Environmental Permit No.   EP-004/1998/H

環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/H

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ORDINANCE
(CHAPTER 499)
SECTION 10 & 13

環境影響評估條例
(第 499章 )
第 10 及 13 條

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE

A DESIGNATED PROJECT

建造及營辦指定工程項目的環境許可證

PART A (MAIN PERMIT)
A部 (許可證主要部分)

Pursuant to Section 10 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (the Ordinance), the Director of Environmental Protection (the Director) granted the Environmental Permit (No. EP-004/1998) to KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (the "Permit Holder") on 16 September 1998. Pursuant to Section 13 of the Ordinance, the Director amends the Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/G based on the Application No. VEP-142/2004. The amendments described below, are incorporated into this Environmental Permit (EP-004/1998/H). This Environmental Permit as amended is for the construction and operation of the designated projects described in Part B of this Permit subject to the conditions described in and attached to Part C of this Permit. .

根據環境影響評估條例 (條例) 第 10條的規定，環境保護署署長 (署長) 於 1998年 9月 16日將環境許可證 (編號 EP-004/1998) 批予九廣鐵路公司 (下稱 "許可證持有人 ")。根據條例第 13條的規定，署長因應更改環境許可證的申請編號 VEP-142/2004 修訂環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/G。以下修訂已包含在本環境許可證內  (EP-004/1998/H)。本經修訂的環境許可證作為建造及營辦本許可證 B 部所說明的指定工程項目，但須遵守本許可證 C 部所說明及附載的條件。

This Environmental Permit is based on the documents, approval and permissions described below:

本環境許可證乃依據下列的文件、批准及許可條件而簽發 :

Application No. 申請書編號 :

VEP-142/2004

Document in the Register : 登記冊上的文件 :

(a)        West Rail - Final Assessment Report West Kowloon to Tuen Mun Centre - Environmental Impact Assessment, its Technical Annexes, and Final Landscape Design Strategy, Report Vol.1 (Register No. EIA-149/1998) [Hereafter referred to as the EIA report] (b)        Application documents submitted by Permit Holder including all attachments on 19 August 1998 (Application No. AEP-004/1998) (c)        Environmental Permit issued on 16 September 1998 (Permit No. EP-004/1998) (d)        Application documents for Variation of an Environmental Permit including all attachments by Permit Holder submitted on 21 July 2000. (Application No. VEP-020/2000) (e)        Environmental Permit issued on 18 August 2000 (Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004) (f)         Application documents for Variation of an Environmental Permit including all attachments by Permit Holder submitted on 29 May 2001. (Application No. VEP-045/2001) (g)        Environmental Permit issued on 27 June 2001 (Permit No. EP-004/1998/B) (h)        Application documents for Variation of an Environmental Permit including all attachments by Permit Holder submitted on 11 March 2002. (Application No. VEP-062/2002) (i)          Environmental Permit issued on 9 April 2002 (Permit No. EP-004/1998/C) (j)          Application documents for Variation of an Environmental Permit including all attachments by Permit Holder submitted on 10 June 2002. (Application No. VEP-067/2002) (k)        Environmental Permit issued on 8 July 2002 (Permit No. EP-004/1998/D) (l)          Application documents for Variation of an Environmental Permit including all attachments by Permit Holder submitted on 27 September 2002. (Application No. VEP-078/2002) (m)      Environmental Permit issued on 24 October 2002 (Permit No. EP-004/1998/E). (n)        Application documents for Variation of an Environmental Permit including all attachments by Permit Holder submitted on 24 January 2003  (Application No. VEP-084/2003). (o)        Environmental Permit issued on 20 February 2003 (Permit No. EP-004/1998/F). (p)        Application documents for Variation of an Environmental Permit including all attachments by Permit Holder submitted on 22 November 2003  (Application No. VEP-122/2003). (q)        Environmental Permit issued on 4 December 2003 (Permit No. EP-004/1998/G). (r)         Application documents for Variation of an Environmental Permit including all attachments by Permit Holder submitted on 28 May 2004  (Application No. VEP-142/2004). (a)        西部鐵路 -最終評估報告西九龍至屯門中 - 環境影響評估、其技術附件及最終景觀美化設計策略報告第一冊 (登記冊檔號 :EIA-149/1998) [下稱 "環評報告 "] (b)        許可證持有人於 1998 年 8 月 19 日提交之申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 AEP-004/1998) (c)        於 1998 年 9 月 16日發出的環境許可證 (許可證編號 EP-004/1998) (d)        許可證持有人於 2000年 7月 21日提交申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 VEP-020/2000) (e)        於 2000年 8月 18日發出的環境許可證 (許可證編號 VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004 ) (f)         許可證持有人於 2001年 5月 29日提交之申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 VEP-045/2001) (g)        於 2001年 6月 27日發出的環境許可證 (許可證編號 EP-004/1998/B ) (h)        許可證持有人於 2002年 3月 11日提交之申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 VEP-062/2002) (i)          於 2002年 4月 9日發出的環境許可證 (許可證編號 EP-004/1998/C ) (j)          許可證持有人於 2002年 6月 10日提交之申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 VEP-067/2002) (k)        於 2002年 7月 8日發出的環境許可證 (許可證編號 EP-004/1998/D ) (l)          許可證持有人於 2002年 9月 27日提交之申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 VEP-078/2002) (m)      於 2002年10月24日發出的環境許可證 (許可證編號 EP-004/1998/E ) (n)        許可證持有人於 2003年1月 24日提交之申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 VEP-084/2003) (o)        於 2003年2月20日發出的環境許可證 (許可證編號 EP-004/1998/F ) (p)        許可證持有人於 2003年11月 22日提交之申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 VEP-122/2003) (q)        於 2003年12月4日發出的環境許可證 (許可證編號 EP-004/1998/G ) (r)         許可證持有人於 2004年5月28日提交之申請文件包括所有附件 (申請書編號 VEP-142/2004)

 

 

