Environmental Impact
Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), Section 5(7)
Environmental Impact
Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-122/2004
( hereinafter known as the " Project
" )
Name of Applicant
: Drainage
Services Department
( hereinafter known as
the " Applicant " )
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 An application (No. ESB-122/2004) for an Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact
Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant on 15 November 2004
with a project profile (No. PP-232/2004) (the Project
Profile).
1.2
The proposed Project is to expand the sewage treatment capacity and
upgrade the treatment level of existing Pillar Point Sewage Treatment Works in
order to cater for the projected population and planned developments in Tuen
Mun area, as shown in drawings nos. DSS/2004/001 & DSS/2004/002 in the
Project Profile, reproduced in Appendix A. Key elements of the Project are described below :-
(a)
modify and expand the existing aerated grit channels;
(b)
construct chemical treatment units;
(c)
construct sludge treatment units which may include
sludge digesters, sludge de-watering facilities and sludge thickening
facilities;
(d)
construct disinfection units;
(e)
modify and expand the existing septic waste reception
facilities; and
(f)
modify and expand the existing ancillary facilities
including administration building, workshop, laboratory and landscaping works.
1.3 Pursuant to section 5(7)(a) of the EIAO, the Director of
Environmental Protection (the Director) issues this EIA study brief to the
Applicant to carry out an EIA study.
1.4 The purpose of this EIA study is to provide information on the
nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the construction and
operation of the Project and related activities that take place concurrently.
This information will contribute to decisions by the Director on :
(i) the overall
acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that is likely to arise
as a result of the Project;
(ii) the conditions and
requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project
to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable;
and
(iii)
the
acceptability of residual impacts after the proposed mitigation measures are
implemented.
2. OBJECTIVES
OF THE EIA STUDY
2.1 The
objectives of the EIA study are as follows :
(i) to describe the
Project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out
the Project;
(ii)
to identify and describe elements of
community and environment likely to be affected by the Project and/or likely to
cause adverse impacts to the Project, including natural and man-made
environment and the associated environmental constraints;
(iii)
to consider alternatives where necessary,
as detailed in Section 3.3 below, with a view to avoiding and minimizing the
potential environmental impacts to the ecological sensitivity areas in Sha Chau
and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and other sensitive uses; to compare the
environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the different options; to
provide reasons for selecting the preferred option(s) and to describe the part
environmental factors played in the selection;
(iv) to identify and quantify emission sources and determine the
significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;
(v)
to
identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and
natural habitats and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;
(vi)
to
identify and assess any potential landscape and visual impacts caused by the
Project during construction and operation stages, in particular the potential
landscape and visual impacts to users of Lung Mun Road and the proposed 2 sites on the
hill slopes opposite Lung Mun Road earmarked for holiday camp development for
the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
;
(vii)
to
propose the provision of mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution,
environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the
Project;
(viii)
to
investigate the feasibility, practicability, effectiveness and implications of
the proposed mitigation measures;
(ix)
to
identify, predict and evaluate the residual environmental impacts (i.e. after
practicable mitigation) and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the
construction and operation phases of the Project in relation to the sensitive
receivers and potential affected uses;
(x)
to
identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in
the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project which are
necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and cumulative effects and
reduce them to acceptable levels;
(xi)
to
investigate the extent of the secondary environmental impacts that may arise
from the proposed mitigation measures and to identify constraints associated
with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study, as well as the
provision of any necessary modification; and
(xii)
to
design and specify environmental monitoring and audit requirements to ensure the
effective implementation of the recommended environmental protection and
pollution control measures.
3. DETAILED
REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY
3.1 The Purpose
The purpose of this study brief is to scope the
key issues of the EIA study and to specify the environmental issues that are
required to be reviewed and assessed in the EIA report. The Applicant has to demonstrate in the
EIA report that the criteria in the relevant sections of the Technical
Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as ¡§the TM¡¨) are fully
complied with.
