Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499),

Section 5(7)

 

Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-121/2004

 

 Project Title : Lantau Logistics Park Development

(hereinafter known as the "Project")

 

Name of Applicant :            Civil EnigneeringEngineering and Development Department

(hereinafter known as the "Applicant")

                                                                                                        

1.            BACKGROUND

 

            1.1 An application (No. ESB-121/2004) 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 15 October 2004 with a Project Profile (No. PP-230/2004) (the Project Profile).

 

1.2              The proposed Project is to develop a logistics park on a proposed reclamation site at Siu Ho Wan. Location of the Project is given on Figure No. PP1 of the Project Profile and is indicated in Appendix A.

 

1.3              The scope of the Project includes the following major works:

-         dredging, construction of seawalls, and reclamation to a level of around +5.5mPD to provide an approximately 112 ha land platform with approximately 72 ha for the development of the LLP (the remaining approximately 40 ha at the western portion will be for possible logistics park extension or other compatible uses, e.g. recreational uses);

-         placement and subsequent removal of surcharge mounds;

-         installation of vertical drains within the reclamation;

-         construction of an elevated interchange at the eastern end of Siu Ho Wan Depot to provide connection between the North Lantau Highway (NLH) and the LLP, and the associated road and utilities services diversion works and associated reprovision works for the affected North Lantau Highway and Cheung Tung Road;

-         construction of roads, footpaths, roadside planters, signage and road markings, road lighting etc. and all other associated roadworks;

-         construction of temporary roads for construction of the reclamation works;

-         construction of stormwater drainage system;

-         construction of sewerage system;

-         construction of water supply system;

-         provision of public utility services;

-         construction of vertical seawall and land reserve for future provision of shared marine cargo loading/unloading facility;

-         provision of associated environmental mitigation measures; and

-         landscape works.

 

1.4              The engineering feasibility study of the Project is a designated project under item 1 of Schedule 3 of the EIAO (i.e. Engineering feasibility study of urban development projects with a study area covering more than 20 ha or involving a total population of more than 100 000). Initially, based on the scope of the Project mentioned in Section 1.3 of this Study Brief, the Project also consists of the following designated projects under Item C.1 and Item A.1 Part I Schedule 2 of the EIAO :

-         reclamation works (including associated dredging works) of more than 5ha in size

-         distributor roads

 

1.5              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.

 

1.6                          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 is to arise as a result of the Project and the associated activities of the Project;

(ii)               the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and  operation of the Project to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences; 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 the types of Designated Projects under Part I Schedule 2 of the EIAO to be covered in the Project;

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

(iv)             to consider alternatives with a view to avoiding and minimizing the potential environmental impacts on marine waters and the ecological sensitivity areas in Lantau Island and other sensitive uses; to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the different options; to provide reasons for selecting the preferred option(s) and to describe the part of environmental factors played in the selection;

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

 

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

(vii)           to identify any negative impacts on Chinese White Dolphin and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(viii)          to identify any negative impacts on fisheries and to proposed measures to mitigate these impacts;

(ix)             to identify any potential landscape and visual impacts and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(x)              to identify any negative impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(xi)             to propose the provision of mitigation measures to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the Project;

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

(xiii)          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;

(xiv)         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;

(xv)           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

(xvi)        to design and specify the 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 and to specify the environmental issues that are required to be reviewed and assessed in the EIA report.  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 met.

 

3.2       The Scope

 

            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 1.3 above.  The EIA study shall address the key issues described below, together with any other key issues identified during the course of the EIA study and the cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed, planned and known potential developments in the vicinity of the Project:

(i)                the potential water quality impact caused by dredging, piling, fill extraction, filling and any other marine works activities during construction, in particular the potential release of toxic contaminants, and as a result of changes in the coastline, flow regime, flushing capacity, and water quality in Hong Kong waters during operation of the Project

(ii)               the potential hydrodynamic and water quality impacts on engulfed Tai Ho Wan, Tai Ho Streams, Airport Channel and Tung Chung Bay arising from the construction and operation of the Project;

(iii)             the potential impact to the ecological sensitive areas, including the following and any other sensitive areas that may be identified during the course of the EIA study:

(a)    the vicinities along the marine portion of the Project which are frequented by the Chinese White Dolphins;

(b)   the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Tai Ho on Lantau;

(c)    the nursery and breeding grounds for horseshoe crabs along the northwest Lantau coastline; and

(d)   the Lantau North Country Park;

(iv)             The potential ecological impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project, including loss of habitats, disturbance to wildlife and pollution, if any, caused by run-off;

(v)              The potential fisheries impacts on capture and culture fisheries during the construction and operation of the Project, including the potential loss of fishing grounds, spawning and nursery grounds of fish and shrimp, and pollution, if any, caused by run-off ;

(vi)             The potential noise and air pollution impacts to sensitive receivers during the construction and operation of the Project and the off-site traffic emissions and noise during operation of the Project;

(vii)           The potential landscape and visual impacts caused by reclamation, infrastructures, structures and associated works on existing and planned sensitive receivers, in particular, villagers in Tai Ho San Tsuen, Tai Ho, Ngau Kwu Long, Tin Liu and Pak Mong, during the construction and operation of the Project;

(viii)          The potential glare impacts on the nearby residents and wildlife during operation of the Project;

(ix)             The potential impacts of various types of wastes to be generated from the construction and operation of the Project, in particular the dredged sediment during reclamation;

