Environmental Impact
Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), Section 5 (7)
Environmental Impact
Assessment Study Brief No. ESB- 068/2001
(hereinafter known as
the "Project")
Name of Applicant :
Hong Kong Island & Islands Development Office, Territory Development
Department
(hereinafter known as
the "Applicant")
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 An
application (No. ESB-068/2001) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance
(EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant on 28.2.2001with a project profile (No.
PP-119/2001) (the Project Profile).
1.2
The Project Profile proposed to construct and operate a cable car system
between Tung Chung Town centre and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island (the
Project). The development of the cable
car system aims to further develop Ngong Ping as a major tourist attraction in
Hong Kong.
1.3
The Project will include the followings:
- construction of a cable car system of about
5.7km long between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping;
- construction of associated pylons and other
support structures, and ancillary works;
-
construction of two terminals, one at Tung Chung and the other at Ngong
Ping; and
-
construction of associated intermediate station, turning station(s) and
other associated infrastructures.
The location of
the preliminary preferred alignment is shown on Drawing No. HKI-Z180 in the
Project Profile. The indicative
location of the Tung Chung terminal, Airport Intermediate terminal and the
Ngong Ping terminal are shown on Drawings No. HKI-Z181, HKI-Z182, HKI-Z183 in
the Project Profile.
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 for the Project.
1.5 The
purpose of the EIA study is to provide information on the nature and extent of
environmental impacts arising from the construction and operation of the
Project and related activities that take place concurrently. This information
will contribute to decisions by the Director on :
(i) the
overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that are likely
to arise as a result of the Project;
(ii) the
conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project to mitigate against
adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and
(iii)
the
acceptability of residual impacts after the proposed mitigation measures are
implemented.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY
2.1 The objectives of the EIA study are as
follows:
(i) to describe the Project and associated works together with
the requirements for carrying out the Project;
(ii)
to identify and describe elements of
community and environment likely to be affected by the Project and/or likely to
cause adverse impacts to the Project, including natural and man-made
environment and the associated environmental constraints;
(iii)
to provide information on the
consideration of alternatives to avoid and minimize the environmental impacts,
in particular on the Lantau North Country Park, the proposed Lantau North
(Extension) Country Park, the Water Gathering Ground and the Airport Sea
Channel;
(iv)
to identify and quantify emission sources
and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential
affected uses;
(v)
to identify and quantify any potential
landscape and visual impacts, especially within the Lantau North Country Park
and the proposed Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, and to propose measures
to mitigate these impacts;
(vi)
to identify and quantify
any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and natural habitats and to
propose measures to mitigate these impacts
(vii)
to identify any negative
impacts on site of cultural heritage and to propose measures to mitigate these
impacts;
(viii)
to identify the risk to
the passengers and workers of the cable car due to the fuel storage at the Chek
Lap Kok tank farm;
(ix)
to propose the provision of mitigation
measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance
during construction and operation of the Project;
(x)
to investigate the feasibility,
effectiveness and implications of the proposed mitigation measures
(xi)
to identify, predict and evaluate the
residual environmental impacts (i.e. after practicable mitigation) and the
cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operation
phases of the Project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential
affected uses;
(xii)
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 the identified
environmental impacts and cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable
levels;
(xiii)
to investigate the extent of the secondary
environmental impacts that may arise from the proposed mitigation measures and
to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in
the EIA study, as well as the provision of any necessary modification; and
(xiv)
to design and specify environmental
monitoring and audit requirements to ensure the effective implementation of the
recommended environmental protection and pollution control measures.
3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY
3.1 The purpose of this study brief is to scope the key issues of the EIA study. The Applicant has to demonstrate in the EIA report that the criteria in the relevant sections of the Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as “the TM”) are fully complied with.
3.2
The
Scope
3.2.1 The scope of this EIA study covers the
project mentioned in section 1.3 above and any consequential developments
likely to arise, such as additional related developments and access roads in
the vicinity of the terminals and connected bus services.
3.2.2
The EIA study shall address any key
issues identified during the course of the study and the cumulative environmental impacts of the Project,
through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed and
planned developments in the vicinity of the Project.