3.2 The Scope
The
scope of this EIA study shall cover the Project mentioned in Section 1.2
above. The EIA study shall address
the likely key issues described below, together with any other key issues
identified during the course of the EIA study :
(i)
potential water quality impact and
associated impact on the nearby ecological sensitive areas including Sha Chau
and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park caused by potential increase in pollution load
from the increased discharge, including emergency discharges, upon operation of
the Project;
(ii)
potential air quality impacts, including
odour impact, arising from the construction and operation of the Project, on
nearby sensitive receivers including the nearby River Trade Terminal;
(iii)
if there is storage of chlorine
on site as mentioned in Section 3.4.6.1 below, the potential hazard to life due
to on-site transportation, storage and uses of chlorine as disinfectant upon
operation of the Project;
(iv)
potential impacts,
including odour impact, arising from the handling, storage, transportation and
disposal of the increased output in sewage sludge upon operation of the
Project;
(v)
potential landscape and visual impacts caused
by the Project during construction and operation stages, in particular the
potential landscape and visual impacts to users of Lung Mun Road and the
proposed 2 sites on the hill
slopes opposite Lung Mun Road earmarked for holiday camp development for the
Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
(vi)
cumulative environmental
impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other
existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project, including
the Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility, the Recovery Park, the 2 sites on the
hill slopes opposite Lung Mun Road earmarked for holiday camp development for
the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and other planned land uses in Tuen Mun Area
38, and that those impacts may have a bearing on the environmental
acceptability of the Project.
Consideration shall be given to account for the cumulative water quality
and ecological impacts from likely concurrent projects such as the effluent discharge
into the same water bodies from other sewage treatment works in the vicinity. Consideration
shall also be given to account for cumulative dust impacts from other
concurrent projects during construction phase of the Project.
3.3 Consideration of Alternative Treatment
Methods and Construction Methods
3.3.1 Consideration
of Alternative Treatment Methods
Where the EIA
predicts impacts on water quality of receiving water bodies and/or impacts on
ecological sensitive areas would exceed relevant criteria in the TM, the
Applicant shall consider other feasible sewage treatment options for the
Project, such as using a higher level of treatment, with a view to mitigating
the water quality and/or ecological impacts to within relevant criteria in the
TM. A comparison of the
environmental benefits and disbenefits of possible sewage treatment options,
including different disinfection options, shall be made with a view to
recommending the preferred option to avoid adverse environmental effects to
maximum practicable extent.
Assessments on water quality impacts, including identification of
potentially harmful products associated with different disinfection options as
well as mathematical modeling works, should be carried out to evaluate the respective
impacts on nearby sensitive receivers.
3.3.2 Consideration
of Alternative Construction Methods and Sequences of Works
If
the EIA predicts that the construction air, water quality and odour impacts
would exceed relevant criteria in the TM, the Applicant shall explore
alternative construction methods and sequences of works for the Project, taking
into consideration the combined effect with respect to the severity and
duration of the construction impacts to the affected sensitive receivers, with
a view to avoiding prolonged adverse environmental impacts to the maximum
practicable extent. A comparison
of environmental benefits and disbenefits of applying different construction
methods and sequence of works shall be made.
3.3.3 Selection
of Preferred Scenario
Taking into consideration
of the findings in Sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 above, the Applicant shall
recommend with full justifications the adoption of the preferred sewage
treatment method, disinfection method and construction method that will avoid
or minimize adverse environmental effects arising from the Project, in
particular the impacts on ecology and water quality in the Urmston Road and the
Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, and the air and odour impacts on nearby
sensitive receivers such as the River Trade Terminal.
3.4 Technical Requirements
The
Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects as
described in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 above. The EIA study shall include the following technical
requirements on specific impacts. The Applicant shall include in the EIA report
details of the construction programme.
3.4.1 Air Quality Impact
3.4.1.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for
evaluating and assessing air quality impact as stated in Section 1 of Annex 4
and Annex 12 of the TM, respectively.
3.4.1.2 The study area for air quality impact assessment shall generally be
defined by a distance of 500 metres from the boundary of the project site, yet
it shall be extended to include major emission sources that may have a bearing
on the environmental acceptability of the Project. For this Project, the assessment shall include but not
limited to the existing, planned and committed sensitive receivers within the
study area including the River Trade Terminal at Tuen Mun Area 38. Such assessment shall be based on the
best available information at the time of the assessment.
3.4.1.3
The
Applicant shall assess the air pollutant concentrations with reference to the
relevant sections of the guidelines in Appendices B-1 to B-3 attached to
this study brief, or other methodology as agreed by the Director.
3.4.1.4 The air quality impact assessment shall include the following:
(i) Background and Analysis of Activities
(a) Provide background information relating to air quality issues
relevant to the Project, e.g. description of the types of activities of the
Project that may affect air quality during both construction and operation
stages.
(b) Give an account, where appropriate, of the consideration/measures
that had been taken into consideration in the planning of the Project to abate
the air pollution impact. That is, the Applicant shall consider alternative
construction methods/phasing programmes and alternative modes of operation to
minimize the constructional and operational air quality impact respectively.
(c) Present background air quality levels in the assessment area for the
purpose of evaluating cumulative constructional and operational air quality
impacts.