(x)              The potential waste management issue associated with the use of filling materials such as marine sand and inert construction and demolition material (C&DM) for reclamation during construction of the Project;

(xi)             The potential impacts on the marine archaeological deposit in the seabed of the project area likely to be affected during construction of the Project;

(xii)           The potential risk impacts on the workers and users of the Project due to the chlorine storage and on-site transport at Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (SHW WTW);

(xiii)          The potential sewage discharge impact arising from the operation of the Project, including the impact on the Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works; and

(xiv)         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 those impacts may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. Consideration shall be given to account for the impacts from likely concurrent projects such as the planned contaminated mud disposal facilities at the south of South Brothers, the proposed HK - Zhuhai ¡V Macao Bridge Hong Kong Section & North Lantau Highway Connection, the proposed Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (SHW WTW) extension works, the upgrading works of Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works, the proposed future reclamation for Tung Chung New Town Development, the proposed Road P1, the future development on the Airport Island, the proposed cross-boundary transport hub above MTRCL¡¦s Siu Ho Wan Railway Depot, the possible container port in Northwest Lantau and the possible logistics park extension and/or other compatible uses at Siu Ho Wan (western portion of the proposed reclamation).

 

3.3            Consideration of Alternative Location, Layout and Construction Methods

 

3.3.1    Need for the Project

 

            The Applicant shall present in the EIA the information on the need for the Project and the Project¡¦s implementation programme.

 

3.3.2            Consideration of Different Layouts and Design Options

The Applicant shall present in the EIA report the reasons of locating the Project at Siu Ho Wan, and the considerations of alternative reclamation layouts and internal layout and design (such as location of various infrastructures and facilities) of the LLP with regard to minimising the requirement for reclamation and the associated environmental impacts.

 

3.3.3            Consideration of Alternative Construction Methods and Sequence of Works

Having regard to the cumulative effects of the construction period and the severity of the construction impacts to the affected sensitive receivers, the EIA study shall explore alternative construction methods (such as those using sand fill or inert C&DM) and sequences of works for the Project, with a view to avoiding 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 with a view to recommending the preferred option to avoid adverse on-site and off-site environmental impact to the maximum practicable extent.

 

3.3.4            Selection of Preferred Scenario

Taking into consideration of the findings in Sections 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 above, the Applicant shall provide justifications and recommend the preferred reclamation layout and method and the internal layout and design of the LLP that will avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects arising from the Project and shall 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 the environmental aspects as described in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 above. The assessment shall be based on the best and latest information available during the course of the EIA study. The Applicant shall assess the cumulative environmental impacts from the Project with other interacting projects. The Applicant shall include in the EIA report details of the construction programme and methodologies.

 

The Applicant shall review previously approved studies or EIA reports which are relevant to the Project and extract relevant information for the purpose of this EIA study. The following studies or EIA reports shall be referred to :-

-         Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study, Environmental Studies, Final Assessment Report (June 2000);

-          Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge : Hong Kong Section and North Lantau Highway Connection;

-          Extension of Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works : Investigation ¡V EIA Report; and

-          Proposed Contaminated Mud Disposal Facility within the Airport East/East of Sha Chau Area ¡V EIA Report.

 

The EIA study shall meet the following technical requirements on specific impacts, unless otherwise approved by the Director specifically in writing.

 

3.4.1    Air Quality Impact

 

3.4.1.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines as stated in Section 1 of Annex 4 and Annex 12 of the TM for evaluating and assessing the air quality impact due to the construction and operation of the Project, as stipulated in Sections 1.2 and 1.3 above.

 

3.4.1.2 The study area for air quality impact assessment shall generally be defined by a distance of 500 metres from the boundary of the project site, and it shall be extended to include major emission sources that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. For this Project, the assessment shall include the existing and planned/ committed air sensitive receivers within the study area as well as areas where the air quality may be potentially affected by the Project. Such assessment shall be based on the best available information at the time of the assessment.

 

3.4.1.3 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 both construction and operation stages.

 

(b)        Present background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating cumulative constructional and operational air quality impacts.

 

(c)        Describe the types of activities of the Project that may affect air quality during both construction and operation stages.

 

(d)        Consider alternative construction methods/phasing programmes and alternative modes of operation to minimize the constructional and operational air quality impact.

 

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

 

(a) Identify and describe existing and planned/committed ASRs that would be affected by the Project, including those indicated 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 that represent the worst impact point of these ASRs. A map showing the location and description such as name of buildings, their uses and height of the selected assessment points shall be given. The separation distances of these ASRs from the nearest emission sources shall also be given. For phased development, the Applicant shall review the development programme against the different construction stages to assess whether the occupiers of the early phases could become ASRs to be affected by the construction works of later phases.

 

(b) Provide an exhaustive list of air pollutant emission sources, including emission sources such as the Hong Kong International Airport, the North Lantau Highway, Castle Peak Power Station and Black Point Power Station, which are to have impact related to the Project based on the analysis of constructional and operational activities in Section 3.4.1.3(i) above.  Besides, if the likely concurrent projects as mentioned in Section 3.2 (xiv) are identified relevant, its possible emissions shall also be taken into account in the air quality impact assessment. Examples of construction stage emission sources include stockpiling, blasting, concrete batching, marine construction plant and vehicular movements on unpaved haul roads on site. Examples of operational stage emission sources include exhaust emissions from vehicles and emission of marine vessels from the operation of the LLP¡¦s marine cargo loading/unloading facility. Confirmation of validity of the assumptions and magnitude of the activities (e.g. volume of construction material handled, traffic mix and volume on a road) 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 which may arise as a result of the works 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.

