Report

14.1.1.1 This chapter summarises the overall environmental outcomes due to the proposed developments at TCE and TCW, comprising a total area of 253.6ha (about 129.1 ha reclamation area (120.5 ha for TCE and 8.6 ha for the Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section)) and 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)). It can been seen from Sections 1 & 2 that environmental considerations have been the key considerations throughout the development of proposed land uses as illustrated in the RODP. Alternative options for land uses , designs and construction methodologies have been duly considered throughout the process to response to the public aspirations collated during the public engagement exercises in an appropriate manner. Besides, all the options considered have ensured that environmental impacts could be avoided or minimised where practicable and mitigated by implementing suitable mitigation measures to fulfil all the statutory requirements. The technical assessments conducted (see Section 3 to Section 12) have demonstrated that all the statuary requirements in EIA SB (EIA SB No.: ESB-285/2015) and TM-EIAO have been compiled with.

14.1.1.2 The following sections summarise the approaches that have been adopted to either avoid or minimize various environmental impacts throughout the design process, and the associated environmental enhancements and compensation plans.

14.2 Environmentally Friendly Options Considered and Incorporated to Avoid Environmental Impacts

14.2.1.1 Avoidance of environmental impacts has been one of the key considerations throughout the entire project development and design. For those impacts that could not been avoided, due considerations have been given to minimize those impacts as much as practicable so that all the residual impacts would comply with the statutory requirements. For Tung Chung in particular, given the views and opinions collated from public engagement exercises, much emphasis have been given to address the natural resources such as Tung Chung Stream, Tung Chung Bay, built heritages, fisheries production etc. All these approaches to avoid environmental impacts have been suitably incorporated into the RODP. A summary of these approaches is given below.

· Avoidance of recognised sites of conservation importance;

· Avoidance of reclamation in TCW;

· Avoidance of encroachment on Tung Chung Stream;

· Avoidance of emergency discharge for sewage pumping stations at TCE and TCW;

· Avoidance of using fully dredged construction method in TCE Reclamation;

· Avoidance of encroachment on resources with high ecological value; and

· Avoidance of encroachment on built heritages.

14.2.2 Avoidance of recognised sites of conservation importance

14.2.2.1 All the recognised sites of conservation importance, including Country Parks, SSSIs, EISs have been avoided and will not be directly encroached by any developments under the present Project.

14.2.3 Avoidance of Reclamation at TCW

14.2.3.1 As discussed in Section 2.5, the original land use option in TCW included a reclamation of about 50ha which was presented in the Stage 1 public engagement exercise. Ecological studies conducted including literature review and additional ecological surveys have confirmed the high ecological values of Tung Chung Bay. Besides, Tung Chung Bay is also considered as an important landscape resources.

14.2.3.2 Throughout the Stage 1 public engagement exercise, there have been strong views and concerns on any reclamation in TCW. The majority of the views concur that there should be no reclamation inside Tung Chung Bay so as to protect this area with high ecological and landscape resources (including the seagrass beds, mudflats, mangroves habitats etc).

14.2.3.3 As an alternative to the originally proposed 50ha reclamation, a much limited scope of 14ha of reclamation on the east of the Tung Chung Bay with relatively lower ecological value was presented during the Stage 2 public engagement exercise to invite further comments. However, the proposal of 14ha of reclamation in TCW was still not supported by most of the public. As such, all the reclamation in TCW was not be further pursued.

14.2.3.4 To allay public concern, the reclamation in TCW was not pursued to avoid encroachment on the Tung Chung Bay area and hence direct impacts on all the high value ecological and landscape resources within the bay.

14.2.3.5 Avoidance of reclamation would reduce the total fishing ground loss. Loss of general marine waters habitat would also be minimized. Thus, the fishery spawning grounds which support fishery production could be protected.

14.2.4 Avoidance of Encroachment on Tung Chung Stream

14.2.4.1 Similar to Tung Chung Bay, there have also been strong views to avoid encroachment on Tung Chung Stream which has been known for its biodiversity, ecological values and landscape resources (see Section 2.5 for more details), especially for the natural sections leading to the Tung Chung Bay area.

14.2.4.2 After conducting extensive studies on ecology and landscape, it has been recommended to establish buffer zones for the two main branches and the joint outlet section, and one major tributary at Ngau Au of Tung Chung Stream to cover the riparian zone. The widths of buffer zones are in general 30m (except locations without sufficient space) for the two main branches and the joined outlet section, and in general 20m for the major tributary at Ngau Au. In principle, the buffer zones should not be less than the recommended widths except with constraints such as without sufficient space or adjacent to existing developed areas such as villages. The buffer zone for Tung Chung Stream will be zoned as “CA”, ‘CPA”, or “OU” except where overlapped with road crossings. For CA and CPA, only development needed to support the conservation of the existing landscape of scenic quality of the area or are essential infrastructure projects with overriding public interest may be permitted. For OU, this zoning is mainly proposed for polders and the future River Park. Though construction works will be required for the polders and/or the future River Park, the scale of the construction works would not be large and mitigation to prevent site runoff affecting stream courses have been proposed under water quality assessment. Furthermore, these future polders and River Park would be managed by Government after construction, and could thus better protect the stream. Native riparian tree and shrub species will also be planted on the earth-line polders. By establishing these buffer distance, it would avoid encroachment on the Tung Chung Stream area and hence direct impacts on all the high value ecological and landscape resources along Tung Chung Stream (Note: some essential flood protection measures would be required at some locations within the buffer zone to ensure acceptable flood risk).

