1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-067/2001) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the captioned Applicant on 5 February 2001 with a Project Profile (No. PP-113/2001) on the captioned project.

1.2 The original designed capacity of Sai Kung Sewage Treatment Works (STWs) is an Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF) of 15,200 m³/day. As a result of the Phase 1 upgrading in 1996 to include nitrogen removal in the bioreactors, the design capacity of the secondary treatment processes was de-rated to an ADWF of 8,000 m³/day. In order to handle the projected flows and loads generated from the future development and planned extension of the collection system of Sai Kung, the Applicant proposes to upgrade the existing Sai Kung STWs to provide an increase in capacity from an ADWF of 8,000m³/day to an ADWF of 20,000 m³/day. Depending on the outcome of the South East New Territories Development Strategy Review Study, the treatment capacity of the STWs may need to be further increased to an ADWF of 22,000 m³/day to meet the demand. The key elements of the project are:

(i) modify and expand the existing preliminary treatment units, including the inlet screens, inlet pumps and detritors;
(ii) modify and expand the existing primary treatment units, if necessary;
(iii) modify and expand the existing secondary treatment units, including the bioreactors and final clarifiers;
(iv) modify and expand the existing effluent disinfection system;
(v) construct a new outfall;
(vi) modify and expand the existing solid stream units, including sludge digesters and sludge dewatering facilities;
(vii) construct new sludge thickening facilities; and
(viii) demolition of the existing treatment units, including the reinforced concrete structures and electrical and mechanical equipment.

The project is a Designated Project under the EIAO by virtue of two items of the Schedule 2, Part I of the EIAO:
(i) C.12(a) - a dredging operation which is less than 500 m from the nearest boundary of an existing site of special scientific interest; and
(ii) F.1 - sewage treatment works with an installed capacity of more than 15,000 m³ per day.

1.4 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.

1.5 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 project 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 is 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 any potential impacts from point and non-point pollution sources on the identified water systems and sensitive receivers during the construction and operation stages;

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

(vi) to identify any negative impacts on the potential marine archaeological deposit 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, 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;

(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; and

(xiii) to consider alternatives with a view to avoiding or minimizing the potential environmental impacts, and to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the different options and to provide reasons for selecting a preferred option and to describe the part environmental factors played in the selection.

3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY

The Purpose

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 EIA Process of the EIAO (hereinafter referred to as the TM) are fully complied with.

The Scope

3.2. The scope of this EIA study covers the proposed project mentioned in sections 1.2 and 1.3 above.

The Purpose of the Project

3.3 The Applicant shall state clearly the purpose of the project, in particular the problem(s) or opportunity(s) that the project is intended to solve or satisfy, and what is to be achieved by carrying out the project.

Consideration of Alternatives

3.4 When preparing the EIA report in accordance with the technical requirements below and the TM, the Applicant shall consider different options and means (such as alternative detail designs, alternative construction and operation methods, etc.) with a view to avoiding or minimizing the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. The Applicant shall compare the environmental impacts as well as the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the different options and provide reasons for selecting the final preferred option including the environmental factors played in the selection.

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 study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts:

3.5.1 Air Quality Impact

3.5.1.1 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.

3.5.1.2 The assessment area for air quality impact 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.

3.5.1.3 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 Modeling Section, Air Policy Group, Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR. (ref.: EPD's home page under items for Air - http://www.info.gov.hk/epd).

3.5.1.4 The air quality assessment shall include the following:

Background and analysis of activities

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

(ii) 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 should consider alternative construction methods/phasing programmes and alternative modes of operation to minimize the constructional and operational air quality impacts respectively.

(iii) Present the background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative constructional and operational air quality impacts.

Identification of Air Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) and examination of emission/dispersion characteristics

(iv) 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 the construction stages so as to include occupiers of early phases as ASRs if they may be affected by works at later phases.

(v) 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 constructional stage emission sources include stock piling, blasting, concrete batching and vehicular movements on unpaved haul roads on site, etc.. Examples of operational stage emission sources include vehicular flow, sewage design capacity, etc.. Confirmation of the validity of the assumptions and the magnitude of the activities (e.g. volume of construction materials handled, sewage emission strength etc.) shall be obtained from the relevant government/authorities and documented.

Constructional Air Quality Impact

(vi) 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. A monitoring and audit program during constructional stage shall be initiated to verify the effectiveness of the control measures and to ensure that the construction dust levels be brought under control.

(vii) 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 (vi) 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.

