14. conclusions & summary of envirOnmental outcomes

Introduction

14.1 This EIA study has provided an assessment of the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project according to the latest information available.

14.2 The environmental issues below have been assessed in the EIA Study, in accordance with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-125/2005) registered under the EIAO for the Project:

n Noise Impact

n Landscape and Visual Impacts

n Ecological Impact

n Waste Management Implications

n Land Contamination

n Air Quality Impact

n Water Quality Impact

n Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implications

n Cultural Heritage Impact

n Hazard to Life

14.3 Specific mitigation measures necessary for avoiding or reducing impacts from the Project to acceptable levels, as well as environmental monitoring auditing procedures to ensure full implementation of all mitigation measures, as well as compliance with relevant standards and guidelines, have been developed during the detailed assessments. The Implementation Schedules listing the recommended measures are presented in Section 15.

Noise Impact

Construction Phase

14.4 The potential noise impact arising from daytime construction activities on the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs) located in the vicinity of the work sites was assessed. Noise generated from the use of powered mechanical equipment (PME) associated with the construction activities proposed for the Project would be the main concern.

14.5 The assessment results indicated that in the absence of mitigation measures, cumulative noise levels at the NSRs at the Waterfront would likely exceed the EIAO-TM noise criterion during construction.

14.6 In order to alleviate the predicted construction noise impacts, noise reduction measures including the adoption of good site practices, the use of quieter plant and movable noise barriers would be necessary. With the recommended mitigation measures in place, noise levels at all NSRs are predicted to comply with the EIAO-TM daytime construction noise criterion. No adverse residual construction noise impact is expected.

Operation Phase

14.7 Road traffic noise impacts due to the proposed redevelopment were assessed for both “with development” and “without development” scenarios for a representative weekday and Sunday. Modelling results indicated that the increase in traffic noise levels due to the proposed redevelopment would be less than 1dB(A) except 1-2/F of NSR PTS1 and 1-4/F of NSR PTS2. However, the predicted noise levels at 1-2/F of NSR PTS1 and 1-4/F of NSR PTS2 would comply with the road traffic noise criterion of 65 dB(A) and 70 dB(A) for school and residential dwelling respectively. As no adverse project-induced traffic noise impact was predicted, no mitigation measure would be needed.

14.8 The assessment results indicated that adverse fixed plant and entertainment noise impacts arising from the operation of the Project would not be expected. However, monitoring of entertainment noise is considered necessary to ensure compliance with the EIAO-TM noise criteria. To verify the EIA predictions, a review of fixed noise source impact based on detailed design available in later stage is recommended. The recommended mitigation measures, monitoring procedures and locations are presented in the stand-alone EM&A Manual.

Landscape and Visual Impact

Construction Phase

14.9 A large area will be affected by the construction of the Park, which will result in landscape and visual impacts. The adverse impacts due to the excavation of Nam Long Shan and its consequential effect to the existing landscape resources, landscape characters and visual sensitive receivers with incorporation of mitigation measures, will be acceptable.

Operation Phase

14.10 The impact at Day 1 of operation of the redeveloped Park will be mostly visual. Many VSRs located in the neighbourhoods of Wong Chuk Hang and the coast from Deep Water Bay to South Bay will experience changes in their views. At Year 10, as the proposed vegetation matures, the visual impacts will generally reduce.

14.11 Impact of day-time glare would be avoided through the adoption of suitable building forms and materials. Night-time glare would be essentially “designed out” by carefully considering a reasonable level of functional and thematic lighting with due consideration of possible light pollution and night-time glare to the surroundings. With careful consideration in the design stage and adoption where necessary of suitable design features, there would be no residual day-time or night-time glare impact.

Ecological Impact

14.12 The key issue in terms of ecological impacts would include the habitat loss, direct impact on 9 plant species of conservation interest and the disturbance impacts to habitats and associated communities adjacent to the works areas arising from the excavation works of Nam Long Shan (The Headland Area) during the construction stage.

14.13 Potential permanent habitat loss resulting from the proposed works would include: 3.7ha low shrubland, 4.8ha tall shrubland, 4.8ha plantation & parkland, and 12ha developed area. Apart from the tall shrubland, the other habitats are of low ecological value. The loss of the tall shrubland with moderate ecological would be mitigated through the provision of compensatory planting with total area of approximately 6ha.