Application No. 申請 編號	Date of Application 申請 日期	List of Amendments Incorporated into Environmental Permit 已包含在環境許可證內的修訂項目	Date of Amendments 修訂 日期
VEP- 020/2000	21 July 2000	Add conditions 2.20, 3.14, Notes 6a, 6b and 6c to Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998 Add reference information to conditions 5.2, 5.6 and 5.10 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998 Delete Figure 1 and Figure 2 in condition 3.8, and subsequent variation of condition 3.14 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998 Add the register reference no. of the EIA Report to conditions 1.7, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.9, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.19, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.10 and 6.3 of Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998	18 August 2000
	2000年 7月 21日	在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998的 C 部內加入第 2.20, 3.14, ,註 6a, 6b及 6c 項條件 在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998的 C部內第 5.2, 5.6及 5.10加入參考資料 在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998的 C 部內刪除第 3.8項條件之圖 1及圖 2 ，及跟隨修改第 3.14 項條件 在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998 C 部內的第 1.7, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.9, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.19, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.10 及 6.3項條件加上登記冊檔案編號	2000年 8月 18日
VEP- 045/2001	29 May 2001	Vary conditions 2.20 and 3.14 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004 Add Notes 6a, 6b and 6c to Part C of Environmental Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004 Add reference information to conditions 5.2, 5.6 and 5.10 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004 Vary condition 5.3 with respect to the change from 12-car train to 9-car train in Part C of Environmental Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004 Vary condition 6.1 with respect to the change in maximum speed at the section between Tin Shui Wai and Siu Hong in Part C of Environmental Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004	27 June 2001
	2001年 5月 29日	在環境許可證編號 VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004的 C 部內更改第 2.20 及 3.14 項條件 在環境許可證編號 VEP-020/2000/A/004的 C 部加上註 6a, 6b, 6c 在環境許可證編號 VEP-020/2000A/EP-004的 C部內第 5.2, 5.6及 5.10項條件加入參考資料 在環境許可證編號 VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004的 C部內 , 就 12卡碟形制動電氣化列車至 9卡碟形制動電氣化列車之改動 , 修改第 5.3項條件 在環境許可證編號 VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004的 C部內 , 就天水圍至兆康一段之最高時速之改動 , 修改第 6.1項條件	2001年 6月 27日
VEP- 062/2002	11 March 2002	Vary conditions 2.20 and 3.14 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/B   Add Note 6a to Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/B   Add reference information to conditions 5.2 and 5.10 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/B   Add Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 to the Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/B and subsequent variation of the figure number in Figure 1 and condition 3.12 of the Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/B.	9 April 2002
	2002年 3月 11日	在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/B的 C 部內更改第 2.20 及 3.14 項條件   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/B的 C 部加上註 6a   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/B 的 C部內第 5.2及 5.10項條件加入參考資料   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/B加上圖 1, 圖 2及圖 3，及跟隨修改環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/B圖 1及第 3.12項條件的附圖編號	2002年 4月 9日
VEP- 067/2002	10 June 2002	Vary conditions 2.20 and 3.14 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/C   Add Note 6a to Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/C   Add reference information to conditions 5.2, 5.7 and 5.10 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/C	8 July 2002
	2002年 6月 10日	在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/C的 C 部內更改第 2.20 及 3.14 項條件   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/C的 C 部加上註 6a   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/C的 C部內第 5.2 ， 5.7 及 5.10項條件加入參考資料	2002年 7月8 日
VEP- 078/2002	27 September 2002	Vary conditions 2.20 and 3.14 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/D   Add Note 6a to Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/D   Add reference information to conditions 5.2, 5.7 and 5.10 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/D	24 October 2002
	2002年 9月 27日	在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/D的 C 部內更改第 2.20 及 3.14 項條件   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/D的 C 部加上註 6a   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/D的 C 部內第 5.2 ， 5.7 及 5.10項條件加入參考資料	2002年 10月 24日
VEP- 084/2003	24 January 2003	Vary clause (i) of Annex A of the Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E.   Vary clause (c) of Annex E of the Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E.   Delete clauses (a), (b), (g) and (h) of Annex E of the Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E.   Vary conditions 2.20 and 3.14 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E.   Vary Note 6a to Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E.   Vary reference information to conditions 5.2  and 5.10 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E.	20 February 2003
	2003年 1月 24日	在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/E 的附件 A 更改第(i) 項條件   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/E 的附件 E 更改第(c) 項條件   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/E 的附件 E 刪除第(a), (b), (g) 及 (h) 項條件.   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/E的 C 部內更改第 2.20 及 3.14 項條件.   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/E的 C 部更改註 6a   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/E的 C 部內第 5.2及 5.10項條件更改參考資料	2003年 2月20 日
VEP- 122/2003	22 November 2003	Vary condition 2.5(d) in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/F.   Add conditions 5.13, 6.9 and 6.10 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/G.   Add Schedule 1 and Figures 5 to 14 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/G.   Vary reference information to conditions 2.5, 5.2 and 5.7 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/F.	4 December 2003
	2003年 11月 22日	在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/F的 C 部內更改第 2.5(d) 項條件.   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/G的 C 部內加入第 5.13, 6.9 及 6.10 項條件.   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/G的 C 部內加入附表 1 及繪圖 5 至14.   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/F的 C 部內第 2.5, 5.2 及5.7項條件更改參考資料.	2003年 12月4 日
VEP- 142/2004	28 May 2004	Vary condtion 6.9, condition 6.10, Table B of Schedule 1 and Figure 10 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/G. , Add point (b) in Annex E, Table C in Schedule 1 and Figure 15 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/H.   Vary reference information to conditions 2.5 and 5.7 in Part C of Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/G.	24 June 2004
	2004年 5月 28日	在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/G的 C 部內更改第 6.9 項條件, 第 6.10 項條件, 附表 1 表B 及繪圖 10.   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/H的 C 部內加入附件E (b) 項, 附表 1 表C 及繪圖 15.   在環境許可證編號 EP-004/1998/G的 C 部內第 2.5 及5.7項條件更改參考資料.	2004年 6月24 日

 

24 June 2004               Date 日期

________________________________________ (Elvis W. K. AU)  Assistant Director of Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment and Noise) for Director of Environmental Protection 環境保護署署長 助理環境保護署署長 (環境評估及噪音) 區偉光代行

 

PART B (DESCRIPTIONS OF DESIGNATED PROJECT)
B部 (指定工程項目的說明 )

Hereunder is the description of the designated project mentioned in Part A of this environmental permit :

下列為本環境許可證 A 部所提述的指定工程項目的說明 :

Title of Designated Project 指定工程項目的名稱	West Rail, Phase I [This designated project is hereafter referred to as "the Project"] 西部鐵路第一期 [下稱「工程項目」 ]
Nature of Designated Project 指定工程項目的性質	A railway and its associated stations 鐵路及其相聯車站
Location of Designated Project 指定工程項目的地點	Kowloon to Tuen Mun (The location and alignment of the Project is shown in Figure 1, 2 and 3 of this Environmental Permit). 九龍至屯門 (工程項目的地點及線路載於本環境許可證的圖 1、 2 及 3。)
Scale and Scope of Designated Project(s) 指定工程項目的規模和範圍	The Project is an electrified double-tracked railway system including the railway alignment, all railway premises, depots, tracks, cuttings, embankments, tunnels, stations, goods and rail yards, car parks and other areas for ancillary uses but excludes non-railway developments above stations or above other railway property. The Project includes the following four sections: Southern Section This Section is located on the West Kowloon Reclamation (WKR) and commences at of the proposed Yen Chow Street (YCS) Station near the proposed Prince Edward Road Roundabout. From Yen Chow Station, the alignment extends north - west to Lai Chi Kok and Mei Foo, passing under Hing Wah Street and the Lai Wan Interchange. The alignment then turns east through Lai Chi Kok Park around the Mei Foo Sun Chuen residential development and ends just before the proposed Mei Foo (MEF) Station. The entire rail alignment of the Southern Section will be constructed at grade. The alignment will be contained in a box structure constructed above ground and covered by a landscape earth mound. Central Section This Section commences at the western end of the proposed MEF Station, and extends north-west under Kwai Chung Hospital in Ha Kwai Chung Tunnels for approximately 1.5km. These tunnels give way to the Kwai Fuk Road Tunnels for approximately 600m before entering the Tsing Tsuen Tunnels in the vicinity of Kwai Chung Park and Tsing Tsuen Road. The alignment continues north - west in Tsing Tsuen Tunnels for approximately 1km before exiting at Tsuen Wan Waterfront in the vicinity of the site of the proposed Tsuen Wan West (TWW) Station. From TWW, the alignment continues north - west and enters the southern portal of the Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) a point north of Tuen Mun Road at Tsuen Wan. The northern portal of the TLT is situated approximately 5km north - west in the Kam Tin valley, where the railway extends for another 250m above ground reaching the end of the Central Section. Northern Section The Section commences approximately 250m north of the northern portal of the TLT. The alignment then heads generally north - west, passing through a new station to be constructed at Kam Tin (KAT). From Kam Tin, the alignment continues north - west until it reaches a junction at Au Tau between a north - bound section of the alignment and the west bound route to Tuen Mun. Two kilometres west of Au Tau along Tuen Mun branch, the North Section comes to an end at eastern end wall of the proposed Yuen Long Station (YUL). The Northern Section also includes the West Rail Depot (WRD), which lies between the northern portal of TLT and Kam Tin Station. The WRD includes infrastructure such as rail and fleet maintenance facilities as well as buildings which in total occupy an area of approximately 22 hectares. The WRD facility also includes approximately 2.2km of main line alignment. Western Section This Section of the alignment extends generally westward from Yuen Long Station (YUL) before heading south to the proposed Tuen Mun Centre (TMC) Station. The Western Section includes intermediate stations at Long Ping (LOP), Tin Shui Wai and Tuen Mun North (TMN). The Project will interface with Mass Transit Railway's services at Mei Foo (the Tsuen Wan Line) and Yen Chow Street (the Lantau Line). It will also interchange with the Light Rail service at Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wan, Tuen Mun North and Tuen Mun Centre. The full description of the scale and scope of the Project is given in section 1 and 2 of the EIA report mentioned in Part A of this Environmental Permit. 工程項目是一個電動雙軌鐵路系統，包括鐵路路線、全部鐵路範圍、車廠、軌道、開鑿、路堤、隧道、車站、貨物及鐵路場、停車場及其他附屬用途的範圍，但不包括車站上蓋或其他鐵路物業上蓋的非鐵路發展項目。工程項目包括以下 4段： 南段 本段位於西九龍填海區，起點為擬議的欽州街站近擬議的太子道迴旋處。路線由欽州街站向西北伸延至荔枝角及美孚，在興華街及荔灣交匯處底下通過。路線接向東伸延，經過荔枝角公園，再繞過美孚新村住宅發展區，以擬議的美孚站為終點。 南段整段鐵路路線將在同一水平面上興建。路線將藏於建在地面上的箱形構築物內，再以景觀美化的土墩覆蓋。 中段 本段以擬議的美孚站西端為起點，在葵涌醫院對下的下葵涌隧道向西北伸延約 1.5公里。該隧道讓出約 0.6公里給葵福路隧道後，才進入葵涌公園及青荃路附近的青荃隧道。路線繼續在青荃隧道內向西北面伸延約 1公里，然後在位於擬議的荃灣西站工地附近的荃灣海傍伸出。路線繼續從荃灣西站向西北伸延，進入大欖隧道南面出口，即荃灣屯門公路北面的位置。大欖隧道北面出口位於錦田谷西北約 5公里處，鐵路在該處地面上再伸延 0.25公里，到達中段的終點。 北段 本段的起點在大欖隧道北面出口以北約 0.25公里。路線接連向西北伸延，然後經過將於錦田興建的新車站。路線從錦田繼續向西北伸延，直至與路線的北行段及西行往屯門的路線在凹頭交匯。沿  屯門支線凹頭西面 2公里處，北段以擬議的元朗站東端牆壁為終點。 北段也包括位於大欖隧道北面出口及錦田站之間的西部鐵路車廠。該車廠包括鐵路及車隊保養設施等基礎建設，以及佔地約 22公頃的建築物。西部鐵路車廠設施也包括約 2.2公里的幹線路線。 西段 本段路線由元朗站向西伸延，然後向南伸延至擬議的屯門中心站。西段包括朗屏、天水圍及屯門北等中途站。 工程項目將與地下鐵路在美孚 (荃灣線 )及欽州街 (大嶼山線 )交匯，也於元朗、天水圍、屯門北及屯門中心與輕便鐵路交匯。 關於工程項目的規模和範圍的詳細說明，載於本環境許可證 A部提及的環評報告第 1及第 2條。

