(REF. 113-03)
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
14 Summary of
Environmental Outcomes.
14.2 Environmental Benefits of the Project
14.3 Environmentally Friendly Options
Considered and Incorporated in the Preferred Option
14.4 Environmental Design Recommended
14.5 Key Environmental Problems Avoided and
Environmentally Sensitive Areas Protected
14.6 Estimated Population Protected from
Various Environmental Impacts
14.7 Environmental Benefits of the Project and
Environmental Protection Measures Recommended
14.8 Compensation Areas and Enhancements
Included
14
Summary
of Environmental Outcomes
14.1.1
This
chapter summarises the key environmental outcomes arising from the EIA Study. Chapter
2 outlines the alternatives considered during the optioneering process, which
has taken account of public views and findings of various technical
assessments. Alternative options for
land uses, designs and construction methodologies have
been duly considered throughout the process in response to the public
aspirations collated during the public engagement exercises. The technical
assessments (Chapter 3 to 12) conducted have demonstrated that all the statutory
requirements in EIA Study Brief (EIA SB No.: ESB-291/2015) and Technical
Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) have been
compiled with (see also Appendix 1.1).
14.1.2
The
following sections summarise the approaches that have been adopted to either
avoid or minimise various environmental impacts throughout the design process,
and the associated environmental enhancements and compensation measures.
14.2.1
The
Project aspires to turn the existing vast extent of brownfield operations including
container storage, port back-up, construction material/machinery storage, car
repair workshops, recycling yards, and rural workshops, etc., which have
created considerable environmental, traffic, visual, and other problems, to
more optimal uses and better land utilisation for the future development of
Hong Kong. The development of the
Project could result in the following local and strategic benefits:
· The re-arrangement of the road network by replacement of Tin Ying Road and downgrading of Hung Tin Road will reduce the existing road traffic noise and minimise air pollutants generated from road traffic. The proposal for replacement of Tin Ying Road also provides an opportunity to integrate a leisure riverside promenade along the river channel and facilitate better connectivity between Tin Shui Wai (TSW) New Town and the Project area.
· At present, the proliferation of brownfield operations in the Project area has created considerable environmental, traffic, visual, flooding and other problems. One of the objectives of developing the Project is to convert these brownfield sites to more optimal uses and improve the overall environment of the area. Approximately 24 ha of land at the northern fringe of the Project area is reserved “Port Back-up, Storage and Workshop Uses” (“PBU+SWU”). This area may accommodate some of the existing brownfield operations through the possible development of multi-storey buildings or other land efficient means. The provision of this dedicated area will help to alleviate existing industrial/residential interface issues resulting from existing brownfield sites. In addition, new roads will be provided to directly connect this area to Kong Sham Western Highway (KSWH) thereby eliminating the current movement of heavy goods vehicles through built-up areas including residential areas.
· Within the proposed development area, most of the existing villages and brownfield sites, are currently not covered by or properly connected to the existing sewerage system. New public sewers are proposed under this Project to collect sewage in the proposed development area which will replace the existing unsewered areas. This is likely to result in an improvement to the water quality of watercourses within the Project area.
· A number of the cultural heritage are located within the Project area. The Project provides an opportunity to promote the cultural heritage resources within and surrounding the area though the provision of a cultural heritage trail. This trail is proposed to begin at the TSW Station and proposed Hung Shui Kiu Station along the existing West Rail Line (HSK Station) and permeates through the Project area, along the existing “Open Space” and “Amenity” zones to interlink the heritage features at Ha Tsuen. The trail provides a safe and efficient amenity for people to explore many of the culturally significant areas in the Project area and is also intended to help promote these features and draw people to the area.
· The retention of the San Sang San Tsuen egretry in “Green Belt” (“GB”) that is buffered by “Local Open Space” (“LO”), is an improvement upon its current condition in a highly disturbed open storage area, as it increases protection of the egretry. The “LO” also provides an eco-corridor, covering the ardeid flight paths, and providing connectivity to foraging habitats to the east.
· The Project provides an opportunity to showcase a range of green initiatives adopted to create a green city. For sustainable development of the NDA, one of the key planning concepts is to minimise traffic generation through transit-oriented development. Major population, economic activities and community facilities will be concentrated within walking distance of railway and public transport nodes. Green mobility is promoted within the Project through the introduction of the Green Transit Corridor (GTC) and a comprehensive cycle track and pedestrian walkway network. To promote sustainable use of water, opportunities for using reclaimed water and harvested rainwater for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing and irrigation within the Project area would be explored. Other green initiatives include the provision of Community Green Station for environmental education and collection of recyclables from the local community; and promotion of energy efficient buildings and installations.
