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

Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-039 /1999

Project Title : Comprehensive Feasibility Study for the Revised Scheme of South East Kowloon Development
Name of Applicant: Kowloon Development Office,
Territory Development Department
(hereinafter known as the "Applicant")

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 The gazettal of draft Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs) for the proposed South East Kowloon Development (SEKD) on 4 September 1998 attracted a large amount of public comments and concerns. As a result of a series of public consultations conducted since the draft OZP gazettal, a revised scheme of SEKD has been prepared to incorporate the main views expressed by the public. Based on the new layout, a comprehensive feasibility study will be carried out to evaluate the revised scheme of SEKD.

1.2 An application (No. ESB-039/1999) for an EIA study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the captioned Applicant on 12th August 1999 with a Project Profile (No. PP-058/1999) on the captioned project.

1.3 The Applicant proposes to conduct a feasibility study for the revised scheme of SEKD. The "New Development Area" under the revised scheme of SEKD covers about 540 hectares in total, including:

(i) about 280 ha. of disused Kai Tak Airport apron and runway;

(ii) about 80 ha. of reclamation in Kowloon Bay;

(iii) about 80 ha. of reclamation in Kai Tak Approach Channel/Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter; and

(iv) about 100 ha. of other areas, e.g. proposed new typhoon shelter.

1.4 The proposed developments in the revised scheme of SEKD are shown in the Outline Concept Plan attached to the Project Profile and shown in Appendix I attached.

1.5 The project falls within Item 1 in Schedule 3 of the EIAO and is a major designated project (DP) requiring an environmental impact assessment report to be approved under the EIAO.

1.6 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.

1.7 The purpose of this EIA study is to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the construction and operation of the proposed developments and related activities taking place concurrently. This information will contribute to decisions by the Director on:

(i) the overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that are likely to arise as a result of the proposed developments;

(ii) the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation of the proposed developments to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and

(iii) the acceptability of residual impacts after the proposed mitigation measures is implemented.

1.8 The Applicant may make the best use of relevant environmental findings in the previous studies conducted for the SEKD or any other previously approved EIA reports on the EIA Ordinance Register, provided that the findings of such studies can be shown to be still valid and applicable..

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY

2.1 The objectives of the EIA study are as follows:

(i) to describe the proposed project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the proposed developments;

(ii) to identify and describe elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the proposed developments and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the proposed project, including natural and man-made environment;

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

(iv) to identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and natural habitats;

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

(vi) to identify, describe and quantify any potential landscape and visual impacts and evaluate the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers;

(vii) to identify the negative impacts and propose the provision of infrastructure or mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the developments arising from the Study;

(viii) to identify, predict and evaluate the residual (i.e. after practicable mitigation) environmental impacts and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operation phases of the proposed developments in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

(ix) to identify, assesses and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the proposed developments which are necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and reducing them to acceptable levels;

(x) to investigate the extent of side effects of proposed mitigation measures that may lead to other forms of impacts;

(xi) to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study;

(xii) to identify, within the scope of the EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 below, any individual project(s) that fall under Schedule 2 of the EIAO; to ascertain whether the findings of this EIA study have adequately addressed the environmental impacts of those projects; and, where necessary, to identify the outstanding issues that need to be addressed in any further detailed EIA study; and

(xiii) to design and specify environmental monitoring and audit requirements, if necessary, to ensure the implementation and the effectiveness of the environmental protection and pollution control measures adopted.

3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY

3.1 The purpose of this study brief is to scope the key issues of the EIA study. The Applicant has to demonstrate in the EIA report that the criteria in the relevant sections of the Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as the TM) are fully complied with.

The Scope

3.2.1 The scope of this EIA study shall cover all developments proposed in the Outline Concept Plan and any other works, associated with these developments as shown in Appendix I and highlighted by the "New Development Area" in Appendix II attached. The EIA study shall cover the combined impacts of all these developments and the cumulative impacts of the existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the "New Development Area", in accordance with the requirements laid down in Section 3.4 of the TM. The environmental impacts of on-site and off-site works, activities and facilities associated with the proposed developments shall be addressed.

3.2.2 The EIA study shall address the likely key issues described below, together with any other key issue(s) identified during the course of the EIA study:

(i) the objective comparison of the environmental benefits and disbenefits of different development scenarios with or without the proposed developments, with a view to deriving the preferred option that avoids adverse environmental impact to the maximum extent;

(ii) the air quality impacts of the proposed developments;

(iii) the noise impacts, including construction noise impact , particularly from blasting if required, and operational noise impact from rail, fixed noise source, road traffic, helicopter and marine traffic;

(iv) the water quality impacts, including quantitative assessment of cumulative impacts due to other projects or pollution sources. Water quality in the extended and/or diverted drainage channels shall also be assessed quantitatively;

(v) the potential biogas problem arising from leaving marine mud in place;

(vi) the sewerage and sewage treatment implications, taking into account other planned developments to be connected to the Kwun Tong Preliminary Treatment Works;

(vii) the waste management implications, including recommendations on the details of a new Refuse Transfer Station;

(viii) the extent of land contamination impacts and the necessary remediation;

(ix) the hazard to life implications due to the existing Ma Tau Kok Gas Works and other non-fuel gas dangerous goods facilities within the SEKD area;

(x) the ecological impacts, the assessment of which shall be based on a field survey of at least 3 months duration;

(xi) the fisheries impacts, especially on the fish culture zones near Tung Lung Chau;

(xii) the heritage impacts on historical structures and monuments such as the Hong Kong Aviation Club building, stone blocks from the Kowloon Walled City buried under the airport, Ma Tau Kok Large Animal Quarantine Depot building, Sung Wong Toi Inscriptions Rock, Fish Tail Rock and relics related to the aviation industry;

(xiii) the landscape and visual impacts with clear mapping of the assessment presented in graphical format;

(xiv) the identification of projects falling under Schedule 2 DP in the EIAO and the indicative scope of any detailed EIA studies required for the outstanding issues of these DPs.

