2. KEY Findings of ENVIRONmental Impact Assessment

2.1 General

2.1.1 An EIA has been undertaken for the proposed development in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the EIAO-TM as well as that in the Project EIA Study Brief issued by the Government in order to provide a detailed assessment of the nature and extent of potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project.

2.1.2 The potential environmental issues associated with the construction and operation of the Project, key findings, conclusions and recommendations are summarised in the following sections.

2.2 Air Quality

2.2.1 During the construction phase of the Project, fugitive dust emissions from the site formation works due to earth movement activities and transportation of excavated/ fill materials are the major sources of air pollution. According to the assessment results, the predicted unmitigated dust levels due to this Project would exceed the Air Quality Objectives/ Criteria and its stipulated No. of Exceedance Allowed.

2.2.2 However, no unacceptable air quality impacts are anticipated with the following mitigation measures in place: dust control measures required under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation, e.g. imposing hard paving on the designated haul road; spraying water on areas with active site formation works during day-time; enclosing dump trucks when transporting dusty materials with impervious sheeting, etc.; good housekeeping practice by the works contractors; and the project specific measures recommended in the EIA report (e.g. minimizing the active working area so that each construction site will be divided into different sub-zones with only one sub-zone under construction in any one time, etc.). The mitigated dust level would comply with the relevant air quality objectives/ criteria. The predicted mitigated dust levels due to this Project are provided below:

	TSP (1-hr avg.)	RSP (24 hours avg.) *	RSP (Annual avg.)	PM2.5 (24 hours avg.) *	PM2.5 (Annual avg.)
Predicted Range, μg/m³	164 - 295	122 - 125	43.3 – 44.3	91 - 92	30.7 – 31.0
No. of Exceedance	n/a	3	n/a	2	n/a
Compliance with Air Quality Criteria?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Air Quality Criteria, μg/m³	500	100	50	75	35
No. of Exceedance Allowed	n/a	9	n/a	9	n/a

Remark: * The daily levels are based on the 1st highest 24-hour average concentrations at the receivers. Based on predicted results, the maximum predicted 24-hour average concentrations exceed the AQO limit, but no. of exceedances concerned is still within the AQO criteria. Thus, the dust level can comply with the relevant air quality criteria / AQOs.

2.2.3 Nevertheless, monitoring is still recommended during construction to ensure proper implementation of the mitigation measures, and to minimize the construction dust level as far as practicable.

2.2.4 During operational phase or when the residents live in these dwellings, there will be no planned dust generating activities from them. Given the scale of this Project (for small houses development), vehicular emissions due to traffic of this Project is unlikely to be significant, and the Project is unlikely contribute to any adverse air quality impact. Sewage generated by the proposed development will be discharged to the planned public sewerage system at Yau Pok Road. The interim sewage treatment plant will be enclosed and underground, and equipped with odour absorptive system, thus the Project Site itself will not contribute to any adverse air pollution or odour nuisance. There is also no air quality impact relating to industrial chimney emissions as no chimney is identified within the Assessment Area. Although the Project is adjacent to existing road network, sufficient setback distance has already been incorporated between the development and the roads, hence the impact from vehicular emission from the road is insignificant. Overall, no unacceptable air quality impact is expected to occur.

2.2.5 In brief, with the implementation of the mitigation measures as recommended in the EIA report, no adverse air quality impact due to the Project is anticipated.

2.3 Noise

Construction Phase

2.3.1 The use of Powered Mechanical Equipment for various construction activities will be the primary potential noise source during the construction phase of the Project. Without mitigation measures, the predicted unmitigated construction noise level at representative noise sensitive receivers (NSRs) would exceed the relevant construction noise criteria (i.e. 75dB(A) for residential uses; and 70dB(A) for educational institutions (65B(A) during school examination period)) at most of the NSRs. However, with the adoption of a combination of noise mitigation measures such as use of quiet type equipment, scheduling of construction programme to avoid concurrent works, and provision of movable and fixed temporary noise barriers, the predicted mitigated construction noise level would only range from 60dB(A) to 74dB(A), which comply with the relevant construction noise criteria. In addition, to ensure that the construction noise will not affect the nearby NSRs in the Fairview Park, Palm Springs and Yau Mei San Tsuen, short sections of temporary noise barriers (ranged from 3m to 6m high to shield the NSRs from potential construction noise) are proposed primarily along the Project site boundary. From the above, no adverse construction noise impact due to the Project or the nearby concurrent projects is anticipated.

