Appendix

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

Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-140/2006

Project Title: Provision of Cremators at Wo Hop Shek Crematorium

Name of Applicant: Architectural Services Department

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-140/2006) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Brief under section 5(1)(a) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant on 4 January 2006 with a project profile (No. PP-275/2006) (the Project Profile).

1.2 The phasing and scope of the proposed project include:

Phase I

(a) Demolition of the existing coffin crematorium building, transformer room and pump room including the existing coffin cremators;

(b) Provision of five new coffin cremators, one dual-purpose cremator for handling both coffins and skeleton cremations, one new skeletal cremator and one cremation plant room with sufficient space for housing nine single cremators (i.e. space for the seven new cremators to be installed under Phase I of the current project together with space for two additional new cremators to be provided for expansion in future). The new crematorium will provide seven cremators upon completion of Phase I with an estimated total installed capacity ranging from 890 kg/hr to 1,025 kg/hr;

- Multi-purpose Service Halls (3 nos.) for funeral ceremony each with ancillary facilities including clergyman room, waiting room and catafalques for transportation of coffins to the cremation plant room;

- Space for future provision of an additional service hall;

- One Mortuary;

- One Bone Storage Room and one Pulverization Room with a bone cremulator and dust proof cabinets;

- Office accommodation with ancillary facilities such as staff toilets;

- Building services and E&M installations including (i) coffin transportation and insertion equipment, (ii) anti-burglary devices and anti-bumping devices, (iii) automatic pulverizing devices, (iv) CCTV and PA systems, (v) MVAC, (vi) fire fighting facilities, and (vii) emergency generator;

- Underground Fuel Tank(s);

- Ancillary service rooms including fork lift re-charging room(s), transformer and switch room(s), emergency generator room, fuel tanks and pump rooms, dangerous goods store(s), refuse storage chambers and store room(s) etc;

- Public Toilets for visitors;

- Landscaping;

- Joss Paper Burners;

- Vehicular access for coffin vans and coaches, etc. to the Crematorium; and

- Parking spaces

(d) During the works period of the project, the existing four coffin cremators will be closed down (the skeletal cremator which operates in a separate site will remain in service).

Phase II

(e) Demolition of the existing skeletal cremator building after the satisfactory commissioning of the new replacement under Phase I and provision of landscaping for the site.

Future expansion phase

(f) Provision of two additional cremators and one additional service hall for future expansion. The estimated total installed capacity of the two new cremators will be approximately 360kg/hr.

The locations of the existing crematorium and the proposed extension area are shown in Figure 1 of Appendix A.

1.3 The Project is a designated project under Schedule 2, N.4, of the EIAO: “A Crematorium”.

1.4 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.

1.5 The purpose of this EIA study is to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the demolition/construction and operation stages of the proposed designated projects 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 Project and the associated activities of the Project;

(ii) the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, demolition/ construction and operation stages 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 justifying the need of the project, considerations given in selecting alternative project options, sites, layouts, designs (including technology to be adopted for the new cremators), and construction methods with a view to avoiding and minimizing the potential environmental impacts; to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the different alternative options; to provide reasons for selecting the preferred option(s) and to describe the part of environmental factors played in the selection;

(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 identify and quantify any potential losses or damage and other potential impacts to flora, fauna and natural habitats and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(vii) 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;

(viii) to identify and quantify waste management requirements and land contamination prevention requirements, and to propose measures to mitigate or prevent impacts;

(ix) to propose the provision of mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project;

(x) to investigate the feasibility, practicability, effectiveness and implications of the proposed mitigation measures;

(xi) to identify, predict and evaluate the residual environmental impacts (i.e. after practicable mitigation) and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

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

(xiii) 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

(xiv) 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 EIAO (hereinafter referred to as “the TM”) are fully complied with.

3.2 The Scope

The scope of this EIA study covers the Project mentioned in sub-section 1.2 above. 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) the potential air quality impact to the air sensitive receivers during the demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project;

(ii) the potential noise impact to the noise sensitive receivers during the demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project;

(iii) the potential impacts of various types of wastes to be generated from the demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project, in particular the land contamination issues arising from the Project;

(iv) the potential water quality impact arising from the operation stage of the Project, if there is to be effluent discharge from the new cremators or associated air pollution control/scrubbing systems;

(v) the potential landscape and visual impacts caused by the Project during demolition/construction and operation stages;

(vi) the potential terrestrial ecological impacts arising from the demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project including the loss of habitats, removal of vegetation and disturbance to wildlife;

(vii) The potential cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project, and that those impacts may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project

3.3 Consideration of Alternative Options

3.3.1 The Need of the Project

The Applicant shall study and review the need of the Project as outlined in sub-section 1.2 above, and provide information/proof to justify the need. The Applicant shall explain clearly the purpose and objectives of the Project and describe the scenarios with and without the Project.