 

(b)        If the Applicant anticipates that the Project will give rise to significant construction dust impacts likely to exceed recommended limits in the TM at the ASRs despite the incorporation of the dust control measures proposed in accordance with Section 3.4.1.3(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 Section 3.4.1.3(v) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

 

(iv)   Operational Phase Air Quality Impact

 

(a)        The Applicant shall calculate the expected air pollutant concentrations, including odour, gaseous emission and dust, at the identified ASRs based on an assumed reasonably worst-case scenario.  The evaluation shall be based on the strength of the emission sources identified in Section 3.4.1.3(ii)(b) above. The Applicant shall follow Section 3.4.1.3(v) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

 

(b)        For calculation of future road traffic air pollution impact, this shall be based on the highest emission strength from the road within the next 15 years upon commencement of operation of the proposed road. The Applicant shall demonstrate that the selected year of assessment represents the highest emission scenario given the combination of vehicular emission factors and traffic flow for the selected year.

 

(c)        If there are vehicular tunnels/full enclosures proposed in the project, it is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the air quality inside these proposed structures shall comply with EPD¡¦s ¡§Practice Note on Control of Air Pollution in Vehicle Tunnels¡¨ dated April, 1995. For assessment of air quality impact due to emissions from the tunnels/full enclosures, the Applicant shall ensure that the emission amount and the pollutants emitted from these tunnel/full enclosure have been agreed with the relevant tunnel ventilation design engineer and documented.

 

(d)        Addressing the significance, if any, of the off-site air quality implication due to the Project by estimating the additional air pollutant emissions in HKSAR caused by induced traffic (such as internal traffic and cross-boundary vehicles and other transport modes) of the proposed LLP.

 

(v)  Quantitative Assessment Methodology

 

(a) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated in the modelling guidelines in Appendices B-1 to B-3 while making allowance for the specific characteristics of the Project.  This specific methodology must be documented in such level of details (preferably with tables and diagrams) to allow the readers of the assessment report to grasp how the model is set up to simulate the situation at hand without referring to the model input files.  Details of the calculation of the emission rates of air pollutants for input to the modelling shall be presented in the report.  The Applicant must ensure consistency between the text description and the model files.  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 concentration) 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 overall cumulative air quality impact at the identified ASRs identified under Section 3.4.1.3(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 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 contour to allow buffer distance requirements to be determined properly.

 

(d)        If there are any direct technical noise remedies recommended in the study, the air quality implication due to these remedies shall be assessed. For instance, if barriers that may affect dispersion of air pollutants are proposed, then the implications of such remedies on air quality impact shall be assessed. If an enclosure is proposed, then both ¡§tunnel¡¨ portal emissions and air quality inside the ¡§tunnel¡¨ shall also be addressed. The Applicant shall highlight clearly the locations and types of agreed noise mitigation measures, ASRs as well as tunnels and their portals (where applicable) on the contour maps for easy reference.

 

(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.  If these measures will result in any constraints on future land use planning outside the project site, the Applicant shall liaise with the relevant government departments/authorities and document the agreement in the EIA Report in order to demonstrate that the proposed measures are feasible and practicable.  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

 

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 the noise impacts arising from the construction and operational stages of the Project as stated in Annexes 5 and 13 of the TM.

 

3.4.2.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following :

 

(i)          Determination of Assessment Area

 

        The study area for the noise impact assessment shall be defined by a distance of 300m from the boundary of the Project. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment area cab 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.

 

(ii)         Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels

 

The Applicant shall provide existing noise levels and background information relevant to noise issue of the Project. The Applicant may refer to completed or ongoing EIA and environmental studies to identify the background information.

 

(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 the existing NSRs and the planned/committed noise sensitive developments and uses including those indicated on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans.  Photographs of the existing NSRs shall be appended to the EIA report.

 

(b)        The Applicant shall select assessment points to represent the 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 the selected assessment point shall be given.  For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed site layouts, the Applicant shall 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 shall provide traffic flow, fixed plant noise sources, noisy activities such as containers and marine cargos handling and aircraft and helicopter noise sources for operational noise assessment.

 

(v)        Construction Noise Assessment

 

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

 

(b)     The assessment shall cover the cumulative noise impacts due to the construction works of the Project and other likely concurrent projects as mentioned in Section 3.2 (xiv) above and any other relevant concurrent projects identified during the course of the EIA study.

 

(c)     The Applicant shall propose alternative construction methods and mitigation measures to minimise the construction noise impact.

 

(d)     If the unmitigated construction noise levels are found exceeding the relevant criteria, the Applicant shall propose direct mitigation measures to minimize the impact. If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.

 

(vi)       Operational Noise Assessment

 

(a)        Fixed Noise Sources

 

If the Project will cause any fixed noise sources the following assessment shall be followed.

 

(i)          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.

 

(ii)         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.

 

 

(iii)       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.

 

(b)        Road Traffic Noise

 

(i)          Calculation of Noise Levels

 

The Applicant shall analyze the scope of the proposed road alignment(s) to identify appropriate new and existing road sections for the purpose of traffic noise impact assessment.  When an existing road section undergoes major extensions or improvements, it shall be regarded as a new road for the purpose of this noise impact assessment.  Figures showing extents of new roads and existing roads shall be provided in the EIA report.

