Environmental Statement volume 4 - Chiltern Evergreen3

3.2.6 Construction vibration may be an issue if driven piling is required close toresidential properties.Operation3.2.7 The EIA will consider the effect of the additional track and the changes in track useon operating railway noise and vibration levels.3.2.8 It is intended that noise levels will be calculated at the facades of potentiallyaffected properties for daytime and night-time periods based on sampled noiselevels for existing trains or standard prediction methods such as the Calculation ofRailway Noise. The noise from the CRCL trains will be predicted taking intoaccount measured test data and the likely in-service noise levels based onreasonable track wear conditions. Noise levels for East West Rail trains will bepredicted taking into account test data and the likely in-service noise levels. Thelikely effect of track and train maintenance commitments on noise levels will alsobe considered.3.2.9 In addition, the effects (adverse or beneficial) of the dualling with respect to noisefrom standing trains will be assessed.3.2.10 The widening of the existing bridge across the Sheepwash Channel (or RewleyAbbey Stream) north of Oxford Station and the realignment of tracks within thestation may lead to changes in ambient noise levels at the nearest properties. Thiswill be investigated through an analysis of existing and proposed usage of thetracks in these areas and from noise measurements on specific activities which takeplace here.3.2.11 Noise from fixed plant at station and other locations will also be considered.3.2.12 Noise from road traffic will need to be considered at specific points where new oramended road infrastructure may affect traffic noise levels at the nearest buildings.3.2.13 Current vibration levels will be taken at a number of locations along the route. Theeffect of the scheme will then be predicted for both daytime and night time impacts.3.2.14 An assessment of all the construction and operational noise and vibration effects ofthe scheme will be reported in the ES.3.3 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACTS3.3.1 The visual appearance of the scheme may have effects upon landscape andtownscape character, which may be positive or negative according to the nature,quality and sensitivity of the existing baseline environment. Impacts upon visualamenity may affect viewers depending upon their identity, sensitivity and thequality of the existing view. These issues will need to be investigated as part of theEIA and in preparing the ES. Impacts may be temporary or long term, and maypotentially result from:ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT18CHILTERN RAILWAYS LTD