Mission

To pre-empt environmental problems associated with development projects, plans and strategies, by assessing their environmental implications and ensuring that measures are implemented to avoid any potential problems that are identified.


Protecting the environment has never been solely about stopping pollution. Problems from new developments need to be anticipated and prevented. Hong Kong achieves this through its environmental impact assessment (EIA) system, which is one of the most advanced in the world. All major developments are required by law to undergo the EIA process to identify and pre-empt potential problems. Project proponents are offered support through workshops, guidelines, online-assistance and other services. Most importantly, Hong Kong's EIA system offers exceptionally easy access to information.
The EIAO Register Office provides access to EIA

EIAO Register Office
EIA reports can be read over the Internet
The glass doors and modern decor of the EIA Ordinance (EIAO) Register Office symbolise the open access to information that the office provides. Sitting just outside the EPD's main offices in Southorn Centre, it is an important interface between the department and the community, physically as well as electronically.

Environmental impact assessments can be accessed here, either the physical copies or on-line versions which can be read on the office's computers. These computers are linked to the EPD's website, giving the public free access to environmental information. A large television broadcasts real-time monitoring of construction sites by webcam. Another screen outside the office offers 24-hour access to environmental information through an Internet link. The office is also a vital link for project proponents, who can pick up applications and information at the office, either on-line or in person.

Through the EIA website (http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia), the public can read EIAs over the Internet and comment on those that are on public exhibition before any decisions are made. They can monitor the impacts of approved projects through dedicated websites that regularly report environmental monitoring and audit data. In both cases, public understanding is improved through greater access to information. Stakeholders, such as project proponents, also benefit from an open system because it gives them direct feedback. Ultimately, the environment will benefit from having a transparent and accessible EIA system.
A webcam has been installed to monitor works at Cheoy Lee Shipyard
The flow of information is at the heart of Hong Kong's EIA system. Once people know what the likely impacts of a development will be, they are better able to give their views.

All major developments are required by law to undertake EIAs, which are posted on the Environmental Protection Department's (EPD) EIA website http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/. In 2002 the range of information available was bolstered with the addition of strategic environmental assessments. These are like EIAs, but rather than assess a specific project, they assess the impacts of major government plans or strategies.

Three of the largest strategic environmental assessments in recent years were the first to be posted on the website. One of these looked at the Territorial Development Strategy Review, which maps out Hong Kong's overall land use development plan up to 2011. Another looked at the Third Comprehensive Transport Study, which examines how to meet Hong Kong's transport needs up to 2016. The third looked at the Second Railway Development Study, which focuses on railway network development up to 2016. Anyone can now read the assessments of the possible environmental implications of these strategies on the website.

A webcam image of on-site work

EIAO Cyber Help Bench Website
Easy access to information is also being extended to approved projects under construction. Since 2000, all projects with major environmental impacts have been required to publish their environmental monitoring and audit results on dedicated websites. So far, 15 sites have been set up. Moreover, in January 2003 the first webcam was installed at the Cheoy Lee shipyard decontamination project (http://www.pennysbaycontract2.com/default.htm), which received more than 450 hits in its first three days of operation. The webcam enhances transparency by enabling the public to visually inspect the decontamination works and see what control measures have been implemented at the site.

Apart from enhancing public involvement, technology is also facilitating EPD's work with project proponents. The EPD's Cyber Help Corner enables proponents to download guidance notes, legal documents, assessment guidelines and other information, without having to visit our offices. An extensive programme of personal contacts with stakeholders is also helping to keep the EIA process open and efficient - and advance the department's aim of building partnerships.
Stakeholders meet at the EIAO User Group Liaison Congress
The Internet can give stakeholders plenty of information, but other avenues are needed to advance mutual understanding. The EPD therefore has organised a series of programmes to help stakeholders understand our EIA requirements better. At the same time, project proponents and other stakeholders are being given the opportunity to explain their needs to the EPD and to other interested parties.

The main vehicle for these exchanges is the four User Liaison Groups. These were formed in 2000 for government departments, consultants, contractors, and private developers and public corporations. Until 2002, each group met separately with the EPD to share experiences and discuss how the EIA process could be improved. Then in May 2002, a congress was held with all four groups. Green groups, academics, Advisory Council on the Environment members and other concerned parties were also invited. More than 160 people attended, marking the first time such a diverse group had been brought together to share views and get direct feedback from other stakeholders.
A new EIAO Support Unit helps government departments cope with EIA requirements
The congress was part of EPD's on-going effort to build a strong network of well-informed stakeholders, with the ultimate aim of strengthening the EIA process. The need for this was echoed at two public hearings organised by the Legislative Council's panel on Environmental Affairs in December 2001 and January 2002. The hearings looked at the existing EIA mechanisms and called for more EIA training and support for proponents.

The level of awareness among government departments was a particular concern at the Legislative Council's hearings, so a special EIA Support Unit was set up in July 2002 to work with eight works departments. The Director of Environmental Protection sent personal letters to directors of each of the eight departments, seeking their co-operation. The unit's staff interviewed each department about their specific needs and difficulties with the EIA process. Workshops were organised, tailor-made for each department, which explained the requirements under the EIA Ordinance and how to manage EIAs better. A helpdesk was also set up to offer professional advice and trouble-shooting by phone.