14.2.5 Avoidance of emergency discharge for sewage pumping stations at TCE and TCW

14.2.5.1 In case of operational failure of the sewage pumping stations, raw sewage might bypass the wastewater treatment unit and be directly discharged into the nearby marine waters. This direct discharge of sewage into the marine waters may impose impact on ecological sensitive receivers and their habitats and also affect the fisheries resources. For the protection of fisheries resources in TCE and TCW, there will be no emergency discharge from any sewage pumping stations. Taking into account the ecological sensitivity of the Tung Chung Stream and Tung Chung Bay, a series of mitigation measures are proposed at these SPSs in TCE and TCW so as to mitigate the risk of pump failure, rising main failure and power failure during emergency situations of SPS. Each SPS will be fitted with a) 100% standby pumping capacity with another 50% capacity spare pumps stockpiled onsite; b) twin rising mains; c) dual-feed power supply; d) emergency storage facilities up to 6-hours ADWF capacity; and e) emergency communication mechanism amongst relevant government departments. These measures were considered to be most appropriate for SPSs in TCE and TCW. Considering the respective risks of pump, rising mains and power failure and the adequacy of these mitigation measures, it is considered that emergency discharge is not expected, and thus no adverse impact on water quality or ecology due to emergency discharge is anticipated.

14.2.6 Avoidance of Using Fully Dredged Construction Method in TCE Reclamation

14.2.6.1 While the reclamation in TCW has been avoided, TCE would require a reclamation of 120.5ha for various land uses. As explained in Section 2.6, both conventional fully dredged method and non-dredged reclamation method have been duly considered. Although the reclamation in TCE is located at a further distance from Tung Chung Bay, generating large plume of suspended solids should be avoided as much as practicable in developing the construction method.

14.2.6.2 As explained in Section 2.6, the generation of suspended solids during conventional reclamation is generally constituted by 2 key processes, including the dredging of sediment and the filling process, both of which would be taken place sequentially. After considering the specific hydrodynamic regime in Tung Chung, it has been recommended to adopt the non-dredged construction method to avoid any sediment dredging. This would avoid removal of sediment and hence avoid generating a large amount of suspended solids during the dredging process. Other than avoiding the generation of large plumes of suspended solids, the non-dredged reclamation method would also avoid the disposal of the large amount of sediment dredged. Hence, release of contaminants and nutrients from seabed sediment during dredging which would have potential impact on fishery resources could be prevented.

14.2.6.3 However, while the dredging process has been avoided, the filling process would still be inevitable. The estimated suspended solids generated has been assessed in the water quality assessment. A series of mitigation measures such as managed filling process, the use of silt curtain / screens etc has been recommended to control the impacts to satisfy statutory requirements (see Section 2.6 for more details).

14.2.7 Avoidance of Encroachment on Resources with High Ecological Value

14.2.7.1 As explained in Section 2.4.2, the vicinity of Tung Chung is characterised with a number of natural resources including the following:

· Mangroves and mudflats,

· Lantau North (Extension) Country Park,

· Site of Special Scientific Interests (SSSIs); and

· Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance

14.2.7.2 In order to avoid impacting the above resources, the development in the RODP and the associated infrastructures have avoided encroachment on these resources. All the recognised sites of conservation importance, including Country Parks, SSSIs, EISs have been avoided and will not be encroached by any developments under the present Project.

14.2.8 Avoidance of Encroachment on Built Heritages

14.2.8.1 As explained in Section 2.4.2, the vicinity of Tung Chung is characterised with a number of built heritage resources including Declared Monuments (e.g. Tung Chung Fort and Tung Chung Battery) and Graded Historic Buildings (e.g. Hau Wong Temple and Entrance Gate at Shek Mun Kap). In order to avoid impacting the above resources, the proposed developments in the RODP and the associated infrastructures have avoided encroachment on these resources.

14.3 Environmental Designs Recommended to Minimise and Mitigate Environmental Impacts

14.3.1.1 Other than initiatives to avoid environmental impacts as summarised in Section 14.2, efforts have been exercised to minimise those inevitable impacts. The need for any environmental designs required to mitigate the associated impacts have also be identified and will be implemented as appropriate. A summary of these approaches is given below.

· Setting back from North Lantau Highway;

· Providing sustainable drainage system for TCW

· Utilising existing site formation for additional services reservoirs;

· Adopting stepped heights for building;

· Providing greening for TCE and TCW;

· Minimising encroachment on Fung Shui Woods;

· Space Provision for TCE and TCW Railway Stations;

· Providing direct noise mitigation measures within TCE and TCW;

· Replacing Theme Park by a marina in TCE;

· Implementation of Environmental Monitoring and Auditing System during construction phase;

· Preservation of habitats with ecological values;

· Reducing the capacity of the proposed marina;

· Avoiding the overlapping of construction programmes with concurrent projects;

· Control and minimisation of marine traffic.

· Adopt non-dredged method;

· Maintaining Tai Ho Wan inlet;

· No emergency discharge in TCE and TCW;

· Limiting works near Tung Chung Stream;

· Selection of Proposed Development Areas in TCW;

· Noise barrier & bird collision; and

· Location of the reclamations.

14.3.2 Setting back from North Lantau Highway

14.3.2.1 As explained in Section 4.2, the boundary of TCE is located within 100m from the NLH which has an AADT of 50,000 in Year 2013. In order to minimise the impact due to traffic noise and vehicular emissions from NLH, a separation distance of approximately 200m to 250m between the planned residential buildings and NLH has been allowed.

