1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-053/2000) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant with a Project Profile (No. PP-087/2000).

1.2 The Applicant proposes to construct a 132kV transmission link from Tung Chung Town Substation to Cheung Sha Substation on Lantau Island in order to maintain a secure supply to the existing population and serve future load growth at South Lantau. The proposed overhead line runs along the ridges to Cheung Sha and the two ends of the route are linked to the existing substations by the underground cables with outer diameter of about 80mm-100mm. The total route length of the proposed overhead pole line and underground cables are about 6.0km and 2.5km respectively. The overhead pole line will consist of bare aluminum conductors supported on tubular steel poles of average span of 120 meters. The location of the route is shown on the attached map.

1.3 The project is a Designated Project under Schedule 2, Q.1, of the EIAO as part of the overhead line goes across the Country Park.

1.4 Pursuant to section 5(7)(a) of the EIAO, the Director of Environmental Protection (the Director) issues this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief to the Applicant to carry out an EIA study.

1.5 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 project and related activities taking place concurrently. The EIA report should provide information on the need of the power line and also consideration of alternatives to avoid the use of Country Park as power transmission corridors. 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 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) on provide information on the need of the power line and the consideration of alternatives for avoiding the country park as power transmission corridor;

(iii) to compare the main environmental impacts of different options and alignments with the proposed project and with the likely future environmental conditions in the absence of the project.

(iv) 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;

(v) to identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and natural habitats;

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

(vii) to propose 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 to reduce 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

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 (hereinafter referred to as the TM) are fully complied with.

3.2 The Scope

The scope of this EIA study covers the proposed project mentioned in section 1.2 above.

3.3 When preparing the EIA report in accordance with the technical requirements below, the applicant shall fully assess and propose mitigation of all adverse impacts to the affected part of the Lantau North and Lantau South Country Park irrespective of whether they are caused by the parts of the project within or outside the limits of the country park.
3.3.1

3.4 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. The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements:

3.5 Consideration of Alternatives

3.5.1 The applicant shall provide information in the EIA report on the consideration of alternatives with a view to avoiding or minimizing the use of Country Park as a power transmission corridor. This shall include consideration of different options, such as submarine cable, cable tunnel, underground line along Tung Chung Road and different alignments. The information in the EIA report shall include the reasons for selecting the proposed project, including its alignment, and the environmental factors played in the selection. The adverse environmental effects shall be avoided to the maximum practicable extent.

3.5.2 The applicant shall compare the main environmental impacts of different options and alignments with the proposed project and with the likely future environmental conditions in the absence of the project.

3.6 Ecological Impact

3.6.1 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.

3.6.2 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. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impacts associated with the project, including the impacts of any haul roads and temporary access.

3.6.3 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 environment;

(iii) carry out necessary field surveys which shall cover the 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, inter-dependence of the habitats and species, and presence of any features of ecological importance;

(d) representative color photos of each habitat type and any important ecological features identified;

(e) investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special attention to those wildlife groups and habitats with conservation interests; including woodlands; natural stream courses and rivers; and any other habitats & wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by the study;

(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) 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;

(vi) 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 gounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity, habitat fragmentation; and in particular the habitat loss and disturbance to wildlife during construction stage;

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

(viii) recommend all possible alternatives (such as modifications of route alignment or cable tunnel) 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;

(ix) 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;

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

(xi) evaluate the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using well-defined criteria. and

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

3.7 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.7.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum, respectively for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts. Both construction and operation impacts shall be assessed. The impacts of any haul road and temporary access shall be assessed.

3.7.2 The assessment area for landscape impact assessment shall include, all areas within a 300m distance from the proposed project while the assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the project.

3.7.3 The Applicant shall review relevant outline development plan(s), outline zoning plan(s), layout plan(s) or planning briefs and studies, including the Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study, Tung Chung Town Center Area OZP No. S/I-TCTC/4, South Lantau Coast OZP No.S/SLC/8, which contain guidelines on urban design concept, designated view corridors, and open space network and other design specification that may affect the appreciation of the project. The Applicant shall also review the South West New Territories Development Strategy Review. 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 be recommended.

3.7.3 The Applicant shall describe, appraise and analyze the existing landscape resources and character of the assessment area. A system should be derived for judging landscape and visual impact significance as required under the TM. 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. A tree survey shall be carried out and the impacts on existing mature trees shall be addressed.

3.7.4 The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the proposed project. In particular, the landscape impact of the proposed project on the Country Park should be highlighted. The assessment shall include the following:

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

(ii) identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visibility contours with regard to views from both ground level and elevated vantage points. The sensitive receivers may involve the residential population in Tung Chung, international tourist and visitors, users of Country Park and the possible passengers of the future cable car from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping;

(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.

3.7.5 Alternative design that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impact 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 should also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape.

3.7.6 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, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of material used, and any measures to mitigate the disturbance of the existing land use. For overhead pole structures: Presentation of photomontage of the proposed structures in the existing and planned urban setting illustrating the effectiveness of visual impact mitigation measures shall be included.

3.7.7 Parties shall be identified for the on-going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the project. A practical program and funding proposed for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be provided.

3.7.7 Perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, annotated oblique aerial photographs, photographs taken at vantage points, photographs on scaled physical models, photo-retouching and photo-montage shall be adopted when appropriate to illustrate the landscape and visual impacts 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.

3.8 Waste Management

3.8.1 The Applicant shall identify the quantity of the waste arising as a result of the construction work and also the decommissioning of the existing 33kV poles, in particular within the water gathering ground. The disposal method for each type of waste shall be described in detail, especially for area where helicopters will be used for material transportation.

3.9 Electromagnetic Field

The applicant shall include in the EIA report the information in the project profile so as to make the EIA report self-standing.

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, shall define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the project in the EIA study.

4.2 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation program.

5. 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, and environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.

6. DURATION OF VALIDITY

This EIA study brief is valid for 24 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.

7. REPORT REQUIREMENTS

7.1 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.

7.2 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 50 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.

7.3 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 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 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..

7.4 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.

7.5 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.

8. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

8.1 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.

8.2 If there is any key change in the scope of the project mentioned in Section 1 of this EIA Study Brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-078/2000), 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 a fresh EIA study brief.