(ii) Identification of Air Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) and
Examination of Emission / Dispersion Characteristics
(a) Identify and describe existing and planned/committed ASRs that would
likely be affected by the Project, including those earmarked on the relevant
Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development
Plans and Layout Plans. The
Applicant shall select the assessment points of the identified ASRs that represent
the worst impact point of these ASRs.
A map showing the location and description such as name of buildings,
their uses and height of the selected assessment points shall be
given. The separation distances of
these ASRs from the nearest emission sources shall also be given. If the Project will be carried out in
phases, the Applicant shall review the odour emission impact arising from the
existing, modified/expanded, temporary and new sewage treatment units on the
identified ASRs for each phase.
(b) Provide an exhaustive list of air pollutant emission sources,
including any nearby emission sources which are likely to have impact related
to the Project based on the analysis of constructional and operational
activities in Sub-section 3.4.1.4(i) above. Examples of construction stage emission sources include
stockpiling, blasting, concrete batching, marine construction plant and
vehicular movements on unpaved haul roads on site, odour emission from the
modification/expansion work on existing sewage treatment units such as the
existing aerated grit channels, etc. and the temporary sewage
treatment units. Examples of
operational stage emission sources include exhaust emissions from sludge
digesters, etc.
Confirmation of validity of the assumptions and magnitude of the
activities (e.g. volume of construction material handled, odour emission
strength, etc.) shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities
and documented.
(iii) Construction Stage Air Quality Impact
(a) The Applicant shall follow the requirements stipulated under the Air
Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation to ensure that construction
dust which may arise as a result of the works are controlled
within the relevant standards as stipulated in Section 1 of Annex 4 of the
TM. A monitoring and audit programme
for the construction stage shall be devised to verify the effectiveness of the
control measures proposed so as to ensure proper construction dust control.
(b)
If
the Applicant anticipates that the Project will give rise to significant
construction dust impacts likely to exceed recommended limits in the TM at the
ASRs despite the incorporation of the dust control measures proposed in
accordance with Sub-section 3.4.1.4(iii)(a) above, a quantitative assessment
should be carried out to evaluate the construction dust impact at the
identified ASRs. The Applicant
shall follow the methodology set out in Sub-section 3.4.1.4(v) below when
carrying out the quantitative assessment.
(c)
The
Applicant shall ensure that any odour emissions which may arise as a result of
the works such as the modification and expansion to the existing sewage
treatment units including the existing aerated grit channels and the temporary
sewage treatment units are controlled within the relevant standards as
stipulated in Section 1 of Annex 4 of the TM. A monitoring and audit programme for the construction phase
shall be devised to verify the effectiveness of the control measures proposed so
as to ensure proper construction odour control.
(iv) Operational Stage Air Quality Impact
(a)
The Applicant shall calculate the
expected air pollutant concentrations, including odour, at the identified ASRs
based on an assumed reasonably worst-case scenario. The evaluation shall be based on the strength of the emission
sources identified in Sub-section 3.4.1.4(ii)(b) above. The Applicant shall follow Sub-section
3.4.1.4(v) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment. A monitoring and audit programme for
the operational stage shall be devised to verify the effectiveness of the
control measures proposed so as to ensure proper operational odour control.
(v) Quantitative Assessment Methodology
(a) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated in the
modelling guidelines in Appendices B-1 to B-3 while making allowance for
specific characteristics of the Project.
This specific methodology must be documented in such level of details
(preferably with tables and diagrams) to allow readers of the assessment report
to grasp how the model is set up to simulate the situation at hand without
referring to the model input files.
Details of the calculation of emission rates of air pollutants for input
to the model shall be presented in the report. The Applicant must ensure consistency between text
description and model files at every stage of submission. In case of doubt, the Applicant should
seek prior agreement from the Director on specific modelling details.
(b) The Applicant shall identify key/representative air pollutant
parameters (types of pollutants and averaging time concentration) to be
evaluated and provide explanation for choosing these parameters for assessing
the impact of the Project.
(c) The Applicant shall calculate the cumulative air quality impact at
identified ASRs and compare these results against the criteria set out in Section
1 of Annex 4 in the TM. The
predicted air quality impacts (both unmitigated and mitigated) shall be
presented in the form of summary table and pollution contours, to be evaluated
against the relevant air quality standards and on any effect they may have on
land use implications. Plans of a suitable
scale should be used to present pollution contour to allow buffer distance
requirements to be determined properly.
(vi) Mitigation Measures for Non-compliance
The Applicant shall propose
remedies and mitigating measures where predicted air quality impact exceeds the
criteria set in Section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. These measures and any constraints on future land use
planning shall be agreed with relevant government departments/authorities and
documented. The Applicant shall
demonstrate quantitatively that the resultant impacts after incorporation of
the proposed mitigating measures will comply with the criteria stipulated in
Section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM.
