1.1.
To cope with the anticipated increase
in traffic, various sections of Castle Peak Road have been widened over the
last few years. Improvement to Castle
Peak Road from Siu Lam to So Kwun Tan commenced in February 1997 and was
completed in November 2000 while improvement to Castle Peak Road from Area 2 of
Tsuen Wan to Ka Loon Tsuen is scheduled to commence in August 2001 and finish in
June 2005. When these proposals are
completed, the whole section of Castle Peak Road between Tsuen Wan West and
Hong Kong Gold Coast in Tuen Mun will be of dual 2-lane standard with the
exception of the section between Ka Loon Tsuen and Siu Lam.
1.2.
An assessment has been carried out
showing that by 2006 the capacity of a single two-lane Castle Peak Road between
Ka Loon Tsuen and Siu Lam would be inadequate to cope with the increasing
traffic flows.
1.3.
In view of the above, it was
recommended that the section between Ka Loon Tsuen and Siu Lam should be
widened to a dual-2 lane standard in order to provide a continuous level of
service from So Kwun Tan to Tsuen Wan.
The Highways Department carried out a Preliminary Project Feasibility
Study (PPFS), which was completed in March 1998. A Preliminary Environmental Review (PER) was also carried out in
conjunction with the PPFS to identify the potential environmental concerns
arising from the implementation of the project. The results of the PER indicated that during the construction and
operation stages, air quality, noise, water quality, ecology, landscape and
visual impacts were expected.
1.4.
In October 1999, Maunsell Consultants
Asia Limited (MCAL) was commissioned by the Highways Department as lead
consultant to undertake an engineering feasibility study and preliminary design
for this project. Further studies including Traffic Impact Assessment Study,
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study, Marine Impact Assessment Study and
Drainage Impact Assessment Study were also carried out. Maunsell Environmental
Management Consultants Limited (MEMCL) is responsible for the EIA study.
1.5.
Under Section C.2(ix), Schedule 2,
Part 1 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499), the project
is a designated project and therefore will require an environmental permit.
1.6.
The purpose of this EIA study is to
provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising
from the construction and operation of the proposed project and related
activities taking place concurrently.
This will provide information for public consultation and provide a
basis for project assessment by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
and relevant authorities.