8.                   land contamination

Introduction

8.1               Contaminated land refers to the land which has been polluted by hazardous substances as a result of industrial operations carried out on the site over a number of years.  These contaminants if present, may pose hazardous risks or cause adverse effects to the land users and the nearby environment.  The implications of land contamination associated with the proposed alignment of the West Island Line (WIL) and its designated works areas (hereinafter called “Study Area”) (Figure 8.1 refers) have been assessed in accordance with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-130/2005) in this Section.

Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans, Standards and Criteria

8.2               ”Guidance Note for Contaminated Land Assessment and Remediation” (GN Land Con) and “Guidance Notes for Investigation and Remediation of Contaminated Sites of: Petrol Filling Stations, Boatyards, and Car Repair / Dismantling Workshops” (GN Inv & Rem) issued by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) provide guidance on land contamination assessment.  The GN Land Con refers the Risk-based Remediation Goals (RBRGs) as the soil and groundwater contamination criteria. Besides, under the “Guidance Manual for use of Risk-based Remediation goals for Contamination Land Management” (GM RBRGs) promulgated by EPD on 15 August 2007, it presents instructions for comparison of soil and groundwater data to the RBRGs levels developed for relevant future land-use scenarios.

8.3               Further consideration of contamination issues is provided in Section 3 (Potential Contaminated Land Issues) of Annex 19 “Guidelines for Assessment of Impact on Sites of Cultural Heritage and Other Impacts” of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM).

Assessment Methodology

8.4               In order to identify and evaluate the potential contamination impacts associated with the Study Area, the following tasks have been undertaken:

l                  Desktop study to review the current and historical land uses;

l                  Acquisition of information related to potential land contamination from Environmental Compliance Division of Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Fire Services Department (FSD) and Lands Department (LD); and

l                  Site reconnaissance to identify the existing land uses.

 

8.5               In addition, the following sources of information have been collated and reviewed:

l                  Aerial photographs from Lands Department along the WIL alignment taken between 1945 and 2005;

l                  Ground investigation (GI) reports from Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) Geotechnical Information Library;

l                  Hong Kong Geological Survey Map – Sheet 11 “Solid and Superficial Geology for Hong Kong & Kowloon”; and

l                  Records and photographs from site visits.

 

Description of the Environment

Site Geology and Hydrogeology

8.6               The Hong Kong Geological Survey - Solid and Superficial Geology Map (Series: HGM20) – sheet 11 (1:20,000 scale) (Edition 1, 1986) published by the Geotechnical Control Office, Civil Engineering Services Department has been reviewed.

8.7               Due to the extensive area covered by this Study, the nature of materials in the sub-ground profile varies at different extent over the region. A review of previous GI reports undertaken at or in the vicinity of the Study Area was conducted to obtain information for the geological conditions.   Details of the reviewed GI reports are listed as follows:

l                  Route 7 – Sai Ying Pun to Kennedy Town Land Based Site Investigation conducted by Bachy Soletanche Group in 1992. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 15959);

l                  Proposed Open Space Redevelopment at Kwok Hing Lane and Ui On Lane (Phase I) Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong conducted by I-P Foundations Ltd in 1998. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 30568);

l                  Site Investigation Report for 527 Queen’s Road West, Hong Kong conducted by Cheong Shun Construction & Engineering Co. in 1990. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 16624);

l                  Report on Stability of Tunnels and Slopes at Sai Ying Pun School and Surrounding Area conducted by Government of Hong Kong Architectural Office in 1970. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 39149);

l                  Proposed Commercial Building on I.L.6636 and R.P. of SS.3, S.C. of M.L. 71 at Nos. 6-8, Li Shing Street, Hong Kong conducted by Architactics in 1984. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 11338);

l                  Ground Investigation: Slope No. 11SW-A/CR253; C249; C259; C258;C283 MT. Davis Cottage Area conducted by Bachy Soletanche Group in 1992. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 17412);

l                  Boring Records No.27 Kennedy Town Praya, Hong Kong conducted by The Boring Engineering Ltd. in 1988. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 16626);

l                  Redevelopment of Sai Ying Pun Market conducted by Geotechnics & Concrete Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. in 1997. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 2740);

l                  Ground Investigation Report – New Elliot Salt Water Reservoirs conducted by Vibro (H.K.) Limited in 1993;