 

PART C (PERMIT CONDITIONS)

1. General Conditions

1.1   The Permit Holder shall ensure full compliance with all conditions of this Environmental Permit (the Permit). Any non-compliance with this Permit may constitute a contravention of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) and shall be definite ground for enforcement action or permit cancellation where applicable.

1.2   This Permit shall not remove the responsibility of the Permit Holder to comply with any legislation currently in force such as Noise Control Ordinance (Cap.400), Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap.311), Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap.358), Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Cap.466), the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap.354) and others.

1.3   The Permit Holder shall make copies of this Permit available at all times for inspection by the Director at all sites covered by this Permit.

1.4   The Permit Holder shall give a copy of this Permit to the person(s) in charge of the site(s).

1.5   The Permit Holder shall display a copy of this Permit on the construction site(s) at all vehicular site entrances/exits for public information at all times. The Permit Holder shall ensure that the most updated information about the environmental permit, including any amended permit, is displayed at such locations. If the Permit Holder surrenders a part or the whole of the Permit, the notice he sends to the Director of Environmental Protection shall also be displayed at the same locations as the original Permit.

1.6   The Permit Holder shall construct and operate the Project in accordance with the project descriptions in Part B of this Permit.

1.7   Unless varied under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, the Permit Holder shall ensure that the Project is designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998].

2. Submissions or Measures before Commencement of Construction of Certain Sections of the Project

2.1   The Permit Holder shall employ an Environmental Manager with at least 7 years of experience in environmental monitoring and auditing or environmental management. The Environmental Manager shall be responsible for supervising the environmental monitoring and audit programme and executing the duties as recommended in the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual to be prepared in accordance with section 2.18 of this Permit.

2.2   The Permit Holder shall employ an Independent Environmental Checker with at least 7 years of experience in environmental monitoring and auditing or environmental management. The Independent Environmental Checker shall verify the overall environmental performance of the Project, including the implementation of all the environmental mitigation measures, submissions relating to environmental monitoring and auditing, and any other submissions required under this Permit.

2.3         Environmental Team(s) shall be established prior to the commencement of construction of relevant sections of the Project, described in Part B of this Permit. The Environmental Team(s) shall be headed by a team leader who has at least 7 years experience in environmental monitoring auditing or environmental management.

2.4   Before the commencement of construction of relevant sections of the Project described in Part B of this Permit, the Permit Holder shall deposit with the Director 3 sets of 1 to 1000 scale layout drawings with an explanatory statement showing the works boundary, railway and tunnel alignment, environmental mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and any other facilities assessed in the EIA report. The drawings shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker as conforming to the findings and recommendations of the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998]. The Project shall be constructed in accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and the drawings deposited with the Director. All measures set out in the drawings shall be fully implemented. (See Note 6)

2.5   Before the commencement of construction of track sections not in tunnel, the Permit Holder shall deposit with the Director 3 sets of drawings with an explanatory statement showing all the noise mitigation measures. The drawings shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker as conforming to the findings and recommendations of the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998]. The Project shall be constructed in accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and the drawings deposited with the Director or the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-122/2003 and the Application for Variation No. VEP-142/2004. All measures set out in the drawings or the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-122/2003 and the Application for Variation No. VEP-142/2004 shall be fully implemented. In particular, the following requirements shall be included :

(a) the use of resilient rail baseplates for track on viaduct, to reduce vibration transmission to the viaduct structure and thereby reduce re-radiated noise from the structures;

(b) for the track on viaduct, mounting the track on a floating slab system to further reduce vibration transmission to the viaduct structure;

(c) the use of extended wheel skirts and adsorptive lining beneath the car, to create an acoustic plenum in the under-car area;

(d)    Except for the locations as set out in Schedule 1 of this Permit, the creation of a second acoustic plenum on either side of the car, using either a walkway at the side of the track or a purpose-built construction. This would also incorporate absorptive lining in the area beneath the plenum;

(e) edge walls with sound adsorption; and

(f) barriers and enclosures.

2.6   Before the commencement of construction of West Rail Depot, the Permit Holder shall deposit with the Director three sets of drawings with an explanatory statement showing the mitigation measures for fixed plant noise. The drawings shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker as conforming to the findings and recommendations of the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998]. The Project shall be constructed in accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998 and the drawings deposited with the Director. (See Note 6). All measures set out in the drawings shall be fully implemented. In particular, the following noise sources shall be addressed :

(a) train rolling noise at West Rail Depot;

(b) ventilation fans, vents and buildings;

(c) chiller plant;

(d) cooling water pumping station; and

(e) traction sub-stations.

2.7   The Permit Holder shall submit to the Director for approval three sets of landscape master plan(s) 1 to 1000 scale together with a master implementation schedule before the commencement of construction of relevant sections of the Project described in Part B of this Permit. The drawings shall be expanded based on the Landscape Strategy Report of the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and shall show the conceptual landscape proposals within the works boundary to be in accordance with the recommendations of the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] during the construction and operation of the Project. It shall also include a management and maintenance schedule indicating clearly how the landscape areas will be managed and maintained. The landscape drawings shall be certified by the Environmental Manager, and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. All measures recommended in the approved drawings shall be fully implemented in accordance with the details and time schedule set out in the approved landscape master plan(s). (See Note 6).

