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About the participation process on the Noise Reduction Plan of Munich 2023

Here, you can find all the important information on the participation process and the plans to reduce noise. You can also find information on the website of the City of Munich.  Do you have any further questions about the Noise Action Plan or noise in general? You will also find answers to these questions in the FAQ section.

In the download area you can also find additional documents and links. 

 

Participation process

on the Noise Reduction Plan of Munich 2023 

The Noise Action Plan needs your active participation. Together with the residents of Munich, the Department for Climate and Environmental Protection is looking to identify areas in the city with high noise pollution and develop measures how to make Munich quieter.

Process

March 23, 2022

Resolution of the city council on the update of the noise action plan and lowering of the reference values

March 2023

Publication of the noise map 2022 by the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU)

02.05.2023

Kick-off event for the public participation on the Noise Action Plan

02.05.2023 - 31.05.2023

Online participation

Q3 2023

Concluding event of the public participation process on the Noise Action Plan

Q1 2024

Presentation of the first draft of the Noise Action Plan to the City Council

Q1/Q2 2024

Formal public participation: plan on public display

Q3 2024

Resolution by the city council, final version of the noise action plan issued

Q4 2024

Reporting to the EU Commission

Links

Questions and answers

Participation

How does the participation process work?

On March 23, 2022, the plenary session of the City Council of the City of Munich decided to involve the citizens of Munich in the assessment of the noise situation in Munich and the planning of suitable noise reduction actions as part of the fourth round of the Noise Action Plan.   

The public participation will start with a kick-off event on May 2, 2023 involving various stakeholders. Also on May 2, 2023, a four-week online dialogue will begin in which all Munich citizens are invited to participate. The participation process for the fourth round of noise action planning in Munich will be concluded in summer 2023 with another event, again primarily directed at stakeholders. All results oft he participation process will be evaluated and documented. With the help oft he citizen’s contributions collected in the online dialogue, additional areas of investigation as well as measures for the Noise Reduction Plan will be identified.

What happens with my input?

The submitted contributions are published on the online platform and can be viewed, rated and commented by other users. Once the dialogue concluded, all contributions made on the platform will be evaluated. The most frequently higlighted noise-affected locations form the basis for additional investigation areas within the Noise Action Plan. In the selected areas, proposed noise control actions will be assessed in regard to their effectiveness and feasibility. In this way, you can actively help to shape the Noise Reduction Plan with your contribution!

Is registration mandatory?

If you register on the platform, you can rate the contributions made by othes with a "thumbs up". Registered users will receive regular information about the participation process and will be invited to the concluding event if the marked location is part of a selected study area in the noise action plan.

Registration is voluntary. The aim is to make the participation as accessible as possible. The Department for Climate and Environmental Protection reserves the right to make registration compulsory in the event of misuse.

Your personal data, such as your e-mail address, will not be shared with any third party. Find out more about data protection rules that are valid on this platform. By registering, you help us to ensure that only real people make contributions to this dialogue.
 

Why are there predetermined noise categories and how do they result?

In the Noise Action Plan, only certain types of noise are considered (noise from urban roads and urban railroads, noise from certain industrial facilities). Appropriate categories are provided for this purpose. In principle, other contributions related to the topic of noise can also be published (category: Other). However, these will not be systematically evaluated in the course of the further process of Noise Action Plan.   

Note: The names of specific persons or companies or the publication of contributions that violate decency are generally not permitted (see dialogue rules).

Where can I get information about the results oft the participation process?

The results of the online dialogue are incorporated into the Noise Action Plan of Munich in the form of additional specific areas of investigation and noise control measures. This will be published on www.muenchen.de/laerm after completion and announced via the corresponding channels (e.g., Rathaus-Umschau, vial mail to registered users).

Who do I contact if I have questions about the participation process or problems with online participation?

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments about the process, the dialogue rules or the moderation, please contact the moderation team by e-mail: moderation@muenchen-leiser.de.

What languages are used for participation?

Contributions can be made in German and English. It is recommended to make contributions in German, if possible, so that they can be read, commented on and evaluated by as many users of the platform as possible.

Who is responsible for the participation process?

The participation process is accompanied by Zebralog GmbH.  