(vii) Submission of Model Files
All input and output file(s)
of the model run(s) shall be submitted to the Director in electronic format.
3.4.2 Water Quality Impact
3.4.2.1 The Applicant shall
follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing water pollution
as stated in Annexes 6 and 14 of the TM respectively.
3.4.2.2 The study
area for this water quality assessment shall cover
all water bodies and sensitive receivers within North Western Water Control Zone,
Western Buffer Water Control Zone and Deep Bay Water Control Zone. Sensitive receivers including nearby beaches between Lung Kwu Sheung
Tan and East of Ma Wan such as Lung Kwu Upper & Lower Beaches, Butterfly
Beach, Castle Peak Beach, Kadoorie Beach, Cafeteria New & Old Beaches,
Golden Beach, Dragon Beach, Angler¡¦s Beach, Gemini Brach, Ho Mei Wan Beach,
Casam Beach, Lido Beach and Ting Kau Beach, as well as the Ma Wan Fish Culture
Zone and Lung Kwu Chau & Sha Chau Marine Park shall be addressed in the
water quality assessment. In
addition, the cooling water intakes, if any, for the Shui Wing Steel Mill and
the proposed Recovery Park in Tuen Mun Area 38 shall also be addressed in the
water quality assessment.
3.4.2.3 The Applicant shall
identify and analyse all physical, chemical and biological disruptions of
marine, fresh water or ground water system(s), catchment area(s), storm water
pipeline and coastal water arising from construction and operation of the Project.
3.4.2.4
The
Applicant shall predict, quantify and assess
any water quality impacts arising from construction and operation of the
Project, including any water quality impacts from emergency discharges of the
Project, on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers by appropriate
mathematical modeling and/or other techniques approved by the Director. The mathematical modeling requirements
are set out in Appendix C to this study brief. Possible
impacts shall include but not be limited to changes in hydrology, flow regime, sediment
erosion and deposition pattern, water and sediment quality, downstream salinity
profile and effects on the flora and fauna due to such changes in North Western
Water Control Zone, Western Buffer Water Control Zone and Deep
Bay Water Control Zone.
3.4.2.5 The Applicant shall take into account and include
likely different operation stages of the Project in the assessment. The assessment shall have regard to the
frequency, duration, volume and flow rate of the discharges and its pollutant
and sediment loading. Reference shall be made
to available information in previous studies including, but not limited to,
those listed in Appendix C to this study brief. Where applicable, the Applicant shall also assess the water
quality impacts of all temporary and/or emergency discharges via emergency
outfall during construction stage and/or immediately prior to and/or during the
early phase of the commissioning of the upgraded sewage treatment
facilities. Essentially the
assessment shall address the following:
(i)
Collection and review of background information
on the existing and planned water system(s) and their respective catchments and
sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project during operation;
(ii)
Characterization
of water and sediment quality of the water system(s)
and respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by
the Project during operation based on existing information or appropriate site
survey and tests. If chemical
disinfection will be adopted, seawater samples shall be collected to establish
the background level of selected disinfectant, disinfection by-products and disinfectant
removal agents;
(iii)
Identification
and analysis of all existing and planned future activities and beneficial uses
related to the water system(s) and identification of all water sensitive
receivers. The
Applicant shall refer to, inter alia,
those developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development
Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans;
(iv)
Identification
of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives and establishment of other
appropriate water and sediment quality criteria or standards for the water
system(s) and all the sensitive receivers in Sub-section 3.4.2.5(i) above. Reference shall be made to relevant
publications;
(v)
Review of the operation of the Project to
identify any alteration of existing water courses, natural streams/ponds,
shoreline or bathymetry, flow regimes, ground water levels and catchment types
or areas;
(vi)
Identification
and quantification of all likely water and sediment pollution sources and
loading, including point and non-point discharges to surface water runoff, through
appropriate site investigation and tests, generated by the Project and
discharged to the marine waters in North Western Water Control Zone and
existing and planned drainage systems and water courses;
(vii)
Evaluation,
prediction and characterisation of the effluent characteristics of the Project
with different levels of treatment and disinfection processes. The Applicant
shall predict the effluent characteristics by making reference to the influent
characteristics, anticipated performance of the treatment process at the
Project, the proposed disinfection facilities, chemical dosage (if applicable)
and contact time, the finding of previous studies, and conducting additional
samplings and tests. Parameters to
be included will depend on the disinfection method adopted and shall be
proposed for the Director¡¦s agreement. If chemical disinfectant is to be used,
the Applicant shall identify contaminants that are of concern, and shall
arrange to carry out whole effluent toxicity tests over a range of dilution
using ambient seawater and using different biological species;
(viii)
Establishment
and provision of a pollution load inventory on the
quantities and characteristics of all existing and likely future water
pollution sources identified above. Field investigation and laboratory tests shall be conducted
as appropriate to fill in any major information gaps;
(ix)
Analysis
on the provision and adequacy of existing and planned future wastewater
treatment facilities in terms of capacity and level of treatment to reduce
pollution arising from both point and non-point discharges identified in
Sub-section 3.4.2.5(vi) above;
(x)
Assessment of the cumulative impacts due to
other related concurrent and planned projects, activities or pollution sources
along the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers that may have a
bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project through hydraulic modelling.
