EIA Study Brief No. ESB-102/2002

May 2002

          

 

 

Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), Section 5 (7)

 

Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-102/2002

 

Project Title :   Reprovisioning of Diamond Hill Crematorium

 

Name of Applicant: Architectural Services Department

(hereinafter known as the "Applicant")

1.         BACKGROUND

            1.1       An application (No. ESB-102/2002) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the captioned Applicant on 25th March 2002 with a Project Profile (No. PP-166/2002).

1.2              The Applicant proposes to construct a new crematorium of 6 cremators with total capacity of 1,260 kg per hour to replace the existing 6 cremators (hereinafter referred as the Project).  The location of the Project is shown in Figure No. 1 in the Project Profile.  The Project also includes the provision of a full range of ancillary facilities required for the operation of a crematorium, including:

(a)    air pollution control systems to control the emission of the cremators

(b)   four service halls

(c)    four joss paper burners

(d)   emergency generator room

(e)    underground fuel tanks

(f)     mortuary

(g)    office accommodation

(h)    store rooms and dangerous goods store

(i)      public toilets

(j)     parking spaces for coaches and private cars

(k)   refuse storage chambers

(l)      garden of remembrance

1.3              Pursuant to section 5(7)(a) of the EIAO, the Director of Environmental Protection (the Director) issues this EIA study brief to the Applicant to carry out an EIA study for the Project.

1.4              The purpose of this EIA study is to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the construction and operation of the proposed project and related activities taking place concurrently.  This information will contribute to decisions by the Director on:

                        (i)         the overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that are likely to arise as a result of the proposed project;

                        (ii)        the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and  operation of the proposed project to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and

                        (iii)       acceptability of residual impacts after proposed mitigation measures are implemented.

2.         OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY

            2.1       The objectives of the EIA study are as follows:

                        (i)         to describe the proposed project together with the requirements for carrying out the proposed project;

(ii)                to identify and describe elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the proposed project and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the proposed project, including natural and man-made environment and the associated environmental constraints;

(iii)               to describe the considerations given in selecting the proposed site, layout, design (including technology to be adopted for the new cremators), and construction method; to provide reasons for selecting the preferred option and to describe the part environmental factors played in the selection process;

(iv)              to identify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potentially affected uses;

(v)                to identify and quantify waste management requirements and propose measures to mitigate or prevent impacts, and measures to be adopted to avoid introducing land contamination at the new cremators・ site;

(vi)              to identify and quantify any potential visual impacts and to propose measures to mitigate impacts;

(vii)             to identify the negative impacts and propose the provision mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the project;

(viii)           to identify, predict and evaluate the residual (i.e. after practicable mitigation) environmental impacts and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operation phases of the proposed project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

(ix)              to identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the proposed project which are necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels;

(x)                to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study; and

(xi)              to design and specify an environmental monitoring program, and if required, other environmental monitoring and audit requirements, to ensure the implementation and the effectiveness of the recommended environmental protection and pollution control measures.

3.         DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY

            3.1       The purpose of this study brief is to scope the key issues of the EIA study.  The Applicant has to demonstrate in the EIA report that the criteria in the relevant sections of the Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as the TM) are fully complied with.

            3.2         The Scope

3.2.1    The scope of this EIA study shall cover the project proposed in the Project Profile and shall include the works and facilities mentioned in section 1.2 above.  Figure 1 of this Study Brief shows the location of the new and existing crematoriums.  The EIA study shall address the likely key issues described below, together with any key issues identified during the course of the study and the cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project:

(i)         the consideration given in selecting the proposed site, layout, design (including technology to be adopted for the new cremators), and construction method for the Project;

(ii)        the air quality impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project;

(iii)       the measures to be adopted to avoid introducing land contamination at the new cremators・ site, as well as the waste management for the construction and operation of the Project;

(iv)       the visual impacts from the construction and operation of the Project;

(v)                the safety requirements related to storage of fuel;

(vi)              the construction and operational noise impacts of the Project; and,

(vii)      handling of any effluent discharge from the air pollution control/scrubbing systems for the new crematorium during operation stage;.

