1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-060/2000) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant on 28 August 2000 with a Project Profile (No. PP-103/2000).

1.2 The Project Profile (No. PP-103/2000) proposed to construct and operate a new railway line on the north coast of Hong Kong Island and the locations are shown as in Appendices A-1 and A-2. As stated in the Project Profile (No. PP-103/2000), the proposed 3.5 km fully underground North Hong Kong Island Line (NIL) will extend the existing Tung Chung Line (TCL) from Hong Kong Station to link with the existing Island Line (ISL) at Fortress Hill, effectively extending the TCL along the ISL eastwards to Chai Wan. In order to achieve this, it will be necessary to "Swap" the ISL such that stations west of Tin Hau (i.e. Tin Hau to Sheung Wan) will become part of the Tseung Kwan O Line. As part of the NIL project, the tunnels for the Tseung Kwan O Line will be extended by approximately 100m to connect with the ISL tracks immediately east of Tin Hau Station.

1.3 According to Drawing No. NIL/EIA/002 of the Project Profile (No. PP-103/2000), the Project will include two new MTR stations, namely the Tamar Station and the Exhibition Station. As shown in Drawing No. NIL/EIA/003 of the Project Profile, if the routing of the proposed Shatin to Central Link (SCL) on Hong Kong Island is via Victoria Park, then a NIL Victoria Park Station will be constructed within the existing Victoria Park to interchange with the SCL.

1.4 The proposed NIL has two alignment options east of Tamar Station, i.e. the "Seaward" and "Inland" alignments as shown in Drawing Nos. NIL/EIA/002 and NIL/EIA/003 of the Project Profile (No. PP-103/2000) for scenarios without and with Victoria Park Station respectively. Both the "Seaward" and "Inland" alignments will be investigated in the EIA study for the NIL.

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

1.6 The purpose of this EIA study is to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project and related activities that take place concurrently. This information will contribute to decisions by the Director on :

(i) the overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that are likely to arise as a result of the Project;

(ii) the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and

(iii) the acceptability of residual impacts after the proposed mitigation measures are implemented.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY

2.1 The objectives of the EIA study are as follows :

(i) to describe the Project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the Project;

(ii) to identify and describe elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the Project and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the Project, including natural and man-made environment;

(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 landscape and visual impacts and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

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

(vi) to propose the provision of mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the Project;

(vii) to identify, predict and evaluate the residual environmental impacts (i.e. after practicable mitigation) and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operation phases of the Project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

(viii) to identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project which are necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and reducing them to acceptable levels;

(ix) to investigate the extent of the secondary environmental impacts that may arise from the proposed mitigation measures and to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study, as well as the provision of any necessary modification; and

(x) to design and specify environmental monitoring and audit requirements to ensure the effective implementation of the recommended environmental protection and pollution control measures.

3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY

3.1 The Purpose

The purpose of this study brief is to scope the key issues of the EIA study. The Applicant has to demonstrate in the EIA report that the criteria in the relevant sections of the Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as "the TM") are fully complied with.

3.2 The Scope

The scope of this EIA study shall cover the Project mentioned in Sections 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 above. The EIA study shall address the likely key issues described below; and together with any other key issues identified during the course of the EIA study :

(i) the cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project. Consideration shall be given on likely concurrent projects such as the Central Reclamation Phase III (CRIII), Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII), Central-Wan Chai Bypass & Island Eastern Corridor Link (CWB&IECL) and major sewerage projects such as the Wan Chai East & North Point Sewerage;

(ii) the potential noise and dust impacts arising from the construction works of the Project, in particular works related to new MTR stations, tunnels, tunnel portals, ventilation shafts and temporary access shafts; and

(iii) the potential landscape and visual impact caused by the ventilation shafts and other major structures above ground level;

3.3 Consideration of Alternative Alignment Options and Construction Methods

3.3.1 Consideration of Different Alignment Options and Vertical Shafts Locations

In addition to the proposed alignment options mentioned in Section 1.4 above, the Applicant shall consider other feasible alignment options for the Project. Alternative locations of ventilation shafts and temporary access shafts shall be also investigated. A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of possible alignment options and locations of ventilation and access shafts shall be made.

3.3.2 Consideration of Alternative Construction Methods

Having regarded to affected sensitive receivers, construction duration and the severity of the construction impacts, the EIA study shall also explore alternative construction methods for the Project, such as bore tunnelling versus cut-and-cover. A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of applying different construction methods for different sections of each alignment option shall be made.

