Yesterday saw the opening of Chek Lap Kok’s second runway, amidst threats of protests from Tsuen Wan locals who say they were not informed about the nearly 80 decibel aircraft noise.
Albert Chan Wai-yip, a member of the Tsuen Wan District Board and convenor of the Aircraft Noise Concern Committee, stated that over 150,000 people, or half of the city’s population, live beneath the second runway’s flight paths.
The District Board estimates that aircraft noise from Chek Lap Kok may affect one million people.
However, Alex Au Kang-yuen, acting director of the Civil Aviation Department, claimed the number was “exaggerated.”
The Aircraft Noise Concern Committee reports that following yesterday’s runway opening, noise levels at Allway Gardens and Belvedere Garden were 78 and 77 decibels, respectively.
Yesterday’s readings from the Civil Aviation Department varied from 60 to 66 dB.
Anything above 85 to 90 dB can temporarily impair hearing, which is the safe noise limit.
There are currently up to 37 flights per hour, seven days a week, taking place at a maximum of 1,000 meters from some heavily populated areas.
Each runway will be able to accommodate up to 40 aircraft per hour by the end of October, according to a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department.
According to Mr Chan, unrest may result from the disruption of the way of life in the New Territories.
“People can do incredibly unreasonable and crazy things when the economy turns sour and emotions are unstable,” the speaker said.
Depending on the direction of the wind, the group wants aircraft to change their route.
Mr. Chan stated that petitions would soon be submitted to the Civil Aviation Department.
Chen Ying-sung, 71, an Allway Gardens resident, said the police were underreporting noise levels.
He measured the noise pollution on his building’s roof with Mr. Chan yesterday, and the results showed that it reached 78 decibels.
Mr. Chan remarked, “I can’t hear the television when it’s the loudest.” “I’m concerned about the situation once flights [on the second runway] start operating nonstop in August.”
According to a spokeswoman, the Civil Aviation Department has met with Tsuen Wan and 12 other district boards on multiple occasions. She stated that residents would not receive any compensation.
The Advisory Council on the Environment’s chairman, Peter Wong Hong-yuen, announced that the group would ask to be briefed with the Civil Aviation Department and the Airport Authority.
“The proposed flight path needs to be examined; even a one-mile difference can have significant effects,” he stated.
At 10.30 a.m. on Dragonair flight KA807 from Shanghai, the first passenger aircraft to land on the new northern runway was made.
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