Technical Requirements

3.3 The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects of the works and activities as described in the scope set out above.

3.4 The EIA study shall take into consideration with clear and objective comparison of the environmental benefits and disbenefits of: (a) different development scenarios, (b) different siting and alignment options, with or without the proposed developments. This is particularly relevant (but not limited to) in terms of the size, shape and sequence of reclamation, as well as all proposed transport infrastructures such as rails and roads. In formulating the preferred option, the Applicant shall seek to avoid adverse environmental effects to the maximum practicable extent. It is necessary to adequately substantiate how environmental factors contribute towards the selection of the preferred option(s).

3.5 The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts.

3.5.1 Air Quality Impact

3.5.1.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing air quality impact as stated in Annexes 4 and 12 of the TM, respectively.

3.5.1.2 The "Assessment Area" for air quality impact shall generally be defined by a distance of 500m from the boundary of scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above.

3.5.1.3 The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation in dust control and, subject to section 3.5.15 below, shall initiate an audit and monitoring program during the constructional stage to ensure construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standard as stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM.

3.5.1.4 The air quality assessment shall include the following :

(i) presentation of background air quality in the study area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative air quality impacts of the proposed project and to draw on the information on background air quality available in the assessment of other strategic scale projects as appropriate e.g. Third Comprehensive Transport Study;

(ii) description of the topographical and man-made features which may affect the dispersion characteristics of air pollutants within the study area;

(iii) identification of representative air sensitive receivers and/or potential affected uses;

(iv) identification of emission characteristics and provision of an emission inventory of the existing, committed and planned air pollution sources;

(v) description of assessment method (whether analytical, numerical or physical) and associated assumptions, validity of the method and limits of application;

(vi) analysis of operational activities, its related air quality impact and characterisation;

(vii) assessment and evaluation of the net and cumulative air quality impacts;

(viii) presentation of the assessment results in the form of summary table and pollution contours, whenever practicable, for comparison with relevant air quality standards and the examination of the land use implications of these impacts;

(ix) proposals of effective mitigation measures to reduce the cumulative air pollution impacts to established standards;

(x) the air quality implications of any proposed noise mitigation measures should be assessed. If noise mitigation measures such as noise canopy, which will affect dispersion of air pollutants are proposed to mitigate noise impact due to traffic flow, then the Applicant should also assess the implications of such mitigation measures on air quality impact. If noise canopy in the form of total enclosure is proposed, then both "tunnel" portal emissions and air quality inside the "tunnel" should also be addressed ;

(xi) the report that is submitted to Air Policy Group of Environmental Protection Department should include all input and output files of the model run(s) in electronic format.

3.5.2 Noise Impact

3.5.2.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing noise impact as stated in Annexes 5 and 13 of the TM, respectively.

3.5.2.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following :

(i) Determination of Assessment Area

The "Assessment Area" for the noise impact assessment shall include all areas within 300m from the boundary of the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above and all areas within 300m from proposed road works, e.g. Road P1, Road D1, Road D2, Road D4, etc., that extend beyond the limit of the Outline Concept Plan indicated in Appendix I. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment area could be reduced accordingly if the first layer of noise sensitive receivers, closer than 300m from the boundary of the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above, provides acoustic shielding to those receivers at further distance behind.

(ii) Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels

The Applicant shall provide all background information relevant to the project, e.g. relevant previous or current studies. Unless involved in the planning standards, e.g. those for planning of fixed noise sources, no existing noise levels are particularly required.

(iii) Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

(a) The Applicant shall refer to Annex 13 of the TM when identifying the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs). The NSRs shall include all existing NSRs and all planned/committed noise sensitive developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans.

(b) The Applicant shall select assessment points to represent all identified NSRs for carrying out quantitative noise assessment described below. The assessment points shall be agreed with the Director prior to the quantitative noise assessment. A map showing the location and description such as name of building, use, and floors of each and every selected assessment point shall be given. For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed site layouts, the Applicant should use the relevant planning parameters to work out 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 (e.g. construction equipment for construction noise assessment; etc. as appropriate, for operational noise assessment). For roads, the inventory shall include the road traffic data. Confirmation of the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities.

(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) To minimise the construction noise impact, alternative construction methods to replace percussive piling shall be explored and recommended as far as practicable. In case blasting cannot be avoided, it should be carried out, as far as practicable, outside the sensitive hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday to Saturday and any time on a general holiday, including Sunday. For blasting that must be carried out during the above-mentioned sensitive hours, the noise impact should be fully assessed and adequate mitigation measures should be recommended to reduce the noise impact as appropriate.

(c) If the unmitigated construction noise levels are found exceeding the relevant criteria, the Applicant shall propose practicable direct mitigation measures (including movable barriers, enclosures, quieter alternative methods, re-scheduling and restricting hours of operation of noisy task) to minimise the impact. If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.

(d) In case the applicant would like to evaluate whether construction works in restricted hours as defined under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) are feasible or not in the context of programming construction works, reference should be made to the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO. Regardless of the results of the construction noise impact assessment for restricted hours, the Noise Control Authority will process the Construction Noise Permit (CNP) application, if necessary, based on the NCO, the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO, and the contemporary conditions/situations. This aspect should be explicitly stated in the noise chapter and the conclusions and recommendations chapter in the EIA report.