l                  Report on Demolition and Decontamination Works at the Proposed Kennedy Town Comprehensive Development Area Site Stage 2 Site Investigation conducted by Vibro (HK) Limited in 2003. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 39214);

l                  Report on Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme Site investigation – Land Works conducted by Vibro (HK) Limited in 2003. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 17479);

l                  Report on Site investigation – Upgraded Connaught road & Ancillary Roadworks conducted Bachy Soletanche Group in 1983. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 6567);

l                  Report on Drainage Improvement in Northern Hong Kong Island, Sheung Wan Stormwater pumping Station conducted Bachy Soletanche Group in 2001. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No. 6567); and

l                  Report on Redevelopment of Mount Davis Cottage Area and Kennedy Town Police married Quarter planning and Engineering Feasibility Study conducted Bachy Soletanche Group in 1997. (CEDD’s Geotechnical Information Unit Report No.28795).

Geological Setting

KET Section

8.8               The main rock type along the KET Section mainly comprises undivided coarse ash crystal turf of Tai Mo Shan Formation which is under the group of sedimentary and volcanic rocks.  Marine sand of Hang Hau Formation is found at the works area of the Kennedy Town abattoir site. Superficial deposits consisting of alluvium and debris flow deposits of Quaternary Group are found around the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool Site.

UNI Section

8.9               Along the alignment from Sands Street to the proposed UNI Station, the geology mainly comprises undivided coarse ash crystal turf of Tai Mo Shan Formation fused with marine sand in some areas. Medium-grained granite (~2-6mm) is found at part of the proposed UNI Station site. From the eastern end of the University Station to Western Street, most of the areas are on the debris flow deposits.     

SYP Section

8.10            From Western Street to the eastern end of the proposed SYP Station, much of the bedrock is buried under a thick mantle of debris flow deposits. From the SYP Station to the existing SHW Station, the alignment is mainly covered by almost ubiquitous blanket of fill/marine sand.

Hydrogeology

8.11            According to the general topography of the Study Area and the groundwater levels recorded in some of the reviewed GI reports, the general groundwater pattern likely flows from south to north i.e. from the Pok Fu Lam Country Park towards the Victoria Harbour. Elevation of the groundwater level varies from +90mPD near the proposed University Station and +25mPD near the proposed Sai Ying Pun Station to around +1mPD near the shoreline area.  

8.12            For the Magazine Site in particular, the general groundwater pattern likely flowing from northeast to southwest was reported in the previous GI reports. The elevation of groundwater level varies from around +48mPD near Chee Sing Kok Social Centre to +10mPD near the coast.

Site History

8.13            Landuse information of the Study Area was obtained by reviewing relevant historical aerial photographs, as listed in Table 8.1.

Table 8.1          Reviewed Historical Aerial Photographs

 

Year

Ref. No

Height (ft)

1945

4029

--

1949

6130

--

1949

6027

8600

1972

1824

2500

1976

15091

1400

1980

32036

5500

1981

37118

4000

1985

A00408

2000

1986

A04062

2000

1991

A27667

4000

1995

A42039

7000

1996

CN14060

4000

1996

CN15688

5000

1999

CN25698

8000

2000

CN27423

4000

2005

CW63580

8000

Source: Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department

 

8.14            In KET Section, the historical aerial photographs in Appendix 8.1 showed that Kennedy Town Abattoir already existed in 1972 and the Kennedy Town Wholesale Market was also found next to the Kennedy Town Abattoir around that year. In 1990s, the wholesale market was demolished and the site was transformed to open space/public car park. In 1999, part of the car park was modified as sitting out area adjacent to Victoria Road. i.e. the existing Cadogan Street Temporary Park. A number of squatter or low-rise building areas were found before 1970s in the hilly slopes area but new high-rise buildings gradually replaced these settlements over the last two decades. The Kennedy Town Swimming Pool was constructed in the 1970s.  The earliest aerial photograph showed that the Kennedy Town Police Quarters already existed in 1963. Kai Wai Man Road and the Police Quarters were then noted in the 1967 aerial photograph and no significant change was found since then.  Based on the aerial photograph of 1963, the east of the Kai Wai Man Road was mainly occupied by low rise buildings.  With reference to the 1976 topographic map, the Magazine Site and its surrounding area were of low rise buildings with some domestic industries and open storage.  After 1985, the low rise buildings were identified as ruins site. 