Unmitigated Noise Level, dB(A)

Mitigated Noise Level, dB(A)

Noise Criteria, dB(A)

Mitigation Measures

>75

(>70 for educational institutions)

60 - 74

75dB(A) for residential uses; and 70dB(A) for educational institutions (65B(A) during school examination period)

Quiet type construction equipment; scheduling of construction programme to avoid concurrent works; and provision of movable and fixed temporary noise barriers.

2.3.2 Monitoring of the construction noise is recommended in the EIA report to ensure proper implementation of the mitigation measures, and to minimize the noise level as far as practicable.

Operational Phase

2.3.3 Regarding the traffic noise impact from the adjacent roads on future residents of the Site, the proposed development has setback from Yau Pok Road, thus the predicted road traffic noise level would range from 61dB(A) to 69dB(A) at the proposed development, which can comply with the relevant noise criteria of 70dB(A). Thus, there will be no unacceptable noise impacts from road traffic noise.

2.3.4 An evaluation conducted on potential industrial noise from activities within open storage site to the further east of the Project Site has found no adverse noise impacts on this Project and therefore no noise mitigation measure is necessary. The predicted noise level due to operation of the open storage site would be 44dB(A), which complies with the relevant noise criteria of 55dB(A) (day-time) and 45dB(A) (night-time), respectively.

	Calculated Noise Level, dB(A)	Noise Criteria, dB(A)
Road Traffic Noise	61 - 69	70
Industrial Noise	44	55 (day-time); and 45 (night-time)

2.3.5 From the above, it is concluded that with the adoption of the noise mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report, there will be no unacceptable noise impacts.

2.4 Water Quality

2.4.1 The Project will involve land-based works only, thus during construction of this Project, the major potential water quality impact will be from surface runoff and soil erosion of exposed surfaces. To alleviate the impacts, the EIA report recommends the adoption of good site practices and construction of a properly designed temporary drainage system within the site.

2.4.2 A peripheral site drainage system comprising precast concrete u-channels along site boundary together with sand/silt removal facilities and in accordance with the requirements stipulated in Professional Persons on Environmental Consultative Committee Practice Notes on the Site Drainage (ProPECC PN 1/94), will be constructed in order to divert surface runoff away from the Fairview Park Nullah and the existing drainage to the south of Palm Springs. Similar peripheral site drainage system will also be constructed along the edge of residential portion during its construction. The surface runoff will be properly treated prior to the discharge into Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Channel (NTMDC). Pursuant to the “Water Pollution Control Ordinance”, applications to the EPD for Discharge Licences are required prior to the commencement of the construction works and occupation of the development. In addition, regular environmental audits, as part of the proposed Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A), including regular water quality monitoring and site inspections will be undertaken routinely in order to ensure there is no uncontrolled discharge of surface runoff and that the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented.

2.4.3 Upon occupation of the Site, all domestic sewage generated will be discharged to the public sewerage system at Yau Pok Road. Before the concerned public sewerage system becomes available, an interim sewage treatment plant will be used for treatment of sewage generated from the proposed development. The discharge of treated effluent would comply with the relevant discharge limits/ criteria in order to ensure there will be no net increase in pollution loading to Deep Bay areas. The discharge from the STP is also subject to a discharge licence under the WPCO, and the discharge shall comply with the terms and conditions in the licence as well as the conditions specified in the Environmental Permit (EP) of this Project.

2.4.4 Surface runoff from the development site will be discharged to the NTMDC. Best Management Practices have been proposed in order to abate first flush pollution in stormwater runoff such as design measures to minimise soil erosion, proper site drainage design/control; provision of devices/ facilities to control pollution and to remove pollution source; and administrative measures for maintenance issues. Standard design of road gullies with silt traps and oil interceptors will be incorporated during the detailed design. Drainage outlet of covered car park will also be equipped with oil interceptor. In addition, manhole with sand trap will be incorporated before final discharge. With appropriate drainage system equipped within the proposed development, there will be no adverse water quality impact during the operation of the Project as the increase in surface runoff from this Project is insignificant when compared with the capacity of the trained downstream Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Channel, which are engineered drainage channels designed for collecting stormwater. The proposed wetland restoration area (WRA) in the north-western portion of the Project Site has been designed so that it will be self-contained and there is no outlet connecting to nearby channel/inland water. Surface runoff will be diverted away from the WRA by drainage channels.