(vi) Operational Noise Assessment

(a) Rail Noise

(a1) The Applicant shall assess the impacts due to the operation of the proposed East Kowloon Line railway and the associated facilities within the "Assessment Area", with respect to the acceptable levels contained in Table 1A in Annex 5 in the TM issued under the EIAO. The assessment methodology including the railway/train design noise level, shall be agreed with the Director prior to the commencement of the assessment.

(a2) In assessing the noise level, the Applicant shall take into consideration of deterioration in rail and rolling stock condition from brand new to an operating level, the worst case scenario and any other planned noise source. Quantitative assessment at the identified NSRs for different alignment of the rail shall be compared against the relevant criteria or limits.

(a3) Based on the above noise assessment result, the Applicant shall define the constraints including assumed configuration of the railway (e.g. underground, viaduct or at grade), and recommend noise mitigation measures to ensure the predicted cumulative noise level at any existing or planned NSR is within the relevant planning criteria and statutory limits in the appropriate design year.

(b) Fixed Noise Sources

(b1) The Applicant shall identify any fixed noise sources within the "Assessment Area", including any industrial noise sources, pump houses, electrical substation, bus depot/terminus, open car/lorry park, refuse transfer station, public filling barging point, fire station, ambulance depot, stadium, cruise terminal, etc., and 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 of correction of tonality, impulsiveness and intermittence in accordance with the Technical Memorandum for the Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites.

(b2) The Applicant shall present the 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.

(b3) A quantitative assessment at the NSRs for the fixed noise source(s) shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM.

(b4) The Applicant shall propose direct mitigation measures within the project limits in all situations where predicted noise level exceeds criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of TM to protect affected NSRs.

(c) Road Traffic Noise

(c1) Calculation of Noise Levels

The Applicant shall analyse 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 in the form of at-grade or elevated road undergoes major extensions or improvements irrespective of whether the extensions or improvements are attaching to or separate from the existing road which will directly result in 25% increase in lanes or substantial changes in alignment or character (e.g. change to a high speed road) of the existing road, it shall be regarded as a new road for the purpose of this noise impact assessment. This is particularly relevant to road links between the proposed SEKD developments and the existing urban areas.

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.

(c2) Presentation of Noise Levels

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

- on tables and plans of suitable scale at various representative floors levels (in m P.D.);

- on histograms showing the number of dwellings in noise sensitive development areas against the corresponding predicted noise levels of suitable scale; and

- 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 all relevant topographic elements including building, podium, terrain, etc.

Quantitative assessment at NSRs for proposed road alignment(s) shall be carried out and compared against criteria in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the TM. Potential noise impact of proposed road alignment(s) shall be quantified by estimating total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements that will be exposed to noise levels exceeding criteria in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the TM.

(c3) Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures

The Applicant shall present the predicted traffic noise levels in L10, (1hr) at the NSRs for various scenarios of noise mitigation measures including alternative land uses in the following formats:-

- on tables and plans of suitable scale at various representative floors levels (in m P.D.);

- on histograms showing the number of dwellings in noise sensitive development areas against the corresponding predicted noise levels of suitable scale; and

- 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, all relevant topographic elements including building, podium, terrain, etc., and proposed 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 all 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 should 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 should be provided.

The total number of dwellings, classrooms & other noise sensitive elements still exposed to noise above criteria with implementation of all recommended direct technical remedies shall be quantified.

In case where a number of the NSRs cannot all 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(1 hr));

(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 1.0dB(A).

(d) Helicopter Noise Impacts

(d1) The Applicant shall predict the noise impacts arising from the operation of the proposed helipad and related off site facilities with respect to the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM issued under the EIAO. The assessment methodology shall be agreed with the Director prior to commencement of the assessment.

(d2) The Applicant shall propose noise control or mitigation measures to minimise impacts to an acceptable level. An environmental monitoring and audit programme by which the cumulative noise impacts of the project can be assessed shall be provided. In addition, the Applicant shall provide an operational manual detailing operating guidelines and procedures including contingency plans to ensure that the requirements under the relevant Ordinance, policies and standards established are met and that the necessary remedial works are identified to remedy any unacceptable impacts.

(e) Marine Traffic Noise Impacts (include noise from typhoon shelter)

(e1) The Applicant shall assess marine traffic noise impacts including noise from typhoon shelter during operational phase of the proposed development. The assessment methodology and criteria shall be agreed with the Director prior to commencement of assessment.

(e2) The Applicant shall make recommendations for noise amelioration for an existing or planned NSR which would be subject to predicted noise impacts from marine traffic and typhoon shelter.

(vii) Assessment of Side Effects and Constraints

The Applicant shall identify, assess and propose means to minimize any side effects and to resolve any potential constraints due to the inclusion of any recommended direct technical remedies.

(viii) Evaluation of Constraints on Planned Noise Sensitive Developments/Landuses

For planned noise sensitive uses which will still be affected even with all practicable direct technical remedies in place, the Applicant shall propose, evaluate and confirm the practicality of additional measures within the planned noise sensitive uses and shall make recommendations on how these noise sensitive uses will be designed for the information of relevant parties.

The Applicant shall take into account agreed environmental requirements/ constraints identified by the study to assess the development potential of concerned sites which shall be made known to the relevant parties.

3.5.3 Water Quality Impact

3.5.3.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing water pollution as stated in Annexes 6 and 14 of the TM respectively.

3.5.3.2 The "Assessment Area" for the purpose of assessing inland water quality impact shall include all areas within and 300m beyond the boundary of the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above, plus the Victoria Harbour Water Control Zone (WCZ), the Eastern Buffer WCZ and the Western Buffer WCZ as declared under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.

