Contents

Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Project Background 1

1.2 The Project 2

1.3 EIA Study Brief 4

1.4 Designated Projects 5

1.5 Non-Designated Projects 9

1.6 Objectives of the EIA Study 11

1.7 Appreciation of Existing Environment 12

1.8 Environmental Benefits of the Project 13

1.9 Concurrent Projects 21

1.10 Structure of EIA Report 40

References

Tables

Figures

Figure 1.1 Location of Project

Figure 1.2 Locations of Associated Infrastructure Works

Figure 1.3 Locations of Designated Projects

Figure 1.4 Locations of Concurrent Projects

Appendices

Appendix 1.1 Checklist for EIA SB, Annexes 11 and 20 of TM-EIAO

Appendix 1.2 Dimension of River Park

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

1.1.1 The study in North Lantau including Tung Chung area started since the Port and Airport Development Strategy in 1989 for the study on the construction of replacement international airport at Chek Lap Kok. Since then, various studies had been conducted including North Lantau Development Study in 1990, Territorial Development Strategic Review in 1996 and Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho – Comprehensive Feasibility Study (CFS) in 1997. The CFS in 1997 showed that it was feasible for Tung Chung and Tai Ho areas to accommodate a population target of about 334,000 in anticipation of the projected territory-wide demand by 2011 estimated at that time. Phases 1, 2 and 3A of Tung Chung New Town were completed in 2003.

1.1.2 With the changes in planning circumstances and population target outlined in the above paragraph, this Tung Chung New Town Extension Study will focus on the remaining development of Tung Chung covering possible development areas (PDAs) at Tung Chung East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW) to meet the territorial long-term housing, social, economic and environmental needs with existing and committed developments in existing Tung Chung New Town being taken as the given constraints in general. This study is also required to review and establish the feasibility of the remaining development of Tung Chung as well as to prepare documents to meet the relevant statutory requirements.

1.1.3 A previous Project Profile (No. PP-470/2012) for the Tung Chung New Town Development Extension was submitted on 16 July 2012 and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Brief (SB) (EIA SB No. ESB-251/2012) was subsequently issued on 28 August 2012 under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO). Since then, the Project Proponent has been proactively conducting a series of public engagement exercises (including forums and workshops) to collate views and opinions from stakeholders, green groups and local communities etc. In parallel to the public engagement process, the planning and engineering designs of the Project have also been progressing and evolving to address various constraints and development needs as well as the comments collated in public engagement exercises.

1.1.4 These comments have been appropriately considered in formulating the Recommended Outline Development Plan (RODP). As such, the original PDA boundaries as presented in the previous EIA SB (EIA SB No. ESB-251/2012) are refined and a number of associated infrastructures would also be required to support the development within the RODP. The key changes include the following:

· Withdrawal of 50ha reclamation at TCW as proposed in Stage 2 Public Engagement;

· Removal of possible theme park/ major recreational uses at TCE;

· Addition of marina; and

· Addition of associated infrastructures.

1.1.5 Because of the abovementioned changes in Project elements, the Project Proponent had submitted another Project Profile (ref: PP-519/2014) for application of a new EIA SB on 17 December 2014. The Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) then issued an EIA SB (EIA SB No. ESB-283/2014) on 28 January 2015 under the EIAO.

1.1.6 During the public inspection period of the Project Profile (PP-519/2014), comments from the public were received and had been considered and incorporated as appropriate in the EIA SB (ESB-283/2014) issued on 28 January 2015. Nevertheless, the Project Proponent had also pro-actively reviewed those comments and had studied to make provisions for the possible elements which would further enhance the development plan from environmental perspective As such, a revised Project Profile for this study (ref: PP-523/2015) for application of a new EIA SB had been submitted on 18 March 2015. The DEP then issued an EIA SB (EIA SB No.: 285/2015) on 17 April 2015 under the EIAO.

1.1.7 The location of the Project as presented in the EIA SB is shown in Figure 1.1 and descriptions of the Project elements have been further elaborated and presented in Section 1.2. The additional population to be introduced to TCE and TCW is approximately 144,000.

1.2 The Project

1.2.1 As described in the latest EIA SB (EIA SB No. ESB-285/2015), the Project comprises the following elements

· 129.1 ha reclamation area (120.5 ha for TCE and 8.6 ha for the Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section));

· 124.5 ha existing land (4 ha for TCE, 0.5 ha for the Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section) and 120 ha for TCW));

· Construction of a Primary Distributor Road with total length of approximate 1.6km connecting Tung Chung to Tai Ho to support further development in Tung Chung;

· Construction of District Distributor Roads with total length of approximate 3.5km within PDAs at TCE and TCW;

· Construction of sewage pumping stations, some with individual capacity more than 2,000m³/day within PDAs at TCE and TCW;

· Upgrading the existing Chung Mun Road Sewage Pumping Station from existing capacity of 12,360m³/day to a proposed capacity of approximately 20,660m³/day;

· Land formation of a marina with about 95 berths at the PDA at TCE as part of the reclamation;

· Land formation of an outdoor sporting facility with a capacity of over 10,000 persons at the PDA at TCE as part of the reclamation;

· Land formation of a petrol filling station with an area of about 800m² at the PDA at TCE as part of the reclamation;

· Construction of two service reservoirs, including one for fresh water and the other for flushing water, with capacities of 55,000 m³ and 11,000 m³ respectively;

· Construction of about 4 km long of dual rising mains at TCE connecting a proposed sewage pumping station within the PDA at TCE to the existing Siu Ho Wan (SHW) Sewage Treatment Works (STW);

· Construction of waterfront promenade at the coastal area of proposed Town Park at the PDA at TCW;

· Revitalisation of the existing channelized section of Tung Chung Stream at the PDA at TCW and partly proposed as River Park;

· Construction of proposed River Park in the land adjacent to the immediate upstream of the channelized section of Tung Chung Stream up to Shek Mun Kap at the PDA at TCW;

· Construction of a comprehensive network of cycle track (about 12km long in total length) along the proposed distributor roads, waterfront promenade, walkways and along future Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section);

· Land formation of a possible cycle park with an area of approximately 1.4ha surrounded by the slip roads connecting the future Tai Ho Interchange to integrate with the cycle tracks in TCE for forming a better cycle track network as part of the reclamation;

· Provision of sustainable urban drainage system within TCW which comprises dual-purpose stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds;

· Provision of sewerage system for the existing unsewered villages and proposed residential developments within TCW; and

· Space provisions of facilities for possible green initiatives such as regional energy efficiency system and environmentally friendly transport systems (e.g. electric buses, electric cars and bicycle sharing system), etc. to promote environmental performance. (Note: The initiative of District Cooling System (DCS) in Tung Chung will be separately considered. Should the initiative is to be put forward in future, the DCS will be implemented under separate project subject to further study.)

1.2.2 In addition, there are also associated infrastructure works (e.g. drainage connection, fresh water supply, flushing water supply) required to support the development. The respective infrastructure works are illustrated in Figure 1.2.

1.2.3 According to the latest arrangement, the construction and operation of two possible railway stations, with one at TCE and the other one at TCW, will be carried out by the future rail operator and hence will not be covered under this Project. Since the railway system including railway stations and railway lines is a Designated Project under the EIAO, the rail operator shall conduct a separate EIA under the EIAO. Nevertheless, any cumulative impacts induced from the construction and operation of rail stations, and railway lines etc. have been considered and incorporated in this EIA Report.

1.3 EIA Study Brief

1.3.1 As mentioned in Section 1.1, in accordance with the requirements of Section 5(1) of the EIAO, a Project Profile (no. PP-523/2015) for the Project was submitted to the DEP for application for an EIA SB on 18 March 2015. Pursuant to Section 5(7)(a) of the EIAO, the DEP issued an EIA SB (EIA SB No. ESB-285/2015 dated 17 April 2015) for this EIA study.

1.3.2 The purpose of this EIA SB is to set out the purposes and objectives of the EIA study, the scope of environmental issues which shall be addressed, the requirements that the EIA study shall need to fulfil, and the necessary procedural and reporting requirements. The Applicant shall demonstrate in the EIA report that the criteria in the relevant sections of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the EIAO (TM-EIAO) are complied with.

1.3.3 According to Section 5.1 of the EIA SB, a summary pointing out the relevant EIA sections fulfilling the respective requirements of the EIA SB and TM-EIAO (in particular Annexes 11 and 20 of TM-EIAO) has been prepared and included in Appendix 1.1.

1.4 Designated Projects

1.4.1 The Study is a Designated Project (DP) under Item 1 Schedule 3 of EIAO - Engineering feasibility study of urban development projects with a study area covering more than 20 ha or involving a total population of more than 100,000. For any future change(s) after the approval of this EIA report, the following steps will be taken:

(a) Should the change(s) involve a designated project item under Schedule 2 of the EIAO, the requirements under the EIAO will be complied with; and

(b) Should the change(s) not involve any designated project items under Schedule 2 of the EIAO, prevailing planning mechanisms and standards will be followed and relevant EIA findings will be conformed to.

