Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), Section 5 (7)
Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-108/2003
Project Title :Extension of Kwai Chung Crematorium
Name of Applicant: Architectural Services Department
(hereinafter known as the "Applicant")
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 An application (No. ESB-108/2003) for an EIA study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the captioned Applicant on 15 April 2003 with a Project Profile (No. PP-189/2003) on the captioned project (the Project Profile).
1.2 The Applicant proposes to extend the existing Crematorium (the Project). The location of the proposed project is shown on Figure 1. The project involves the demolition of an old crematorium, construction of a new crematorium and a full range of ancillary facilities required for the operation of a crematorium, including:
(a) Two services halls;
(b) Two joss paper burners;
(c) Underground fuel tanks;
(d) Transformer room, switch room and emergency generator room;
(e) Automatic coffin delivery system;
(f) Office accommodation;
(g) Store rooms and Dangerous goods store; and
(h) Parking spaces for coaches
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 developments;
(ii) the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation of the proposed developments to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and
(iii) acceptability of residual impacts after proposed mitigation measures is 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 consider alternative site(s) and to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the site(s) in selecting a preferred site.
(iv) to identify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;
(v) to identify and quantify any potential water quality impacts and to propose measures to mitigate impacts, if there is to be effluent discharge from the new cremators or associated air pollution control/scrubbing systems;
(vi) to identify and quantify waste management requirements and land contamination prevention requirements, and to propose measures to mitigate or prevent impacts;
(vii) to identify and quantify the hazard to life impacts and to propose measures to mitigate impacts, if there is to be fuel gas or dangerous goods storage;
(viii) to identify the negative impacts and propose the provision of infrastructure or mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during demolition, construction and operation of the project;
(ix) to identify, predict and evaluate the residual (i.e. after practicable mitigation) environmental impacts and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the demolition, construction and operation phases of the proposed project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;
(x) to identify, assesses and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the demolition, 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;
(xi) to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study; and
(xii) 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.
The Scope
3.2 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 replacement crematoriums. 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. 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 demolition of the Existing Crematorium, and construction/operation of the new crematorium and ancillary facilities on Site A of the Project;
(iii) the water quality impacts from the operation of the Project, if there is to be effluent discharge from the new cremators or associated air pollution control/scrubbing systems;
(iv) if there is to be fuel gas or dangerous goods storage, the hazard to life impacts and to propose measures to mitigate impacts;
(v) the measures to be adopted to avoid introducing land contamination at the new crematorium site, as well as the waste management for the construction and operation of the Project; and
(vi) the environmental impacts from the demolition of the existing crematorium at Site A, including any land contamination and its remediation.
3.3 Regarding the potential cumulative impacts, other projects under planning to be considered to include, but not necessarily limited to, the impacts due to the proposed Replacement Crematorium on Site B shown on Figure 1 and any potential developments near the Project’s site.
Presentation of the Summary of Considerations Given to the Alternative Sites
3.4 The Applicant shall include the following information in the EIA Report:
(i) A summary of considerations given to any reasonable and practicable alternative sites and shall list considerations of such factors as environmental impacts, engineering, time, costs and so forth;
(ii) A presentation of considerations and justifications to demonstrate how the proposed scheme was arrived at, including the descriptions of the environmental factors as well as environmental benefits and disbenefits which had been considered in the selection; and
(iii) A presentation of the rationale for selecting recommended construction scheme, any alternative methods that have been considered and how the preferred methods avoid the adverse environmental effects to the maximum practicable extent.
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
3.6.1.1The 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.The assessment shall be based on the best available information at the time of the assessment.
3.6.1.2The assessment area for air quality impact shall generally be defined by a distance of 500 m from the boundary of the project site. But it may be extended if there are unexpected circumstances arise.
3.6.1.3The Applicant shall assess the air pollutant concentrations in accordance with the “Guidelines for Local-Scale Air Quality Assessment Using Models” in Appendixes A to D of this Study Brief and the latest update of these Guidelines in Environmental Protection Department home page under items for Air - http://www.info.gov.hk/epd or other equivalent methods as approved by the Director.
3.6.1.4The air quality assessment shall cover the demolition of the existing crematorium, and construction/operation of the new crematorium and ancillary facilities on Site A 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 consider alternative construction methods/phasing programmes and alternative modes of operation to minimise the constructional and operational air quality impact respectively.
(iii) Present the background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative constructional and operational air quality impacts.
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. For phased development, the Applicant should review the development programme to take into consideration the construction stages so as to include occupiers of early phases as ASRs if they may be affected by works at later phases.
(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 enunciated in the modeling guidelines while making allowance for the specific characteristic of each 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. Prior agreement of the general methodology between the Applicant and the Director is advised.
(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 mercury) 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 and mercury 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 Assessment
3.6.2.1 The Applicant shall follow the guidelines for evaluation and assessing potential land contamination issues as stated in Sections 3.1 and 3.2 of Annex 19 in the TM.
3.6.2.2 The Applicant shall provide a clear and detailed account of the present land use (including description of the activities, chemicals and hazardous substances handled with clear indication of their storage and location by reference to a site layout plan), the relevant past landuse history in relation to possible land contamination and the present of any contaminated materials requiring disposal, in particular those contaminated by dioxins (including accident records, change of landuse and the like).
3.6.2.3 During the execution of the EIA study, the Applicant shall submit a contamination assessment plan (CAP) to the Director for endorsement prior to conducting an actual contamination impact assessment of the land/site/materials requiring disposal. The CAP shall include proposals on sampling and analysis required and shall aim at determining the nature and extent of the contamination of the land/site/materials requiring disposal.