3.3.3 Selection of Preferred Scenario

Taking into the comparison in Sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 above, the Applicant shall recommend/justify the adoption of an alignment that will avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects.

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 on specific impacts.

3.4.1 Air Quality Impact

3.4.1.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing air quality impact as stated in section 1 of Annex 4 and Annex 12 of the TM, respectively.

3.4.1.2 The area for air quality impact assessment shall generally be defined by a distance of 500 m from the boundary of the project site, yet it may be extended depending on the circumstances and the scale of the Project.

3.4.1.3 The Applicant shall assess the air pollutant concentrations in accordance with the latest set of Guidelines for Local-Scale Air Quality Assessment Using Models issued by the Modelling Section, Air Policy Group, Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR. (ref. EPD's home page under items for Air - http://www.info.gov.hk/epd).

3.4.1.4 The air quality impact assessment shall include the following:

(i) Background and Analysis of Activities

(a) Provide background information relating to air quality issues relevant to the Project, e.g. description of the types of activities of the Project.

(b) Give an account, where appropriate, of the consideration/measures that had been taken into consideration in the planning of the Project to abate the air pollution impact. That is, the Applicant shall consider alternative construction methods/phasing programmes to minimize the construction dust quality impact, e.g. use of marine access routes for transportation of construction materials to avoid dust impact on air sensitive receivers (ASRs) due to haul road transport during construction.

(c) Present the background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative air quality impacts.

(ii) Identification of ASRs and Examination of Emission/Dispersion Characteristics

(a) Identify and describe representative existing and planned/committed ASRs that would likely be affected by the Project. The Applicant shall select the assessment points of the identified ASRs such that they represent the worst impact point of these ASRs. A map showing the location and a description including the name of the buildings, their uses and height of the selected assessment points shall be given. The separation distances of these ASRs from the nearest emission sources should also be given. For phased development, the Applicant should review the development programme to take into consideration of the construction stages so as to include occupiers of early phases as ASRs if they may be affected by the works at later phases.

(b) Provide an exhaustive list of air pollutant emission sources, including any nearby emission sources which are likely to have impact on the Project. Examples of construction stage emission sources include stock piling, blasting, concrete batching and vehicular movements on unpaved haul roads on site, etc.

(iii) Construction Dust Impact

(a) The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation in dust control to ensure construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standards as stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 of the TM. An audit and monitoring program during construction stage shall be initiated to verify the effectiveness of the control measures and to ensure that the construction dust levels be brought under control.

(b) If the Applicant anticipates a significant construction dust impact that will likely cause exceedance of the recommended limits in the TM at the ASRs despite incorporation of the dust control measures stated in 3.4.1.4 (iii)(a) above, a quantitative assessment should be carried out to evaluate the construction dust impact at the identified ASRs. The Applicant shall follow the methodology below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

(iv) Quantitative Assessment Methodology

(a) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated in the modeling guidelines while making allowance for the specific characteristic of the project. This specific methodology must be documented in such level of details (preferably with tables and diagrams) to allow the readers of the assessment report to grasp how the model is set up to simulate the situation at hand without referring to the model input files. Details of the calculation of the emission rates of air pollutants for input to the modeling shall be presented in the report. The Applicant must ensure consistency between the text description and the model files at every stage of submission. Prior agreement of the general methodology between the Applicant and the Air Policy Group of EPD is advised.

(b) The Applicant shall identify the key/representative air pollutant parameters (types of pollutants and the averaging time concentration) to be evaluated and provide explanation for choosing these parameters for the assessment of the impact of the Project.

(c) The Applicant shall calculate the cumulative air quality impact at the identified ASRs and compare these results against the criteria set out in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. The predicted air quality impacts (both unmitigated and mitigated) shall be presented in the form of summary table and pollution contours, for comparison with relevant air quality standards and examination of the land use implications of these impacts. Plans of suitable scale should be used for presentation of pollution contour for determining buffer distances required.

(d) The Applicant shall propose remedies and mitigating measures where the predicted air quality impact exceeds the criteria set in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. These measures and any constraints on future land use planning shall be agreed with the relevant government departments/ authorities and documented. The Applicant shall demonstrate quantitatively that the resultant impacts after incorporation of the proposed mitigating measures will comply with the criteria stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM.

(e) All input and output file(s) of the model run(s) shall be submitted to Air Policy Group of EPD in electronic format.

3.4.2 Noise Impact

3.4.2.1 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.

