Draft EIA Report - Volume I

A	AADT	Annual average daily traffic
	AFCD	Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
	AGR	Agriculture (designation on OZP)
	ANL	Acceptable Noise Levels
	APCO	Air Pollution Control Ordinance
	AQO	Air Quality Objectives
	ArchSD	Architectural Services Department
	ASR	Area Sensitivity Rating
	ASRs	Air Sensitive Receivers
B	BATBREF	Reference Document on Best Available Techniques [in Slaughterhouse and Animal By-products Industries, EU, May 2005
	BNL	Basic Noise Level
	BOD	Biological Oxygen Demand
	BPM	Best Practicable Means
C	CAP	Contamination Assessment Plan
	CAR	Contamination Assessment Report
	CEDD	Civil, Engineering and Development Department
	C&D	Construction & Demolition (Material)
	CIBSE	Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (UK)
	CNP	Construction Noise Permit
	COD	Chemical Oxygen Demand
	CSWWM	Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Market
	CSWPWM	Cheung Sha Wan Poultry Wholesale Market
	CRTN	Calculation of Road Traffic Noise, published by the Department of Transport, UK, 1988
	CWTC	Chemical Waste Treatment Centre
D	DA-TM	Technical Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work other than Percussive Piling
D	DAF	Dissolved Air Flotation
E	EB	Environment Bureau
	EIA	Environmental Impact Assessment
	EIAO	Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance
	EIAO-TM	Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Technical Memorandum
	EM&A	Environmental Monitoring and Audit
	EMP	Environmental Management Plan
	EN13725	European Standard Method for Dynamic Olfactometry
	EP	Environmental Permit
	EPD	Environmental Protection Department
	ER	Emission Rate (for Odour)
	ESB	EIA Study Brief
	ET	Environmental Team
	ETWB	Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (forerunner of EB)
F	FAO	Food and Agriculture Organisation (of the United Nations)
	FEHD	Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
	FHB	Food and Health Bureau
G	GB	Green Belt (designation on OZP)
	GFA	Gross Floor Area
	G/IC	Government / Institutional / Community (designation on OZP)
	GP-VS	Good Practices on Ventilation System Noise Control, EPD, 1999
	GW-TM	Technical Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work other than Percussive Piling
H	H5N1, H9N2	Types of avian influenza virus, or bird ‘fllu’
	HKPSG	Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines
	HKSAR	Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
	HOKLAS	Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme
	HTML	Hyper Text Markup Language
	HVS	High Volume Sampler
I	IEC	Independent Environmental Checker
	IFC	International Finance Corporation
	IND-TM	Technical Memorandum for the Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites
	ISCST3	Industrial Source Complex Short-Term (air pollution model) developed by USEPA
L	LandsD	Lands Department
	LCA	Landscape Character Areas
	LIA	Landscape Impact Assessment
	LR	Landscape Resources
M	mAG	Metres Above Ground
	MBR	Membrane Bio-Reactor
	MSW	Municipal Solid Waste
	mPD	Meters per Datum
N	NCO	Noise Control Ordinance
	NENT	Northeast New Territories (Landfill)
	NO₂	Nitrogen dioxide
	NO_X	Nitrogen oxides
	NSRs	Noise Sensitive Receivers
O	OWTF	Organic Waste Treatment Facility
	OS	Open Storage (designation on OZP)
	OU	Odour Unit or Other Specified Use (designation on OZP)
	OZP	Outline Zoning Plan
P	PHI	Potentially Hazardous Installation
	PlanD	Planning Department
	PME	Powered Mechanical Equipment
	PNL	Predicted Noise Level
	PolyU	Hong Kong Polytechnic University
	PPE	Personal Protective Equipment
	PP-TM	Technical Memorandum on Noise from Percussive Piling
	ProPECC	Practice Note for Professional Persons
	PSC	Poultry Slaughtering Centre (this Project)
R	RAP	Remediation Action Plan
	RCV	Refuse Collection Vehicle
	RR	Remediation Report
S	SBR	Sequencing Batch Reactor
	SIA	Sewerage Impact Assessment
	SO₂	Sulphur dioxide
	SP	Specified Process
	SPS	Sewage Pumping Station
	SS	Suspended Solids
	SSWTW	Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works
	SWHSTW	Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works
	STT	Short-term Tenancy
	SWL	Sound Power Level
T	T&C	Testing and commissioning
	TC	Technical Circular
	TD	Transport Department
	TM	Technical Memorandum
	TPO	Town Planning Ordinance
	TRA	Tree Removal Application
	TSP	Total Suspended Particulates
U	USDA	United States Department of Agriculture
U	USEPA	United States Environmental Protection Agency
V	V	Village-type Development (designation on OZP)
	VIA	Visual Impact Assessment
	VOCs	Volatile Organic Compounds
	VSRs	Visual Sensitive Receivers
W	WBTC	Works Bureau/Branch Technical Circular
	WCZ	Water Control Zone
	WHO	World Health Organisation
	WMP	Waste Management Plan
	WPCO	Water Pollution Control Ordinance
	WPCO-TM	Technical Memorandum on the Water Pollution Control Ordinance
	WQO	Water Quality Objectives
	WSRs	Water Sensitive Receivers
	WTF	On-site Wastewater Treatment Facilities

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.1.1 In order to pursue the goal of segregating live poultry and the population so as to minimise the risk of an outbreak of avian influenza, the Government of the HKSAR (the Government) has proposed to develop a Poultry Slaughtering Centre (PSC) for terrestrial poultry. A site in Sheung Shui has been identified for the development of the PSC, which will comprise two identical “stalls” that provide for reception of poultry, slaughter, packing and collection.