14.3.2.2 Besides, the current planning has located commercial building uses between NLH / railway lines and residential uses so as to provide as much noise screening as possible. Nevertheless, some of the noise sensitive receivers would still be exposed to noise levels higher than the respective noise criteria. Hence, a series of direct noise mitigation measures including purpose built noise barriers, suitable treatment on end walls, arranging noise tolerant portions of buildings in internal layout design, and architectural fins in some buildings has been recommended to comply with all the legislative requirements (see Section 4.5 for more details on the noise mitigation measures required).

14.3.3 Providing Sustainable Drainage System for TCW

14.3.3.1 The issue of allowing surface runoff discharged into Tung Chung Stream has been one of the key concerns raised by the public. As explained in Section 2.5, both conventional and sustainable drainage systems have been considered. Unlike the conventional drainage system in which surface runoff would pass through gullies to filter dirt and debris and then be discharged into the receiving water bodies, the currently proposed sustainable drainage system for TCW would consist of a series of regional stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds which would be capable of managing peak flow and removing most of the pollutants. Those ponds would have vegetated wetland zones and permanent pools during wet seasons. All these ponds would also be established with appropriate landscape treatments for beautifying the environment and reducing any visual impacts on neighbouring sensitive receivers.

14.3.4 Utilising Existing Site Formation for Additional Services Reservoirs

14.3.4.1 Section 2.4 has explained the need for 2 additional services reservoirs (1 with 55,000m³ for fresh water supply and 1 with 11,000m³ for flush water supply) to serve the proposed land uses within the RODP. In order to minimise the impacts on terrestrial habitats, an option assessment on the possible locations has been conducted. It has been concluded that the proposed location in the close proximity of the existing reservoirs along the Wong Lung Hang Road would minimise the extent of site formation works and the need to construct a new access road. All these measures would minimise the impacts on terrestrial habitats.

14.3.5 Adopting Stepped Heights for Building

14.3.5.1 In TCE, the building heights near the coastline are approximately 40m and the building heights will increase to 195m towards the proposed railway station. Similarly, for TCW, the building heights near the proposed railway station are 70m and the height would decrease to 25m especially in the vicinity of existing villages. As compared to the options of having more uniform building height, the current option of having stepped building height would avoid “wall effect” developments along the coastal area as far as possible.

14.3.6 Providing Greening for TCE and TCW

14.3.6.1 As explained in Section 1.7, greening is also another key consideration in developing the RODP. According to the current proposal, a Central Green of about 4.8ha will be provided in TCE to enhance linkage between the pedestrian facilities on the ground level. Besides, sufficient greenery walkways are proposed to connect the Metro Core Area near the railway station, waterfront promenade and the existing Tung Chung Town Centre, making the total green area in TCE becomes 20ha. For TCW, a new Town Park with an area of approximately 19ha has also been proposed, and it’s location is bound by Shun Tung Road, Yu Tung Road and Tung Chung Road. These 2 parks with a total area of 39ha will provide greening opportunities to further enhance the overall landscape quality of Tung Chung.

14.3.7 Minimising Encroachment on Fung Shui Woods

14.3.7.1 While the encroachment on ecological resources such as Country Park, SSSI, mangroves, mudflats etc have been avoided, some minimal impacts on Fung Shui Woods are inevitable. For Fung Shui Woods, despite the efforts in optimising the land uses and road alignment etc, a very small area of 0.2ha of Fung Shui Woods would still be encroached. This is attributable to the need to achieve sufficient road width to satisfy road safety requirements and the need for polder system to achieve an acceptable flood risk level. This 0.2ha of Fung Shui Woods constitute 4.8% of the total Fung Shui Woods (i.e. 4.21ha) identified within the boundary of the RODP and the associated infrastructure. In order words, 95.2% of the Fung Shui Woods would still have been avoided.

14.3.8 Space Provision for TCE and TCW Railway Stations

14.3.8.1 The RODP has allowed for the space provision for TCE and TCW Railway Stations to be separately implemented by the railway operators. The future TCW railway station aims 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, and the future TCE railway station aims to serve the planned residents in TCE. These facility infrastructure would encourage both the existing and future communities to make use of this environmentally friendly transport travelling to other urban areas outside Tung Chung instead of road based traffic. This would definitely help reduce the emission of vehicular emission and traffic noise within Tung Chung.

14.3.9 Providing Direct Noise Mitigation Measures within TCE and TCW

14.3.9.1 A road traffic noise assessment has been conducted for the planned noise sensitive receivers (including residential units, schools etc.) within the RODP. The current planning has allowed setback distances as much as practicable. Besides, the current planning has located commercial building uses between NLH / railway lines and residential uses so as to provide as much noise screening as possible. Nevertheless, under unmitigated scenario, some of the noise sensitive receivers would still be exposed to noise levels higher than the respective noise criteria. Hence, a series of direct noise mitigation measures including 1) noise barriers along some road sections or boundary walls within development sites; 2) application of low noise road surfacing material on some road sections; and 3) suitable treatment on end walls, arranging noise tolerant portions of buildings in internal layout design and architectural fins in some buildings has been recommended to comply with all the legislative requirements. More detailed description of those direct noise mitigation measures are given in Section 4.5.

14.3.10 Replacing Theme Park by a Marina in TCE

14.3.10.1 As discussed in Section 2.5, a theme park of approximately 40ha was included in the original land uses at the northern part of TCE. An option assessment has been conducted to compare the relative pros and cons against alternative uses for residential and marina. After reviewing various considerations, it is considered that a marina at the northern part of TCE would have the advantages of generating higher economic vibrancy on that location and hence would provide higher potential for employment opportunities, while avoiding any potential environmental interface issues that may be caused by the operation of the theme park.