	Recommended Mitigation Measures
Construction Phase	· A peripheral site drainage system comprising precast concrete u-channels along site boundary and works area; · Equipped with sand/silt removal facilities in accordance with the requirements stipulated in Professional Persons on Environmental Consultative Committee Practice Notes on the Site Drainage (ProPECC PN 1/94); · Surface runoff to be diverted away from the Fairview Park Nullah and the existing drainage channel to the south of Palm Springs; · Collected surface runoff will be properly treated prior to the discharge into Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Channel; · Regular environmental audits, as part of the proposed Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A), including regular water quality monitoring and site inspections to ensure there is no uncontrolled discharge of surface runoff and that the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented; and · Pursuant to the “Water Pollution Control Ordinance”, applications to the EPD for Discharge Licences prior to the commencement of the construction works and occupation of the development
Operational Phase	· Domestic sewage to be discharged into planned public sewers under the permanent disposal scheme; · A sewage treatment plant to treat generated sewage in interim; · Treated effluent is to comply with relevant discharge limits in the licence and the conditions in the EP, and there is no net increase in pollution loading to Deep Bay areas; · Best Management Practices have been proposed to abate first flush pollution in stormwater runoff, which covers design measures; provision of devices/ facilities to remove pollutants; and administrative measures. · Proper drainage system to collect surface runoff from the development with appropriate facilities and sand traps. Road gullies, car park and similar facilities installed with oil interceptors; · WRA is to be self-contained and surface runoff to be diverted away from WRA.

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Construction Phase

· A peripheral site drainage system comprising precast concrete u-channels along site boundary and works area;

· Equipped with sand/silt removal facilities in accordance with the requirements stipulated in Professional Persons on Environmental Consultative Committee Practice Notes on the Site Drainage (ProPECC PN 1/94);

· Surface runoff to be diverted away from the Fairview Park Nullah and the existing drainage channel to the south of Palm Springs;

· Collected surface runoff will be properly treated prior to the discharge into Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Channel;

· Regular environmental audits, as part of the proposed Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A), including regular water quality monitoring and site inspections to ensure there is no uncontrolled discharge of surface runoff and that the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented; and

· Pursuant to the “Water Pollution Control Ordinance”, applications to the EPD for Discharge Licences prior to the commencement of the construction works and occupation of the development

Operational Phase

· Domestic sewage to be discharged into planned public sewers under the permanent disposal scheme;

· A sewage treatment plant to treat generated sewage in interim;

· Treated effluent is to comply with relevant discharge limits in the licence and the conditions in the EP, and there is no net increase in pollution loading to Deep Bay areas;

· Best Management Practices have been proposed to abate first flush pollution in stormwater runoff, which covers design measures; provision of devices/ facilities to remove pollutants; and administrative measures.

· Proper drainage system to collect surface runoff from the development with appropriate facilities and sand traps. Road gullies, car park and similar facilities installed with oil interceptors;

· WRA is to be self-contained and surface runoff to be diverted away from WRA.

2.4.5 With the adoption and implementation of the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report, no adverse water quality impact is anticipated during construction or operation of the Project.

2.5 Sewerage and Sewage Treatment

2.5.1 The proposed residential development area will be located to west of the Yau Mei San Tsuen Village. There is no existing public sewerage system in the vicinity to the Development. The Project Area with maximum 345 people (resident and staff) will generate a peak flow of 12 l/s additional sewage peak flow to the future public sewerage network under PWP Nos. 4215DS and 4235DS, as permanent measure. Hydraulic analysis shows that the future public sewerage and pumping stations have sufficient spare capacity for conveying the overall sewage generated at 2030 which includes the additional sewage from the Project Area. The hydraulic analysis also revealed that YLSTW after upgrade would have adequate capacity for the overall sewage generated at year 2030.

