Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), Section 5 (7)
Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-138/2006
(hereinafter known as the "Project")
Name of Applicant : Civil Engineering and Development Department
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 An application (No. ESB-138/2006) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant on 30 November 2005 with a project profile (No. PP-270/2005) (the Project Profile).
1.2 The Project is to construct and operate an artificial beach at Lung Mei, Tai Po and the scope of works is described below. The location and general layout of the Project is shown in Appendix A.
(i) a 200m long beach with a groin at each end of the beach;
(ii) a beach building includes :
(a) public changing rooms and toilet;
(b) shower rooms;
(c) equipment/machinery stores for catamarans, motorized boats, beach transporters, beach cleansing and sand levelling machines, etc;
(d) dangerous goods stores for paints, thinner, kerosene and petrol; and
(e) ancillary facilities including management office, lookout/surveillance post, first aid room, staff changing room/toilet, staff room/pantry, store rooms, etc
(iii) retaining structures;
(iv) refuse collection point;
(v) outdoor shower facilities
(vi) lookout towers;
(vii) shark prevention net;
(viii) a fee-paying public car park for about 100 private cars, 10 motorcycles and 10 coaches;
(ix) landscaped areas;
(x) drainage diversion of an existing box culvert and Lo Tsz River; and
(xi) sewerage construction works.
The Project is a designated project (DP) in Part 1, Schedule 2 of the EIAO, under item C.12 “a dredging operation which is less than 500m from the nearest boundary of an existing site of special scientific interest and conservation area”.
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.
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 Project and related activities that take 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 Project;
(ii) the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and
(iii) the acceptability of residual impacts after the 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 Project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the Project;
(ii) to identify and describe elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the Project and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the Project, including natural and man-made environment and the associated environmental constraints;
(iii) to provide information on the consideration of alternatives to avoid and minimize potential environmental impacts to environmentally sensitive areas and other sensitive uses; to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of different options; to provide reasons for selecting the preferred option(s) and to describe the part environmental factors played in the selection of preferred option(s);
(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 landscape and visual impacts and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;
(vi) to propose provision of mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance & nuisance during construction & operation of Project;
(vii) to investigate the feasibility, practicability, effectiveness and implications of the proposed mitigation measures;
(viii) to identify, predict and evaluate the residual environmental impacts (i.e. after practicable mitigation) and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operation phases of the 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 Project which are necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels;
(x) to investigate the extent of the secondary environmental impacts that may arise from the proposed mitigation measures and to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study, as well as the provision of any necessary modification; and
(xi) to design and specify environmental monitoring and audit requirements to ensure the effective implementation of the recommended environmental protection and pollution control measures.
3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY
3.1 The Purpose
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 complied with.
3.2 The Scope
3.2.1 The scope of this EIA study shall cover the Project and associated works mentioned in sub-section 1.2 above. The EIA study shall cover the combined impacts of all the Project and the cumulative impacts of the existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project in accordance with the requirements laid down in section 3.4 of the TM. The environmental impacts of on-site and off-site works and facilities associated with the Project shall be addressed. The EIA study shall address the likely key issues described below, together with any other key issues identified during the course of the EIA study:
(i) potential air and noise impact on nearby village areas arising from construction and potential noise impact during operation of the Project;
(ii) potential water quality impact on nearby Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre, Ting Kok Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Yim Tin Tsai (East) Fish Culture Zone and relevant water system(s) from dredging and filling activities during construction and operation of the Project;
(iii) potential water quality impact on the Project during operation from discharges of nearby village areas, barbecue sites, restaurants, , stormwater outlets, plant nursery, rivers/streams including the Lo Tsz River etc.;
(iv) potential marine and terrestrial ecological impacts on nearby habitats including the coastal, intertidal and subtidal areas, conservation area, Lo Tze River, Ting Kok SSSI, etc. due to construction activities and change of flow regime/coastal profile during operation of the Project;
(v) waste arising as a result of the construction and operation activities of the Project; and
(vi) potential landscape & visual impacts from construction and operation of the project.
3.3 Consideration of Alternatives
3.3.1 The Need of the Project
The Applicant shall study and review the need of the Project and alternatives to the Project. The Applicant shall provide information to justify the need, explain clearly the purpose and objectives of the Project and describe the scenarios with and without the Project.