1.1.2 The PSC is expected to provide freshly slaughtered chickens and a smaller number of freshly slaughtered “minor” poultry, such as pigeons, chukar, guinea fowl, pheasant, etc. The PSC products will cater for market demand for slaughtered poultry, such as from the restaurant trade, fresh provisions shops, wet markets and supermarkets.

1.1.3 The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) in consultation with the Food and Health Bureau (FHB) will oversee the development of the project, whilst Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) is the works department. Hyder Consulting Limited has been engaged by ArchSD to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in accordance with EIA Study Brief (ESB) No. ESB-163/2007, which was issued by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on 15 February 2007 under Section 5(1)(a) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO).

1.1.4 The Government intends to provide the infrastructure and buildings comprising the PSC and will tender out each stall to a private Operator who will be responsible for fitting out the buildings and operating their stall. Under this arrangement, an Environmental Permit (EP) will be applied for, prior to commencement of site formation and construction, and may reference this EIA Report. The two Operators will each be required to meet the operational requirements of the EP.

1.2 Purpose of EIA Study

1.2.1 The purpose of this EIA Study is to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts likely to arise from the construction and operation stages of the Project and related activities taking place concurrently. The information provided by this EIA Study will contribute to the decision on:

§ The overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that are likely to arise as a result of the Project and the associated activities of the Project;

§ The conditions and requirements for the detailed design, demolition/ construction and operation stages of the Project to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and

§ The acceptability of residual impacts after the proposed mitigation measures.

1.3 Objectives of the EIA Study

1.3.1 The objectives of this EIA study are to:

§ Describe the Project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the Project;

§ Identify and describe elements of the community and environment likely to be affected by the Project and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the Project, including natural and man-made environment and the associated environmental constraints;

§ Give consideration to selecting alternative Project options, sites, layouts, designs and construction methods with a view to avoiding and minimizing the potential environmental impacts;

§ Provide reasons for selecting the preferred option(s) and describe the environmental considerations taken into account in the selection;

§ Identify and quantify key environmental issues/impacts and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

§ Propose mitigation measures so as to minimise pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the Project;

§ Investigate the feasibility, practicability, effectiveness and implications of the proposed mitigation measures;

§ Identify, predict and evaluate the residual environmental impacts and the cumulative effects expected to arise during construction and operation stages of the Project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

§ Identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction and operation stages of the Project which are necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels;

§ Investigate the extent of the secondary environmental impacts (if any) that may arise from the proposed mitigation measures and to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Study, as well as the provision of any necessary modification; and

§ Design and specify environmental monitoring and audit requirements to ensure the effective implementation of the recommended environmental protection and pollution control measures.

1.4 Study Approach

1.4.1 The EIA Study will address the likely key issues described below, together with any other key issues identified during the course of the EIA Study:

§ Potential air quality impact to nearby air sensitive receivers during construction and operation of the Project;

§ Potential noise impact to nearby noise sensitive receivers during construction and operation of the Project, including night-time operation and off-site traffic noise along Man Kam To Road and Jockey Club Road from Man Kam To Road to Po Shek Wu Road;

§ Potential water quality impact on nearby water sensitive receivers, including Ng Tung River during construction and operation of the Project;

§ Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implications;

§ Waste arising as a result of the construction and operation of the Project;

§ Potential land contamination from land to be resumed for the Project;

§ Potential landscape and visual impacts from construction and operation of the Project; and

§ Potential cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project, and that those impacts may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project.

1.4.2 The EIA Study covers the combined impacts of the Project as well as the cumulative impacts of existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project.

1.4.3 The EIA Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). This covers relevant project information, relevant legislation, existing environmental conditions, assessment criteria and methods, assessment findings and proposed mitigation measures.

1.5 Structure of EIA Report

1.5.1 The EIA Report is presented in two volumes. Volume I (this report) comprises:

§ Section 1: Introduction;

§ Section 2: Project Description;

§ Section 3: Air Quality Impact Assessment;

§ Section 4: Noise Impact Assessment;

§ Section 5: Water Quality Impact Assessment;

§ Section 6: Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implications;

§ Section 7: Waste Management Implications;

§ Section 8: Assessment of Potential Land Contamination

§ Section 9: Human Health Risk;

§ Section 10: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment;

§ Section 11: Environmental Outcomes;

§ Section 12: Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements; and

§ Section 13: Conclusion and Recommendations.