The Department for Climate and Environmental Protection is responsible for the Noise Action Plan of Munich. The Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulations, the Department of Mobility, the Department of Construction, the Department of District Administration and the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs are also involved in the planning process. Regarding noise from urban railroads, there is close coordination with the Munich Transport Company (MVG). The final decision on the Noise Action Plan is the responsibility of the plenary session in the City Council of the City of Munich.

Measures for noise reduction

What different noise protection measures are possible in general?

In general, active noise protection measures (at the traffic route) and passive noise protection measures (at the place of immission) can be considered. Active noise protection includes noise barriers, noise-reducing road surfaces and speed limits. Passive noise protection for existing buildings mainly consists of adequate sound insulation of the exterior building components, in particular soundproof windows.  

In addition, there are overarching strategies such as promoting public transport, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, and optimizing traffic management. 

And what are the existing solutions?

Since the implementation of noise barriers in high-density urban areas is often not feasible due to a lack of space, noise-reducing road surfaces, speed limits and soundproof windows on residential buildings have been implemented. In addition, a large number of overarching, city-wide measures have been pursued, such as the expansion of public transportation, the promotion of bicycle traffic, and the establishment of green waves.  

The measures already implemented can be found in the report on the 3rd round of the Noise Action Plan:   

https://stadt.muenchen.de/infos/laermaktionsplan.html 

Why is a quieter Munich healthier and more livable?

Noise is perceived by the majority of the population as one of the greatest environmental burdens. 62% feel significantly annoyed by noise from various noise sources, with only 12.5% perceiving themselves as not being annoyed by noise at all (cf. UBA, Lärmwirkungen). Excessive noise has proven health effects on humans. It can lead to sleep disturbances, headaches and a reduction in physical and mental performance. From a continuous exposure of about 65 dB(A), health risks such as hearing damage and an increase in the risk of heart attack can occur.   

Consequently reduced noise exposure promises a healthier, more livable Munich with increased quality of living and outdoor recreation.

Why doesn't Munich charge a city toll for the city center?

There is no legal basis in Germany for charging money as part of a city toll. Therefore, introducing a city toll would be unlawful due to a violation of the legally made decision on the use of roads as in Bavaria the legal dedication of a road as a municipal road implies free and toll-free public use.

Why aren't more trees or hedges planted along the roads to reduce noise?

Planting, i.e. an expansion of the so-called roadside greenery, is not a traffic-related improvement. A possible and measurable noise reduction through individual trees or single- or double-row avenues is classified by many experts as very low overall and is also hardly perceptible acoustically. The guideline for the calculation of noise immissions from railroads (Schall 03), for example, also points out that noticeable level reductions are only achieved with longer sound propagation paths through groves. Clearly measurable, sound-absorbing effects only occur with plantings with very large vegetation depth and staggering. However, such effects are generally not feasible in urban areas. However, visual shielding of the noise source can have a positive psychological effect on those affected. Traffic noise is perceived as less disturbing. From this point of view, the preservation of the tree stand is also to be supported. 

Why is there not a ban on trucks passing through the city to reduce noise pollution?

Since February 1, 2008, a ban is in place on trucks passing through Munich with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tons. Vehicles in this weight category that have neither a destination nor a source in Munich are no longer allowed to drive through Munich. However, this does not apply to the area between the A 96 highway in the direction of Lindau and the A 8 highway in the direction of Salzburg due to the lack of a southern ring road. Here, the connections between the A 96 highway in the direction of Lindau and the A 95 highway in the direction of Garmisch and the connections between the A 95 highway in the direction of Garmisch and the A 8 highway in the direction of Salzburg via the Mittlerer Ring are permitted for non-local truck traffic. The remaining urban commercial traffic with source or destination in Munich is necessary to ensure supply and should be handled as directly and quickly as possible on a designated road network. 

Rail traffic noise

Which railroads are the subject of the Noise Action Plan of Munich?

Within the scope of the noise action planning of the City of Munich, the above-ground urban rail tracks operated by the Munich Transport Company (MVG) are considered. These are the lines of the tramway as well as the above-ground sections of the subway (especially U6). In addition, the depots of the tram and subway are included in the analysis.