2.8   Three sets of detailed landscape drawings shall be submitted to the Director for approval before the commencement of landscape and visual mitigation works of the relevant section(s) of the Project or part(s) thereof. Such drawings shall expand on the approved landscape master plan(s) and shall show the detailed landscape proposals during the construction and operation of the Project. The landscape drawings shall be certified by the Environmental Manager, and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. All measures recommended in the approved drawings shall be fully implemented in accordance with the details and time schedule set out in the approved landscape drawings.

2.9   The Permit Holder shall submit a field evaluation programme and an archaeological action plan for each of the Central, Northern and Western Sections in accordance with the requirements of the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] before commencement of construction of the relevant sections, and obtain the approval of the Director on the programmes and action plans. The field evaluation programme and the archaeological action plans shall be certified by the Environmental Manager, and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. All measures recommended in the approved programme and action plans shall be fully implemented in accordance with the details and time schedules set out in the approved programme and action plans. In particular, the proposals for mitigation measures to the archaeological resources revealed during the field evaluation shall be included. (See Note 6).

2.10 The design of the West Rail Depot shall avoid direct impacts to the Kwan Tai Shing Kung temple and associated grove situated to the north-east of Cheung Po and provide for buffer zone around the temple during construction;

2.11 The external design of the Tin Shui Wai Station shall avoid adverse impacts to the Tsui Shing Lau Pagoda and be compatible with the local cultural environment.

2.12 For the Western Section, a condition survey on the Tsui Shing Lau Pagoda shall be carried out as recommended in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and deposited to the Director. The condition survey shall be undertaken prior to and following the completion of works and sample vibration monitoring shall be undertaken during construction. A vibration limit of 2mm/s peak particle velocity should be applied to all construction related activities. The condition survey shall be certified by the Environmental Manager, and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker as conforming to the information and recommendation contained in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] before being deposited with the Director.

2.13 Before the commencement of construction of the Northern Section and the 270m alignment from North Portal of Tai Lam Tunnel to West Rail Depot of the Project, the Permit Holder shall submit a Habitat Creation and Management Plan as recommended in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and obtain the approval of the Director on the Habitat Creation and Management Plan. Before submission to the Director, the Habitat Creation and Management Plan shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker.

2.14 Before the commencement of the construction of Central Section and Western Section, the Permit Holder shall submit and obtain approval of the Director for the Contamination Assessment Plans (CAP) of the potentially contaminated sites in accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and Annex 19, Section 3 of the TM. Before submission to the Director, the Contamination Assessment Plans shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. (See Note 6)

2.15 Before the commencement of the construction of Central Section and Western Section, the Permit Holder shall submit and obtain the approval of the Director Contamination Assessment Reports (CAR) based on the endorsed Contamination Assessment Plans in accordance with Annex 19, Section 3 of the TM. During the preparation of the Contamination Assessment Report, if land contamination is confirmed, Remediation Action Plans (RAP) are required in accordance with Annex 19, Section 3 of the TM and shall be submitted as a combined report with the CAR to the Director for approval. Before submission to the Director, the results of the Contamination Assessment Reports and any Remediation Action Plans shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. All measures recommended in the approved Remediation Action Plans shall be fully implemented in accordance with the requirements and time schedule set out in the approved Remediation Action Plans.

2.16 Before the commencement of the construction, the Permit Holder shall deposit with the Director waste management plan(s) as recommended in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998]. Before submission to the Director, the waste management plan shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. Measures covered by the Waste Disposal Ordinance shall not be included in the waste management plan(s). All measures recommended in the approved waste management plan(s) shall be fully implemented in accordance with the requirements and time schedule(s) set out in the waste management plan(s). (See Note 6).

2.17 Before the commencement of the construction of the Central Section, the Permit Holder shall deposit with the Director a detailed construction risk assessment of the work site located south west of Kwai Hei Streeet, Kwai Fong as recommended in the EIA report[ref: register no EIA 149/1998]. The report shall, with reference to Annex A, address the risks of landfill gas accumulation in temporary structures, storage facilities and the processes and activities to be undertaken at the site and shall be certified by the Environmental Manager, and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. All measures recommended in the report shall be fully implemented in accordance with the requirements and time schedule set out in the report deposited with the Director. (See Note 6).

2.18 In accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998], the Permit Holder shall deposit an Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual with the Director within one month of the issuance of this Permit. The EM&A Manual shall satisfy the requirements as prescribed in section 10, SCHEDULE 4 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance and Annex 21 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process. The EM&A Manual shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker before submission to the Director. (See Note 6).

2.19 In accordance with the information and recommendation contained in the EIA report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998], the Permit Holder shall deposit an Implementation Schedule with the Director within one month of the issuance of this Permit. The Implementation Schedule shall contain a schedule of all mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report, listing out what the mitigation measures are, by whom, when, where and to what requirements, and including the key environmental monitoring and audit requirements. The implementation Schedule shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker before submission to the Director. All measures included in the Implementation Schedule shall be fully implemented. (See Note 6).

2.20 The Permit Holder pursuant to

                       (I)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-084/2003 with respect to

(a)   revision of measures to mitigate the landfill gas risk;

                    (II)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-078/2002 with respect to

(b)   revision of location of noise barriers at West Rail Depot;

                  (III)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-067/2002 with respect to

(c)revision of the 86m long full noise enclosure at Tuen Mun Station to semi-noise enclosure; and provide additional enclosure on the north of this enclosure;

                 (IV)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-062/2002 with respect to

(d)              increase in the elevation of viaduct by approximately 8m at Yick Yuen;

                    (V)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-045/2001 with respect to

(e)   reduction of train length from 12 cars to 9 cars with increase in train frequency from 30 to 40 trains per hour during 0600 to 0700;

(f)   reduction of train speed between Tin Shui Wai and Siu Hong from 130km/h to 100km/h;

(g)   revised locations of noise enclosure and additional height noise barriers at the north of Kam Sheung Road Station, near Pok Oi Hospital, the west of Long Ping Station, the west of Tin Shui Wai Station, Tin Sam Tsuen to Lam Tei and Tuen Mun;

                 (VI)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-020/2000

(h)   the construction method for the Tsing Tsuen Tunnel;

(i)   the revised alignment in Tsuen Wan;

(j)   the increased quantities of marine mud at Tsuen Wan Bay;

shall within 45 days, provide supplementary information for the Director's approval of any changes necessary to the submissions previously made to the Director in fulfilment of conditions 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18 and 2.19 above. All supplementary information shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker before submission to the Director. All mitigation measures arising from submitted supplementary information shall be fully implemented in accordance with the details and time schedule set out in the approved supplementary information.

2.21 All finalised submissions, as required under this part of the permit, shall be released to the public if requested by the Director, by depositing copies in the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Register Office or any other places or by any other means as specified by the Director for public inspection. For this purpose, the Permit Holder shall provide sufficient copies of submissions.

3. Submissions or Measures during the Construction Period

3.1   Within two months of commencement of construction of each of the Southern, Central, Northern and Western sections of the Project, the Permit Holder shall deposit with the Director environmental management plan(s) as recommended in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998]. Before their submission to the Director, the environmental management plan(s) shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker.

3.2   Within 6 months of the commencement of construction of the Northern Section and the 270m alignment from North Portal of Tai Lam Tunnel to West Rail Depot of the Project, the Permit Holder shall submit an implementation programme for the Habitat Creation and Management Plan submitted under condition 2.13 and obtain the approval of the Director. Before its submission to the Director, the implementation programme shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. All measures recommended in the approved Habitat Creation and Management Plan and its implementation programme shall be fully implemented.