This shall include the potential cumulative
operational water quality impact arising from, inter alia, other sewage
treatment works in the vicinity which discharge into the North Western Water
Control Zone, Western Buffer Water
Control Zone and Deep Bay Water Control Zone
;
(xi)
Review of
the previous studies and the information from additional sampling and tests and
assessment of the adverse ecological effects that may result from exposure to
toxic substances due to effluent discharges, and the potential human health risks
associated with ingestion of and contact with contaminated seawater during
secondary contact activities and with the consumption of potentially
contaminated seafood. The approach
and methodologies shall involve:
(a)
Problem formulation - identification of the
perceived risks and values of the resources to be protected and establishment
of the objectives, scope and focus of the assessment;
(b)
Characterization of exposure and ecological
effects ¡V identification of the toxic contaminants of concern; the characteristics
of the communities potentially at risk; assessment endpoint; prediction of the
spatial and temporal distribution of the toxic substances, and identification
and quantification of the adverse effects on the communities potentially at
risk from exposure to the toxic substances in marine water due to the effluent
discharge;
(c)
Toxicity assessment and risk assessment ¡V
characterization of the ecological or human health effects of each identified
substance on the exposed receptors, and evaluation of the likelihood of adverse
ecological and public health effects associated with exposure. The ecological significance of the risk
shall be evaluated with consideration of the types and magnitudes of the
effects, their spatial and temporal patterns, and the likelihood of
recovery. A summary of the
assumptions used, the scientific uncertainties, and the strengths and
weaknesses of the analyses shall be provided.
(xii)
Assessment and evaluation of any
potential water quality impacts on identified water system(s), respective
catchments and sensitive receivers due to sewage arising from the operation stage. Any effluent generated will require
appropriate collection, treatment and disposal to within standards, objectives
and criteria established in Sub-section 3.4.2.5(iv) above. Proposal of effective
and practicable infrastructure upgrading or provision, water pollution
prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during operational stage
so as to reduce water quality impacts to within acceptable levels of standards. It should be ensured that there will be
no net increase of pollution load to North Western Water Control Zone.
(xiii)
The Applicant shall
devise
mitigation measures to avoid or minimize the impacts identified above. The
residual impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard
to the relevant water quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines
shall be assessed and quantified using appropriate mathematical models set out
in Appendix C to this study brief.
(xiv)
Recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures,
including a contingency plan (for beach closure, etc.), to minimise the
duration and impact of any emergency overflow discharges during both
construction and operation stages of the Project.
3.4.3 Waste Management Implications
3.4.3.1 The
Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing
waste management implications as stated in Annexes 7 and 15 of the TM
respectively.
3.4.3.2 The
assessment of waste management implications shall cover the following:
(i) Analysis
of Activities and Waste Generation
The
Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising
as a result of the construction and operation activities of the Project, based
on the sequence and duration of these activities.
(ii) Proposal
for Waste Management
(a)
Prior
to considering the disposal options for various types of wastes, opportunities
for reducing waste generation, on-site or off-site re-use and recycling shall
be fully evaluated. Measures that
can be taken in the planning and design stages e.g. by modifying the design
approach and in the construction stage for maximizing waste reduction shall be
separately considered.
(b)
After
considering all the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing
re-use, the types and quantities of the wastes required to be disposed of as a
consequence shall be estimated and the disposal options for each type of waste
shall be described in detail. Pre-treatment processes for slurry/sludge before
disposal shall be addressed in details. The disposal method recommended for each type of waste shall
take into account of the result of the assessment in Sub-section 3.4.3.2(c)
below.
(c)
The
impact caused by handling (including labelling, packaging & storage),
collection, transportation and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail
and appropriate mitigation measures shall be proposed. This assessment shall
cover the following areas :
- potential hazard;
- air
and odour emissions;
- wastewater
discharge; and
-
public
transport.
3.4.4
Ecological
Impact (Aquatic)
3.4.4.1
The
Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing
ecological impact as stated in Annexes 8 and 16 of the TM, respectively.