2.5.2 Considering that the current implementation programme of the Ngau Tam Mei Sewerage under PWP 4235DSD is still very tentative and uncertain due to public objection. It is necessary to consider the provision of the on-site sewage treatment facility as an interim measure to handle the sewage generated from the development. The interim on-site sewage treatment facility with the enhanced tertiary treatment process of MBR/RO system will treat the 148m³/day sewage to achieve the Group C Inland and Costal Discharge Standard of Deep Bay WCZ. Also, it is understood there is no denitrification and effluent disinfection process at YLSTW currently; whilst nutrient and bacterial requirements are not specified under the current discharge license. The MBR/RO effluent will give better water quality than the discharge effluent at YLSTW.

2.5.3 Furthermore, it is aware that the interim treatment plant needs to fulfil the requirement of no net increase of pollution loads to the Deep Bay under the Town Planning Board (TPB) Guidelines, i.e. TPB PG-No.12C. Considering all the existing village houses and associated septic tanks within the site area will be vacated and demolished for the purpose of the proposed development, the residual pollution loads of the on-site sewage treatment plant will be reduced by offsetting the current pollution loads from the existing village houses after the completion of the proposed development. It is hence evident that the proposed development will not cause net increase of pollution load to the Deep Bay WCZ in adhere with the pollution loads requirement under the TPB guidelines. At the same time the provision of the interim onsite sewage treatment facilities will have positive impact on the pollution load to Deep Bay WCZ comparing to the existing condition and do nothing scenario.

2.5.4 Furthermore, the sewerage system within the development area will be designed to facilitate the future connection to the government sewerage system at Castle Peak Road. The proposed sewerage system for the Development will be connected to Ngau Tam Mei sewerage system once it becomes available. Adverse short-term and long-term environmental impacts in respect of water quality, ecological, public health and safety arising from both the long term and interim sewerage scheme are not anticipated. No adverse sewerage impact will be incurred as a result of the development.

Recommended Measures

Domestic Sewage

· A peak flow of 12 l/s sewage to be generated;

· Sewage to be discharged into planned public sewer under permanent disposal scheme;

· An interim sewage treatment plant (STP) comprising enhanced tertiary treatment process of MBR / RO system before planned public sewer is available;

· STP to be designed to facilitate future connection to the planned public sewer;

· Maintenance and emergency measures recommended to ensure effective operation of the STP;

· Discharge from STP will not result in net increase in pollution loading to Deep Bay by offsetting existing pollution loads;

· The discharge of treated effluent from the STP is to comply with the terms and conditions in the discharge licence under the WPCO as well as the conditions specified in the EP of this Project.

2.6 Waste Management

2.6.1 The types and categories of waste that would be generated during the construction phase of the Project include site clearance, excavated soil, construction and demolition materials, chemical waste from the maintenance of construction plant and equipment, and general refuse from the workforce. Opportunities for reduction in waste generation through recovery, reuse or recycling have been identified in the assessment. Excavated materials and C&D materials can be reused as filling materials where possible.

2.6.2 The appropriate disposal method for each type of waste generated from the construction method was identified. Opportunities for reducing construction waste generation and maximizing re-use on-site were evaluated. Environmental mitigation measures and good practices have been recommended in the EIA report in order to mitigate the environmental impacts.

Recommendations

Construction Waste

· A waste management plan to be prepared and implemented by contractor(s) through-out construction;

· Implementation of proper trip ticket system;

· Proper training on waste management to workers;

· Avoidance and minimization to reduce the potential quantity of C&D materials generated;

· Reuse of materials as practical as possible;

· Recovery and Recycling as practical as possible;

· Proper treatment and disposal in respect to relevant laws, guidelines and good practice;

· Landfill disposal as the last resort; and

· Regular environmental audit and monitoring to ensure effective implementation.

2.6.3 With the recommended practices are strictly followed, no adverse impacts to the environment associated with waste generated by the construction phase of the Project are anticipated.

2.6.4 As the Project is not a high-density development, the development even when fully occupied will generate limited amount of domestic waste. Standard approach that is widely adopted in other parts of Hong Kong shall be adopted for the handling and disposal of this small quantity of waste during the operational phase. Waste generated will be collected and disposed of properly by a licensed contractor using refuse collection vehicle. Thus, no adverse waste management issues are expected to arise during operation of the Project.