3.4.2.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following :

(i) Determination of Assessment Area

The area for the noise impact assessment shall generally include all areas within 300m from the Project shown in Drawing Nos. NIL/EIA/02 & 3 of the Project Profile (No. PP-103/2000). Subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment area could be reduced accordingly if the first layer of noise sensitive receivers (NSRs), closer than 300m from the outer project limit, provides acoustic shielding to those receivers at further distance behind. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment area shall be expanded to include NSRs at larger distance which would be affected by the construction and operation of the Project.

(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 r-equired.

(iii) Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

(a) The Applicant shall refer to Annex 13 of the TM when identifying the 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. For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed site layouts, the Applicant should use the relevant planning parameters to work out site layouts for operational noise assessment purpose.

(iv) Provision of an Emission Inventory of the Noise Sources

The Applicant shall provide an inventory of noise sources during construction and operation of the Project, such as construction equipment for assessment of construction noise associated with tunnelling works; and plant/equipment/train for operational noise assessment. Confirmation of the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/ authorities.

(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 minimize the construction noise impact, alternative construction methods to replace percussive piling shall be proposed as far as practicable. In case blasting cannot be avoided and it should be carried out, as far as practicable, outside the sensitive hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday to Saturday and any time on a general holiday, including Sunday. For blasting that must be carried out during the above-mentioned sensitive hours, the noise impact in associated with the removal of debris and rocks should be fully assessed and adequate mitigation measures should be recommended to reduce the noise impact as appropriate. For tunnelling, noise impact (including air-borne noise and structure-borne noise) associated with the operation of powered mechanical equipment, in particular, tunnel boring machine or equivalent, shall be assessed.

(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) particular at the open-cut area(s) and the tunnel portal(s) to minimize the impact. If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.

(d) In case the Applicant would like to evaluate whether construction works in restricted hours as defined under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) are feasible or not in the context of programming construction works, reference should be made to the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO. Regardless of the results of the construction noise impact assessment for restricted hours, the Noise Control Authority will process the Construction Noise Permit (CNP) application, if necessary, based on the NCO, the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO, and the contemporary conditions/situations. This aspect should be explicitly stated in the noise chapter and the conclusions and recommendations chapter in the EIA report.

(vi) Operational Noise Assessment

(a) Rail Noise

(a1) The Applicant shall assess the impacts during the operational phase of the Project and the associated facilities, involving worst case scenario, normal, abnormal, transient and emergency operations, with respect to the acceptable levels contained in Table 1A in Annex 5 in the TM. The assessment methodology including the railway/train design noise level shall be agreed with the Director prior to the commencement of the assessment.

(a2) In assessing the noise level, the Applicant shall allow for a deterioration in rail and rolling stock condition from brand new to an operating level, address the worst case scenario, taking into account any other planned noise source. The Applicant shall present the noise levels in Leq (30 mins), Leq (24 hr) and Lmax during the day and at night at the NSRs at various representative floor levels (in mP.D.) on tables and plans of suitable scale. Quantitative assessment at the identified NSRs for different alignment of the rail shall be compared against the relevant criteria or limits. The potential noise impact of each proposed alignment on the existing and planned NSRs shall be quantified by estimating the total number of dwellings and/or classrooms that will be exposed to levels above the relevant planning criteria and statutory limits.

(a3) The Applicant shall propose direct mitigation measures 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.

(b) Fixed Noise Sources

(b1) 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 assumed plant inventories and utilization 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.

(b2) 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 fixed noise source(s) shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM.

(b3) 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/Landuses

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 agreed environmental requirements / constraints identified by the study to assess the development potential of concerned sites which shall be made known to the relevant parties.

3.4.3 Water Quality Impact

3.4.3.1 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. Specifically, the assessment shall address the following:

(i) Collection and review of background information on existing water system(s) and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project during construction and operation;

(ii) Characterization of water quality on the surrounding water systems and sensitive receivers which might be potentially affected by the Project both during construction and operation;

(iii) Identification of any construction activities such as dredging, filling, excavation and tunneling which might lead to potential water quality impacts on nearby water system(s) and sensitive receivers identified in (i);

(iv) Establishment of pertinent water quality objectives, criteria and standards for water system(s) and all sensitive receivers identified in (i);

(v) Assessment and evaluation of any potential stormwater and construction runoff impacts on the water system(s) and sensitive receivers due to activities identified in (iii) above. Best management practices shall be recommended to reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within standards, objectives and criteria established in item (iv) above. Cumulative impacts due to other projects, activities or pollution sources within a boundary of 300 m from both sides along the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers shall be identified and assessed;

