12.1
This chapter
presents the summary of the environmental outcomes for the Project. Details are tabulated in Table 12.1.
Table 12.1 Summary of Key Environmental Outcomes / Benefits
|
Area/Issue |
Environmental Outcomes / Benefits and Mitigation
Measures |
|
The Project |
The
Project comprises the following key elements: ·
A 1.2km railway section from the tunnel portal near Oi Man Estate (Portal
1A) to the new North Ventilation Building,
Plant Rooms and Emergency Access (NOV) in Hung Hom ·
Construction of new platforms (at the
existing HUH) ·
Construction of Noise Mitigation Measures
at Portal 1A ·
Construction of North Side and South Side
Ventilation Shafts at HUH ·
Construction of Cooling Tower ·
Construction of new realigned ·
Operation of Hung Hom
Freight Pier Barging Point (constructed by Kwun
Tong Line Extension) |
|
Environmental/Social
Benefits of the Project |
·
Providing a fast, reliable and convenient mode of transport running
through the northern ·
Redistribution of railway passenger flows to relieve the congestion on
existing railway lines in urban ·
Relieving road-based public transport in the existing developed areas,
and alleviation of the traffic congestion and environmental nuisance on
existing road networks, including the demand on the Hung Hom
Cross Harbour Tunnel; ·
Stimulation of the redevelopment of Hung Hom
and Waterfront areas ·
Providing more environmentally friendly public transport in terms of
energy conservation and gas emissions |
|
Environmentally
Friendly Design Considered and Recommended to Avoid Environmental Problems |
·
The Project
alignment has been selected to minimize the extent and duration of
construction activities such that environmental impacts and disturbances to
the existing facilities, users and sensitive receivers could be minimized. ·
Locations and design of
ventilation shafts have been carefully selected to minimize the impacts on
sensitive receivers. Greening measures have been incorporated in
the design as far as applicable. ·
Majority of the Project alignment will be
constructed underground. For the
at-grade section, suitable noise mitigation measures have been studied to
minimize the potential airborne noise impact to the nearby sensitive
receivers. ·
Suitable trackform
has been proposed to minimize any potential ground-borne train noise impact
to the nearby structures. ·
Acoustic design specification for
ventilation shafts has been identified such that the fixed noise source
impact can be kept within the acceptable level. ·
Considerations have been
given in the design to avoid the potential impact on the LCSD Registered Old
and Valuable Trees. Subjected to further agreement with CEDD, spoil
generated from the Project may be transported by barges to other projects
such as Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB), Hong
Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) or Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TMCLKL)
for reuse or as a last resort to the Mainland (Taishan)
for disposal. |
|
Population and
Environmentally Sensitive Areas Protected |
With the adoption of environmentally friendly
design mentioned above, major environmental sensitive receivers would be
protected. |
|
Landscape and
Visual |
Environmental
benefits of environmental protection measures recommended: The current and
planned land uses in the vicinity of the Project have been taken into account
during the railway development. In general, the proposed Project would fit in well with the current use as
well as the urban design scheme under the Hung Hom
District Study. The potential LVIA impacts have been minimized through careful
consideration of alternatives, minimization of works areas, incorporation of aesthetic external designs and landscape
treatments of proposed structures which include Noise Mitigation Measures at
Portal 1A, Approximately 640 existing trees will be affected by the proposed
works, of which approximately 30 trees will be transplanted and 610 trees
will be felled. None of the affected trees are Registered Old and Valuable
Trees. There are no rare species or endangered species but only common
species. After implementation of mitigation measures, there would be moderate
landscape residual impact on LCA06 – Hung Hom
Transportation Corridor LCA during construction phase and slight landscape
residual impact during Day 1 and Year 10 of the operation phase. Slight residual visual impacts are anticipated on the adjacent VSRs
who can see the proposed Noise Mitigation Structures at Portal 1A, As a whole, it is considered that the residual landscape and visual
impacts of the proposed project is considered acceptable with mitigation
measures implemented during construction and operation phases. Compensation
areas included: Under the proposed scheme for the Project, compensation for felled
trees will be provided in accordance with ETWB TCW 3/2006 – Tree Preservation
in the reinstated roadside amenity areas at Chatham Road Interchange and
around Hong Kong Coliseum. Population
and environmental sensitive receivers protected: Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin areas |
|
Air Quality |
Environmental
benefits of environmental protection measures recommended: Construction Phase Those air sensitive
receivers (ASRs) located near the construction sites would be protected
through the implementation of practicable dust suppression measures,
including watering on active works areas, exposed areas and paved haul roads,
enclosing the unloading process at barging point, good site practices and
dust suppression measures specified in Air Pollution Control (Construction
Dust) Regulation. With the implementation of the recommended dust mitigation measures,
the predicted cumulative maximum hourly, daily and annual average TSP
concentrations at all ASRs would comply with the criteria stipulated in
EIAO-TM and AQO. Operation Phase As the train will
be electrically operated, air quality impact is therefore not anticipated during operational phase. Exhausts for general ventilation and smoke