3.3   All design or construction measures described in the submissions approved or deposited under section 2, and conditions 3.1 and 3.2 above shall be fully implemented. Any changes to the measures shall be justified by Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Checker as conforming to the requirements of the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998]. (See Note 6).

3.4   In accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and with reference to Annex B, measures to mitigate environmental impacts from site run-off and drainage shall be implemented.

3.5   In accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998]) and with reference to Annex C, measures to mitigate water quality impacts during tunneling and station construction shall be implemented.

3.6   In accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and with reference to Annex D, measures to mitigate water quality impacts during reclamation work and other construction activities shall be implemented.

3.7   For the construction of the Central Section at Tsuen Wan Bay Reclamation, the combined rate of filling and dredging shall not be exceeding 15,000cu.m. per day for filling and 1,000cu.m. per day for the duration of the 16-hour working days for dredging. The status of compliance with these rates shall be reported in the monthly EM&A reports in condition 4.5 of this Permit.

3.8   For the Tsuen Wan Central Salt Water Pumping Station at Tsuen Wan Bay Reclamation, silt curtain mitigation around dredging shall be adapted to maintain the flushing water intakes at acceptable levels.

3.9   Storm water culverts, including Tai Ho and Ma Tau Pa Culverts, shall be relocated along the existing coastline before dredging and reclamation filling being undertaken in order to avoid water quality impacts.

3.10 To mitigate the cultural heritage and archaeological impacts during construction:

(a) The Director shall be informed immediately if any antiquities are discovered during the course of the construction works to further assess the cultural value of the items;

(b) Direct impact to any historical buildings or structures identified shall be avoided. Devices shall be attached to the walls of those historical buildings next to the working site so as to monitor the impact of vibration on the structural stability of the historic buildings; and

(c) a buffer zone of at least 5m shall be adopted between the Lau's residence at Tung Shing Lei (east of Yuen Long) and the site boundary for the construction work to avoid direct impacts to the buildings.

3.11 During the construction of the Northern Section, native species shall be included in the plant list for revegetation of finished cut slope and lineside planting.

3.12 The following measures shall be undertaken to protect the marsh habitat adjacent to Kam Tin Road as shown in Figure 4:

(a) Bunding, sheet piling shall be installed at the works boundary within and adjacent to the marsh to prevent dewatering of the marsh outside the work areas. Such devices shall be removed on the completion of construction works;

(b) Solid fencing shall be installed at the boundary of works area within and adjacent to the marsh. The works boundary shall be regularly inspected and any necessary maintenance of the fencing shall be undertaken within 24 hours; and

(c) Works areas at the marsh that are not permanently occupied by the Project shall be reinstated back to original conditions immediately after the completion of the construction.

3.13 Fish ponds that are temporarily disturbed during construction shall be reinstated back to fish ponds after completion of construction.

3.14 The Permit Holder pursuant to

                       (I)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-084/2003 with respect to

(a)   revision of measures to mitigate the landfill gas risk;

                    (II)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-078/2002 with respect to

(b)   revision of location of noise barriers at West Rail Depot;

                  (III)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-067/2002 with respect to

(c)revision of the 86m long full noise enclosure at Tuen Mun Station to semi-noise enclosure; and provide additional enclosure on the north of this enclosure;

                 (IV)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-062/2002 with respect to

(e)              increase in the elevation of viaduct by approximately 8m at Yick Yuen;

                    (V)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-045/2001 with respect to

(e)   reduction of train length from 12 cars to 9 cars with increase in train frequency from 30 to 40 trains per hour during 0600 to 0700;

(f)   reduction of train speed between Tin Shui Wai and Siu Hong from 130km/h to 100km/h;

(g)   revised locations of noise enclosure and additional height noise barriers at the north of Kam Sheung Road Station, near Pok Oi Hospital, the west of Long Ping Station, the west of Tin Shui Wai Station, Tin Sam Tsuen to Lam Tei and Tuen Mun;

                 (VI)            The Application for Variation No. VEP-020/2000

(h)   the construction method for the Tsing Tsuen Tunnel;

(i)   the revised alignment in Tsuen Wan;

(j)   the increased quantities of marine mud at Tsuen Wan Bay; 

shall within 45 days, provide supplementary information for the Director's approval of any changes necessary to the submissions previously made to the Director in fulfilment of condition 3.1. All supplementary information shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker before submission to the Director. All measures in the approved supplementary information shall be fully implemented in accordance with the details and time schedule set out in the approved supplementary information. (See note 6).

3.15 All finalised submissions, as required under this part of the permit, shall be released to the public if requested by the Director, by depositing copies in the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Register Office or any other places or by any other means as specified by the Director for public inspection. For this purpose, the Permit Holder shall provide sufficient copies of submissions.

4. Environmental Monitoring and Audit During Construction

4.1   Any changes to the EM&A arrangements as required under the EM&A Manual or under the Implementation Schedule shall be justified by the Environmental Manager, and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker in the monthly EM&A Reports and submitted to the Director under condition 4.5.

4.2   EM&A requirements shall be implemented as set out in the EM&A Manuals and monthly EM&A Reports unless the changes are justified in the monthly EM&A Reports submission, verified by the Independent Environmental Checker and approved by the Director.

4.3   Samples and measurements shall be taken in accordance with the requirements of noise, air quality, water quality monitoring, ecological in the EM&A Manual by:

(a) conducting baseline air, noise and water quality monitoring at the specified locations and frequencies;

(b) conducting impact monitoring on air quality, water quality, noise quality, and ecological resources at the specified locations and frequencies;

(c) in cases where specified criteria in the EM&A Manual are exceeded, carrying out remedial actions in accordance with Event Contingency Plans, to be set out in the EM&A Manual; and

(d) logging and keeping records of the details of (a) to (c) above, within 3 working days of the collection of data or completion of remedial action, for the purposes of preparing and submitting EM&A Reports, and to make available for information for inspection on site,

4.4   Ten copies of the Baseline Monitoring Report certified by the Environmental Manager, and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker shall be submitted to the Director one month before the commencement of any major construction works that would affect the monitoring results.

4.5   Ten copies of monthly EM&A Reports certified by the Environmental Manager, and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker shall be submitted to the Director within 10 working days from the end of the reporting month.

4.6   The submitted reports as required in condition 4.4 and 4.5 shall be rectified in accordance with the comments made by the Director within one month or otherwise specified by the Director.

4.7 Actions described in the action plan(s) of the EM&A Manual shall be carried out, in accordance with the time frame set out in the action plan(s), or as agreed by the Director.

4.8 All finalised submissions, as required under this part of the Permit, shall be released to the public by depositing copies in the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Register Office or any other places or by any other means as specified by the Director for public inspection. For this purpose, the Permit Holder shall provide sufficient copies of submissions.

5. Submissions or Measures before Operation of the Project

5.1   All design or operational measures described in the submissions approved, or deposited under section 2 and section 3 above, shall be fully implemented.

5.2   In accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998], the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-020/2000, Environmental Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004, Application for Variation No. VEP-045/2001, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/B, Application for Variation No. VEP-062/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/C, Application for Variation No. VEP-067/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/D, Application for Variation No. VEP-078/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E, Application for Variation No. VEP-084/2003, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/F, Application for Variation No. VEP-122/2003 and any approved supplementary information arising therefrom, the Permit Holder shall submit an Operational Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual for the approval by the Director prior to the commissioning of the project. The Operational EM&A Manual shall satisfy the requirements as prescribed in section 10, SCHEDULE 4 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance and Annex 21 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process. The Operational EM&A Manual shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker before submission to the Director. In particular, the requirements on landfill gas hazard monitoring, maintenance, precautionary and emergency measures, with reference to Annex E, shall be included. (See Note 6).

5.3   Prior to the operation of the Project, the Permit Holder shall submit to the satisfaction of the Director a proposal for performance test(s) to illustrate that the 9-car disc braked Electric Multiple Unit train would meet the specification of maximum level (Lmax) not exceeding 82.5dB(A) at 130kph measured at 25m from the at-grade ballasted tracks. The performance test proposal shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker.