1.4.2 According to the RODP, a number of work components would fall under various Schedule 2 DPs categories. A list of Schedule 2 DPs is summarised in Table 1.1 below and are further described in the sequent sections. The locations of these DPs under the Project are shown in Figure 1.3.

Table 1.1 Summary of scheduled 2 DPs

Ref. Category No.	Designated Projects	Ref. in RODP	Environmental Permit (EP) Holder
Part I, A.1	Primary distributor roads and district distributor roads	Proposed road networks within PDA at TCE and TCW, Road P1 (Tung Chung to Tai Ho Section) and Chung Mun Road	CEDD^[1]
Part I, A.2	A railway and its associated stations.	Proposed railway stations at TCE and TCW	Future rail operator
Part I, A.8	A road more than 100m in length between abutments	The 400m long viaduct section of Road P1 (Tung Chung to Tai Ho Section) connecting to Tai Ho Interchange	CEDD^[1]
Part I, C.l	Reclamation works (including associated dredging works) more than 5 ha in size	Reclamation area at TCE together with the necessary reclamation for Road P1 extension	CEDD
Part I, F.3(b)	Sewage pumping stations with installed capacity of more than 2000m^3/d located at less than 150m from existing/ planned receivers	Proposed sewage pumping stations within PDA at TCE and TCW	CEDD^[1]
Part I, I.1(b)	A drainage channel or river training and diversion works which discharges or discharge into an area which is less than 300m from the nearest boundary of a planned conservation area and coastal protection area	Revitalisation of the existing channelized section of Tung Chung Stream at the PDA at TCW and possible drainage outlets of the sustainable urban drainage system	CEDD^[1]
Part I, O.2	A marina designed to provide moorings or dry storage for not less than 30 vessels used preliminarily for pleasure or recreation	Proposed marina to the north of PDA at TCE	Future marina operator
Part I, O.7	An outdoor sporting facility with a capacity to accommodate more than 10,000 persons	Proposed sports ground to the east of PDA at TCE	Future operator
Part I, Q.1	Any works partly or wholly in a gazette proposed conservation area	Earthworks within CA or CPA zone	CEDD^[1]

Note:

[1] CEDD will liaise with the relevant departments for transfer of the operation responsibilities of these DPs through Further Environmental Permits

Part I, A.1 - Primary distributor roads and district distributor roads

1.4.3 The internal roads in TCE consist of 4 district distributors with 2 lanes per direction and a number of local distributors with single lane per direction. Most of the internal roads are constructed at-grade, except a section of approximately 140m long in a form as a depressed road in order to encourage through pedestrian walking across the town centre and hence minimise the environmental impact. While in TCW, the internal roads consist of district and local distributors with typical at-grade road construction except the bridge structures across Tung Chung Stream. The existing Chung Mun Road will be extended to serve as a district distributor with two lanes per direction, while the local distributors will be single lane road. The remaining roads in the TCW development are local distributors that provide links to specific land parcels within the development. In terms of existing roads in the vicinity of the TCW development, Tung Chung Road will be maintained as a two-lane (both direction) rural road, while Yu Tung Road (district distributor) and Chung Yan Road (local distributor) will be two lanes per direction. In addition, the Road P1 (Tung Chung to Tai Ho Section) itself is a primary distributor road.

Part I, A.2 - A railway and its associated stations

1.4.4 According to the development direction of Tung Chung New Town and further feasibility study, new railway stations at TCE and TCW will be required to add to serve the increased population in TCE and TCW. Realignment of existing Tung Chung Line would be necessary to connect the proposed railway station near the southern edge of PDA boundary of TCE, while the proposed railway station at TCW would be located adjacent to Yu Tung Road near Area 39 and Yat Tung Estate. The construction and operation of new railway stations and the associated modification of railway will be conducted by future rail operator.

Part I, A.8 - A road more than 100m in length between abutments

1.4.5 Road P1 (Tung Chung to Tai Ho Section) aims to connect the existing Ying Hei Road to the proposed Tai Ho Interchange to serve the major external highway connection for TCE. The Road P1 comprises 3 elements: 1) 1km at-graded road, 2) one at-graded roundabout and 3) a viaduct section of approximately 400m connecting the Tai Ho Interchange.

Part I, C.1 - Reclamation works (including associated dredging works) more than 5 ha in size

1.4.6 As mentioned in Section 1.2, the Project involves a reclamation of 120.5 hectare of land for formation of TCE and 8.6 hectare of land for extension of Road P1 (Tung Chung to Tai Ho Section).

Part I, F.3(b) - Sewage pumping stations with installed capacity of more than 2000m³/d located at less than 150m from existing/ planned receivers

1.4.7 Land parcels with “Government” landuse have been reserved in the development to provide governmental facilities including sewage pumping station (SPS), sports grounds/ sports centre, clinic etc to support the development. According to the RODP, 2 SPSs and 4 SPSs will be proposed at TCE and TCW respectively, in which 5 of them, including TCE SPS (East), TCE SPS (West), TCV SPS (East), TCV SPS (West) and upgraded Chung Mun Road SPS as shown in Figure 1.1, have an individual capacity over 2,000m³/day.

Part I, I.1(b) - A drainage channel or river training and diversion works which discharges or discharge into an area which is less than 300m from the nearest boundary of a planned conservation area and coastal protection area

1.4.8 As highlighted in 2015 Policy Address, the government is promoting the concept of revitalising water bodies in large-scale drainage improvement works and planning drainage networks. In order to enhance the ecological connection between the upstream and downstream of Tung Chung Stream, it is proposed to revitalise the existing channelized section of Tung Chung Stream with a total length of approximately 625m long.

1.4.9 In addition, though the detailed designs of the stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds, sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) and River Park are yet to be confirmed and will be subject to further design, there is a possibility that the drainage outlets of the stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds, SUDS, River Park and the associated drainage facilities will be assigned within the Conservation Area (CA) or Coastal Protection Area (CPA) zone to discharge the treated runoff to the Tung Chung Stream.

Part I, O.2 – A marina designed to provide moorings or dry storage for not less than 30 vessels used preliminarily for pleasure or recreation

1.4.10 In order to revitalise the coastline, creating consumer activities and job opportunities, a marina is proposed to locate adjacent to Tung Chung Channel, with an area size of about 1.4 hectares to accommodate approximately 95 berths and associated berthing facilities at TCE. The construction and operation of the marina will be conducted by future marina operator.

Part I, O.7 - An outdoor sporting facility with a capacity to accommodate more than 10,000 persons

1.4.11 An area of 3ha is reserved for a sports ground. The requirement on capacity of the proposed sports ground will be subject to further design. For the purpose of this EIA Study, a seating capacity for 10,000 spectators has been assumed for relevant environmental impact assessments. Should the sports ground is designed to accommodate more than 10,000 people, it will be classified as a DP under Schedule 2 of the EIAO, and a separate EIA study is expected to be conducted by its respective project proponent to fulfil the relevant statutory requirements.

Part I, Q.1 – Any works partly or wholly in a gazette proposed conservation area

1.4.12 While the amount of works within CA or CPA zone would be minimized, there is still a possibility that minor earthworks would be required partly or wholly within the CA or CPA zone.

Possible Minor Works

1.4.13 It should also be noted that minor maintenance works including minor works for connection roads, minor public utility works (e.g. installation of telecommunication wires), earthworks relating to agriculture, footpaths/ trails and facilities relating to sitting out areas, provision of water pipes etc would be anticipated within the proposed conservation areas and sites of cultural heritage. However, according to the Schedule 2 of the EIAO, these minor works are not classified as designated project items and thus EP application is not required.

1.5 Non-Designated Projects

1.5.1 Apart from the Scheduled 2 DPs as listed in Table 1.1, there are also a number of non-DP elements in the RODP including but not limited to the following sub-elements summarized in Table 1.2. Details of these non-DP elements are presented in Section 2.4 and their locations are shown in Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.3 in Chapter 2.

Table 1.2 Summary of non-DPs

Non DPs	Sub-elements
Residential Developments	Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) Special Residential (RS); Residential Zone 1 (R1); Residential Zone 2 (R2); Residential Zone 3 (R3); and Residential Zone 4 (R4)
Village Type Development	-
Commercial Uses	-
Government	Sports Ground; Sports Centres; Fire Station; District Police Station & Married Police Quarters; General Clinics; Salt Water Pumping Station; Sewage Pumping Stations; Government Reserve; and Attenuation Ponds
Institution and Community	-
Education	Nursery Classes and Kindergartens; Primary and Secondary Schools; Post-Secondary Institution; and Other School Uses
Other Specified Uses	Electricity Sub-Station Petrol Filling Station Boatyard and Maintenance Area Railway Station Telephone Exchange River Park Polder
Open Space	Regional Open Space; District Open Space; and Local Open Space
Agriculture (AGR)	-
Green Belt (GB)	-
Conservation Area (CA)^[1]	-
Coastal Protection Area (CPA)^[2]	-
Roads	-
Public Transport Interchange	-
Cycle Track	-

Notes:

[1] Any works partly or wholly within the CA zone would likely be classified as a designated project under the EIAO except those possible minor works described in Section 1.4

[2] Any works in the vicinity of the CPA zone would likely be classified as a designated project under the EIAO except those possible minor works described in Section 1.4

1.5.2 Nevertheless, should there be any change to these non-DP elements after the approval of this EIA report, corresponding environmental assessments should be carried out to satisfy the latest planning mechanism and other statutory requirements at that time.