1.5.2 Volume II contains figures and appendices. The five appendices contain further information relating to air quality modelling; noise modelling; an excerpt from the Draft EIA for Proposed Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Market Complex; the tree survey; and the project implementation schedule. A stand-alone EM&A Manual has also been prepared, and the entire EIA is summarised in a separate, bi-lingual Executive Summary.

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 The Need for the Project

Impact of Avian Influenza Outbreaks

2.1.1 Avian Influenza (such as H5N1, H9N2, etc.) is a type of influenza A, known previously to infect poultry only. In Hong Kong in 1997, 18 human cases of H5N1 strain were documented, six of which were fatal. In the 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong, all live poultry in retail outlets and chicken farms were depopulated. After that incident, Hong Kong suffered a few more outbreaks in retail markets and chicken farms in 2001, 2002 and 2008, resulting in further culling of poultry.

2.1.2 In early 2004, there were extensive outbreaks of Avian Influenza in over 10 countries or places in Asia. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that Avian Influenza affected wide areas in the world other than Asia, including Europe and South Africa.

2.1.3 Although Human-to-Human transmission is inefficient, all influenza viruses have the ability to change genetically, and scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus could one day be able to spread easily from one person to another.

2.1.4 On 2 April 2004, the Administration briefed the Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene of the Legislative Council (the Panel) on the public consultation paper on "Prevention of Avian Influenza: consultation on long term direction to minimise the risk of human infection". Apart from enhanced surveillance and monitoring measures put in place to prevent Avian Influenza outbreaks in local farms and wholesale/retail markets, the Administration informed the Panel that, for the protection of public health, the present mode of operation of the live poultry trade would have to be modified. It was the policy to separate humans from live poultry and to minimise the contact between the public and live poultry. The Administration considered that the development of a PSC is the long-term measure to reduce the risk of human infection of H5N1.

Current Situation – the Need for the Project

2.1.5 To prevent Avian Influenza outbreaks in Hong Kong, immediate improvement measures have been put in place over the past few years. These include vaccination of local and Mainland chickens; improved biosecurity measures in farms; daily thorough cleaning and disinfection at poultry retail outlets and wholesale market; banning of backyard poultry keeping in Hong Kong and overnight poultry keeping at retail premises. These measures were backed up by an intensive public education campaign.

2.1.6 Notwithstanding, the presence of live poultry at wholesale/retail markets increases the risk of human infection. When the PSC comes into operation, the sale of live poultry at the Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market and at all retail outlets will no longer continue.

2.1.7 Avian influenza is now a global issue – according to the WHO^[Ref.[1]^] as of 2 June 2009, a total of 433 human cases and 262 deaths have been reported world-wide, many in Asia.

Absence of the Project

2.1.8 If the Project were not to go ahead then the current practice of poultry slaughtering in wet markets and other smaller facilities would continue. The public would continue to be exposed to live poultry and there is a credible public health risk to continuing this current practice.

2.1.9 With avian influenza in wet markets and a chicken farm confirmed in Hong Kong in June 2008 and December 2008, respectively, and a number of human cases and deaths reported in China earlier this year, the threat of avian influenza to Hong Kong remains high.

2.1.10 The need for the PSC is therefore urgent and forms part of Government’s efforts to prevent the resurgence of avian influenza in Hong Kong.

2.2 Consideration of Alternative Locations

2.2.1 Given the activities to be carried out within the PSC and in recognition of the human health issues related to poultry slaughtering, the site for the PSC should:

§ Be located in close proximity to local farms and the boundary with the Mainland;

§ Be distant from major residential areas;

§ Be well-ventilated;

§ Result in minimal environmental impact;

§ Be easily accessible via a well-developed transportation network;

§ Have access to basic infrastructure; and

§ Be available within the timeframe of the project.

Territory-wide Site Search in 2004

2.2.2 In consideration of the above, a number of possible areas were identified for the PSC during an initial site search in 2004. Table 2-1, below, describes the results of this site search exercise.

Area	Discussion	Compatibility with Site Requirements
Tuen Mun West	The main border crossing at Man Kam To is a considerable distance from this area and so would result in significant vehicular transport requirements within Hong Kong (causing air and noise impacts). Furthermore, there are no suitable sewage treatment plants in the area and a suitable piece of land available within the timeframe was not identified	This area failed to meet the requirements in terms of ease of transport access, existence of basic infrastructure and availability within the project timeframe. This area has been rejected.
Man Kam To – in part of the closed border area that may be opened up for future development	The possible opening up of this area is unlikely to be implemented until 2010 and planning studies to identify appropriate land use have yet to be completed. Thereafter, infrastructure (such as roads) and utilities (such as water, electricity, sewage, communications) would need to be provided, which would take another two and a half years.	This area failed to meet the requirements in terms of existence of basic infrastructure and availability of a suitable site within the project timeframe. This area has been rejected.
Lok Ma Chau	The area is currently occupied by fishponds and other habitats of high ecological value. There is little existing infrastructure (in particular for sewage treatment) and a suitable piece of land available within the timeframe was not identified	This area failed to meet the requirements in terms of existence of basic infrastructure, minimising environmental impact and availability of a suitable site. This area has been rejected.