extraction facilities will also be carefully positioned to avoid nuisance to
the surrounding environment. Compensation
areas included: N/A Population
and environmental sensitive receivers protected: Existing ASRs,
including residential and commercial buildings located at Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin. |
|
Airborne Noise |
Environmental
benefits of environmental protection measures recommended: Construction Phase All NSRs located near the construction sites, except Wing Fung
Building (HH2) and As the Residual construction noise impacts at All practical direct mitigation measures have been exhaustively
investigated and the construction noise criteria have
been met as far as practicable. The residual
impacts have been minimized and are only temporary, reversible and unlikely
to induce public health concern and as such, are considered to be minor and
acceptable. Operation Phase In order to minimize the rail noise impact, 150m long natural
ventilated noise enclosure are proposed at Portal 1A. With such enclosure,
the cumulative contribution from the Project, SCL (TAW–HUH) and KTE at all
NSRs are more than 10dB(A) below the noise criteria.
Adverse impact is therefore not anticipated. Provided that the
fixed plants are properly designed to meet the maximum allowable sound power
levels (SWLs) recommended in this EIA Report, no adverse operation residual
noise impact is envisaged. Compensation
areas included: N/A Population
and environmental sensitive receivers protected: Existing NSRs, including residential and educational institution
located at Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin. |
|
Ground-borne Noise |
Environmental
benefits of environmental protection measures recommended: Construction Phase Owing to the large setback distance of 90m from the nearest NSR,
adverse impact is not anticipated. Operation Phase The predicted noise contribution from the Project at all NSRs is <20dB(A), which is insignificant and down to the ambient
level. Thus, adverse impact from the Project is not anticipated. Compensation
areas included: N/A Population
and environmental sensitive receivers protected: Existing NSRs, including residential and educational institution
located at Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin. |
|
Water quality |
Environmental
benefits of environmental protection measures recommended: Construction Phase The Project is confined to land-based construction activities, and the
sources would be the potential release of sediment-laden water from surface
works areas and open cut excavation.
Minimisation of water quality deterioration could be achieved through
implementing adequate mitigation measures. No unacceptable residual impact on
water quality is anticipated. Operation Phase The main operational impacts from the Project would come from foul
water discharges (such as toilet sanitary wastewater, fire protection water discharges
and washed water) generated at the railway tunnels, stations and plant
building. With the implementation of the practices outlined
in ProPECC PN 5/93, adverse water quality impact
due to tunnel / station effluent discharges is not anticipated. Compensation
areas included: N/A Population
and environmental sensitive receivers protected: The
receiving marine water in the Victoria Harbour Water
Control Zone. |
|
Waste management
implication |
Environmental
benefits of environmental protection measures recommended: Implementation of the proposed waste control and mitigation measures
would avoid the potential water quality, dust, odour, and noise impacts
associated with handling, transportation and disposal of the identified
wastes arising from the construction phase of the Project. It is estimated that approximately 386,000m3 of inert
C&D waste would be generated from the Project, which are proposed to be
reused at other concurrent projects or local rock crushing facilities, or
would be disposed at PFRFs. About 8,000m3 of non-inert C&D
waste would be generated and disposed at landfill. The total volume of dredged/ excavated sediment generated from the
Project is estimated to be approximately 139,500 m3 in which approximately 89,800 m3
sediment is suitable for Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal, and 49,700 m3
sediment requires Type 2 – Confined Marine Disposal in accordance with ETWB
TC(W) No. 34/2002. With the implementation of the mitigation measures as described in
Section 9 of this EIA report, no adverse environment impacts would be
expected. Compensation
areas included: N/A Population
and environmental sensitive receivers protected: Water quality, air, and noise sensitive receivers in the vicinities of
Project sites, the waste transportation routes and the waste disposal site. |
|
Land contamination |
Environmental
benefits of environmental protection measures recommended: All SI works at the proposed sampling locations have been completed and no exceedances of the adopted RBRG guidelines were
identified. For conservative purposes, visual inspection should be performed
during construction for signs of soil and groundwater contamination. If
contamination is suspected, further sampling and testing, and
remediation (if contamination found) should be carried out. With implementation of such measures, the
potential of land contamination due to the construction and operation of the project is expected to
be minimal. Compensation
areas included: N/A Population
and environmental sensitive receivers protected: Onsite construction workers during the
construction phase. |
Summary of Measures Taken for
Minimization of Environmental Impacts
12.2
The various
chapters of this EIA report have presented the measures to minimize the
potential environmental impacts associated with the Project in the planning,
design, construction and operation stages. The key measures are summarized
below for easy reference and they are not exhaustive. For details, please refer
to the relevant chapters as appropriate.