· Sustainable drainage systems or facilities have also been identified (e.g. rainwater harvesting, roadside bioretention swales, blue-green infrastructure, flood retention facilities). The implementation of these measures would reduce and attenuate stormwater flows, avoid/reduce flooding, improve water quality of river channels.
14.3.1
Avoidance
of environmental impacts has been one of the key considerations throughout the
entire EIA Study. For those impacts that could not be avoided, due
consideration has been given to minimise those impacts as much as practicable
so that all the residual impacts would comply with statutory requirements. Given the views and opinions collated from
community engagement exercises, much emphasis have been given to address the
natural resources such as San Sang San Tsuen egretry, natural habitats, built
heritage, etc. All these approaches to
avoid environmental impacts have been suitably incorporated into the Revised
Recommended Outline Development Plan (RODP).
A summary of these approaches is given below:
· Avoidance of impacts to “Conservation Area” (“CA”);
· Avoidance of impacts to San Sang San Tsuen Egretry;
· Avoidance of direct impacts to Deep Bay Link (DBL) project mitigation ponds (wetland compensation area);
· Avoidance of direct impact to natural watercourse;
· Preservation of habitats with ecological value;
· Avoidance of emergency discharge for sewage pumping stations (SPS);
· Avoidance of impacts arising from the provision of Fresh Water Service Reservoir (FWSR); and
· Avoidance of encroachment on built heritage.
Avoidance of
Impacts to “Conservation Area” and Deep Bay Link Project Mitigation Ponds
14.3.2
As
discussed in Section 2.6, during the evolution of the Revised RODP, the
western Project boundary was extended to include the KSWH to facilitate the
construction of a new primary distributor (Road P1). Given the presence of ecologically sensitive
wetlands (e.g. DBL project mitigation ponds) to the east and west of the KSWH
and “CA” to the west of KSWH, options for the alignment of Road P1 and the
subsequent Project boundary were investigated.
14.3.3
The
preferred option included only two proposed slip roads which will connect from
the existing KSWH to the Road D3 at the northwestern part of the Project area.
These slip roads will be located at the east and west of the KSWH. As a result,
only one slip road and at-grade road will encroach into the “CA” of Yuen Tau
Shan, west of KSWH. The area that would
be encroached is located in existing reinforced
concrete flood storage ponds and associated maintenance access road (i.e. resulting in no loss of
semi natural/natural habitats). In
addition, Road P1 will go around the eastern ponds rather than overhanging the
ponds as per the other option.
Therefore, the preferred option avoids impacts to the
semi-natural/natural habitats and graves of the “CA”, as well as avoiding the
direct loss of wetland habitats associated with the four mitigation ponds.
Avoidance of
Impacts to San Sang San Tsuen Egretry
14.3.4
The
San Sang San Tsuen egretry is currently located in an open storage site within
the Project area at the western edge of San Sang Tsuen, next to KSWH.
Alternatives to avoid or minimise impacts to the egretry by adjusting the land
use zonings in its vicinity were explored (see Section 2.10). In the preferred option, the egretry is
retained in “GB”. Further protection from disturbance is provided through the
provision of “LO”, which provides a buffer to the south of the “GB”. The “LO”
also provides an eco-corridor, covering the ardeid flight paths, and joining
the “GB” supporting the egretry to “GB” and foraging habitats to the east.
Preservation
of Habitats with Ecological Value
14.3.5
Most
of the sites of conservation importance as well as habitats with high
ecological value have been excluded from the Project area in order to avoid any
direct impacts. Moreover, under the
Revised RODP, the majority of “GB” would be retained during the development to
avoid the loss of natural habitats.
14.3.6
To
avoid direct impacts to a species of conservation importance, Incense Tree, it
is recommended to preserve the tree in situ together with the woodland habitat
in which it occurs, in Tung Tau Tsuen.
Avoidance of
Direct Impact to Natural Watercourse
14.3.7
A
natural watercourse is located in the “Industry” (“I”) zone in the west of the
Project area. To avoid direct loss of
this watercourse, the Revised RODP has zoned the watercourse and the area south
of it as “GB” thereby protecting it from development.
