. To do this, we erect noise barriers at source, at the construction site near to these residential developments, including those cited by the Member – Nuovo condominium, for instance. There are noise barriers that are as high as is practicable and all the other measures – noise enclosures, mufflers for the heavy machinery and equipment, and so on.

But the reality would be that it is really not possible to mitigate all noise. We do as much as we can. When there is a need, for instance, for deep excavation or the pouring of concrete continuously for the diaphragm walls, we will have to do it through the night and then, we will have to inform the stakeholders.

With regard to construction of noise barriers along MRT lines, the noise impact assessment studies, for instance, that we did in 2018, was to look at certain stretches along the MRT lines and identify where the noise exceeds the recommended level by NEA. For those stretches, noise barriers will be constructed – that is for rail noise. Then, for construction noise, it is barriers and mitigation at source.