3.5.3.3 The Applicant shall identify and analyse all physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, estuarine, fresh water of ground water system(s) arising during the construction and operation of all developments proposed within the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above. The Applicant shall address the following:

General

(i) collection and review of background information on the existing water system(s) and the respective catchment(s);

(ii) characterization of water and sediment quality based on existing information or site survey/ tests as appropriate;

(iii) identification and analysis of all existing and planned future activities and beneficial uses related to the water system(s) and identification of all water sensitive receivers including seawater intakes of Water Supply Department for flushing water supply;

(iv) identification of pertinent water quality objectives and establishment of other appropriate water quality and sediment criteria or standards for the water system(s) and all sensitive receivers;

(v) identification of any alteration of shoreline or bathymetry, change of flow regimes, change of ground water levels, change of catchment types or areas;

(vi) identification, analysis and quantification of all existing and likely future water and sediment pollution sources, including point discharges, non-point sources to surface water runoff and pollution loading in existing storm drains. Field investigation and laboratory tests shall be conducted as appropriate;

(vii) establishment and provision of an emission inventory on the quantities and characteristics of all these pollution sources;

Impact Predictions

(viii) prediction and quantification by mathematical modeling or other technique approved by the Director, of the impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers due to those alterations and changes identified in (v) and the pollution sources identified in (vi). Possible impacts include changes in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion or deposition, water and sediment quality and the effects on aquatic organisms due to such changes. The prediction shall take into account and include the construction stage, in particular the water quality in any temporary embayment created during construction and the operational stage. Cumulative impacts due to other projects, activities or pollution sources shall also be predicted and quantified. The modeling requirements are specified in Appendix III attached. The water quality in the extended and/or diverted drainage channels, nullahs and culverts within the New Development Area shall also be assessed quantitatively using mathematical modeling;

Waste Water and Non-point Sources Pollution

(ix) analysis on the adequacy of existing and planned future sewerage system to receive discharges of waste water identified in (vi) above;

(x) analysis on the provision and adequacy of existing and planned future facilities to reduce pollution arising from the non-point sources identified in (vi) above;

Dredging, Filling and Dumping

(xi) identification and quantification of all dredging, fill extraction, filling, reclamation, sediment/ mud transportation and disposal activities and requirements. Potential fill source and dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified. Field investigation, sampling and laboratory tests to characterise the sediment/ mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate. The ranges of parameters to be analysed; the number, type and methods of sampling/ sampling preservation/ laboratory tests; and the laboratory to be used shall be approved by the Director. Particular attention shall be given to the requirement of Works Bureau Technical Circular (WB TC) No. 22/92 on "Marine Disposal of Dredged Material" (or any subsequent TC issued to supersede WB TC No. 22/92 on this subject);

(xii) prediction, quantification and assessment of impacts on the physical regime, water and sediment quality of the water system(s) and sensitive receivers due to activities identified above. The prediction and quantification of impacts caused by sediment re-suspension and contaminants release shall be carried out by mathematical modeling or other techniques approved by the Director;

(xiii) identification and evaluation of the best practicable dredging and reclamation methods to minimise dredging and dumping requirements and demand for fill sources based on the criterion that existing marine mud shall be left in place and not be disturbed as far as possible;

(xiv) evaluation of the impacts due to release of the interstitial water and associated contaminants to the water column and ground water if wick drain installation is used to speed up consolidation of mud;

(xv) Prediction and quantification of cumulative impacts due to other dredging, filling or dumping activities within the Victoria Harbour WCZ and Eastern Buffer WCZ;

(xvi) Investigation of potential biogas problem arising from leaving marine mud in place, including:

- a proposal on collection and analysis of representative samples in various depths, in addition to any samples collected in previous studies and investigations, to the agreement of the Director;

- carrying out the actual sampling and testing as agreed by the Director; and

- a proposal, with justifications, on monitoring, mitigation and precautionary measures on proposed developments, if found necessary.

Mitigation

(xvii) Proposal of effective infrastructure upgrading or provision, water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction and operational stages so as to reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within acceptable levels of standards. Requirements to be incorporated in the project contract document shall also be proposed for all developments proposed within the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above. Best management practices to reduce storm water and non-point source pollution shall be investigated and proposed. Attention shall be made to the water quality control and mitigation measures recommended in the Professional Persons Environmental Consultative Committee Practice Note (ProPECC PN) No.1/94 on construction site drainage; and

(xviii) evaluation and quantification of residual impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the appropriate water and sediment quality criteria, standards and guidelines.

3.5.4 Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implications

3.5.4.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing impacts on the downstream public sewerage, sewage treatment and disposal facilities as stated in Section 6.5 in Annex 14 of the TM.

3.5.4.2 The Applicant shall study and assess the impacts of the sewage discharge from the proposed SEKD developments on the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme (SSDS) Stage I, the North & South Kowloon Sewerage Master Plan, the Development of a Master Plan for Sewage Disposal for East Kowloon and the Central & East Kowloon Sewerage Master Plan Review (to be completed in mid-2000). The assessment shall include the following:

(i) investigate and review the adequacy of the existing sewerage and treatment facilities for absorbing part or all of the sewage discharge from the proposed development within the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above;

(ii) any additional sewage flows from other planned developments outside SEKD to be connected to the Kwun Tong Preliminary Treatment Works (including the new housing development / redevelopment projects such as Cha Kwo Ling Housing Site, Site East of Eastern Harbour Crossing Phases 1 to 3, Yau Tong Estate Redevelopment Phases 1 to 5, Lei Yue Mun Estate Phases 1 & 2, Lei Yue Mun Road Estate and Ko Chiu Estate Phases 3 & 5, Yau Tong Bay Comprehensive Development, Development at Anderson Road, Development at Choi Wan Road and Jordan Valley, etc.) and the To Kwa Wan Preliminary Treatment Works (including any change in plot ratios within the catchment) shall also be assessed;