14.3.11 Implementation of Environmental Monitoring System during Construction Phase

14.3.11.1 In addition to the mitigation measures as described above (see more details in the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule given in the EM&A Manual), a comprehensive environmental monitoring and auditing programme would be implemented to cover various aspects of concern. An independent environmental checker would also be employed to ensure that all the necessary mitigation measures are implemented in a timely and orderly manner.

14.3.12 Preservation of Habitats with Ecological Values

14.3.12.1 Developments within the proposed conservation or non-development land use zonings such as Conservation Area zoning, Coastal Protection Area zoning, Green Belt zoning, and Agricultural zoning are prohibited. These areas will include Middle and Southern Sections of Fong Yuen area, Fung shui woods, part of the buffer zone of Tung Chung Stream. A large section of Tung Chung Bay coastline is also zoned as non-development zonings to reduce potential disturbance impacts to the nearby natural habitats such as mangroves and mudflats in Tung Chung Bay, especially from the potential increase of visitors.

14.3.13 Reducing the Capacity of the Proposed Marina

14.3.13.1 The scale of the proposed marina in TCE PDA has been reduced from a capacity for 350 vessels to the currently proposed capacity for 95 vessels.

14.3.14 Avoiding the overlapping of construction programmes with concurrent projects

14.3.14.1 During the EIA study, the known and anticipated construction programmes of other concurrent projects have been examined. Based on the available information, the currently proposed reclamation construction programme for the present Project only overlaps with two concurrent marine projects, i.e. 3RS and the CMP at East Sha Chau in the worst case. This has minimized the implications on water quality impacts due to concurrent projects.

14.3.15 Control and Minimisation of Marine Traffic

14.3.15.1 It is recommended that approaches to reduce the marine traffic, including using larger-sized barges, land transportation of materials, and also reuse of excavation and C&D materials from the land-based works of the present Project, should be explored to minimize disturbance impact to dolphin due to increase of working vessels .

14.3.15.2 If barges of larger sized are used, more filling materials could be carried in each trip of the barges and it could reduce the marine traffic volume during construction. The feasibility of using larger barges for carrying filling materials has been investigated. The largest barge may be up to 5,000 tonnes in capacity and could be equivalent of 10-20 normal sized barges. But the number of this type of barges available in the region at the time of the present proposed reclamation would be subject to various factors, and therefore it could not confirm at this stage the amount or proportion of filling materials could be taken up by larger barges. But it is anticipated that if larger barge and land transportation (see below) are adopted for filling materials, it can help to reduce some (not more than 10%) of marine traffic. In the construction stage, the future contractors will be requested to submit a “Proposal on Reducing Marine Traffic”, in which the contractors will need to detail measures adopted to reduce the marine vessel trip numbers and the traffic volume, including using more larger sized barges. The future contractors will have the responsibility to verify the availability and to arrange larger barges as many as possible for transporting the filling materials for the Project.

14.3.16 Adopting Non-dredged Method

14.3.16.1 By adopting non-dredged method, several potential impacts have been minimised. The disturbance of seabed sediments will be greatly reduced without the dredging process, and the water quality impacts caused by suspended solid or sediment plumes will be minimised. This construction method also minimizes the generation of dredged materials, and in turn reduces the marine vessel trips for transportation of dredged materials, and finally reduces the potential of off-site impacts such as the associated impacts on water quality and marine ecology near the disposal facilities.

14.3.17 Maintaining Tai Ho Wan inlet

14.3.17.1 The design of the reclamation has taken into account the importance of the existing Tai Ho outlet for the ecology of Tai Ho Wan, and has minimized the extent of reclamation for Road P1, and maintaining the opening of the outlet in the new reclamation.

14.3.18 No emergency discharge in TCE and TCW

14.3.18.1 Pumping stations will be present in TCE and TCW, but there will be back up measures and suitable designs to prevent emergency discharge accidents.

14.3.19 Limiting Works near Tung Chung Stream

14.3.19.1 Limited crossings for Tung Chung Stream would be required. It is understood the stream bed and stream banks would not be encroached, and the detail design would continue to explore suitable design so as to avoid the buffer zone as far as possible.

14.3.20 Selection of Proposed Development Areas in TCW

14.3.20.1 Locations and extents of development parcels and other development areas in TCW have been selected and adjusted to avoid as far as possible and minimise potential impacts to existing ecological resources. For example, developments in Fong Yuen area are limited to the Northern section of Fong Yuen area, which is more disturbed and fragmented, and thus of lower ecological value. The Middle Section and the Southern Section, which are of higher ecological value, were not proposed for developments and were zoned as Green Belt except a small area of existing urbanised/disturbed inside the Southern Section.

14.3.21 Noise Barrier & Bird Collision

14.3.21.1 In order to minimise the potential impact of bird collision, only solid noise barrier will be used during construction phase. Noise barrier will only be erected at a few locations in the TCE-PDA and TCW-PDA during operation phase. Transparent noise barrier will be avoided as far as possible. If transparent panel will be used, stickers or other measures will be applied to increase the visibility of the panels to birds.

14.3.22 Location of the Reclamations

14.3.22.1 The entire TCE development as well as the Road P1 (Tung Chung - Tai Ho Section) are on new reclamations. The footprint of the proposed reclamations is at the location among the lowest use, if not none, by CWD inside North Lantau waters, and is not found to be important for other marine fauna of conservation importance.