Table 2-1 Territory-wide Site Search in 2004

Second Site Search in Sheung Shui Area

2.2.3 Following the territory-wide consultation exercise in 2004, a more detailed site search study for the proposed Plant was carried out in Sheung Shui district. This considered the concerns raised by local residents during the consultation.

2.2.4 Two alternative sites were identified, namely Site A (adjacent to Hung Kiu San Tsuen) and Site B (adjacent to Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works – SSWTW, as indicated in Figure 2-1. Table 2-2, below, describes the results of this second site search exercise.

Area	Discussion	Compatibility with Site Requirements
Site A – Adjacent to Hung Kiu San Tsuen	This open, well-ventilated site is bounded by Man Kam To Road to the southwest, Hung Kiu San Tsuen to the south and vegetated areas to the east and north. The total area is about 13,700m². Man Kam To Road provides easy access to the border. The Site is more than 900m from major residential areas but is adjacent to the small village of Hung Kiu San Tsuen to the south, comprising 16 dwellings. Rezoning of the site is needed and will take about 12 months. All major utilities are available, although a sewer to Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works (SWHSTW) would need to be constructed.	The site has met all of the requirements, although the proximity of Hung Kiu San Tsuen is a concern. Notwithstanding, this site is considered acceptable.
Site B – Adjacent to Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works	This site is about 13,000m² in area and is bounded by the Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works (SSWTW) to the southwest and small hills on all other sides. The small hills form a natural shelter separating the site from nearby dwellings. The site is rectangular and is about 1,600m from Tsung Pak Long and 950m from Sheung Shui Heung. Access to the site is by way of a 300m long x 11m wide side road leading from Man Kam To Road, but this would need upgrading. The travelling distance to Fanling Highway is about 2.7km. Because of chlorine storage, SSWTW is designated as a Potentially Hazardous Installation (PHI). Stringent protective measures and extensive works may be required to mitigate hazard to life risks and rezoning would likely take longer than 11 months because of the proximity of the PHI. All major utilities are available, although a dedicated sewer will be needed to SWHSTW.	This site failed to meet the requirements in terms of access (the existing road needs upgrading), environmental impact (the close proximity of the PHI) and availability (rezoning will likely take a long time). This site has been rejected.

Area

Discussion

Compatibility with Site Requirements

Site A – Adjacent to Hung Kiu San Tsuen

This open, well-ventilated site is bounded by Man Kam To Road to the southwest, Hung Kiu San Tsuen to the south and vegetated areas to the east and north. The total area is about 13,700m². Man Kam To Road provides easy access to the border. The Site is more than 900m from major residential areas but is adjacent to the small village of Hung Kiu San Tsuen to the south, comprising 16 dwellings. Rezoning of the site is needed and will take about 12 months. All major utilities are available, although a sewer to Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works (SWHSTW) would need to be constructed.

The site has met all of the requirements, although the proximity of Hung Kiu San Tsuen is a concern.

Notwithstanding, this site is considered acceptable.

Site B – Adjacent to Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works

This site is about 13,000m² in area and is bounded by the Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works (SSWTW) to the southwest and small hills on all other sides. The small hills form a natural shelter separating the site from nearby dwellings. The site is rectangular and is about 1,600m from Tsung Pak Long and 950m from Sheung Shui Heung. Access to the site is by way of a 300m long x 11m wide side road leading from Man Kam To Road, but this would need upgrading. The travelling distance to Fanling Highway is about 2.7km. Because of chlorine storage, SSWTW is designated as a Potentially Hazardous Installation (PHI). Stringent protective measures and extensive works may be required to mitigate hazard to life risks and rezoning would likely take longer than 11 months because of the proximity of the PHI. All major utilities are available, although a dedicated sewer will be needed to SWHSTW.

This site failed to meet the requirements in terms of access (the existing road needs upgrading), environmental impact (the close proximity of the PHI) and availability (rezoning will likely take a long time).

This site has been rejected.

Table 2-2 Sheung Shui Site Search

Conclusion

2.2.5 Areas in Tuen Mun West, Man Kam To and Lok Ma Chau were examined but were rejected on various grounds. The part played by environmental factors in the rejection of these areas included transportation distance (Tuen Mun West), availability of sewage treatment infrastructure (all areas) and ecological impact (Lok Ma Chau), and is summarised in Table 2-3.

2.2.6 Two sites, Site A and Site B, were subsequently identified in Sheung Shui. Upon closer examination, Site A was found to meet all requirements for siting the PSC, however, the close proximity of Hung Kiu San Tsuen is a concern that will need to be addressed by the design of the PSC and of mitigation measures, especially those relating to noise and odour.

2.2.7 Upon closer examination, Site B was rejected on various grounds. The part played by environmental factors in the rejection of Site B was primarily the hazard to life risk posed by the close proximity of SSWTW, which is a PHI by virtue of chlorine storage, and is summarised in Table 2-3. The preferred site, Site A, is described in more detail in the following sections.

