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Hong Kong Jockey Club

 

Main Arena of the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Event

 

Environmental Impact Assessment Report

 

Executive Summary

 2005 December 2005

 

 

 

 

Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd

Level 5, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tel +852 2528 3031  Fax +852 2268 3950

www.arup.com

 

 

 

Job number    24469

 


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Job title

Main Arena of the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Event

Job number

24469

Document title

Environmental Impact Assessment Report  - Executive Summary

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Sam Tsoi

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©Arup  F8.5

QA Rev 1/01  1 November 2001

 

 

 


CONTENTS

 

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                                                                                                                                                                                  Page

1.          Introduction   1

1.1        Scope of EIA Study  1

1.2        Site Selection   1

1.3        Description of Project  1

1.4        Project Timetable  2

2.          Air Quality Impact  2

2.1        Construction / Reinstatement Phase  2

2.2        Operational Phase  3

2.2.1    Vehicular Emissions  3

2.2.2    Odour Impact from Stables  3

2.3        Residual Air Quality Impact  3

3.          Noise Impact  3

3.1        Construction / Reinstatement Phase  3

3.2        Operational Phase  4

3.2.1    Fixed Noise Sources  4

3.2.2    Crowd Noise and Public Address (PA) System   4

3.3        Residual Noise Impact  4

4.          Water Quality Impact  5

4.1        Construction / Reinstatement Phase  5

4.2        Operational Phase  5

4.3        Residual Water Quality Impact  5

5.          Waste Management Implications   5

5.1        Construction / Reinstatement Phase  5

5.2        Operational Phase  6

5.3        Residual Impacts   6

6.          Landscape and Visual Impacts   6

6.1        Landscape Impacts   6

6.2        Visual Impacts   6

7.          Environmental Monitoring and Auditing Requirements   7

8.          Conclusion   7

1.  Introduction  1

1.1  Scope of EIA Study  1

1.2  Site Selection  1

1.3  Description of Project  2

1.4  Project Timetable  2

2.  Air Quality Impact  2

2.1  Construction / Reinstatement Phase  2

2.2  Operational Phase  3

2.2.1  Vehicular Emissions  3

2.2.2  Odour Impact from Stable  3

2.3  Residual Air Quality Impact  3

3.  Noise Impact  3

3.1  Construction / Reinstatement Phase  3

3.2  Operational Phase  4

3.2.1  Fixed Noise Sources  4

3.2.2  Crowd Noise and Public Address (PA) System  4

3.3  Residual Noise Impact  5

4.  Water Quality Impact  5

4.1  Construction / Reinstatement Phase  5

4.2  Operational Phase  5

4.3  Residual Water Quality Impact  5

5.  Waste Management Implications  6

5.1  Construction / Reinstatement Phase  6

5.2  Operational Phase  6

5.3  Residual Impacts  6

6.  Landscape and Visual Impacts  6

6.1  Landscape Impacts  6

6.2  Visual Impacts  6

7.  Environmental Monitoring and Auditing Requirements  7

8.  Conclusion  7

 

 

 

 

 


LIST OF FIGURES

 

Drawing No

Drawing Title

ST/R/S/HK/022

Tentative Layout Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


1.                               Introduction

1.1                           Scope of EIA Study

Ove Arup & Partners (Arup) was commissioned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Main Arena for of the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Event in accordance with the requirements of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (TM-EIAO) and the study brief (Ref No. ESB-136/2005).  The scope of the EIA study includes the impact assessments of air quality impact impact, noise impact impact, water  quality impact, waste management implications and landscape & visual impact during construction / reinstatement and operational phases.  The site selections, construction methodologies, requirements of EM&A, and environmental outcomes of the Project have also been detailed in the EIA report.

In accordance with the item O.7, Part 1, Schedule 2 of EIAO, the Main Arena for 20,000 spectators is a Designated Project (DP) under the category of “an outdoor sporting facility with a capacity to accommodate more than 10,000 persons”.  Other than the main arena, the rest of the facilities in the Project are non-Designated Element (non-DE).  Table 1-1 gives an account of the DPE and non-DE DP parts of this study for the project and Drawing No. ST/R/S/HK/022 shows the project layout plan on the site.