3.3 Technical Requirements
The Applicant
shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects of the
activities as described in the scope as set out above. The EIA study shall include the following
technical requirements on specific impacts.
3.3.1 Alternative
Consideration
3.3.1.1 When preparing the EIA report in accordance with the technical requirements below, the applicant shall provide information on the consideration of alternatives with a view to avoiding or minimizing the potential environmental impacts.
3.3.1.2 The EIA report shall include reference to the consideration of cable car system, location of the terminals and the alignment. The applicant shall compare the main environmental impacts of different options, cable car systems, pylon design, terminals locations and alignments with the proposed project, provide reasons for selecting the proposed system and alignment, and the part environmental factors played in the selection shall be described.
3.3.1.3 The applicant shall take into account the
location of the planned Ngong Ping Sewage Treatment Work and minimize any
potential impact, including odour and visual impact, to the cable car passengers
on finalizing the location and layout of the Ngong Ping terminal.
3.3.1.4
The EIA shall consider alternatives (ie, location of water points, the use of
existing trails) to minimize any need for clearing of vegetation along the
cable car route.
3.3.2
Cumulative
Environmental Impact
The
Applicant shall assess and evaluate the cumulative environmental impacts
arising from the project and other planned development in its vicinity. Findings of relevant environmental studies
shall be reviewed and incorporated into the EIA Report.
3.3.3 Air Quality Impact
3.3.3.1 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.
3.3.3.2 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.
3.3.3.3. 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 Environmental Protection
Department, HKSAR. (ref. EPD's home page under items for Air -
http://www.info.gov.hk/epd) or other methodology as agreed by the Director.
Impact Assessment
3.3.3.4. The air quality impact assessment shall
include the following:
Background and analysis of activities
(i) Provide background information relating to air quality
issues relevant to the construction of the project, e.g. description of the
types of activities of the project such as earthworks for the site formation that
will likely give rise to dust emissions;
(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 to minimize the constructional air
quality impact. For example, include use of alternative construction materials
transportation modes of less dust emission to avoid dust impact on ASRs due to
haul road transport during construction.
(iii) Present the background air quality levels in the assessment
area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative constructional air quality
impacts.
Identification of ASRs and examination of
emission/dispersion characteristics
(iv) Identify and describe representative existing and
planned/committed air sensitive receivers (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.
(v) Provide an exhaustive list of air pollutant emission sources,
including any nearby emission sources which are likely to have impact on the
project based on the analysis of the constructional activities of the project
in (i) above. Examples of constructional stage emission sources include stock
piling, blasting, concrete batching and vehicular movements on unpaved haul
roads on site,......etc. Confirmation of the validity of the assumptions and
the magnitude of the activities (e.g. volume of construction materials handled
etc.) shall be obtained from the relevant government department/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. An audit and monitoring 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 based on the emission strength of the emission sources
identified in (v) above. The Applicant shall follow (viii) to (xi) below when
carrying out the quantitative assessment.
Quantitative Assessment Methodology
(viii) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated
in the modelling guidelines (paragraph 3.3.1.3 above) while making allowance
for the specific characteristic of each project. This specific methodology must
be documented in such level of details (preferably with tables and diagrams) to
allow the readers of the assessment report to grasp how the model is set up to
simulate the situation at hand without referring to the model input files.
Details of the calculation of the emission rates of air pollutants for input to
the modelling shall be presented in the report. The Applicant must ensure
consistency between the text description and the model files at every stage of
submission. Applicant is advised to obtain prior agreement of the general
methodology from the Director before commencement of the assessments.
(ix) The Applicant shall, based on the nature of the activities
analysed in (v) above, 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.
(x) 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
(xi) The Applicant shall propose remedies and mitigating
measures where the predicted air quality impact exceeds the criteria set in
section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. These measures and any constraints on future
land use planning shall be agreed with the relevant government
departments/authorities and documented. The Applicant shall demonstrate
quantitatively that the resultant impacts after incorporation of the proposed
mitigating measures will comply 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.
3.3.4 Noise Impact
3.3.4.1 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.
3.3.4.2
The noise impact assessment shall include the
following :
(i)
Determination
of Assessment Area
The noise
impact assessment shall include all areas within 300m 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 300m from the project boundary,
provides acoustic shielding to those receivers located further away.