 

The Applicant shall calculate the expected road traffic noise using methods described in the U.K. Department of Transport's ¡§Calculation of Road Traffic Noise¡¨ (1988).  Calculations of future road traffic noise shall be based on the peak hour traffic flow in respect of the maximum traffic projection within a 15 years period upon commencement of operation of the proposed roadwork.  The Applicant shall calculate traffic noise levels in respect of each road section and the overall noise levels from combined road sections (both new and existing) at NSRs.  The EIA report shall contain sample calculations and input parameters for 10 assessment points as requested by the Director.  The Applicant shall prepare and provide drawings (i.e. road-plots of the traffic noise model) of appropriate scale to show the road segments, topographic barriers, and assessment points of sensitive receivers input into the traffic noise model.

 

The Applicant shall provide input data sets of traffic noise prediction model adopted in the EIA study as requested by the Director for the following scenarios :

 

1.           unmitigated scenario at the assessment year;

 

2.           mitigated scenario at the assessment year; and

 

3.           prevailing scenario for indirect technical remedies eligibility assessment.

 

The data shall be in electronic text file (ASCII format) containing road segments, barriers and noise sensitive receivers information.  The data structure of the above file shall be agreed with the Director.  CD-ROM(s) containing the above data shall be attached in the EIA report.

 

(ii)         Presentation of Noise Levels

 

The Applicant shall present the prevailing and future traffic noise levels in L10 (1hour) at the NSRs in the following formats :

 

(1) on tables and plans of suitable scale at various representative floors levels (in mPD); and

 

(2) on noise contour maps of predicted noise levels of suitable scale at low, medium and high levels.  The preparation of noise contour shall take into account road traffic noise sources and relevant topographic elements including building, podium, terrain, etc.

 

A quantitative assessment at the NSRs for the proposed road alignments shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM.  The potential noise impact of the proposed developments shall be quantified by estimating the total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements that will be exposed to noise levels exceeding the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the TM.

 

(iii)       Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures

 

After rounding of the predicted noise levels according to the U.K. Department of Transport's ¡§Calculation of Road Traffic Noise¡¨ (1988), the Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies in situations where the predicted traffic noise level exceeds the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the TM by 1 dB(A) or more.  Specific reasons for not adopting certain direct technical remedies in the design to reduce the traffic noise to a level meeting the criteria in the TM or to maximize the protection for the NSRs as far as possible shall be clearly quantified and laid down.  The total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive element that will be benefited by the provision of direct technical remedies shall be provided.  In order to clearly present the extents/locations of the recommended noise mitigation measures, plans prepared from 1:1,000 or 1:2,000 survey maps showing the mitigation measures (e.g. enclosures/barriers, low noise road surfacing, etc.) shall be included in the EIA report.

 

The total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements that will still be exposed to noise above the criteria with the implementation of recommended direct technical remedies shall be quantified.  The Applicant shall provide in the EIA report the information of the recommended noise mitigation measures (such as barrier types, nominal dimensions at different cross-sections, extents/locations, lengths, mPD levels of barriers) in electronic format as agreed by the Director.

 

In case where a number of the NSRs cannot be protected by the recommended direct technical remedies, the Applicant shall identify and estimate the total number of existing dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements which may qualify for indirect technical remedies under the Executive Council directive ¡§Equitable Redress for Persons Exposed to Increased Noise Resulting from the Use of New Roads¡¨, the associated costs and any implications for such implementation.  For the purpose of determining the eligibility of the affected premises for indirect technical remedies, reference shall be made to the following set of three criteria :

 

(1) the predicted overall noise level from the new road together with other traffic noise in the vicinity must be above a specified noise level (e.g. 70 dB(A) for domestic premises and 65 dB(A) for education institutions, all in L10(1hr));

 

(2)        the predicted overall noise level is at least 1.0 dB(A) more than the prevailing traffic noise level, i.e. the total traffic noise level existing before the works to construct the road were commenced; and

(3)        the contribution to the increase in the predicted overall noise level from the new road must be at least 1.0 dB(A).

 

(c)        Aircraft and Helicopter Noise

 

If there will be NSRs in the LLP impacted by aircraft and/or helicopter noise, the Applicant shall calculate the expected noise using standard acoustics principles. Quantitative assessment at the NSRs in the LLP shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM. The Applicant shall propose mitigation measures for the affected NSRs in the LLP and/or alternative internal layout and design at the LLP if the predicted noise level exceeds the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM.

 

(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 the 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.

 

                              The Applicant shall take into account agreed environmental requirements/ constraints identified by the study to assess the development potential of concerned sites.

 

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 this water quality assessment shall cover North Western, North Western Supplementary, Western Buffer and Southern Water Control Zones (as shown in Appendix C) as designated under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO). This study area could be extended to include other areas such as stream courses and the associated water system if they are found also being impacted during the course of the EIA study and have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project.

 

3.4.3.3  The Applicant shall identify and analyse physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, fresh water or ground water system(s), catchment area(s), storm water pipeline, submarine outfalls, and coastal water arising from 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 water system(s) and the sensitive receivers particularly the engulfed Tai Ho Wan and Tai Ho Streams by appropriate mathematical modelling and/or other techniques proposed by the Applicant and agreed with the Director.  The mathematical modelling requirements are set out in Appendix D to this study brief.  Possible impacts due to dredging, fill extraction, filling, mud/sediment transportation and disposal activities shall include but not be limited to changes in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion and deposition pattern, water and sediment quality, downstream salinity profile and effects on the flora and fauna due to such changes in the study area.  The prediction shall include possible different construction stages or sequences, and different operational stages.  Affected sensitive receivers shall be identified by the assessment tool with indications of degree of severity.