3.3.2 Consideration of Alternative Extension Options

In addition to the proposed extension area mentioned in Figure 1 of Appendix A, the Applicant shall consider other feasible alternative extension options for the Project, including alternative extension in other crematorium sites, alternative sittings of the Project, alternative extension areas, plant layout and design (including technology to be adopted for the new cremators) etc. A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of all feasible alternative extension options shall be made with a view to recommending the preferred option to avoid adverse environmental impact to the maximum practicable extent. In particular, consideration shall be given to avoid or minimize the disturbance to the ecosystems in the Project areas.

3.3.3 Consideration of Different Transportation Routes

The Applicant shall consider different transportation routes during the demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project with a view to avoiding and minimizing environmental nuisances to the sensitive receivers within the Study Area.

3.3.4 Selection of Preferred Scenario

Taking into consideration the findings resulting from sub-sections 3.3.2 & 3.3.3 above, the Applicant shall recommend/justify the selection of the preferred scenario that will 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. The assessment shall be based on the best available information at the time of the assessment.

3.4.1.2 The study area for air quality impact assessment shall generally be defined by a distance of 1,000 metres from the boundary of the project site; with consideration be given to extend the area to include major emission sources that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. The emissions from associated works of the Project shall also be included in determining the cumulative impacts. Besides, if any other concurrent projects are identified relevant during the course of the EIA study, its possible emissions shall also be taken into account in the air quality impact assessment.

3.4.1.3 The Applicant shall assess the construction dust impact arising from the demolition/construction works of the Project and the air quality impact during operation stage of the Project with reference to the relevant sections of the guidelines in Appendices B-1 to B-3, or other methodology as agreed by the Director.

3.4.1.4 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, e.g. description of the types of activities of the Project that may affect air quality during demolition/construction and operation stages.

(b) 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 shall consider alternative construction methods/phasing programmes and alternative operation modes to minimize the air quality impact during demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project. For example, considerations should be given to the use of gases fuel to reduce emissions during cremation.

(c) Present the background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative air quality impacts during demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project. Also compare and present the anticipated improvements over the existing levels in terms of air emission data.

(ii) Identification of Air Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) and Examination of Emission/Dispersion Characteristics

(a) Identify and describe representative existing and planned/committed ASRs that would likely be affected by all identified potential adverse environmental impacts arising from the Project, both on-site and off-site, 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. The Applicant shall select assessment points of the identified ASRs that represent the worst impact point of these ASRs. A map clearly showing the locations and descriptions such as names of buildings, uses and heights of the selected assessment points shall be given. The 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 related to the Project based on the analysis of the activities during demolition/ construction and operation stages of the Project in sub-section 3.4.1.4(i)(a) above. Confirmation regarding the validity of the assumptions adopted and the magnitude of the activities (e.g. volume of construction material handled, traffic mix and volume on a road etc.) shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities and documented.

(iii) Construction Phase Air Quality Impact

(a) The Applicant shall follow the requirements stipulated under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation to ensure that construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standards as stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 of the TM. A monitoring and audit programme for the construction phase shall be devised to verify the effectiveness of the control measures proposed so as to ensure proper construction dust control.

(b) If the Applicant anticipates that the Project will give rise to significant construction dust impacts likely to exceed the recommended limits in the TM at the ASRs despite the incorporation of the dust control measures proposed in accordance with sub-section 3.4.1.4(iii)(a) above, a quantitative assessment should be carried out to evaluate the construction dust impact at the identified ASRs. The Applicant shall follow the methodology set out in sub-section 3.4.1.4(v) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

(iv) Operational Phase Air Quality Impact

(a) In addition to preparing a list of emission sources required in S.3.4.1.4 (ii)(b) 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 EPD, and other relevant overseas standards. The target emission levels for the cremators, including but not limited to that for dioxins, should be agreed with the Director prior to the carrying out of the quantitative assessment on operational air quality impact.