14.14 To minimize potential impacts on plant species of conservation interest, the construction design has been considered to avoid impact to these species. If avoidance of these plant species is not feasible, affected individuals (either locally uncommon or species with restricted distribution in Hong Kong) would be transplanted to suitable nearby habitats prior to construction as far as practicable. A detailed vegetation survey of the affected plants within the works area would be conducted to identify the affected individuals for the transplantation scheme.

14.15 With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures including the use of quiet construction plant and temporary noise barriers, construction works would not result in unacceptable impacts on ecological sensitive receivers such as the Black Kite.

14.16 Loss of marine ecological resources is avoided as there would not be any marine-based construction works for this Project. With the implementation of water quality mitigatin measures and good site management practices, no adverse impact on coral communities would be anticipated during the construction and operation phase of the Project, nevertheless, coral monitoring is proposed as a precautionary measure. The coral monitoring programme would focus on the coral communities located close to potentially impacted areas.

14.17 No substantial increases in direct and indirect ecological impacts during park operation are expected over and above existing impacts resulting from the current operation of the Park.

Waste Management Implications

14.18 Waste types generated by the construction activities are likely to include C&D material (from site formation, decommissioned equipment, excavation and tunnelling works), general refuse from the workforce, and chemical waste from the maintenance of construction plant and equipment. Provided that these wastes are handled, transported and disposed of using approved methods and that the recommended good site practices are strictly followed, adverse environmental impacts are not expected during the construction phase.

14.19 The main waste types to be generated during park operations would be similar to the existing operation of the park, and include general refuse (from site operations and general services) and food and beverage waste (from catering services), as well as some chemical waste, biological waste (clinical waste and expired drugs) and the occasional animal carcass. Based on the predicted increase in visitor and staff numbers following redevelopment of the Park, the quantity of general refuse and food and beverage waste has been estimated to increase by approximately 30% and would be met by a commensurate increase in the number of waste collection bins and collection points provided at the Park. The handling, collection, transportation and disposal practices of the identified waste arising would follow the existing arrangements currently in operation at the Park.

Land Contamination

14.20 An investigation of the historical/current land uses, including a desk-top review and site inspection, at the Hong Kong School of Motoring (HKSM), Citybus Depot (CBD) and existing Ocean Park has been carried out as initial part of the land contamination assessment. The results indicated that no contaminative land uses are identified before the operation of the HKSM, CBD and existing Ocean Park.

14.21 The concern of contamination at the HKSM and CBD arises from the presence of vehicle refuelling/ washing area, vehicle maintenance workshop and chemical waste storage area. For the existing Ocean Park area, most of the potential contaminative workshops were maintained in good condition by good housekeeping. The ground was well paved without cracks or stains and therefore no sign of contamination was noted within the Park.

14.22 Two Contamination Assessment Plans (CAP) which detail the sampling locations and testing schedules of the site investigation (SI) have been prepared. A total of 20 sampling locations are proposed for the HKSM and CBD, with 10 sampling points at each site. Citybus Limited has given its consent to Ocean Park Corporation (OPC) to submit the CAP on their behalf. The CAP prepared for HKSM under this EIA is for illustrative purpose only. The party responsible for land contamination SI at the HKSM site in the future would need to separately submit a CAP for Environmental Protection Department (EPD)’s approval.

14.23 For CBD site, the SI was conducted from 31 March to 3 April 2006. The results as presented in the CAR indicated that the concentration of most of the heavy metals in the soil samples are acceptably low except arsenic and tin at five specified locations. Considering that the elevated levels of heavy metals are found very localised in the fill materials, the source is probably not due to the past site activities/surface spillage and the level of materials would be kept untouched during the construction stage, direct impact to the construction workers would not be anticipated.

14.24 A further study, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) testing, will be conducted in order to determine the leachability (hence the toxic risk) of the soil with elevated level of metals at the CBD site. For a conservative approach, clean-up strategy is proposed for the soil contaminated with heavy metals with details in the Remediation Action Plan (RAP).