1.6 Objectives of the EIA Study

1.6.1 The objectives of this EIA study are as follows:

· To describe the proposed project(s) and associated works together with the requirements and environmental benefits for carrying out the proposed project(s);

· To identify and describe elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the proposed project(s) and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the proposed project(s), including natural and man-made environment and the associated environmental constraints;

· To compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of different development options in order to come up with a preferred option to avoid adverse environmental impacts;

· To identify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potentially affected uses;

· To assess the water quality, waste, land contamination, fisheries as well as landscape and visual impacts;

· To identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and natural habitats;

· To identify any negative impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

· To propose the provision of infrastructure or mitigation measures to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the project(s);

· To investigate the feasibility, practicability, effectiveness and implications of the proposed mitigation measures;

· To identify, predict and evaluate the residual (i.e. after practicable mitigation) environmental impacts and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operation phases of the project(s) in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

· To identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the project(s) which are necessary to mitigate these residual environmental impacts and cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels;

· To design and specify environmental monitoring and audit requirements; and

· To identify any additional studies necessary to implement the mitigation measures or monitoring and proposals recommended in the EIA report.

1.7 Appreciation of Existing Environment

TCW

1.7.1 Tung Chung West is characterised by its rich natural and heritage resources. There are many traditional villages and declared monuments in the district. In the course of development, efforts have been spent to highlight Tung Chung’s unique characteristics by integrating the old and the new, to promote the district into a tourism attraction. In conjunction with the development of community and economy, the potential impacts of the development on the surrounding natural resources are one of the key concerns.

1.7.2 Tung Chung Stream – The Tung Chung Stream consists of the natural and artificial sections. The natural section of Tung Chung Stream is of ecologically importance with high diversity of freshwater fish species. Record of species of conservation importance including Beijiang Thick-lipped Bard and Philippine Neon Goby are found. Downstream of the Tung Chung Stream is the Tung Chung Bay area in which there are abundant mudflats along some sections of the coastline. These mudflats have supported a vast number of mangroves and other special species including but not limited to horseshoe crabs, seagrasses, pipefishes, seahorses etc. The artificial section was a result of the flooding prevention measures implemented decades ago that part of the natural stream was being modified into an engineering channel. 

1.7.3 Tung Chung Valley – Exist on Tung Chung Valley are several recognized local indigenous villages (Ngau Au, Lam Che, Nim Yuen, Shek Lau Po, Mok Ka, and Shek Mun Kap) and graded historic buildings (Hau Wong Temple and the Entrance Gate at Shek Mun Kap). The other parts of Tung Chung Valley consists of mainly fallow agricultural land with some active farming practices. Endangered Romer’s Tree Frog and rare Jhora Scrub Hopper are present in Tung Chung Valley.

1.7.4 Ma Wan Chung – public opinions reflected that the distinct fishing village feature of Ma Wan Chung Village should be preserved. Residents and tourists can enjoy its ambience. At the natural knoll to the east of Ma Wan Chung are two declared monuments, (namely Tung Chung Fort and Tung Chung Battery). Parking facilities would be provided and improvement works would be carried out to support the revitalisation of Ma Wan Chung Village.

1.7.5 Yat Tung Estate – In the immediate vicinity of Ma Wan Chung is Yat Tung Estate and therefore due considerations have been taken into account with respect to land use compatibility, enhance connectivity between TCW and TCE as well as external connectivity, and provision of more government, institutional and community facilities to better serve the existing residents.

TCE

1.7.6 Tai Ho Bay to the east – Tai Ho Bay is an area of ecological importance, within which there are Site of Scientific Interests (SSSI) and important habitats comprising mudflats and mangroves. Ayu, migratory fish is found getting into and out of Tai Ho Bay via Tai Ho inlet. Recent surveys found dolphin habitats in the Proposed The Brothers Marine Park.

1.7.7 No natural coastlines – Most of the coastline which will be affected by TCE development is the seawall formed by previous reclamation for existing Tung Chung New Town.

1.7.8 Tung Chung East adjoins immediately to the existing and planned developments in Tung Chung New Town including housing and hotel developments. Considerations including ensuring land use compatibility and sufficient transport and infrastructure capacity, etc. have been duly incorporated into the RODP.

1.8 Environmental Benefits of the Project

1.8.1 Environmental considerations have been the key drivers in designing the new town extension at both TCE and TCW. Throughout the whole process in formulating the RODP, all the environmental issues identified are not simply taken as constraints but also treated as opportunities to seamlessly integrate with the proposed land uses where appropriate (see Section 2.4 for more details of various elements of the TCE and TCW development land uses). The environmental benefits that the Project offered are summarised below:

Conserving Tung Chung Stream and Natural Coastal Area

1.8.2 Tung Chung Stream together with the estuary area have been well known for its abundance of ecological resources including but not limiting to mudflats, mangroves, reedbed etc. and the high ecological importance around that area has been verified in the ecological surveys conducted as part of this EIA. Studies from various institutions / organisations and the ecological surveys conducted have also confirmed the rich ecological diversity (see Section 9 for more details of the literature review, ecological survey findings and the associated ecological evaluation). However, there have been no Statutory Plans covering the TCW area. Some of the private lots along Tung Chung Stream have been experiencing changes in various extents over the years and some of those changes may not be favourable from environmental perspective.

1.8.3 In order to conserve the ecological integrity of Tung Chung Stream and its estuary, which are rich in ecological diversity, it is proposed to set up an about 30m buffer zone as Coastal Protection Area (CPA) along the coastline of Tung Chung Bay and a Conservation Area (CA) along both sides of the two main branches and the joined outlet section of Tung Chung Stream, and an about 20m buffer zone as CA as well along the major tributary of Tung Chung Stream at Ngau Au (see Section 2.4 for its location and extent). All these proposed CPA and CA would constitute a total area of approximately 15ha along a total length of about 4km. Once these CPA and CA are zoned under the relevant Outline Zoning Plan (OZP), any activities that are not favourable to the environment are prohibited and would therefore provide an environmental benefit to conserve the ecological conditions.

Revitalising the Engineered Section of Tung Chung Stream and Provision of a River Park

1.8.4 There are 2 main tributaries of Tung Chung Stream within the boundary of TCW. Along the eastern tributary, there is currently an engineered channel (approximately 625m long) along the downstream section of Tung Chung Stream near Shek Lau Po Village. Unlike the natural section further upstream, the ecological value of this engineered channel is very limited as it is currently concrete paved and channelized. This engineered channel has also undermined the ecological connection between the upstream natural section of Tung Chung Stream and the estuary downstream.

1.8.5 As highlighted in 2015 Policy Address, the government is promoting the concept of revitalising water bodies in large-scale drainage improvement works and planning drainage networks. In order to restore the ecological connection between the upstream and downstream of Tung Chung Stream, it is proposed to revitalise this existing channelized section of Tung Chung Stream. For the portion of the revitalized channelized section to the south of Chung Mun Road (approximately 415m long) and together with the natural section of Tung Chung Stream immediate upstream up to Shek Mun Kap (approximately 360m long), it is proposed to convert the area into amenity uses and for environmental enhancement, i.e. in a form as a River Park. This River Park would occupy an area of approximately 3.3ha along a total length of 775m and would aim to promote eco-education by setting up viewing decks / boardwalk, passive recreation zone for appreciation of natural environment. Besides, the design of River Park would also help to prevent massive infrastructures within the Park to avoid impacts due to construction and human disturbance (see Appendix 1.2 for details).

1.8.6 Once the revitalization work is completed, the ecological connection between Tung Chung Stream and the downstream estuary would be enhanced. Together with the River Park, this would definitely provide an environmental benefit to the ecological value of Tung Chung Stream and its estuary, and promote eco-education in this area.

Introducing Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) within TCW

1.8.7 New developments would inevitably bring additional surface runoff. For the proposed development in TCW in particular, the issue of additional runoff discharged into Tung Chung Stream has been cautiously considered from environmental perspective.

1.8.8 The existing catchment at TCW has an area of about 11km². It includes the upstream vegetated catchment of the Lantau North Country Park and Lantau South Country Park with scattered villages and the downstream urban catchment of the Tung Chung Town. Tung Chung Stream is the main river network serving the catchment areas and it discharges downstream to Tung Chung Bay. According to the location of Drainage Services Department (DSD) flooding blackspots as at March 2015 available from DSD website, there is no DSD flooding blackspot within the vicinity of the Project.