8.15            In UNI Section, aerial photographs in Appendix 8.1 showed that the main campus buildings of University of Hong Kong were in place since 1945. The areas close to the University have been used mostly for institutional and residential over the last 50 years. In the western section of the UNI, old Belcher’s Battery site was redeveloped in the early 1950s to Belcher’s Gardens and then further redeveloped to The Belcher’s in the late 1990s. The Western District Cargo Handling Area was in operation in early 1980s. The Belcher Bay Park as well as the open car parking area to the southeast of the Belcher Bay Park were in place since 1990s.

8.16            In SYP Section, major land use pattern in this area over the last 5 decades has been mainly used for residential/commercial purposes. The urban redevelopment carried out in 1980s and 1990s have transformed the street markets and old terraced houses to new apartment blocks.     

8.17            Several phases of reclamation over the waterfront area along the whole WIL alignment are noted. In KET Section, the reclamation for Kennedy Town Abattoir Pier was carried out before 1970s and reclaimed land on this area was further extended from early 1970s to mid-1970s. The land from Kennedy Town Praya to Western District Public Cargo Handling Area was formed in 1990s. In 1980s, the existing land for western wholesale food market all along to the Sheung Wan Bus Terminus facing Connaught Road West was formed.

Environmental Information from the Government

8.18            Specific information, including (1) records of registered chemical waste producers (CWP), (2) current and past registration of dangerous goods (DG) records and (3) historical records of chemical or dangerous goods spillage/leakage, have been requested from the FSD and the Regional Office (South) of EPD.

8.19            According to FSD and EPD, a number of land uses in vicinity of the Study Area have been registered for storage of DG or CWP and the details are incorporated into Tables 8.2 to 8.4.  No incident of spillage or leakage of dangerous goods was recorded in the ground floor level within the Study Area.

8.20            An inquiry letter was also sent to Lands Department to acquire information about the current and past land uses within the Study Area. Lands Department replied that there was no available information concerning land uses within the Study Area.

Site Inspection

8.21            Most of the construction works, mainly tunnelling, would be carried out underground. Apart from the tunnelling work, there are over 20 proposed ‘Works Areas’, some of which may involve surface excavation works. Details of the activities proposed at each Works Area can be referred to Section 2. Land contamination may be of concern at those locations assigned for ‘Works Area with Surface Excavation’. The locations are shown in Figures 8.2 to 8.5.

8.22            Site visits were conducted in March 2006 and December 2007 to ascertain the existing land uses and identify any potential contamination sites along the proposed WIL alignment and the relevant works areas.

KET Section

Alignment and Associated Subways/Entrances

8.23            Not much development was identified along this Section except some residential buildings observed from the west-end of the alignment (along underground overrun tunnel) to the proposed KET Station. For the areas at or close to the KET Station, the development is more compact with mixture of land uses, i.e. combination of residential and commercial uses. Other minor land uses including institutions, industries and recreational areas were also identified under this KET Section. 

8.24            Several industrial buildings adjacent to the alignment were identified, including Kwong Ga Factory Building & Yiu Ga Factory Building at Victoria Road (immediately opposite to the China Merchants Godown) and Cheung Hing Industrial Building at Smithfield Road (immediately opposite to the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool). The ground floor of these buildings has no major works in principle except lift lobby and some loading and unloading activities. No sign of contamination was identified on the concrete ground surface at these factory sites.

8.25            Several car repairing workshops located at the ground floor of residential buildings were observed during the site inspection. These are the industries which have been identified as having potential for causing land contamination. Details and brief evaluation on necessity of site investigation at the potential contaminated areas within the KET Section are given in Table 8.2.

Works Areas

8.26            Five works areas with surface excavation, namely MA, A, B, C and D, were identified within the KET section.  Works Area MA was an undeveloped site with approximate area of 2,600m2 while Works Area A is an Ex-Police Quarter with approximately 6,147m2 in area.  No sign of contamination is suspected for both works areas. 

8.27            As discussed in Section 2.87-2.98, the KET Abattoir Site at Works Area B would have no potential contamination concern.

8.28            Works Area C (~4,380m2) is an open space with a basketball court and two playgrounds. No sign of contamination is suspected. The approximate area of Works Area D is 8,283m2 which is the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool.  Surrounding these two Works Areas are mostly residential buildings. The Cheung Hing Industrial Building was found close to the Swimming Pool Site but no contamination is expected as discussed in Section 8.24.