3.4.4.2
The
assessment area for the purpose of this ecological impact assessment shall be
the same as the assessment area for Water Quality Impact Assessment, or the
area likely to be impacted by the Project.
3.4.4.3
In the
ecological impact assessment, the Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna and
other components of the ecological habitats within the assessment area. The aim shall be to protect, maintain
or rehabilitate the natural environment. In particular, the Project shall avoid impacts on recognized
sites of conservation importance (e.g., Country or Marine Parks, Sites of
Special Scientific Interest) and other ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and
quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impacts associated with
the Project.
3.4.4.4
The
assessment shall include the following major tasks:
(i)
review
the findings of relevant studies and collate all the available information
regarding the ecological characteristics of the assessment area;
(ii)
evaluate
information collected and identify any information gap relating to the
assessment of potential ecological impacts to coastal and aquatic environment;
(iii)
if any
information gap is identified in (ii) above, then carry out necessary field
surveys which shall cover the wet season, the duration of which shall be at
least four months, and investigations to verify the information
collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfil the objectives of
the EIA study;
(iv)
where
field survey is found necessary and has been conducted in accordance with (iii)
above, review the adequacy of the field survey and recommend, with full
justifications, whether further field survey is required, having regard to the
information available from previous studies and the results of the field survey
conducted for this Project;
(v)
establish
the general ecological profile and describe the characteristics of each habitat
found; major information to be provided shall include :
(a)
description
of the physical environment;
(b)
habitat
maps of suitable scale showing the types and locations of habitats in the
assessment area;
(c)
ecological
characteristics of each habitat type such as size, vegetation and/or substrate
type, species present, dominant species found, species diversity and abundance,
community structure, seasonal patterns, inter-dependence of the habitats and
species, and presence of any features of ecological importance;
(d)
representative
colour photos of each habitat type and any important ecological features
identified;
(e)
species
found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation,
international conventions for conservation of wildlife / habitats or red data
books;
(vi) investigate and describe the existing wildlife
uses of various habitats with special attention to:-
(a)
the
Chinese White Dolphin, Sousa chinensis; and
(b)
any other
habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interest
by the study.
(vii) describe all recognized sites of conservation
importance in the assessment area, in particular, the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu
Chau Marine Park, and assess whether these sites will be affected by the Project
or not;
(viii) using suitable methodology, identify and
quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect, on-site, primary, secondary
and cumulative ecological impacts such as destruction of habitats, reduction of
species abundance/diversity, loss of feeding and breeding grounds, reduction of
ecological carrying capacity and habitat fragmentation and impacts of
potentially harmful products associated with the disinfection method on
ecological sensitive receivers;
(ix)
identification
of all ecological sensitive receivers including sensitive elements of marine,
subtidal, and intertidal communities/habitats which would be potentially
affected directly or indirectly by the Project. The Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and the Chinese
White Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) shall be included as major sensitive
receivers;
(x)
evaluate
the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using
well-defined criteria;
Assessment of Impacts on Chinese White Dolphins
(xi)
review
and incorporate the findings of relevant studies including the previous
dolphins studies, in particular the "Population Biology of the
Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphin in Hong Kong Waters" (Wildlife Monograph
No. 144, page 1-65, published in October 2000), and collate all the available
information regarding the ecological characteristics of the assessment area;
(xii)
evaluate
the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the
assessment of potential impacts on the Chinese White Dolphins;
(xiii)
carry out
necessary field surveys and investigations to verify the information collected,
fill the information gaps identified, if any, and to fulfil the objectives of
the EIA study;
(xiv)
present all relevant survey findings including previous surveys
conducted in relevant studies together with surveys carried out under this
study;
(xv)
take into
account the difference in discharge volume and sewage quality as a result of
the commissioning of the Project, and estimate and present the change in
pollution load into the receiving waters, in terms of at least Biochemical Oxygen
Demand, suspended solids and bacteria/E.coli;
(xvi)
assess the
water quality and consequent ecological impacts on the Chinese White Dolphins,
especially during the operational phase. The assessment shall include the
prediction of water quality changes. Parameters to be assessed shall include
dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, nutrients, ammonia, bacteria and deposition
rate. The significance and acceptability of the predicted changes shall be
evaluated using well-defined criteria;
(xvii)
assess the cumulative impacts of any nearby development on the dolphins;
(xviii)
identify precautionary and mitigatory measures for protection of the
Chinese White Dolphins. The
proposed measures may include, but need not be limited to, those recommended in
previous EIA studies and dolphins studies, such as ecological monitoring on the
dolphins.
