Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499)
Section 5 (7)
Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-001/1998

Project Title : 1800 MW Gas-fired Power Station at Lamma Extension
The name of Applicant : The Hongkong Electric Company Limited (HEC)

1. BACKGROUND
1.1 An application (No. ESB-001/1998) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the captioned Applicant on 8th April 1998 with a project profile (No. PP-001/1998) on the captioned project.
1.2 The Applicant proposes to develop a new 1,800 MW gas-fired power station in Hongong to meet the forecast increase in electricity demand to cope with the social and economic growth of Hong Kong in the 21st century. The project profile covers the following designated projects:
(i) construction and operation of three 600 MW gas-fired combined cycle plants at the Lamma Extension Site; and
(ii) laying of a submarine pipeline to supply natural gas from a regional liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Shenzhen to the Lamma Extension Site.
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 captioned 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 proposed designated projects and related activities taking place concurrently. This information will contribute to decisions by the Director on:
(i) the overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that are likely to arise as a result of the proposed project;
(ii) the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation of the proposed project to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and
(ii) 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 proposed project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the proposed project;
(ii) to identify and describe the elements of the community and environment likely to be affected by the proposed project and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the proposed project, including both the natural and man-made environment;
(iii) to identify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;
(iv) to identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and natural habitats;
(v) to propose the provision of infrastructure or mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the project;
(vi) to identify, predict and evaluate the residual (i.e. after practicable mitigation) environmental impacts and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operation phases of the project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;
(vii) to identify, assesses 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 reducing them to acceptable levels;
(viii) to investigate the extent of side-effects of proposed mitigation measures that may lead to other forms of impacts;
(ix) to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the study; and
(x) to design and specify the environmental monitoring and audit requirements necessary to ensure the implementation and the effectiveness of the environmental protection and pollution control measures adopted.

3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY
The purpose of this study brief is to scope the key issues of the EIA study. 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 (thereafter refer to as the TM), are fully complied with.

The Stage I study report of the project1, which is deposited in the EIAO register, has

Note
1 Stage I EIA for a New Power Station : Stage I EIA Report Volume I & II dated November 1997 prepared by ERM-Hong Kong, Ltd for the Hongkong Electric Company, Limited. The Stage I EIA was endorsed by the Advisory Council on the Environment on 24.2.98.
identified most environmental issues for further study. This is attached in Appendix A and formed the basis for compiling the subsequent detailed requirements covered in sections 3.1 to 3.10.
The Scope

The scope of this EIA study should include the two designated projects mentioned in section 1.2 above, namely :

(i) construction and operation of three 600 MW gas-fired combined cycle plants at the Lamma Extension Site; and
(ii) laying of a submarine pipeline to supply natural gas from a regional liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Shenzhen to the Lamma Extension Site.
In addition, there is a need to address the identification and optimisation of routes, and the assessment of impacts from the installation of gas pipeline from the territorial boundary of Hong Kong to the site and the transmission cables. The selected route(s) shall seek to avoid pre-defined sensitive environmental receivers and shall identify pipeline/cable laying methods, landfall locations including ancillary structures/ facilities, construction worksite locations and required mitigation measures. The impacts and mitigation of construction and operational impacts for the project including the requirement for off-site facilities and works areas shall also be addressed.
As the transmission cables are an essential element of a power supply project which is the subject matter of the study brief, it is necessary to address their routings and associated environmental impacts.
Technical Requirements

The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects of the activities as described in the scope as set out above. They are to include the following technical requirements as specific impacts :

3.1 Air Quality Impact

The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing air quality impact as stated in Annexes 4 and 12 of the TM, respectively.

The air quality impact assessment shall include the following:
(i) General
(a) presentation of existing and background air quality for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative air quality impacts of the proposed project;
(b) description of the topographical and man-made features which may affect the dispersion characteristics of air pollutants;
(c) identification of representative air sensitive receivers and/or potential affected uses;
(d) identification of emission characteristics and provision of an emission inventory of the air pollution sources;
(e) description of the assessment method (whether it be analytical, numerical or physical) and the associated assumptions, validity of the method and limits of application;
(f) analysis of operational activities, its related air quality impact and characterization;
(g) assessment and evaluation of the relevant net and cumulative air quality impacts including the existing power station and the proposed Waste-to-Energy Incineration Facilities (WEIF) on Lammasland;
(h) presentation of the assessment results in the form of summary table and pollution contours, whenever practicable, for comparison with relevant air quality standards and the examination of the land use implications of these impacts; and
(i) proposals of effective mitigation measures to reduce the cumulative air pollution impacts to established standards.
(i) Specific
(a) Criteria Air Pollutants
(a1) The Applicant shall use a wind tunnel model and a numerical photochemical grid model (with appropriate initial plume rise simulation) to assess the net and cumulative impact of SO2 and NOx emitted from the proposed power station on existing and planned sensitive receivers in particular sensitive receivers in the Victoria Peak, urban centre of Hong Kong and Kowloon, Lamma Island and Hong Kong Island South.
(a2) The Applicant shall use the information from the wind tunnel model and the numerical photochemical grid model simulation to complement each other (i.e. with the wind field data obtained from the wind tunnel model used to improve the input to the numerical grid model). The Applicant shall propose the spatial coverage of the simulation and the detailed modelling methodology for the Director's review.
(a3) The Applicant shall review the results of the Stage I EIA study regarding the photochemical oxidants (as ozone) impacts from the project. Incorporate the results in the EIA report if they are still valid or reassess the impacts if the results are invalid.
(b) Greenhouse Gases
(b1) The Applicant shall assess all six Greenhouse gases (GHGs) under Kyoto Protocol, (i.e. CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs1, PFCs2, and SF63), using the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines, on the feasibility of and opportunities for mitigating such emissions. Period under assessment should extend to the year 2012.
(b2) The Applicant shall include the following in the GHG impact assessment :
* identification of emission and provision of an emission inventory;
* assessment and evaluation of the net GHG emissions;
* proposals of effective mitigation measures to reduce emission and
* quantification of GHG emission reduction achievable through mitigating options, including, but not limited to, the followings:

    		• Reduction in methane leakage and accidental release;

    		• Improvements in conversion efficiency;

    		• Shifting of base load operation from existing coal-fired units to more efficient new gas-fired units, where excess supply capacity exists;
    Note :
    HFCs1 - Hydro fluorocarbons or partially fluorinated hydrocarbons, used mainly in refrigeration and air conditioning, fire suppression and explosion protection.
    PFCs2 - Per fluorocarbons or per fluorinated hydrocarbons, used mainly in solvent but may also be in refrigeration and air conditioning, fire suppression and explosion protection.
    SF63 - Sulphur hexafluoride, used mainly in gas insulated switchgear, transformers and circuit breakers.

    		• Reduction in SF6 leakage through gas recovery, recycle and good housekeeping practices; and

    		• Carbon absorption through afforestation and reforestation by participating Clean Development Mechanism and various local and regional Afforestation Schemes. Details like locations and monitoring programmes should be included.
    (c) The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) regulation in dust control and shall initiate an audit and monitoring program during the construction to ensure construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standard as stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM.
    (d) The Applicant shall review the results of the stage I EIA study regarding the potential regional impacts of atmospheric emissions from the project and incorporate the results in the EIA report if still valid or reassess the regional air quality impacts if the results are invalid.

    3.2 Hazard To Life
    The Applicant shall follow the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annex 4 of the TM.
    (i) The importation, supply and use of natural gas is controlled by the Gas Authority under the Gas Safety Ordinance Cap. 51. The approval of the Gas Authority, under the Gas Safety (Gas Supply) Regulations, is required for the construction of the gas pipeline within Hong Kong territorial limits and for the gas installation on Lamma Island. In order to obtain such approval it will be necessary to demonstrate that neither the pipeline nor the gas installation will pose unacceptable levels of risk to the public and hazard assessments will be required for both as follows:
    (a) assess the risks associated with all aspects of the construction and operation of the gas facilities at Lamma Island and the submarine pipeline;
    (b) in conducting the assessment the hazards associated with the storage and use of any other dangerous goods or hazardous activities present at the power station facilities, or in the vicinity of the pipeline, shall also be assessed;
    (c) ascertain whether the overall risks posed by the power station's activities are acceptable, taking into account the risk guidelines set out in Chapter 11(4)(4) of the Hong Kong Planning Standards & Guidelines;
    (d) recommend mitigation measures where the risk is considered to be too high, and to quantity the reduction in risk achievable by these means; and
    (e) identify the extent to which further development may be accommodated within the vicinity of the power station, without compromising the risk guidelines, and highlight the extent to which the proposed gas facilities and pipeline pose a constraint on such development.

    The applicant must approach the Gas Standards Office of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for the detailed requirements for the hazard assessment.

    (ii) Other dangerous goods defined in the Dangerous goods Ordinance (Cap. 295) but not covered by the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap. 51) include hydrogen, chlorine gas and fuel gas.

    The Applicant shall include the following in the assessment :

    (a) identification of all hazardous scenarios associated with the transport, storage and processing of dangerous goods;
    (b) execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms;
    (c) comparison of individual and societal risks with the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the Technical Memorandum; and
    (d) identification and assessment of practicable and cost effective risk mitigation measures.

    The Applicant shall approach EPD/Hazards section for detailed requirements for risk assessment.

    3.3 Water Quality Impact
    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. The Applicant shall identify all physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, estuarine, fresh water or ground water system(s) arising during the construction and operation of the project and analysed in the impact assessment. Essentially the assessment shall address the following:
    (i) collection and review of background information on the existing water system(s) and the respective catchment(s);
    (ii) characterization of water and sediment quality based on existing information or site surveys/tests as appropriate;
    The Applicant shall approach EPD/Hazard section for detailed requirements for the risk assessment.
    (iii) identification and analysis of all existing and future activities and beneficial uses related to the water system(s) and identification of all water sensitive receivers;
    (iv) establishment of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives, criteria and standards for the water system(s) and all the sensitive receivers;
    (v) identification of any alteration of water courses, natural streams/ponds, changes of shoreline or bathometry, changes of flow regimes, changes of ground water levels, changes of catchment types or areas;
    (vi) identification, analysis and quantification of all existing and future water and sediment pollution sources, including point discharges and non-point sources to surface water runoff, and establishment and provision of an emission inventory on the quantities and characteristics of all these pollution sources. This should include an assessment of the impact of the cooling water discharge's residual chlorine or biocides, if any, on the receiving waters. Field investigation and laboratory tests shall be conducted as appropriate;
    (viii) assessment and quantification of all existing and future waste water generation activities and analysis on the adequacy of an existing and future sewerage infrastructure;
    (ix) assessment and quantification of all existing and future water pollutants from non-point sources and analysis on the provision and adequacy of existing and future facilities to reduce such pollution;
    (x) identification and quantification of all dredging, fill extraction, filling, reclamation, mud/sediment transportation and disposal activities and requirements. Potential fill sources and dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified. Field investigation, sampling and laboratory test to characterise the sediment/mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate and ranges of parameters to be analysed. The number, type and methods of sampling, sample preservation, laboratory tests, and the laboratory to be used shall be subject to the approval of the Director;
    (xi) prediction, quantification and assessment of impacts on the physical regime, water and sediment quality of the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers due to the activities identified in above. The prediction and quantification of impacts caused by, amongst others, sediment re-suspension and contaminants release shall be carried out with mathematical modelling or other techniques subject to the approval of the Director.
    (xii) identification and evaluation of the best practicable dredging and reclamation methods to minimise dredging and dumping requirements and demand for fill sources based on the criterion that existing marine mud shall be left in place and not be disturbed as far as possible. Cumulative impacts due to other dredging, filling or dumping activities shall also be predicted and quantified.
    (xiii) proposal of effective infrastructure upgrading or provision, water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction, operation (and decommissioning if appropriate) stages so as to reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within standards. Requirements to be incorporated in the project contract document shall also be proposed;
    (xiv) Proposal of best management practices to reduce storm water and non-point source pollution; and
    (xv) evaluation and quantification of residual impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the appropriate water and sediment quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines.
    3.4 Ecological Impact (Both Aquatic And Terrestrial)
    The Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats within the project areas and other areas likely to be affected by the project. It should be the aim to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment. In particular, the proposed project shall avoid impacts on recognised sites of conservation importance (e.g. Countryside Conservation Areas, Country 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. The study shall evaluate the environmental acceptability of the project. The relevant guidelines and requirements laid down in Annexes 8 and 16 of the TM shall be followed.

    The Applicant shall carry out the following tasks in the assessment :

    (i) review of the findings of relevant studies and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the study area;
    (ii) evaluation of the information collected and identification of any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to the terrestrial and aquatic environment;
    (iii) necessary field surveys which shall cover the wet and dry seasons (the duration shall be at least 6 months) and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfill the objectives of the EIA study;
    (iv) establishment of the general ecological profile and description of 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 (1:1000 to 1:5000) showing the types and locations of habitats in the study area;
    (c) ecological characteristics of each habitat type such as size, vegetation 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, and
    (e) species found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation, international conventions for conservation of wildlife/habitats or red data books.
    (f) species found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation, international conventions for conservation of wildlife/habitats or red data books.
    (v) investigation and description of the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special attention to those with conservation interests, including;
    (a) natural coastlines;
    (b) marine benthos;
    (c) corals;
    (d) Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) and Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphin (Sousa chinensis), also locally known as Chinese White Dolphin (the survey frequency for these two groups should be at least monthly); and
    (e) any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by the study;
    (vi) description of all recognized sites of conservation importance (e.g. South Lamma Island Site of Special Scientific Interest) and Potential Marine Reserves (e.g. South Lamma, Ping Chau) in the proposed development site (including the pipeline and the transmission cables) and its vicinity and assess whether these sites will be affected by the proposed project or not;
    (vii) using suitable methodology, identifies and quantifies 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 grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity and habitat fragmentation and in particular the following:
    (a) potential damage or disturbance caused by reclamation, dredging and other construction activities to natural rocky shore communities, coral communities, Finless Porpoise, Chinese White Dolphins, Green Turtle and other marine ecological resources during construction period, in particular the construction of the submarine pipeline and the transmission cables;
    (b) the potential effect of the heated effluent and sewerage discharge on the natural rocky shore communities, coral communities, Finless Porpoise, Chinese White Dolphins, Green Turtle and other marine ecological resources; and
    (c) the potential ecological risks and impacts of the accidental release of natural gas from the gas pipeline on the marine resources.
    (viii) evaluation of the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using well-defined criteria;
    (ix) recommendation of all possible alternatives (such as modifications of layout and design) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified;
    (x) evaluation of the feasibility and effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and define the scope, type, location, implementation arrangement, subsequent management and maintenance of such measures;
    (xi) determination and quantification as far as possible the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;
    (xii) evaluation of 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
    (xiii) review the need for and recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.

    3.5 Fisheries Impact
    The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing fisheries impact as stated in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM. Fisheries impact assessment shall include the following tasks:
    (i) description of the physical environmental background;
    (ii) description and quantification as far as possible existing fisheries activities (e.g. capture fisheries, aquaculture, shellfish farming/collection, etc.);
    (iii) description and quantification as far as possible the existing fisheries resources (e.g. major fisheries products and stocks);
    (iv) identification of the parameters (e.g. water quality parameters) and areas (e.g. breeding/spawning grounds, nursery grounds, reefs) that are important to fisheries;
    (v) identification and quantification as far as possible any direct/indirect impacts to fisheries (e.g. deterioration of fishing grounds/fish culture zones, loss of breeding grounds, reduction of catch/productivity);
    (vi) assessment of the need for examining the relationship between temperature elevation as a result of discharge of heated effluent and the occurrence of red tides;
    (vii) evaluation of the impacts and recommendation of any environmental mitigation measures with details on justification, description of scope and programme, feasibility as well as staff and financial implications including those related to subsequent management and maintenance requirements of the proposals; and
    (viii) review the need for monitoring during the construction and operation phases of the project and, if necessary, propose a monitoring and audit programme.
    3.6 Landscape And Visual Impact
    The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impact as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM, respectively.
    (i) Assessment of Landscape Impacts

    The Applicant shall assess the impact of the proposed project on the landscape aspect during construction and operation phases. The Applicant shall consider the existing landscape character and areas of planned conservation interest and identify the degree of compatibility of the proposed project with its environment.

    (ii) Assessment of Visual Impacts

    The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the proposed project. The assessment shall include the following:

    (a) identification and plotting of visibility contours of the proposed project(s);
    (b) identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visibility contours with regard to views from both ground level and elevated vangate points;
    (c) description of the visual compatibility of the project with the surrounding, and its interference with key views of the adjacent areas; and
    (d) identification of the severity of visual impacts in terms of compatibility with adjacent setting, distance, numbers of sensitive receivers, and any interference with key views.
    (iii) Proposals for Mitigation Measures

    The Applicant shall first recommend design solutions or alternatives to enhance the landscape and visual quality of the project and its setting. Mitigation and compensatory measures shall be resorted to minimize the adverse effects identified in 3.6 (i) and 3.6 (ii) above. The mitigation and compensatory measures shall also include (but not limited to) the retention and vegetation, provision of screen planting, revegetation of disturbed land, reprovisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures and colour schemes.

    (iv) Presentation Materials

    The Applicant shall prepare the perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, photographs on scaled physical models, photo-retouching and photo-montage to illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the project.

    3.7 Noise Impact
    The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing noise impact as stated in Annexes 5 and 13 of the TM respectively.
    (i) Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels

    The Applicant shall provide all background information relevant to the project, e.g. relevant previous or current studies.

    (ii) Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers (NSRs)
    (a) The Applicant shall select assessment points to represent all identified NSRs for carrying out quantitative noise assessment described below. The assessment points shall be agreed with the Director prior to the quantitative noise assessment. A map showing the location and description such as a name of building, use, and floors of each and every selected assessment point shall be given.
    (b) The NSRs shall include all existing NSRs and all planned/committed noise sensitive developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans.
    (iii) Provision of an Emission Inventory of the Noise Sources

    The Applicant shall provide an inventory of noise sources (e.g. construction equipment for construction noise assessment; port equipment etc., as appropriate, for operational noise assessment). Confirmation of the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities.

    (iv) Construction Noise Assessment
    (a) The Applicant shall carry out assessment of noise impact from construction (excluding percussive piling) of the project during day time, i.e. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on weekdays other than general holidays.
    (b) To minimise the construction noise impact, alternative construction methods to replace percussive piling shall be proposed as far as practicable.
    (c) If the unmitigated construction noise levels are found exceeding the relevant criteria, the Applicant shall propose practicable direct mitigation measures (including movable barriers, enclosures, quieter alternative methods, re-scheduling and restricting hours of operation of noisy tasks) to minimise the impact. If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.
    (v) Operational Noise Assessment(Fixed Noise Source)
    (a) Assessment of Fixed Source Noise Levels

    The Applicant shall calculate the expected noise using standard acoustics principles. Calculations for the expected noise shall be based on an assumed plant inventories and utilisation schedule for the worst case scenario. The Applicant shall calculate the noise levels taking into account of correction of tonality, impulsiveness and intermittency in accordance with the Technical Memorandum for the Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites.

    (b) Presentation of Noise Levels
    (b1) The Applicant shall present the existing and future noise levels in Leq (30 min) at the NSRs at various representative floor levels (in m P.D.) on tables and plans of suitable scale.
    (b2) A quantitative assessment at the NSRs for the proposed fixed noise source(s) shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM.
    (c) Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures

    The Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies within the project limits in all situations where the predicted noise level exceeds the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM to protect the affected NSRs.

    (d) Port Noise

    The Applicant shall include an analysis of operational activities (after commissioning) in the assessment.

    (vi) Assessment of Side Effects and Constraints

    The Applicant shall identify, assess and propose means to minimize any side effects and to resolve any potential constraints due to the inclusion of any recommended direct technical remedies.

    (vii) Evaluation of Constraints on Planned Noise Sensitive Developments/Land Uses
    (a) In the event that there are planned noise sensitive uses which will still be affected even with all practicable direct technical remedies in place, the Applicant shall propose, evaluate and confirm the practicality of additional measures within the planned noise sensitive uses and shall make recommendations on how these noise sensitive uses will be designed for the information of relevant parties.
    (b) The Applicant shall take into account of the agreed environmental requirements/constraints identified by the study to assess the development potential of the concerned sites which shall be made known to the relevant parties.
    3.8 Waste Management Impact
    The Applicant shall assess the waste management implications in accordance with Annex 7 and 15 of the TM. The assessment of waste management impacts shall cover, but not limited to, the following:
    (i) Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation

    Identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the construction and operation activities, 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 shall be fully evaluated.
    (b) Having taken into account of all the opportunities for reducing waste generation, the types and quantities of the wastes required to dispose of as a consequence shall be estimated and the disposal options for each type of waste described in detail. The disposal method recommended for each type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in section (iii) below.
    (c) the impact caused by handling (including labelling, packaging and storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail. This assessment shall cover but not be limited to the following areas:

    - potential hazards;
    - air and odour emission;
    - noise;
    - wastewater discharge; and
    - public transport.
    3.9 Land Contamination Impact
    The Applicant shall, in accordance with ProPECC PN 3/94, prevent contamination problems from arising in the future. The assessment of land contamination impacts shall cover the following :
    (i) identify the possible sources for contamination in their operations; and
    (ii) formulate appropriate operational practices, waste management strategies and precautionary measures for prevention of contamination problems.
    3.10 Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) Requirements
    (i) The Applicant shall identify in the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A activities during the construction and operation phases of the project and, if affirmative, to define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the project in the EIA study;
    (ii) Subject to the confirmation of the EIA study findings, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM;
    (iii) The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a check list) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.
    4. DURATION OF VALIDITY
    This EIA study brief is valid for 24 months after the date of issue. If the EIA study does not commence within this period, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for another EIA study brief afresh 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) 40 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 (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.


    Appendix A

    		• The assessment of marine mud required to be dredged during site formation including an evaluation of contamination and the identification of appropriate disposal arrangements.

    		• A quantitative risk assessment of the onsite storage and use of danagerous goods. If the quantity of dangerous goods is such that the new power station is classified as a Potentially Hazardous Installation (PHI), a formal Hazard Assessment, Planning Study and Action plan will be undertaken in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines.

    		• Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) requirements during construction and operation (see Section 5.2.2 below).

    		Subject to the SAR GovernmentNs policy position with regard to greenhouse gas emissions from the Hong Kong power sector, further study of the feasibility of, and opportunities for, mitigating CO2 and other significant GHG s emissions as determined in the Kyoto Protocol will be undertaken.

    		• Where appropriate information is available, cumulative impacts due to other existing and planned developments will also be addressed in the Stage 2 EIA.
    It is anticipated that the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (the EIA Ordinance ) will be implemented during 1998. The Stage 2 EIA Study will comply with the legal requirements and the procedures of the implemented Ordinance.

    		• The impacts and mitigation of construction and operational noise for the Lamma Extension site, including the requirements for off-site facilities and works areas, etc.

    		• An assessment will be undertaken of potential water quality impacts associated with the construction of the new power station include impacts resulting from the construction at the site and from laying of power cables and, if required, a gas pipeline. Impacts will be predicted using three dimensional modelling to determine the transport and fate of any sediment that becomes suspended and changes to the hydrodynamic regime resulting from the reclamation.

    		• Potential water quality impacts associated with the operation of the power station are expected to be linked with those resulting from the treatment and disposal of wastewater and the discharge of cooling water. The behavious of the thermal plume that results will be simulated for spring and neap tides during the wet and dry seasons. Sensitivity tests will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of potential mitigation measures including the position of the colling water intakes and outfalls, and, the effect of varying the temperature of the discharge(s). Modelling results will be presented to show the spatial and temporal distribution of temperature elevations in receiving waters. Particular attention will be paid to the extent of the area and depth over which a 2oC elevation is predicted but temperature elevations above and below this value will also be shown. Any elevations that are predicted at sensitive receivers will be examined to determine if an impact is likely to occur, and, if so what the severity of the impact(s) is likely to be. Through the minimisation of temperature elevation to receiving water, the potential impacts of the discharge of cooling water will be reduced to meet WQO's.

    		• A pre-emptive twelve-month survey of marine mammals in southern Hong Kong waters was undertaken by ERM between November 1996 and November 1997. The survey included the area within which the preferred site at Lamma Extension is proposed. The survey was conducted following agreement of the methodology with the AFD. The information generated by this survey will be used as the basis of a detailed assessment of the impact of elevated water temperature on cetaceans (primarily Finless Porpoises).

    		• In addition, subject to the findings of the modelling of the elevated temperature contours and profiles, surveys will be conducted of the potentially effected areas to establish the conservation value of impacted marine and littoral zone ecological resources. Following established practice, the surveys would be undertaken during the winter and summer months so as to provide a representative database upon which to base the assessment.

    		• Detailed air quality modelling will be carried out using wind tunnel simulations, appropriate mathematical models and photochemistry modelling, as necessary, to assess the potential local air quality impacts arising from the development of the new power station. Key sensitive receivers will include, but not be limited to, existing and planned developments in West Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and potential future residential areas on Lamma Island and Hong Kong Island South. The impact and mitigation of dust during construction will also be assessed.
    5.2 FUTURE REQUIREMENTS
    5.2.1 Stage 2 EIA
    On the basis that the environmentally preferred combination of fuel, technology and site are endorsed by Government, the principal environmental issues to be addressed in a detailed EIA Study (the Stage 2 EIA) would be as follows :

    		• The identification and optimisation of routes, and the assessment of impacts from the installation, of transmission cables, and gas pipeline from the territorial boundary of Hong Kong to the site. The route selection would seek to avoid pre-defined sensitive environmental receivers and would identify pipeline/cable laying methods, landfall location including ancillary structures and facilities and construction worksite locations and required mitigation measures.