UNI Section

Alignment and Associated Subways/Entrances

8.29            Residential and institutional buildings are the major land uses along this UNI Section. The academic buildings of the University of Hong Kong and a number of primary/secondary schools were found on both sides of Bonham Road and Pok Fu Lam Road. Residential buildings/ University student accommodations in mostly 5 to 30 floors were identified around this area. The largest scale of residential complex is “The Belcher’s” containing 6 high-rise towers with maximum of 48 floors located along Pok Fu Lam Road. No potential contaminative land use was found close to or at the proposed alignment. 

Works Areas

8.30            A total of nine works areas (namely E, F, G, H, I, J, J1, J2 & J3) were identified within the UNI Section.

8.31            Works Area E located on the waterfront is the Public Cargo Working Area (PCWA) with an approximate area of 7,452m2. This site is being used for material storages e.g. oil drum/bamboo and bulk cargo handling by using mobile cranes as observed during the site inspection. Land contamination is suspected with details given in Table 8.3.

8.32            Works Area F proposed for future contractor’s site facilities only involves a small land area (~1,081m2) at the public road outside Western District PCWA. Works Area G (8,850m2) is a car park as well as a site office of Highways Department with excavation works proposed under this Study. No sign of contamination was identified at these two works areas. 

8.33            Works Areas H, I and J are all roadside amenity/gardens with approximate areas 350m2, 4,015m2 and 1,360m2 respectively. Footways, slopes and public facilities were found at Works Areas J1 (~808m2), J2 (~1,025m2) and J3 (~791m2). All these works areas (H, I, J and J1-3) with excavation works proposed under this Study were identified without contaminative activities being carried out.

SYP Section

Alignment and Associated Subways/Entrances

8.34            Residential/Commercial buildings are the majority land uses over the SYP Section. There are quite a number of small car repairing/serving workshops identified at the ground floor of the buildings. Details of the potential contaminated workshops within the SYP Section are given in Table 8.4.

Works Areas

8.35            Eleven Works Areas (namely K, L, L1, M, M1, M2, M3, N1, O1-3) are identified at the SYP Section.  Most of these sites are currently used for recreational purposes. Surrounding these works areas are mostly for residential or Government/Institutions and Community (G/IC) uses.

8.36            Works Area K (~488m2) is a vacant site and Works Area L (~590m2) is a playground.  There would be no surface excavation works proposed at these two areas in this Study.

8.37            Works Areas L1 (~900m2) and N1 (~2,879m2) are children’s playgrounds at Ki Ling Lane and Sai Woo Lane Playground respectively. Works Areas M (~3,325m2) is found within the King George V Memorial Park. Works Areas M1, M2, and M3 are the government office/market and rehabilitation centre with area of ~1,020m2, ~176m2, and ~1,537m2 respectively.  No potential contaminated land was identified at all these Works Areas with surface excavation works proposed.

8.38            Works Areas O1 (~1,197m2). O2 (~115m2) and O3 (~204m2), which are located along the Des Voeux Road West, Wing Lok Street and New Market Street respectively, are mainly commercial/ residential areas.  No potential contaminated land was identified at all these Works Areas with surface excavation works proposed.

Identification of Potential Environmental Impacts

8.39            Based on the findings from the desktop studies and site inspection, potential land contamination areas are identified and discussed in Tables 8.2 to 8.4 with their locations shown in Figures 8.2 to 8.4. 


Table 8.2        Potential Contaminative Land Uses within or in vicinity of the Study Area (KET Section)

 

Site ID

Potential Contaminative Use/Activity

Site Descriptions

Potential Contamination Impacts to the Proposed Project Areas

 

Need for Site Investigation (SI)

1

Kennedy Town Swimming Pool

 

The swimming pool complex (i.e. Works Area D) is proposed to be demolished in order to provide space for future KET Station and public transport interchange.

 

As observed from the site, there was an approved aboveground storage tank for Category.3 dangerous goods (hydrochloric acid) on the ground floor of the swimming pool facing Smithfield Road.

 

No spillage or leakage was recorded by the site personnel/FSD/EPD. The tank is above ground and possibility of any hidden leakage is very low.

 

The storage room was kept in good condition and no sign of contamination was observed. Potential contamination impact to the project area is not likely.

 

No

2

Express Auto Care

The workshop (~480 m2) was used for vehicles services and maintenance. The workshop was generally tidy and maintained by good housekeeping. Two drums of waste oil with drip tray were observed within the workshop. No apparent stain was found on the ground paved with concrete.