Who is responsible for noise protection from tracks operated by Deutsche Bahn?

The Eisenbahn-Bundesamt is responsible for the Noise Action Plan on main railroad tracks of the Haupteisenbahnstrecken des Bundes. Further information can be found following this link: https://www.eba.bund.de/DE/Themen/Laerm_an_Schienenwegen/Laermaktionspl… 

In addition, there is also a voluntary noise pollution control program of Deutsche Bahn AG. Further information can be found at:  https://laermsanierung.deutschebahn.com/startseite.html

What measures are being taken to reduce noise from trams?

Noise from squealing trams often occurs on curves with tight curves. To keep noise pollution as low as possible, lubricators are installed in front of curves that do not have to be crossed by cars, pedestrians or cyclists. These lubricators spread a biodegradable grease on the rails when a tram passes over them. Rain, snow, salts and contamination of the road space can reduce the effect.

What can cause a tram to suddenly seem louder and what is being done about it?

The noise level of a tram depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the wheel and rail and the interaction of the track geometry with the vehicle. In order to maintain good track condition and thus counteract increased noise, the rails are grounded at regular intervals by a rail grinding vehicle. With the same aim, the wheels of the trams are also inspected at regular intervals and impurities are removed in the Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft's garages. To produce an optimum running surface for the tram, a small amount of material has to be removed from the rail. The mechanical load temporarily causes so-called "grinding grooves", which are leveled out again by the passing of trams. Subsequently, through this treatment the noise level should settle noticeably below the previous condition.

Industrial noise

Which industrial facilities are the subject of the Noise Action Plan?

The Noise Action Plan only deals with installations that are listed in Annex I of the so-called Industrial Emissions Directive of the EU. The noise map shows which facilities are concerned. Since these facilities are subject to strict monitoring by the responsible licensing authority anyway, no conflicts are to be expected here as a rule. Other commercial uses are not the subject of the Noise Action Plan.

Who can I contact if I want to make a complaint about noise from a commercial operation in my neighborhood?

First of all, it is advisable to contact the business operator directly and describe the problem. If this does not lead to a satisfied solution, you can file a formal complaint with the Climate and Environmental Protection Department. You can find the responsible office under the following link:  

https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/suche/laermimmission/

Who can I contact if I have a complaint about noise from a restaurant in my neighborhood?

First of all, it is a good idea to contact the operator of the restaurant directly and describe the problem. If this does not lead to a satisfied solution, you can file a complaint with the respective district inspectorate of the Kreisverwaltungsreferat. An online form can be found at the following link:  

https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-iii/10328879/

General information on the Noise Action Plan

How do you define noise?

Noise is any sound that is perceived as disturbing, harmful to health or burdensome. In cities and metropolitan areas, the majority of the population perceives noise as one of the greatest environmental burdens.

What is the Noise Action Plan?

The Noise Action Plan is a legally required instrument for the prevention, avoidance or reduction of environmental noise. The goals of the Noise Action Plan of Munich are the protection of health, an increase in the quality of living and the improvement of the quality of outdoor living through the reduction of ambient noise, i.e. traffic noise (excluding tracks operated by Deutsche Bahn and highways) as well as noise from industrial facilities. Quiet areas are also to be protected from an increase in noise. The public has to be involved in the Noise Action Plan.  

In 2013, the state capital of Munich elaborated the first version of the Noise Action Plan. On the basis of this, long-term overarching strategies have already been drawn up, 24 areas of investigation have been defined, and small-scale and citywide actions have been decided on involving the public.

Why is the Noise Action Plan being implemented?

The Noise Action Plan is based on the EU Environmental Noise Directive and the Federal Immission Control Act. According to this, municipalities must review the valid Noise Action Plan every 5 years and, if necessary, revise it or establish a new one. This regulates noise problems and noise effects. The aim is not only to reduce noise pollution for the population, but also to protect calm areas from an increase in noise. It is also stipulated that the public be given timely and effective opportunities to participate in the preparation and review of the Noise Action Plans.

What is a noise map?