1.8.9 Unlike the conventional drainage system in which surface runoff would pass through gullies to filter off dirt and debris and then discharged into the receiving water bodies, the proposed SUDS within TCW includes a number of new and innovative features to address the high ecological concern of Tung Chung Stream and the downstream estuary. (See Section 9.6 for more details). According to the latest design, the new system would include the provision of a series of regional stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds. During rainfall events, flows will be directed into the stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds which are capable to manage peak flows and remove pollutants. The ponds will have a vegetated wetland zone and permanent pool, which will create valuable open space amenity and increase both biodiversity and landscape values. The water in the stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds will drain by gravity during small rain events and by pumping via high flow pumping stations during heavy rainfall events. The capacity of those stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds would vary from 3,000 – 5,000m³, depending on the catchments that they serve.

1.8.10 Runoff from roadways, parcels, and existing villages will be diverted via dedicated pipe network and discharged to a primary sedimentation zone. Runoff will be slowed down to allow sediment to settle out. Retaining sediment at the sedimentation zone rather than in the larger detention zone will allow for easier removal, thus minimize maintenance issues.

1.8.11 At the opposite end of the sedimentation zone, runoff will enter a wide and shallow biofiltration wetland zone. Treatment action will occur as stormwater travels slowly through dense, climate-appropriate landscaping, removing floating debris and encouraging the uptake of nutrients by the plants. Following the biofiltration wetland zone, treated flows will be discharged into the permanent pool or attenuation zone.

1.8.12 During large rainfall events, high flows will bypass the sedimentation zone and biofiltration wetland zone and be directed into the attenuation zone. This attenuation zone will contain high-flow and low-flow weirs to mitigate peak flows due to the planned development, keeping the rate of discharge to the Tung Chung Stream at or below the existing condition.

1.8.13 It should be noted that the proposed SUDS for TCW has been successfully implemented in overseas for some years. (e.g. treatment pond at Bay Meadows, California USA, attenuation pond at Land Port of Entry, Maryland USA, sedimentation pond at Yishun Pond, Singapore etc). Bringing these new green design ideas to TCW would help to minimise the water quality issues due to surface runoff discharged into Tung Chung Bay via the Tung Chung Stream within the CA zone.

1.8.14 Besides, green channel design, such as grasscrete and gabion embankments etc. would be considered in the design of drainage system to improve aesthetic, biodiversity and landscape values, which in turn would enhance the greening within Tung Chung Valley.

Provision of Proper Sewerage System for the Villages in TCW

1.8.15 TCW is characterised with a combination of development types and densities. To the east of TCW are a number of public housing estates such as Yat Tung Estate, and those being constructed in Tung Chung Area 39. The west of TCW still remains as village areas at which Shek Mun Kap, Mok Ka, Nim Yuen, Lam Che, Ngau Au and Shek Lau Po are located.

1.8.16 In the current sewerage systems, most of the sewage from the west of TCW is collected by Chung Mun Road Sewage Pumping Station (CMRSPS) and Chung Yan Road Sewage Pumping Station (CYRSPS), and is transferred to Tung Chung Sewage Pumping Station (TCSPS) at Cheung Tung Road near Yu Tung Court which collects sewage from CYRSPS and Tung Chung Town Centre. It then conveys the sewage to Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works (SHWSTW) via a sewage rising main along Cheung Tung Road running parallel with North Lantau Highway (NLH).

1.8.17 For the existing villages in west of TCW however, they are not provided with government sewerage connection. It is observed that alternative means of treatment such as septic tanks etc have been employed. Although the population in those existing villages along Tung Chung Stream is not significant, the sewage if not properly discharged to Tung Chung Stream would still have certain influence on the downstream water quality. In order to tackle the sewage generated in TCW, the proposed sewerage system for TCW under this Project will serve both the proposed developments as well as the existing village areas.

1.8.18 The proposed sewerage system comprises construction of SPSs, separate sewerage connections in the form of gravity sewer which runs along Tung Chung Road, Yu Tung Road and future development roads connecting to existing SPSs. For each of the villages at Shek Mun Kap, Mok Ka, Nim Yuen, Lam Che, Ngau Au, Shek Lau Po, Ma Wan Chung and Wong Nai Uk, a proper village sewerage system would be provided to facilitate the villagers for the connection to the public sewer as appropriate. With the implementation of proper sewerage system, the sanitary condition of the villages and the water quality of nearby waters can be improved.

Greening for TCE and TCW

1.8.19 Greening has been one of the key considerations for the urban planning of TCE and TCW. At the centre of TCE, a greening open space area (i.e. Central Green) with approximately 4.8ha in size will be provided to enhance linkage between the pedestrian facilities on the ground level. This Central Green is designed to form the focus for the landscape framework for TCE and is situated on the north-south axis leading from the proposed new railway station in the south to the reclamation waterfront in the north. It lies at the centre of the road network and therefore serves a broad catchment area and access is promoted via footpaths/ trails and cycle connections. In order to reserve sufficient land for the continuity of open space, a road section of around 140m will be built in the form of depressed road which provides an extra 0.4ha of open space.

1.8.20 The vision for the Central Green is to provide a signature, high quality open space corridor through the heart of the development which is accessible to all and promotes access, particularly to the waterfront. It is proposed that the Central Green adopts a formal layout and design language in contrast to the more organic layouts of the surrounding linear parks. The walking distance from existing Tung Chung Town Centre to the proposed Central Green would be around 2km, which can provide an alternative leisure area for local communities.

1.8.21 Apart from that, sufficient greenery walkways are also proposed not only to link up the open space and pedestrian facilities as mentioned before, but also connect the areas zoned as CDA, i.e. the Metro Core Area, near the railway station, waterfront promenade and the existing Tung Chung Town Centre. The total green area is approximately 20ha and all these greenery provisions could enhance the sustainability of the Project.

1.8.22 Apart from the Central Park proposed in TCE, a planned Town Park bounded by Shun Tung Road, Yu Tung Road and Tung Chung Road, with an area of approximately 19ha, is reserved in TCW. The development of the Town Park into a recreational and leisure zone will serve to create a new major activity hub in TCW. The Town Park, arranged on the hill’s varied topography is intended to provide with new, convenient pedestrian routes which will connect Tung Chung Town Centre with the waterfront area in TCW as well as viewing areas and other spaces to enhance enjoyment of the surrounding scenery.

1.8.23 Existing attributes of the Town Park include natural topography affording excellent views over Tung Chung Bay and southwards towards Lantau South Country Park, existing vegetation including tree and grass covered slopes, historical sites of local cultural significance (Tung Chung Battery, Fu Tei Wan Tang Dynasty Kiln, ancestral grave sites).

1.8.24 The park has a large local population catchment but its proximity to existing Tung Chung MTR Station (approximately 350m walking distance) and Town Centre with Public Transport Interchange (PTI) and Ngong Ping Cable Car mean that its potential visitor catchment is also large.

1.8.25 Footpaths and trails will radiate out to the north and south of the plaza offering different degrees of difficulty under foot and varied attractions. To the north, the trails will pass ancestral graves, grassland areas, a lookout over Tung Chung Bay and Battery. To the south the trails can offer ecological interpretation, fine views south to the mountains and access to terraced play areas. A fundamental part of the design will be to retain as much existing vegetation as possible. There are also a number of existing paths and trails that could be retained and expanded and incorporated into the park layout. Nevertheless, the construction and ultimate design concept of Town Park will be subject to LCSD’s implementation programme and final decision.

Extending Promenade Aesthetic

1.8.26 The existing promenade runs from the west of Tung Chung Development Pier, passing underneath Chek Lap Kok South Road and ends at the hill side next to Ma Wan Chung with an approximate length of 740m. In order to enhance the connectivity from existing Tung Chung Town Centre to the TCW, an extension of waterfront promenade at the coastal area of future Town Park, with an approximate length of 250m, is proposed to allow the local community to have a more user friendly access using the promenade to enjoy the Tung Chung Bay and its scenic view.

1.8.27 The proposed waterfront promenade of TCE is designed to provide connection to the existing promenade planned in the existing Tung Chung Town Centre. Footpaths/ trails and cycle connections will also be diverted at the end of the TCE promenade up and into the proposed TCW Town Park and connected to the existing Tung Chung Road North which provides established links to and around Ma Wan Chung. This connection will adopt similar finishes as the existing TCE waterfront to impart continuity of the coastal route.

1.8.28 For TCE, the proposed promenade is located along outer boundary of TCE and Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section) facing the open sea and with a total length of about 3km. This promenade will be designed with appealing landscaping and leisure elements for the enjoyment of the pedestrians. In fact, both the existing and planned communities in TCW can use the new walkway system to enjoy the properly landscaped waterfront that all the way to reach the marina in TCE. Existing local communities living in Tai Ho can also access the proposed waterfront promenade at TCE by passing through the existing subway beneath NLH connecting Tai Ho and TCE.