14.25 The soil with elevated level of arsenic/tin (~150m³) is proposed to be excavated, treated on site using cement solidification/ stabilisation (CS/S) and backfilled to original position. The mixing procedure would be carried out within a skip or equivalent. Assuming a production rate of 30m³ per day (i.e. 6 skips per day & 5m³ per skip), about 1 month would be required to complete the whole CS/S process. Environmental impact related to contaminated land is considered minimal with implementation of the proposed mitigation measures. This proposed clean-up strategy may be reviewed should other site data (e.g. TCLP results) be available.

14.26 Elevated total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations above the B value of 1,000mg/kg were found in two sampling locations in the immediate vicinity of the underground refuelling tanks. Soil remediation at these locations is recommended with details in the RAP. The excavation of BH-2 is proposed to be down to 8m below grade. The excavation of BH-6 and the remaining area around the tank is proposed to be down to 6m below grade which equates to maximum soil volume of about 150m³. Considering that the quantity of contaminated soil would be small (~150m³), such contaminated soils are proposed to be excavated and disposed of to landfill site.

14.27 For HKSM Site, in view of the current site condition observed from site inspection, information obtained from Fire Services Department (FSD)/Environmental Protection Department (EPD) without bulk spillage/ leakage and nature of business without heavy contaminative activities involved, only small-scale contamination caused by localised leakage/ spillage is likely to be encountered. Insurmountable impacts on the surrounding environment in respect of land contamination would therefore not be anticipated.

14.28 Based on professional judgement and experience gained from other similar projects involving leaks from underground storage tanks, the contamination would normally be found at the “smeared” zone (i.e. 1m below and above ground water table). The volume of the contaminated soil for excavation is estimated to be around 400m³. Nevertheless, without the benefit of detailed evidence gained from a SI, there is some uncertainty in this volume.

14.29 The SI for HKSM should be conducted as soon as possible after the site operation ceases. A CAR should be prepared to document the findings of the SI and identify any need for remediation. If land contamination is confirmed, a RAP should be drawn up to formulate necessary remedial measures. The subsequent CAR and RAP should be endorsed by EPD prior to implementation of any remedial works.

14.30 Different remediation options and associated treatment programme have been proposed based on the estimated quantity of contaminated soil and nature of possible contaminants. Both Tai Shue Wan and the open space near the existing Nam Long Shan rest garden are considered technically feasible for the proposed remediation works. The CS/S works for heavy metal contaminated soil is proposed to be carried out in the HKSM site if the soil volume is small. The biopile and/or CS/S treated soil will be re-used on site. Appropriate mitigation measures have been recommended to minimise environmental impacts during soil excavation, transportation and remediation. No adverse residual impact in respect of land contamination is anticipated if necessary remediation works are carried out in respect of any identified contaminated land.

14.31 In the event that the current users or responsible parties of the HKSM Site do not fulfil its obligations to undertake a CAP, CAR or RAP or the necessary remediation to the satisfaction EPD, and the site handed-over to OPC is not totally cleaned (for technical or other reasons), then the whole HKSM site will initially be fenced off and the suspected contaminated area will be fully demarcated and isolated. The purpose of fencing the site is to restrict access to ensure there would be no risk to the general public. Following this, OPC undertakes to carry out, to the extent outstanding, the site investigation. Such an undertaking does not relieve the existing users of their obligations to clean the site, nor does it in any way restrict OPC’s rights to recover the costs of carrying out the SI works from the responsible parties.

14.32 Once the SI results are available, the potential contaminated area could be identified and the fenced-off area could be adjusted to isolate only the area of contamination. OPC would ensure that no work would be undertaken within the fenced off area. OPC would modify the design of the new entry plaza and access road so as to accommodate this fenced off area in its layout and to limit access to, as well as circulation around it.

14.33 OPC has confirmed that the space and time requirements for contamination investigation and/or treatment of contaminated soil can be accommodated in the overall design and redevelopment programme for Ocean Park.

Air Quality Impact

Construction Phase

14.34 With the implementation of effective dust suppression measures, no adverse construction dust impact would be expected in the vicinity of the project. Similarly, visitors in the park should not be affected.

Operation Phase

14.35 The air quality impact due to operation of the future Ocean Park, in view of cumulative emissions from nearby chimneys, traffic emissions from nearby roads and emissions from Aberdeen Tunnel, would be within acceptable limits since all the relevant AQO would likely be achieved.