(iii) based on the above items (i) and (ii), if the existing or planned sewerage capacities cannot cope with the maximum discharges, the Applicant shall propose an optimal and cost-effective upgrading works to improve the existing or planned sewerage and sewage treatment facilities or to provide new sewerage and sewage treatment facilities to receive and transport the sewage. Computerised analysis techniques such as INFOWORKS and HYDROWORKS may be used in the preliminary design (both hard copy and electronic copy of computerised analysis to be submitted to the Director). A contingency plan should be included to allow for the possible delay in implementing the planned sewerage and sewage treatment works;

(iv) set out the design, operation and maintenance requirements for any proposed sewage treatment facilities such as pumping station(s), including electrical and mechanical components to eliminate the problem of septicity incurred in long rising main(s) during low flows and to facilitate maintenance; and

(v) impact due to sewage flows generated by existing and committed developments outside the boundary of the New Development Area but discharged through the sewerage system in the New Development Area shall be assessed.

3.5.5 Waste Management Implications

3.5.5.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing waste management implications as stated in Annexes 7 and 15 of the TM, respectively.

3.5.5.2 The assessment of waste management implications shall cover the following in the construction and operational stages of the developments proposed within the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above.

(i) Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation

The Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the construction and operational activities, based on the sequence and duration of these activities. The Applicant shall adopt the design, the general layout, the construction method and the programme that will maximise the use of public fill 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 shall be fully evaluated.

(b) Having been taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation, the types and quantities of the wastes required to be disposed of as a consequence shall be estimated and the disposal options for each type of waste described in detail. The disposal method recommended for each type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in (d) below.

(c) In view of the large scale of the proposed developments, the Applicant shall investigate the need to set up on-site construction and demolition waste handling facilities including temporary barging point and areas for sorting and stockpiling to handle the large quantities of construction and demolition waste generated from the development of this area. If such a need is confirmed, the Applicant shall propose the size, location and programme of these facilities.

(d) The impact caused by handling (including labeling, packaging & storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail. This assessment shall cover the following areas :
- potential hazard;
- air and odour emissions;
- noise;
- wastewater discharge; and
- public transport.

(iii) Proposal for new Refuse Transfer Station

The Applicant shall investigate and recommend relevant details of the proposed new Refuse Transfer Station (RTS), which shall be located along the seafront and provided with adequate marine access as shown in the Outline Concept Plan in Appendix I attached, such as the site selection, the preliminary layout, the road access and the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the RTS and any mitigation measures required. Such details shall be proposed and assessed on the basis of the waste quantities estimated to be generated from the New Development Area and the adjacent areas which deliver their domestic waste to the existing Kowloon Bay Transfer Station (KBTS) and the South East New Territories Landfill direct. The interaction between the proposed new RTS and the existing KBTS shall be fully assessed. Development programme of the RTS shall also be proposed.

3.5.6 Land Contamination Impact

3.5.6.1 The Applicant shall follow the guidelines for evaluating and assessing potential land contamination issues as stated in Sections 3.1 and 3.2 in Annex 19 of the TM.

3.5.6.2 The "Assessment Area" for land contamination impact shall include all areas within the boundary of the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above. If the environmental impacts of a certain portion in the development area have been adequately assessed in an environmental impact assessment report in the EIA Ordinance Register, the Applicant shall make reference to the EIA report in the register and confirm whether the information and findings of this EIA report are still valid.

3.5.6.3 The Applicant shall provide a clear and detailed account of the present land use (including description of the activities, chemicals and hazardous substances handled with clear indication of their storage and location by reference to a site map) and the relevant landuse history in relation to possible land contamination (including accident records, change of land use and the like).

3.5.6.4 During the execution of the EIA study, the Applicant shall submit a contamination assessment plan (CAP) to the Director for endorsement prior to conducting an actual contamination impact assessment of the land/site. The CAP shall include proposals on sampling and analysis required and shall aim at determining the nature and the extent of the contamination of the land/site.

3.5.6.5 Based on the endorsed CAP, the Applicant shall conduct a land contamination impact assessment. If land contamination is confirmed, a remedial action plan shall be prepared to formulate necessary remedial measures.

3.5.7 Hazard to Life

3.5.7.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annex 4 of the TM.

(i) It will be necessary to demonstrate that neither the Ma Tau Kok Gas Works North Plant nor its associated facilities will pose unacceptable levels of risk to the public and hazard assessments will be required for both as follows:

(a) assess the risks associated with all aspects of the construction and operation of the developments proposed within the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above;

(b) in conducting the assessment, the hazards associated with the storage and use of any other dangerous goods or hazardous activities present at the proposed developments, or in the vicinity of the proposed developments, shall also be assessed;

(c) ascertain whether the overall risks posed by the Ma Tau Kok Gas Works North Plant's activities are acceptable, taking into account the risk guidelines set out in Chapter 11(4)(4) of the Hong Kong Planning Standards & Guidelines;

(d) recommend mitigation measures, including relocation of the Gas Works outside the scope of the EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1, above where the risk is considered to be too high, and to quantify the reduction in risk achievable by these means; and

(e) identify the extent to which further developments may be accommodated within the vicinity of the Ma Tau Kok Gas Works North Plant, without compromising the risk guidelines, and highlight the extent to which the Gas Works will impose a constraint on such developments.

The Applicant must approach the Gas Standards Office of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for the detailed requirements for the hazard assessment on the Gas Works.

(ii) Other non-fuel gas dangerous goods (DGs) defined in the Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295) but not covered by the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap. 51).