Avoidance of
Emergency Discharge for Sewage Pumping Stations
14.3.8
Emergency
discharge of sewage from SPS could result if the electrical power supply was
interrupted or the pump units failed. In order to minimise the chance of emergency
sewage discharge, a standby pump would be provided to cater for emergency
breakdown or maintenance of the duty pump. Backup power supply in the form of
dual / ring circuit power supply or generator would be provided to secure
electrical power supply. An emergency
storage tank / spare volume of wet well would be provided for the proposed SPSs
to cater for breakdown and maintenance of duty pump. Twin rising mains system
would be provided to facilitate maintenance works and to avoid emergency
discharge of sewage. With incorporation of the recommended preventive measures,
the chance of emergency sewage bypass would be extremely remote.
Avoidance of
Impacts Arising from the Provision of Fresh Water Service Reservoir
14.3.9
The
new FWSR should have a hydraulic head of approximately 60 m to compensate the
head loss during water supply and to maintain the minimum residual head in the
system. Due to this, (hydraulically)
suitable locations for the potential FWSR were considered. The preferred option provides the greatest
engineering and environmental benefits.
Under the Revised RODP, the proposed FWSR is located in the southeast of
the project area near Tan Kwai Tsuen, between the Project development area and
Au Tau Water Treatment Works. Compared to the other options explored, this
option avoids direct impacts on sites of conservation importance (“CA”) and
potential impacts to species of conservation importance.
Avoidance of
Encroachment on Built Heritage
14.3.10
All
Declared Monuments and Graded Historic Buildings would be preserved in the
Revised RODP.
14.4.1
Other
than initiatives to avoid environmental impacts as summarised in Section 14.2, efforts have been exercised to
minimise 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.
· Providing a sustainable drainage system;
· Reuse of reclaimed water;
· Adopting stepped building heights;
· Providing greening;
· Provision of GTC;
· Providing direct noise mitigation measures;
· Careful location of the “I” zone;
· Location of fixed plant in “PBU+SWU” sites;
· Implementation of Environmental Monitoring and Auditing System; and
· Noise barriers and bird collision.
Providing a
Sustainable Drainage System
14.4.2
Sustainable
drainage system or facilities identified will be further reviewed for their
potential implementation. A summary of these approaches is given below:
· “harvested rainwater” will be adopted to store and treat the collected rainwater for irrigation or non-portable uses;
· “roadside bioretention swales” is proposed to attenuate any surface run-off to the downstream throughout the infiltration process with filtration media as well as reducing water logging and ponding issues of roads and footpaths;
· Blue-green infrastructure and revitalisation of existing drainage channels will be adopted with a green and ecologically friendly approach for integration within the overall land use planning;
· Flood retention facilities (e.g. an underground stormwater storage tank installed in “LO”) will be provided to avoid increasing the flooding susceptibility of areas downstream and low-lying villages; and
·
a flood pond in the form of a flood retention
lake will be provided within the Regional Town Park to serve as a flood
mitigation measure and recreation feature to optimise land use.
14.4.3
A
new STW) is proposed to handle the additional sewage
from the proposed development
In order to achieve a sustainable development, part of the treated sewage effluent
will be reused as reclaimed water for toilet flushing in the Project, while the
rest of the treated sewage effluent will be discharged via Urmston Road Outfall
for proper disposal at the North Western WCZ.
Hence, no increase in the pollution load to the Deep Bay waters would be
induced by the Project.
Adoption of Stepped Heights for Building
14.4.4
The
proposed building height and development intensity profile for the Project area
gives due regard to the physical form and setting of the existing and retained
land uses. The proposed height and intensity profile is configured to give
emphasis to specific areas within the Project that are proposed as major
development nodes and points of congregation. The overall intensity and height
profile steps down towards the Lau Fau Shan and Deep Bay area to ensure a
better integration with the area and enhance variety in height and massing of
new developments. Exemplifying the concept of rail-based planning, a gradation
approach is adopted with developments of higher intensity and building height
planned around the proposed railway stations to minimise the need for road
transportation. The intensity and
building height descend towards the northern periphery by designating some low-rise,
low-density developments along Lau Fau Shan Road to allow visual relief between
the Project and the existing low-rise, low density Lau Fau Shan area.
14.4.5
A
majority of residential developments are proposed within the eastern part of
the Project area, along the TSW Main Channel. Maximum development heights
generally range from a maximum of 95 mPD to a maximum of 135 mPD, creating a
curvilinear building height profile from north to south along the Channel. The
proposed building height restrictions have provided flexibility in design such
that stepped height profile within each site can be realised to create visual
porosity and visual interest. This building height strategy also ensures the
development heights will fall towards existing villages to be retained and
other low-rise developments, and towards areas of open space.