Water Quality Impact

Construction Phase

14.36 The key issue in terms of water quality would be the potential for release of sediment-laden water during excavation and slope works for the construction phase of the redevelopment. Water quality deterioration could be avoided through implementing adequate control measures on site runoff and drainage from the works. Proper site management and good housekeeping practices would also be required to ensure that construction wastes and other construction-related materials would not enter water bodies and the public drainage system. Sewage effluent arising from the construction workforce would be handled through provision of portable toilets.

14.37 With the implementation of these recommended mitigation measures, the construction works for the Project would not result in unacceptable impacts on water quality. Site inspections should be undertaken routinely to inspect the construction activities and works areas in order to ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented.

Operation Phase

14.38 Additional types of operation discharge from the future operations at the redeveloped Park are not expected, and there would not be any additional discharges containing disinfectants/ residual chemicals produced from the marine life keeping system aquariums and visitor attraction facilities at the redeveloped Park. Measures have been recommended to control non-point sources of discharge including surface drainage from landscaped areas where fertilisers or pesticides may be applied. As such, the operation of the redeveloped Park would not be expected to result in unacceptable impacts on water quality. Upgrading of the existing foul sewerage system within the Park will be required to prevent sewage overflow and/or emergency bypass as a result of capacity constraint of the sewerage system. There is no proposal for sewage treatment and disposal within the redeveloped Park.

Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implications

14.39 The performance of the existing sewerage infrastructure under Territory Population and Employment Data Matrices (TPEDM) projected population condition was assessed and formed the Baseline Condition.

14.40 The sewerage impact assessment (SIA) takes into account of the redevelopment of Ocean Park and the impacts to the Aberdeen Sewerage Catchment.

14.41 The adopted unit flow factors are based on the recommendations of the DSD’s Sewerage Manual (SM). The recommended peaking factors are based on the SM. The estimated peak flow is 1.88m³/s for Baseline Condition whilst peak flow of 2.04m³/s is estimated. These peak flows were used in the hydraulic assessment of the existing Aberdeen Preliminary Treatment Works (PTW).

14.42 The performance assessment results have identified surcharged sewers measuring a total length of 1520m with diameters ranging from 225mm to 375mm under the SIA peak flow condition. Works to improve these surcharged sewers will be required. Upon completion of the proposed drainage works, flow survey will be conducted to verify the sewerage network.

14.43 The Aberdeen PTW was assessed to be adequate to convey the total catchment flows under both Baseline and Future Conditions under this Study.

Impact on Cultural Heritage

Archaeology

14.44 The proposed Ocean Park redevelopment and operation was found to have no impact on areas of archaeological interest, except at the Hong Kong School of Motoring Site and Citybus depot. The area is assessed to have a low potential for archaeological deposits. As the site is currently occupied and cannot be accessed, an Archaeological Investigation should be undertaken at a later stage but before the commencement of the construction works. The scope will have to be agreed with Antiquities and Monuments Office.

Built Heritage

14.45 Grave G1 lies within the existing Ocean Park and also within the works area for the redevelopment. The current project layout allows for the grave to be preserved in-situ and any future alterations should also allow for it to be preserved in situ. If any works are planned within one metre of the grave, a one metre buffer zone should be provided around the grave, demarcated by a temporary fence.

Hazard to Life

14.46 A QRA study for the explosives related activities for the Project has been carried out. The risk level for the original Base Case was found to be unacceptable and therefore a new blasting strategy has been developed in consultation with Mines Division of CEDD. A number of additional risk control measures were identified and were included in this revised Base Case. For the revised Base Case, the level of offsite societal risk is within the acceptable limit, and since no area of individual risk greater than 10^-5per year could affect the public, therefore the risk level of the revised Base Case is considered acceptable.

14.47 In the case of the transport of explosives to the north portal of the funicular system, an assessment is also included in the QRA based on the specific controls set down for this transport for separate consideration by the Relevant Authority. The associated level of risk is within the acceptable range. In the event that this transport is not agreed, it will not be undertaken. Consideration of this activity should therefore be considered as distinct from the proposed on site storage of explosives and transport of the explosives to other blast sites that do not require off-site transport.

Overall Conclusion

14.48 The findings of this EIA study have determined the likely nature and extent of environmental impacts predicted to arise from the construction and operation of the Project. The EIA has, where appropriate, identified mitigation measures to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and standards.