(b) The Applicant shall calculate the expected air pollutant concentrations at the identified ASRs 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 sub-sections 3.4.1.4(ii)(b) and 3.4.1.4(iv)(a) above. The Applicant shall follow sub-section 3.4.1.4(v) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

(v) Quantitative Assessment Methodology

(a) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated in the modelling guidelines in Appendices B1 to B3 while making allowance for the specific characteristic of the Project. This specific methodology must be documented in such level of details, preferably assisted with tables and diagrams, to allow the readers of the EIA report to grasp how the model has been set up to simulate the situation under study without referring to the model input files. Detailed calculations of air pollutants emission rates for input to the modelling shall be presented in the EIA report. The Applicant must ensure consistency between the text description and the model files at every stage of submissions for review. In case of doubt, prior agreement between the Applicant and the Director on the specific modelling details should be sought.

(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 selecting such parameters for assessing the impact from the Project.

(c) The Applicant shall calculate the overall cumulative air quality impact at the ASRs identified under sub-section 3.4.1.4 (ii) above 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(s) and pollution contours, to be evaluated against the relevant air quality standards and on any effect they may have on the land use implications. Plans of a suitable scale should be used to present pollution contours to allow buffer distance requirements to be determined properly. In order to get a full picture of air emissions in particular dioxins and mercury from the Project, an inventory figure (in g I-TEQ/year for dioxins) should be estimated and presented.

(vi) Mitigation Measures for Non-compliance

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 other associated constraints on future land use planning shall be agreed with the relevant government departments/authorities and be clearly documented in the EIA report. The Applicant shall demonstrate quantitatively that the residual impacts after incorporation of the proposed mitigating measures will comply with the criteria stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM.

(vii) Submission of Model Files

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

3.4.2 Waste Management & Land Contamination Impact

3.4.2.1 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.

3.4.2.2 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 demolition/construction and operation activities of the Project, 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 construction and demolition material (C&DM) and maximize the use of public fill/inert C&DM for other construction works.

(ii) Proposal for Waste Management

(a) Prior to considering the disposal options for various types of wastes, opportunities for reducing waste generation, on-site or off-site re-use and recycling 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 maximizing waste reduction shall be separately considered.

(b) After considering all 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. Pretreatment processes for slurry before disposal shall be addressed in details. 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 wastes identified.

(c) The impact caused by handling (including labelling, packaging & storage), collection, and reuse/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.

3.4.2.3 To prevent contamination problems from arising in future, 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.

3.4.3 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.4.3.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts of any above ground structures and work areas associate with the Project. Landscape and visual impacts during demolition/construction and operation stages within the study area shall be assessed.

3.4.3.2 The study area for the landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within 500 metres from the Project. The study area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope from the Project. The defined visual envelop must be shown on a plan.

3.4.3.3 The Applicant shall review relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permissions Area Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans, other relevant published land use plans, planning briefs and studies which may identify areas of high landscape value and recommend country park, coastal protection area, conservation area, open space, amenity area and green belt designations. Any guidelines on landscape strategies, landscape frameworks, urban design concepts, building height profiles, special design areas, landmarks, designated view corridors, open space networks, landscape links that may affect the appreciation of the Project shall also be reviewed. The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area so as to assess whether the project can fit into surrounding setting. Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) and any published land use plans should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should be recommended.

3.4.3.4 The Applicant shall describe, appraise, analyse and evaluate the existing and planned landscape resources and character of the study area. A system shall be derived for judging landscape and visual impact significance as required under the TM. Annotated oblique aerial photographs and plans of suitable scale showing the baseline landscape character areas and landscape resources and mapping of impact assessment shall be extensively used to present the findings of impact assessment. Descriptive text shall provide a concise and reasoned judgment from a landscape and visual point of view. The assessment shall be particularly focused on the sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change. The Applicant shall identify the degree of compatibility of the Project with the existing and planned landscape settings. The landscape impact assessment shall quantify the potential landscape impacts as far as possible, so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the Project. Clear mapping of the landscape impact is required. A tree survey shall be carried out and the impacts on existing mature trees shall be addressed. Cumulative landscape and visual impacts of the Project with other committed and planned developments and other possible developments in the study area shall be assessed.