14.4 Summary of Key Environmental Problems Avoided and Sensitive Areas Protected

14.4.1.1 Sections 14.2 and 14.3 have summarised the key approaches adopted in the current proposal to avoid, minimise and mitigate environmental impacts. Some of these approaches have contributed to avoid a number of environmental problems and to protect a number of environmental sensitive areas. The following table presents the key environmental problems that have been avoided and any sensitive areas protected by these approaches.

Table 14.1 Key environmental problems avoided and sensitive areas protected

Design Approaches	Key Env Problems Avoided & Sensitive Areas Protected
Avoidance of recognised sites of conservation importance (see Section 14.2.2)	· All the recognised sites of conservation importance, including Country Parks, SSSIs, EISs have been avoided and will not be encroached by any developments under the present Project.
Avoidance of reclamation in TCW (see Section 14.2.3)	· Loss of mudflat avoided and the ecological habitat protected · Loss of mangroves avoided and the ecological habitat protected · Loss of fisheries resources and fishing grounds minimized
Avoidance of reclamation of waters important for Chinese White Dolphin (see Section 14.2.3)	· Loss of dolphin hotspots avoided · Impacts on dolphin high use areas, nursery grounds, movement corridors avoided
Avoidance of reclamation of waters with high fisheries production or fish fry collection and away from sites of fisheries importance (see Section 14.2.3)	· Loss of important spawning and nursery grounds avoided · Loss of fisheries resources minimised · Impact due to reduction of fishing ground minimised
Avoidance of encroachment on Tung Chung Stream (see Section 14.2.4)	· Loss of habitats within the approximate 20-30m buffer zone avoided (except those for the essential flood protection measures) and the ecological habitat protected
Avoidance of emergency discharge for sewage pumping stations at TCE and TCW (see Section 14.2.5)	· No sewage will be discharged to Tung Chung Stream and Tung Chung Bay · No sewage will be discharged into the waters off Northern Lantau
Avoidance of using fully dredged construction method in TCE Reclamation (see Section 14.2.6)	· Avoided dredging and disposal of sediment · Adverse water quality issues avoided, the fisheries resources/habitats in the waters off Northern Lantau and the ecological habitats in Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan protected.
Avoidance of encroachment on resources with high ecological resources (see Section 14.2.7)	· Country Park, SSSI and Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance avoided and the associated ecological resources protected.
Avoidance of encroachment on built heritages (see Section 14.2.8)	· Monument and graded buildings avoided and the associated heritage resources protected.
Setting back from North Lantau Highway (see Section 14.3.2)	· Together with the proposed noise barriers, the noise sensitive receivers within TCE are protected.
Providing sustainable drainage system for TCW (see Section 14.3.3)	· Direct release of surface runoff into Tung Chung Stream avoided and the ecological sensitive receivers in Tung Chung Stream and Tung Chung Bay are protected as much as practicable.
Utilising existing site formation for additional services reservoirs (see Section 14.3.4)	· Encroachment on neighbouring Country Park avoided and hence the ecological habitat within are protected. · Since the platform has been partly formed, excessive site formation work and hence the associated ecological impacts are avoided.
Adopting stepped height (see Section 14.3.5)	· Reduce “wall effect” along coastal area
Providing greening for TCE and TCW (see Section 14.3.6)	· Avoid visual impact due to massive and condensed building structure within RODP at TCE
Minimising encroachment on Fung Shui Woods (see Section 14.3.7)	· Most of the Fung Shui Wood (~95.2%) identified within RODP at TCW have been avoided except 4.8% (0.2ha) of it which is inevitably affected to satisfy road safety requirements and the need for polder problem
Provision of TCE and TCW railway stations (see Section 14.3.8)	· Help reduce vehicular emissions and traffic noise
Providing direct noise mitigation measures within TCE and TCW (see Section 14.3.9)	· All the noise sensitive receivers within TCE and TCW are protected to achieve the statutory traffic noise required.
Replacing Theme Park by a marina in TCE (see Section 14.3.10)	· The potential environmental interface issue caused by the operation of Theme Park have been avoided
Implement an EM&A during construction phase (see Section 14.3.11)	· Ensure that all the recommended measures are in place
Preservation of habitats with ecological values (see Section 14.3.12)	· Reduce disturbance to the natural habitats at areas near TCW.
Reducing the capacity of the proposed marina (see Section 14.3.13)	· Reduce ecological and water quality impacts.
Avoiding the overlapping of construction programmes with concurrent projects (see Section 14.3.14)	· Minimize water quality impacts due to concurrent projects.
Control and minimisation of marine traffic (see Section 14.3.15)	· Reduce disturbance to CWD due to working vessels.

14.5 Estimated Population Protected from Various Environmental Impacts

14.5.1.1 As mentioned in Section 1.7, a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) has been introduced in TCW in which high flows will be directed into stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds during large rainfall events, and the polder scheme could serve as a barrier to protect the existing villages to avoid flooding. There are altogether 8 existing villages within RODP at TCW with a total population of approximately 3,000 (Ref: Home Affairs Department, 2012).

14.5.1.2 In addition, with the implementation of proposed noise mitigation measures, all the total planned population assigned in TCE and TCW (approximately 144,400) will be protected from road traffic noise and railway noise. Besides, all the planned residential noise sensitive receivers are located beyond the NEF25 contours during the operation of 3RS.

14.6 Environmental Benefits of Environmental Protection Measures Recommended

14.6.1.1 In addition, mitigation measures have been recommended to further reduce the environmental impacts due to construction and operation of the project. Key recommended mitigation measures and their associated benefits are summarised in Table 14.2 below.