	Potential Site / Area
Environmental Factors	Tuen Mun West	Man Kam To CBA	Lok Ma Chau	Sheung Shui Site “A”	Sheung Shui Site “B”
Air	û
Noise	û
Water/Sewage	û	û	û
Waste
Ecology			û
Landscape & Visual
Hazard					û
Other*	û	û	û		û
Overall	û	û	û	ü	û

Note: “ü” indicates acceptance and “û” indicates rejection on environmental grounds for each site / area

* See explanation in Tables 2-1 and 2-2.

Table 2-3 Summary of Environmental Factors in Site Selection

2.3 Consideration of Alternative Construction Methods and Sequences of Works

Alternative Construction Methods

2.3.1 The method by which the PSC will be constructed has not been examined in detail, since the detailed design and construction of the PSC will be carried out under separate arrangement at a later stage.

2.3.2 However, for the purpose of this EIA, it is reasonable to assume that conventional construction methods and plant will be used for the construction works. Construction involves standard site formation/earthworks; utilities laying and connections; building foundations; asphalt laying; and superstructure construction.

2.3.3 These standard construction methods, including excavation by backhoe, piling and/or laying of foundation slabs, reinforced concrete frame building using formwork, external cladding, etc. are all well established in Hong Kong.

2.3.4 With the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures and good site management practices, as described in Sections 3.7, 4.8 and 5.7, the proposed standard construction methods will not cause adverse environmental impacts. For this reason, it is unlikely that alternative construction methods will achieve any significant reduction in environmental impacts.

2.3.5 Notwithstanding, the following alternative construction methods have been considered:

§ Off-site Fabrication can reduce on-site environmental impacts (dust, noise, waste generation, etc.) by pre-fabricating repetitive elements of the building – it is often used in the construction of tower blocks. Considering the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of off-site fabrication, and the lack of significant repetition within the simple design of the PSC, it is unlikely that off-site fabrication will offer any environmental advantage and so is not recommended for further consideration.

§ Piling is unlikely, given the current design direction of the PSC. However, if piling is required, then percussive piles and socketted H-piles can be considered. Percussive piles would cause substantial noise and vibration impacts, particularly at the adjacent Hung Kiu San Tsuen, whereas the noise and vibration impacts from the use of socketted H-piles would be significantly lower. Considering the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of the alternative piling methods, in the unlikely event that piling is required then socketted H-piles are recommended.

§ Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment (QPME) are Powered Mechanical Equipment (e.g. backhoes, bulldozers, generators, etc.) that are relatively quiet and environmentally friendly, often meeting EU Directive 2000/14/EC or other equivalent standards. Although for reasons of worst case assessment the EIA has not assumed QPME will be used, it is recommended that the Works Contractor should support EPD’s QPME initiative and use QPME for this Project, particularly given the proximity of Hung Kiu San Tsuen.

Sequence of Works

2.3.6 The following alternative sequences of construction were considered.

§ Concurrent Construction involves various construction activities occurring at the same time. The environmental benefit of this construction sequence would be the reduction of the construction period and hence the duration of impact due to the construction. However, the magnitude of the overall environmental impact could be significant.

§ Phased Construction involves construction activities being carried out sequentially, one followed by another. This construction sequence would help reduce the magnitude of the overall impacts, but the construction period would be longer.

2.3.7 As the two approaches have their environmental benefits and disbenefits, a balanced approach involving both concurrent and phased construction in different stages of construction is recommended. This will enable the short timeframe for construction to be met (see Section 2.7), yet will also minimise the impact at sensitive receivers, such as Hung Kiu San Tsuen.

2.3.8 It will be the responsibility of the future Designer / Works Contractor to sequence the construction works appropriately to meet the target completion date, while also minimising the duration and magnitude of environmental impacts.

2.4 Preferred Scenario – Project Description

Location – Planning Context

2.4.1 The location of this site is shown in Figure 2-2. The site is bounded by Man Kam To Road to the southwest, Hung Kiu San Tsuen to the south and vegetated areas to the east and north. The total area is about 12,791m².

2.4.2 The site comprises three small areas i.e. two former Short-term Tenancies (STTs) and a site zoned for a Petrol Fuel Station. STT 1118, a fee-paying public vehicle park, has expired, while STT 1363 for car-repairing and open-storage, was terminated on 27 February 2009. Basic infrastructure, such as water and electricity supply is readily available.

2.4.3 The Site is Government land, which currently falls partly in an area zoned “Open Storage” and partly in an area zoned “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Petrol Filling Station” on the Fu Tei Au and Sha Ling Outline Zoning Plan No. S/NE-FTA/10 (hereafter called the “OZP”).

2.4.4 The Site is situated adjacent to Man Kam To Road, which is the main access road to/from the border area and so provides direct vehicular access to/from the border crossing, which is approximately 2km from the Site. The site is about 1,800m from Tsung Pak Long and 950m from Sheung Shui Wan Shan. The travelling distance to/from Fanling Highway is about 2.2km.

2.4.5 While the Site is more than 900m from major residential areas, to the immediate south of the site there are dwellings – the small village of Hung Kiu San Tsuen.

2.4.6 Government will initiate a re-zoning of the OZP to make it permissible for the site to be used for developing the PSC.