3.3.2 Consideration of Alternative Project Locations
In addition to the proposed layout and design in the Project Profile, the Applicant shall consider other feasible locations for the Project, provide justification regarding how the proposed scheme is arrived at, including the descriptions of the environmental factors considered in the location selection. Alternative locations and selection of the most suitable location shall be reviewed and investigated with a view to avoiding affecting nearby natural habitat such as natural stream Lo Tsz River and natural coast. A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of possible locations shall be made with a view to recommending the preferred location to maximize environmental benefits and avoid/minimize adverse environmental effects to the maximum practicable extent.
3.3.3 Consideration of Alternative Construction Methods and Sequences of Works
Taking into consideration the combined effect with respect to the severity and duration of the construction impacts to the affected sensitive receivers, the EIA study shall explore alternative construction methods and sequences of works for the Project, with a view to avoid prolonged adverse environmental impacts to the maximum practicable extent. A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of applying different construction methods and sequence of works shall be made.
3.3.4 Selection of Preferred Scenario
Taking into consideration of the findings in sub-sections 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 above, the Applicant shall recommend/justify the adoption of the preferred scenario that will maximise environmental benefits and avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects arising from the Project, and adequately describe the part that environmental factors played in arriving at the final selection.
3.4 Technical Requirements
The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects as described in sub-sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 above. The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts.
3.4.1 Air Quality Impact
3.4.1.1 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.
Air Quality Impacts during Construction Stage
3.4.1.2 During the constructional stage, 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 dust control measures, a quantitative assessment by following the relevant technical requirements in sub-sections 3.4.1.3 to 3.4.1.5 below shall be carried out to evaluate the constructional dust impact at the identified ASRs.
3.4.1.3 Study Area :
(i) The study area for constructional air quality impact assessments of the Project shall be defined by a distance of 500m from the boundary of the Project site.
(ii) The cumulative assessment for the constructional stage shall take into account the impacts of major emission sources from other concurrent construction projects within the study area.
3.4.1.4 The Applicant shall assess the air pollutant concentrations with reference to the Guidelines for Local-Scale Air Quality Assessment Using Models given in Appendices B1 to B3 or other methodology as agreed by the Director.
3.4.1.5 The air quality impact assessment shall include the following:
(i) Background and Analysis of Activities
(a) Provide background information relating to air quality issues relevant to the Project.
(b) Give an account, where appropriate, of the consideration / measures that had been taken into consideration in the planning of the Project to abate air pollution impact. The Applicant shall consider alternative construction methods/phasing programmes to minimize the constructional air quality impact respectively.
(c) For the evaluation of cumulative air quality impacts during construction stage, present the background air quality levels in the study area.
(ii) Identification of ASRs and Examination of Emission/Dispersion Characteristics
(a) Identify and describe representative existing and planned/committed 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, Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans, including plans and drawings published by Lands Department. 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 description including the name of buildings, their uses and height of selected assessment points shall be given. Separation distances of these ASRs from the nearest emission sources shall also be given.
(b) 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 activities of the Project in sub-section 3.4.1.5(i) above. Examples of constructional stage emission sources include stockpiling, material handling and vehicular movements on unpaved haul roads on site, etc. Confirmation of the validity of the assumptions and the magnitude of the activities shall be obtained from the relevant government department/authorities and documented.
(iii) Constructional Phase Air Quality Impact
The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation to ensure constructional 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 devised to verify the effectiveness of the control measures and to ensure that the construction dust levels be brought under proper control. The Applicant shall follow the methodology set out in subsection 3.4.1.5 (iv) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.
(iv) Quantitative Assessment Methodology
(a) The Applicant shall conduct the quantitative assessment with reference to relevant sections of the modeling guidelines stated in sub-section 3.4.1.4 above or any other methodology as agreed with the Director. The 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. Detailed calculations of the pollutant emission rates shall be presented in the EIA report. The Applicant must ensure consistency between the text description and the model files at every stage of submission. In case of doubt, the Applicant shall seek and obtain prior agreement of the Director on the specific modeling details.
(b) The Applicant shall identify the key/representative air pollutant parameters (types of pollutants and the averaging time concentrations) to be evaluated and provide explanation for choosing these parameters for the assessment of the impact of the Project.
(c) The Applicant shall calculate the cumulative air pollutant concentrations 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, to be evaluated against the 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 to allow proper determination of buffer distance requirements.
(v) Mitigating measures for non-compliance
(a) 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.