Table 14.2 Key recommended mitigation measures and associated benefits

EIA Aspects	Key recommended mitigation measures and associated benefits
Air Quality	· Implementing relevant control measures as required in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation to minimise dust generation · Watering once per hour on exposed worksites and haul road · Potential odour sources associated with the proposed sewage pumping station should be enclosed; · Negative pressure should be maintained within the proposed sewage pumping station; · Installation of deodouriser with an odour removal efficiency of at least 95% to control odour emission from via ventilation exhaust of the proposed sewage pumping station; · Exhaust of the deodouriser at the proposed sewage pumping station should be oriented away from sensitive receivers and vertically upwards to avoid direct facing to any sensitive receivers; and · Maintenance of deodouriser at the proposed sewage pumping station should be regularly conducted to ensure good condition.
Noise	· Provision of noise mitigation measures to reduce traffic noise impacts on nearby NSRs · Selection of quiet plant and use of noise barriers / acoustic shed / noise insulating fabric during construction phase to reduce construction noise impacts to nearby NSRs
Water Quality	· Adopt non-dredged reclamation methodology to minimise SS and contaminant release · Implementing the mitigation measures recommended for control of suspended solids release · Implementing site practices as outlined in ProPECC Note PN 1/94 to control and minimise site runoff and drainage · Install and maintain roadside gullies and oil / grease interceptors for removal of pollutants from storm water · Implementing a ‘spill trap containment system’ and an emergency spill response plan for minimising the potential water quality impacts due to spillage events · No emergency sewage discharge to TCW to avoid impact on Tung Chung Stream
Sewerage and Sewage Treatment	· Propose new village sewerage system for the unsewered villages within TCW to ensure proper handling of sewage flow · No emergency sewage discharge to TCE and TCW to avoid impact on Tung Chung Stream and Tung Chung Bay
Waste Management	· Good waste management and control practices to avoid generation of excessive amount of waste materials · Good site practices to alleviate impacts related to waste management such as dust, odour and noise · Implementation of a trip-ticket system promulgated under DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2010 to monitor off-site delivery of surplus inert C&D materials and to control fly tipping · Maximise the use of suitable fill materials available from other concurrent projects and the Government’s PFRF for the land formation works · Handling of chemical wastes in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes, and disposal of chemical wastes at licensed chemical waste recycling/ treatment facilities · Proper design of the artificial seawall of Tung Chung East to achieve a shoreline without any sharp turns or abrupt indentation where floating refuse would easily trapped or accumulated · Employ reputable licensed waste collectors for disposal of general refuse and floating refuse
Land Contamination	· Carry out suitable remediation measures according to the results from future Site Investigation prior to construction after land resumption
Ecology	· Compensation woodland planting to mitigate the woodland loss · Capture-and-translocation of amphibians species of conservation importance including Chinese Bullfrog and Romer’s Tree Frog species prior to site formation to minimize the mortality · Retain and/or transplant the plant species of conservation importance affected as far as possible · Planting of emergent plant species in the future River Park · Preservation of habitats with ecological values · Avoiding the overlapping of construction programmes with concurrent projects · No emergency discharge from any sewerage pumping stations for the protection of fisheries resources in TCE and TCW · Implement eco-shoreline to mitigate seabed losses · Adopting non-dredged reclamation method as much as practicable. Should dredging be inevitable for element such as box culvert etc, suitable mitigation measures including the use of closed grab dredgers in dredging activities should be implemented in accordance with the future water quality assessment results · Strict enforcement of no-dumping policy and good site practices during construction phase · Implementing good site practices, strict enforcement on no dumping and spill response plan · Noisy construction equipment mounted on barges to be acoustically-decoupled to reduce its potential noise impacts on cetaceans · Minimisation of marine traffic to reduce disturbance on CWD · Implementing construction vessel speed limits as well as speed restriction and regular route plans to alleviate the potential impacts on CWD
Fisheries	· Adopting non-dredged reclamation method as much as practicable. Should dredging be inevitable for element such as construction of box culvert and maintenance dredging of the marina, suitable mitigation measures to the dredging activities should be implemented. The maintenance dredging would be conducted in scheduled manner with much slower rate within a semi-enclosed bay. Together with the deployment of silt curtain, the dispersion of SS would be well controlled and constrained locally · Implementing good site practices, strict enforcement on no dumping and spill response plan · No emergency discharge from any sewerage pumping stations for the protection of fisheries resources in TCE and TCW
Landscape and Visual	· Sensitive landscape design of land formation edge, as well as buildings and structures · Implement greening measures, including vertical greening, green roofs, road verge planting and peripheral screen planting where practical to improve the landscape and visual aesthetics · Compensatory Tree Planting for all felled trees to replace affected trees · Sensitive design of streetscapes (e.g. paving, signage, street furniture, lighting etc.) and viaduct structures to minimise visual intrusion
Cultural Heritage	· Monument and graded buildings avoided and the associated heritage resources protected.

14.7 Environmental Enhancements Included

14.7.1.1 Other than the approaches to avoid, minimise and mitigate environmental impacts as summarised in Section 14.2 and Section 14.3, a series of environmental enhancement works has also been proactively considered by the Project Proponent, as explained in the following sections.

14.7.2 Proper Zoning of CA, CPA and GB

14.7.2.1 As explained in Section 2.5, both the Tung Chung Stream and some habitats inside Tung Chung Valley, as well as the natural coastline of TCW have been identified to have rich ecological and landscape resources including mangroves, mudflats, woodlands, Fung Shui Woods etc. In order to ensure that only compatible activities can be conducted, a total of 3 landuse zonings including Conservation Area Coastal Protection Area and Green Belt have been considered, with considerations of their ecological values. These zonings would definitely be beneficial for preservation of those areas in the longer term.