This study shall confirm whether all existing non-fuel gas DG facilities within the "New Development Area", including the chlorine loading/unloading dock, the vehicular ferry pier and the Kerry DG Godown, will be relocated outside the scope of the EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above without any interim reprovisioning within the "New Development Area". Unless the study findings confirm the above positively, the Applicant shall include the following in the quantitative risk assessment for the non-fuel gas DG facilities :

(a) identification of all hazardous scenarios associated with the transport, storage, manufacture and use of dangerous goods;

(b) execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms;

(c) comparison of individual and societal risks with the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM; and

(d) identification and assessment of practicable and cost-effective risk mitigation measures.

The Applicant shall approach The Director for detailed requirements for the risk assessment for these non-fuel gas DG facilities.

3.5.8 Ecological Impact (Both Aquatic and Terrestrial)

3.5.8.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing ecological impact as stated in Annexes 8 and 16 of the TM respectively.

3.5.8.2 The "Assessment Area" for the purpose of terrestrial ecological assessment shall include all areas within 500m distance from the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above, or the area likely to be impacted by the proposed developments. The "Assessment Area" for the purpose of marine ecological assessment shall be the same as the "Assessment Area" for water quality impact assessment as defined in section 3.5.3.2 above.

3.5.8.3 In the ecological impact assessment, the Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats within the "Assessment Area". The aim shall be to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment. In particular, the proposed project shall avoid impacts on recognized sites of conservation importance and other ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impacts associated with the proposed development.

3.5.8.4 The assessment shall include the following major tasks :

(i) review the findings of relevant studies and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the "Assessment Area";

(ii) evaluate the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to the terrestrial, aquatic and marine environment;

(iii) carry out necessary field surveys, the duration of which shall be at least 3 months and agreed with the Director, and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfill the objectives of the EIA study;

(iv) establish the general ecological profile and describe the characteristics of each habitat found; major information to be provided shall include :

(a) description of the physical environment;

(b) habitat maps of suitable scale (1:1000 to 1:5000) showing the types and locations of habitats in the "Assessment Area";

(c) ecological characteristics of each habitat type such as size, vegetation type, species present, dominant species found, species diversity and abundance, community structure, inter-dependence of the habitats and species, and presence of any features of ecological importance;

(d) representative colour photographs of each habitat type and any important ecological features identified;

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

(v) investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special attention to :

(a) birds, in particular winter migrants;

(b) soft-bottom benthic habitat; and

(c) any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by the study;

(vi) describe all recognized sites of conservation importance in the proposed development site and its vicinity and assess whether these sites will be affected by the proposed developments or not;

(vii) using suitable methodology, identify and quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect, on-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts such as destruction of habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, loss of feeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity and habitat fragmentation; and in particular the following:

(a) habitat loss and disturbance to wildlife during construction stage,

(b) deterioration of environmental qualities (e.g. water quality) and the subsequent impacts to the biological communities during operation stage;

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

(ix) recommend all possible alternatives (such as modifications of layout and design) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified; such as layouts and designs to re-create the natural intertidal and subtidal shores lost due to reclamation;

(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 well-defined criteria. If off-site mitigation measures are considered necessary to mitigate the residual impacts, the guidelines and requirements laid down in the Planning Environment & Lands Bureau Technical Circular (PELB TC) No. 1/97 "Guidelines for Implementing the Policy on Off-site Ecological Mitigation Measures" (or any subsequent TC issued to replace PELB TC No. 1/97 on this subject) shall be followed; and

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

3.5.9 Fisheries Impact

3.5.9.1 Fisheries Impact Assessment shall follow the criteria and guidelines as specified in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM respectively. The "Assessment Area" for the purpose of the of the fisheries impact assessment shall include the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above, and its adjacent area of potential impact. The assessment shall review and collate existing information to provide adequate and accurate data for prediction and evaluation of impacts of the proposed developments on fisheries. The assessment shall include the following :

(i) description of the physical environmental background;

(ii) description and quantification as far as possible of the existing fisheries activities, with special attention on fish culture zones near Tung Lung Chau;

(iii) description and quantification as far as possible of the existing fisheries resources;

(iv) identification of parameters and area that are important to fisheries;

(v) identification and quantification as far as possible of any direct/ indirect and on-site/off-site impacts to fisheries;

(vi) evaluation of impacts and make proposals for any practicable alternatives or mitigation measures to prevent/minimize adverse impacts on fisheries; and

(vii) determine the need and, if necessary, make appropriate recommendation for a fisheries monitoring and audit programme.

3.5.10 Heritage Impact

3.5.10.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing impacts on cultural heritage as stated in section 2 of both Annexes 10 and 19 of the TM respectively.

3.5.10.2 The heritage impact assessment shall be conducted for identifying the known historical structures (Hong Kong Aviation Club, the stone blocks from the Kowloon Walled City buried under the Kai Tak Airport) and unknown ones within the "New Development Area" and assessing the direct and indirect impacts to them. The impacts on the nearby monuments, such as the Ma Tau Kok Large Animal Quarantine Depot, the Sung Wong Toi Inscription rock, the Fish Tail rock in Hoi Sham Park should also be evaluated.

3.5.10.3 The heritage impact assessment shall focus on the evaluation of impacts on archaeological areas, historic buildings and cultural heritage and proposals for any mitigation measures with detailed elaboration on scope of work including:

(i) heritage resources of archaeological areas and historic buildings shall be identified as far as practicable through reference to appropriate records, such as the archives of the AMO, and, where appropriate, through consultations with relevant village representatives, appropriate academic sources and other Government sources, including the Lands Department, District Offices, persons involved in the placement of stone blocks from Kowloon Walled City to form the foundation of Kai Tak Airport during its extension in World War II, etc.; and

(ii) the criteria to be adopted to assess the level of direct and indirect impacts to the heritage resources and to develop appropriate mitigation measures, shall be established in close liaison with AMO during the course of the EIA Study.