Use of Cycling Tracks to Improve Connectivity within Tung Chung

1.8.29 Over the years, the Government has been investigating to improve existing cycle track network and parking facilities to improve connectivity within new town areas (e.g. “Traffic and Transport Consultancy Study on Cycling Networks and Parking Facilities in existing new towns in Hong Kong” carried out by Transport Department. New towns like Shatin, Ma On Shan, Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O etc have been well implemented with cycling tracks of various extent. This has definitely offer a more environmentally friendly alternative for the local communities to access various locations within the new town instead of taking road-based vehicles such as buses, mini buses and even private cars. Some of these cycling tracks are also famous hot spots for leisure cycling during holidays and hence have certain contributions towards city life vibrancy.

1.8.30 Making reference to Transport and Housing Bureau’s (THB) information, the existing Tung Chung New Town has already been implemented with cycling tracks of approximately 4km in length. With the new town extension in the proposed TCE and TCW developments, an extensive and comprehensive cycling network of about 12km long along proposed distributor roads and waterfront promenade would be implemented. In TCE, the new cycling tracks would seamlessly integrate with the existing network and form a new arrangement to allow for efficient accessibility to various part of the new town in TCE, including the Central Green, the seafront, the marina etc. The new network would extend along Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section) to the proposed cycle park with an area of approximately 1.4ha surrounded by the slip roads connecting the future Tai Ho Interchange which could also allow flexibility for future connection towards Siu Ho Wan if necessary. In TCW, the new cycling tracks would allow better accessibility to existing villages and natural environs including Tung Chung Stream, the seafront at Sha Tsui Tau facing Tung Chung Bay etc.

Catering for the Future Generation of Environmentally Friendly Buses

1.8.31 The technological advancement in the last decade has demonstrated the feasibility of adopting more environmental friendly buses in city environment. According to “A Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong” published by Environmental Bureau in Year 2013 (http://www.enb.gov.hk/en/files/New_Air_Plan_en.pdf) which sets out in detail the various measures to tackle air pollution from power plants, land and sea transport, and non-road mobile machinery and to strengthen collaboration with Guangdong to deal with regional pollution, one of the options is obviously the implementation of electric buses (e-buses) which could help to eliminate one of the major roadside sources of particulates generated by conventional buses relying on diesel fuel.

1.8.32 While the feasibility and implementation issues of adopting e-buses in HK are yet to be demonstrated, it would be important to have a space provision for charging facilities within new PTIs. According to the current landuse planning, there would be a total of 3 PTIs in TCE and 1 PTI in TCW. All these new PTIs would be designed with sufficient space to allow for the installation of charging facilities by the bus operators in a timely manner. Hence, this provision of space within new PTIs would have the environmental benefit to help reducing the vehicular emission within Tung Chung area in the future.

1.9 Concurrent Projects

1.9.1 In order to assess the cumulative impacts, a review of best available information at the time of preparing this EIA report to identify a number of other projects that are undergoing planning, design, construction and/or operation within the construction and/or operation period for this Study has been conducted and a list of the tentative concurrent projects identified at this stage is summarised below and Figure 1.4 shows the locations of these concurrent projects. Various cumulative impacts for different concurrent projects have been identified and detailed justifications on consideration of various environmental cumulative impacts from individual concurrent projects has been included in corresponding technical chapters. During the subsequent detailed design stage of Tung Chung New Town Extension, it is proposed to conduct an environmental review to collate any further available information at that time for updating the cumulative impacts, including but not limited to the implementation programme of concurrent projects such as 3RS, HZMB HKBCF and HZMB HKLR.

Construction of additional sewage rising mains and rehabilitation of the existing sewage rising main between Tung Chung and Siu Ho Wan

1.9.2 The project includes the 1) construction of an additional 1200mm diameter sewage rising main, 2) modification of Tung Chung Sewage Pumping Station (TC SPS) and Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works (SHW STW), and 3) rehabilitation of the existing 1,200 mm diameter sewage rising main which conveys sewage from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Tung Chung to SHW STW. The proposed sewage rising main and existing sewage rising main are approximately 6.31 km and 6.22 km in length respectively connecting between TC SPS and SHW STW. The proposed new rising main is scheduled for commissioning in June 2023, while rehabilitation of the existing rising main is scheduled for completion by end 2025.

1.9.3 There would be potential cumulative dust emission, construction noise, ecological and LVIA impacts induced from the construction works of the project. Cumulative impacts during operational phase are not anticipated due to the nature of the project

Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HZMB HKBCF, being constructed)

1.9.4 The HZMB HKBCF is located on an artificial island of about 130ha to be reclaimed from the open waters off the northeast of HKIA. It is linked by Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR), Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) and the connecting roads to HKIA. With the comprehensive transportation connectivity, the HKBCF will become a multi-modal transportation hub in the area.

1.9.5 The HZMB HKBCF comprises of cargo and passenger clearing and vehicle inspection facilities, government offices, sewage treatment facilities, road networks and public transport interchange, etc. The construction of HZMB HKBCF has commenced and it is anticipated that the key construction elements would be substantially completed by end of Year 2016.

1.9.6 As the construction of Tung Chung New Town Extension is tentatively scheduled for commencement in Year 2017, which is beyond that for HZMB HKBCF and given the large separation distance, cumulative impact on construction dust is not anticipated during construction phase. However, impact from vehicular emission during both construction and operational phases, and road traffic noise impact during operational phase are anticipated from the induced traffic. Cumulative construction and operational water quality impact is also anticipated due to the large reclamation area of HZMB HKBCF which will have hydrodynamic impact affecting the dispersion and water flow direction in the vicinity. Cumulative ecological, fisheries, landscape and visual impact would also be included in the cumulative impact assessment.

Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road (HZMB HKLR, being constructed)

1.9.7 The proposed 12km long HZMB HKLR connects the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) boundary with the HZMB HKBCF, creating a new and direct connection route among Hong Kong, Macao and the Western Pearl River Delta.

1.9.8 The HZMB HKLR includes 1) a dual three-lane carriageway comprising a 9.4km long viaduct section from HKSAR boundary to Scenic Hill on the airport island, 2) a 1km long tunnel section to the land formation formed along the east coast of the airport island, and 3) a 1.6km long at-grade road section on the land formation connecting to HZMB HKBCF. The construction of HZMB HKLR has commenced and it is anticipated that the key construction elements would be substantially completed by end of Year 2016.

1.9.9 As HZMB HKLR is located 500 m away from the proposed development and the construction of Tung Chung New Town Extension is tentatively scheduled for commencement in Year 2017, which is beyond that for HZMB HKLR, cumulative impact is not anticipated during construction phase. However, impact from vehicular emission during both construction and operational phases, and road traffic noise impact during operational phase are anticipated from the induced traffic. The land boundary of the project would be included in cumulative water quality impacts. Cumulative ecological, fisheries impact would also be anticipated during operational phase. Cumulative impacts on other environmental aspects are not anticipated due to the nature of the project.

Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL, being constructed)

1.9.10 Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) is a strategic road link connecting northwest New Territories, HZMB HKBCF, North Lantau and HKIA to meet the anticipated road traffic demand generated by HZMB HZMB, and to provide significant travelling distance and time reduction across North Lantau, HKIA and northwest New Territories.

1.9.11 TM-CLKL includes a 9km long dual two-lane carriageway between Tuen Mun and North Lantau, with a 1.6km long viaduct on sea between the North Lantau Highway at Tai Ho and HZMB HKBCF, and a 5km long sub-sea tunnel between Tuen Mun and HZMB HKBCF. The remaining alignment heads east to join a proposed toll plaza in Tuen Mun Area 54. A pair of link roads then branches off from the main alignment to connect with the existing Lung Mun Road, while the main alignment passes into the bored tunnel of the proposed Tuen Mun Western Bypass. About 36ha reclamation is required for tunnel portals at Tuen Mun and HZMB HKBCF. The construction of TM-CLKL has commenced and it is anticipated that the key construction elements (e.g. marine works) for the southern and northern connection would be substantially completed by end of Year 2016. The anticipated commissioning date of the northern connection of TM-CLKL is targeted to be end of Year 2018.

1.9.12 Hence, impact from vehicular emission during both construction and operational phases, and road traffic noise impact during operational phase are anticipated from the induced traffic. The land boundary of project would be included in cumulative water quality impacts. Cumulative ecological, fisheries landscape and visual impacts would also be included in the cumulative impact assessment.

Proposed New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at Airport East / East Sha Chau Area

1.9.13 According to the approved EIA Study “Detailed Site Selection Study for a Proposed Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility within the Airport East/ East Sha Chau Area (EIA-106/2005), new contaminated mud disposal facility is recommended in the East of Sha Chau and South of the Brothers. Dredging of a series of seabed pits would be involved during construction of contaminated mud pits (CMPs), while backfilling of dredged pit with contaminated mud and capping of backfilled pit with uncontaminated mud and / or public fill would be involved during operational phase.