 

3.4.3.5  The Applicant shall take into account and include likely different construction and operational stages or sequences, including maintenance dredging (if any) of the Project in the assessment.  The assessment shall have regard to the frequency, duration, volume and flow rate of the discharges and its pollutant and sediment loading.  Reference shall be made to available information in previous studies including, but not limited to, those listed in Appendix D to this study brief.  Essentially the assessment shall address the following:

 

(i)          Collection and review of background information on the existing and planned water system(s) and their respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project;

 

(ii)        Characterization of water and sediment quality of the water system(s) and respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project based on existing information or appropriate site survey and tests;

 

(iii)       Identification and analysis of existing and planned future activities (such as industrial and commercial activities in the LLP causing discharges) and beneficial uses related to the water system(s) and identification of water sensitive receivers. The Applicant shall refer to, inter alia, those developments and uses indicated on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans;

 

(iv)      Identification of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives and establishment of other appropriate water and sediment quality criteria or standards for the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers in Section 3.4.3.5(i) above and particularly those ecological (such as Chinese White Dolphins) and fisheries sensitive receivers for the assessments in Sections 3.4.5 and 3.4.6;

 

(v)        Review of the construction sequences and methods, and operation of the Project to identify any alteration of existing water courses, natural streams/ponds, shoreline or bathymetry, flow regimes, ground water levels and catchment types or areas;

 

(vi)      Identification and quantification of existing and likely future water and sediment pollution sources and loading (such as discharges from industrial and commercial activities in the LLP, run-off from the LLP).  An emission inventory on the quantities and characteristics of all existing and likely future water pollution sources in the study area shall also be provided.  Field investigation and laboratory tests shall be conducted as appropriate to fill in any major information gaps;

 

(vii)     Prediction and quantification of impacts on the water system(s) and respective catchments and sensitive receivers that likely be affected by the alternations and changes identified in Section 3.4.3.5(v) above and the pollution sources identified in Section 3.4.3.5(vi) above.  Both the local and regional effects on erosion, sedimentation pattern, sediment dispersion, flow regime and water quality due to any dredging of marine sediment and backfilling activities, interim and ultimate alteration of shoreline and bathymetry as a result of any marine works for the Project shall be assessed through undertaking a mathematical modelling.  The location, nature, extent and rate of such works for the Project shall be clearly identified and evaluated.  The assessment shall also take into account the additional pollution loading and oxygen demand exerted by sediment disturbed and any fill materials;

 

(viii)   Identification and quantification of dredging, fill extraction, filling, mud/sediment transportation and disposal activities and requirements.  Potential fill source and dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified and cumulative environmental impacts be evaluated.  Field investigation, sampling and chemical and biological laboratory tests to characterize the sediment/mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate.  The potential release of contaminants during dredging and any other marine works shall be addressed using the chemical testing results derived from sediment samples collected on site and relevant historic data. Appropriate laboratory tests such as elutriate tests 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, ammonia, 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 and biological 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;

 

(ix)      Assessment of the impacts of the sewage discharge from the proposed LLP developments on the Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works and the relevant sewerage system of Lantau and that due to industrial and commercial discharges;

 

(x)        Assessment of the cumulative impacts due to other related concurrent and planned projects, activities or pollution sources along the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project.  This shall include the potential cumulative water quality impact arising from, inter alia, other pollution sources within the study area;

 

(xi)          The Applicant shall devise mitigation measures to avoid or minimize the impacts identified above.  The residual impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the relevant water and sediment quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines shall be assessed and quantified using appropriate mathematical models set out in Appendix D to this study brief;

 

(xii)         With reference to the assessment findings in Section 3.4.3.4 above, review relevant existing emergency response plan(s) and if necessary, propose modification(s) to the existing emergency response plan(s), or derive additional emergency response plan(s) as appropriate to deal with chemical spillage due to vehicle accidents during the operational stage of the Project.  The plan(s) shall aim to contain and/or remove the accidental spillage so as to prevent and/or minimize exposure to contaminants by environmentally sensitive receivers/areas such as Chinese White Dolphins and SSSI/marine park.

 

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.

 

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 and chemical waste arising as a result of the construction and operation activities of the Project, based on the sequence and duration of these activities. The Applicant shall adopt the design, general layout, construction methods and programme that will maximise the use of public fill/inert C&DM for the reclamation 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 evaluated.  Measures that 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 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 the wastes shall be described in detail. The disposal options recommended for each type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in item (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; and

 

(c)              The impact caused by handling (including stockpiling, labelling, packaging & storage), collection, transportation 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;

-                    public transport; and

-                    landscape and visual impacts, if any.

 

            (iii)            Dredging, Filling and Dumping

 

(a)              The categories of sediments which are to be disposed of in accordance with a permit under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance (DASO) shall be identified by both chemical and biological tests and their quantities shall be estimated.  If the presence of any seriously contaminated sediment which requires Type 3 disposal is confirmed, the Applicant shall identify the most appropriate treatment and/or disposal arrangement and demonstrate its feasibility;

 

(b)             Identification and evaluation of the best practicable construction methods, treatment methods, in-situ/ex-situ arrangements, reuse/ recycling options and construction programme to minimize dredging and dumping requirements and demand for fill sources based on the criterion that existing marine mud shall be left in place and not to be disturbed as far as possible and the inert C&DM shall be used to maximum practicable extent for reclamation works.