3.2.2    The Applicant shall also assess all the environmental impacts during the transitional stage of the Project before the existing cremators cease operation, scenarios to include test runs of the new cremators concurrently with the existing cremators remain operative in full service.

3.3.3    Regarding the potential cumulative impacts, other projects under planning to be considered to include, but not necessarily limited to, the construction stage impacts due to the proposed Diamond Hill No. 2 Fresh Water Service Reservoir and any potential developments on the cleared land along Po Kong Village Road near the Project・s site.

3.3       Decommissioning of the Existing Diamond Hill Crematorium

3.3.1    Section 4.2 of the Project Profile stated that the existing Diamond Hill Crematorium will be decommissioned when the proposed new crematorium is in operation.  However, section 1.2 of the Project Profile on the project scope only listed out those work items related to the new cremators but did not mention the decommissioning of the existing cremators.  The Applicant shall state clearly whether or not the decommissioning of the existing cremators is covered under the EIA Study.

3.3.2    If the Applicant confirms that environmental impacts of the decommissioning and demolition of the existing cremators is covered in the EIA Study, the Applicant shall also address in the EIA the issues stated in Appendix A to this Study Brief related to the decommissioning element.

3.3.3    If the Applicant confirms that environmental impacts of the decommissioning and demolition of the existing cremators is not covered in the EIA Study, the Applicant shall provide information on the future plan on the existing cremators, including any plan on the assessment of the environmental impacts of the decommissioning project.

3.4       Description of Siting, Layout, Design and Construction Methods Considered

3.4.1    The existing operation of the Diamond Hill Crematorium which is located in the urban area surrounded by many residential developments is of concern to the public.  There have been environmental complaints against the smoke and odour emissions from the cremators.  In addition, several schools located close to the Crematorium are currently under construction.

3.4.2    Given the general public・s concerns on the existing location of the Crematorium, while the Project Profile stated that the Project would provide cremators of advance technology, the Applicant shall state the justifications for continually using the proposed site for the reprovisioning proposal.

3.4.3    The Applicant shall also describe the consideration given to other possible layout(s) within the proposed site, available technology options for the new cremators, and alternative construction method to minimise excessive nuisances during the construction stage of the Project.  In particular, such considerations should cover the potential environmental impacts to nearby existing and planned sensitive receivers when different layout, technology or construction method are used.  The Applicant shall state the justifications for the selecting the proposed layout, technology and construction method.

          Technical Requirements

3.5       The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects of the works and activities as described in the scope as set out above.

3.6       The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts.

3.6.1    Air Quality Impact

3.6.1.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing air quality impact as stated in section 1 of Annex 4 and Annex 12 of the TM respectively.

            3.6.1.2             The assessment area for air quality impact shall be defined by a distance of 500 m from the boundary of the project site, yet it may be extended depending on the circumstances and the scale of the project.

            3.6.1.3             The Applicant shall assess the air pollutant concentrations making reference to the relevant sections of the air modelling guideline in Appendices B-1 to B-4 to this EIA Study Brief, or other methodology as agreed by the Director.  The Applicant shall make reference to the Guidelines with respect to construction dust impacts, cumulative construction dust impact and stack emissions evaluation.  In consideration of construction dust impact, the Applicant shall make reference to the Fugitive Dust Model (FDM) in Appendixes B-1 and B-3; in consideration of cumulative construction dust impact, the Applicant shall make reference to the FDM in Appendixes B-1, B-2 and B-3; in consideration of stack emissions evaluation, the Applicant shall make reference to the Industrial Source Complex Dispersion Model (ISCST3) in Appendixes B-1 and B-4.

            3.6.1.4             The air quality assessment shall cover the construction and operation of the Project, and include the following:

Background and analysis of activities

(i)         Provide background information relating to air quality issues relevant to the project, e.g. description of the types of activities during construction stage of the project such as site clearance, excavation, material handling and wind erosion that will likely give rise to dust emissions and those activities during operation stage of the project such as operation of the cremators that will give off gaseous emissions.