14.49 Overall, the EIA study for the proposed redevelopment of Ocean Park has predicted that the Project, with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures for construction and operation phases, would comply with all applicable environmental standards and legislation. This EIA has also demonstrated the acceptability of the residual impacts from the Project and the protection of the population and environmentally sensitive resources. Table 14.1 summarises the environmental outcomes/ benefits that have accrued from environmental considerations and analysis during the EIA process and implemented in design of the Project and the recommended mitigation measures. Environmental monitoring and audit mechanisms have been recommended, where necessary, to verify the accuracy of the EIA predictions and the effectiveness of recommended mitigation measures.

Table 14.1 Summary of Key Environmental Outcomes / Benefits

Area/Issue	Environmental Outcomes / Benefits and Mitigation Measures
Purpose and Scope of the Project	The purpose of the Project is to upgrade and expand the existing Ocean Park to meet anticipated visitor demand and to position Ocean Park as a premium tourist attraction and a regional leader in themed recreational and educational park experience. The Project comprises various construction works for: civil infrastructure, utilities, primary life support systems, municipal facilities, area development, parkwide systems, hard/ soft landscape & area theming, attractions venues, installation of rides, merchandise/ retail facilities, food and beverage facilities and back of house facilities (refer to Section 2.4 for details).
Design options selection	The majority of the works comprise redevelopment works within the existing park footprint to minimise impacts on other areas. A funicular railway through a tunnel and operating by cables driven by electricity is proposed to minimize the construction and operation environmental impacts due to establishment of a new visitor transportation link between the Lowland area and the Headland area. The revised design is all in tunnel, resulting in less noise, ecological, and landscape and visual impacts than the previously proposed viaduct section. A new access road from Tai Shue Wan to the Headland area would no longer be implemented because of the likely ecological impacts arising from construction. The tall shrubland between Nam Long Shan Road and Tai Shue Wan is preserved in the current Park expansion scheme to reduce ecological impacts. Previous schemes to develop different levels at the hillside on Nam Long Shan would not be implemented, which would reduce long term long energy consumption arising from the operation of passenger lifting devices for transporting visitors between different levels. The service reservoir proposed near the summit of Nam Long Shan has been relocated to the Summit area and will now be concealed within the footprint of the redeveloped Park, resulting in reduced habitat loss and reduced visual impact.
Construction Method	An enclosed conveyor belt system is proposed for rapidly conveying the excavated material from the excavation site for the new Summit area down to the barging point at Tai Shue Wan. This would reduce impacts to the environment due to haulage. Barges are to be employed for transporting majority of the surplus C&D material from the site formation for the Summit off site by sea, so as to reduce impacts arising from land based transport. Blasting is proposed for rock excavation at the Summit, which would reduce the lengthy construction time and impacts associated with the conventional rock excavation method.
Noise	NSRs at Shouson Hill Road could be affected by noise arising from the construction of the Project. With the adoption of quieter plant, movable noise barrier and good site practices, all representative NSRs in the vicinity of the project site would comply with the noise criterion. No adverse residual construction noise impact would be expected. Traffic noise associated with the operation phase of the Project was assessed for both the “with redevelopment” and “without redevelopment” scenarios on weekday and Sunday. Modelling results indicated that the increase in overall traffic noise levels predicted at all representative NSRs except 1-2/F of NSR PTS1 and 1-4/F of PTS2 would be less than 1dB(A). However, the predicted noise levels at 1-2/F of NSR PTS1 and 1-4/F PTS2 would comply with the noise criteria of 65dB(A) and 70 dB(A) for school and residential dwelling respectively. Thus, no mitigation measure is required. The assessment results also indicated that predicted noise levels at all NSRs arising from the fixed plants of the Project would comply with the EIAO-TM criteria. No mitigation measures would be necessary. Noise impacts from loudspeakers for nightly lagoon shows would comply with the noise criterion as set out in the EIAO-TM with all the proposed mitigation measures in place. To ensure compliance with the EIAO-TM noise criteria, monitoring of entertainment noise is considered necessary during nighttime show. A noise review study will be conducted in detailed design stage to verify the EIA predictions.
Landscape and Visual	Excavation of “The Summit” at Nam Long Shan and construction of “The Waterfront” will affect existing landscape resources, landscape characters and visual sensitive receivers. The impacts would be acceptable with the implementation of recommended mitigation measures. Visual impacts from the funicular railway viaduct structure have been avoided by placing the entire railway in tunnel. Visual impacts from the proposed reservoir have been reduced by relocating the reservoir to an area within the footprint of the Summit. Impact of day-time glare would be avoided through the adoption of suitable building forms and materials. Night-time glare would be essentially “designed out” by carefully considering a reasonable level of functional and thematic lighting with due consideration of possible light pollution and night-time glare to the surroundings. With careful consideration in the design stage and adoption where necessary of suitable design features, there would be no residual day-time or night-time glare impact.