(vi) Erosion control plan during construction shall be established as per assessments carried out as described in item (v) above. This erosion control plan shall incorporate details such as locations, sizes and types of best management practices, which will be used to reduce stormwater pollution arising during construction works. These requirements shall be incorporated in the project contract document and formed part of the permit conditions;

(vii) Assessment and evaluation of any potential water quality impacts on the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers due to sewerage arising from on-site construction workforce. Any effluent generated will require appropriate treatment and disposal; and

(viii) Identification, assessment and evaluation of any potential impacts arising from tunnel / seepage drainage and track runoff. Appropriate measures shall be recommended to reduce the identified impacts arising during operation. The assessment should include the volume of anticipated wastewater / water seepage to be discharged from the stations/tunnel so as to facilities assessment in accordance with Section 6.5 in Annex 14 of the TM.

(ix) Assessment and evaluation of any potential impacts arising from thermal and biocide discharges from the chilling plants of railway stations during operation stage shall be carried out by quantitatively methods to be agreed with the Director if sea water cooling for air conditioning is used and the flow rates of the spent cooling water effluent streams exceed the flow bands covered under the Technical Memorandum on Effluent Standards stipulated under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance. If it is expected that the thermal plumes are within embayed areas or likely adversely affect other existing/planned sea water intake points, the potential impacts shall be assessed using computer model with requirements given in Appendix B, or other techniques to be agreed with the Director, subject to the details of locations of intakes/outfalls, flow rates, intake/discharge temperatures, biocide dosing regime and residual biocide concentration. Appropriate measures shall be recommended to reduce the identified impacts.

3.4.4 Waste Management Implications

3.4.4.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing waste management implications as stated in Annexes 7 and 15 of the TM, respectively.

3.4.4.2 The assessment of waste management implications shall cover the following :

(i) Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation

The Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the construction and operation activities, 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, the Applicant shall fully evaluate opportunities for reducing waste generation and on-site or off-site reuse shall be fully evaluated. Measures which can be taken in the planning and design stages, e.g. by modifying the design approach and in the construction stage for maximizing waste reduction shall be separately considered.

(b) After taking taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing reuse, the Applicant shall estimate the types and quantities of the wastes required to be disposed of as a consequence and describe the disposal options for each type of waste in detail. The disposal options for each type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in (c) 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 :
- potential hazard;
- air and odour emissions;
- noise;
- wastewater discharge; and
- public transport.

3.4.5 Land Contamination Impact

3.4.5.1 The Applicant shall identify all land lots/sites within the project area boundary which due to their past or present land uses, are potential contaminated sites. A detailed account of the present activities and past land history in relation to possible land contamination shall be provided.

3.4.5.2 The list of potential contaminants which are anticipated to be found in these potential contaminated sites shall be provided and the possible remediation options shall be evaluated and implemented.

3.4.6 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.4.6.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts for any above ground structures (especially the ventilation shafts and stations) and work areas as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM, respectively. Both construction and operation impacts shall be assessed.

3.4.6.2 The study area for the landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within a 300m distance from the Project. The study area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope from the Project.

3.4.6.3 The Applicant shall review relevant outline development plans, outline zoning plans, layout plans, planning briefs and studies which may contain guidelines and control on urban design concept, building height profile, special design area, landmarks and monuments landscape framework, designated view corridors, and open space network that may affect the appreciation of the Project. The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area so as to assess whether the project can fit into surrounding setting. Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should be recommended.

3.4.6.4 The Applicant shall describe, appraise, analyze and evaluate the existing landscape resource and character of the assessment area. A system shall 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 Project with the existing landscape. The assessment shall quantify the potential landscape impacts as far as possible, so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the Project. Clear mapping of the landscape impact is required.

3.4.6.5 The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the Project. Clear illustrations of visual impact is required. The assessment shall include the following:

(i) Identification and plotting of visual envelope of the Project within the assessment area;

(ii) Identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope and their views at both ground level and sea level and elevated vantage points;

(iii) Description of the visual compatibility of the Project with the surrounding, and the planned setting and its obstruction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas; and

(iv) The severity of visual impacts in terms of nature, distance and number of sensitive receivers. Night time glare shall be considered in the assessment. The visual impacts of the Project with and without mitigation measures shall also be included so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

3.4.6.6 Alternative construction methods and design that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impacts shall be evaluated for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. The mitigation measures proposed shall not only be concerned with damage reduction but should also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape. The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape design.

3.4.6.7 The mitigation measures shall include preservation of vegetation, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen planting, revegetation of disturbed land, compensatory planting, reprovisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of material used and any measures to mitigate the impact on existing land use. 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 programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be provided.