Ecological Mitigation
(xix)
consider,
evaluate and recommend all possible alternatives and practicable mitigation
measures to avoid, minimize, and/or compensate for the adverse ecological
impacts identified.
(xx)
evaluate
the feasibility and effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and
define the scope, type, location, implementation arrangement, subsequent
management and maintenance of such measures;
(xxi)
determine
and quantify as far as possible the residual ecological impacts after
implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;
(xxii)
evaluate
the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using
well-defined criteria. If off-site
mitigation measures are considered necessary to mitigate the residual impacts,
the guidelines and requirements laid down in the PELB Technical Circular No.
1/97 shall be followed; and
(xxiii)
review and
recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.
3.4.5 Landscape
and Visual Impact Assessment
3.4.5.1 The Applicant shall follow
the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM for
evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts of any above ground
structures and work areas associated with the Project. Landscape and visual impacts during
both construction and operation stages within the study area shall be assessed.
3.4.5.2 The study area for the
landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within 500 metres from the
Project. The study area for the
visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the
Project. The defined visual
envelope must be shown on a plan in the EIA report.
3.4.5.3 The Applicant shall review
relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permissions Area Plans, Outline
Development Plans, Layout Plans, other relevant published land use plans,
planning briefs and studies which may identify areas of high landscape value
and recommend country park, coastal protection area, conservation area, open
space, amenity area and green belt designations. Any guidelines on landscape strategies, landscape
frameworks, urban design concepts that may affect the appreciation of the
Project shall also be reviewed.
The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area so as to
assess whether the Project can fit into the surrounding setting. Any conflict with statutory town
plan(s) and any published land use plans should be highlighted and appropriate
follow-up action should be recommended.
3.4.5.4 The Applicant shall
describe, appraise, analyse and evaluate the existing and planned landscape
resources and landscape character of the study area. A system shall be derived for judging landscape and visual
impact significance as required under the TM. Annotated oblique aerial photographs and plans of suitable
scale showing the baseline landscape character areas and landscape resources
and mapping of impact assessment shall be extensively used to present the
findings of impact assessment.
Descriptive text shall provide a concise and reasoned judgment from a
landscape and visual point of view.
The assessment shall be particularly focused on the sensitivity of the
landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change. The Applicant shall identify the degree
of compatibility of the Project with the existing and planned landscape
settings. The landscape impact
assessment shall quantify the potential landscape impacts as far as possible,
so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the
Project. Clear mapping of the
landscape impact is required. A
tree survey shall be carried out and the impacts on existing mature trees shall
be addressed. Cumulative landscape
and visual impacts of the Project with other committed and planned
developments, in particular Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility, Recovery Park,
developments in Tuen Mun Area 38 and other possible developments in the study
area, shall be assessed.
3.4.5.5 The Applicant shall assess
the visual impacts of the Project.
Clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact is required. The assessment shall include the
following:
(i) Identification and plotting of visual envelope
of the Project;
(ii) Identification of the key groups of sensitive
receivers within the visual envelope with regard to views from both ground level,
sea level and elevated vantage points;
(iii) Description of the visual compatibility of the
Project with the surrounding and the planned setting, and its obstruction and
interference with the key views of the adjacent areas;
(iv) Description of the severity of visual impacts
in terms of nature, distance and number of sensitive receivers.
3.4.5.6 Alternative layout, design
and construction methods that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape
and visual impacts shall be evaluated for comparison before adopting other
mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. The mitigation measures proposed shall
not only be concerned with damage reduction but shall also include
consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape and visual
quality. The Applicant shall
recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above,
including provision of a landscape design.
3.4.5.7 The mitigation measures
shall include provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed land,
compensatory planting, design of structures, provision of finishes to
structures, colour scheme and texture of material used and any measures to
mitigate the impact on existing and planned land uses. Parties shall be identified for the on
going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure
their effectiveness throughout the operation stage of the Project. A practical programme and funding
proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be provided.
3.4.5.8 Annotated illustration
materials such as coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation
diagrams, oblique aerial photographs, photographs taken at vantage points, and
computer-generated photomontage shall be adopted to fully illustrate the
landscape and visual impacts of the Project to the satisfaction of the
Director. In particular, the
landscape and visual impacts of the Project with and without mitigation
measures shall also be properly illustrated in existing and planned settings by
computer-generated photomontage so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the
proposed mitigation measures. All
computer graphics shall be compatible with Microstation DGN file format. The Applicant shall record the
technical details such as system set-up, software, data files and function in
preparing the illustration, which may need to be submitted for verification of
the accuracy of the illustrations.