 

Both workshops have good housekeeping. No apparent stain was observed on the intact concrete ground surface. No spillage or leakage was recorded by the site personnel/FSD/EPD at these sites.

 

Both sites would not encroach upon the proposed tunnel alignment or any works area.

 

Potential impact in relation to land contamination on the project area would not be expected.

 

 

No

3

United Motor Service Limited

The workshop (~480 m2) was used for motor services, including car washing. The ground was well-paved with concrete and no apparent stain was observed in the workshop.

 

Only low concentration detergents were used for car washing and the wastewater generated during the washing process would have been collected in the drainage channels around the car washing area and directed to public sewer.

 

4

Kennedy Town Abattoir Site

This site contained three major areas, including Kennedy Town Abattoir, Kennedy Town Incineration Plant and a public car park. 

 

As discussed in Section 2.87-2.98, the KET Abattoir Site at Works Area B would have no potential contamination concern.

No  

 

5

New Wold First Bus Depot

This site located adjacent to the Works Area B – Kennedy Town Abattoir Site has been used for bus maintenance and refueling. As observed, an aboveground diesel tank (~45,500L) registered with FSD was located near the entrance of the Kennedy Town Incinerator Plant. Oil stain was found on the concrete paved ground under two dispensers.

 

This site has been registered with EPD as a chemical waste producer. During the site inspection, 3 drums of waste oil with drip trays underneath were placed inside a registered chemical waste storage area. 5 drums of lubricating oil (each with 208L) were also observed near the aboveground diesel tank without containment or drip trays.

 

This site is potentially contaminated with reference to the approved EIA Report – Demolition of Buildings and Structures in the proposed Kennedy Town Comprehensive Development Area Site (EIAO Register No. : AEIAR-058/2002).

 

No direct contamination impact to this Project since the Bus Depot is not located within the Study Area.

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

Table 8.3        Potential Contaminative Land Uses within or in vicinity of the Study Area (UNI Section)

 

Site ID

Potential Contaminative Use/Activity

Site Descriptions

Potential Contamination Impacts to the Proposed Project Areas

 

Need for Site Investigation (SI)

6

Western District Public Cargo Working Area

This site is approximately 7,452m2 in area and managed by the Marine Department. During the site visit, it was observed that a large quantity of drums labeled with corn oil/ peanut oil/ groundnut oil without secondary containment or drip trays were stored on site. Minor stains are observed at the storage area. Mobile cranes were found on site for goods handling.

 

This Site (Works Area E) is proposed to be a barging point for transporting out spoil only. No surface excavation or construction would be undertaken at this site. Potential impact in respect of land contamination would not be anticipated.

No

7

Refuelling Area for Vessels

This site has been used for vessel refueling. Heavy oil stain was observed on the concrete ground surface. 

This Site does not fall into the WIL Study Area but it is located adjacent to the Works Area E – Western District Public Cargo Working Area.

 

Significant land contamination concern to this project is not anticipated because no surface excavation works would be undertaken at the adjacent Works Area E.

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 8.4          Potential Contaminative Land Uses within or in vicinity of the Study Area (SYP Section)

Site ID

Potential Contaminative Use/Activity

Site Descriptions

Potential Contamination Impacts to the Proposed Project Areas

 

Need for Site Investigation (SI)

 

 

 

 

 

8

Victory Motor Services Centre

The site is a motor vehicles repairing workshop with site area approximately 60m2. According to EPD’s record, it has been registered as a chemical waste producer for generation of lubricating oil. The site was generally found tidy during the site visit and no apparent oil stain was observed from the concrete paved ground.

The workshop is neither upon at any works area nor on the proposed alignment.

 

It is located about 45m horizontally away from the nearest point of the proposed WIL tunnel or 20m from the surface excavation area at Second Street.

 

The site has no chemical/fuel spillage recorded. No apparent stain was observed inside the workshop. Possibility of contaminant migration, if any, through the concrete slab to the soil underneath and then to the Study Area is considered unlikely.

 

No

9

Zhung Wang Motor Co.

The workshop with approximate area of 60 m2 is used for private vehicles maintenance.  Small amount of lubricating oil and engine oil would be used for day to day operation.

 

The vehicle repairing area was found with apparent oil stain on the ground surface which is paved with concrete.

 

 

 

The proposed SYP Station is approximately 50 m underneath the ground surface. No surface excavation would be carried out close to this workshop.