Operational Air Quality Impact

(viii) The Applicant shall calculate the expected air pollutant concentrations at the identified ASRs. Calculations for the expected impact shall be based on an assumed reasonably worst case scenario. The evaluation shall be based on the strength of the emission sources identified in (v) above. The Applicant shall follow the methodology below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

Quantitative Assessment Methodology

(ix) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated in the modeling guidelines while making allowance for the specific characteristic of each project. This specific methodology must be documented in such a 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 Director is advised.

(x) 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.

(xi) 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.

Mitigating Measures for Non-compliance

(xii) 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 proposed mitigating measures will comply with the criteria stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM.

Submission of Model Files

(xiii) All input and output file(s) of the model run(s) shall be submitted to the Director in electronic format.

3.5.2 Noise Impact

3.5.2.1 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.

3.5.2.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following:

(i) Determination of Assessment Area

The "Assessment Area" for the noise impact assessment shall include all areas within 300 m 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 300 m 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, Layout Plans and other published plans, including any land use and development applications approved by Town Planning Board. For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed layouts, the Applicant shall base on the relevant planning parameters to work out site layouts operational noise assessment purpose.

(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 (e.g. construction equipment for construction noise assessment; etc. as appropriate, 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 explored and recommended as far as practicable. In case blasting cannot be avoided, 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 should be fully assessed and adequate mitigation measures should be recommended to reduce the noise impact as appropriate.

(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 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) 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 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) The Applicant shall present the existing and future noise levels in Leq (30 mins) at the NSRs at various representative floor levels (in mPD) on tables and plans of suitable scales. Quantitative assessment at the NSRs for proposed fixed noise source(s) shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM.

(c) The Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies within the project limits in all situations where the predicted noise levels exceed the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM to protect all 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 Project/Landuses

(a) In the event that there are planned noise sensitive uses which will still be affected even with all practicable direct technical remedies in place, the Applicant shall propose, evaluate and confirm the practicality of additional measures within the planned noise sensitive uses and shall make recommendations on how these noise sensitive uses will be designed for the information of relevant parties.

(b) The Applicant shall take into account 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.

3.5.3 Water Quality Impact

3.5.3.1 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.

3.5.3.2 The Applicant shall identify and analyze in the assessment all physical, chemical and biological disruptions of either marine water and/or fresh water, and/or ground water systems arising from construction and operation of the project.

3.5.3.3 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);

(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 which would be affected by the project;

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

(v) identification of any alteration of any drainage channels, change of shoreline or bathymetry, change of flow regimes, change of catchment types or areas;

(vi) identification, analysis and quantification of all existing and future water and sediment pollution sources 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, by mathematical modeling, of impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers due to those alterations and changes identified in (v) above and the pollution sources identified in (vi) above. Possible impacts include changes in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion or deposition, water and sediment quality and the effects on the aquatic organism due to such changes. The prediction shall include possible different construction stages or sequences, and different operation stages. The water quality model used shall comply with the following specification:

Modeling Software General

(a) The modeling software shall be fully 3-dimensional capable of accurately simulating the stratified condition, salinity transport, and effect of wind and tide within the model area.

(b) The modeling software shall consist of hydrodynamic, water quality and particle dispersion modules. The hydrodynamic and water quality modules shall have been proven with successful applications locally and overseas.

(c) The hydrodynamic and water quality modules shall be strictly mass conserved at all levels.

Model Details - Calibration & Validation

(d) No field data collection is required for model calibration for this study. However, the models shall be properly calibrated and validated before its use in this study in the area including the Port Shelter, with the field data collected by:

• Junk Bay Development Study, Port Shelter Hydrographic Survey 1982
• Environmental Protection Department's routine monitoring data

(e) Tidal data shall be calibrated and validated in both frequency and time domain manner.

(f) For the purpose of calibration and validation, the model shall run for not less than 15 days of real sequence of tide (excluding model spin up) in both dry and wet seasons with due consideration of the time required to establish initial conditions.

(g) In general, the hydrodynamic models shall be calibrated to the following criteria:

Criteria	Level of fitness with field data
tidal elevation (rms)	< 8 %
maximum phase error at HW and LW	< 20 minutes
maximum current speed deviation	< 30 %
maximum phase error at peak speed	< 20 minutes
maximum direction error at peak speed	< 15 degrees
maximum salinity deviation	< 2.5 ppt

Model Details - Simulation

(h) The water quality modeling results shall be qualitatively explainable, and any identifiable trend and variations in water quality shall be reproduced by the model. The water quality model shall simulate and take account of the interaction of dissolved oxygen, phytoplankton, organic and inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, silicate, BOD, temperature, suspended solids, air-water exchange, contaminant release of dredged and disposed material, and benthic processes. It shall also simulate salinity and E. coli. Salinity results simulated by hydrodynamic models and water quality models shall be demonstrated to be consistent.