Table 1-1: Designated and non-designated elements of the projectDP and non-DP parts of the EIA

Designated ProjectElement

Non-Designated Projectdesignated Elements

Main Arena for 20,000 spectators

Logistic Compound, Food & Merchandise, Spectator Entry & Broadcast Compound, Stable Complex (including a veterinary), Various Training Arenas

1.2                           Site Selection

A number of alternative sites for staging the Equestrian Event have been considered during the site selection stage. The sites having been considered include:

·    A number of green field sites including the Old Kai Tak Airport

·    Kau Sai Chau Golf Course

·    Happy Valley Racecourse

·    Penfold Park and Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI)

·    Beas River Country Club in association with Hong Kong Golf Course (HKGC)

These sites were evaluated against the requirement specified by IOC, FEI and BOCOG, respectively. After a comprehensive review and detailed inspection of the sites, the following combination of sites were selected for staging the equestrian event in Hong Kong:

·    HKSI in association with Penfold Park as the Core Venue for Dressage and Show Jumping; and

·    Beas River Country Club in association with HKGC as the venue for Cross Country event.

1.3                           Description of Project

The Project Proponent proposes to construct and operate a Main Arena with the capacity to accommodate about 20,000 spectators and supporting back of house facilities for the Olympic Equestrian Events at HKSI. 

The venues will be operational for one month during the main Olympic event, with the competition expected to last from between 10 to 14 days.  14 days after the Olympic Events, the Paralympic competition will be staged, which will last for a few days.  The Paralympic Event is open to paid spectators estimated to be less than 10,000. 

The 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events would be staged on 3 sites in Hong Kong. Apart from HKSI, the existing Penfold Park and Hong Kong Golf Club would also be converted to the Event Venues.  Stables and training facilities will be provided on the Penfold Park site whereas HKGC will be converted for the Cross-country Event.

The projects at Penfold Park and HKGC were confirmed to be exempted designated projects and statutory submissions under EIAO would not be required if the proposed works on these two sites do not constitute a material change.

Since the Penfold Park site is located adjacent to the proposed Project site, cumulative impacts arising from the activities on the Penfold Park site during construction / reinstatement and operational phases were assessed.

1.4                           Project Timetable

One year before the actual Olympic Events, the site will be occupied for the Test Event, which is used by all divisions of the Olympic Organising Committee to test their organisational capabilities for the Games and Event Management to trail the equine facilities and the footing (riding surface) of the Main Arena, Stables and Training Facilities.  These mock up events are known as the ‘Test Event Mode’, and limited public access will be given. 

The implementation of the proposed Project is scheduled from February July 2006 to January 2009.  Table 1-2 gives the tentative project timetable and phasing. 

Table 1-2: Project timetable and phasing for the Project

Task

Start

Finish

Pre- Test Event Construction

July 2006

June 2007

Test Event

August 2007 (2 weeks)

 

Post Test Event Construction

September 20078

June 2008

Olympic Event

August 2008 (2 weeks)

 

Paralympic Event

September 2008

 

Reinstatement of HKSI

October 2008

January 2009

2.                               Air Quality Impact

2.1                           Construction / Reinstatement Phase

Construction activities will involve general site formation; drainage and sewerage works; utilities services, roadworks and horse walkways construction works; and construction of temporary Main Arena, training arena and stables.  Construction dust impact was assessed to be minor and could be effectively controlled by implementing the procedures and requirements specified in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation. 

Cumulative construction dust impacts caused by the concurrent projects have been assessed, based on the latest information.  The potential cumulative impacts from the modification works in Penfold Park for the Olympic Event are considered to be minor and insignificant.  With the implementation of the effective dust suppression control and good site practice, adverse cumulative construction dust impact is not anticipated.