3.4.6 Hazard
To Life
3.4.6.1 If there is storage of chlorine on site for
disinfectant use, then a hazard assessment shall be carried out following
the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annexes 4 and 22 of the
TM and including the following in the assessment :
(i)
Identification
of all credible hazardous scenarios associated with the on-site transport,
storage and use of chlorine as disinfectant.
(ii) Execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment
expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms, taking into
consideration existing and planned population in the vicinity.
(iii) Comparison of individual and societal risks
with the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the
TM; and
(iv)
Identification
and assessment of practicable and cost-effective risk mitigation measures.
3.4.7 Summary of Environmental Outcomes
The
EIA report shall contain a summary of the key environmental outcomes arising
from the EIA study, including the population and environmentally sensitive
areas protected, environmentally friendly designs recommended, key
environmental problems avoided, compensation areas included and the
environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.
3.4.8 Environmental Monitoring and Audit
(EM&A) Requirements
3.4.8.1 The
Applicant shall identify and justify in the EIA study whether there is any need
for EM&A activities during construction and operation phases of the Project
and, if affirmative, to define the scope of EM&A requirements for the
Project.
3.4.8.2 Subject to confirmation of EIA findings, the
Applicant shall comply with requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM.
The Applicant shall also propose real-time reporting of monitoring data for the
Project through a dedicated internet website.
3.4.8.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project
implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Appendix D
to this EIA study brief) containing all the EIA study recommendations and
mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.
4. DURATION
OF VALIDITY
4.1 This EIA study brief is valid
for 36 months from the date of issue.
If the EIA study does not commence within this period, the Applicant
shall apply to the Director for a fresh EIA study brief before commencement of
the EIA study.
5. REPORT
REQUIREMENTS
5.1 In
preparing the EIA report, the Applicant shall refer to Annex 11 of the TM for
the contents of an EIA report. The
Applicant shall also refer to Annex 20 of the TM, which stipulates the
guidelines for the review of an EIA report.
5.2 The
Applicant shall supply the Director with the following number of copies of the
EIA report and the executive summary:
(i) 50 copies of the EIA report in English and 80
copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese) as
required under section 6(2) of the EIAO to be supplied at the time of
application for approval of the EIA report.
(ii) when necessary, addendum to the EIA report and
the executive summary submitted in 5.2 (i) above as required under section 7(1) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon
advice by the Director for public inspection.
(iii) 20 copies of the EIA report in English and 50
copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese)
with or without Addendum as required under section 7(5) of the EIAO, to be
supplied upon advice by the Director for consultation with the Advisory Council
on the Environment.
5.3 The Applicant shall, upon request, make
additional copies of above documents available to the public, subject to
payment by the interested parties of full costs of printing.
5.4 In addition, to facilitate
public inspection of the EIA report via the EIAO Internet Website, the
Applicant shall provide electronic copies of both the EIA report and the
executive summary prepared in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or
later) and in Portable Document Format (PDF version 4.0 or later), unless
otherwise agreed by the Director.
For the HTML version, a content page capable of providing hyperlink to
each section and sub-section of the EIA report and the executive summary shall
be included in the beginning of the document. Hyperlinks to all figures,
drawings and tables in the EIA report and executive summary shall be provided
in the main text from where the respective references are made. All graphics in the report shall be in
interlaced GIF format unless otherwise agreed by the Director.
5.5 The electronic copies of the EIA report and the
executive summary shall be submitted to the Director at the time of application
for approval of the EIA report.
5.6 When the EIA report and the executive
summary are made available for public inspection under s.7(1) of the EIAO, the
content of the electronic copies of the EIA report and the executive summary
must be the same as the hard copies and the Director shall be provided with the
most updated electronic copies.
5.7 To promote environmentally
friendly and efficient dissemination of information, both hardcopies and
electronic copies of future EM&A reports recommended by the EIA study shall
be required and their format shall be agreed by the Director.
6. OTHER
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS
6.1 If there is any change in the
name of Applicant for this EIA study brief during the course of the EIA study,
the Applicant must notify the Director immediately.
6.2
If
there is any key change in the scope of the Project mentioned in Section 1.2 of
this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-232/2004), the Applicant
must seek confirmation from the Director in writing on whether or not the scope
of issues covered by this EIA study brief can still cover the key changes, and
the additional issues, if any, that the EIA study must also address. If the changes to the Project
fundamentally alter the key scope of the EIA study brief, the Applicant shall
apply to the Director for a fresh EIA study brief.
---
END OF EIA STUDY BRIEF ---
December
2004
Environmental
Assessment and Noise Division,
Environmental
Protection Department
Projects\EP2N4F35.A11\04
ESB-122-2004.doc