1.9.14 Four CMPs were completed in mid-2013. The first CMP has been filled up with contaminated mud and is currently being capped with uncontaminated mud. Contaminated mud disposal activity at the Sha Chau CMP V was however suspended in 2013 when the CMP at the South Brothers started to be operated for contaminated mud disposal in 2013. After the completion / closing of the CMP at the South Brothers, the CMP V at East of Sha Chau will be re-opened in early 2016 and is targeted for completion in 2023.

1.9.15 Cumulative impacts associated with disposal of contaminated sediment at East Sha Chau will be included in the construction phase water quality as well as ecological and fisheries impact assessment. The bathymetry of this project will be included in the Tung Chung water quality modelling and thus cumulative water quality impact would be considered during operational phase.

Integration of Siu Ho Wan and Silver Mine Bay Water Treatment Works

1.9.16 According to the approved EIA Study “Integration of Siu Ho Wan and Silver Mine Bay Water Treatment Works” (EIA SB No. EIA-186/2010), an approximately 7.1km long fresh water transfer tunnel between Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (WTW) and Silver Mine Bay WTW is proposed to facilitate the transfer of a maximum of 150,000m³/day of fresh water between the two WTWs in both directions. Construction of the proposed facilities and associated works commenced in Year 2013 and is scheduled to be completed in Year 2018.

1.9.17 As the project is located over 1km from the proposed development, cumulative impact during construction phase is not anticipated. No cumulative impact is anticipated during operational phase due to the nature of the project.

Organic Waste Treatment Facilities Phase 1 (OWTF)

1.9.18 According to the approved EIA study “Organic Waste Treatment Facilities Phase 1” (EIA-176/2009), a biological treatment facility with a capacity of about 200 tonnes per day at Siu Ho Wan in North Lantau is to be constructed for conversion of organic waste into reusable compost and biogas. The facility comprises pre-treatment facilities, an anaerobic digestion process, post-treatment facilities, energy recovery system and air and wastewater treatment facilities. The construction works of this project have been commenced and are targeted to be completed before end of Year 2016.

1.9.19 Cumulative air quality impact is anticipated during both construction and operational phase.

Possible Lantau Logistics Park

1.9.20 The Lantau Logistics Park (LLP) is a proposed reclamation site at Siu Ho Wan where a cluster of modern logistics facilities would be established with intermodal linkages and convenient transport connection. The LLP was proposed in both the 2004 Concept Plan and the updated 2007 Revised Concept Plan for Lantau and it is located to the north of Siu Ho Wan MTR Depot. There would also be a possible LLP extension to the west of the LLP for long term development or for other compatible recreational uses. A motor racing circuit inside LLP was also proposed. In Year 2012, the LLP site was included as a possible reclamation site for land supply under Agreement No. CE 9/2011(CE) – Increasing Land Supply by Reclamation and Rock Cavern Development cum Public Engagement – Feasibility Study.

1.9.21 A project profile (ESB-121/2004) was submitted by the project proponent in October 2004. The project would comprise dredging and reclamation works of approximately 112 ha and construction of roads, landscape works, drainage, sewerage, water supply and other public utilities would also be included. However, up to the time of preparation of this EIA, there is no available construction programme, only the land boundary will be adopted for water quality impact assessment.

1.9.22 For the construction activity of LLP, water quality impacts would be considered in cumulative impact assessment during operational phase. The induced traffic due to LLP would be taken into account in the cumulative air quality and road traffic noise assessments. While the boundary of LLP will be included in the hydrodynamic modelling for the assessment on cumulative operational water quality, ecological and fisheries impacts.

Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS)

1.9.23 According to the approved EIA Study “Expansion of Hong Kong Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS)” (AEIAR-185/2014), the 3RS project would be located on a new reclaimed land of approximately 650ha to the north of HKIA. It primarily comprises of a new third runway with associated taxiways, aprons and aircraft stands, new passenger concourse building, expansion of the existing Terminal 2 building, and related works and facilities. The 3RS could accommodate the projected increasing demand in both passenger and cargo throughput, in order to maintain Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness and the position as a regional aviation hub.

1.9.24 The EIA report of 3RS has been approved under the EIAO on 7 November 2014 and the airport is targeted to start operation under the 3RS in Year 2023. Construction of some remaining facilities would continue after Year 2023 until completion. As the project is located over 1 km away from the proposed development, noise cumulative impacts are not anticipated during construction phase. However, aircraft emission and vehicular emission due to induced traffic from the operation of 3RS would cause cumulative air quality required during the construction phase of the Project. Nevertheless, cumulative impact on water quality, ecology and fisheries would be considered during construction phase.

1.9.25 Vehicular emission and road traffic noise from the induced traffic are anticipated during operational phase. Aircraft emissions, aircraft noise and fixed noise would also be taken into account in the cumulative impact assessment. The land boundary and pollution loading of 3RS would be considered in cumulative water quality, ecological and fisheries impact assessment.

1.9.26 To serve as a compensation for the loss of important habitats and resources arising from the construction and other impacts of the 3RS project, AAHK has proposed a Marine Park with approximate 2,400 ha in size. The proposed Marine Park will be connected with the existing Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park to the north, the planned The Brothers Marine Park to the east and the marine mammals conservation area at the Mainland waters to the west.

1.9.27 It should be noted that the actual extent of the proposed new Marine Park will need to be designated under the Marine Parks Ordinance and the current estimate of its area is indicative and subject to change after discussion and agreement with the Hong Kong Government and other stakeholders. However, the area would not be expected to change significantly.

Further Landscape Enhancement to North Lantau Highway (NLH)

1.9.28 The North Lantau Highway (NLH) links up the HKIA with the other parts of Lantau Island. To render the visitors an impressive image before reaching the more urban parts of Hong Kong, the visual amenity of the corridor should be enhanced through proper landscaping such as appropriate scale of planting and ornamental features. Implementation schedule is not yet available in public domain.

1.9.29 As the concerned section of NLH does not fall within the vicinity of the project, cumulative impact is not anticipated.

Planned developments in the existing Tung Chung New Town such as residential developments at Tung Chung Area 27, Area 39, Area 54, Area 55 and Area 56 and hotel development at Tung Chung Area 53a.

1.9.30 Tung Chung Area 27: Proposed Home Ownership Scheme Development in Tung Chung Area 27, with an area of about 0.88ha, is located to the south of North Lantau Hospital and Yat Tung Estate. It comprises two blocks with 41 storeys and targets to have the population intake by Year 2019. Cumulative construction dust, construction noise ecology and LVIA impact will be considered. Given the relatively limited scale of residential development (about 1,100 flats), it is unlikely to generate significant induced traffic on nearby road networks. Nevertheless, the induced traffic will be taken into account in the road traffic noise impact assessment and the planned receivers in this project will be considered in the environmental impact assessment.

1.9.31 Tung Chung Area 39: Proposed residential development in Tung Chung Area 39 covers an area of approximately 2.73ha and is located on the southwest of Yat Tung Estate. The four residential blocks ranging from 32 to 41 storeys could provide around 3,800 flats. The project has commenced in Year 2014 and is targeted to be completed in Year 2018. The planned receivers in this project will be considered in the environmental impact assessment. Cumulative LVIA impact will be considered.

1.9.32 Tung Chung Area 53a: Tung Chung Area 53a is planned for hotel development and tendered in October 2014. The induced traffic due to the project would be included in the cumulative road traffic noise impact assessment. Cumulative LVIA impact during operational phase will be considered.

1.9.33 Tung Chung Area 54: Planned residential use in Tung Chung Area 54 covers an area of about 3.2ha and is located north of Ying Hei Road to provide around 3,240 flats. However, the construction programme is not yet confirmed. Nevertheless, the induced traffic will be taken into account in the road traffic noise impact assessment and cumulative LVIA impact during operational phase will be considered. Nevertheless, the planned receivers in this project will also be considered in the environmental impact assessment.

1.9.34 Tung Chung Area 55: To the east of Tung Chung Area 54 is the proposed private housing development Tung Chung Area 55 which comprises of 14 blocks with 28 to 37 storeys with a construction period from June 2013 to November 2015. Cumulative vehicular emission and road traffic noise impact are anticipated from the induced traffic and would be included in the cumulative impact assessment. Cumulative LVIA impact during operational phase will also be considered. Nevertheless, the planned receivers in this project will be considered in the environmental impact assessment.

1.9.35 Tung Chung Area 56: Public housing development in Tung Chung Area 56 covers an area of about 3.3ha and is located to the east of Ying Hei Road. There are four 41-storey high domestic blocks providing around 3,600 flats. The construction of the project has commenced in mid-2012 and is targeted to be completed in Year 2016. No cumulative construction impact is anticipated. Cumulative vehicular emission and road traffic noise impact from the induced traffic, and LVIA impact during operational phase would be considered. Nevertheless, the planned receivers in this project will be considered in the environmental impact assessment.