Providing Greening
14.4.6
Concerted
efforts would be made to incorporate as many greening opportunities as possible
within the Project area. Making
reference to the principles and guidelines on greening as provided in the Hong
Kong Planning Standards and Guidance, and other Government studies on green
roof application and sustainable living space, greening ratios of 30% to 60%,
30% to 60% and 30% to 85% are recommended for “Regional Open Space” (“RO”),
“District Open Space” (“DO”) and “LO”, respectively. For government facilities / school /
residential development areas, the greening ratio of 20% to 30% is
recommended. More greenery, especially
at-grade tree planting are encouraged to provide in the development sites.
14.4.7
The
open space network is structured along the river channels. The high quality riverside promenades provide
the vertebrae of the open space framework from which a series of ancillary open
spaces are developed. The riverside
promenade along the TSW Main Channel would be activated by the introduction of
shopping street along it and would become a major focal point of the Project
area. A “LO” is planned in the northern
end of the shopping street as a destination and will service as an important
recreational area for residents living in adjacent residential developments and
the general public.
14.4.8
The
Regional Town Park planned at the core of the Project area is conveniently
located for the enjoyment of new and existing communities. It will be easily accessible by the general
public and local residents as it will be linked with the north-south running
open space spines and riverside promenades.
An Eco-Trail is also proposed to link the Regional Town Park with the
hiking trails in Yuen Tau Shan through the “GB” and “LO” the Enterprise and
Technology Park (“E+TP”).
14.4.9
The
Regional Plaza accommodating the proposed HSK Station is another important
”breathing and leisure” space within the high density built-up area of the
Regional Economic and Civic Hub. It
would provide not just a beautifully landscaped public space connecting the station
with the surrounding commercial complexes and public transport interchange
(PTI) but also provides leisure and food and beverage uses itself.
Provision of
Green Transit Corridor
14.4.10 Although the proposed HSK Station and existing TSW Station will serve as the public transport backbone of the Project area, by considering the proposed large number of population and employment as envisaged in the Revised RODP, and that the Logistics, Enterprise and Technology Quarter which are key employment generating uses are located outside the railway station catchment, provision of a highly efficient and environmental-friendly feeder system would cater for internal movement and reduce the adverse road traffic and environmental impact. As such, a designated area has been reserved on the Revised RODP for a GTC and possible provision of an environmentally friendly transport services (EFTS) in the Project. The EFTS corridor would be abutted by cycling tracks and pedestrian walkways. This will allow the public to cycle within vehicle free routes. The quality of the reserve will be enhanced through the application of high and low profile landscape treatments.
Providing
Direct Noise Mitigation Measures
14.4.11
Exceedances
of the noise criteria at some Noise Sensitive Receivers (NSR) are still predicted
even with implementation of the environmentally friendly designs in the Revised
RODP such as deletion of Tin Ying Road, provision of depressed road,
alternative land use arrangement/alternative siting of noise sensitive use away
from the roads, arrangement of non-noise sensitive building as screening
structure, the noise barriers on KSWH (according to the associated approved EIA
Report, and low noise road surfacing on road section of Castle Peak Road in the
vicinity of NDA (between KSWH and Hung Tin Road). Therefore, noise mitigation measures in terms
of noise barriers and low noise road surfacing on Project roads within the
Project area are proposed.
Careful
Location of “Industry” Zone
14.4.12
All
existing industrial sources with Specified Process under Air Pollution Control
Ordinance within the assessment area will be removed. Sites for industrial uses
are planned to the southwest of the Project area. Since the annual winds at the Project area
are north-east and east direction, these industrial emission sources would be
at the downwind direction and its emission impact to the air sensitive uses
within Project would be minimised.
Location of
Fixed Plant in “PBU+SWU” Sites
14.4.13
The
planned logistics facility buildings sited at the west of the Project would act
as noise screening structures to screen the fixed plant noise from “PBU+SWU”,
on the existing village houses.
Implementation
of Environmental Monitoring and Auditing System during Construction Phase
14.4.14
In
addition to the mitigation measures as described above (see more details in the
Project Implementation Schedule given in the Environmental Monitoring and Audit
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.
Noise Barriers
and Bird Collision
14.4.15
In
order to minimise the potential impact of bird collision, only solid noise
barrier will be used during construction phase.
Transparent noise barrier will be avoided as far as possible. Use of
tinted materials and superimposing dark patterns or strips on the barrier, as
per Environmental Protection Department (EPD)/Highways Department requirements
would be employed to minimise bird mortality from collision.
