Case 9 - Second Railway Development Strategy 2000
Key Environmental Outcomes or Influences
- Fully consider the hidden environmental benefits and costs between rail and road to support "Prioriy to Railway"
- Increase rail share in the public transport system from 31% in 2000 to 43% by 2016, or in terms of the diatance traveled by passengers from 34% to almost 60%, amounting to a reduction of air pollutants by about 600 tonnes of NOx and RSP per year and about 160,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
- Eliminate environmentally unacceptable alternatives.
Type of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Strategic level environmental assessment of potential railway transportation strategies in Hong Kong.
Nature and Scope of the Proposal
Develop a territory-wide railway development strategy to meet the short to long term transport need of Hong Kong.
Railways Provided to Minimize Potential Air and Noise Pollution
Basis of SEA Requirement
As part of the study to develop railway development strategy. A requirement to provide information on environmental implications in the submissions to the highest decision making body, the Executive Council, in Hong Kong. Downstream EIA requirements for individual projects arising from the strategy.
Basis of SEA Requirement
As part of the study to develop railway development strategy. A requirement to provide information on environmental implications in the submissions to the highest decision making body, the Executive Council, in Hong Kong. Downstream EIA requirements for individual projects arising from the strategy.
Alternatives or Options Evaluation
Environmental effects of providing rail instead of roads were compared strategically. Environmental opportunities and constraints identified for input into the corridors formulation and development process. More than 60 potential links and alternatives have been identified for evaluation. Significant environmental sensitive areas were avoided.
Latest Status and Potential Way Forward
The then Transport Bureau announced in May 2000 the "Railway Development Strategy 2000". The recommended railway projects amount to about HK$80 to HK$100 billion.
Project level EIAs would be conducted on the railway projects to determine the details and ensure environmental acceptability at the project level.