Location – Physical Environment

2.4.7 The surroundings of the site are mostly open carparks, open storage yards and vehicle-repair workshops.

2.4.8 The small village of Hung Kiu San Tsuen, which has 16 permitted structures and a few tens of residents, is located to the south of the Site, as shown in Photograph 2-1. The site is open to Man Kam To Road on the south, as shown in Photograph 2-2. The site itself is located within a “bowl” formed by low hills to the east, as shown in Photograph 2-3, which also shows the former use of the Site as a lorry park. An abandoned concrete batching plant lies to the north, as shown in Photograph 2-4.

Photograph 2-1 View to the South – Hung Kiu San Tsuen

Photograph 2-2 View to the West – Site Entrance and Man Kam To Road

Site History

2.4.9 Prior to its recent use as a fee-paying public vehicle park, the site was used for light industry and storage. Section 8 discusses the previous uses of the Site.

Scope of Project

2.4.10 The PSC will be a single-storey building with part of the supporting mechanical plant on the rooftop. As shown in Figure 2-3, two “stalls” (the main building) will each comprise loading/unloading areas; crate cleaning and storage areas; holding, killing, scalding, evisceration, packing and storage areas; isolation and inspection areas; changing rooms; and offices. At one end of the building will be a shared truck disinfection area. In addition to the main building, separate ancillary buildings will also be constructed, including an office, wastewater treatment facilities (WTFs), E&M plant rooms; fuel storage tanks and generators. As shown in Figure 2-4, the related supporting mechanical plant, such as boiler rooms, odour removal system and air handling units for each stall will be placed on the centre area of the rooftop.

2.4.11 As shown in Figure 2-5, which shows Section A-A from Figure 2-3, the PSC site will be formed into a series of flat platforms, rising from 13.7mPD at the boundary with Man Kam To Road to a maximum elevation of 22.1mPD. The maximum external elevation of the main building will be 10m, with an exhaust point 3m above this (i.e. at 13m). The maximum external elevation of the WTF building will be 6m, with an exhaust point 7m above this (i.e. at 13m). As shown in Figure 2-6, the main building will cover an area of approximately 5,545m² and together with the ancillary buildings, the total site coverage will be some 7,095m².

2.4.12 Under normal circumstances, the estimated daily throughput of the PSC will be about 20,000 chickens, however, to respond to market demands during festive periods (which occur only a few times annually, each lasting for not more than seven days), the daily maximum slaughtering capacity of the PSC will be increased to 30,000 chickens – this is considered to be the “worst case” scenario and will be used as the basis for assessment. Manual slaughtering of minor poultry will also take place, with a maximum slaughtering capacity of 3,000 minor poultry per day, in addition to the chickens. The PSC is anticipated to operate all year around.

Construction of the PSC Infrastructure by Government

2.4.13 The detailed design and construction of the PSC will be carried out under separate design and construction contracts. The poultry slaughtering machines will be provided by the Operators according to their needs. The anticipated construction activities will comprise:

§ Clearance of all vegetation within the Site;

§ Site formation and piling and drainage provisions;

§ Construction of the PSC main building and ancillary buildings, as detailed in Figures 2-3 and 2-4;

§ Provision of air-conditioning and ventilation system (with negative pressure maintained inside the PSC);

§ Provision of odour removal system;

§ Provision of the WTFs; and

§ Provision of fuel tanks and emergency generators.

Fit-out and Operation of the PSC by Operators

2.4.14 Upon completion of building construction, the two stalls will be ready for occupation by the Operators, who will be responsible for fit-out. While it is possible that the Operators will choose to fit a fully automated slaughtering line, it is also possible that the Operators will opt for manual slaughtering, or semi-automated slaughtering. Each will have different environmental impacts in terms of air, noise, water and waste.

2.4.15 For the purpose of assessment, therefore, this EIA has assumed the worst-case impacts in each case, whether this is from manual, semi-automated or fully automated processes. Details and justifications are provided in the relevant sections of this report.

2.5 Poultry Slaughtering

2.5.1 Daily operation of the stalls will be the responsibility of the Operators, and will be in accordance with the Operators’ own procedures. However, based on the best available information the following is anticipated (see Figure 2-7):

Reception / Holding

2.5.2 Vehicles with crates of live poultry coming from the Mainland, and with crates of live poultry from local farms will enter the PSC site through a dedicated “dirty” access route on the western side of the site. Crates will be unloaded at the unloading platform and moved into the holding area. After unloading, vehicles will pass through a disinfection area where they will be thoroughly cleaned before leaving the PSC through a dedicated “clean” route on the eastern side of the site.

2.5.3 Poultry shall not have access to any type of food for about 6 to 10 hours prior to slaughter. This will prevent the presence of food in the digestive tract when this part is removed, thus risking to soil the product. However, access to drinking water during transport and/or holding in the PSC is advisable to ensure that the chickens do not suffer unnecessarily.

2.5.4 Cages of live poultry will be stacked column by column. Each column will contain 10 layers of cages. The height of each cage is about 25cm, so each column will be around 2.5m high. The holding area will be air-conditioned and maintained at 23^OC. Wall/ceiling mounted fans will improve air circulation.