14.5.1
Sections 14.3 and 14.4 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 environmentally sensitive areas. Table 14.1 presents the key environmental problems that
have been avoided and any sensitive areas protected by these approaches.
Table 14.1 Summary
of Key Environmental Problems Avoided and Sensitive Areas Protected
Design Approach
|
Environmental Problems Avoided and Sensitive
Areas Protected
|
Avoidance
of Impact on Sites of Conservation Importance (Section 14.3.2 – 14.3.3)
|
·
The majority of Sites
of Conservation Importance (“Coastal Protection Area” (“CPA”), most of the
“CA”) have been avoided. ·
Where there is a slight
encroachment into the “CA” the preferred option has avoided impacts to
semi-natural/natural habitats and graves.
|
Avoidance of impacts to San
Sang San Tsuen Egretry (Section 14.3.4)
|
·
Egretry is retained and
protected in “GB”. ·
Protection from
disturbance is provided through the provision of “LO”, which provides a
buffer to the south of the “GB”. ·
The “LO” also provides
an eco-corridor, covering the ardeid flight paths, and joining the “GB”
supporting the egretry to “GB” and foraging habitats to the east. |
Avoidance impacts to DBL
project mitigation ponds (Section 14.3.2 – 14.3.3)
|
·
The preferred option
avoids direct loss of the four mitigation ponds. |
Preservation of habitats with ecological
value (Section 14.3.5)
|
·
Most of the sites of
conservation importance as well as habitats with high ecological value have
been excluded from the Project area in order to avoid any direct
impacts. ·
The majority of “GB” is
retained during the development to avoid the loss of natural habitats. ·
Avoidance of direct
impacts to species of conservation importance. |
Avoidance of direct impacts on
natural watercourse (Section 14.3.7)
|
·
The Revised RODP
retains the natural watercourse, south of the “I” zone, in “GB” zone. |
Avoidance of emergency
discharge for SPS (Section 14.3.8)
|
·
The recommended
preventive and design measures would protect the inland watercourses and Deep
Bay waters downstream of the SPS. |
Avoidance of encroachment on
built heritage (Section 14.3.10)
|
·
All
Declared Monuments and Graded Historic Buildings would be preserved in the
Revised RODP. |
Providing sustainable drainage
system (Section 14.4.2)
|
·
Reduce and attenuate
stormwater flows, avoid/reduce flooding, improve water quality of channels. |
(Section
14.4.3)
|
·
Reduce the amount of
effluent discharge from the new HSK STW via Urmston Road Submarine Outfall
and thus minimise pollution loading to the North Western WCZ. |
Adopting stepped building
heights (Section 14.4.4 – 14.4.5)
|
·
Allow better
integration with the existing / retained areas and enhance the overall
quality of visual character. |
Providing greening (Section
14.4.6 – 14.4.9)
|
·
Create greening and
landscape resources that would improve the overall quality of landscape character. |
Provision of GTC (Section
14.4.10)
|
·
Help reduce vehicular
emissions and traffic noise. |
Providing direct noise
mitigation measures (Section 14.4.11)
|
·
NSRs are protected to
achieve the statutory traffic noise requirement. |
Careful Location of “Industry”
Zone (Section 14.4.12)
|
·
Locating new industrial
sources to planned industrial zones at the downwind direction, minimises the
emission impact to the air sensitive uses within Project. |
Location of Fixed Plant in
“PBU+SWU” Sites (Section 14.4.13)
|
·
The planned logistic
facility buildings screen the fixed plant noise from “PBU+SWU”, on the
existing village houses. |
Implementation of Environmental
Monitoring and Auditing System (Section 14.4.14)
|
·
Ensure that all the
recommended measures are in place. |
Design of Noise Barriers
(Section 14.4.15)
|
·
Minimise the potential
impact of bird collision. |
14.6.1
Blue-green
infrastructure would be incorporated so that high flows due to Project will be
directed into adequate stormwater attenuation facilities within the proposed
development area during storm events, and the polder schemes could serve as a
flood mitigation measures to protect the existing villages to avoid flooding
(i.e. eight existing villages within Revised RODP with a total population of
approximately 5,000).
14.6.2
With
the implementation of proposed noise mitigation measures, all the total planned
population assigned within Project area (approximately 218,000) would be protected
from road traffic noise.