1.9.36 The habitat within the above planned development has been considered in the ecological impact assessment.

Greening Master Plans for New Territories South West – Investigation, Design and Construction

1.9.37 The captioned study aims to formulate Greening Master Plans (GMPs) for Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing and Islands Districts. Baseline studies and necessary site investigation were conducted, and detailed design of associated greening measures were proposed. The study commenced in February 2012 and was completed in July 2014.

1.9.38 Cumulative impact during construction and operational phase is not anticipated.

North Commercial District (NCD) of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)

1.9.39 The North Commercial District (NCD) is located on the airport island off the north shore of Lantau Island. The main NCD site is currently occupied by the AsiaWorld-Expo Car Park and the Skycity Nine Eagles Golf Course. The NCD will comprise commercial developments and other business activities, such as hotel, office, retail and recreational facilities. The hotel development project has been commenced as the first stage of the commercial development of the NCD. Project construction is tentatively scheduled to commence in Year 2015 with targeted completion in Year 2019. Planning studies are still on-going for the future master layout and the final NCD commercial development planning and programme is yet to be confirmed.

1.9.40 Though the NCD project is located over 1 km from TCE, impact from vehicular emission during both construction and operational phases, and road traffic noise impact during operational phase are anticipated from the induced traffic. The above mentioned impacts would be included in the cumulative impact assessment.

Dredging, Management and Capping of Contaminated Sediment Disposal Facility to the South of the Brothers

1.9.41 According to the Contaminated Sediment Disposal Facility at South of Brothers Environmental Impact Assessment Review Report, a new contained aquatic disposal facility at South of the Brothers is needed to accommodate the rising disposal demand. This project comprises mainly the formation and capping of a new sediment disposal facility to the South of The Brothers. The project commenced in September 2012. Sediment disposal and dredging are currently in progress and the project completion date is scheduled for Year 2017.

1.9.42 There is no interface with the project during both construction and operational phase and thus cumulative impact is not anticipated.

Proposed The Brothers Marine Park

1.9.43 The Proposed The Brothers Marine Park (PTBMP) is to protect and enhance the habitats of Chinese White Dolphins. It covers an area of about 850ha with moderate fisheries value, important spawning grounds for commercial fisheries resources and coral colonies. Further information would be available subject to the detailed study on the PTBMP. The designation of PTBMP is tentatively scheduled in around Year 2016, to be immediately follow the completion of the HZMB project.

1.9.44 Cumulative impact is not anticipated during both construction and operational phases.

Topside Development at HZMB HKBCF

1.9.45 HZMB HKBCF is an artificial island off Lantau which covers an area of about 130ha. It serves as a gateway between Hong Kong and the western Pearl River Delta. A planning, engineering and architectural study to explore the feasibility of developing large-scale hotel, dinning, shopping and entertainment facilities has been commissioned by the government in order to optimize the HKBCF for developing the bridgehead economy. The study has commenced and would be completed in early 2017 upon commissioning of the HZMB.

1.9.46 Given the large separation distance of about 600m from the nearest planned ASRs in TCE, cumulative construction dust and construction noise impact are not anticipated during construction phase. During operational phase, potential vehicular emission and road traffic noise impact are anticipated from the induced traffic and would be included in the cumulative impact assessment.

Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the Three Potential Nearshore Reclamation Sites in the Western Waters of Hong Kong

1.9.47 Three of the five near shore reclamation sites identified in the “Enhancing Land Supply Strategy: Reclamation outside Victoria Harbour and Rock Cavern Development” have been selected to conduct a cumulative environmental impact assessment together with the existing and planned projects in the vicinity. The three sites are Lung Kwu Tan, Siu Ho Wan and Sunny Bay, which are located at the western waters. The implementation schedule of these reclamation sites is not yet confirmed subject to further studies.

1.9.48 Further to the completion of CEIA Study, different processes have been undertaken for the 3 reclamation sites. For Sunny Bay, an EIA SB (ESB-272/2014) has been issued by EPD on 5 Jun 2014 for the Sunny Bay Development. For Siu Ho Wan, a separate Technical Study on Developments at Siu Ho Wan and the Associated Transport Infrastructures – Feasibility Study (CE 12/2015 (CE)) has been commenced in Jul 2015, while for Lung Kwu Tan, the consultancy for a Technical Study on Reclamation at Lung Kwu Tan - Feasibility Study is being procured. Though the construction programmes for the above mentioned projects are yet to be confirmed, best available information has been considered for cumulative impacts under operational phase.

1.9.49 For Sunny Bay, the land boundary and pollution loading from proposed STW as presented in CEIA have been included in water quality assessment. The land boundary would also be considered in cumulative ecological and fisheries impact assessment.

1.9.50 For Siu Ho Wan, pollution loading from proposed STW as presented in CEIA have been included in water quality assessment. Moreover, since the proposed reclamation profile of Siu Ho Wan is smaller than the reclamation profile of LLP, the latter would be included in the water quality modelling for assessing the worst case cumulative impact. The implications on ecological and fisheries impacts have been represented by the LLP which has a larger reclamation profile and thus do not need to address again.

1.9.51 For Lung Kwu Tan, the land boundary and pollution loading from proposed STW as presented in CEIA have been included in water quality assessment. The land boundary would also be considered in cumulative ecological and fisheries impact assessment.

Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 2A

1.9.52 In order to improve the water quality of the Victoria Harbour, the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) was committed to be implemented in stages to provide treatment for the sewage collected from the urban areas on both sides of the Harbour. For HATS Stage 2A, treatment will be provided to the sewage from the northern and southern parts of Hong Kong Island and a disinfection facility will be installed to further improve the quality of the harbour waters. The scheme is targeted to be completed by end 2016.

1.9.53 The pollution loading from HATS Stage 2A will be included in the Tung Chung water quality modelling and thus cumulative water quality impact would be included in the cumulative impact assessment.

Providing Sufficient Water Depth for Kwai Tsing Container Basin and its Approach Channel

1.9.54 The southern portion of Rambler Channel between Tsing Yi and Kwai Chung has been developed into Hong Kong’s primary container shipment port. The nine container terminals, comprising a total of 24 berths which line the east and west sides of the channel, are collectively referred to as the Kwai Tsing Container Port (KTCP), and the waterway within the KTCP is referred to as the Kwai Tsing Container Basin (KTCB). Access for ocean-going container vessels between the KTCB and the main shipping lanes is along the section of the Northern Fairway to the south of Tsing Yi, the Western Fairway and the East Lamma Traffic Separation Scheme (ELTSS).

1.9.55 Developments within the container shipping industry would require the introduction of ultra-large container ships (ULCS) to the main intercontinental shipping routes. These vessels have a maximum draft of 15.5m. The current average seabed level within the KTCB is approximately -15.6mCD, while depths in parts of the approaches to the KTCB are shallower. It is therefore required to deepen the seabed level of the KTCB and its marine access route to provide adequate depth of water to enable the new generation of ULCS to call at the KTCP.

1.9.56 The bathymetry of this project will be included in the Tung Chung water quality modelling and thus cumulative water quality impact would be included in the cumulative impact assessment.

Cross Boundary Hub in Siu Ho Wan

1.9.57 To cope with the policy of using railways as the backbone of transport network, a cross boundary transport hub above the existing Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Siu Ho Wan Depot is proposed, which is intended to meet, in the long term, the need for park-and-ride facilities for vehicles coming from Pearl River West. The cross-boundary transport hub has the potential to be a major transport interchange, providing park-and-ride facilities, a MTR station and a public transport interchange. It would be able to provide convenient transfer to rail services for travelling to the city centre and would reduce the pressure of external traffic on the urban road network. The proposal is in line with the transport policy of having railway as the backbone and helps meet the need for park-and-ride facilities in the longer term for vehicles coming from the Pearl River West. Commercial uses above the transport hub would be possible, subject to authorization under the relevant Ordinances.

1.9.58 However, up to the time of preparation of this EIA, there is no available construction programme, and thus cumulative impact during construction phase is not anticipated. The induced traffic would be taken into account in the cumulative air quality and road traffic noise assessments.

Leisure and Entertainment Node at Sunny Bay

1.9.59 The proposed leisure and entertainment node at Sunny Bay is a long-term proposal to make use of the synergy effect with Hong Kong Disneyland and other tourism developments in North Lantau. The Sunny Bay Reclamation, at the gateway to the North East Lantau tourism hub and near the Sunny Bay MTR Station, was recommended as a tourism node in the Northshore Lantau Development Feasibility Study. It is suitable for a leisure and entertainment node, particularly for youths, which may comprise such components as entertainment, dining, fashionable stores, performance venues, theme attractions and indoor leisure and sports facilities like indoor man made beach. The proposal could create synergy with Hong Kong Disneyland and other tourism proposals on Lantau Island.

1.9.60 However, up to the time of preparation of this EIA, there is no available construction programme, and thus cumulative impact during construction phase is not anticipated. The induced traffic would be taken into account in the cumulative air quality and road traffic noise assessments.