2.7 Ecology

2.7.1 Six habitats (pond, marsh, reedbed, seasonally wet grassland, dry agricultural land and grassland/shrubland) were identified within the Project Area. A 12-month ecological survey programme was conducted to assess the habitat characteristics and wildlife utilization within the Project Area and adjoining areas. All habitats of the Project Area support a low diversity of plant species, all of which are common to very common in the territory. The overall faunal diversity was also low. These habitats were evaluated as having “Low” to “Low to Moderate” ecological value. Further site visits were undertaken in December 2014 to verify the habitat condition, and it was confirmed that the conditions of these areas are unchanged. The major impact of the proposed development is the residual loss of agricultural land but the wetland habitats in the north of the project Area will be retained and enhanced. A key element of the project will be in the establishment of a 3.8ha Wetland Restoration Area (WRA), including 0.2ha of Wetland and Visual Buffer; thus there will be a net increase in the area functioned as wetland of 0.8ha (a 27% increase). Habitats to be restored/ enhanced in the WRA will include pond with deep and shallow water zones, marsh, reed, bamboo, gravel (non-vegetated area), grassy bund and wooded bund. All these habitats have been carefully chosen to provide suitable conditions for the wetland fauna (waterbirds, amphibians and dragonflies) which currently use the Project Area; hence none of these wetland fauna will be adversely affected. Indeed, during operational stage because the WRA will be carefully designed and actively managed for their needs, these species are expected to benefit from the project’s successful implementation.

2.7.2 The WRA will be completed before the construction works of the residential portion commences so as to mitigate for direct and disturbance impacts to birds during the construction phase of the Project. In addition, an area of temporary wetland enhancement is proposed prior to the construction period of the WRA to further reduce the potential impact of short-term habitat loss for wildlife caused by this mitigation measure.

Recommendations

Operational Phase

· 3.8 ha of Wetland Restoration Area to be established, including 0.2ha of Wetland and Visual Buffer;

· A net increase in area functioned as wetland ;

· WRA comprising pond with deep and shallow water zones, marsh, reed, bamboo, gravel (non-vegetated area), grassy bund and wooded bund;

· Habitats for wetland fauna (waterbirds, amphibians and dragonflies) enhanced;

· Carefully designed and actively managed under the scheme agreed with relevant government authorities.

Construction Phase

· WRA to be constructed prior to construction of residential portion to mitigate disturbance to birds;

· A temporary wetland enhancement area to be provided during the construction and establishment periods of WRA.

2.7.3 Overall, with the above mitigation measures in place, there would not be significant adverse residual ecological impact from the proposed development. Furthermore, as a net ecological gain, the project will contribute to maintaining the integrity of the wider Deep Bay wetland ecosystem by securing the permanent long term conservation management of wetland habitats which will link the ponds to the north and the Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Channel to the south. This will ensure that flight-lines for waterbirds flying between these areas will not be impeded and will be permanently protected.

Project Site – currently the developable area consists of dry agricultural fields and grassland/shrubland

Project Site – wetlands within the site are currently unmanaged, limiting their ecological function

2.8 Fisheries

2.8.1 There are no ponds for edible fish aquaculture within the Project Site. The existing ponds within Project Site will be retained and converted into wetland habitat (ponds) and managed as part of the WRA. The loss of the potential for redevelopment for editable fish culture is insignificant as comparing to the overall fish pond area (<1%). When other concurrent projects are taken into consideration, the cumulative fisheries impact remains insignificant and acceptable. Hence, no significant adverse fisheries impact is predicted. Further, with the implementation of good site practices and water quality and construction and operational sewerage and drainage measures, indirect impacts during construction and operational phases would also be insignificant. .

2.9 Cultural Heritage

2.9.1 A Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment has been carried out for the Project. The assessment area has been determined to contain no site of archaeological interest/ potential. Thus, no direct and indirect impacts to any terrestrial archaeology are anticipated. In addition, no land use features or declared monuments that may carry specific cultural meanings were identified within the Project Site, thus there is no cultural element concerned.

2.9.2 The only potential cultural resource identified is an ancestral hall at existing Wo Shang Wai village 450m north of the Project Site beyond existing major residential developments such as Palm Springs and Royal Palms. The ancestral hall is not a graded historic building and has already been modified with modern structures, which is also located beyond the Project Area. It is concluded that no cultural heritage resources will be affected by the Project and no specific mitigation measures would be required during construction and operation phases of the Project.

