3 rd Floor 55 Victoria Street London SW1H 0EU Tel: March 2011 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOI REQUEST FOI10/144.

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1 3 rd Floor 55 Victoria Street London SW1H 0EU Tel: March 2011 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOI REQUEST FOI10/144 Dear XX XXXX I am writing regarding your request for information received on 22 February I advise that your request was considered under the terms of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). You requested the following information: I write regarding to request information the proposed HS2 rail line and specifically the tunnelled section under the residential area of Kensal Green between Queens Park and Old Oak Common. Please provide detailed information on the following questions. 1. There is an existing overland railway line running from Queens Park Station to Kensal Green Station. Why does the line of the proposed HS2 tunnel not follow under this existing railway line from Queens Park to Kensal Green Station and then on to Old Oak Common? (This would minimise further noise and vibration disturbance and provide for ease of siting ventilation shafts along the ground level railway). Regarding your question 1 above, I advise that we do hold this information. The option of a tunnel under the existing railway line was considered, however the curvature proved to be too sharp to accommodate the highspeed rail journey time remit. I also advise that the proposed route for consultation is still subject to change and the outcome of the consultation will inform further refinements of the route.

2 2. Please provide the exact location of the ventilation shaft as detailed in proposed route map HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW at Also provide above ground dimensions and maximum noise output. Regarding your question 2 above, I advise that we do hold this information. The vent shaft is located in Salusbury Road, in the car park immediately south of Queens Park. The dimensions are expected to be 25m x 25m and approximately 2 storeys high, built to match the area. However please note that the design and dimensions of the vent shafts are subject to the outcome of the public consultation and could change in any aspect, e.g. height, width, external design, etc. Vent shafts would be provided at points to serve the tunnels in the event of emergency. The buildings would contain fans which would only operate in emergencies and for occasional testing. In day to day use, the building would be passive and wouldn t generate any noise. Noise, as the design detail increases and if the project moves to the next stage, we will do a more detailed appraisal of the noise impacts which will include assessing noise from tunnel vent shafts and other fixed installations. 3. The tunnel is shown at different depths and at different distances from the start point on successive maps. Map HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW shows the tunnel between distances and at an average depth of approximately 37m. Map HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW shows the tunnel between distances and for the same area on ground level and at an average depth of approximately 25m. One of these maps therefore is incorrect. Please advise which is the correct proposed map and what is the maximum and minimum depth of the proposed tunnel under ground of the area bordered to the east by Kilburn Lane and to the west by the Harrow Road. Regarding your question 3 above, I advise that we do hold this information. The maps are correct. Please note that the plan and profile (on the drawing) do not always line up so that they can be read directly from plan to profile. This is particularly true of Map HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW-04001, where the plan (line of route) shifts further North (curves), as there is no way to indicate the curve in the profile below (which is simply read from right to left), where the vent is indicated at seems approx 1 km out to the plan it is in fact not case.

3 4. For depths that you provide in answer to question 3 and please advise if this is to the top or bottom of the tunnel. 5. For depths that are indicated in the proposed routes as detailed in HS2- ARP-00-DR-RW and HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW please advise if these are to the top or bottom of the tunnel. Regarding your questions 4 and 5 above, I advise that we do hold this information. The depths indicated are from ground level to track level. 6. Please confirm that any rise of the proposed HS2 tunnel to the surface at Old Oak Common would be catered for under the area of Kensal Green Cemetery where the tunnel has appropriate mitigation to ensure no damage to the listed monuments contained within the cemetery. Regarding your question 6 above, I advise that we do hold this information. The tunnel at this section of the route is 18 metres below surface level, at this depth the impact to the surface will be imperceptible. 7. Estimates published on the HS2 website (p23 of slides are that properties within 100 metres are at risk of vibration. Please advise what compensation will be offered for damage to buildings due to vibration. Please advise what measures will be put in place to ensure Buildings insurance premiums will not rise disproportionately from those in the surrounding areas not within 100m of the tunnels. Please advise what compensation you will offer if Buildings Insurance excess go up due to positioning of the tunnel. Regarding your question 7 above, I advise we do hold this information. As the slide referred to notes, trains operating in tunnels can potentially produce groundborne noise (low frequency rumbling) and vibration in dwellings and other buildings if effective mitigation is not put in place. The design of the London tunnels on HS1 has successfully avoided such effects. The Engineering design of HS2 would build on this experience ensuring that vibration would have no impact on property, that vibration should be imperceptible and that any ground borne noise would not disturb people or affect their quiet enjoyment of their homes. The existing law (Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973) provides for people to claim for loss of value on their properties due to physical impacts (including vibration) from the operation of an infrastructure project such as HS2.

4 8. What is the HS2 criterion for the maximum train-pass noise inside dwellings? Regarding your question 8 above, I advise we do not hold this information. HS2 do not provide a criterion for the maximum train-pass noise inside dwellings. The pass-by level of 95dB was derived from values obtained from previous measured data of trains including TGV and Eurostar trains (not HS2 trains, because these are not currently in operation) travelling at a range speeds up to 350kph and modified to account for up to 360kph running. The source noise level derivation is described in the Noise Explanatory Note: The source noise level was based on the noise levels of currently operated high speed trains (TGVs - Gautier, P.-E., Létourneaux, F., & Poisson, F. (2007). High Speed Trains External Noise: A Review of Measurements and Source Models for the TGV Case up to 360km/h. SNCF, Innovation and Research Department, France.) and the current noise level requirements for new trains from European Specifications (Official Journal Of The European Communities (2002) Commission Decision 30 May 2002 Concerning the Technical Specification for Interoperability Relating to the Rolling Stock Subsystem of the Trans- European High-Speed Rail System Referred to in Article 6(1) of Directive 96/48/EC) This represents the basis for the assumed noise levels of the new trains that would operate on the system; details of the source noise level used are given in the full Appraisal of Sustainability, which can be accessed via: 9. What is the HS2 criterion for the maximum train-pass vibration inside dwellings? Regarding your question 9 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. HS2 do not provide a criterion for the maximum train-pass vibration inside dwellings. 10. Are these design targets or enforceable limits? Regarding your question 10 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. At this stage the noise and vibration appraisals have been undertaken at a strategic level. Should Government decide to proceed with high speed rail an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be prepared to accompany a hybrid Bill necessary to authorise the proposals. That assessment