(vi) Submission of model files
(a) All input and output file(s) of the model run(s) shall be submitted to the Director in electronic format.
3.4.2 Noise Impact
3.4.2.1 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.
3.4.2.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following :
(i) Determination of Study Area
The study area for the noise impact assessment shall generally include areas within 300m from the Project boundary. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the study area could be reduced accordingly if the first layer of noise sensitive receivers (NSRs), closer than 300m from the outer Project limit, provides acoustic shielding to those receivers at distances further away from the Project. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the study area shall be expanded to include NSRs at distances over 300m from the Project which would be affected by the construction and operation of the Project.
(ii) Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels
The Applicant shall provide background information relevant to the Project, e.g. relevant previous or current studies. Unless required for determining the planning standards, e.g. those for planning of fixed noise sources (such as public announcement system), 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 NSRs. The NSRs shall include existing NSRs and planned/committed noise sensitive developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans, including plans and drawings published by Lands Department. Photographs of existing NSRs shall be appended to the EIA report.
(b) The Applicant shall select assessment points to represent 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 such as name of building, use, and floor of each and every selected assessment point shall be given. For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed site layouts, the Applicant should use the relevant planning parameters to work out representative site layouts for operational noise assessment purpose.
(iv) Provision of an Emission Inventory of the Noise Sources
The Applicant shall provide an inventory of noise sources including representative construction equipment for construction noise assessment, fixed plant equipment (e.g. public announcement system), as appropriate, for operational noise assessment. Confirmation of the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities and documented in the EIA report.
(v) Construction Noise Assessment
(a) The assessment shall cover the cumulative noise impacts due to the construction works of the Project and other concurrent projects identified during the course of the EIA study.
(b) The Applicant shall carry out assessment of noise impact from construction (excluding percussive piling) of the Project during daytime, i.e. 7am to 7pm, on weekdays other than general holidays in accordance with methodology in paragraphs 5.3. and 5.4 of Annex 13 of the TM. The criteria in Table 1B of Annex 5 of TM shall be adopted in the assessment.
(c) To minimize the construction noise impact, alternative construction methods to replace percussive piling shall be proposed as far as practicable.
(d) If the unmitigated construction noise levels are found exceeding 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 tasks) to minimize the impact. If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.
(e) The Applicant shall, as far as practicable, formulate a reasonable construction programme so that no work will be required in restricted hours as defined under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO). In case the Applicant needs to evaluate whether construction works in restricted hours as defined under the NCO are feasible or not in the context of programming construction works, reference should be made to relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO. Regardless of the results of construction noise impact assessment for restricted hours, the Noise Control Authority will process Construction Noise Permit (CNP) application, if necessary, based on the NCO, the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO, and the contemporary conditions/situations. This aspect should be explicitly stated in the noise chapter and the conclusions and recommendations chapter in EIA report.
(vi) Operational Noise Assessment
(a) Fixed Noise Sources
If the Project will cause impacts from any fixed noise sources, such as the ventilation systems of plants, the following assessment shall be followed.
(b) Assessment of Fixed Source Noise Levels
The Applicant shall calculate expected noise using standard acoustics principles. Calculations for expected noise shall be based on assumed plant inventories and utilization schedule for worst-case scenario. The Applicant shall calculate noise levels taking into account correction of tonality, impulsiveness and intermittency in accordance with Technical Memorandum for Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites issued under NCO.
(c) Presentation of Noise Levels
The Applicant shall present the existing and future noise levels in Leq (30 min) at the NSRs at various representative floor levels (in m P.D.) on tables and plans of suitable scale. A quantitative assessment at the NSRs for the proposed fixed noise source(s) shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM.
(d) Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures
The Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies within the Project limits in situations where the predicted noise level exceeds the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM to protect the affected NSRs.
(vii) Assessment of Side Effects and Constraints
The Applicant shall identify, assess and propose means to minimize any side effects and to resolve any potential constraints due to the inclusion of any recommended direct technical remedies.
(viii) Evaluation of Constraints on Planned Noise Sensitive Developments/Land uses
For planned noise sensitive uses which will still be affected even with practicable direct technical remedies in place, the Applicant shall propose, evaluate and confirm the practicability of additional measures within the planned noise sensitive uses and shall make recommendations on how these noise sensitive uses will be designed for the information of relevant parties. The Applicant shall take into account agreed environmental requirements / constraints identified by the EIA study to assess the development potential of concerned sites which shall be made known to the relevant parties.