3.4.6.8 Coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, annotated oblique aerial photographs and computer-generated photomontage shall be adopted to fully illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the Project. All computer graphics shall be compatible with Microstation DGN file format. The Applicant shall record the technical details such as system set-up, software, data files and function in preparing the illustration, which may need to be submitted for verification of the accuracy of the illustrations.

3.4.7 Impact on Cultural Heritage

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

3.4.7.2 The Applicant shall identify all sites of cultural heritage that might be adversely affected by the Project including visual impact, impacts due to vibration and ground settlement associated with the construction activities of the Project. The EIA study shall establish a comprehensive inventory of archaeological sites, historic buildings and structures located within or in close proximity to the project area, that might have the potential to be affected. The inventory shall be agreed by the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department. A master layout plan showing the location of both the proposed works and all sites of cultural heritage identified is required. Besides, a check list including all the affected sites of cultural heritage, impacts identified, recommended mitigation measures as well as the implementation agent and period shall also be included in the EIA report.

3.4.7.3 The Applicant shall assess the extent to which those sites of cultural heritage might be affected and recommend possible alternatives (such as modification of layout and design of the project) and practicable monitoring and mitigation measures to avoid or keep the adverse impacts on the site of cultural heritage to an absolute minimum. Such measures, if found necessary, shall be agreed with the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Leisure & Culture Services Department.

3.4.7.4 Special attention shall be paid to the historic buildings and structures in the vicinity of the Project including, but not limited to the Tin Hau Temple (a declared monument) at Causeway Bay and the other buildings and structures shown in Appendix C-1.

3.4.7.5 Kellet Island Archaeological Site is very close to the "Seaward" alignment option. Although the main structures of the Project are underground, some surface facilities, such as ventilation and access shafts, will also be required. If the archaeological site is affected by the tunnel alignment and the surface facilities, archaeological survey shall be done to assess the impact before the commencement of work.

3.4.7.6 In the event that supplementary studies are needed, the Applicant can draw necessary reference to Appendix C-2 on the "Criteria for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment".

3.4.8 Hazard To Life

3.4.8.1 If there is storage of explosives on site, the Applicant shall follow the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annexes 4 and 22 of the TM in conducting hazard assessment and include the following in the assessment :

(i) Identification of all hazardous scenarios associated with the transport, storage and use of explosives for blasting operations.

(ii) Execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms.

(iii) Comparison of individual and societal risks with the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM; and

(iv) Identification and assessment of practicable and cost effective risk mitigation measures.

3.4.9 Summary of Environmental Outcomes

The EIA report shall contain a summary of the key environmental outcomes arising from the EIA study, including the population and environmentally sensitive areas protected, environmentally friendly designs recommended, key environmental problems avoided, compensation areas included and the environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.

3.4.10 Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements

3.4.10.1 The Applicant shall identify and justify 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.

3.4.10.2 Subject to the confirmation of the EIA study findings, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM. The Applicant shall also propose real-time reporting of monitoring data for the Project through a dedicated internet website.

3.4.10.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Appendix D to this EIA study brief) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.

4. DURATION OF VALIDITY

4.1 This EIA study brief is valid for 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 a fresh EIA study brief before commencement of the EIA study.

5. REPORT REQUIREMENTS

5.1 In preparing the EIA report, the Applicant shall refer to Annex 11 of the TM for the contents of an EIA report. The Applicant shall also refer to Annex 20 of the TM, which stipulates the guidelines for the review of an EIA report.

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

(i) 50 copies of the EIA report in English and 80 copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese) as required under section 6(2) of the EIAO to be supplied at the time of application for approval of the EIA report.

(ii) when necessary, addendum to the EIA report and the executive summary submitted in 5.2 (i) above as required under section 7(1) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for public inspection.

(iii) 20 copies of the EIA report in English and 50 copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese) with or without Addendum as required under section 7(5) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for consultation with the Advisory Council on the Environment.

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

5.4 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 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.

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

5.6 When the EIA Report and the Executive Summary are made available for public inspection under s.7(1) of the EIAO, the content of the electronic copies of the EIA Report and the Executive Summary must be the same as the hard copies and the Director shall be provided with the most updated electronic copies.

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

6. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 If there is any change in the name of Applicant for this EIA study brief during the course of the EIA study, the Applicant must notify the Director immediately.

6.2 If there is any key change in the scope of the Project mentioned in Sections 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-103/2000), 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.

October 2000
Environmental Assessment and Noise Division
Environmental Protection Department