2.2                           Operational Phase

2.2.1                       Vehicular Emissions

Operational air quality impact due to increased vehicular emissions as a result of increased traffic volume is not expected given that the 20,000 spectators will arrive at the venue by public transport, which is substantially less than the 50,000 spectators that attend the Sha Tin Racecourse on a typical racing day, noting no horse racing will take place at Sha Tin during the  compared to 50,000 spectators on a normal horse-racing day and no horseracing event will be held at Sha Tin Racecourse during the Olympic events.

2.2.2                       Odour Impact from Stables

An odour patrol survey was conducted on existing stables around Sha Tin racecourse Racecourse by specialists from the Polytechnic University.  The results of the survey concluded that odour was undetectable insignificant at a distance of approximately 100m from the existing stable boundary. Given the smaller scale of the new Stable Complex and the greater separation distance to the nearest ASR (more than 250m), it is concluded with confidence that the potential odour impact from the new Stable Complex is will be insignificant.  In addition, the full-enclosure design of the proposed stable and the installation of odour removal system, such asincluding carbon filter at the exhaust of ventilation system of the new Stable Complex will further eliminate any potential of odour impact. It is concluded that the cumulative odour impact caused by the new stables within the study area will be insignificant.

A separate Quarantine Stable area that can accommodate 70 horses is located to the northwest of the Project site.  The stable management practices for the quarantine stables (including waste management procedures) are very similar to that for the stable areas at Sha Tin Racecourse, except for the adoption of enclosed container for the stockpiling of stable waste. Given the much smaller scale of the quarantine stables relative to the existing stables at Sha Tin Racecourse, a more stringent indoor environment control, and the undetected odour level during the odour patrol, it is concluded that the cumulative odour impact within the study area is insignificant.

2.3                           Residual Air Quality Impact

With the implementation of appropriate dust mitigation measures and proper stable management practices, no residual air quality impact is anticipated during the construction / reinstatement and operation phases of the Project.

3.                               Noise Impact

3.1                           Construction / Reinstatement Phase

Potential impacts on Noise Sensitive Receivers (NSRs) during the construction phase will arise mainly from Powered Mechanical Equipment (PME) to be operated.  The construction works would include general site formation, drainage, sewage work and construction of the temporary Main Arena, training arena and the stable complex.    

Assessment results indicate that construction noise impacts at some of the NSRs would exceed the criteria under “unmitigated” scenario.  Suitable noise mitigation measures are therefore proposed in the EIA study to minimise the construction noise impact.  These include:

l            Good site practices to limit noise emissions at the source;

l            Use of quiet plant and working methods;

l            Use of site hoarding as noise barrier to screen noise at low level of NSRs;

l            Use of movable noise barriers to screen noise from relatively static PMEs; and

l            Scheduling of construction works outside school examination periods in critical area; and.

With the implementation of the above recommended mitigation measures, the predicted construction noise level will be reduced to within the noise criteria. 

Cumulative construction noise impacts caused by the concurrent projects have been assessed, based on the latest information.  The cumulative impacts due to the modification works in Penfold Park for Olympic Equestrian Event are generally not significant.  Hence, no additional mitigation measures are required under the Project.

3.2                           Operational Phase

3.2.1                       Fixed Noise Sources

Fixed noise sources during operational phase are Mechanical Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (MVAC), Air Handling Unit (AHU) and Chiller Plant.  It is anticipated that these fixed noise can be adequately controlled by the installation of acoustic silencers.  The detailed design should also incorporate the following good practice in order to minimise the operational noise nuisance on the neighbouring NSRs:

l            Louvres should be orientated away from adjacent NSRs where possible, preferably onto Sha Tin Racecourse which are less sensitive; and

l            Direct noise mitigation measures including silencers, acoustic louvers and acoustic enclosures should be allowed for in the design. 