3.4.3.5 The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the Project. Clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact is required. The assessment shall include the following:

(i) identification and plotting of visual envelop of the Project;

(ii) identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope with regard to views from both ground level, sea 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;

(iv) description of 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.

3.4.3.6 The Applicant shall evaluate the merits of preservation in totality, in parts or total destruction of existing landscape and the establishment of a new landscape character area. In addition, alternative layout option, design and construction methods that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and 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 shall also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape and visual quality. The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape design.

3.4.3.7 The mitigation measures shall include preservation of vegetation, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed land, woodland restoration, compensatory planting, provisioning/ reprovisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, minimization of noise barriers, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of material used and any measures to mitigate the impact on existing and planned land uses. Parties shall be identified for the on going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phases of the Project. A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be provided.

3.4.3.8 Annotated illustration materials such as coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, oblique aerial photographs, photographs taken at vantage points, and computer-generated photomontage shall be adopted to fully illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the Project to the satisfaction of the Director. In particular, the landscape and visual impacts of the Project with and without mitigation measures shall also be properly illustrated in existing and planned setting by computer-generated photomontage so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. All computer graphics shall be compatible with Microstation DGN file format. The Applicant shall record the technical details such as system set-up, software, data files and function in preparing the illustration, which may need to be submitted for verification of the accuracy of the illustrations.

3.4.4 Ecological Impact (Terrestrial)

3.4.4.1 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.

3.4.4.2 The study area for the purpose of terrestrial ecological assessment shall include all areas within 500 metres from the site boundary of the land based works areas or the area likely to be impacted by the Project.

3.4.4.3 In the ecological impact assessment, the Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats within the assessment area. The aim shall be to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment. In particular, the Project shall avoid impacts on recognized sites of conservation importance and other ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impacts arising from the demolition/construction and operation of the Project and in combination with those cumulative impacts from associated works of the Project.

3.4.4.4 The assessment shall include the following major tasks:

(i) review and incorporate the findings of relevant studies and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;

(ii) carry out necessary field surveys, the duration of which shall be at least four months (covering wet season), and investigation to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified in sub-section 3.4.4.4 (i) above and fulfil the objectives of the EIA study;

(iii) evaluate the information collected from sub-sections 3.4.4.4 (i) & (ii) above, and determine whether further ecological survey is required under the following sub-section 3.4.4.4 (v);

(iv) present the findings of all relevant studies together with surveys carried out under this Study;

(v) establish an ecological profile of the study area based on data of relevant previous studies/surveys and results of additional ecological field surveys, and describe the characteristics of each habitat found. Major information to be provided shall include:

(a) description of the physical environment, including all recognized sites of conservation importance and ecologically sensitive areas, and assess whether these sites will be affected by the Project or not;

(b) habitats maps of suitable scale (1:1000 to 1:5000) showing the types and locations of habitats in the study area;

(c) ecological characteristics of each habitat type such as size, vegetation 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 photographs of each habitat type and any important ecological features identified;

(e) species found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation, international conventions for conservation of wildlife/habitats or Red Data Books;

(vi) investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of the various habitats with special attention to those wildlife groups and habitats with conservation interests, including but not limited to the following:

- woodlands

- natural stream courses and rivers

- vertebrates (e.g. avifauna, mammals including bats, fish, herpetofauna)

- macroinvertebrates (e.g. butterflies, odonates, crustaceans)

- any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by this EIA study;

(vii) using suitable methodology to identify and quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect, on-site, off-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts on the wildlife groups and habitats mentions in sub-section 3.4.4.4 (vi) above, such as destruction of habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, loss of feeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity, habitat fragmentation;

(viii) demonstrate that the ecological impacts due to the demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project are avoided by design to the maximum practicable extent;

(ix) evaluate the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using well-defined criteria;

(x) recommend all possible alternative options (such as different extension area and/or using other construction methods and sequences) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified;

(xi) evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and define the scope, type, location, implementation arrangement, subsequent management and maintenance of such measures;

(xii) determine and quantify as far as possible the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;

(xiii) evaluate the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using well-defined criteria; and

(xiv) review the need for and recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.

3.4.5 Noise Impact

3.4.5.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing the noise impacts arising from demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project as stated in Annexes 5 and 13 of the TM, respectively.