14.7.1
Mitigation
measures have been recommended to further reduce the environmental impacts due
to construction and operation of the Project. Key recommended mitigation
measures and any associated benefits are summarised in Table 14.2 below.
Table 14.2 Key
Recommended Mitigation Measures
Environmental Aspect
|
Mitigation
Measure and any Associated Benefit
|
Air
Quality Impact
|
·
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 roads during the construction phase to minimise dust impact. ·
For open excavation and spoil handling works,
provision of 3m high hoarding along the construction site boundary adjacent
to the non-construction areas such as residential, educational institutes or
recreation area in use to minimize the dust impact. ·
Limitation of size of active work area of the
work contract closest to some affected ASRs to one third of monthly average
work area of the work contract during the construction phase to minimise dust
impact ·
Provision of deodourising units on the four
planned SPSs to alleviate the odour impact. ·
Enclosed the potential odour emission sources of
the planned new STW and the vented air to be treated in the deodourising unit
to alleviate the odour impact. ·
Provision
of deodourising units on the planned Refuse Transfer Station to
alleviate the odour impact. |
Noise Impact
|
·
Adoption of quiet
powered mechanical equipment (PME), movable noise barriers, proper workfront
management, proper grouping of PME for some construction activities at
critical work areas and provision of minimum separations between the affected
schools and the critical works areas during examination period to minimise
the construction noise impact. ·
Liaison with the school
representative(s) to obtain the examination schedule so as to avoid noisy
construction activities during school examination period. ·
Set up a liaison group
among relevant government departments, contractors of the Works contracts,
etc. during construction phase of the Project to ensure proper implementation
of mitigation measures. ·
Provision of noise
mitigation measures including low noise road surfacing and noise barriers on
the Project roads to reduce road traffic noise impacts on nearby NSRs. If exceedance is still predicted at the
planned NSRs, special building designs (such as blank facades, provision of
acoustic windows/acoustic balcony) for affected planned residential NSRs, and
provision of boundary wall, air conditioning and noise insulated windows for
affected planned educational institutes
are also proposed to further minimise the traffic noise impact. ·
Provision of silencers
for the ventilation fans of the four planned SPSs to alleviate the fixed
plant noise impact. ·
Provision of acoustic
fins, non-sensitive use or fixed glazing and layout set back at the NSR to
alleviate the railway noise impact. |
Water Quality Impact
|
·
The mitigation measures
as detailed in the ProPECCPN 1/94 “Construction Site Drainage” and the ETWB
TC (Works) No. 5/2005 “Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse
impacts arising from construction works” as well as other good site practices
are recommended to minimise the potential water quality impacts from the
construction activities. ·
An Emergency Response
Plan (ERP) is recommended to minimise the potential water quality impact from
construction site discharges under failure of treatment facilities during
emergency situations or inclement weather. ·
Water quality
monitoring at all major watercourses identified within the Project area is
recommended to be carried out before, during and after the construction
phase. ·
It is also recommended
that regular site inspections during the construction phase should be
undertaken to inspect the construction activities and works areas in order to
ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented. ·
Various precautionary
measures are proposed to be incorporated in the design of the SPS and rising
mains to avoid emergency bypass and leakage of sewage to the maximum
practicable extent. ·
A Contingency Plan (CP)
is recommended to minimise impacts associated with the remote occurrence of
emergency discharge from SPS. The CP should include locations of water bodies
or water sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the emergency discharges, a
list of relevant government departments to be informed and to provide
assistance in the event of emergency discharge, reporting procedures required
in the event of emergency discharges and procedures listing the most
effective means in rectifying the breakdown of the SPS. ·
Stormwater control
measures such as adequate storm drainage system with suitable pollutant
removal devices, blue-green infrastructure and best storm water management
practices are recommended to minimise the non-point source pollution due to
surface run-off arising from the Project operation. ·
Provision of perimeter
drainage with suitable interceptors or stop-logs and appropriate treatment
facilities are recommended in the open areas of the industrial (“I”) zone and
“PBU+SWU” of the Project to prevent the contaminated wash-off or accidental
spillage from entering the nearby water environment. An ERP is also
recommended for the “I” zone and “PBU+SWU” to deal with accidental spillage. |
Sewerage and Sewage
Treatment Implications
|
·
Providing new sewage