3.5.10.4 The relics in Kai Tak Airport in relation to the aviation industry should also be identified, subject to agreement by the Director. The salvage of the relics should also be conducted before the construction if necessary.

3.5.11 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.5.11.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impact as stated in section 1 of Annex 10 and in Annex 18 of the TM, respectively. The assessment shall also cover all items classified as Designated Projects under Schedule 2 of the EIAO. Both construction and operational impacts shall be assessed.

3.5.11.2 The landscape and visual impact assessment shall include the following:

(i) a baseline study to provide for a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape and visual character;

(ii) a review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

(iii) impact studies to identify the potential landscape and visual impacts and predict their magnitude and potential significance; and

(iv) recommendations on mitigation measures and implementation programme.

3.5.11.3 The landscape impact assessment shall describe, appraise and analyze the existing landscape resource and character of the Assessment Area (the "Assessment Area" for landscape impact assessment shall include all area within a 500m distance from the scope of EIA study as defined in section 3.2.1 above). It should focus particularly on the sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change. The Applicant shall identify the degree of compatibility of the proposed developments with the existing landscape. The landscape impact assessment shall compile a complete inventory of landscape setting including a tree survey report for the exisitng trees which will be affected by the development and shall quantify the potential landscape impacts as far as possible so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the proposed developments. Clear mapping of landscape impact assessment is required.

3.5.11.4 The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the proposed developments. Clear mapping of visual impact assessment is required. The visual impact assessment shall include the following:

(i) identification and plotting of visibility contours of the proposed developments within the Assessment Area (the "Assessment Area" for visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the proposed developments);

(ii) identification of key groups of sensitive receivers within the visibility contours with regard to views from both ground/sea level and elevated vantage points;

(iii) description of visual compatibility of the developments with the surrounding, and its distraction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas; and

(iv) the severity of visual impacts in terms of distance, nature and number of sensitive receivers shall be identified. The visual impacts of the developments with and without mitigation measures shall be assessed.

3.5.11.5 The Applicant shall review outline zoning plans, outline development plans, layout plans, planning briefs and studies which may contain guidelines and urban design concept, building height profile, designated view corridors, specific elements such as areas of high landscape and visual value, "Site of Special Scientific Interest" and special design areas and open space network that may affect the appreciation of the proposed developments. The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area affected and the ways the proposed developments can fit into the environment. Any conflict with the statutory town plan should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should be recommended.

3.5.11.6 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 design that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impacts shall be thoroughly examined before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified in sections 3.5.11.2 to 3.5.11.5 above, including provision of a landscape design. The mitigation measures shall also include the retention of vegetation, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen planting, revegetation of disturbed land, provision and reprovision of open space and amenity areas, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the disturbance of the existing land use. Parties should be identified for the on-going management and maintenance for the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operational phase of the proposed developments. A practical programme and funding proposal for implementation of recommended measures shall be worked out. Evaluation of the merits of preservation in totality, in parts or total destruction of existing landscape and establishment of a new landscape character. The mitigation measures proposed shall not only be concerned with damage reduction, but should also include consideration of potential enhancement of landscape quality.

3.5.11.7 Coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, annotated oblique aerial photographs, photo-retouching and computer-generated photo-montages shall be adopted to fully illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed developments. All computer graphics shall be compatible with Microstation DGN file format. The Applicant should record the technical details in preparing the illustration such as system set-up, software, data files and functions, which may need to be submitted for verification of accuracy of the illustration.

3.5.12 Requirement for the identification of projects falling under Schedule 2 (Designated Projects) of the EIAO

3.5.12.1 The Applicant shall identify clearly in the EIA report all items within the Scope of the EIA study, as defined in Section 3.2.1 above, that are classified as Designated Projects (DPs) under Schedule 2 of the EIAO.

3.5.12.2 For those DPs identified in Section 3.5.12.1 above, of which the environmental impacts have been adequately addressed in this EIA study in accordance with the Study Brief and TM requirements, a separate schedule of mitigation measures shall be provided for each DP in this EIA report in the format stipulated in Section 3.5.15.3 below.

3.5.12.3 Any DP identified in Section 3.3.12.1 above that require further detailed EIA studies to assess outstanding environmental issues shall be clearly identified and listed in an easily understandable format in the EIA report. The indicative scope of the detailed EIA studies required to adequately address the outstanding environmental issues of these DPs shall be set out in the EIA report.

3.5.13 Impacts Summary

To facilitate easy retrieval of important information, a summary of environmental impacts in the form of a table, or any other form approved by the Director, showing the assessment points, results of impact predictions, relevant standards or criteria, extents of exceedances predicted, mitigation measures proposed and residual impacts, after mitigation measures are implemented, etc., should be given at the end of every chapter on each individual impact in the EIA report as well as the Executive Summary.

3.5.14 Summary of Environmental Outcomes

The EIA report shall contain a summary of key environmental outcomes with suitable plans and tables as appropriate; 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.

3.5.15 Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements

3.5.15.1 The Applicant shall identify in the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A and/or environmental management system (EMS) activities during the construction and operation phases of the proposed developments and, if affirmative:

(i) to define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the proposed developments in the EIA study; and/or

(ii) to set out the EMS requirements for the construction and operation of the proposed developments to achieve satisfactory environmental performance.

3.5.15.2 Subject to the confirmation of EIA study findings, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM.

3.5.15.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Annex 1 or as approved by the Director) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme. To facilitate issue of Environmental Permits (EPs) in future, the implementation schedules shall be grouped under individual works packages in separate DPs where applicable.

3.5.16 Monitoring of Noise Impacts during Operation of the Proposed Developments

The applicant should note the requirement stipulated in paragraph 8.1 of the TM that an operational noise monitoring programme should be proposed to verify the traffic noise predictions or the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures.