3.6.2.4 Based on the endorsed CAP, the Applicant shall conduct a contamination impact assessment and compile a contamination assessment report to document the findings for approval by the Director. If land contamination is confirmed, a remediation action plan (RAP) shall be prepared to formulate necessary remedial measures and disposal methods for the contaminated materials.
3.6.2.5 The field investigation and sampling work should be conducted in a safe and proper manner and the RAP shall provide necessary measures for ensuring that the contaminated soil and materials will be handled and disposed of in a safe and proper manner.
Land Contamination Prevention
3.6.2.6To prevent contamination problems arising in future due to the new crematorium, the Applicant shall:
(i) identify the possible sources of contamination in their operations; and
(ii) formulate appropriate operational practices, waste management strategies and precautionary measures for prevention of contamination problems.
Waste Management Implications
3.6.2.7The 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.
3.6.2.8The 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, operation, decommissioning, and demolition 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 (including potentially toxic or hazardous material from the decomissioning/demolition of the existing cremators). 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 Water Quality
3.6.3.1 The EIA shall provide a general description of any air pollution control system and any scrubbing system for the new cremators. Unless the EIA confirms that there will be no effluent discharge from the new cremators or any associated air pollution control/scrubbing system, a water quality impact assessment for the operational stage shall be required. In that event, the Director shall be approached for detailed requirements for the assessment.
3.6.3.2If land contamination is identified before the decommissioning of the existing crematorium, the water quality impact that might arise during decontamination and/or remediation works shall be assessed in accordance with Annexes 6 and 14 of the TM. In any case where discharge of groundwater is necessary, mitigation measures shall be proposed to ensure full compliance with the requirements as stipulated in the Technical Memorandum of the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.
3.6.4 Hazard to Life
3.6.4.1 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 and that the storage will comply with FSD’s safety requirements.
3.6.4.2 If the EIA Study confirms that the diesel fuel storage inventory does not exceed 1,000 tonnes and other non-fuel gas DG to be stored on site will be less than the threshold value to be agreed by the Director, a hazard assessment is not required on the storage of fuel. Otherwise, the Applicant shall approach the Director for detailed requirements for a hazard assessment on the storage of fuel.
4. Environmental Monitoring and Auditing (EM&A) Requirements
4.1 The Applicant shall present in the EIA study a detailed environmental monitoring program including the frequency of measurements of dioxins and other pollutants for air emissions and ashes. In addition, the Applicant shall also identify in the EIA study whether there is any need for other EM&A requirements during the construction and operation phases of the proposed developments. The scope of the environmental monitoring program and, if identified, other EM&A requirements for the Project shall be clearly defined in the EIA study.
4.2 The Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM.
4.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.
5. DURATION OF VALIDITY
5.1 If the EIA study does not commence within 36 months after the date of issue of this Study Brief, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for a new EIA study brief before commencement of the EIA study.
6. REPORT REQUIREMENTS
6.1 In preparing the EIA report, the Applicant shall refer to Annex 11 of the TM for the contents of an EIA report. The Applicant shall also refer to Annex 20 of the TM which stipulates the guidelines for the review of an EIA report.
6.2 The EIA report shall contain a summary of the key environmental outcomes arising from the EIA study, including the population and environmentally sensitive areas protected, environmentally friendly designs recommended, key environmental problems avoided, compensation areas included and environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.
6.3 The Applicant shall supply the Director with the following number of copies of the EIA report and the executive summary :
(i) 50 copies of the EIA report in English and 80 copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese) as required under Section 6(2) of the EIAO to be supplied at the time of application for approval of the EIA report;
(ii) When necessary, addendum to the EIA report and the executive summary submitted in 6.2 (i) aboveas required under Section 7(1) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for public inspection; and
(iii) 20 copies of the EIA report in English and 50 copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese) with or without Addendum as required under Section 7(5) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for consultation with the Advisory Council on the Environment.
6.4 The Applicant shall, upon request, make additional copies of the above documents available to the public, subject to payment by the interested parties of full costs of printing.
6.5 In addition, to facilitate the public inspection of the EIA report via the EIAO Internet Website, the applicant shall provide electronic copies of both the EIA report and the Executive Summary Report and any addenda to the EIA Report prepared in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or later) and in DynaDoc Format (version 3.0 or later) [for Chinese documents] and in Portable Document Format (PDF version 3.0 or later) [for English documents], unless otherwise agreed by the Director. For the HTML version, a content page capable of providing hyperlink to each section and sub-section of the EIA report and the Executive Summary Report shall be included in the beginning of the document, and all graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format unless otherwise agreed by the Director.
6.6 The electronic copies of the EIA report and the Executive Summary shall be submitted to the Director at the time of application for approval of the EIA Report.
6.7 When the EIA report and the Executive Summary are made available for public inspection under Section 7(1) of the EIA Ordinance, the content of the electronic copies of the EIA report and the Executive Summary must be the same as the hard copies and the Director shall be provided with the most updated electronic copies.
6.8 To promote environmentally friendly and efficient dissemination of information, both hard copies and electronic copies of future EM&A reports recommended by the EIA study shall be required and their format shall be agreed by the Director.
7. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS
7.1 During the EIA study, if there is any change in the name of the Applicant for this EIA Study Brief, the Applicant mentioned in this Study Brief must notify the Director immediately.
7.2 If there is any key change in the scope of the project mentioned in Section 1 of this EIA Study Brief and in the Project Profile (No.PP-189/2003), the Applicant must seek confirmation from the Director in writing on whether or not the scope of issues covered by this EIA Study Brief can still cover the key changes, and on the additional issues, if any, that the EIA study must also address. If the changes to the project fundamentally alter the key scope of the EIA Study Brief, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for a new EIA study brief.
May 2003
Environmental Assessment and Noise Division
Environmental Protection Department
Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D | Figure 1