3.4.5.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following :

(i) Determination of Assessment Area

The study area for the noise impact assessment shall generally be defined by a distance of 300m from the boundary of the project site; with consideration be given to extend the area to include major emission sources that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. It will have to include areas where the noise sensitive uses may be potentially affected by the Project especially areas close to the road network affected by traffic generated from this Project. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment 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 further distance behind. Similarly, subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment area shall be expanded to include NSRs at distance >300m which would be affected by the demolition/construction and operation of the Project.

(ii) Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels

The Applicant shall provide all background information relevant to the Project, including relevant previous or current studies. Unless required for determining the planning standards, such as those for planning of fixed noise sources, no existing noise levels are required except as set out below.

(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 all existing NSRs and all 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. Photographs of all existing NSRs shall be appended to the EIA report.

(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 such as name of building, use, and floors 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, and traffic flow/fixed plant equipment, as appropriate, for operational noise assessment. Confirmation on the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities and documented.

(v) Construction Noise Assessment

(a) The assessment shall cover the cumulative noise impacts due to the construction works of the Project and other likely 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 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.

(c) To minimize the construction noise impact, alternative construction methods to replace percussive piling shall be proposed as far as practicable. In case blasting works will be involved, it should be carried out, as far as practicable, outside the sensitive hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday to Saturday and any time on a general holiday, including Sunday. For blasting that must be carried out during the above-mentioned sensitive hours, the noise impact in associated with the removal of debris and rocks should be fully assessed and adequate mitigation measures should be recommended to reduce the noise impact as appropriate.

(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 task) 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 formulate a reasonable construction programme as far as practicable such that no work will be required in the 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 the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO. Regardless of the results of the construction noise impact assessment for restricted hours, the Noise Control Authority will process the 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 the EIA report.

(vi) Operational Noise Assessment

(a) Fixed Noise Sources

(a1) Assessment of Fixed Source Noise Levels

The Applicant shall calculate the expected noise using standard acoustics principles. Calculations for the expected noise shall be based on assumed plant inventories and utilization schedule for the worst case scenario. The Applicant shall calculate the noise levels taking into account correction of tonality, impulsiveness and intermittency in accordance with the Technical Memorandum for the Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites.

(a2) Presentation of Noise Levels

The Applicant shall present the existing and future noise levels in L_eq (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.

(a3) Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures

The Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies within the project limits in all 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/Landuses

For planned noise sensitive uses which will still be affected even with all practicable direct technical remedies in place, the Applicant shall propose, evaluate and confirm the practicality 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 study to assess the development potential of concerned sites which shall be made known to the relevant parties.

3.4.6 Water Quality Impact

3.4.6.1 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.

3.4.7 Summary of Environmental Outcomes

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 the environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.

3.4.8 Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements

3.4.8.1 The Applicant shall identify and justify in the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A activities during the demolition/construction and operation stages of the Project and, if affirmative, to define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the Project in the EIA study.

3.4.8.2 Subject to the confirmation of the EIA study findings, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM. The Applicant shall also propose real-time reporting of monitoring data for the Project through a dedicated internet website.

3.4.8.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Appendix C to this EIA study brief) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.

4. DURATION OF VALIDITY

4.1 The Applicant shall notify the Director of the commencement of the EIA study. If the EIA study does not commence within 36 months after the date of issue of the EIA study brief, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for a fresh EIA study brief before commencement of the EIA study.

5. REPORT REQUIREMENTS

5.1 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.

5.2 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 sub-section 5.2 (i) above as required under section 7(1) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for public inspection.

(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.

5.3 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.

5.4 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 prepared in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or later) and in Portable Document Format (PDF version 4.0 or later), 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 shall be included in the beginning of the document. Hyperlinks to all figures, drawings and tables in the EIA report and executive summary shall be provided in the main text from where the respective references are made. All graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format unless otherwise agreed by the Director.

5.5 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.

5.6 When the EIA report and the executive summary are made available for public inspection under section 7(1) of the EIAO, 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.

5.7 To promote environmentally friendly and efficient dissemination of information, both hardcopies 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.

6. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 If there is any change in the name of Applicant for this EIA study brief during the course of the EIA study, the Applicant must notify the Director immediately.

6.2 If there is any key change in the scope of the Project mentioned in sub-section 1.2 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-275/2006), 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 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 fresh EIA study brief.

--- END OF EIA STUDY BRIEF ---

February 2006

Environmental Assessment Division,

Environmental Protection Department