 

Although the workshop is close to the proposed tunnel alignment, possibility of contaminant migrated down to 50m to the proposed station elevation would be very unlikely in view of the fact that this site has no underground facilities, intact concrete surface is present and only small amount of oil would be used.

 

Potential contamination impact to the proposed tunnel level is not suspected.

 

No

10

Tune Works Motors Co.

This site with an area of ~ 60m2 is a car repairing workshop and is located close to the subway extending to the proposed entrance C. According to EPD’s record, it has been registered as a chemical waste producer. The major waste produced is spent lubricating oil. Good housekeeping was observed and no apparent oil stain was found on the concrete paved ground.

No sign of contamination is suspected at this site.

 

 

No

11

Lytte Motors Company

This workshop with an area of ~ 60m2 is used for repairing of motor vehicles. The workshop is close to the proposed subway extending to the entrance C.

 

This site has been registered with EPD as a chemical waste producer. The major waste produced is spent lubricating oil. Good housekeeping is maintained at this site and no apparent stain was observed from the concrete paved ground at the time of site visit.

 

No sign of contamination is suspected at this site.

 

No

12

Otto Motor Service

The workshop (~ 60m2) is used for motor services. According to EPD’s record, it has been registered as a chemical waste producer for lubricating oil. Minor oil stain was observed on concrete paved ground at discrete areas during the site visit.

 

Since only small amount of lubricating oil/solvents would be used at this site, no large-scale spillage incident was recorded from EPD/FSD. No underground facilities are present at this location.

 

The workshop is close to the proposed subway extending to the entrance C(~70m below ground), possibility of contaminant migration down to the subway elevation level is not expected taking into account the type of trade, quantity of chemicals used and daily site activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Potential contamination impact to the proposed subway level is thus not suspected.

 

No

13

Super Lion Enterprises Limited

A storage room labeled with “Category 4 Dangerous Goods” was observed on the ground floor of the Queen’s Terrace building. According to FSD’s record, the site stores 1,000L of Sodium Hypochlorite Solution (Category 4 DG in drums) and 1,000L of Sodium Hydroxide Solution (Category 3. DG in drums). Date of first issue for both DG is on 10 April 2003.

 

The DG storage for both solutions at the site is ~3 years. No spillage or leakage was recorded by EPD/FSD. As the chemicals are stored in drums (above ground), hidden leakage would not be expected.

 

The storage area is about 40m horizontally away from the tunnel alignment. The proposed underground tunnel is about 15-20m below ground at that section.

 

Significant land contamination impact imposed on the tunneling area is not anticipated.

 

No

 

Prediction and Evaluation of Environmental Impacts

8.40            As illustrated above, most of the identified potential contaminative land uses within or in vicinity of the proposed Study Area are vehicle services and maintenance workshops (such as Site ID 2, 3, 8-12). Significant land contamination caused by the workshops would not be likely taking in account the appearance of current site condition, scale of the business of the workshops and the proposed tunnel depth underground.   

8.41            Significant land contamination impacts from Site ID 1, 5, 6 and 7 are also unlikely because (1) good condition/maintenance was kept in Site ID 1, (2) no direct contamination was found at Site ID 5 where the site was found not to be located within the Study area and (3) no surface excavation or construction would be undertaken at Sites ID 6 and 7.

8.42            The land contamination aspects for Site ID 4 (i.e. the Kennedy Town Abattoir Site) had been adequately addressed in the previous EIA study Demolition of Buildings and Structures in the Proposed Kennedy Town Comprehensive Development Area Site and the EIA report was approved in April 2002. According to this approved EIA report, land contamination issues were identified at this site. Demolition and clearance of surface structures within the Abattoir Site was being carried out by CEDD.  Upon completion of these works, a concrete paving layer of not less than 200mm thick will be provided for the cleared site so that the risk of exposing contaminants in soil can be avoided.  The Project Proponent has confirmed the proposed paving layer would be sufficient to support the proposed uses in the Abattoir Site.  The paving layer will remain intact to act as an integral physical barrier.

Conclusions

8.43            An investigation of the historical/current land uses in respect of land contamination, including a desk-top review and site inspection, has been conducted around the proposed WIL alignment and Works Areas. The results indicated that most of the potential contaminated sites identified at the site inspection are not likely to pose any significant and direct impacts to the Project.  Therefore, no site investigation or further assessment would be required.