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

14.7.3.1 As discussed in Section 2.5, a section of approximately 625m long of the original Tung Chung Stream had been channelized in 2004 for flood protection. This channelized section has weakened the ecological connection between the natural section of Tung Chung Stream upstream and the Tung Chung Bay downstream. After considering various options, it is proposed to enhance the ecological connection by revitalising part of this section. Besides, provisions to facilitate eco-education such as viewing decks / boardwalk and passive recreation zone would be introduced. This revitalised section would eventually form part of the River Park.

14.7.3.2 The River Park would consist of the revitalised channel (approximate 415m long) with another approximate 360m long upstream of Tung Chung Stream. The total area of the River Park would be approximate 3.3ha along a total length of approximate 775m long. With the establishment of the River Park, the existing ecological value of the Tung Chung Stream would be enhanced. Once the proposed revitalization work of the channelized section is completed, habitats for aquatic fauna will be provided, and the original ecological connection between the upstream section of Tung Chung Stream and the downstream Tung Chung Estuary would be enhanced. This enhancement measure would provide substantial improvement on the ecological function of the Tung Chung Stream.

14.7.4 Provision of Proper Sewerage System for the Existing Villages in TCW

14.7.4.1 As discussed in Section 2.5, all the existing villages in TCW are currently not provided with public sewerage infrastructure. 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 sewerage system would be provided to facilitate the villagers for the connection to the public sewer as appropriate. The sanitary condition of the villages and the water quality of nearby waters can be improved.

14.7.5 Extension of Promenade for Public Enjoyment

14.7.5.1 As explained in Section 1.7, there is an existing promenade within existing Tung Chung area. It has been proposed to extend and connect this promenade to form an integrated promenade system. This new promenade system would allow the local community to have a more user-friendly access using the promenade to enjoy the Tung Chung Bay and its scenic view.

14.7.6 Provision of Cycling Tracks for Recreational and Improving Connectivity

14.7.6.1 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.

14.7.7 Provision of Space for Charging for Future Generation of Environmentally Friendly Buses

14.7.7.1 As explained in Section 1.7, in order to facilitate the wider use of electric buses, sufficient space has been allowed for in the 3 PTIs in TCE and 1 PTI in TCW for future installation of charging facilities. This would definitely contribute to the reduction of vehicular emission within Tung Chung in the future.

14.7.8 Planting of aquatic plants in biofiltration zone of stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds

14.7.8.1 There would be stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds in TCW. While these stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds are primarily used for receiving and treating surface runoff and alleviating the flood risk during heavy rainfall, the design of these stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds has provided an opportunity to have a synergy to enhance both the ecological and landscape values together. Depending on detailed design, part of these stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds (mainly the biofiltration zone) could be refined in an appropriate manner, without compromising its primary functions of treating surface runoff and flood protection, to incorporate ecological design such as planting of butterfly foodplant for Jhora Scrub Hopper and/or providing habitats for amphibians.

14.7.9 Restoration and enhancement of degraded habitats inside buffer zone

14.7.9.1 The River Park will also cover a section of buffer zone along Tung Chung Stream to the west of Fong Yuen area which is currently containing a large portion of low value habitats mainly urbanised/disturbed habitat. With the River Park implemented, suitable planting will be conducted in these areas and thus enhancement of ecological functions are anticipated.

14.7.10 Planting on the earth bunds of polders

14.7.10.1 Planting on the earth bunds of polders should be provided to provide habitats for wildlife recorded in the area and increase the utilization as corridor by fauna species of conservation importance. Native plant species providing nectar or berry could be planted along polders to enhance the wildlife uses of Tung Chung Valley and increase the value as breeding habitats, mainly butterflies and birds, and also enhance the connectivity provided by the 30m buffer along Tung Chung Stream adjacent to the polders, during operation phase. Reference should be made to previous local experience on eco-garden. Priority should be put on native species when selecting plant species.

14.7.11 Including Eco-Features within the Marina

14.7.11.1 In the proposed marina, the berthing area for vessels would be on the eastern side of the marina, the feasibility of introducing eco-features along the western side of the marina could be considered. The brackish water in the western Hong Kong is suitable for mangrove colonisation, but usually the seawalls could not provide soft substrates for mangroves. Design in the main drainage channels in Yuen Long area demonstrated that with mud substrates on intertidal platforms along sloping boulder shores could facilitate mangrove planting or even natural colonisation. It is recommended that as an enhancement measure platforms with muddy substrates will be provided and various mangrove tree species will be planted following their natural zonation pattern. Boardwalks or viewing platforms will be provided along the shore and/or through these planting mangroves. These mangrove plantings are of dual purposes, providing habitats for fauna in mangroves and estuarine areas, and also providing an education demonstration of mangrove zonation pattern.

14.7.12 Introducing Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) in TCW for Tung Chung Stream

14.7.12.1 Sustainable Urban Drainage System is introduced to further enhance the protection of Tung Chung Stream. 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. According to the latest design, the new system would include the provision of a series of regional stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds. During large rainfall events, high flows will be directed into the stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds which are capable to manage peak flows and remove pollutants. Runoff from the proposed development areas will be directed toward onsite stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds. The ponds will have a vegetated wetland zone and permanent pool during the wet season, which will create valuable open space amenity and increase biodiversity.