3.4.3 Water Quality Impact
3.4.3.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing water pollution as stated in Annexes 6 and 14 of the TM.
3.4.3.2 The study area for the purpose of this water quality impact assessment shall include the Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre, Ting Kok SSSI, Ma Shi Chau Special Area, Yim Tin Tsai (East) Fish Culture Zone and all area within Tolo Harbour and Channel Water Control Zone.
3.4.3.3 The Applicant shall identify and analyse physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, estuarine or fresh water system(s), drainage system, catchment area(s), stormwater channel(s) and coastal water(s) arising from the construction and operation of the Project.
3.4.3.4 The Applicant shall predict, quantify and assess any water quality impacts arising from the Project on the affected water system(s) and their sensitive receivers by proposing appropriate techniques approved by the Director. Potential impacts shall include, but are not limited to, those arising from: the dredging and backfilling for the artificial bathing beach; sewage, wastewater and surface runoff from construction activities.
3.4.3.5 The Applicant shall address water quality impacts due to the construction phase and operational phase of the Project. Essentially, the assessment shall address the following :
(i) Collect and review background information on affected existing and planned water systems, their respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project;
(ii) Characterize water and sediment quality of the water systems and sensitive receivers, which might be affected by the Project based on existing best available information or through appropriate site survey and tests;
(iii) Identify and analyse relevant existing and planned future activities, beneficial uses and water sensitive receivers related to the affected water system(s). The Applicant should refer to those uses specified in the relevant Outline Zoning Plan, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans, and any other relevant published landuse plans;
(iv) Identify pertinent water and sediment quality objectives, criteria or standards for the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers identified in (i), (ii) & (iii) above, including ecological and fisheries sensitive receivers for the assessments covered in Sections 3.4.5 and 3.4.6.
(v) Review construction methods and sequence of the Project to identify any alteration of existing shoreline or bathymetry, flow regimes, ground water levels and catchment types or areas.
(vi)
Review the
specific construction sequence and methods of the Project, such as, the
dredging and filling methods; dredging rates.
(vii) Identify and quantify existing and likely future water and sediment pollution sources and loading (to include maintenance dredging and sand filling, if found necessary, during operational phase of the Project). An emission inventory on the quantities and characteristics of these existing and likely future pollution sources in the study area including those from the nearby restaurants, barbecue sites, village areas, plant nursery, river stream such as Lo Tsz River etc. shall also be provided. Field investigation and laboratory test, shall be conducted as appropriate to fill relevant information gaps.
(viii) Predict and quantify, by mathematical modelling or other technique approved by the Director, the impacts due to the Project on the water system(s) and their sensitive receivers. The mathematical modelling requirements are set out in Appendix C of this Study Brief. Possible impacts include change in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion or deposition, water and sediment quality and the effects on the marine or aquatic organisms or fisheries due to such changes in the affected water bodies. The prediction shall take into account and include possible different construction and operation stages of the Project.
(ix) Assess the cumulative impacts due to other related concurrent and planned projects, activities or pollution sources within the study area that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. This shall include assessing the potential cumulative water quality impacts arising from, the associated works of the Project, and other activities and planned projects to be approved by the Director.
(x) Identify and quantify dredging, back filling, mud/ sediment transportation and disposal activities and requirements. Potential fill source and dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified. Field investigation, sampling and laboratory tests to characterize the sediment/mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate. The potential release of contaminants during dredging and other marine works shall be addressed using the chemical testing results derived from sediment and marine water samples collected on site and relevant historical data. Appropriate laboratory tests such as elutriate tests in accordance with the USACE method and sediment pore water (interstitial water) analyses shall be performed on the sediment samples to simulate and quantify the degree of mobilization of various contaminants such as metals, oxygen demand, ammonia, nutrients, trace organic contaminants (including PCBs, PAHs, TBT and chlorinated pesticides) into the water column during dredging. The ranges of parameters to be analyzed; the number, location, depth of sediment, type and methods of sampling; sample preservation; and chemical laboratory test methods to be used shall be subject to the approval of the Director. The Applicant shall also assess the pattern of the sediment deposition and the potential increase in turbidity and suspended solid levels in the water column and at the sensitive receivers due to the disturbance of sediments during dredging, back filling and dumping.