Ecology	Ecological impacts (including habitat loss, impact on plant species of conservation interest and disturbance impacts to habitats and associated communities arising from the excavation works at Nam Long Shan) would be minor and acceptable with the implementation of recommended mitigation measures. No adverse impact on coral and other marine communities would be expected during the construction and operation phase of the Project. Loss of tall shrubland habitat has been avoided by placing the funicular railway entirely in tunnel, rather than a section running on viaduct structure, and by relocating the reservoir to an area within the footprint of the Summit redevelopment. Loss of tall shrubland habitat would be compensated by a greater area of planting (using natural species) at an area within and adjacent to the Park. Loss of marine ecological resources is avoided as there would not be any marine-based construction works for this Porject.
Waste management implications	Construction waste arisings have been identified based on the proposed construction activities and would comprise C&D material, general refuse and chemical waste. Provided that the identified waste arisings are to be handled, transported and disposed of using approved methods and the recommended good site practices are to be strictly followed, adverse environmental impacts would not be expected during the construction phase. The handling, collection, transportation and disposal practices of waste generated during the operational phase would follow the existing arrangements currently in operation at the Park.
Land Contamination	Based on the desk-top study and the findings of site inspection, no sign of contamination is noted in the existing Ocean Park but potential for limited contamination is identified at the Hong Kong School of Motoring (HKSM) and City Bus Depot (CBD). Site investigation conducted at CBD in March 2006 indicated that elevated TPH concentrations were identified at 2 sampling locations near the underground storage tanks whereas elevated levels of arsenic/tin were also identified at five sampling locations. Excavation and landfill disposal is recommended for TPH contaminated soil, with quantity of ~150m³. For a conservative approach, cement solidification/stabilization treatment is recommended for the heavy metals contaminated soil (~150m³). It is proposed that site investigation works should be conducted at the HKSM site as soon as possible prior to the commencement of site clearance/ construction works. No adverse residual impact in respect of land contamination would be anticipated if necessary remediation works are carried out at the identified contaminated land in the HKSM and CBD sites.
Air quality	No adverse dust impacts would be expected on the ASRs within (e.g. visitors) or in the vicinity of the Park with the implementation of effective dust suppression measures. The operation of the proposed Project would not incur adverse air quality impacts to the nearby ASRs.
Water quality	Water quality impacts from construction activities would be controlled by implementing the recommended mitigation measures. Additional types of operation discharge from the future operations at the redeveloped Park is not expected. Operational improvements would be implemented to ensure control of discharges within statutory limits. Upgrading of the existing foul sewerage system within the Park will be required to prevent sewage overflow and/or emergency bypass as a result of capacity constraint of the sewerage system.
Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implication	The performance of the existing sewerage infrastructure was assessed using approved methods and flow factors. The estimated peak flow was used in the hydraulic assessment of the existing Aberdeen PTW. The performance assessment results under the peak flow condition have identified 1520m of surcharged sewers with diameters ranging from 225mm to 375mm. Works to improve these surcharged sewers are needed. The Aberdeen PTW was assessed to be adequate to convey the total catchment flows both with and without the Project.
Cultural Heritage	The HKSM and the City Bus Depot sites were assessed to be of low archaeological potential. An archaeological Investigation will need to be undertaken prior to the construction phase to verify the absence or presence of archaeological deposits. The construction works would not affect a historical grave located in the Lowland section of Ocean Park. A one metre buffer zone will be provided if necessary, to prevent damage from construction works.
Hazard to Life	A Quantitative Risk Assessment study for the explosives related activities for the Project has been carried out. The risk level for the original Base Case was found to be unacceptable and therefore a new blasting strategy has been developed in consultation with Mines Division of CEDD. A number of additional risk control measures were identified and were included in this revised Base Case. For the revised Base Case, the level of offsite societal risk is within the acceptable limit, and since no area of individual risk greater than 10^-5per year could affect the public, therefore the risk level of the revised Base Case is considered acceptable.