5.4   Prior to the operation of the Project, the Permit Holder shall submit to the satisfaction of the Director a report on performance test of the disc braked Electric Multiple Unit train on the basis of condition 5.3. The performance test report shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker.

5.5   For the Southern Section, the railway shall be fully contained in a box structure and covered by a landscaped earth mound in accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998].

5.6   For the Central Section, except the 270m at the northern end, the railway shall be built in a tunnel in accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998], the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-020/2000, Environmental Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004, Application for Variation No. VEP-045/2001 and any approved supplementary information arising therefrom. (See Note 6).

5.7   For the Northern Section and Western Section, the noise mitigation measures shall be constructed in accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998], the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-045/2001, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/B, Application for Variation No. VEP-062/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/C, Application for Variation No. VEP-067/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/D, Application for Variation No. VEP-078/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E, Application for Variation No. VEP-122/2003, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/G, and Application for Variation No. VEP-142/2004.

5.8   The Permit Holder shall liaise with the Fire Service Department to work out an off-site Emergency Plan for Au Tau Water Treatment Work including the arrangements for the external services to stop trains from entering the affected area from either direction in the event of a chlorine release, in accordance with the information and recommendations in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998].

5.9   Ventilation intakes for Kam Tin Station and the shops and offices there should be located at as high a level as reasonably practicable and should be substantially enclosed.

5.10 Before operation of the Project, the Permit Holder shall carry out an audit to confirm that all the agreed environmental measures for the Project's operation have been fully implemented. The audit shall cover all measures recommended in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998], described in submissions approved, or deposited with the Director under section 2, section 3, and section 5 of this Permit. The result of the audit shall be documented in an Audit Report and submitted to the Director prior to operation of the Project. The audit Report shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker as conforming to the findings and recommendations of the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998], the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-020/2000, Environmental Permit No. VEP-020/2000/A/EP-004, Application for Variation No. VEP-045/2001, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/B, Application for Variation No. VEP-062/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/C, Application for Variation No. VEP-067/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/D, Application for Variation No. VEP-078/2002, Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/E, Application for Variation No. VEP-084/2003 and any submissions approved or deposited with the Director. (See Note 6).

5.11 All finalised submissions, as required under this part of the Permit, shall be released to the public by depositing copies in the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Register Office or any other places or by any other means as specified by the Director for public inspection. For this purpose, the Permit Holder shall provide sufficient copies of submissions.

5.12 Five sets of as-built drawings of scale 1 to 1000 with an explanatory statement showing the alignment and mitigation measures covered by this Permit, shall be deposited to the Director within three months after the completion of construction of each of the Southern, Central, Northern and Western sections.

5.13 All measures specified in Table A of Schedule 1 shall be implemented in accordance with the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-122/2003, and the details and the time frame specified in the Schedule 1 of this Permit.

6. Environmental Mitigation Measures during Operation Period

6.1   The maximum train speed shall be 130km/hr except for train speed between Tin Shui Wai and Siu Hong which is reduced to 100km/hr. Prior to any increase in train frequency, train length and speed with respect to the initial start-up, a noise assessment report shall be submitted and obtain approval from the Director. The noise assessment is to evaluate the adequacy of noise mitigation measures and develop enhancement programmes. Before its submission to the Director, the noise assessment report shall be certified by the Environmental Manager and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. All measures recommended in the approved noise assessment report Plan shall be fully implemented in accordance with the requirements and time schedules set out in the report.

6.2   In line with the commitment made by the Permit Holder, the multi-plenum system should be designed to provide the flexibility for future enhancement so that edge wall barrier heights can be incrementally extended for increased noise attenuation from 1.2 m upto full enclosure. This is to provide greater flexibility in the long term land use planning of areas through which the Project passes and will facilitate, as yet uncommitted, developments, to be considered in much closer proximity to the railway than would otherwise be the case.

6.3   In accordance with the information and recommendations contained in the EIA Report [ref: register no EIA 149/1998] and Annex F, measures to mitigate the water quality impact during operation shall be implemented.

6.4   Before public sewerage becomes available in Kam Tin, waste water and sewage arising from the proposed Kam Tin Station, KCRC Head Quarter and West Rail Depot (WRD) shall be collected at holding tanks and transported to Yuen Long Sewage Treatment Works by road tanker for off-site treatment. Once public sewerage is available in Kam Tin, waste water and sewage arising from the proposed Kam Tin Station, KCRC Head Quarter Building and WRD shall be redirected to discharge directly to the public sewer. Waste water and sewage arising from uses other than the three above, including stations, railway premises, depots and ancillary uses, shall be conveyed to public sewer after any pre-treatment.

6.5   The Permit Holder shall fully implement the EM&A requirements as set out in the Operational Manual approved under condition 5.2. Any changes to the EM&A arrangement shall be justified by the Environmental Manager, verified by the Independent Environmental Checker and approved by the Director.

6.6   The Permit Holder shall fully implemented the EM&A requirements as set out in the Operational EM&A Manual approved under condition 5.2. Any changes to the EM&A arrangements and requirements as set out shall be justified by the Environmental Manager, verified by the Independent Environmental Checker and approved by the Director.

6.7   Actions described in the action plan(s) of the Operational EM&A Manual shall be carried out, in accordance with the time frame set out in the action plan(s), or as agreed by the Director.

6.8   All finalised submissions, as required under this part of the Permit, shall be released to the public by depositing copies in the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Register Office or any other places or by any other means as specified by the Director for public inspection. For this purpose, the Permit Holder shall provide sufficient copies of submissions.

6.9  All measures specified in Table B and Table C of Schedule 1 shall be implemented in accordance with the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-122/2003 and the Application for Variation No. VEP-142/2004, and the details and the time frame specified in the Schedule 1 of this Permit.

6.10 In relation to condition 6.1, until all mitigation measures in Table A, Table B and Table C of Schedule 1 are fully implemented, the train length shall be limited to 7 cars maximum.

 

Notes:

1.     This Environmental Permit consists of three parts, namely, PART A (Main Permit), PART B (Description of Designated Project) and part C (Permit Conditions).

2.     The Permit Holder may apply under section 13 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance to the Director for a variation of the conditions of this Environmental Permit. The Permit Holder shall replace the original Permit displayed on the construction site, by the amended Permit.

3.     A person who assumes the responsibility for the whole or a part of the Project may, before he assumes responsibility of the Project, apply under section 12 of the Ordinance to the Director for a further Environmental Permit.

4.     Under section 14 of the Ordinance, the Director with the consent of the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, may suspend, vary or cancel this Permit. The Permit shall be removed from the display on the construction site.

5.     If this Permit is cancelled or surrendered during the construction or operation, an Environmental Permit must be obtained under the Ordinance before the construction or operation of the Project could be continued. It is an offence under section 26(1) of the Ordinance to construct or operate a designated project without an Environmental Permit.

6.     The Permit Holder shall in regard to the implementation of conditions 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18 and 2.19 of the permit, give due consideration to the requirements of condition 2.20. Similarly, the Permit Holder shall in regard to condition 3.1, give due consideration to condition 3.14.