network in the project which will replace the existing unsewered areas within
the development area, will reduce the pollution loading to Deep Bay. ·
Various preventive and
design measures are recommended for the proposed SPS to prevent emergency
discharge and thus protect the downstream water quality. |
Waste Management Implications
|
·
Implementation of good
site practices and waste reduction measures (e.g. reuse of construction and
demolition (C&D) materials before off-site disposal or develop a
materials recovery and recycling programme during construction and
operation). ·
Preparation of an
Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which includes the Waste Management Plan
(WMP) in accordance with the ETWB TC(W) No. 19/2005. ·
Implement a trip-ticket
system for each works contract in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2010 to
ensure that the disposal of C&D materials are properly documented and
verified. ·
Handling and disposal
of asbestos containing materials should be carried out in accordance with the
ProPECC PN 2/97 and the Code of Practice on the Handling, Transportation and
Disposal of Asbestos Waste. ·
Handling of chemical
waste in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and
Storage of Chemical Wastes, and disposal of chemical waste at licensed
chemical waste recycling / treatment facilities. ·
Options for adoption of
automatic refuse collection system and organic waste treatment facilities
within the residential and commercial complexes will be considered. ·
A Community Green
Station is proposed to be co-located with the new RTS for environmental
education purpose and convenient collection of recyclables from the local
community to provide synergy to achieve better operational efficiency and
environmental sustainability. |
Land Contamination Impact
|
·
Further works,
including site re-appraisal, site investigation as well as submission of
supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan(s), Contamination Assessment
Report(s) and Remediation Action Plan(s) (RAP(s)) for EPD approval are
recommended to be carried out after the sites are handed over to Project
Proponent for development. ·
If contaminated soil
and/or groundwater were identified, suitable remediation measures according
to the results from future SI works will be proposed in the RAP(s) and
submitted to EPD for approval. Remediation should be carried out according to
EPD approved RAP(s) and Remediation Report(s) (RR(s)) should be submitted to
EPD for agreement after completion of the remediation works. Regular site
audit during construction phase is required to ensure the proposed mitigation
measures as recommended in the future RAP(s) are implemented effectively. No
development works shall be commenced prior to EPD agreement of the RR. ·
By implementing the
recommended further works under this Project, the actual contaminated site(s)
within the assessment area would be located and any contaminated soil and
groundwater would be identified and treated. The recommended further works
would not only minimise the human health risks arising from the exposure of
the contaminated soil and/or groundwater, it would also provide the
opportunity to treat the contaminated ‘waste’
using proven remediation techniques into useful products (such as backfilling
materials); thereby minimising the amount of waste disposing into the already
depleting landfills in Hong Kong and achieving a more sustainable
development. ·
Furthermore, the
Project would allow the conversion of the contaminated site(s) into land that
are safe for more optimal development (e.g. residential development).
The more optimal development would assist in addressing Hong Kong’s long-term
housing demand and other land use needs. |
Ecological Impact
|
·
Preservation of Tung
Tau Tsuen woodland in situ and
plant species of conservation importance (Incense Tree). ·
Phasing the
construction works outside the breeding season of ardeids (i.e. March to
August). ·
Implementation of
hoarding / screening during the construction phase. ·
Retention of
vegetation/habitats where possible and provision of buffer planting. ·
Minimise or incorporate
wildlife-friendly lighting along the river channel or vegetated areas. ·
Develop appropriate
mitigation strategies to avoid potential injury to roosting bats if found in
any buildings or trees that would be removed during construction phase. ·
Incorporation screening
measures (e.g. include amenity strip and additional tree planting, vertical
greening walls, green roof, noise barriers) to minimise the disturbance
impact to mitigation ponds. ·
Use of tinted materials
and superimposing dark patterns or strips on the barrier, to minimise bird
mortality from collision. |
Fisheries Impact
|
·
Implementation of water
quality mitigation measures to minimise the potential water quality impacts
to ponds. |
Landscape and Visual Impact
|
·
CM1 - Minimised
construction area and contractor’s temporary works areas ·
CM2 – Stripping and
storing of top soil ·
CM3 – Protection of
existing trees ·
CM4 – Transplantation
of existing trees where practical ·
CM5 – Control of night
time lighting ·
CM6 - Construction of
decorative hoarding around construction works ·
CM7 – Reduction of
construction period to a practical minimum ·
CM8 – Prevention of
run-off ·
CM9 – Phasing of
construction stage ·
CM10 – Advanced screen planting ·