(ii)
Provision
of Background Information
The Applicant
shall provide all background information relevant to the project including
relevant previous and current studies. Unless involved in the planning standards,
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 ones and all
planned or committed noise sensitive developments and uses.
(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 including name of building, use, and floors of each and every
selected assessment point shall be given.
(iii)
Provision
of an Emission Inventory of the Noise Sources
The Applicant
shall provide an inventory of noise sources including construction equipment
for construction noise assessment; fixed plant equipment, and cable car runner
for operational noise assessment. Confirmation of the validity of the inventory
shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities.
(v) Construction
Noise Assessment
(a)
The
Applicant shall carry out assessment of noise impact from construction
(excluding percussive piling) of the project during day time, i.e. 7 a.m. to 7
p.m., on weekdays other than general holidays in accordance with the
methodology stipulated in paragraphs 5.3. and 5.4 of Annex 13 of the TM. The criteria in Table 1B of Annex 5 of the
TM shall be adopted in the assessment.
(b)
To minimize
the construction noise impact, alternative construction methods to replace
percussive piling shall be proposed as far as practicable. As helicopters will be used for
construction, the selection of the flight path shall consider to minimize any
possible disturbance to noise sensitive receivers.
(c) If the unmitigated construction noise
levels are found to exceed 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 tasks) to minimize the impact.
If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the
duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.
(vi) Operational
Noise
a) Calculation of Noise Levels
The Applicant shall
analyze the scope of the proposed cable car system, including the location of
mechanical equipment at the terminals and the cable car runners over the
pylons, to identify alignment sections for the purpose of noise impact
assessment.
(b) Presentation of Noise Levels
The Applicant shall
present the prevailing and future noise levels at the NSRs on tables and plans
of suitable scale.
Quantitative
assessment at the NSRs for proposed terminals and alignment shall be carried
out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the
Technical Memorandum. The potential
noise impact shall be quantified by estimating the total number of dwellings
and other noise sensitive elements that will be exposed to noise levels
exceeding the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the Technical Memorandum.
(c) Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures
The Applicant shall
propose direct technical remedies in all situations where the predicted noise
level exceeds the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the TM by 1 dB(A) or
more. Specific reasons for not adopting
certain direct technical remedies in the design to reduce the noise to a level
meeting the criteria in the TM or to maximize the protection for the NSRs should
be clearly quantified and laid down. The total number of dwellings and other
noise sensitive element that will be benefited by the provision of direct
technical remedies should be provided.
The total number of
dwellings and other noise sensitive elements that will still be exposed to
noise above the criteria with the implementation of all recommended direct
technical remedies shall be quantified.
In case where a number
of the NSRs cannot all be protected by the recommended direct technical
remedies, the Applicant shall consider alternative cable car system to reduce
the impacts.
(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 arising from the inclusion of any recommended
direct technical remedies.
(viii) Evaluation of Constraints on Planned
Noise Sensitive Developments/Land Uses
For planned noise sensitive uses which
will still be affected even with all practicable direct technical remedies in
place, the Applicant shall propose, evaluate and confirm the practicality of
additional measures within the planned noise sensitive uses and shall make
recommendations on how these noise sensitive uses will be designed for the
information of relevant parties.
The Applicant
shall take into account 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.
3.3.5 Water Quality Impact
3.3.5.1 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.
3.3.5.2 All physical, chemical and biological disruptions
of marine, estuarine, fresh water or ground water system(s) arising during the
construction, operation of the project shall be identified and analyzed in the
impact assessment.
3.3.5.3 The water quality impact assessment shall
address the followings:
(i)
Collection and
review of background information on the existing water system(s).
(ii)
Characterization of
water quality based on existing information or site surveys/tests as
appropriate.
(iii)
Identification and
analysis of all existing and planned future activities and beneficial uses
related to the water system(s) and identification of all water sensitive
receivers.
(iv)
Identification of
pertinent water quality objectives and establishment of other appropriate water
quality criteria or standards for the water system(s) and all the sensitive
receivers.
(v)
Review the specific
construction methods and configurations (e.g., any pylons to be constructed at
the Airport Sea Channel) and operation of the cable car system. Identification of any alteration of watercourses.