2.5.5 Swab tests and blood tests of Mainland poultry will be carried out prior to slaughter. For each batch, blood test result takes 1.5 hours and swab test results takes 4 hours, therefore slaughtering cannot start for minimum of 4 hours after delivery. Any diseased poultry that are identified will be placed in an isolation area and will be destroyed and disposed of appropriately.

Killing / Bleeding

2.5.6 Poultry will be removed from the crates in the holding area and brought into the killing room, which will be maintained at 25^OC. Empty crates will be taken to the crate cleaning area and disinfected using crate cleaning machine. Clean crates will be stored in the crate store and loaded back onto disinfected vehicles.

2.5.7 The head of the poultry is positioned downward so that the blood can flow down easily, preferably in such a way that the rest of the body is well secured. For example, the poultry can be placed head-first into an appropriately sized cone or funnel with a hole in the bottom to get access to the head to apply the bleeding cut. This would prevent the wings from flapping thus preventing blood from splashing on the wing tips afterwards. It is important to try to drain as much of the blood as possible, without causing damage to the body.

2.5.8 The best method and most humane way to kill poultry is to render the poultry unconscious prior to neck cutting. The carotid arteries and jugular veins will then be cut with a sharp knife so that blood is drained from the head quickly. Approximately two minutes of draining should be allowed to get the best possible bleeding out.

Scalding and De-feathering

2.5.9 Scalding involves passing the poultry through hot water after slaughter. This is done to prepare the epidermis (upper skin) such that the feathers come off more easily when plucked – specifically, scalding opens up the follicle in which the shaft of the feather is held.

2.5.10 The bled poultry is taken to the scalding room, which will be air-conditioned and maintained at 25^OC. It is immersed in scalding tanks (maintained at about 60^OC) for approximately one minute to loosen the feathers.

2.5.11 Plucking is started immediately after the scalding, otherwise the effect of scalding is lost as the poultry begins to stiffen. A de-feathering machine will be used to remove the feathers prior to evisceration. Typical de-feathering machines will operate at a rate of 100 birds/hour. Some manual plucking may be needed as de-feathering machines are rarely able to remove 100% of feathers. Each plucked poultry will be thoroughly washed by water jet or spray before evisceration.

Evisceration and Cleaning

2.5.12 Evisceration basically means removing everything inside the body cavity. During evisceration, the plucked poultry can be put on a table, however, this presents a risk of cross-contamination. It is therefore of the utmost importance that this table is cleaned thoroughly and preferably after each evisceration. Alternatively, suspended shackles could be used for evisceration.

2.5.13 The plucked poultry is taken to the evisceration room and laid on the table or shackled, as appropriate. The evisceration room will be air-conditioned and maintained at 23^OC.

2.5.14 The neck skin is cut and split down the back and a second cut made at the base of the neck. The oesophagus, trachea and crop are separated from the neck skin. They can be cut off or left attached and be pulled from the body with the viscera.

2.5.15 The body cavity is opened by making a cut near the vent and extending the cut around the vent. Care must be taken not to cut the intestine to avoid the carcass being soiled with faecal material. All knives must be disinfected in 82^OC hot water when used between carcasses.

2.5.16 When the abdomen is opened the viscera are removed through the opening. It is very important to remove all the viscera, including the lungs, which are attached to the back. For this, the incision in the skin around the vent should be big enough to allow the entrance of a worker’s gloved hand to remove the lungs properly – this may take some force to remove.

2.5.17 When all the contents of the cavity have been removed the carcass should be thoroughly washed using a water jet.

2.5.18 After the viscera have been inspected, the heart, liver and gizzard (stomach) are separated and saved, if required – they should be handled and washed at a separate area where the carcasses are rinsed. The ends of any parts of the vascular system that may still be attached to the heart are removed by trimming off the top to expose the chambers. The heart is washed and squeezed to force out any remaining blood. The green gall bladder is carefully trimmed away from the liver, avoiding any damage that could cause leakage of the green liquid within – this will not only spoil the way the product looks, but it also has a bitter taste.

2.5.19 Next the gizzard is split lengthwise and the contents washed away. The lining is then peeled away from the rest of the gizzard. Edible offal is further cleaned and the remains are discarded.

2.5.20 A post-mortem inspection area is located adjacent to the evisceration area to allow inspection of carcasses and viscera as needed.

Packing and Collection

2.5.21 The packing room will be air-conditioned and maintained at 15^OC. The carcass is packaged (e.g. placed in an unsealed plastic bag) and labelled. The product is stored on shelves in the cold store below 7^OC, awaiting collection. Edible viscera after thorough washing, should be packed and labelled in separate area and stored immediately under –18^OC.

2.5.22 Collection vehicles will enter and leave the PSC site through the dedicated “clean” route on the eastern side of the site. Poultry products will be loaded onto refrigerated vehicles, which will then distribute the poultry products throughout Hong Kong.