Area/Issue

Environmental Outcomes / Benefits and Mitigation Measures

Purpose and Scope of the Project

The purpose of the Project is to upgrade and expand the existing Ocean Park to meet anticipated visitor demand and to position Ocean Park as a premium tourist attraction and a regional leader in themed recreational and educational park experience.

The Project comprises various construction works for: civil infrastructure, utilities, primary life support systems, municipal facilities, area development, parkwide systems, hard/ soft landscape & area theming, attractions venues, installation of rides, merchandise/ retail facilities, food and beverage facilities and back of house facilities (refer to Section 2.4 for details).

Design options selection

The majority of the works comprise redevelopment works within the existing park footprint to minimise impacts on other areas.

A funicular railway through a tunnel and operating by cables driven by electricity is proposed to minimize the construction and operation environmental impacts due to establishment of a new visitor transportation link between the Lowland area and the Headland area. The revised design is all in tunnel, resulting in less noise, ecological, and landscape and visual impacts than the previously proposed viaduct section.

A new access road from Tai Shue Wan to the Headland area would no longer be implemented because of the likely ecological impacts arising from construction.

The tall shrubland between Nam Long Shan Road and Tai Shue Wan is preserved in the current Park expansion scheme to reduce ecological impacts.

Previous schemes to develop different levels at the hillside on Nam Long Shan would not be implemented, which would reduce long term long energy consumption arising from the operation of passenger lifting devices for transporting visitors between different levels.

The service reservoir proposed near the summit of Nam Long Shan has been relocated to the Summit area and will now be concealed within the footprint of the redeveloped Park, resulting in reduced habitat loss and reduced visual impact.

Construction Method

An enclosed conveyor belt system is proposed for rapidly conveying the excavated material from the excavation site for the new Summit area down to the barging point at Tai Shue Wan. This would reduce impacts to the environment due to haulage.

Barges are to be employed for transporting majority of the surplus C&D material from the site formation for the Summit off site by sea, so as to reduce impacts arising from land based transport.

Blasting is proposed for rock excavation at the Summit, which would reduce the lengthy construction time and impacts associated with the conventional rock excavation method.

Noise

NSRs at Shouson Hill Road could be affected by noise arising from the construction of the Project. With the adoption of quieter plant, movable noise barrier and good site practices, all representative NSRs in the vicinity of the project site would comply with the noise criterion. No adverse residual construction noise impact would be expected.

Traffic noise associated with the operation phase of the Project was assessed for both the “with redevelopment” and “without redevelopment” scenarios on weekday and Sunday. Modelling results indicated that the increase in overall traffic noise levels predicted at all representative NSRs except 1-2/F of NSR PTS1 and 1-4/F of PTS2 would be less than 1dB(A). However, the predicted noise levels at 1-2/F of NSR PTS1 and 1-4/F PTS2 would comply with the noise criteria of 65dB(A) and 70 dB(A) for school and residential dwelling respectively. Thus, no mitigation measure is required.

The assessment results also indicated that predicted noise levels at all NSRs arising from the fixed plants of the Project would comply with the EIAO-TM criteria. No mitigation measures would be necessary.

Noise impacts from loudspeakers for nightly lagoon shows would comply with the noise criterion as set out in the EIAO-TM with all the proposed mitigation measures in place. To ensure compliance with the EIAO-TM noise criteria, monitoring of entertainment noise is considered necessary during nighttime show. A noise review study will be conducted in detailed design stage to verify the EIA predictions.

Landscape and Visual

Excavation of “The Summit” at Nam Long Shan and construction of “The Waterfront” will affect existing landscape resources, landscape characters and visual sensitive receivers. The impacts would be acceptable with the implementation of recommended mitigation measures.

Visual impacts from the funicular railway viaduct structure have been avoided by placing the entire railway in tunnel.

Visual impacts from the proposed reservoir have been reduced by relocating the reservoir to an area within the footprint of the Summit.