2.10 Landscape and Visual

2.10.1 The major source of landscape and visual impacts arising from the proposed development will be due to the removal of existing vegetation, the presence of the construction sites/new structures, and the enhancement works to be implemented to the existing pond / wetland within the WCA portion.

2.10.2 These impacts will be mitigated during construction by various measures. These will include the proper preservation of existing healthy unaffected trees, advance tree planting, the appropriate screening of construction works, and, the control of night-time lighting. The temporary noise barriers (approximately respectively 3m, 4.5m and 6m high) are proposed along the southern part of the development. The temporary noise barrier design will incorporate finishes, such as opaque and non-reflective material utilising colours that are sympathetic to the surrounding environment. The form of treatment will be sensitively selected to reduce visual impact and to avoid bird strikes (Figures 4 & 5).

2.10.3 When the development comes into operation, impacts will be mitigated by new, healthy planting throughout the development, within the landscape buffer along the boundary (Figure 3), and the restored wetland/ pond. These features (especially the wetland pond by enhancing the existing pond / wetland area) will uplift the overall landscape amenity.

2.10.4 The visual impact of the 1.8m high perimeter wall and 1.8m high wire mesh will be mitigated by very careful landscape treatment (Figure 3).

2.10.5 The assessment concluded that the residual landscape and visual impacts of the proposed development will be acceptable with mitigation measures during construction and operation phases.

Environmental Aspects	EM&A Requirement
General	Construction Phase: · Site Surveillance – once per week during construction phase by ET; · Environmental complaints investigation – upon receipt of complaints by ET and IEC; · Reporting – baseline monitoring report; monthly EM&A reports; quarterly EM&A summary reports; and final EM&A reports by ET.
Noise	Construction Phase: Monitoring noise level at nearby sensitive receivers. · Baseline Monitoring: Monitoring for 14 days prior to commissioning of construction works by ET. · Impact Monitoring: Weekly monitoring throughout the construction phase by ET. Operational Phase: Nil
Air Quality	Construction Phase: Monitoring dust level at nearby sensitive receivers. · Baseline monitoring by ET: Monitoring for 14 days prior to commissioning of construction works by ET. · Impact monitoring: Monitoring every six days and throughout the construction phase by ET. Operational Phase: Nil
Water Quality	Construction Phase: Monitoring water quality at nearby nullah and Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Channel by ET. · Baseline Monitoring: 3 days a week and for 4 weeks prior to commissioning of construction works by ET. · Impact Monitoring: 3 days a week throughout the construction phase by ET. Operational Phase: Nil
Sewerage	Construction Phase: Nil. Operational Phase: Regular sampling and testing of treated effluent in accordance with discharge licence requirements as well as conditions specified in the EP during operation of the interim sewage treatment plant.
Waste Management	Construction Phase: Monitoring on waste generation, disposal and minimisation by ET and Engineer. Auditing on contractor(s) waste management performance. Operational Phase: Nil
Landscape and Visual	Detailed Design: Monitoring design works against recommendations of landscape and visual in the EIA during detailed design stage by a Registered Landscape Architect. Construction Phase: · Baseline Monitoring: Prior to construction works. · Impact Monitoring: Monitoring and auditing on the implementation of landscape construction works and subsequent maintenance operations by a Registered Landscape Architect. Operational Phase: To be audited by a Registered Landscape Architect during the last 12 month establishment period. Managed and maintained during operation.
Ecology	Construction Phase (Monitored by qualified ecologists): · Baseline Monitoring: 12 months prior to the commencement of any site clearance for wetland and/or residential construction to establish the baseline condition of the site; this includes bird, dragonfly/butterfly and herpetofauna. · Impact Monitoring: Monitoring of the items during the baseline monitoring is required and weekly site visit. · Advance Provision of the WRA: The WRA should be constructed prior to the commencement of the residential portion. · Temporary Ecological Enhancement Area: An area at the western portion of the site is to be managed and maintained as a temporary ecological enhancement area. · Site Hoarding: To be provided at the boundary of the Project Area. · Movable noise barrier: To be provided around machinery. · Control Access: No unauthorized access to the WRA; no dogs allowed at the construction site. Operational Phase (Monitored by qualified ecologists): · Ecological Monitoring: Ongoing of ecological monitoring to evaluate the success of the WRA; · Control Access: Implementation of a 1.8 m tall dog-proof chain link fence. No unauthorized access to the WRA; no dogs allowed at the WRA.
Fisheries	Construction Phase: Nil Operational Phase: Nil

1.1.3 This Executive Summary provides a summary of the key findings of the EIA study. A non-technical summary providing a reader-friendly understanding of the key results of the environmental impact assessment that has been undertaken, is provided in Appendix A for reference.