A noise map shows the noise pollution in a certain area (e.g. street, city, state) on the basis of a grid. The noise levels shown are not measured values but calculated values that are determined from input data (e.g. traffic volume, maximum permissible speed) according to a defined set of rules. In addition, tabular data on the number of people exposed to noise and a numerical estimate of health effects are taken into account.  

The EU Environmental Noise Directive stipulates that member states must draw up a noise map every five years, which is then to serve as the basis for drawing up Noise Action Plans and their updates. This is to be presented in a way that is comprehensible to the public. The noise maps are to be published.   

In Germany, noise maps must be produced for urban areas with a population of over 100,000.

How was the 2022 noise map created?

The European Union has laid down specific regulations for determining noise pollution and the number of people exposed to noise. These were implemented at the national level in the calculation method for ambient noise from ground sources (BUB) and the calculation method for determining the number of people exposed to ambient noise (BEB). The calculation of the noise map 2022 was based on the BUB.

Can you compare the noise maps of 2017 and 2022?

The noise map 2022 was based on the calculation method for ambient noise from ground sources (BUB). The 2017 noise map was based on different calculation methods with the Preliminary Calculation Method for Ambient Noise on Roads (VBUS) as well as the Preliminary Calculation Method for Ambient Noise on Railways (VBUSch). Due to the new calculation methodology in the noise map for 2022, higher assessment levels result arithmetically at most locations, even if the actual noise exposure has not increased. A direct comparability of the results of the noise mapping of 2017 and 2022 is therefore not given.

Which types of noise are in focus?

The Noise Action Plan of the City of Munich includes urban roads and urban railroads (tramway, above-ground subway) as well as certain commercial uses (industrial facilities requiring a permit according to Annex 1 of the EU Industrial Emissions Directive). However, since industrial facilities requiring permits are already subject to strict monitoring by the responsible authorities, no conflicts are generally to be expected here. The focus of the Noise Action Plan is therefore on traffic noise from the aforementioned roads and railroads. 

What are areas of investigation and who defines them?

Areas of investigation are spatially defined areas in which noise reduction actions are prioritized in the context of the Noise Action Plan. The condition to include an area as an area of investigation in the Noise Action Plan is that the reference values of 64 dB(A) during the day and 54 dB(A) at night are exceeded.   

The department for climate and environmental protection defines 10 new areas of investigation on the basis of a defined procedure. Additional areas of investigation will be determined based on public participation through this online dialogue. In addition, 6 areas of investigation from the 2013 Noise Action Plan, for which no measures have yet been implemented, will again be included in the Noise Action Plan.

What criteria are used to determine areas of investigation?

Most of the areas of investigation are determined according to a defined procedure by the Department for Climate and Environmental Protection. The main criteria are the noise level (exceeding the reference values of 64 dB(A) during the day and 54 dB(A) at night) and the number of affected residents in a certain area. In addition, some areas of investigation are defined on the basis of public participation.

What are the responsibilities for Noise Action Plan?

The City of Munich is responsible for Noise Action Plan for urban roads and urban railroads (tramway, above-ground subway). The Department for Climate and Environmental Protection is responsible for the Noise Action Plan of the City of Munich. In addition, the Department for Urban Planning and Building Regulations, the Mobility Department, the Building Department, the District Administration Department and the Department for Labor and Economic Affairs are involved in the planning process.   

With regard to noise from urban railroads, there is close coordination with the Munich Transport Company (MVG).   

The Federal Railway Authority is responsible for federal railroads (i.e., tracks operated by Deutsche Bahn, including suburban/regional railroads).   

The Government of Upper Franconia is responsible for highways in metropolitan areas throughout Bavaria.  

The participation process is accompanied by Zebralog GmbH.

Road traffic noise

What is road traffic noise?

Road traffic noise is noise from vehicles on public roads (federal highways, state roads, municipal roads and public parking lots). Road traffic noise is mainly determined by the traffic volume and the noise emissions of the vehicles. The behavior of the person driving the car (especially with regard to speed and engine revolutions) is also decisive. Other important influencing factors are the combination of tires and road surface as well as the geometric conditions for sound propagation. In the case of passenger cars with classic internal combustion engines, at constant speed - depending on the road surface and gear - the tire-road noise is dominant from around 30 km/h, and in the case of trucks from around 60 km/h.