(i) The models shall at least cover the whole of Port Shelter, Rocky Harbour, Tung Lung Chau, Nine Pins and Long Ke. It shall be able to incorporate the effects of seasonal oceanic current in the water southeast off the mouth of Port Shelter on hydrodynamic and water quality.

(j) In general, grid size at the area affected by the project shall be less than 400 m in open waters and less than 75 m around sensitive receivers. The grid schematisation shall be agreed with the Director. All models shall either be dynamically linked to a far field model or form part of a larger model by gradual grid refinement.

Modeling Assessment

(k) Scenarios to be assessed shall cover all phases of development being considered. Corresponding pollution load, bathymetry and coastline shall be adopted in the model set up.

(l) Hydrodynamic and water quality models shall be run for (with proper model spin up) at least a real sequence of 15 days spring-neap tidal cycle in both dry season and wet season.

(m) The results shall be assessed for compliance of Water Quality Objectives. Daily sedimentation rate shall be computed and its ecological impact shall be assessed.

(n) Assess the impact on all sensitive receivers including the application of bacterial dispersion module.

(o) All modeling input data and results shall be submitted in digital media to the Director.

Cumulative impacts due to other projects, activities or pollution sources within a boundary, subject to the agreement of the Director, shall also be predicted and quantified;

(viii) identification and quantification of all dredging, fill extraction, filling, mud/sediment transportation and disposal activities and requirements. Potential fill source and dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified. Field investigation, sampling and chemical and biological laboratory tests to characterize the sediment/mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate. The ranges of parameters to be analyzed; the number, type and methods of sampling; sample preservation; chemical and biological laboratory test method; and the laboratory to be used shall be subject to the approval of the Director. Any seriously contaminated sediment which requires special treatment and/or disposal arrangement in accordance with WBTC No. 3/2000 shall be identified by both chemical and biological tests. If the presence of such sediment is confirmed, the Applicant shall identify the most appropriate treatment and/or disposal arrangement and demonstrate its feasibility;

prediction, quantification and assessment of impacts on the physical regime, water and sediment quality of the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers due to the activities identified in above. The prediction and quantification of impacts caused by, amongst others, sediment re-suspension and contaminants release shall be carried out with mathematical modeling. The water quality model used shall comply with the specification in (vii) above;

identification and evaluation of the best practicable dredging methods to minimize dredging and dumping requirements based on the criterion that existing marine mud shall be left in place and not be disturbed as far as possible;

cumulative impacts due to other dredging, filling or dumping activities within Port Shelter Water Control Zone declared under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance shall also be predicted and quantified;

(ix) proposal for upgrading or providing any effective infrastructure, water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the proposed dredging work 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;

(x) 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;

(xi) water quality modeling to assess the far-field impacts at various phases of the STWs upgrading. The water quality model used shall comply with the specification in (vii) above; and

(xii) assessment of the risk and consequence of any emergency discharge of effluent to the Inner Port Shelter.

3.5.4 Waste Management Implications

3.5.4.1 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.

3.5.4.2 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, opportunities for reducing waste generation and on-site or off-site re-use 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) Having been taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing re-use, 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. Pretreatment process of slurry before disposal shall be addressed in details. The disposal method recommended for each type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in (c) below.

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

- potential hazard;
- air and odour emissions;
- noise;
- wastewater discharge; and
- public transport.

3.5.5 Ecological Impact (Coastal and Aquatic)

3.5.5.1 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.

3.5.5.2 The assessment area for the purpose of this ecological impact assessment shall be the same as the assessment area for Water Quality Impact Assessment, or the area likely to be impacted by the project.

The study 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 recognized sites of conservation importance (e.g. Country or Marine Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, etc.) and other ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impact and should evaluate the environmental acceptability of the proposed project.