1.2 Project Location

Fairview Park 錦繡花園 Figure 2 Conceptual Layout of the Project

2.1.2 The potential environmental issues associated with the construction and operation of the Project, key findings, conclusions and recommendations are summarised in the following sections.

TSP (1-hr avg.)

RSP (24 hours avg.) *

RSP (Annual avg.)

PM2.5 (24 hours avg.) *

PM2.5 (Annual avg.)

Predicted Range, μg/m3

164 - 295

122 - 125

43.3 – 44.3

91 - 92

30.7 – 31.0

No. of Exceedance

n/a

3

n/a

2

n/a

Compliance with Air Quality Criteria?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Air Quality Criteria, μg/m3

500

100

50

75

35

No. of Exceedance Allowed

n/a

9

n/a

9

n/a

2.2.3 Nevertheless, monitoring is still recommended during construction to ensure proper implementation of the mitigation measures, and to minimize the construction dust level as far as practicable.

2.2.5 In brief, with the implementation of the mitigation measures as recommended in the EIA report, no adverse air quality impact due to the Project is anticipated.

Unmitigated Noise Level, dB(A)

Mitigated Noise Level, dB(A)

Noise Criteria, dB(A)

Mitigation Measures

>75

(>70 for educational institutions)

60 - 74

75dB(A) for residential uses; and 70dB(A) for educational institutions (65B(A) during school examination period)

Quiet type construction equipment; scheduling of construction programme to avoid concurrent works; and provision of movable and fixed temporary noise barriers.

2.3.2 Monitoring of the construction noise is recommended in the EIA report to ensure proper implementation of the mitigation measures, and to minimize the noise level as far as practicable.

Calculated Noise Level, dB(A)

Noise Criteria, dB(A)

Road Traffic Noise

61 - 69

70

Industrial Noise

44

55 (day-time); and 45 (night-time)

2.3.5 From the above, it is concluded that with the adoption of the noise mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report, there will be no unacceptable noise impacts.

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Construction Phase

· A peripheral site drainage system comprising precast concrete u-channels along site boundary and works area;

· Equipped with sand/silt removal facilities in accordance with the requirements stipulated in Professional Persons on Environmental Consultative Committee Practice Notes on the Site Drainage (ProPECC PN 1/94);

· Surface runoff to be diverted away from the Fairview Park Nullah and the existing drainage channel to the south of Palm Springs;

· Collected surface runoff will be properly treated prior to the discharge into Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Channel;

· Pursuant to the “Water Pollution Control Ordinance”, applications to the EPD for Discharge Licences prior to the commencement of the construction works and occupation of the development

Operational Phase

· Domestic sewage to be discharged into planned public sewers under the permanent disposal scheme;

· A sewage treatment plant to treat generated sewage in interim;

· Treated effluent is to comply with relevant discharge limits in the licence and the conditions in the EP, and there is no net increase in pollution loading to Deep Bay areas;

· Best Management Practices have been proposed to abate first flush pollution in stormwater runoff, which covers design measures; provision of devices/ facilities to remove pollutants; and administrative measures.

· Proper drainage system to collect surface runoff from the development with appropriate facilities and sand traps. Road gullies, car park and similar facilities installed with oil interceptors;

· WRA is to be self-contained and surface runoff to be diverted away from WRA.

2.4.5 With the adoption and implementation of the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report, no adverse water quality impact is anticipated during construction or operation of the Project.

Recommended Measures

Domestic Sewage

· A peak flow of 12 l/s sewage to be generated;

· Sewage to be discharged into planned public sewer under permanent disposal scheme;

· An interim sewage treatment plant (STP) comprising enhanced tertiary treatment process of MBR / RO system before planned public sewer is available;

Fairview Park

錦繡花園

Figure 2

Conceptual Layout of the Project

Predicted Range, μg/m³

Air Quality Criteria, μg/m³