3.2.2                       Crowd Noise and Public Address (PA) System

Significant crowd noise from the competition at the Main Arena is not anticipated due to the generally quiet nature of the equestrian events.  The assessment is based on the assumptions that the Main Arena would only be used for equestrian event (excluding activities, such as concerts, involving the use of large-scale sound amplifying system) and the equestrian competition will not start earlier than 0700hr and will not extend beyond 2300hr.  The detailed design of PA system should incorporate the following practice in order to minimize any impact the nuisance on the neighboring NSRs.

l            To use a cluster of small power loudspeakers instead of a few large power loudspeakers;

l            To use directional loudspeakers and orientate them to point towards the audience and away from the nearby noise sensitive receivers; and

l            To include a “Limiter” device in the PA system to set restrict the upper bound of the output sound level.

3.3                           Residual Noise Impact

Construction / Reinstatement noise and Operational noise arisinge from the Project can be properly mitigated by implementing the proposed mitigation measures.  Residual noise impacts are not anticipated.  In order to ensure  compliance of the operational noise impacts with the TM’s stipulated noise standard, the requirement for carrying out a noise commissioning test for all major fixed noise sources should be included in the Contract Document.

4.                               Water Quality Impact

4.1                           Construction / Reinstatement Phase

Potential water pollution sources have been identified as construction runoff, sewage from site workforce and drainage diversion.  With the implementation of the necessary and proper site controlling measures, no adverse water quality impact is anticipated. 

Construction activities would be carried out concurrently at Penfold Park for the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Event. Site control measures to be in place on the Penfold Park site to control site runoff and sewage from workforce would be virtually the same as those to be adopted for the HKSI site.

4.2                           Operational Phase

There would be no increase in runoff due to the increase in permeability as there would be no change in catchment area and the total impermeable area. The existing drainage downstream of the proposed connection will be upgraded to the current design standard to ensure a sufficient capacity to cater for the surface runoff from the site.  A low flow interceptor system is will be provided to intercept the first foul flush of the surface runoff from the proposed stables, thus improving the water quality of the effluent to Shing Mun River Channel.  The Catchment area of the low flow interceptor drainage system covers the area of the Main Stable Complex but not the temporary facilities of competition arena, holding arena, warm-up arena, etc. as they would be reinstated.  Sand traps would also be provided to prevent the siltation of the drainage system.

Temporary toilets would be provided during the operation period of the Olympic Event. Sewage from these temporary toilets will be conveyed to existing sewerage system by existing sewers on the HKSI site.  A new public sewer running along the access path of Shing Mun River Channel is proposed to convey sewage from the new stables to the existing public sewers.

With the implementation of the recommended measures, no adverse water quality impact is anticipated during the operational phase of the Project.

In addition, the turf management plan currently adopted by Penfold Park would remain unchanged during the period. No new chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides would be introduced on the site. Therefore, no cumulative water quality impact is anticipated as a result of the concurrent projects.

4.3                           Residual Water Quality Impact

With full and strict implementation of the recommended mitigation measures for drainage and sewerage system, no unacceptable residual impacts on the water quality are anticipated.

5.                               Waste Management Implications

5.1                           Construction / Reinstatement Phase

The quantity and timing for the generation of waste during the construction / reinstatement phase have been estimated.  Assessment result shows that only a limited amount of C&D waste will be generated.  The waste management implications arising from the Project is therefore considered not significant.  Measures, including the opportunity for on-site sorting and reusing excavated fill materials (stored in stockpiles) are recommended to minimise the surplus disposal off-site. 

Recommendations have been made for the Contractor’s implementation during the construction / reinstatement phase to minimise the waste generation and any off-site disposal.

5.2                           Operational Phase

The types and quantities of waste that would be generated during the operational phase have been assessed.  Assessment result shows that only a limited amount of waste would be generated from the new stables and by the spectators during the event.  With the implementation of proper waste management procedures, the waste management implications of the Project would only be of short term and insignificant.

5.3                           Residual Impacts

With the implementation of recommended mitigation measures, adverse residual impactswaste management implications are not anticipated for both the construction/reinstatement and operational phases.