(vi)
Identification, analysis and
quantification of all existing and likely future water pollution sources,
including point discharges and non-point sources to surface water runoff. Field
investigation and laboratory tests shall be conducted as appropriate.
Establishment and provision of an emission inventory on the quantities and
characteristics of all these pollution sources.
(vii)
Prediction and
quantification of the impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive
receivers due to those alterations and changes identified in (v) and the
pollution sources identified in (vi).
The prediction shall take into account and include likely different
construction stages or sequences, different operation stages.
(viii)
Cumulative impacts
due to other projects; activities or pollution sources within a boundary around
the Study Area to be agreed by EPD shall also be predicted and quantified.
Waste
Water and Non-point Sources Pollution
(ix)
Analysis on the
provision and adequacy of existing and planned future facilities to reduce
pollution arising from the non-point sources identified in (vi).
(x)
Proposal of
effective and practicable upgrading or provision, water pollution prevention
and mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction, operation
stages so as reduce the water quality impacts to within acceptable levels of
standards. Requirements to be
incorporated in the project contract document shall also be proposed.
(xi)
Best management
practices to reduce storm water and non-point source pollution shall be investigated
and proposed as appropriate. Attention shall be made to the water quality
control and mitigation measures recommended in the ProPECC paper on
construction site drainage.
(xii)
Evaluation and
quantification of residual impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive
receivers with regard to the appropriate water quality criteria, standards or
guidelines.
Protection of Water Gathering
Ground
(xiii) Derive an emergency contingency plan for
the construction and operational phase of the project with the aim to contain
and remove all accidental spillage in short notice and to prevent and or to minimize
the quantities of contaminants from reaching the water gathering ground.
3.3.6 Waste Management Implications
3.3.6.1 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.
3.3.6.2 The assessment of waste management
implications shall cover the following :
(i)
Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation
The
Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising
as a result of the construction and operation activities, based on the sequence
and duration of these activities.
(ii)
Proposal for Waste Management
(a) Prior to considering the disposal options
for various types of wastes, the Applicant shall fully evaluate opportunities
for reducing waste generation and on-site or off-site reuse shall be fully
evaluated. Measures which can be taken
in the planning and design stages, e.g. by modifying the design approach and in
the construction stage for maximizing waste reduction shall be separately
considered.
(b) After taking taken into account all the
opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing reuse, the Applicant
shall estimate the types and quantities of the wastes required to be disposed
of as a consequence and describe the disposal options for each type of waste in
detail. The disposal options for each
type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in (c)
below.
(c) The impact caused by handling (including
labeling, packaging & storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be
addressed in detail and appropriate mitigation measures shall be proposed. This
assessment shall cover the following areas :
- potential hazard;
- air and odour emissions;
- noise;
- wastewater discharge; and
- public transport.
3.3.7 Ecological
Impact (Terrestrial and Aquatic)
3.3.7.1
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.
3.3.7.2
To minimize
physical disturbance to the Country Parks, all construction materials and
wastes to and from the work sites within the Country Parks shall be transported
by helicopter unless it is shown to be impracticable. No haul road shall be formed to access the work sites within the
Country Parks unless it is shown to be impracticable.
3.3.7.3 In
the ecological impact assessment, the Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna
and other components of the ecological habitats within the assessment area,
including the Lantau North Country Park and proposed Lantau North (Extension)
Country Park. The assessment area for
the ecological impact assessment should cover 500m from the project
boundary. The aim shall be to protect,
maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the
potential ecological impacts associated with the project, including the potential
impacts from human disturbance on the sensitive ecological habitats at Ngong
Ping area and any impacts of haul roads and temporary access.