 

3.4.5        Ecological Impact (Both Terrestrial and Aquatic)

 

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.

 

3.4.5.2                The study area for the purpose of terrestrial ecological assessment shall include areas within 500 metres from the site boundary of the land based works areas or the area likely to be impacted by the Project.  For aquatic ecology, the study area shall be the same as the water quality impact assessment and any other area likely to be impacted 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 within the assessment area, including those highlighted in Section 3.2 above.  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 (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)) and other ecological sensitive areas (e.g. mud flats, mangroves and seagrass beds at Tai Ho Wan). The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project and in combination with those cumulative impacts from associated works of the Project, both directly by physical disturbance and indirectly by changes of water quality, run-off, sedimentation patterns and hydrodynamic regime. The assessment shall describe any potential impact to the ecological habitats and species of conservation interest. Details of specific requirements on the assessment of impacts on the Chinese White Dolphin are stipulated in Section 3.4.5.5 below.

 

3.4.5.4     The assessment shall include the following major tasks:

 

(i) review and incorporate the findings of relevant previous and on-going studies including but not limited to those in Appendix E and in particular, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Section and North Lantau Highway Connection - Investigation and Extension of Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works ¡V Investigation, and collate the available information regarding the ecological characters of the study area;

 

(ii)               evaluate the information collected and determine whether further ecological surveys shall be required for a comprehensive assessment under the following Sections;

 

(iii)              carry out further ecological surveys and investigations to fill in the information gap identified in Section 3.4.5.4 (ii) above, if any, and to fulfil the objectives of the EIA study;

 

(iv)             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 recognized sites of conservation importance and ecologically sensitive areas as listed in Section 3.2 above, and assess whether these sites will be affected by the Project or not;

 

(b)                 habitats maps of suitable scale showing the types and locations of habitats in the study area;

 

(c)                 ecological characteristics of habitat types 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 habitat types 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;

 

(v)               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:

 

(a)                 inter-tidal mudflat

(b)                 mangrove

(c)                 seagrass bed

(d)                 woodlands

(e)                 wetlands

(f)                   natural stream courses and rivers

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

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

(i)                   inter-tidal and sub-tidal benthic communities

(j)                   Chinese White Dolphin (Sousa chinensis)

(k)                 Horseshoe Crabs

(l)                   Tai Ho Stream SSSI

(m)               Lantau North Country Park

(n)               any other habitats and wildlife groups (such as Brown Fish Owls) identified as having special conservation interests by this EIA study

 

(vi)             using suitable methodology to identify and quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect (e.g. changes in water qualities, hydrodynamics properties, sedimentation rates and patterns, hydrology), on-site, off-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts on the wildlife groups and habitats mentioned in Section 3.4.5.4 (vi) above, such as loss of approximately 112 ha of marine habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, loss of feeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity, habitat fragmentation; and in particular the following:

(a)                 habitat fragmentation to the north Lantau;

(b)                 marine habitat loss and disturbance to wildlife;

(c)                 potential impacts on horseshoe crabs and their nursery areas at northwest Lantau including the intertidal habitats at Tai Ho Wan;

(d)                 potential impacts associated with dredging, spoil disposal, extraction and placement of fill materials during construction, and in particular to the benthic communities;

(e)                 deterioration of environmental quality (e.g. water quality) and the subsequent impacts to the biological communities; and

(f)                   potential impacts to the avifauna during operational stage due to the increase in noise, air pollution, lighting, glare and physical barrier and glare pollution such as potential impact of floodlight and high mast lightings installed in the LLP on the surrounding wildlife.

 

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

 

(viii)          evaluate the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using the criteria in Annex 8 of the TM;

 

(ix)             recommend possible alternatives (such as different layouts, design and/or using other construction methods and sequences) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified (such as possible impacts of changing hydrodynamics to the ecologically sensitive areas e.g. horseshoe crabs nursery grounds), such as :

(a)                 measures to recreate the natural inter-tidal and sub-tidal habitats lost;

(b)                 reinstatement of habitats temporarily affected by the Project to its original state and if possible with some enhancement features;

 

(x)               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;

 

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

 

(xii)            evaluate the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using the criteria in Annex 8 of the TM; and

 

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

 

3.4.5.5           Impacts on Chinese White Dolphins

 

                        The assessment of impacts on Chinese White Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) shall include the following tasks:

 

(i)              review and incorporate the findings of relevant studies including the previous dolphin studies, in particular the ¡§Population Biology of the Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphin in Hong Kong Waters¡¨ (Wildlife Monograph No. 144, page 1-65, published in October 2000), and collate available information regarding the ecological characters of the study area;

(ii)            evaluate the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential impacts on the Chinese White Dolphins;

(iii)           as part of the requirement under Section 3.4.5.4 (iii) above, carry out necessary field surveys and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified, if any, and to fulfil the objectives of the EIA study;

(iv)          present relevant survey findings including previous surveys conducted in relevant studies together with surveys carried out under this study;

(v)            assess the direct and indirect impacts, including loss of habitat, water quality changes, release of toxic contaminants from sediments, underwater noise disturbance and their consequential ecological effects on the Chinese White Dolphins, during the construction and operational stages of the Project.  The assessment shall include:

(a)    impacts and disturbance to the Chinese White Dolphins associated with dredging, fill extraction, filling, transportation and disposal of dredged sediment;

(b)   impacts on the Chinese White Dolphins of the possible use of underwater blasting and underwater percussive pilling during construction stage, due to shock wave and underwater noise generated;

(c)    predicted water quality changes and consequential ecological impacts on the Chinese White Dolphins.  Parameters to be assessed should include suspended solids, dissolved oxygen and contaminants present in disturbed or dredged sediment;

(d)   ecological impacts on the Chinese White Dolphins associated with potential bioaccumulation of toxic contaminants released from the disturbed or dredged sediment;

(e)    potential risk on the Chinese White Dolphins colliding with marine vessels during construction;

(f)     change in marine traffic volume, distribution and pattern during operational stage, and the consequential increase or decrease in risk of Chinese White Dolphins colliding with marine vessels; and

(g)    potential risk on the Chinese White Dolphins due to chemical spillages arising from vehicle accident during operation of the Project.