This kind of support, as well as regular contacts with stakeholders, helps to bridge the gap of misunderstanding that can arise in matters as complicated as environmental impact assessments. The EPD is committed to providing on-going support and communication. The results speak for themselves. Greater co-operation and understanding mean problems can be identified early on, confrontation can be avoided and the EIA process can run more efficiently.
An EIA Helpdesk has been set up for government staff at Revenue Tower
Seminars on EIA Training & Capacity Building have been organised


New publications help the public and project proponents understand the EIA process better
Hong Kong has made remarkable achievements in establishing an advanced, well-regarded EIA system which is also one of the most transparent in the world. Other countries are progressing in similar directions. The European Union will make strategic environmental assessments mandatory from 2004. Mainland China introduced an EIA law in 2002 with a provision for strategic environmental assessment of sectoral plans and for public involvement. EIA experts from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Europe, North America, the World Bank, and the United Nation Environment Programme attended a conference in December held in Hong Kong to share experiences and views on strategic environmental assessments.
Conference on Reshaping Environmental Assessment Tools for Sustainability
Perhaps the most important experience Hong Kong can share is that laws and technology alone do not guarantee a successful EIA system. Co-operation from stakeholders and the general public is essential. Public involvement early in the EIA process helps to avoid unnecessary delays in the later stages of projects - and helps people understand that EIAs are there to protect the environment, not stop development. Project proponents need to accept that problems must be identified and averted to prevent expensive or irreversible environmental impacts. A joint effort by the government, proponents and the community will help to ensure that the environment is protected for future generations.

Government Reporting
A Benchmarking Tool Guidebook was produced for environmental performance reports
Hong Kong is one of the few jurisdictions in the world to require all government departments to report annually on their environmental performance in policies and actions. The requirement came into effect in 2000 and, while every department has produced a report, they have been of varying quality. The EPD therefore conducted a major review in 2002, to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in existing environmental reporting practices. The review led to the publication in December of "A Benchmark for Environmental Performance Reports", a tool that provides guidance on how government agencies can improve the quality of their future reports.

In addition to environmental performance reports, the EPD also provides advice and other support on improving corporate environmental management in government agencies. Encouragingly, many public sector organisations have committed themselves to setting up environmental management systems (EMS) to demonstrate commitment and accountability on their corporate environmental performance. A handful have also secured ISO 14001 status. The EPD also continues to promote wider adoption of environmental performance reporting, EMS and ISO 14001 in the private sector.

Cross Boundary EIA Co-operation
How the Shenzhen Western Corridor Bridge across Deep Bay will look
The Deep Bay Link and the Shenzhen Western Corridor (SWC) are two related projects that will provide a road and a cross-boundary bridge link from the western New Territories in Hong Kong to Shekou in western Shenzhen. The biggest concern has been the impact on the Mai Po Nature Reserve, an internationally-recognised wetland for migratory birds.

Environmental impact assessments have been conducted on both projects and measures have been adopted to minimise impacts on the ecology, air, noise and water and allay public concerns. These measures included careful choice of bridge alignment and landing points, adoption of proper bridge design and construction methods, replanting of mangroves, and enhancement of feeding habitats for birds at the Mai Po Gei Wais. The EIA process also provided an opportunity for cross-boundary co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland. For the SWC, while both Shenzhen and Hong Kong conducted their own separate EIAs, the information was shared. This ensured the potential cumulative impacts from work on both sides could be adequately assessed and mitigated.
Deep Bay is a sensitive site for wildlife

International and Professional Links

The EPD's Assistant Director, Mr. Elvis Au, was President of the International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA) in 2002. In June he chaired an international conference on impact assessment in the Hague, in which more than 600 people from more than 70 countries participated. He also represented the EPD at the World Summit on Sustainable Development and, in his capacity as the President of the IAIA, contributed to an international submission on impact assessment.

The EPD was also a major contributor to an international conference in Hong Kong in 2002 on "Reshaping Environmental Assessment Tools for Sustainability". Organised by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the conference attracted delegates from the Mainland, Europe, North America and Hong Kong. Among the officiating guests were the Vice-Chairman of the Environment and Resource Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wang Tao, and Hong Kong's Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao. Among the EPD's contributions to the conference were the submission of 13 papers, the provision of a technical visit to our waste facilities for delegates, the participation of the Director of Environmental Protection as an Honorary Advisor and the participation of the Assistant Director of Environmental Protection in helping to organise the event.
Under EPD's Assistant Director Mr Elvis Au's presidency, the IAIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Assessment Collaboration with the China Association of Environment Protection Industry

As President of the International Association of Impact Assessment, the Assistant Director of EPD, Mr Elvis Au addressed an IAIA meeting at the Hague

Highlights of 2002
• Opened the renovated EIAO Register Office, enhancing access to EIA and project environmental performance information.
• Saw the first webcam installed by a project proponent at the Cheoy Lee shipyard decontamination project.
• Set up a dedicated unit to provide support services to government works departments on EIAs.
• Held the first EIAO User Group Liaison Congress.
• Uploaded three strategic environmental assessments on the EPD's website.
• Completed the EIA for the cross-boundary project of Shenzhen Western Corridor.
• Conducted a major review of government environmental performance reports and produced a Benchmarking Tool Guidebook to facilitate production of these reports.

Looking Ahead
• Further enhance Internet access to project environmental performance information by enabling searches by geographic area or project nature.
• Build partnerships and enhance understanding of the EIA mechanism through training workshops, the Helpdesk Hotline and the promotion of training and capacity building programmes to the private sector.
• Gather local and overseas knowledge about strategic environmental assessment and disseminate it through publications, seminars and other means.
• Prepare additional Guidance Notes on good practices in environmental impact assessments and continue to hold User Liaison Group meetings to share experiences.
• Continue to strengthen cross-boundary cooperation on EIAs and environmental planning.