6.                               Landscape and Visual Impacts

6.1                           Landscape Impacts

Impacts on landscape resources will be acceptable.  The only notable impacts will be the loss of turf lawns during the construction and operational phases.  This will be partially mitigated in future when the turf of the Athletics Arena is reinstated.  An approximate number ofApproximately 33 trees will require felling, while 53 will be transplanted.  In total 628 trees will be retained, including the three trees with diameters at breast height over 1mthree trees that are eligible for registration as Old and Valuable Trees.  To compensate for the loss of 33 trees due to felling, more than 80 new trees will be planted.  Beneficial impacts are expected by enhancing landscape areas and the renovating installing synthetic sports fields after the Paralympic Event. 

Impacts on character of landscapes will be acceptable.  The HKSI site is currently characterised by its sports facilities and landscape resources. Trees in particular will undergo a character change during the construction phase. This change will be mitigated to ensure landscape resources are preserved as far as possible. Particular attention will be given to protect trees during the construction phase. The operational phase will return the character of the site to a sports venue, though the nature of sports will change to equestrian. The site’s character will after reinstatement largely be comparable to the present.

6.2                           Visual Impacts

Visual impacts will be acceptable after mitigation. GlareSome glare impacts from the floodlights at the Main and Warm-up arenas are expected. This is due to the required upgrading of existing floodlights to enable camera recordings of the Olympic Equestrian events for broadcasting purposes. The upgrading will be to an illumainance level of 2000 lux , which is inline with which is an Olympic requirements. The impact at the HK Jockey Club Staff Quarters, which is the nearest residential VSR group to the Main Arena will be moderate. As such with the use of anti-glare baffles and visor shields will be used. These impacts will occur when lights are set up and also during the Olympic and Paralympic competitions. The floodlights will also be used in future for athletics events that will be broadcasted, howeverbe retained for future use by HKSI, with the number of lamps will be  lux level reduced to achieve an illuminance level compariblecomparable with to that of the adjacent racecourse. The duration of the impacts is therefore temporary.

Existing floodlights at the soccer pitches and the Cycle Track will not be used during the later construction and operational phases of the venue.

7.                               Environmental Monitoring and Auditing Requirements

Detailed requirements of the EM&A programme will be described in the EM&A Manual.  Measurements and activities that shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements in the EM&A Manual are summarised in the following:

·        baseline monitoring on noise, air quality & water (to be agreed by EPD);

·        impact monitoring on noise, air quality & water (to be agreed by EPD);

·        remedial actions in accordance with the Event and Action Plan within the time frame in cases where specified criteria in the EM&A Manual are exceeded;

·        logging and keeping records of the details of monitoring results;

·        preparing and submitting monthly EM&A Reports

It is recommended to implement an Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme throughout the entire construction period to regularly monitor the environmental impacts on the neighbouring sensitive receivers.  The EM&A manual will be prepared as a standalone document to specify the monitoring requirements, time frame and responsibilities for the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures identified in the EIA process.

The Operator will be required to conduct noise monitoring during the competition period.  In cases where exceedances are found, immediate actions should be taken to implement remediation measures following the procedures specified in the EM&A Manual.  The operator will also provide a manned complaint hotline so that action can be immediately taken to reduce the noise in response to complaints raised by nearby residents or relayed from other Government Department during competition.

8.                               Conclusion

An EIA Report has been prepared to satisfy the requirements given in the EIA Study Brief No.: ESB-136/2005 and the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process.  All the latest design information has been incorporated into the EIA process.  Aspects that have been considered in this EIA Report include:

l        Site Selection

l        Description of construction methodology

l        Air Quality Impact

l        Noise Impact

l        Water Quality Impact

l        Waste Management Implications

l        Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

l        Environmental Management Plan

l        Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

The EIA Report has predicted that,  the Project would be environmentally acceptable and in compliance with environmental standards and legislation with the implementation of during the construction / reinstatement phase and operation phase with due implementation of mitigation measures, environmental monitoring and audit programme.