(vi)          assess the overall cumulative ecological impacts on the Chinese White Dolphins due to this Project, any associated works of the Project, and any nearby development;

(vii)         identify precautionary and mitigatory measures for protection of the Chinese White Dolphins.  The proposed measures may include, but need not be limited to, those recommended in previous EIA studies and dolphin studies;

(viii)       review the need for and recommend any dolphin monitoring programme; and

(ix)          assess and determine the acceptability of the overall residual ecological  impact on the Chinese White Dolphin, after implementation of the precautionary and mitigatory measures as identified under Section 3.4.5.5 (vii) above.

 

3.4.6            Fisheries Impact

 

3.4.6.1     The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing fisheries impact as stated in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM.

 

3.4.6.2     The study area for fisheries impact assessment shall be the same as for water quality impact assessment as set out in Section 3.4.3.2 above and any areas likely to be impacted by the Project.  Special attention shall be given to the potential loss of fishing grounds, spawning and nursery grounds of fish and shrimp, the Ma Wan fish culture zone and the artificial reefs deployed within the Chek Lap Kok Marine Exclusion Zone 3.

 

3.4.6.3     The assessment shall cover potential impact on both capture and culture fisheries, during the construction and operation of the Project and in combination with those cumulative impacts from associated works of the Project.

 

3.4.6.4     Existing information regarding the study area shall be reviewed.  Based on the review results, the study shall identify data gap and determine if there is any need for field surveys.  If field surveys are considered necessary, the study shall recommend appropriate methodology, duration and timing for the field surveys.

 

3.4.6.5 The fisheries impact assessment shall include the following:-

 

(i)                  description of the physical environmental background;

 

(ii)                description and quantification of existing capture fisheries and mariculture activities;

 

(iii)               description and quantification as far as possible of the existing fisheries resources (e.g. major fisheries products and stocks);

 

(iv)              identification of parameters (e.g. water quality parameters) and areas (e.g. breeding/spawning grounds and nursery grounds) that are important to fisheries and will be affected;

 

(v)                identification and quantification of direct/indirect and on-site/off-site impacts to fisheries (e.g. loss of fishing grounds, reduction of catch/productivity,  deterioration of water quality and pollution, if any, caused by surface run-off to mariculture activity);

 

(vi)              evaluation of impacts and make recommendations for environmental mitigation measures with details on justification, description of scope and programme, feasibility as well as manpower and financial implications including those related to subsequent management and maintenance requirements of the proposals; and

 

(vii)             review the need for monitoring during the construction and operation phases of the Project and, if necessary, propose a monitoring and audit programme.

 

3.4.7            Landscape and Visual Impact

 

3.4.7.1  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 works areas associated with the Project. Landscape and visual impacts during both construction and operation stages within the study area and related works areas shall be assessed.

 

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

 

3.4.7.3  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 shall be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action shall be recommended.

 

3.4.7.4  The Applicant shall describe, appraise, analyse and evaluate the existing and planned landscape resources and landscape 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 and trees planted along Cheung Tung Road during upgrading of Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Plant shall be addressed. Cumulative landscape and visual impacts of the Project with other committed and planned developments, in particular the proposed Hong Kong ¡V Zhuhai ¡V Macao Bridge Hong Kong Section & North Lantau Highway Connection project, the future Road P1, the extension of logistics park/other compatible uses (western portion of the proposed reclamation) and other possible developments in the study area, shall be assessed.

 

3.4.7.5  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 envelope 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;

 

(ii)                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;

 

(iii)               Description of the severity of visual impacts in terms of nature, distance and number of sensitive receivers;

 

(iv)              Identification and evaluation of the glare impact due to the 24-hour operation of the LLP.

 

3.4.7.6    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, 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. Encroachment on adjacent country park, country park extension and natural landscape shall be avoided.

 

3.4.7.7    The mitigation measures shall include preservation of vegetation and natural coastline, 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 phase of the Project.  A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be provided.  For noise barriers, presentation of photomontages of the Project including noise barrier in the existing setting and planned setting illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures shall be included.

 

3.4.7.8         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. 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.

 

3.4.8         Impact on Cultural Heritage

 

3.4.8.1        The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing the cultural heritage impacts as stated in Annexes 10 and 19 of the TM.

 

3.4.8.2        The cultural heritage impact assessment shall include terrestrial and marine archaeological investigation as well as built heritage investigation.  The Applicant shall refer to Appendix F of this EIA study brief for the detailed requirements.