(ii)        Give an account, where appropriate, of the consideration/measures that had been taken into consideration in the planning of the project to abate the air pollution impact. That is, the Applicant should state the considerations given to the use of various potential construction methods/phasing programmes and cremator technologies and modes of operation to minimise the constructional and operational air quality impact respectively.  For example, consideration should be given to the use of gaseous fuel to reduce emissions during cremation.

(iii)               Present the background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative constructional and operational air quality impacts.  Also compare and present the anticipated improvements over the existing level in terms of air emission data.

Identification of ASRs and examination of emission/dispersion characteristics

(iv)              Identify and describe representative existing and planned/committed air sensitive receivers (ASRs) that would likely be affected by the project, including those earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans. The Applicant shall select the assessment points of the identified ASRs such that they represent the worst impact point of these ASRs. A map showing the location and a description including the name of the buildings, their uses and height of the selected assessment points shall be given. The separation distances of these ASRs from the nearest emission sources should also be given.  Please also note that the proposed Diamond Hill No. 2 Fresh Water Service Reservoir has been planned for construction in the near future and would be about 150 meters from the proposed new crematorium.

(v)                Provide an exhaustive list of air pollutant emission sources, including any nearby emission sources which are likely to have impact on the project based on the analysis of the constructional and operational activities of the project in (i) above.  Examples of constructional stage emission sources include stock piling, concrete batching, etc. Examples of operational stage emission sources include cremators, any nearby industrial source, etc. Confirmation of the validity of the assumptions and the magnitude of the activities (e.g. volume of construction materials handled etc.) shall be obtained from the relevant government department/authorities and documented.

Constructional air quality impact

(vi)       The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation in dust control to ensure construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standards as stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 of the TM. An audit and monitoring program during constructional stage shall be initiated to verify the effectiveness of the control measures and to ensure that the construction dust levels be brought under control.

(vii)             If the Applicant anticipates a significant construction dust impact that will likely cause exceedance of the recommended limits in the TM at the ASRs despite incorporation of the dust control measures stated in (vi) above, a quantitative assessment should be carried out to evaluate the construction dust impact at the identified ASRs based on the emission strength of the emission sources identified in (v) above. The Applicant shall follow (x) to (xiii) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

Operational air quality impact

(viii)           In addition to preparing a list of emission sources required in (v) above, the Applicant shall state the target emission levels for the cremators, and compare them with the standards specified in the latest set of Guidance Note on the Best Practicable Means for Crematoria issued by the Air Management Group of EPD, and other relevant overseas standards.  The target emission levels, including but not limited to that for dioxin, should be agreed with the Director prior to the carrying out of the quantitative assessment on operational air quality impact.

(ix)              The Applicant shall calculate the expected air pollutant concentrations at the identified ASRs. Calculations for the expected impact shall be based on an assumed reasonably worst case scenario under normal operating conditions and during the testing stage of the new cremators.  Special attention shall be placed on the testing stage of the new cremators when there is potential for both the existing and new cremators being operated and emitting air pollutants concurrently.  The evaluation shall be based on the strength of the emission sources identified in (v) and (viii) above. The Applicant shall follow (x) to (xiii) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

Quantitative Assessment Methodology

(x)                The Applicant shall apply the general principles, where applicable, enunciated in the modeling guidelines in Appendices B1 to B-4 while making allowance for the specific characteristic of the Project. This specific methodology must be documented in such level of details (preferably with tables and diagrams) to allow the readers of the assessment report to grasp how the model is set up to simulate the situation at hand without referring to the model input files. Details of the calculation of the emission rates of air pollutants and a map showing the emission sources and the identified ASRs for input to the modeling shall be presented in the report. The Applicant must ensure consistency between the text description and the model files at every stage of submission. In case of doubt, prior agreement between the Applicant and the Director on the specific modelling details should be sought.