(xi) Predict, quantify and assess impacts on the hydrodynamic regime, water and sediment quality of the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers due to the activities identified above and the development of the artificial bathing beach. The prediction and quantification of impacts caused by sediment re-suspension and contaminants release shall be carried out by mathematical modelling requirements as set out in Appendix C of this Study Brief or other techniques to be approved by the Director.
(xii) Evaluate the impacts of dredging, back filling and dumping, in particular sediment re-suspension and contaminants release, and their effects on ecological sensitive receivers identified in Section 3.4.5.
(xiii) Review, evaluate and identify best practicable dredging and backfilling methods to minimize, to the maximum extent, marine mud disturbance, the need for dumping and any demand for fill sources. The Applicant shall work on the presumption that existing marine mud shall be left in place and not be disturbed as far as possible. The selected method shall take into consideration the need to protect ecological sensitive receivers identified in Section 3.4.5. The selected method shall also take into consideration the need to reduce to the maximum extent the creation of visually intrusive sediment plume to key vantage points, such as commercial buildings fronting the harbour. Where appropriate, the effectiveness of mitigation measures to reduce the size of such plumes shall be included.
(xiv) The Applicant shall devise mitigation measures to avoid or minimize the impacts identified. The residual impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the relevant water and sediment quality objective, criteria, standards or guidelines shall be assessed and quantified using appropriate mathematical modelling as set out in Annex C to this Study Brief or other techniques to be approved by the Director.
(xv) Predict and quantify by mathematical modelling or other technique approved by the Director, the water quality of the Project is suitable to operate as a bathing beach with regard to the water quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines.
3.4.4 Waste Management Implications
3.4.4.1 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.
3.4.4.2 The assessment of waste management implications shall cover the following:
(i) Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation
The Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the construction and operation activities of the Project and from the surround environment such as stream and storm water drains outlets, based on the sequence and duration of these activities. The Applicant shall adopt design general layout, construction methods and programme to minimize the generation of public fill/inert C&D material and maximize the use of public fill/inert C&D material for other construction works.
(ii) Proposal for Waste Management
(a) Prior to considering disposal options for various wastes, opportunities for reducing waste generation, on-site/off-site re-use and recycling shall be evaluated. Measures which can be taken in planning and design stages e.g. by modifying design approach and in construction stage to maximize waste reduction shall be separately considered.
(b) After considering the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing re-use, 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 shall be described in detail. The disposal method recommended for each type of waste shall take into account of the result of the assessment in (c) below. The EIA report shall also state clearly the transportation routings and the frequency of the trucks/vessels involved, any barging point or conveyor system to be used, the stockpiling areas and the disposal outlets for the waste identified.
(c) The impact caused by handling (including labelling, packaging & storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail and appropriate mitigation measures shall be proposed. This assessment shall cover the following areas :
- potential hazard;
- air and odour emissions;
- noise;
- wastewater discharge; and
- public transport.
3.4.5 Ecological Impact
3.4.5.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing ecological impact as stated in Annexes 8 and 16 of the TM, respectively.
3.4.5.2 The assessment area for the purpose of the marine and terrestrial ecological impact assessment shall include all areas within 500m distance from the project site boundary or the areas likely to be impacted by the Project. The study should also cover the eastern part of the Ting Kok SSSI which may be affected by the Project.
3.4.5.3 In the ecological impact assessment, the Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats including mangrove within the assessment area. The aim shall be to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment. The assessment shall identify and quantify the potential ecological impacts associated with the Project.
3.4.5.4 The assessment shall include the following major tasks:
(i) review the findings of relevant studies and collate the available information regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;
(ii) evaluate information collected and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to coastal and aquatic environment;
(iii) carry out necessary field surveys and investigations of at least six months duration covering the dry and wet seasons to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfil the objectives of the EIA study;
(iv) establish the general ecological profile and describe the characteristics of each habitat found; major information to be provided shall include :
(a) description of the physical environment;
(b) habitat maps of suitable scale showing the types and locations of habitats in the assessment area;
(c) ecological characteristics of each habitat type such as size, vegetation and/or substrate type, species present, dominant species found, species diversity and abundance, community structure, seasonal patterns, inter-dependence of the habitats and species, and presence of any features of ecological importance;
(d) representative colour photos of each habitat type and any important ecological features identified;