A- They are not proposing a clear strategy to mitigate the noise for people living around the loop and the new tunnel
B- They are not committing to match the Crossrail noise standards
C- They are not issuing the information that will show how our homes will be affected
They had been issued with 4 questions relating to noise a week in advance (see below), they only answered one and gave no clear information that wasn't already in the 3 years old Preliminary Environmental Assessment of 2008.
The first two dealt with mitigation measures to be used in the existing loop and in the rest of the line. They are not proposing anything at present. As they had already said at the last meeting, they are looking at and costing a floating track bed option for some areas but are not prepared to say whether they will use it or where they might.
The third query was a bout the Maximum noise level of a train inside our homes that they were designing towards. They are still only committing to 40dB (Lamax) inside residential properties - this is a noise 50% louder than the standard used for Crossrail of 35dB (Lamax). They explained that Crossrail had been forced to use this through the Public Enquiry implying that the NLE team will take the same approach as Crossrail and will only use this if obliged.
The fourth question was about predicted noise levels in our area. No precise information was provided, neither a contour map or other data. Some of this information must available at this stage to allow them to design and cost; we should be concerned that they are not releasing it as this is they only way to know who will be affected and how.
They repeated the idea that noise levels are likely to be less for people living around the loop but no statement that they will ensure that it will be so. Baring in mind that the number of trains is going to soar, this is a serious issue for those who live near the loop.
The only new piece of information is that they are going to monitor the noise in properties on the loop and in similar situations to show how their proposed standard compares to the existing levels above the loop. One outcome of this is to discover if the existing noise levels are above - or below - their standards. The second possible outcome is that they use this data to demonstrate a case for not achieving their own standard in locations where the noise is already above it. This has been used by London Underground elsewhere. For those already on the loop, it means that they might design the line so that the noise level stays the same - or marginally above - instead of an improvement which is easily achievable with modern technology.
It is clear from their evasive answers that noise is the issue they will not discuss openly in detail until their application at the end of the year. I have since the meeting asked the NLE team for a date when they are planning to answer our questions. Their reply was again evasive, they referred back to the monitoring exercise.
This exercise does not give us any further reassurance that our quality of sleep is being cared for. It is there to convince those currently above the loop that their situation will improve or not get worse and monitor that it does. The reality is that their standard disturbs sleep (see here for more info).
As did the Crossrail team, they are preparing a case to do as little as they possibly can get away with to win the Public Enquiry. We must keep putting pressure on them so that the interests of those around the line are protected.
In the Crossrail story, it was the Councils, lead by Camden, who represented the local residents and employed noise specialists to make the case and won the 35dB for residential properties. Will Lambeth represent us as well?
Questions issued prior to meeting:
- As many houses in the area are already subject to noise from the existing Northern Line, can tell us what steps you would plan to take in the construction phase to ensure that there is no increase in noise levels from the more frequent, faster running trains which will use the extension tunnels when they are in operation?
- What measures are you proposing to use to reduce sound levels, what is their effect likely to be, and can you show on a detailed map of the area where you are planning to use such measures?
- We understand that CrossRail have undertaken to reduce maximum noise levels for those affected when it comes into operation to no more than 35dB Lamax inside residential properties. Will you give a similar undertaking?
- Would you let us have your latest noise assessments (Lamax inside Lower ground floors) to replace those which were made available in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment of December 2008; and could you also show these in ‘contour’ form in relation to a detailed map of the area showing zones above 20dB, 25dB, 30dB, 35dB, 40dB and 45dB Lamax inside Lower ground floors?
The statement about noise levels above the loop is potentially misleading. It was stated that noise would be reduced, for the simple reason far fewer trains would be using it. Most, if not all, would be running on to Battersea. There was a query if it would be closed, but it was expected that LU would maintain it for occasional use, especially in case of problems.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to get feed back as your comment demonstrates how the lack of clarity in the NLE presentation can lead to different understanding and reinforces the importance of getting the technical data we asked for to avoid confusion.
ReplyDeleteMy statement is correct. The NLE team was very careful at never saying that the noise level will be lower for people over the loop. This is because the measurement that is used for underground noise defines the maximum noise level of each train regardless of their number; it is called Lamax. This means that regardless of the number of trains per day, the measurement will be the same. The only measurable element of data the NLE team referred to is the maximum for this value: Lamax to be below 40dB. My statement refers to the same measurement.
You might be right that for the people who are over the parts of the loop that will not be used by the trains going to Battersea, there should be a reduction in number of trains per day. It remains to be seen by how much though as the to be upgraded Northern Line will be running more trains on the Charing Cross Branch and it is not yet clear which proportion will go to Battersea or loop back at Kennington.
I am sure that you will agree that our main concern should be for those who are under the part of the loop that will be used by the trains going to Battersea as well as those who haven't got a line under their property at present. I am especially concerned for the first category who will have a higher number of trains whilst potentially having the highest noise level as they are the nearest to the tunnel.
The only way to protect everyone, regardless of where they are, is to lobby for a 35dB Lamax standard such as is used in the USA, Australia, Germany, Dublin underground, Crossrail.