(xi)              The Applicant shall identify the key/representative air pollutant parameters (types of pollutants and the averaging time concentration) to be evaluated and provide explanation for choosing these parameters for the assessment of the impact of the project.  Among the identified parameters, emissions such as toxic air pollutants (including but not limited to dioxins) and odour (if any) shall be included.

(xii)             The Applicant shall calculate the cumulative air quality impact at the identified ASRs and compare these results against the criteria set out in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. The predicted air quality impacts (both unmitigated and mitigated) shall be presented in the form of summary table and pollution contours, for comparison with relevant air quality standards and examination of the land use implications of these impacts. Plans of suitable scale should be used for presentation of pollution contour for determining buffer distances required.  In order to get a full picture of air emissions in particular dioxins from the proposed Project, an inventory figure (in g I-TEQ/year) should be estimated and presented.

Mitigating measures for non-compliance

(xiii)           The Applicant shall propose remedies and mitigating measures where the predicted air quality impact exceeds the criteria set in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. These measures and any constraints on future land use planning shall be agreed with the relevant government departments/authorities and documented. The Applicant shall demonstrate quantitatively that the resultant impacts after incorporation of the proposed mitigating measures will comply with the criteria stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM.

Submission of model files

(xiv)           All input and output file(s) of the model run(s) shall be submitted to the Director in electronic format.

3.6.2    Land Contamination Impact & Waste Management

Land Contamination Prevention

3.6.2.1To prevent contamination problems from arising in future, the Applicant shall:

(i)         identify the possible sources of contamination, including but not limited to dioxin, in their operations; and

(ii)        formulate appropriate operational practices, waste management strategies and precautionary measures for prevention of contamination problems.

Waste Management Implications

3.6.2.2 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing waste management implications as stated in Annexes 7 and 15 of the TM, respectively.

3.6.2.3 The assessment of waste management implications shall cover the following:

(i)              Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation

(a)          The Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the construction and operation activities, based on the sequence and duration of these activities.

(ii)            Proposal for Waste Management

(a)    Prior to considering the disposal options for various types of wastes, opportunities for reducing waste generation and on-site or off-site re-use shall be fully evaluated.  Measures which can be taken in the planning and design stages e.g. by modifying the design approach and in the construction stage for maximising waste reduction shall be separately considered.

(b)   Having taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximising reuse, the types and quantities of the wastes required to be disposed of as a consequence shall be estimated and the disposal options for each type of waste described in detail.  The disposal method recommended for each type of wastes shall take into account of the result of the assessment in section (c) below.

(c)    The impact caused by handling (including labeling, packaging & storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail and appropriate mitigation measures proposed.  This assessment shall cover the following areas:

(i)       potential hazard;

(ii)                air & odour emission;

(iii)       noise;

(iv)       wastewater discharge;

(v)        public transport.

3.6.3   Visual Impact

3.6.3.1   The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing visual impact as stated in section 1 of Annex 10 and in Annex 18 of the TM, respectively.  The assessment shall also cover all items classified as Designated Projects under Schedule 2 of the EIAO. Both construction and operational impacts shall be assessed.  In particular, the transition stage where both the existing and new crematoriums co-exist shall be covered.

3.6.3.2   The assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the project.

3.6.3.3   The Applicant shall review relevant outline development plans, outline zoning plans, layout plans, other published land use plans, planning briefs, studies and guidelines on landscape framework, urban design concept, designated view corridors, open space network and landscape links that may affect the appreciation of the project.  The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area affected so as to assess whether the project can fit into surrounding setting.  Any conflict with published land use plan(s) should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should be recommended.