4. DURATION OF VALIDITY

This EIA study brief is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. If the EIA study does not commence within this period, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for another EIA study brief afresh 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, unless advised otherwise by the Director;

(ii) where necessary, addendum to each copy of the EIA report and the Executive Summary submitted in (i) above, upon advice by the Director.

(iii) for the purpose of the public inspection required under section 7(1) of the EIAO, 40 copies of the EIA report in English and 80 copies of the Executive Summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese), including any addendum if required in Section 5.2 (ii) above, to be supplied to the locations stipulated in the "Guidance Note on Advertisement and Public Inspection of Documents" issued under the EIAO, unless advised otherwise by the Director;

(iv) 20 copies of the EIA report in English and 50 copies of the Executive Summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese), including any addendum if required in Section 5.2 (ii) above, to be supplied to the Secretary of Advisory Council on the Environment (ACE), upon advice by the Director for consultation with the ACE, as required under section 7(5) of the EIAO.

(v) 5 copies of the EIA report in English and 10 copies of Executive Summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese), with any addendum if required in Section 5.2 (ii) above, for deposition in the Register, if and when the EIA report is approved by the Director, as required under section 8(5) of the EIAO.

5.3 The Applicant shall make additional copies of the above documents available to the public, subject to payment by the interested parties of full costs of printing.

5.4 In addition, to facilitate the public inspection of the EIA Report via the EIAO Internet Website, the applicant shall provide electronic copies of both the EIA Report and the Executive Summary Report prepared in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or later) and in DynaDoc Format (version 3.0 or later) [for Chinese documents] and in Portable Document Format (PDF version 3.0 or later) [for English documents], unless otherwise agreed by the Director. For the HTML version, a content page capable of providing hyperlink to each section and sub-section of the EIA Report and the Executive Summary Report shall be included in the beginning of the document, and all graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format.

5.5 The electronic copies of the EIA report and the Executive Summary shall be submitted to the Director at the time of application for approval of the EIA Report.

5.6 When the EIA Report and the Executive Summary are made available for public inspection under section 7(1) of the EIA Ordinance, the content of the electronic copies of the EIA Report and the Executive Summary must be the same as the hard copies and the Director shall be provided with the most updated electronic copies.

5.7 To promote environmentally friendly and efficient dissemination of information, both hardcopies and electronic copies of future EM&A reports recommended by the EIA study shall be required and their format shall be agreed by the Director.

6. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

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

6.2 If there is any key change in the scope of the project mentioned in sections 1.3 and 1.4 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile No. PP-046/1999, 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 another EIA study brief afresh.

--- END OF EIA STUDY BRIEF ---

 


Annex 1     Appendix I     Appendix II

Appendix III

Agreement No. CE 32/99 Comprehensive Feasibility Study for the Revised Scheme of South East Kowloon Development

Water Quality Impact Assessment - Modeling Requirements

Modeling Software - General Requirements

1. The modeling software shall be fully 3-dimensional capable of accurately simulating the stratified condition and salinity transport within the model area.

2. The modeling software shall consist of hydrodynamic, water quality and particle dispersion modules. The hydrodynamic and water quality modules shall have proven and successful applications locally and overseas.

3. The hydrodynamic and water quality modules shall be strictly mass conserved at all levels.

Model details - Calibration & Validation

1. No field data collection is required for model calibration for this study. However, the models shall have been properly calibrated and validated before commencement of this study in the eastern part of Pearl River Estuary, North Western Waters, Western Harbour, Victoria Harbour, East Lamma Channel and West Lamma Channel based on the field data collected by:

2. Tidal data shall be calibrated and validated in both frequency and time domain manner.

3. For the purpose of calibration and validation, the model shall run for not less than 15 days of real sequence of tide (excluding model spin up) in both dry and wet seasons with due consideration of the time required to establish initial conditions.

4. In general the hydrodynamic models shall be calibrated to the following criteria:

Criteria Level of fitness with field data
tidal elevation (rms) < 8 %
maxi. phase error at HW and LW < 20 minutes
maxi. current speed deviation < 30 %
maximum phase error at peak speed < 20 minutes
maximum direction error at peak speed < 15 degrees
maximum salinity deviation < 2.5 ppt

Model details - Simulation

1. The water quality modeling results shall be qualitatively explainable, and any identifiable trend and variations in water quality shall be reproduced by the model. The water quality model shall simulate and take account of the interaction of dissolved oxygen, phytoplankton, organic and inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, silicate, BOD, temperature, suspended solids, air-water exchange and benthic processes. It shall also simulate salinity and E. coli. Salinity results simulated by hydrodynamic models and water quality models shall be demonstrated to be consistent.

2. The models shall at least cover the whole of Pearl River Estuary (including all major tributaries), Macau, Lamma Channel, and Mirs Bay to incorporate all major influences on hydrodynamic and water quality.

3. Model grid across the Ma Wan Channel, Kap Shui Mun, Rambler Channel and Lei Yue Mun shall be less than 75 m. In general, grid size at the area affected by the project shall be less than 400 m in open waters and less than 75 m around sensitive receivers. The grid schematisation shall be agreed with EPD. All models shall either be dynamically linked to a far field model or form part of a larger model by gradual grid refinement.

Modeling Assessment

1. Scenarios to be assessed shall cover all phases of the proposed developments being considered. Corresponding pollution load, bathymetry and coastline shall be adopted in the model set up.

2. Assess for compliance of Water Quality Objectives.

3. Hydrodynamic and water quality models shall be run for 15 days (excluding model spin up) of real sequence of tide.

4. Assess the impact on all sensitive receivers including the application of bacterial dispersion module.

5. All modeling input data and results shall be submitted in digital media to the Director.

 


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