Which roads are the subject of the Noise Action Plan of Munich?

The Noise Action Plan of Munich covers all roads in the city area with the exception of highways. Here, according to the Bavarian Immission Control Act, the government of Oberfranken is responsible for the Noise Action Plan.

Why is it that a particular noisy road may not be highlighted appropriately on the noise map?

Main roads with a corresponding traffic volume are mapped. The scope of the mapping corresponds to the roads shown in the traffic volume map of the mobility department. On other city streets, it is generally not assumed that reference values relevant  for the Noise Action Plan are exceeded. 

How are traffic law measures decided upon for noise protection reasons?

The metropolitan environment in Munich results in a high level of noise pollution from road traffic in very many streets. In the course of exercising its discretion, the authorities have to weigh up the following concerns: Residents who are directly affected, concerns of road traffic and road users, other residents and their noise protection needs (e.g. protection against noise generated by traffic shifts as a result of traffic reduction measures elsewhere).   

The decision on any measures therefore requires a consideration of all the interests involved. In doing so, a comparable standard is naturally applied to all tests in the urban area, taking into account the aspects in each individual case. A measure which in the exercise of discretion only takes into account the interests of the city residents (i.e. with no weighing of various interests) is unlawful. 

How can road traffic noise be avoided?

A sustainable and widespread reduction in road traffic noise can best be achieved through a variety of coordinated individual instruments: from vehicle technology to tax law to traffic planning. Traffic should be avoided as a first priority (e.g., "city of short distances," abolition of the commuter allowance), then shifted to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation (walking, bicycling, bus, tram, rail), and finally the noise effects should be reduced through technical measures. Technical measures to reduce noise at the source have an area-wide effect and therefore take precedence over noise barriers, walls or windows that are only locally effective. Instruments for reducing noise emissions are aimed at quieter vehicles and road surfaces.

What concerns, among others, play a role when the traffic authority weighs up measures for noise abatement reasons?

The road traffic authority can restrict or prohibit the use of certain roads or parts of roads for reasons of traffic safety or organization and reroute traffic. The same applies to the protection of the residential population from noise, among other things. This is a discretionary provision, i.e. when making a decision, the authority must consider the interests of the general public in addition to the individual interests, such as the protection of the residential population against noise, and balance these interests against each other. Road traffic measures are generally only considered if the negative effects of the traffic noise are higher than is locally acceptable. For an initial assessment, indications of the existing noise pollution can be obtained from the noise maps, which are also made available online by the Bayerischen Landesamt für Umwelt (http://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de).

What is a Tempo-30 zone?

A Tempo-30 zone comprises an area of public road traffic in which all vehicles are allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. The speed limit is defined by the speed limit sign posts. Signage is placed only at the beginning or end of the zone. There is no further signage within the zone.

When can speed restrictions be imposed for reasons of noise protection?

Speed restrictions for reasons of noise protection are decisions made on a case-by-case basis and may only be ordered in line with the guidelines for road traffic measures to protect the population against noise (Noise Protection Guidelines - StV). The order of a lower maximum speed therefore always requires a hazard situation that clearly exceeds the usual hazard potential in a large city.

Why is a reduction of the maximum speed limit to 30 or a maximum of 40 km/h not more common?

The ordering of speed-30-zones by the road traffic authority should be based on an area-wide traffic planning of the local community. For the establishment of speed-30-zones corresponding regulations in the StVO came into force on 01.02.2001. The detailed administrative regulations issued within this framework are binding for the road traffic authorities and contain, among other things, detailed specifications on the requirements to be met by 30 km/h zones and zoned roads. In this context, an efficient network of priority roads must be ensured that also meets the needs of local public transport and commercial traffic. Public safety and security (such as rescue services, disaster control, fire department) as well as traffic safety are to be given priority. The definition of a network of priority roads is therefore a precondition for the establishment of 30 km/h speed limit zones. Limitations of the maximum permitted speed to 40 km/h have not been ordered in Munich so far, because at the places that were considered to be particularly dangerous, a more significant reduction than merely 10 km/h was required to achieve sufficient effect. Also, in view of the low level of attention to be expected, a reduction of 10 km/h hardly seems sufficient in the case of an existing special hazard situation.