Marina in TCE

1.9.61 During the Stage 1 Public Engagement (PE) exercise, there were views to include a marina of appropriate size at TCE to promote commercial and tourism uses within the development and enhance the vibrancy of the area. The size of the marina will be limited to 95 berths and the outfit of the marina will be designed to allow a seamless and coherent integration with the water front promenade. According to the tentative construction programme of TCE, the land formation of marina will be carried out under TCE Phase 4 construction while the actual construction and operation years will be further decided by future marina operator.

1.9.62 Cumulative dust emission and noise impact from construction activities would be anticipated, while induced marine traffic noise and fixed noise impacts would be included in cumulative impact assessment during operational phase. The operation of the marina and associated marine traffic would also be considered in cumulative ecological and fisheries impact assessment.

1.9.63 As the proposed marina is targeted to provide mooring for not less than 30 vessels used for primarily for pleasure or recreation, it is considered as a Designated Project under Item O.2 of Schedule 2 of TM-EIAO, a separate EIA study would be conducted by the future marina operator to fulfil all the statutory requirements and procedures under the EIAO.

Sports ground in TCE

1.9.64 A number of public comments raised request for the provision of sports ground in Tung Chung to address local demand for multi-sports facilities. Detailed town planning has pro-actively reserved an area of 3ha for a sports ground to meet the public aspiration. The requirement on capacity of the proposed sports ground will be subject to further design. For the purpose of this EIA Study, a seating capacity for 10,000 spectators has been assumed for relevant environmental impact assessments. According to the tentative construction programme of TCE, the land formation of sports ground will be carried out under TCE Phase 4 construction while the actual construction and operation years will be further decided by future operator.

1.9.65 Should the sports ground is designed to accommodate more than 10,000 people, it will be classified as a DP under Schedule 2 of the EIAO, a separate EIA study would be conducted by the future operator to fulfil all the statutory requirements and procedures under the EIAO.

Cumulative dust emission and noise impact from construction activities would be anticipated, while fixed noise impacts would be included in cumulative impact assessment during operational phase.

Proposed Railway Stations at TCE and TCW

1.9.66 According to the Railway Development Strategy 2014 (RDS-2014) published by Transport and Housing Bureau, a new railway line, i.e. Tung Chung West Extension, together with a new station at TCW, have been proposed to support and tie in with the extension of the Tung Chung New Town. Subject to the development direction of Tung Chung New Town and further feasibility study, while another TCE Station may be required to add to serve the increased population in TCE in due course.

1.9.67 The proposed railway station at TCW is planned to serve the residents in Yat Tung Estate, residents in Area 39 Public Rental Housing Site and also the planned residents within the proposed development parcels under this Study, while the proposed railway station at TCE is another new station to be added on the Tung Chung Line situated next to the TCE development between Sunny Bay Station and Tung Chung Station. According to the tentative implementation programme, the railway station at TCE and TCW are targeted for operation by Year 2026 and Year 2024 respectively.

1.9.68 Cumulative construction dust and construction noise impact are anticipated during construction phase. During operational phase, potential fixed noise from ventilation shafts and rail noise impact would need to be included in the cumulative impact assessment.

1.9.69 However, as these 2 proposed railway stations and its associated railway system is a Designated Project under Item A.2 of Schedule 2 of TM-EIAO, a separate EIA study would be conducted by the future rail operator to fulfil all the statutory requirements and procedures under the EIAO.

Table 1.3 Potential impacts of concurrent projects

Concurrent Projects	Project Proponent	Programme ^[1]		Potential Cumulative Impact ^[1]
		Start	Complete	Construction Phase	Operational Phase
Construction of additional sewage rising mains and rehabilitation of the existing sewage rising main between Tung Chung and Siu Ho Wan	Drainage Services Department	Aug 2016	End 2025	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Ecology; · Landscape and visual	-
Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HZMB HKBCF, being constructed)	Highways Department	Nov 2011	End 2016 ^[2]	· Air Quality; · Water Quality	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Water quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries; · Landscape and visual
Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road (HZMB HKLR, being constructed)	Highways Department	May 2012	End 2016 ^[2]	· Air Quality; · Water Quality	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Water quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries
Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL, being constructed)	Highways Department	Nov 2011	End 2018 ^[3]	· Air Quality; · Water Quality	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Water quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries; · Landscape and visual
Proposed New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at Airport East / East Sha Chau Area	Civil Engineering and Development Department	Sep 2012	2023	· Water Quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries	· Water quality
Integration of Siu Ho Wan and Silver Mine Bay Water Treatment Works	Water Supplies Department	2013	2018	-	-
Organic Waste Treatment Facilities Phase 1 (OWTF)	Environmental Protection Department	2014	End 2016	· Air Quality	· Air Quality
Possible Lantau Logistics Park	Civil Engineering and Development Department	N/A	N/A	-	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Water quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries
Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS)	Hong Kong Airport Authority	2015	2023	· Air Quality; · Water Quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Water quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries
Further Landscape Enhancement to North Lantau Highway (NLH)	Highways Department	N/A	N/A	-	-
Planned developments in the existing Tung Chung New Town such as residential developments at Tung Chung Area 27, Area 39, Area 54, Area 55 and Area 56 and hotel development at Tung Chung Area 53a	Housing Department and private developer	Jun 2013	2019	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Ecology; · Landscape and visual	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Ecology · Landscape and visual
Greening Master Plans for New Territories South West – Investigation, Design and Construction	Civil Engineering and Development Department	N/A	N/A	-	-
North Commercial District (NCD) of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)	Hong Kong Airport Authority	2015	2019	· Air Quality	· Air Quality; · Noise
Dredging, Management and Capping of Contaminated Sediment Disposal Facility to the South of The Brothers	Civil Engineering and Development Department	Sep 2012	2017	-	-
Proposed The Brothers Marine Park	Highways Department	2014	2016	-	-
Topside Development at HZMB HKBCF	Development Bureau & Civil Engineering and Development Department	N/A	N/A	-	· Air Quality; · Noise
Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the Three Potential Nearshore Reclamation Sites in the Western Waters of Hong Kong	Civil Engineering and Development Department
- Sunny Bay		N/A	N/A	-	· Water quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries
- Siu Ho Wan		N/A	N/A	-	· Water quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries
- Lung Kwu Tan		N/A	N/A	-	· Water quality; · Ecology; · Fisheries
Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 2A	Drainage Services Department	2008	End 2016	-	· Water quality
Providing Sufficient Water Depth at Kwai Tsing Container Basin and its Approach Channel (KTCB)	Civil Engineering and Development Department	2013	End 2016	· Water Quality	· Water quality
Cross Boundary Hub in Siu Ho Wan	Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited	N/A	N/A	-	· Air Quality; · Noise
Proposed Leisure and Entertainment Node at Sunny Bay	Planning Department	N/A	N/A	-	· Air Quality; · Noise
Proposed marina at TCE	Future marina operator	2024 ^[4]	2030 ^[4]	· Air quality; · Noise	· Air Quality; · Noise; · Ecology; · Fisheries
Proposed sports ground at TCE	Future operator	2024 ^[4]	2030 ^[4]	· Air quality; · Noise	· Noise
Proposed railway stations at TCE and TCW	Future rail operator	[5]	[5]	· Air quality; · Noise	· Noise

Note:

[1] “—“ = Potential cumulative impact not anticipated; “N/A” = information not available.

[2] Substantial completion date for key infrastructure works

[3] It is anticipated that the key construction elements for the southern and northern connection would be substantially completed by end of Year 2016. The anticipated commissioning date of the northern connection of TM-CLKL is targeted to be end of Year 2018.

[4] Refer to construction programme of TCE Phase 4 as presented in Appendix 2.7.

[5] According to the tentative implementation programme, the railway stations at TCE and TCW are targeted to operate by Year 2026 and Year 2024 respectively.

1.10 Structure of EIA Report

1.10.1 The structure of this EIA Report is as below:

Section	Title	Aims
	Introduction	Introduces the project background and objectives of this report
	Consideration of Alternatives	Summarizes the consideration and selection of alternative options for development layout and construction methodologies
	Air Quality	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for air quality impacts
	Noise	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for noise impacts
	Water Quality	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for water quality impact
	Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implications	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for sewerage and sewage treatment
	Waste Management Implications	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for waste management
	Land Contamination	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for land contamination evaluation
	Ecology	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for ecological impacts
	Fisheries	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for fisheries impacts
	Landscape and Visual	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for landscape and visual impacts
	Cultural Heritage	Presents the legislation, baseline conditions, assessment methodology, impact assessment and mitigation measures required for cultural heritage impacts
	Environmental Monitoring & Audit Requirements	Presents the EM&A requirements
	Summary of Environmental Outcomes	Presents a summary of the key environmental outcomes arising from the EIA study
	Conclusion	Summarizes the findings and concludes the overall acceptability of the project