2.6 Operation Pattern

2.6.1 Two operation patterns have been prepared – one representing the normal throughput of 20,000 chickens plus 3,000 minor poultry (i.e. 23,000 poultry), and one representing the “worst case” throughput of 30,000 chickens plus 3,000 minor poultry (i.e. 33,000 poultry). Table 2-4, below, shows the operation pattern for the “worst case” throughput of 33,000 poultry – this has been prepared based on best available information, however, the actual operation pattern may vary, subject to requirements of future Operators. All assessments in this EIA are based on this “worst case” throughput, however, for comparison purposes only, Table 2-5, below, shows the operation pattern for the normal throughput of 23,000 poultry.

Worst Case Throughput of 33,000 Poultry

2.6.2 Vehicles with crates of live poultry coming from the Mainland will arrive at the PSC between 10am and 6pm to unload 15,000 chickens plus 3,000 minor poultry. An average of 1,600 poultry per vehicle has been assumed, which represents about 80% capacity of each vehicle. A total of 12 no. vehicles has been calculated to arrive between 10am and 4pm but this could be up to 14 or more, depending on the packing capacity. Notwithstanding, a maximum of three vehicles per hour will arrive during the peak hours of midday to 2pm.

2.6.3 Vehicles with crates of live poultry from local farms will arrive at the PSC between 7pm and midnight to unload 15,000 chickens. An average of 800 poultry per vehicle has been assumed, which represents about 80% capacity of each vehicle. A total of 19 no. vehicles will arrive between 7pm and midnight. A maximum of nine vehicles will arrive during the 9pm peak hour. Sufficient unloading bays will be provided for delivery vehicles and off-site queuing is not anticipated.

Time	Mainland Poultry Arrival	Local Poultry Arrival	No. Delivery Vehicles	Poultry in Holding Area	Poultry Slaughtered	Poultry in Cold Store	Poultry Collected	No. Collection Vehicles	Remarks
10:00 - 11:00	3,000		2	3,000					First batch from Mainland arrives
11:00 - 12:00	3,000		2	6,000
12:00 - 13:00	4,500		3	10,500
13:00 - 14:00	4,500		3	15,000
14:00 - 15:00	1,500		1	16,500					Swab results available from first batch
15:00 - 16:00	1,500		1	18,000					Last batch from Mainland arrives
16:00 - 17:00				18,000
17:00 - 18:00				18,000
18:00 - 19:00				18,000
19:00 - 20:00		750	1	18,750					First batch of Local Chickens arrives
20:00 - 21:00		7,200	9	23,450	2,500				Slaughtering commences
21:00 - 22:00		4,800	6	25,350	2,900	2,500
22:00 - 23:00		1,500	2	23,950	2,900	5,400
23:00 - 00:00		750	1	21,800	2,900	8,300			Last batch of Local Chickens arrives
00:00 - 01:00				18,900	2,900	11,200
01:00 - 02:00				16,000	2,900	14,100
02:00 - 03:00				13,100	2,900	17,000
03:00 - 04:00				10,200	2,900	19,900
04:00 - 05:00				7,300	2,900	18,800	4,000	2	First morning collection truck arrives
05:00 - 06:00				4,400	2,900	9,700	12,000	6
06:00 - 07:00				1,500	2,900	4,600	8,000	4
07:00 - 08:00					1,500	3,500	4,000	2	Slaughtering complete
08:00 - 09:00						1,000	4,000	2
09:00 - 10:00							1,000	1	Last morning collection truck leaves
Total	18,000	15,000	31		33,000		33,000	17
Maximum	4,500	7,200	9	25,350	2,900	19,900	12,000	6

Note: Indicates 3-hour Cleansing Period; indicates Mainland delivery vehicle arrival window; indicates local delivery vehicle arrival window

Table 2-4 Operation Pattern for “Worst Case” Throughput of 30,000 Chickens plus 3,000 Minor Poultry per Day

Time	Mainland Poultry Arrival	Local Poultry Arrival	No. Delivery Vehicles	Poultry in Holding Area	Poultry Slaughtered	Poultry in Cold Store	Poultry Collected	No. Collection Vehicles	Remarks
10:00 - 11:00	1,600		1	1,600					First batch from Mainland arrives
11:00 - 12:00	3,300		3	4,900
12:00 - 13:00	3,300		3	8,200
13:00 - 14:00	3,200		2	11,400
14:00 - 15:00	1,600		1	13,000					Last batch from Mainland arrives
15:00 - 16:00				13,000
16:00 - 17:00				13,000
17:00 - 18:00				13,000
18:00 - 19:00				13,000
19:00 - 20:00		750	1	13,750					First batch of Local Chickens arrives
20:00 - 21:00		6,250	8	20,000
21:00 - 22:00		1,500	2	21,500
22:00 - 23:00		750	1	19,350	2,900				Slaughtering commences
23:00 - 00:00		750	1	17,200	2,900	2,900			Last batch of Local Chickens arrives
00:00 - 01:00				14,300	2,900	5,800
01:00 - 02:00				11,400	2,900	8,700
02:00 - 03:00				8,500	2,900	11,600
03:00 - 04:00				5,600	2,900	14,500
04:00 - 05:00				2,700	2,900