14.8 Compensation Areas Included

14.8.1 Woodland Compensation

14.8.1.1 As discussed in Section 9, compensation woodland planting is proposed to mitigate the woodland loss (total 5.71 ha, including 5.3 ha from TCW and 0.41 ha from the service reservoirs) and a small loss of Fung Shui Wood (total 0.2 ha, including 0.16 ha due to polder system within TCW and 0.04 ha due to widening works along Shek Mun Kap Road). A search of area to mitigate the loss of woodland has been conducted. Priority has been given to the practicability of compensation of woodland within the boundary of RODP. Given the nature of the project is to provide development opportunities to satisfy the needs for the society in general and the aspirations of local communities (see Section 2), compensation of woodland within the boundary of RODP is only possible for the area with the future Town Park in TCW. However, it is noted that there is an existing burial ground within this future Town Park in TCW. The future woodland for compensation shall respect the location of this existing burial ground, and a fire buffer would be provided along the boundary. Beyond the RODP, efforts have also been made to identify locations that would be suitable for woodland compensation. After considering a number of requirements such as the existing vegetation cover, the accessibility for planting and future maintenance, and the ecological linkage with other existing habitats after the compensation woodland is established, it is considered that the areas adjoining the woodlands near the existing services reservoirs would be a suitable location. The advantage of this location is that there are existing woodlands immediately downhill and the Sheung Ling Pei Fung Shui Wood is further downhill behind Sheung Ling Pei Village. Planting new woodland areas adjoining existing woodlands would form an ecological linkage and increase the overall habitat size and hence would help to enhance the biodiversity and ecological values in the long run. These 3 major areas, having a total area about 11 ha, which have been identified as suitable for compensation woodland planting are illustrated in Figure 9.11 in Section 9. The selected locations are grassy/shrubby with little tree cover. The slope gradients ranged between 20^o to 30^o. Tree whips and shrub seedlings would be used for the planting mix. The feasibility of commencing woodland compensation planting as soon as practicable should be considered. The tree species to be planted should mostly be native species recorded at the Assessment Area (e.g. Appendix 9.2) for woodland compensation, and the two areas uphill to Sheung Ling Pei should also make reference to the existing tree species reported in FSW habitat. A list of plant species recommended for compensatory woodland planting is provided in Appendix 9.21. Early and timely arrangement with forest nursery for propagation of the seedlings should be made to ensure the availability of both the species and the quantity required.

14.8.1.2 With the 11 ha of compensation woodland, it is sufficient to mitigate the loss of about 6 ha of woodland and FSW from TCW-PDA and service reservoirs. In addition to the native species, the planting list will also contain some fruit tree species which could provide habitats for wildlife including those reported in Orchard habitats. In order to protect the compensation woodland from potential disturbance by fires, fire resistant species (e.g., Schima superba) will be planted in the periphery. The compensation woodland will be maintained by the project proponent (i.e. CEDD) for 10 years before handing over to the government (i.e. Lands Department). The survival and conditions of the planted trees should be inspected during the maintenance period and replant where necessary.

14.8.2 Tree Compensation

14.8.2.1 As discussed in Section 11, there will be a certain amount of vegetation clearance and numbers of tree would need to be fell. Based on the broadbrush tree survey results, almost 70% of trees within the RODP boundary are affected under the LR Agricultural Land.

14.8.2.2 Many of the trees affected are landscape species which are often introduced exotic species, with little ecological value and conservation importance, and have been planted for aesthetic appeal and as part of the landscape rehabilitation scheme. Some compensation planting and transplanting of trees will be required only for mitigating landscape and visual impacts. Woodland mix species whips will be proposed along the hillsides for the woodland compensation and off-site compensation is also required.

14.8.2.3 Compensatory tree planting for felled trees shall be provided to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Removal Application process under DEVB TCW No. 10/2013. Those trees affected will be compensated for by planting within the site areas to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. In addition, compensatory planting for shrubs should be considered in suitable locations. Native species such as Melastoma malabathricum, Diospyros vaccinioides, Gardenia jasminoides, Ixora chinensis, Ligustrum sinense, Litsea rotundifolia, Melastoma dodecandrum, Atalantia buxifolia, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rhaphiolepis indica, and Rhododendron simsii are suggested. The location of compensatory planting is proposed at the potential open areas such as open spaces, amenity areas, open areas of the streetscapes including roadside planting, as well as the open areas within development lots.

14.9 Adoption of Eco-shoreline Design

14.9.1.1 The proposed reclamation in TCE and that for Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section) would be constructed along the existing artificial seawall. While the original artificial seawall has limited ecological values, due considerations have been given to consider the practicability of eco-shoreline along these new artificial seawall, which would help to provide better ecological functions as compared to the existing artificial seawall. While there are a number of variations on the approach of designing eco-shoreline, it is expected that the future new seawalls could consider a sloping rip-rap form, which could provide habitats for colonization of intertidal and subtidal epifauna and juveniles of marine fauna. If feasible, a strip of platform with muddy substrates could be incorporated into the sloping seawalls, to facilitate colonisation of estuarine plants and soft substrate fauna. It is however noted that the western seawall of TCE would be close to the marine navigation channel which would constrain the implementation of eco-seawall. For the new artificial seawall along the Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section), the possibility of implementing eco-shoreline would be relatively more favourable. It is therefore suggested to conduct a study to investigate the feasibility of implementing eco-shoreline along the artificial seawall along Road P1 (Tung Chung – Tai Ho Section) and the eastern shore of TCE reclamation up to the marina opening.