CM11 – Minimise
disturbance footprints ·
CM12 – Protection of
existing water courses ·
CM13 – Hydroseeding on
appropriate slopes ·
CM14 – Integrate Open
Space Framework with existing nullah conditions ·
OM1 – Compensatory tree
planting where practical ·
OM2 – All above ground
structures shall be sensitively designed ·
OM3 – Streetscape
elements shall be sensitively designed ·
OM4 – Reinstatement of
streetscape areas to equal or better quality ·
OM5 – Implementation of
attractive soft landscape areas around above ground structures ·
OM6 – Provision of
planting along roadside amenity strips ·
OM7 – Appropriate
design of street lighting ·
OM8 – Sensitive and
chromatic treatment of architectural facades ·
OM9 – Sensitive design
of landscape area ·
OM10 – Sensitive design
of noise barriers and enclosures ·
OM11 – Tree planting
screens along site boundaries ·
OM12 – Control of night
time lighting ·
OM13 – Provision of
green roofs and vertical greening where possible ·
OM14 – Aesthetic
improvement planting of viaduct structures |
|
Impact
on Cultural Heritage |
·
Avoidance of Declared
Monuments and graded buildings. ·
Preservation of 12 nil
grade built heritages by cartographic and photographic record. ·
Further
archaeological survey is required to be conducted at 2 Archaeological
Potential Areas (APAs), APA1 and APA2 to ascertain the extent of any
archaeological remains within the APAs if any construction works will be
carried out. Based on the findings of
the survey, mitigation measures could be proposed and not limited to
preservation in situ, preservation by records, or relocation of
archaeological remains. Direct impact arising from the proposed development
within APA3 should be avoided as far as possible. ·
2
Sites of Archaeological Interest (SAIs) might be partially impacted by
construction works. The archaeological impact arising from the construction
works should be assessed when the detailed design of the works is available.
However, if the works cannot avoid disturbance to the archaeological deposit,
depending on degree of direct impact, the following mitigation measures
should be considered, such as archaeological surveys, archaeological watching
brief, preservation by records and relocation of archaeological remains. The scope and programme of the
archaeological fieldwork would be agreed with AMO. |
Tree
Compensation
14.8.1
The
open space network is structured along the riverside channels. These provide
the vertebrae of the open space framework from which a series of ancillary open
spaces extend. The edge of the riverside corridors provide space for tree
compensation, as do the numerous “LO” and “DO” sites scattered throughout the
Project area. The Regional Town Park
will also provide space for tree compensation.
In total, 71 ha of land is set aside for tree compensation. Spaces such as roadside amenity areas will be
heavily wooded and provide space for tree compensation, whereas park areas and
the riverside channels will have more a formal, structured tree spaces.
Enhancing Ecological Connectivity across the Revised RODP
14.8.2
Enhancement
could be achieved by incorporating habitat creation through the landscaping
plan (e.g. at “LO” and “DO” zoning), particularly at where areas connected to
“GB” (i.e. natural habitats).
Introduction of native plant species as buffer planting could be adopted
within the developed areas, to provide connectivity between any isolated “GB”
zones within the Project area. This can
help to improve the current habitat quality of the “GB” zones as the majority
of them were of low ecological value plantation.
Enhancement for San Sang San Tsuen Egretry
14.8.3
The
retention of the San Sang San Tsuen egretry in “GB” that is buffered by “LO”,
is an improvement upon its current condition in a highly disturbed open storage
area, as it increases protection of the egretry. In addition, the provision of landscape
planting in the “LO” zone adjacent to the egretry with suitable trees and
bamboo, such as Chinese Hackberry (Celtis
sinensis) and Da Ngan Bamboo (Bambusa eutuldoides) that are potentially utilised by ardeids
for nesting, to enhance nesting resources for breeding ardeids. To maximise the planting’s potential for use
by breeding ardeids, this should be located in an area with limited human
disturbance.
14.8.4
Ecological
enhancement could be provided though the inclusion of suitable planting within
the flood retention lake at Site 1-27 to provide foraging habitat for wetland
dependent species (e.g. ardeids). This could include appropriate planting of
suitable trees and bamboo on the proposed island to potentially provide
additional nesting resources for breeding ardeids. The island embankments (e.g. slope surface,
vegetation planting, etc.) should be appropriately designed to provide suitable
foraging opportunities for ardeids. For
example, shallow water with gentle slope surfaces covered with marshy species
may provide foraging ground for breeding ardeids.
14.8.5 During detailed design for the realignment of the Tin Sam Channel, opportunities for ecological enhancement (e.g. bioengineering, creating meanders) would be considered to improve to the ecological value. Provision of natural substrates that would encourage colonisation of flora and freshwater fauna in the bottom and banks of the revitalised watercourses is recommended.