According to Clause 3.4.10 of the Study Brief, a hazard-to-life assessment has to be conducted if there is use of explosives for the construction activities and the storage or blasting location is in close proximity to populated areas and/or Potentially Hazardous Installation (PHI) sites.
This
section gives a brief description of relevant legislation and guidelines, and potential
hazard to life in relation to the use of explosives for construction purpose.
It is concluded that quantitative hazard assessment is not required as the
development is outside the consultation zone of the nearest PHI and explosive
are not required during construction.
9.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines
The relevant legislations, standards and guidelines applicable to the present study for the assessment of hazard to life include:
· Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295);
· Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulations;
· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499.S16); and
· Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (TM-EIAO).
· ProPECC PN 2/94 Potentially Hazardous Installations
9.2.1 Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295)
The
conveyance of explosives by public roads in HKSAR is governed by the Dangerous
Goods Regulations. A removal permit is required for transport on public roads.
Also, the road vehicle carrying explosives should be of an approved type.
Storage of explosives is governed by the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations.
Under the regulation, a licence is required for storage.
9.2.2 TM-EIAO
The
requirements for hazard assessment of projects involving the storage, use or
transport of dangerous goods are specified in Section 12 and Annex 22 of the
TM-EIAO. In addition, Annex 4 of the TM-EIAO specifies the individual risk
guidelines and societal risk guidelines.
9.3 Need for Hazard Assessment
According to the Study Brief, hazard assessment is only required if there is use of explosives for the construction activities and the storage or blasting location is in close proximity to populated areas and/or PHI sites.
The boundary of the Project is in a
less-populated rural area and the nearest PHI is WSD Sheung Shui Water
Treatment Works, which is located at approximately 1.8 km east of the Project.
As LMC Loop site is outside the 1km consultation zone, there is no constraint
of the PHI on the boundary of the Project.
The
engineering study has determined that explosives would not be required during
the construction phase of LMC Loop development. It is therefore not subject to
any hazard impact from use and storage of explosives. Quantitative hazard
assessment is therefore not required.
Hazard
assessment is not required as explosive would not be required during
construction and the development is outside the consultation zone of the
nearest PHI.