 

(i)           Terrestrial Archaeological Investigation

 

The study areas for terrestrial archaeological investigation shall include areas within 50 metres from the recommended alignment of the Project and works areas that may have adverse impacts on known and unknown archaeological sites.  Special attention shall be paid to the archaeological sites at Tai Ho and Pak Mong.  The Applicant shall engage a qualified archaeologist who shall obtain a License from the Antiquities Authority before undertaking the field evaluation under the provision of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap. 53). The Applicant shall draw necessary reference to relevant sections of Appendix F of this study brief on the Criteria for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment. 

 

(ii)          Marine Archaeological Investigation

 

The Applicant shall engage a qualified marine archaeologist to review available information to identify whether there is any possible existence of sites of objects of cultural heritage, for example shipwreck, within any seabed that will be affected by the marine works of the Project. The information shall include but not be limited to the information as stipulated in Task 1 ¡V Baseline Review and Task 2 ¡V Geophysical Survey of Annex to Appendix F of this EIA study brief. The result of the review shall be presented as a written report and charts. If sites or objects of cultural heritage are found, A Marine Archaeological Investigation (MAI) shall be required. The MAI shall be carried out by a qualified marine archaeologist who shall obtain a Licence from the Antiquities Authority under the provision of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap.53). The requirements of the MAI are set out in Annex to Appendix F of this EIA study brief.

 

(iii)        Built Heritage Investigation

 

The Applicant shall identify sites of historic buildings and structures based on the result of desktop research and field evaluation, and establish a comprehensive inventory of these sites that might have the potential to be affected by the Project.  Historic buildings and structures include a variety of forms with a wide range of different functions like domestic, working and cultural uses, places of worship, houses, agricultural buildings, boundary stones and walls, workshops etc.  Special attention shall be paid to the areas of historic interest including Tai Ho, Ngau Kwu Long, Tin Liu and Pak Mong.  A plan showing the location of both the proposed work areas and sites of historic buildings and structures identified is required. The investigation shall be undertaken by an expert in cultural heritage.

 

(iv)        In the event that the investigations as stated in Sections 3.4.8.2 (i), (ii) and (iii) proved to be inadequate, the Applicant shall undertake supplementary studies as agreed by the Director.  The Applicant can make necessary reference to Appendix F  ¡§Criteria for Culture Heritage Impact Assessment¡¨ of this EIA study brief.

 

3.4.8.3        The Applicant shall demonstrate that the disturbance, including access, to those sites of cultural heritage are avoided to the maximum practicable extent by modification of the layout and design of the Project. For those sites of cultural heritage that might still be directly and indirectly affected by the Project, the Applicant shall recommend practicable mitigation measures and monitoring to avoid or keep the adverse impacts on the site of cultural heritage to the minimum. A checklist including the affected sites of cultural heritage, impacts identified, recommended mitigation measures as well as the implementation agent and period shall also be included in the EIA report.

 

3.4.9           Hazard To Life

 

3.4.9.1  The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annexes 4 and 22 of the TM in conducting hazard assessment for the potential risk to workers during construction stage and to the users of the Project during operation due to the chlorine storage and on-site transport at Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (SHW WTW). The hazard assessment shall include the following :

 

(i)                  Identification of all credible hazardous scenarios associated with the chlorine storage and on-site transport at SHW WTW, which may cause fatalities on the Project during construction and operational phases;

 

(ii)                Execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment to determine risks to the population in both individual and societal terms during construction and operational phases of the Project;

 

(iii)               Comparison of individual and societal risks with the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM, to determine the acceptability of the assessed risk; and

 

(iv)              Identification and assessment of practicable and cost effective risk mitigation measures to demonstrate the compliance with the Risk Guidelines during construction and operational phases of the Project;

 

3.4.9.2     The methodology of hazard assessment shall take into account relevant previous studies (e.g. the chapter of ¡§Hazard to Life¡¨ in the EIA Report for ¡§Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works Extension¡¨) and be agreed with the Director.

 

3.4.10   Land Contamination Impact

 

3.4.10.1 To prevent contamination problems arising from the future operation of the proposed Logistics Park, in accordance with ProPECC Practice Note No. 3/94 ¡§Contaminated Land Assessment and Remediation¡¨, the Applicant shall:

(i)              identify the possible sources of contamination in the operational phase of the proposed Logistics Park; and

(ii)            formulate appropriate operational practices, waste management strategies and precautionary measures to be implemented on site for prevention of contamination problems when it becomes operational.

 

3.4.11             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.

 

3.4.12             Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements

 

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

 

3.4.12.2         Subject to confirmation of EIA findings, the Applicant shall comply with 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.

 

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

 

4.            DURATION OF VALIDITY

 

4.1       This EIA study brief is valid for 36 months from the date of issue.  If the EIA study does not commence within this period, 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 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 above documents available to the public, subject to payment by the interested parties of full costs of printing.

 

5.4       In addition, to facilitate 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 s.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.

 

5.8       To facilitate public involvement in the EIA process, the applicant shall produce 3-dimensional electronic visualisations of the major findings and elements of the EIA report, including baseline environmental information, the environmental situations with or without the project, key mitigated and unmitigated environmental impacts, and key recommended environmental mitigation measures so that the public can understand the project and the associated environmental issues. The visualisations shall be based on the EIA report and released to the public. The visualisations shall be submitted in CD-ROM or other suitable means agreed with the Director in commonly readable formats. Unless otherwise advised or agreed by the Director, the number of copies of CD-ROM required shall be the same as that for EIA reports under Section 5.2.

 

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 Section 1.2 and 1.3 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-230/2004), 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 ---

 

November 2004

Environmental Assessment and Noise Division,

Environmental Protection Department