3.5.5.3 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 coastal and aquatic environment;

(iii) carry out necessary field surveys 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, 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 habitats or red data books;

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

(a) corals at south-western part of Sharp Island; and

(b) any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interest by the study;

(vi) describe all recognized sites of conservation importance in the proposed dredging area and its vicinity and assess whether these sites will be potentially affected by the proposed dredging works;

(vii) using suitable methodology, identify and quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect, on-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts such as destruction of habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, reduction of ecological carrying capacity and habitat fragmentation and in particular the following:

(a) impacts of habitat loss and disturbance associated with dredging, extraction and placing of sediment, and

(b) deterioration of environmental qualities (e.g. water qualities etc.) and the subsequent impacts to the biological communities especially the corals at south-western part of Sharp Island during operation stage;

(viii) identify all ecological sensitive receivers including sensitive elements of marine, subtidal and intertidal communities/habitats which would be potentially affected directly or indirectly by the proposed project. The corals at south-western part of Sharp Island shall be included as major sensitive receivers;

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

(x) recommend all possible alternatives (such as modifications of dredging area and methods) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified;

(xi) 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;

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

(xiii) 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 shall be followed; and

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

3.5.6 Impact on Cultural Heritage

3.5.6.1 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.

3.5.6.2 The study area for the purpose of the impact on marine archaeological deposit shall be defined as the area within 10 m on each side of the alignment of the proposed submarine outfall.

3.5.6.3 The standard practice for marine archaeological investigation should consist of four separate tasks, i.e. Baseline Review, Geophysical Survey, Establishing Archaeological Potential, and Remote Operated Vehicle/Visual Diver Survey/Watching Brief:

Task 1: Baseline Review

(i) A baseline review should be conducted to collate the existing information in order to identify the potential for archaeological resources and, if identified, their likely character, extent, quality and value.

(ii) The baseline review will focus on known sources of archive data. It will include:

(a) Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Department - the office holds extensive seabed survey data collected from previous geological research.

(b) Hydrographic Office, Marine Department, - the office holds a substantial archive of hydrographic data and charts.

(c) The Royal Naval Hydrographic Department of the United Kingdom - the Department maintains an archive of all survey data collected by naval hydrographers.

(iii) The above data sources will provide historical records and more detailed geological analysis of submarine features which may have been subsequently masked by more recent sediment deposits and accumulated debris.

Task 2: Geophysical Survey

(iv) Extensive geophysical survey of the study area should deploy high resolution boomer, side scan sonar and an echo sounder. The data received from the survey would be analysed in detail to provide:

(a) Exact definition of the areas of greatest archaeological potential.

(b) Assessment of the depth and nature of the seabed sediments to define which areas consist of suitable material to bury and preserve archaeological material.

(c) Detailed examination of the boomer and side scan sonar records to map anomalies on the seabed which may be archaeological material.

Task 3: Establishing Archaeological Potential

(v) The data examined during Tasks 1 and 2 will be analysed to provide an indication of the likely character an extent of archaeological resources within the study area. This would facilitate formulation of a strategy for investigation.

(vi) The results would be presented as a written report and charts. If there is no indication of archaeological material, there would be no need for further work.

Task 4: Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV)/Visual Diver Survey/Watching Brief

(vii) Subject to the outcome of Tasks 1, 2 and 3, accepted marine archaeological practice would be to plan a field evaluation programme to acquire more detailed data on areas identified as having archaeological potential. The areas of archaeological interest can be inspected by ROV or divers. ROV or a team of divers with both still and video cameras would be used to record all seabed features of archaeological interest.

(viii) Owing to the heavy marine traffic in Hong Kong, the ROV/visual diver survey may not be feasible to achieve the target. If that is the case, an archaeological watching brief is the most appropriate way to monitor the dredging operations in areas of identified high potential to obtain physical archaeological information.

(ix) A sampling strategy for an archaeological watching brief would be prepared based on the results of Tasks 1, 2 and 3 to focus work on the areas of greatest archaeological potential. Careful monitoring of the dredging operations would enable immediate identification and salvage of archaeological material. If archaeological material is found, the Antiquities and Monuments Office, Leisure and Cultural Services Department should be contacted immediately to seek guidance on its significance and appropriate mitigation measures would be prepared.

(x) If Task 4 is undertaken, the results would be presented in a written report with charts.

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 checklist) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.

5. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES

5.1 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, and environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.

6. DURATION OF VALIDITY

6.1 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.

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

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

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

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 Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or later) and in DynaDoc Format (version 3.0 or later) [for Chinese documents] and in Portable Document Format (PDF) version 3.0 or later) [for English documents], 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 section 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 an 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 sections 1.2 and 1.3 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-113/2001), 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.

EIA Study Brief No. ESB-067/2001
February 2001