(a)        Revision of measures to mitigate the landfill gas risk of the project as described in the Application VEP-084/2003;

(b)        Revision of location of noise barriers at West Rail Depot as described in the Application VEP-078/2002;

(c)        Revision of the 86m long full noise enclosure at Tuen Mun Station to semi-noise enclosure; and provide additional enclosure on the north of this enclosure;

(d)        Increase in the elevation of viaduct by approximately 8m at Yick Yuen as described in the Application VEP-062/2002;

(e)        Reduction of train length from 12 cars to 9 cars with increase in train frequency from 30 to 40 trains per hour during 0600 to 0700 as described in the Application VEP-045/2001;

(f)Reduction of train speed between Tin Shui Wai and Siu Hong as described in the Application VEP-045/2001;

(g)        Revised locations of noise enclosure and additional height noise barriers at the north of Kam Sheung Road Station, near Pok Oi Hospital, the west of Long Ping station, the west of Tin Shui Wai Station, Tin Sam Tsuen to Lam Tei and Tuen Mun as described in the Application VEP-45/2001;

(h)        Construction method for the Tsing Tsuen Tunnel refers to Application VEP-020/2000. Drawing Nos. WR/07/C01/001, WR/07/C01/002, WR/07/C01/003, WR/07/C01/004, WR/07/C01/005, WR/07/C01/006;

(i)  Revised alignment in Tsuen Wan refers to Application VEP-020/2000 Drawing Nos.WR/04/C01/001, WR/04/C01/002, WR/04/C01/003;

(j)  Quantities of Marine Mud at Tsuen Wan Bay refers to the total dredge quantity increased from 235,000m³ to 263,000m³ as described in the Application VEP-020/2000.

 

Environmental Permit No. EP-004/1998/H

Annex A

Measures to Mitigate Landfill Gas Risk During Construction

Temporary Construction worksite located southwest of Kwai Hei Street at Kwai Chung. The worksite lies within 50m of the northeast perimeter of the former landfill site near to gas monitoring wells which have shown up to 20% v/v methane concentrations. Procedures and measures which can be made during the construction phase to reduce the risk of gas related problems :

(a)   A detailed risk assessment should be conducted to assess and propose precautionary measures pertinent to the risks from the proposed construction methods and machinery to be used in the excavations;

(b)   Work method(s) which outlines the measures to be implemented to reduce the risk of fires and uncontrolled explosions and asphyxiation of workers shall be proposed;

(c)   Workers should undergo training about the risks and indications of landfill gas and be thoroughly versed in first aid and emergency and evacuation techniques in the event of an incident;

(d)   Works must be carried out in strict adherence to the work methods proposed above;

(e)   Strict adherence to the no smoking policy;

(f)    A mechanical ventilation system must be in use at all times during which construction work force are engaged in works inside tunnel(s) or excavation(s) and these work force shall be evacuated in the event of power outages. Work must not be carried out in the absence of mechanical ventilation and supervision of adequately trained safety officer;

(g)   All electrical equipment (including extension leads) used in the works must be fitted with spark arrestors or be intrinsically safe;

(h)   Work must not be carried out in the absence of fire extinguishers, emergency breathing apparatus and other safety equipment as deemed necessary by safety consultant or plan submitted by the construction contractor;

(i)    Monitoring of methane, carbon dioxide and oxygen must be carried out at all times during works using suitable equipment as in clause (e) of Annex E. Following the completion of the tunnel construction works, monitoring shall be carried out monthly or more frequently.  For a period of not less than 7 days prior to commencement of operation of the Project, monitoring shall be carried out daily or more frequently.  The actions detailed in Table 1 below shall be carried out in the event of gas trigger levels being breached;

Table 1 Actions to be carried out in the event of Landfill Gas Detection

Parameter	Measurement	Action
O2	<19%	Increase ventilation to restore O2 to >19%
	<18%	Stop works
		Evacuate personnel
		Increase ventilation to restore O2 to >19%
CH4	>10% LEL	Prohibit hot works
		Increase ventilation to restore CH4 to <10% LEL
	>20% LEL	Stop works
		Evacuate personnel
		Increase ventilation to restore CH4 level to <10% LEL
CO2	>0.5%	Increase ventilation to restore CO2 to <0.5%
	>1.5%	Stop works
		Evacuate personnel
		Increase ventilation to restore CO2 to <0.5%

(j)    The exact frequency of monitoring should be determined prior to the commencement of works, but should be no less frequent than hourly, and be carried out by a suitably qualified person. Measurements shall be recorded and kept as a record of safe working conditions with copies of the site diary. Continuous monitoring via an automated monitoring system may also be adopted. In this event, the gas levels specified in Table 1 shall be so programmed to automate the actions in the table and in the event of the trigger levels being breached, to activate suitable audible and visual warning devices; and

(k)   All measurements taken are to include at a minimum the areas where personnel are operating as well as the highest and lowest elevations within tunnel(s). Measurements are to be carried out with the sensor located not greater than 10 mm from the exposed rock surface and at locations where landfill gas has the highest potential to enter tunnel(s) such as highly fissured areas, dykes, identified faults, etc.

Annex B

Measures to Mitigate Environmental Impacts from Site Run-off and Drainage

To mitigate the environmental impacts from site run-off and drainage, the following shall be implemented:

(a)   adequate maintenance of drainage systems shall be provided to prevent flooding and overflow during the construction period;

(b)   the boundaries of areas of earthworks shall be marked and surrounded by dykes for flood protection during the construction period. Temporary ditches should be provided to facilitate runoff discharge into the appropriate watercourses, via a silt retention pond. Permanent drainage channels should incorporate sediment basins or traps and baffles to enhance deposition rates. The design of efficient silt removal facilities should be based on the guidelines in ProPEC Practice Note 1/94 issued by the Director of Environmental Protection;

(c)         construction works shall be programmed to minimize surface excavation works during the rainy season (April to September). All exposed earth shall be stabilized as soon as possible after earthworks have been completed, or alternatively, within 14 days of the cessation of earthworks where practicable. If excavation of soil cannot be avoided during the rainy season, or at any time of year when rainstorms are likely, exposed slope surfaces should be covered by tarpaulin or other means;

(d)   sediment tanks of sufficient capacity constructed from pre-formed individual cells of approximately 6 to 8 cu.m. capacity shall be used for settling surface runoff prior to disposal during the construction period. The system capacity shall be flexible and able to handle multiple inputs from a variety of sources and particularly suited to applications where the influent is pumped;

(e)   open stockpiles of construction materials (e.g. aggregates, sand and fill material) of more than 50 cu.m. shall be covered with tarpaulin or similar fabric during rainstorms. Measures should be taken to prevent the washing away of construction materials, soil, silt or debris into any drainage system;

(f)    manholes, including newly constructed ones, shall always be covered and sealed so as to prevent silt, construction materials or debris being washed into the drainage system and storm runoff being directed into foul sewers during the construction period. At any time of year when rainstorms are imminent or forecast, actions shall be taken in accordance with the ProPECC Practice Note 1/94 issued by the Director of Environmental Protection. Particular attention should be paid to the control of silty surface runoff during storm events, especially for areas located near steep slopes;

(g)   oil interceptors shall be provided in drainage systems and oils and grease shall be regularly removed to prevent the release of oils and grease into storm water drainage systems after accidental spillage during the construction period. The interceptors should have a bypass to prevent flushing during periods of heavy rain;

(h)   all vehicles and plant shall be cleaned before leaving a construction site to ensure no earth, mud, debris and the like is deposited by them on roads during the construction period. An adequately designed and located wheel washing bay should be provided at every site exit and wash-water should have sand and silt settled out and removed at least on a weekly basis to ensure the continued efficiency of the process. The section of access road leading to, and exiting from, the wheel-wash bay to the public road should be paved with sufficient backfill toward the wheel-wash bay to prevent vehicle tracking of soil and silty water to public roads and drains;

(i)    sediment shall be intercepted before it enters into modified sections of culverts. Sediment traps should be installed both upstream and downstream of any modified culvert sections in order to minimise the sediment loading in these culverts. Vortex tube site traps shall also be installed to provide continuous extraction of sediment within the modified sections of the culverts;

(j)    temporary and permanent drainage pipes and culverts shall be provided to facilitate runoff discharge during the construction period. The temporary and permanent drainage pipes and culverts should be adequately designed for the controlled release of storm flows. All sediment control measures should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure proper and efficient operation at all times and particularly following rain storms. Temporarily diverted drainage should be reinstated to its original condition when construction work has finished or the temporary diversion is no longer required; and

(k)   discharge and surface runoff contaminated by materials from any concrete batching plant shall be diverted to neutralisation tank to reduce acidity and the treated discharge should be connected to silt trap to remove suspended solids before disposing to sewage system.