Impact of day-time glare would be avoided through the adoption of suitable building forms and materials. Night-time glare would be essentially “designed out” by carefully considering a reasonable level of functional and thematic lighting with due consideration of possible light pollution and night-time glare to the surroundings. With careful consideration in the design stage and adoption where necessary of suitable design features, there would be no residual day-time or night-time glare impact.

Ecology

Ecological impacts (including habitat loss, impact on plant species of conservation interest and disturbance impacts to habitats and associated communities arising from the excavation works at Nam Long Shan) would be minor and acceptable with the implementation of recommended mitigation measures. No adverse impact on coral and other marine communities would be expected during the construction and operation phase of the Project.

Loss of tall shrubland habitat has been avoided by placing the funicular railway entirely in tunnel, rather than a section running on viaduct structure, and by relocating the reservoir to an area within the footprint of the Summit redevelopment.

Loss of tall shrubland habitat would be compensated by a greater area of planting (using natural species) at an area within and adjacent to the Park.

Loss of marine ecological resources is avoided as there would not be any marine-based construction works for this Porject.

Waste management implications

Construction waste arisings have been identified based on the proposed construction activities and would comprise C&D material, general refuse and chemical waste. Provided that the identified waste arisings are to be handled, transported and disposed of using approved methods and the recommended good site practices are to be strictly followed, adverse environmental impacts would not be expected during the construction phase.

The handling, collection, transportation and disposal practices of waste generated during the operational phase would follow the existing arrangements currently in operation at the Park.

Land Contamination

Based on the desk-top study and the findings of site inspection, no sign of contamination is noted in the existing Ocean Park but potential for limited contamination is identified at the Hong Kong School of Motoring (HKSM) and City Bus Depot (CBD).

Site investigation conducted at CBD in March 2006 indicated that elevated TPH concentrations were identified at 2 sampling locations near the underground storage tanks whereas elevated levels of arsenic/tin were also identified at five sampling locations.

Excavation and landfill disposal is recommended for TPH contaminated soil, with quantity of ~150m³.

For a conservative approach, cement solidification/stabilization treatment is recommended for the heavy metals contaminated soil (~150m³).

It is proposed that site investigation works should be conducted at the HKSM site as soon as possible prior to the commencement of site clearance/ construction works.

No adverse residual impact in respect of land contamination would be anticipated if necessary remediation works are carried out at the identified contaminated land in the HKSM and CBD sites.

Air quality

No adverse dust impacts would be expected on the ASRs within (e.g. visitors) or in the vicinity of the Park with the implementation of effective dust suppression measures.

The operation of the proposed Project would not incur adverse air quality impacts to the nearby ASRs.

Water quality

Water quality impacts from construction activities would be controlled by implementing the recommended mitigation measures.

Additional types of operation discharge from the future operations at the redeveloped Park is not expected. Operational improvements would be implemented to ensure control of discharges within statutory limits.

Upgrading of the existing foul sewerage system within the Park will be required to prevent sewage overflow and/or emergency bypass as a result of capacity constraint of the sewerage system.

Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implication

The performance of the existing sewerage infrastructure was assessed using approved methods and flow factors. The estimated peak flow was used in the hydraulic assessment of the existing Aberdeen PTW.

The performance assessment results under the peak flow condition have identified 1520m of surcharged sewers with diameters ranging from 225mm to 375mm. Works to improve these surcharged sewers are needed.

The Aberdeen PTW was assessed to be adequate to convey the total catchment flows both with and without the Project.

Cultural Heritage

The HKSM and the City Bus Depot sites were assessed to be of low archaeological potential. An archaeological Investigation will need to be undertaken prior to the construction phase to verify the absence or presence of archaeological deposits.

The construction works would not affect a historical grave located in the Lowland section of Ocean Park. A one metre buffer zone will be provided if necessary, to prevent damage from construction works.

Hazard to Life

A Quantitative Risk Assessment study for the explosives related activities for the Project has been carried out. The risk level for the original Base Case was found to be unacceptable and therefore a new blasting strategy has been developed in consultation with Mines Division of CEDD. A number of additional risk control measures were identified and were included in this revised Base Case. For the revised Base Case, the level of offsite societal risk is within the acceptable limit, and since no area of individual risk greater than 10^-5per year could affect the public, therefore the risk level of the revised Base Case is considered acceptable.