4                     OvERALL CONCLUSIONS

4.1.1           Over the last 10 years, rapid development in Sai Kung has resulted in a higher surface runoff and the existing drainage systems that have been designed with lower flood protection level are no longer adequate to provide the flood protection standards required for developed areas.  This Project purposes to improve the lower sections of the three river channels and aims to relief the potential flooding risk which may cause danger to human life, damage to properties and to a lesser extent nuisance to the public.

4.1.2           The overall environmental acceptability of the Project has been carefully considered and balanced in the EIA Study and the engineering design work.  Possible alternatives alignments and construction options have been evaluated to minimise environmental impacts.

4.1.3           The detailed design of the drainage improvements has reflected the potential ecological value of the existing rivers, and natural features of the rivers will be retained wherever possible.   Ecologically friendly designed river channels have been applied instead of the conventional concrete bed channel so as to restore and enhance the ecological habitats in the original river channel. Compensatory planting has been incorporated to mitigate the loss of natural riparian vegetation.

4.1.4           During the construction phase, the potential impacts particularly the air, noise and water quality impacts would be mitigated to acceptable levels through the proposed specific measures. 

4.1.5           The potential environmental impacts during both construction and operational stages are addressed with suitable design and mitigation measures. The results of various assessments indicate that the environmental impacts identified are generally within acceptable environmental standards and no adverse residual impacts are identified.