Why are streets like the Mittlerer Ring and others with high levels of traffic noise not being tackled more effectively?

From a noise point of view, it makes sense to concentrate traffic on a few already polluted roads (bundling). Shifting traffic from highly polluted, "noisy" streets to less polluted, "quiet" streets, on the other hand, is generally not a sensible noise protection activity, because the level reduction in the "noisy" street is hardly noticeable, but the level increase in the previously "quiet" street is serious. Munich's road network is functionally divided into a primary, secondary and tertiary network. The primary network includes the federal highways running in the city area, the grade-separated and two-lane high-performance roads, and the interregional and regional main roads. The secondary network includes the local main roads. The subordinate tertiary network contains the other traffic roads that cannot be assigned to the 30 km/h zones, e.g. roads with an important collection function, connecting roads in open countryside and in commercial areas. The primary, secondary and tertiary networks together comprise about 20% of Munich's road network. The vast majority of Munich's streets are residential streets and are already predominantly located in speed 30 zones. The bundling principle pursued with this functional division of the road network means that main roads of the primary and secondary network must have a corresponding traffic quality so that no displacement into the subordinate road network occurs. 

What is Munich doing to tackle noise pollution caused by loud vehicles and inconsiderate driving behavior (so-called "car posers")? What can people do about it themselves?

The control of passing traffic is the responsibility of the police. Munich Police Headquarters is aware of the problems in this area. Unfortunately, the City of Munich has no means of taking action against this traffic behavior. Thus, the few possibilities for the administration to influence the situation are limited to the tasks to be carried out within the framework of the vehicle registration procedure. But here, too, the legislator has set narrow limits.   

In the past, the police and the relevant authorities have cooperated in taking targeted and consistent action against identified "car posers". A package of measures to combat the "car poser scene" has been coordinated between the relevant authorities. All legal possibilities and means are being exhausted across the authorities in order to remove the persons who repeatedly attract attention from traffic as permanently as possible. The police expressly urge road users and residents to report any suspicious observations (e.g. illegal street racing, speeding maneuvers, noise pollution) to the police immediately and, if possible, with details of the location/direction and vehicle license plate number. In this way, the public can help the police with targeted traffic monitoring and ultimately with the prosecution. 

Other noise

I feel annoyed by construction noise. Who can I contact?

If disturbances and impacts caused by noise are due to a construction site, it is recommended that you first contact the responsible on-site construction management directly. The relevant contact details can be found on the construction site notice boards. If there is no willingness to talk there and the disruptions continue, affected citizens can contact the Local Building Commission of the Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulations. The responsible office can be found at the following link: https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/beschwerde-ueber-baulaerm/10331929/

I feel annoyed by private noise from the neighborhood. What can I do about it?

In order to prevent disturbances caused by neighborhood noise (music, housework, gardening), the City of Munich has issued the so-called Hausarbeits- und Musiklärmverordnung. In the event of violations of this ordinance, it is recommended that you first seek discussion with the person causing the noise. In the case of persistent violations, you can contact the responsible office of the district administration department. For more information, please visit:  

https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-i-sicherheit-und-ordnung-praevention/1080453/  

In the case of conflicts, it is usually a matter of private law in which there are no possibilities for action on the initiative of the district administration authority. Here, too, talks should first be sought with the person causing the conflict. In acute cases, the police can be called in. 

I feel disturbed by children's noise (e.g. playground, kindergarten). How is the legal situation in this case?

Even though noise caused by children can sometimes be perceived as disturbing or annoying, the legislator has decided to privilege it in comparison to other sources of noise. Accordingly, children's noise is generally not a harmful environmental impact within the meaning of the Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz. The Bavarian Law on Noise Protection Requirements for Children's and Youth Play Facilities states that the natural expressions of children's lives, which are the expression of natural play or other childlike behavior, are to be tolerated as socially acceptable.

This has the consequence that for noise effects caused by day-care facilities, playgrounds or the like limit values are not relevant. Nevertheless, when planning playgrounds or the like, the interests of the local residents are also taken into account wherever possible, e.g. by means of an acoustically favorable usage arrangement.

Added on 12/05/2023

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