Environmentally
Friendly Design Options
12.3
Various options and alternatives of the
Project design have been reviewed and considered in the course of development
and selection of the preferred scheme for the SCL, taking into account of engineering
feasibility, site constraints, programme and environmental aspects. The selected alignment is regarded as the most appropriate and balanced
scheme, which can minimize the potential environmental impacts associated with
the Project and achieve the needs of the SCL project and benefit to the public:
Project Design
·
The Project
alignment has been selected to minimize the extent and duration of construction
activities such that environmental impacts and disturbances to the existing
facilities, users and sensitive receivers could be minimized.
·
The number,
locations and design of ventilation shafts have been carefully selected to
minimize the impacts on sensitive receivers. Greening measures have been
incorporated in the design as far as applicable.
·
Majority of the
Project alignment will be constructed underground. For the at-grade section, suitable noise
mitigation measures have been proposed to minimize the potential airborne rail
noise impact to the nearby sensitive receivers.
·
Suitable trackform has been proposed to minimize any potential
ground-borne train noise impact to the nearby structures.
·
Acoustic design
specification for ventilation shafts has been identified such that the fixed
noise source impact can be kept within the acceptable level.
·
Considerations
have been given in the design to avoid the potential impact on the LCSD
Registered Old and Valuable Trees.
·
Subjected to
further agreement with the relevant project offices or facility operators,
spoil generated from the Project may be transported by barges to other projects
such as Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB), Hong
Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) or Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TMCLKL)
for reuse.
·
Provision of
ventilation shafts within the station footprints to minimize the impacts to the
public and environment.
12.4
The population and
environmentally sensitive areas are protected with adaptation of above
mentioned environmentally friendly design.
Mitigation
Measures for Environmental Impacts
12.5
Key mitigation
measures specified for various environmental aspects are summarized below.
Landscape and
Visual Impact
Construction Phase
·
Transplantation of
trees unavoidably affected by the works in accordance with ETWB TC(W) 3/2006 –
Tree Preservation as far as possible.
·
Compensatory
planting for the affected trees and shrubs in accordance with ETWB TC(W) 3/2006 – Tree Preservation.
·
Control of
night-time lighting glare to minimize the potential visual impact.
·
Erection of
decorative screen hoarding such that it will be compatible with the surrounding
setting.
·
Control of height
and disposition/ arrangement of temporary work site facilities to minimize
visual impact to adjacent VSRs.
·
Reinstatement of
temporarily disturbed hard and soft landscape areas on like-to-like basis to the
satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.
Operation Phase
·
Aesthetically
pleasing design for above ground structures so as to blend in the structures to
the adjacent landscape and visual context.
·
Incorporation of
climbers to the ventilation shafts and cooling tower to soften the proposed
structures.
·
Tree and shrub
planting to enhance the landscape and visual amenity value of the area.
·
Green planting to
screen views to the
·
Incorporation of
roof greening to
·
Implementation of
good site practice to retain any reusable landscape resources.
Air Quality
Construction Phase
·
Implementation of
mitigation measures stated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust)
Regulation to minimize dust impacts during construction phase.
·
Watering on the
active works areas, exposed areas and paved haul roads to reduce dust emission.
·
Enclosed unloading
processes at barging facilities.
Operation Phase
·
Carefully
positioned exhausts for general ventilation and smoke extraction facilities to
avoid nuisance to the surrounding environment.