5 would include a detailed consideration of noise and vibration. The scope and methods of that assessment would be consulted upon with relevant authorities and assessment criteria would be determined to understand those impacts that could cause a significant effect. Results and mitigation would be consulted upon before the hybrid Bill goes before Parliament and we refer you to the forward timetable at Any residual effects would be subject to further scrutiny through select committees and those affected would have the opportunity to come forward to petition Parliament. Overall HS2 Ltd has and will continue to avoid or keep effects to a practicable minimum through the application of necessary mitigation in order for proposals to proceed. In the event that a disruptive noise or vibration effect arises, existing law (Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973) provides for people to claim for loss of value on their properties due to physical impacts (including noise and vibration) from the operation of an infrastructure project such as HS Will noise and vibration limits be enforceable through the construction contract? Regarding your question 11 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. HS2 Ltd propose the development of a Code of Construction Practice similar to that developed and utilised to control noise and vibrations for the construction of HS1 (Channel Tunnel Rail Link) and Crossrail. That approach would form part of the environmental minimum requirements and planning regime of the Act that would follow the successful outcome of the Parliamentary process. The Act s requirements would be enforced through contractual provisions. For noise and vibration those provisions would be based on the application of best practicable means on local contract basis and further policing and control would operate in the normal way through local authority environmental health practitioners. 12. If the noise and vibration limits will be enforceable through the construction contract, will this be an absolute requirement or just subject to a financial penalty? Regarding your question 12 above, I advise that we do hold this information. The control of noise and vibration during construction is incentivised through the avoidance of stoppage time. Enforcement of a breach of best practicable means could take the form of a warning or a stop notice under the Control of Pollution Act provisions or by independent action through provisions of the Environmental Protection Act. Plans for constructing the new railway would be agreed between the contractor, HS2 Ltd and the relevant local authority to determine best

6 practicable means and local people would be kept informed of the plans and programme for construction. 13. What undertakings will HS2 provide in relation to noise and vibration criteria to those living above tunnels? Regarding your question 13 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. At this stage there are no plans for any specific undertakings in relation to noise and vibration criteria. 14. What compensation will be paid to those living above tunnels if the criteria are not met? Regarding your question 14 above, I advise that we do hold this information. As in response to Q10 and Q12, existing law (Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973) provides for people to claim for loss of value on their properties due to physical impacts (including noise and vibration) from the operation of an infrastructure project such as HS Please provide the results of all noise and vibration measurements made in dwellings above HS1 tunnels for train passes in the completed operational railway. Regarding your question 15 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. Please contact HS1 directly. 16. HS2 have stated that HS2 will not create noise or vibration disturbance in dwellings above tunnels. What disturbance criteria were used as the basis for this statement? Regarding your question 16 above, I advise that we do hold this information. The statement is based upon the experience on HS1 where the designs of the London tunnels did not give rise to such disturbance or any incidence of complaint. Similar designs would be implemented on HS2.

7 17. What noise and vibration attenuation systems are proposed for use in the HS2 tunnels in the Kensal Green area? Regarding your question 17 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. The detailed design of tunnels and associated trackwork has not been undertaken. However similar tunnel designs to that provided on HS1 would be implemented on HS What maximum increase in noise and vibration levels will be allowed during the maintenance cycle and what is the proposed maintenance cycle? Regarding your question 18 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. 19. Will noise and vibration criteria be enforceable upon the HS2 operators and what penalties will be levied for failure to comply? Regarding your question 19 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. Please refer to response provided for your Q Will freight trains use the proposed HS2 tunnel? Regarding your question 20 above, I advise that we do hold this information. We have not assumed any freight traffic, and in our proposals we have made no provision for operation of commercial freight trains. 21. If so what is the maximum axle weight for freight trains on the proposed HS2? 22. What is the additional impact on noise and vibration in relation to those questions 7 to 18 for freight trains? Regarding your question 21 and 22 above, I advise that we do not hold this information. As mentioned in response to Q20, there are no plans to use commercial freight trains on the high speed rail network.

8 If you are unhappy with the way we have handled your request or with the decisions made in relation to your request, you may complain in writing to HS2 Ltd at the above address. Please also see attached details of HS2 Ltd s complaints procedure and your right to complain to the Information Commissioner. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications. Yours sincerely XXXX XXXX Manager, Freedom of Information HS2 Ltd XXXX XXXX@hs2.gsi.gov.uk

9 Your right to complain to HS2 Ltd and the Information Commissioner You have the right to complain to HS2 within two calendar months of the date of this letter about the way in which your request for information was handled and/or about the decision not to disclose all or part of the information requested. Your complaint will be acknowledged and you will be advised of a target date by which to expect a response. Initially your complaint will be re-considered by the official who dealt with your request for information. If, after careful consideration, that official decides that his/her decision was correct, your complaint will automatically be referred to a senior independent official who will conduct a further review. You will be advised of the outcome of your complaint and if a decision is taken to disclose information originally withheld this will be done as soon as possible. If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: Information Commissioner s Office Wycliffe House Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF