1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-046/2000) for an EIA study brief under section 5(1) of the captioned Ordinance was submitted by the Applicant on 17 January 2000 with a project profile (No. PP-073/2000) .

1.2 The Applicant proposes to uprate the existing Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works and the associated raw water transmission system at Pui O on Lantau Island to cope with the increasing water demands arisen from developments in North Lantau New Town, Northshore and North-east Lantau area, as well as Discovery Bay. Location plans of the proposed works are attached in Appendix A. The project will comprise the following:

(i) Extension of the Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works from the capacity of 150,000 m3/day to 300,000 m3/day with an option for further uprating to 350,000 m3/day together with the associated uprating of capacity of the Siu Ho Wan Raw Water Pumping Station and Siu Ho Wan Treated Water Pumping Station;

(ii) construction of a raw water booster pumping station between Ta Pang Po and Siu Ho Wan, and laying of the associated water mains;

(iii) demolition and reprovision of the existing Pui O 'A' raw water pumping station;

(iv) uprate of capacity of the Pui O 'B' raw water pumping station; and

(v) duplication of two sections, approximately 2km, of 1200mm diameter water mains at Pui O.

1.3 Pursuant to section 5(7)(a) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, the Director of Environmental Protection issues this Environmental Impact Assessment (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 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

(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 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 identify any negative impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(vi) to identify and assess any potential landscape and visual impacts and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(vii) 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;

(viii) 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;

(ix) 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;

(x) to investigate the extent of side-effects of proposed mitigation measures that may lead to other forms of impacts;

(xi) to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study;

(xii) to design and specify the environmental monitoring and audit requirements, if required, to ensure the implementation and the effectiveness of the environmental protection and pollution control measures adopted.

3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY

3.1 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 referred to as the TM), are fully complied with.

The Scope

3.2 The scope of the EIA study shall cover the proposed project mentioned in Section 1.2 above, with the location plans shown in Appendix A. The EIA study shall address, but not limiting, to the following likely key issues:

• Hazard to life due to storage, handling and on-site transport of chlorine;
• noise impact arising from construction works including pipe laying and building of pumping stations, as well as operation of the pumping stations at Pui O;
• waste management of sludge and wastewater generated from the Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works Extension;
• potential impact on archeological site at Pui O; and
• potential landscape and visual impacts during demolition, construction and operational phases of the project.

Option Evaluation

3.3 The EIA Report shall include detailed comparison and evaluation on the siting and alignment options for the following:

• Booster water pumping station at Siu Ho Wan; and
• alignment of the water mains at Pui O.

All possible alternative siting and alignment options for the above items shall be investigated and compared in details. Comparison of the main environmental impacts of different siting options considered and recommendations on the final selection among all possible alternatives shall be clearly presented.

3.4 The EIA Report shall contain information on the water treatment process adopted for the Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works Extension. Should the water treatment process proposed be different from that employed in the existing Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works, full evaluation on benefits and disadvantages of the alternative water treatment process shall be provided in the EIA Report. Associated environmental impacts, in particular implication to potential hazard to life, shall be addressed in the EIA Report.

Technical Requirements

3.5 The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects of the activities as described in the scope as set out above. The EIA report shall include assessments of associated environmental impacts (e.g. noise and other nuisances) and hazard to life, where applicable. Technical requirements for the EIA study are listed in the following Sections 3.6 to 3.13.

3.6 Air Quality Impact

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

3.6.2 The assessment area for air quality impact shall generally be defined by a distance of 500m from the boundary of the project area(s); yet it may be extended depending on the circumstances.

3.6.3 For construction impacts, the Applicant shall ensure the construction works will follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation in dust control and, subject to section 4 below, the Applicant shall initiate an audit and monitoring program during the constructional stage to ensure construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standard as stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM.

3.7 Hazard to Life

3.7.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annex 4 of the TM.

3.7.2 Chlorine Hazards during Construction Phase

(i) Identify additional hazards initiated by construction activities which may increase the risk of chlorine accidents during storage, handling, transport using systematic method (i.e. HAZOP study);

(ii) Recommend risk mitigation measures for implementation during construction phase.

3.7.3 Chlorine Hazards during Operational Phase

Hazard assessment for chlorine is required if and only if there is an increase of storage and on-site transport of chlorine. The Applicant shall carry out hazard assessment as follows :

• (i) identify all hazardous scenarios associated with the transport, storage and processing of dangerous goods;
• (ii) execute a Quantitative Risk Assessment expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms;
• (iii) compare individual and societal risks with the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the Technical Memorandum; and
• (iv) identify and assess practicable and cost effective measures to mitigate risk impacts using cost-benefit analysis.

3.7.4 The Applicant shall propose methodology in assessing the hazard to life. Such methodology shall be approved by the Director prior to the commencement of the assessment.

3.8 Noise Impact

3.8.1 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.

3.8.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following :

(i) Determination of Assessment Area

The area for the noise impact assessment shall include all areas within 300m from the project boundary. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment area could be reduced accordingly if the first layer of noise sensitive receivers, closer than 300m from the project boundary, provides acoustic shielding to those receivers at further distance behind.

(ii) 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. Unless involved in the planning standards, e.g. those for planning of fixed noise sources, no existing noise levels are particularly required.

(iii) Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

(a) The Applicant shall refer to Annex 13 of the TM when identifying the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs). 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.

(b) 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 name of building, use, and floors of each and every selected assessment point shall be given.

(iv) 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; Pui O 'A' and 'B' raw water pumping stations and the associated equipment/systems such as ventilating systems for operational noise assessment).

(v) 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 in accordance with the methodology stipulated in paragraphs 5.3. and 5.4 of Annex 13 of the TM. The criteria in Table 1B of Annex 5 of the TM shall be adopted in the assessment.

(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 task) to minimise the impact. If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, any residual impact shall be evaluated according to Section 4.4.3 of the TM.

(vi)Operational Noise Assessment

(a) Assessment of Fixed Source Noise Levels

The Applicant shall calculate the expected noise generated from the Pui O 'A' and 'B' raw water pumping stations and the associated equipment/systems such as ventilating systems using standard acoustics principles. Calculations for the expected noise shall be based on 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

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.

A quantitative assessment at the NSRs for the proposed uprated Pui O 'A' and 'B' pumping station 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.

(vii)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.

(viii)Evaluation of Constraints on Planned Noise Sensitive Developments/Land Uses

For 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.

The Applicant shall take into account 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.

3.9 Water Pollution

3.9.1 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.

3.9.2 The Applicant shall identify and analyse in the assessment all physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, estuarine, fresh water or ground water system(s) arising from construction and operation of the project.

3.9.3 The Applicant shall include the following in the water quality impact assessment:

(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;

(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) identification of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives, criteria and standards for the water system(s) and all the sensitive receivers;

(v) identification and quantification of all activities which may lead to alteration of any water system(s) identified in (i), change of flow regimes, change of ground water levels, increase sediment loading to downstream water course, change 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 (e.g. used lubricating oil), and analysis of the provision and adequacy of future facilities to reduce such pollution. An emission inventory on the quantities and characteristics of all these existing and future pollution sources in the assessment area shall also be provided. Field investigation and laboratory tests, as appropriate, shall be conducted to fill in any relevant information gaps;

(vii) prediction and quantification of impacts on the water system(s) and sensitive receivers, in particular the freshwater streams at Pui O, due to those changes identified in (v) above. Possible impacts include changes in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion or deposition, water and sediment quality and the effects on aquatic organism due to such changes. The prediction shall include possible different construction stages or sequences, and different operation stages;

(viii) cumulative impacts due to other projects, activities or pollution sources within a boundary around the assessment area, subject to the agreement of the Director shall also be predicted and quantified;

(ix) assessment and quantification of waste water generated from on-site construction workforce and any effluent generated that would require appropriate treatment and disposal;

(x) assessment and quantification of all existing and future waste water generation activities and analysis on the adequacy of existing and future sewerage infrastructure;

(xi) proposal for upgrading or providing any effective infrastructure, water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction, operation 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;

(xii) Best management practices to reduce storm water and non-point source pollution shall be investigated and proposed as appropriate; and

(xiii) 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.

3.10 Waste Management

3.10.1 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.

3.10.2 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 construction waste arisen from the project works, sludge and wastewater generated during operation of the Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works Extension, 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 been taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation, 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 described in detail. The disposal method recommended for each type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in below.

(c) The impact caused by handling (including labelling, packaging & storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail. This assessment shall cover the following areas :

(i) potential hazard;

(ii) air and odour emissions;

(iii) noise;

(iv) wastewater discharge; and

(v) public transport.

3.11 Ecological Impact

3.11.1 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.

3.11.2 The assessment area for the purpose of this ecological impact assessment shall include all areas within 500 m distance from the project area, and area likely to be impacted by the project.

3.11.3 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 proposed project shall avoid impacts on recognised sites of conservation importance and other ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impacts associated with the project.

3.11.4 The assessment shall include the following :

(i) review the findings of relevant studies and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;

(ii) evaluate the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to the terrestrial and aquatic environment;

(iii) carry out necessary field surveys which shall cover wet season (the duration of which shall be at least 3 months) and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfill the objectives of the EIA study;

(iv) 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 (1:1000 to 1:5000) showing the types and locations of habitats in the assessment 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;

(e) species found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation, international conventions for conservation of wildlife/habitats or red data books;

(v) investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special attention to:

(a) woodlands;

(b) wetlands;

(c) natural stream courses;

(d) and any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by the study.

(vi) describe all recognized sites of conservation importance in the proposed development site and its vicinity and assess whether these sites will be affected by the proposed development or not;

(vii) using suitable methodology, identify and quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect, on-site, off-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, habitat fragmentation; and in particular the habitat loss and disturbance to wildlife during construction stage;

(viii) evaluate the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using well-defined criteria;

(ix) recommend 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, such as reinstatement of habitats temporarily affected by the proposed development to its original state and if possible with some enhancement features;

(x) 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;

(xi) determine and quantify as far as possible the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;

(xii) 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 should be followed; and

(xiii) review the need for and recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.

3.12 Impact on Cultural Heritage

3.12.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing impact on cultural heritage as stated in Annexes 10 and 19 of the TM, respectively.

3.12.2 The historical, archaeological and cultural heritage impact study should take into account the importance of cultural heritage in Hong Kong and address the potential impacts to the historical, archaeological and cultural resources within the assessment area.

3.12.3 The examination of the assessment area should also allow a more general appraisal of archaeology, architectural history and historic landscapes of the areas that the development will take place. The project should be modified and, if necessary, supplemented to accommodate off-site areas of spoil disposal, construction sites and traffic routes which could affect archaeological, historic and cultural resources as these are identified during the evolution of the engineering design.

3.12.4 The historical, archaeological and cultural heritage impact assessment should focus on:

(i) Investigation of archaeological potential of the study area by:

(a) developing a field evaluation programme to identify areas to be investigated;

(b) producing field evaluation protocols to determine the sampling technique, the sample rational to be applied and the site record forms to be used, the evaluation protocols should be compatible with the data capture requirements of the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO); and

(c) undertaking field evaluations.

(ii) Identification of historical buildings and structures which will be affected by the remaining development within the study area :

(a) historic buildings and structures include a variety of forms with a wide range of different functions like domestic, working and cultural uses; places of worship, houses, agricultural buildings, boundary and milestones, industrial buildings and workshops; and

(b) landscape features include sites of historical events, historic field patterns, tracks and fish ponds and cultural elements such as fung shui woodlands and clan grave sites.

(iii) Evaluation of impacts on cultural heritage including the old houses in Pui O Lo Wai Tsuen and Pui O San Wai Tsuen in the vicinity as indicated in Figure 4 of Appendix A and any other historic buildings as well as their historic environs, like fung shui landscape; and proposals for any mitigation measures with detailed elaboration on scope of work and financial implications.

(a) heritage resources within the Study Areas should be identified through reference to appropriate records, such as the archives of the AMO, and through consultations with relevant village representatives, appropriate academic sources and other Government sources, including the Lands Department, District Offices, etc.;

(b) if the consultants identifies any additional buildings and structures within the study area which are of potential historic or cultural importance and not recorded by AMO, the office should be reported as soon as possible. The historic and cultural value of the items will be further assessed by the AMO;

(c) the criteria to be adopted to assess the level of direct and indirect impacts to the heritage resources and to develop appropriate mitigation measures, should be established in close liaison with the relevant specialists within the EIA Study Team and should be agreed by the AMO prior to application; and

(d) conceptual photomontage is required to facilitate the assessment of visual impact on the cultural heritage affected.

3.13 Lanscape and Visual Impact

3.13.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM, respectively for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts. Both construction and operation impacts shall be assessed.

3.13.2 The study area for the landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within a 500m distance from the proposed project. The study area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelop of the proposed project.

3.13.3 The Applicant shall review relevant outline development plan(s), outline zoning plan(s), layout plan(s) or planning briefs and studies which may identify areas of high landscape value and recommend green belt and conservation area designations. The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area affected and the ways that the project can fit into the environment. Any conflict with the statutory town plans should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should recommended.

3.13.4 The Applicant shall describe, appraise and analyse the existing landscape resources and character of the assessment area. A system should be derived for judging impact significance. The sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change shall be particularly focused on. The Applicant shall identify the degree of compatibility of the proposed project with the existing landscape. The landscape impact assessment shall quantify the potential landscape impact as far as possible so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the proposed development. Clear mapping of the landscape impact is required. When applicable, a tree survey shall be carried out and the impacts on existing mature trees shall be addressed.

3.13.5 The Applicant shall assess the landscape and visual impact of the proposed project. The assessment shall include the following :

(i) identification and plotting of visibility contours of the proposed project within the assessment area;

(ii) identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers (e.g. travellers along the North Lantau Highway and main roads, residents in the vicinity of the project) within the visibility contours with regard to views from both ground 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 key views of the adjacent areas; and

(iv) the severity of visual impacts in terms of distance, nature and number of sensitive receivers shall be identified. The visual impacts of the project with and without mitigation measures shall be included so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

3.13.6 Alternative design and options 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 Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape design. The mitigation measures shall also include the retention of vegetation, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed land, compensatory planting, conservation of topsoil for reuse, design of structures, provision of finishes to structure, colour scheme and texture of material used, and any measures to mitigate the disturbance of the existing land use. The mitigation measures proposed shall not only be connected with damage reduction but should also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape. Parties shall be identified for the management and maintenance of any proposed mitigation measures to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the proposed project. A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be worked out.

3.13.7 Coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, annotated oblique aerial photographs, photographs taken at vantage points, photo-retouching and photomontage shall be adopted to illustrate the landscape and visual impact of the proposed project. The Applicant shall record the technical details in preparing the illustration, which may need to be submitted for verification of the accuracy of the illustration.

3.14 Summary of Environmental Outcomes

3.14.1 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, the environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended and residual impacts.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING & AUDIT (EM&A) REQUIREMENTS

4.1 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.

4.2 Subject to the confirmation of the EIA study findings, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM.

4.3 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.

5. DURATION OF VALIDITY

5.1 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.

6. REPORT REQUIREMENTS

6.1 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.

6.2 The Applicant shall supply the Director with the following number of copies of the EIA report and the executive summary :

(i) 20 copies of the EIA report in English and 20 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.

6.3 The Applicant shall make additional copies of the above documents available to the public, subject to payment by the interested parties of full costs of printing.

6.4 In addition, to facilitate the 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 Report prepared in HyperTex 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 Report 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.

6.5 The electronic copies of the EIA report and Executive Summary shall be submitted to the Director at the time of application for approval of the EIA Report.

6.6 When the EIA Report and the Executive Summary are made available for public inspection under s.7(1) of the EIA Ordinance, 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.

6.7 To promote environmentally friendly and efficient dissemination of information, both hard copies of future EM&A reports recommended by the EIA study shall be required and their format shall be agreed by the Director.

7. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1 During the EIA study, if there is any change in the name of the Applicant for this EIA study brief, the Applicant mentioned in this study brief must notify the Director immediately.

7.2 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-073/2000) , 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 another EIA study brief afresh.

February 2000
AAG, EAND
Environmental Protection Department

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