Annex C

Measures to Mitigate the Water Quality Impacts During Tunneling and Station Construction

To mitigate the water quality impacts during tunneling and station construction:

(a)         cut-and-cover tunnel work shall be conducted segment by segment to limit the amount of construction runoff generated in the areas during the wet season (April to September). Temporary open storage of excavated materials used for backfill on site should be covered with tarpaulin or similar fabric during rainstorms. Any washout of construction or excavated materials should be diverted through appropriate sediment traps before discharge to stormwater drainage system. Ground water pumped out of tunnels should be discharged into the drainage channels which incorporate sediment traps to enhance deposition rates and to remove silt; and

(b)   spent bentonite slurries or other grouts used in diaphragm wall construction and in a separate slurry collection system shall be collected, and reconditioned and reused wherever practicable.

Annex D

Measures to Mitigate Water Quality Impact During Reclamation Work and Other Construction Activities

To mitigate the water quality impact during reclamation work and other construction activities :

(a)   any mechanical grabs shall be designed and maintained to avoid spillage and sealed tightly while being lifted during the construction period. For dredging of contaminated mud, closed watertight gabs shall be used;

(b)   silt curtains shall be deployed around dredging areas without jeopardizing the navigation of ships and ferries along the navigation channels during the dredging and filling operation;

(c)   all vessels shall be sized so that undue turbidity is not generated by turbulence from vessel movement or propeller wash during the construction period;

(d)   no foam, oil, grease, sum, litter or other objectionable matter shall be caused to be present on the water within the site or dumping grounds during the construction period;

(e)   loading of barges and hoppers shall be controlled to prevent splashing of dredged material into the surrounding water. Barges or hoppers shall not be filled to a level which will cause the overflow of materials or polluted water during loading or transportation;

(f)    debris and rubbish on site shall be collected, handled and disposed of properly to avoid entering the water column to cause water quality impacts;

(g)   to prevent spilled fuel oils from reaching coastal water, all fuel tanks and storage areas shall be provided with locks and located on sealed areas, and within bunds of a capacity equal to 110% of the storage capacity of the largest tank; and

(h)         construction work force sewage discharges on site shall be connected to existing sewer or sewage treatment facilities. Portable chemical toilets shall be provided to construction workers.

Annex E

Measures to Mitigate the Landfill Gas Hazard During the Operation of the Project

During non-operational hours and particularly at the time when the first train travels through the tunnel each day, there is potential for accumulated gas to be ignited by an electrical spark caused by the train. To reduce the likelihood of this occurrence, the measures outlines below shall be adopted:

(a)     Staff undertaking the daily safety check of each line prior to daily operation shall be trained in the use of portable gas detection equipment.  Measurement of methane and carbon dioxide concentrations shall be undertaken as part of the daily safety check of the tunnels.  Should the methane concentration exceed 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), ventilation shall be increased and operation of the train service shall not commence until the methane level falls below 10% of the LEL. Should the methane concentration exceed 20% of the LEL, all personnel shall be evacuated from the tunnels, operation of the train service shall not commence, and ventilation shall be increased to restore the methane concentration to below 10% of the LEL prior to operation of the train service.

(b)     With the information contained in the Application for Variation No. VEP-142/2004, the permit holder shall carry out at least 12 bi-weekly safety checks starting from July 2004 to replace the daily safety checks in above (a). Except the frequency, the measurement procedure and the requirement shall be the same as described in (a). Any changes to the frequency, procedure and requirement as set out shall be approved by the Director.

(c)   All maintenance personnel and station staff working within the tunnels shall be educated in the dangers of landfill gas and the signs and symptoms of asphyxia;

(d)   Smoking within the tunnels shall be prohibited at all times;

(e)    An assumed presence of landfill gas should be adopted at all times by maintenance workers and a strictly regulated "work permit procedure" involving training, ventilation, gas monitoring (as detailed in the Construction recommendations section), safety tracking and communication with maintenance staff, enforcement of the no smoking order and use of only intrinsically safe equipment and electrical leads;

(f)    Monitoring for methane, carbon dioxide and oxygen as recommended above shall be conducted using equipment with the following indication ranges.

(i)                     Methane                           0-100%LEL and 0-100%v/v

(ii)                    Carbon dioxide                      0-100%

(iii)                   Oxygen                             0-21%

Annex F

Measures to Mitigate the Water Quality Impact During the Operation of the Project

To mitigate the water quality impact during the operation of the Project :

(a)   A surface water drainage system shall be provided to collect operational tunnel seepage during the operation of the Project. Where oils and lubricating fluids could be spilt, the operational tunnel discharge and track runoff should pass through oil and grit/silt interceptors/chambers to remove oil, grease and sediment before being pumped to the public storm water drainage system via a rising main. However, washing water from regular tunnel washing shall be directed to foul sewers after pre-treatment;

(b)   All silt traps and oil interceptors shall be regularly cleaned and maintained during the operation of the Project;

(c)   Contents of the oil interceptors shall be collected for reuse, or transferred to an appropriate disposal facility; and

(d)    Sanitary fitments and drainage works shall be provided taking into account the Practice Note for Professional Persons, No. 5/93 (ProPECC PN 5/93) - Drainage Plans subject to Comment by the Environmental Protection Department.

 

Schedule 1.        Alternative Noise Mitigation Measures at Different Locations of the Project

Table A

The Permit Holder shall complete the measures specified in the following table to a large extent before the operation of the Project. Any outstanding details shall be completed no later than 2 weeks after the operation of the Project.

Locations	Alternatives
Kam Sheung Road Station	(a)    Windshields shall be extended above the top of the parapet walls as shown in Figure 7; and (b)    Trackside panels shall be installed above the parapet walls as shown in Figure 7
Yuen Long Station	Down track (track from Tuen Mun to Kowloon) (a)    All rail/track sections within the station to be fully enclosed   Up track (track from Kowloon to Tuen Mun) (a)    Windshields shall be extended above the top of the parapet walls as shown in Figure 5; (b)    Trackside panels shall be installed with the lower part incorporated with the absorptive lining as shown in Figure 5; and (c)    Acoustic louvers to be implemented for all openings on the outboard side at the location as shown in Figure 6
Long Ping Station	(a)    Windshields shall be extended above the top of the parapet walls as shown in Figure 7; (b)    Trackside panels shall be installed above the parapet walls as shown in Figure 7; (c)    Uptrack section to be fully enclosed at the location as shown in Figure 8, except the vertical gap between the enclosure and the plant room at the back of the station; (d)    2m high barrier above the top of the parapet walls extending from the noise enclosure to be implemented at the location as shown in Figure 8; and (e)    Plenum enhancement along the up and down tracks to be implemented as shown in Figure 9 and at the location as shown in Figure 8
Tin Shui Wai Station	(a)    Windshields shall be extended above the top of the parapet walls as shown in Figure 7; (b)    Trackside panels shall be installed above the parapet walls as shown in Figure 7; and (c)    Plenum enhancement along the down track to be implemented as shown in Figure 9 and at the location as shown in Figure 10
Siu Hong Station	(a)    All rail/track sections within the staiton to be fully enclosed
Tuen Mun Station	(a)    All rail/track sections within the station to be fully enclosed
Viaduct Section	(a)    Plenum enhancement along the up and down tracks at the locations as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12

Table B

The Permit Holder shall fully implement the measure specified in the following table within 6 months after the operation of the Project.

Locations	Alternatives
Tin Shui Wai Station	2m high cranked noise barrier above the top of the parapet walls at the down track section to be implemented at the location as shown in Figure 10 and Figure 15

Table C

The Permit Holder shall fully implement the measure specified in the following table 3 months before any related resident occupies the Yuen Long CDA 15 site or the former Yuen Long Estate.

Viaduct Section

Plenum enhancement along the up and down tracks at the locations as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14