3.3.7.4 The
assessment shall include the following:
(i) review
the finding of relevant studies and collate all the available information
regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;
(ii) evaluate
the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the
assessment of potential ecological impacts to the terrestrial and aquatic environment;
(iii) carry
out necessary field surveys for a period of not less than 9 months that shall cover both the wet and dry seasons, and
investigations to verify the information collected in (ii), fill the
information gaps identified and fulfill the objectives of the EIA study;
(iv) establish
the general ecological profile and describe the characteristics of each habitat
found; major information to be provided shall include:
(a)
description
of the physical environment;
(b)
habitat
maps of suitable scale (1:1000 to 1:5000) showing the types and locations of
habitats in the assessment area;
(c)
ecological
characteristics of each habitat type such as size, vegetation type, species
present, dominant species found, species diversity and abundance, community
structure, seasonality and inter-dependence of the habitats and species, and
presence of any features of ecological importance;
(d)
representative
color photos of each habitat type and any important ecological features
identified;
(e)
investigate
and describe the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special
attention to those wildlife groups and habitats with conservation interests;
including woodlands; wetlands; wetlands, natural stream courses and rivers; mangroves;
seagrass beds; vertebrates such as Romer’s Tree Frog and Eagle Owl,
macroinvertebrates such as the Birdwing Butterfly, and any other habitats &
wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by the
study;
(f)
species
found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation,
international conventions for conservation of wildlife/habitats or red data
books;
(v) describe
all recognized sites of conservation importance in the proposed development
site and its vicinity including San Tau SSSI, Ngong Ping SSSI, Lantau Peak SSSI
and Special Area, and Lantau North Country Park and assess how these sites will
be affected by the proposed development;
(vi) using
suitable methodology, identify and quantify as far as possible any direct,
indirect, on-site, off-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological
impacts such as destruction of habitats, reduction of species
abundance/diversity, loss of feeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying
capacity, habitat fragmentation; and in particular the habitat loss and disturbance
to wildlife during construction stage;
(vii)
evaluate
the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using
well-defined criteria;
(viii)
recommend
all possible alternatives (such as modifications of route alignment, layout and
design) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or
compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified, such as reinstatement
of habitats temporarily affected by the proposed development to its original
state and if possible with some enhancement features;
(ix) evaluate
the feasibility and effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and
define the scope, type, location, implementation arrangement, subsequent
management and maintenance of such measures;
(x) determine
and quantify the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the
proposed mitigation measures;
(xi) evaluate
the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using
well-defined criteria; and
(xii)
review the need for and recommend any ecological monitoring programme.
3.3.8 Landscape and Visual Impact
3.3.8.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for
evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts for any above ground
structures and work areas as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM,
respectively. Both construction and
operation impacts shall be assessed.
3.3.8.2 The assessment area for the landscape impact
assessment shall include all areas within a 500m distance from the
Project. The assessment area for the
visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope from the
Project which is generally the viewshed formed by natural/man-made features
such as ridgeline and building blocks.
3.3.8.3 The Applicant shall review relevant outline
development plan(s), outline zoning plan(s), layout plan(s) or planning briefs
and studies, the documents may include the Remaining Development in Tung Chung
and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study, Tung Chung Town Center Area OZP No.
S/I-TCTC/5, Ngong Ping Development Permission Area Plan No.DPA/I-NP/2, Chek Lap
Kok Outline Zoning Plan No: S/I-CLK/2 which identify areas of high landscape
value and recommend designations such as country park, site of special
scientific interest, conservation area, open space and green belt. These documents also contain guidelines on landscape
framework, urban design concept, designated view corridors, and open space
network that may affect the appreciation of the project. The Applicant shall also review the South
West New Territories Development Strategy Review. The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area so
as to assess whether the Project can fit into the surrounding setting. Any conflict with the statutory town plans
should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should be recommended.
3.3.8.4 The Applicant shall describe, appraise,
analyze and evaluate the existing landscape resource and character of the
assessment area. A system shall be
derived for judging landscape and visual impact significance as required under
the TM. The sensitivity of the
landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change shall be particularly
focused on. The Applicant shall
identify the degree of compatibility of the Project with the existing landscape
and planned landscape setting. The
assessment shall quantify the potential landscape impacts as far as possible,
so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the
Project. Clear mapping of the landscape
impact is required.
3.3.8.5 The Applicant shall assess the visual
impacts of the Project. Clear
illustrations of visual impact are required.