3.6.3.4   The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the proposed development.  In particular, the cumulative visual impacts of the existing and proposed crematorium shall be assessed and taken into account in the formulation of mitigation measures and the assessment of residual impacts. As some nearby sensitive receivers have direct line of sight to the site, mitigation measures such as proper landscape screening shall be provided.  The visual impact assessment shall include the following:

(i)         identification and plotting of visual envelope of the project within the assessment area;

(ii)        identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope and their views at both ground level and elevated vantage points;

(iii)       description of the visual compatibility of the project with the surrounding, and the planned setting and its obstruction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas; and

(iv)       the severity of visual impacts in terms of nature, distance and number of sensitive receivers.  The visual impacts of the project with and without mitigation measures shall also be included so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

3.6.3.5   Alternative layout, design and construction method that would avoid or reduce the identified visual impacts shall be evaluated for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts.  The mitigation measures proposed shall not only be concerned with damage reduction but should also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing visual quality.  The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimise the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape design.

3.6.3.6   The mitigation measures shall include provision of screen planting, revegatation of disturbed land, compensatory planting, provisioning of amenity areas, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of material used and any measures to mitigate the impacts on existing land use.  Parties shall be identified for the on going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the project.  A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be provided.

3.6.3.7   Annotated illustration materials such as coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, photographs taken at vantage points, and computer-generated photomontage shall be adopted to fully illustrate the visual impacts of the project to the satisfaction of the Director.  The Applicant shall record the technical details in preparing the illustration that may need to be submitted for verification of accuracy of the illustrations.

3.6.4    Hazard to Life

              The Applicant shall state the fuel for cremation process of the Project.  If fuel gas is used, the Applicant shall confirm that it is provided by direct fuel gas pipeline and there will be no on-site storage of the fuel gas.  For other non-fuel gas dangerous goods (DG) defined in the Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295) but not covered by the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap. 51), the Applicant shall confirm that the storage quantity would be similar to that in the existing crematorium or petrol filling stations and that the storage will comply with FSD・s safety requirements.

3.6.5      Noise Impact

3.6.5.1   The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing noise impact as stated in Annexes 5 and 13 of the TM respectively.

3.6.5.2   The noise impact assessment shall include the followings:

(i)              Determination of Assessment Area

The noise impact assessment shall include all areas within 300m from the project boundary. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment area could be reduced accordingly if the first layer of noise sensitive receivers, closer than 300m from the project boundary, provides acoustic shielding to those receivers located further away.

(ii)            Provision of Background Information

The Applicant shall provide all background information relevant to the project including relevant previous and current studies. Unless involved in the planning standards, no existing noise levels are particularly required.

(iii)           Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

(a)       The Applicant shall refer to Annex 13 of the TM when identifying the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs). The NSRs shall include all existing ones and all planned or committed noise sensitive developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans.

(b)       The Applicant shall select assessment points to represent all identified NSRs for carrying out quantitative noise assessment described below. The assessment points shall be agreed with the Director prior to the quantitative noise assessment. A map showing the location and description including name of building, use, and floors of each and every selected assessment point shall be given.

(iv)          Provision of an Emission Inventory of the Noise Sources

The Applicant shall provide an inventory of noise sources including construction equipment for construction and demolition noise assessment and fixed plant equipment for operational noise assessment. Confirmation of the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities.

(v)            Construction / Demolishing Noise Assessment

(a)       The Applicant shall carry out assessment of noise impact from construction (excluding percussive piling) of the project during day time, i.e. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on weekdays other than general holidays in accordance with the methodology stipulated in paragraphs 5.3. and 5.4 of Annex 13 of the TM. The criteria in Table 1B of Annex 5 of the TM shall be adopted in the assessment.

(b)               To minimize the construction noise impact, alternative construction methods to replace percussive piling shall be proposed as far as practicable.

(c)                If the unmitigated construction noise levels are found to exceed the relevant criteria, the Applicant shall propose practicable direct mitigation measures (including movable barriers, enclosures, quieter alternative methods, re-scheduling and restricting hours of operation of noisy task(s) to minimize the impact.  If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.

(d)               In case the Applicant would like to evaluate whether construction works in restricted hours as defined under the Noise Control