Airborne Noise
Construction Phase
·
Implementation of
good site practice to minimize airborne noise impacts during construction
phase.
·
Adoption of quiet
PME and direct mitigation measures, such as movable/temporary noise barriers,
noise insulating fabric and noise enclosure, for certain PME to further reduce
the noise level.
·
Avoidance of
particularly noisy construction activities during examination period to
minimize noise impact to nearby school.
Operation Phase
·
Proposed 150m long
naturally ventilated noise enclosure with absorptive treatment to minimize the
rail noise impact.
·
Proper selection
of plant and provision of acoustic treatments to reduce the fixed plant noise
impacts.
Water Quality
Construction Phase
·
Implementation of
mitigation measures and site practices outlined in ProPECC
PN 1/94 “Construction
Site Drainage” to minimize the water quality impacts.
·
The Waste Disposal
(Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap
354) should be observed and complied with for control of chemical wastes.
·
All the sewage
generated from the workforce should be discharged into the public foul sewers.
If disposal of sewage to public sewerage system is not feasible, appropriate
numbers of portable toilets shall be provided by a licensed contractor to serve
the construction workers over the construction site.
·
Minimize soil
excavation in rainy seasons with properly planned construction programme and implementation of good site practices.
·
A cofferdam wall
should be built as necessary. to limit groundwater
inflow to the excavation works areas. Groundwater pumped out from the works
areas or from dewatering process should be discharged into the storm system via
silt removal facilities.
·
Toe grouting
should be applied beneath the toe level of the temporary/permanent cofferdam
walls as necessary to lengthen the effective flow path of groundwater from
outside and thus control the amount of water inflow to the excavation.
·
Recharge wells
should be installed as necessary outside the excavation areas. Water pumped from the excavation areas should
be recharge back into the ground.
·
Suitable water
control strategies should initially adopt as far as practicable while
undertaking the excavation works.
·
In the event of
excessive drawdown being observed within the ground water table, post-grouting
should be applied as far as practicable.
·
Implementation of
good site practice at barging point to minimize water quality impacts.
Operation Phase
·
Track drainage
channels discharge should pass through oil/grit interceptors/chambers to remove
oil, grease and sediment before discharging into public storm drainage / foul
sewerage systems.
·
The silt traps and
oil interceptors should be cleaned and maintained regularly.
·
Oily contents of
the oil interceptors should be transferred to an appropriate disposal facility,
or to be collected for reuse, if possible.
·
Connection of
domestic sewage generated from the Project should be diverted to the foul
sewer. All the discharge should comply with the
requirements stipulated in the TM-DSS.
·
For handling,
treatment and disposal of other operational stage effluent, the practices
outlined in ProPECC PN 5/93 should be adopted where
applicable.
Waste Management
Construction Phase
·
Implementation of
mitigation measures and good site practices outlined in ETWB TCW No. 19/2005 on
construction waste management.
·
Implementation of
standard good practices for sorting, storage, collection and transportation of
and C&D wastes and materials.
·
Implementation of
the measures outlined in ETWB TC(W) No. 34/2002 on
management of excavated sediments.
·
Chemical waste
should be handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with the Waste Disposal
(Chemical Waste) (General) Regulations.
Operation Phase
·
Implementation of
waste reduction measures and good site practices on various types of wastes as
discussed in Section 9.
Land Contamination
Issue
·
Although no land
contamination was identified in the site investigation (SI), for conservative
purposes, visual inspection should be performed during construction for signs
of soil and groundwater contamination. If contamination is suspected, further
sampling and testing, and remediation (if contamination found) should be
carried out.
Environmental
Monitoring and Auditing
·
In addition to the
mitigation measures as described above (see more details in the Environmental
Mitigation Implementation Schedule), a compressive environmental monitoring and
auditing programme would be implemented to cover various aspects of concern. An
independent environmental checker would also be employed to ensure that all the
necessary mitigation measures are implemented in a timely and orderly manner.
Overall
·
Mitigation
measures and good site practices to minimize the environmental impacts were
recommended throughout the impact assessments of cultural heritage, ecology,
fisheries, landscape and visual, construction dust, noise, water quality, waste
management, land contamination and hazard to life. These measures were consolidated in an
Implementation Schedule which specifies the responsibility, methodology and
timing of implementation, such that effective and appropriate implementation of
the measures can be assured.