15.1.1
Within
the study area of the proposed third golf course, the major environmentally
sensitive receivers are streams and marine water. For the identified sensitive streams,
buffer zones on both sides of the streams and no contact with of natural streams
are proposed to preserve the their integrity. Due to the playability and accessibility
of the some of the proposed golf holes, bridges need to be constructed over the
identified sensitive streams. The short
bridges are designed for low traffic load of golfers and golf carts. In order to protect the streams, no contact
with of the natural streams at these areas is proposed during and after the
construction of the bridges. The
whole buffer zones will be maintained throughout the construction and
operational phases of the proposed third golf course. The proposed bridge design blends into
the natural characteristics of the proposed golf course and provides an
aesthetically pleasing appearance
to eliminate visual impacts.
15.1.2
To
protect the streams and the marine water quality, a closed low flow drainage
system is proposed and golf course runoff will be eventually diverted to the
existing reservoir for irrigation purpose (except Hole 5 and part of Hole
6). For Hole 5 and part of Hole 6,
preventive mitigation measures are proposed by (i) installation of a filter
system in underground catchpits of the proposed drainage system (to remove
nutrients and pesticides) and (ii) use of environmentally friendly biopesticides
to control turf diseases and insects at Hole 5 and part of Hole 6 before runoff
enters the existing wetland (marsh).
In addition, runoff from the South Course Holes 1, 7 and 9 of the
existing golf course will be channeled back to the existing reservoir by the
proposed closed low flow drainage system.
This will reduce the pollutant load on the existing wetland during the
operational phase of the proposed third golf course because the currently runoff
from these Holes flows directly into the wetland.
15.1.3
Kau
Sai Chau is a remote island with a small number of residents and the adjacent
four Fish Culture Zones areas will be well protected by the proposed mitigation
measures.
15.2.1
The whole concept of the collection of golf course runoff
by the proposed closed low flow drainage system will facilitate water recycling,
reuse and reduction in the future operational phases of the proposed third golf
course. One of the environmental advantages of implementing this Project is
the benefit accruing to vegetation at previously inaccessible sites, thus
improving landscape and habitats.
According to the records of existing golf courses, there are virtually
no hill fires and therefore ecologically sensitive areas can be well preserved
and protected in the future.
15.2.2
The
proposed third golf course is adjacent to the existing golf courses at Kau Sai
Chau. Major elements of
infrastructure support are already available in the existing golf courses
(administration building, maintenance building, sewage treatment works and potable
water supply). These facilities will
be shared or extended to cater for additional requirements for the proposed
third golf course. Maximizing the utilisation
of the existing golf course facilities for the proposed third golf course means
that there is no need to build similar supporting facilities at other
alternative sites, thus minimizing the less environmental impact.
15.2.3
Unlike
the first two courses where Bermuda grass was being used, the proposed third
course will be turfed with Seashore
Paspalum. This grass is salt
tolerant which means less fresh water will be needed for irrigation in
future. In addition, it is more
resistant to diseases and insects. Reductions in pesticide and fertilizer applications
are expected during the operational phase of the proposed third golf course.
15.2.4
Preliminary
golf course designs included construction of a reservoir for irrigation purposes
at one of the sea inlets, but this has been ruled out after consideration of
alternative options to minimize ecological and visual impacts during
construction and operational phases of this Project. In order to provide sufficient irrigation
water to the proposed third golf course during dry periods, a desalination
plant has been incorporated into the Project. With this installation, the supply of irrigation
water can be proactively managed depending on usage, compared to a fixed volume
of an inland reservoir, thus consuming water in a more effective manner.
15.2.5
The
site is currently undeveloped, comprising scrubland and incised stream
courses. There are several areas
where the former use as an artillery firing range has removed the thin surface
vegetation and allowed rainwater to wash out soil. The proposed golf course will restore
the scarred area. The vegetation
will reduce erosion and sedimentation to adjacent waters. The habitats on the island will be
enhanced by the proposed landscape works.
15.3.1
The
key environmental problems involve the dust, water and ecology impacts during
the construction phase and water quality impact during the operational phase of
the proposed third golf course.
15.3.2
The
EIA study has critically assessed the overall acceptability of environmental
impacts which are likely to arise as a result of the construction and operation
of the proposed third golf course.
Where necessary and practicable, the EIA study report has specified the
conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation
of the Project in order to mitigate environmental impacts to an acceptable
level.
15.3.3
The
EIA study has demonstrated the acceptability of any residual impacts from the
Project and the protection of the adjacent residents, fish culture zones and
environmentally sensitive resources.
EM&A monitoring works have been recommended for implementation before
and during construction to verify the expectations of the EIA study and the
effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures.
15.4.1
With
the benefits of the recommended mitigation measures, no unacceptable residual
environmental impacts are expected.
Details of the implementation schedule of the recommended mitigation
measures are summarized in Chapter 14.