The assessment shall include the following:
(i) Identification and plotting of visual envelope of the Project
within the assessment area;
(ii) Identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within
the visual envelope and their views at both ground level and sea level and
elevated vantage points. Sensitive receivers may involve
the residential population in Tung Chung and Ngong Ping, international tourist and
visitors, users of Country Parks;
(iii) Description of the visual compatibility of the Project with the
surrounding, and the planned setting and its obstruction and interference with
the key views of the adjacent areas; and
(iv) The severity of visual impacts in terms of nature, distances and
number of sensitive receivers.
Nighttime glare shall be considered in the assessment. The visual impacts of the Project with and without
mitigation measures shall also be included so as to demonstrate the effectiveness
of the proposed mitigation measures.
3.3.8.6 Alternative construction methods, alignment and design that would
avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impacts shall be evaluated
for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to
alleviate the impacts. The mitigation
measures proposed shall not only be concerned with damage reduction but should
also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape. The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures
to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a
landscape design.
3.3.8.7 The mitigation measures shall include
preservation of vegetation, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen
planting, revegetation of disturbed land, compensatory planting, reprovisioning
of amenity areas and Country park Facilities, design of structures, provision
of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of material used and any
measures to mitigate the impact on existing land use and on the Country Park. Parties shall be identified for the on-going management and
maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness
throughout the operation phase of the Project.
A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the
recommended measures shall be provided.
3.3.8.8 Coloured perspective drawings, plans and
section/elevation diagrams, annotated oblique aerial photographs and
computer-generated photomontage shall be adopted to fully illustrate the
landscape and visual impacts of the Project.
All computer graphics shall be compatible with Microstation DGN file
format. The Applicant shall record the
technical details such as system set-up, software, data files and function in
preparing the illustration, which may need to be submitted for verification of
the accuracy of the illustrations.
3.3.9 Impact on Cultural Heritage
3.3.9.1 The
Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing
the cultural heritage impacts as stated in Annexes 10 and 19 of the TM,
respectively.
3.3.9.2 The Applicant shall identify all sites of
cultural heritage that might be adversely affected by the Project including
visual impact, impacts due to vibration and ground settlement associated with
the construction activities of the Project.
The EIA study shall establish a comprehensive inventory of archaeological
sites, fung-shui landscapes, historic buildings and structures including
pre-war/clan graves and shrines located within or in close proximity to the
project area, that might have the potential to be affected. This may include
the Po Lin Monastery compound and the nearby historic structures in Ngong Ping;
and the fung-shui landscape of “Elephants Trunk” located south of the Kau Liu,
Tin Sam and San Tau villages. The
information of all the identified graves/shrines including their ownerships,
historical background, location plans and photographs, as well as writtern
records of the grave inscriptions should be provided in the EIA report. The inventory shall be agreed by the
Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Leisure & Cultural Services
Department. A master layout plan
showing the location of both the proposed works and all sites of cultural
heritage identified is required. Besides,
a cross-reference of all check list including all the affected sites of
cultural heritage, direct and indirect impacts identified, recommended
mitigation measures as well as the implementation agent and period shall also
be included in the EIA report.
3.3.9.3 The Applicant shall assess the extent to which
those sites of cultural heritage might be affected and recommend possible
alternatives (such as modification of layout and design of the project) and
practicable monitoring and mitigation measures to avoid or keep the adverse
impacts on the site of cultural heritage to an absolute minimum. Such measures, if found necessary, shall be
agreed with the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Leisure & Culture
Services Department.
3.3.10 Hazard To Life
3.3.10.1 The
risk to the workers and cable car passengers due to the aviation fuel storage
at Chek Lap Kok Airport shall be assessed.
The Applicant shall follow the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as
stated in Annexes 4 and 22 of the TM in conducting hazard assessment and
include the following in the assessment:
(i) Identification
of all hazardous scenarios associated with the aviation fuel storage at Chek
Lap Kok Airport, which may cause fatalities on the Cable Car System during
construction and operational phases.
(ii) Execution
of a Quantitative Risk Assessment expressing population risks in both
individual and societal terms during the cable car construction and operational
phases.
(iii) Comparison
of individual and societal risks with the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to
Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM; and
(iv) Identification
and assessment of practicable and cost effective risk mitigation measures
during the cable car construction and operational phases.
3.3.11 Summary
of Environmental Outcomes
The EIA report shall contain a summary of
the key environmental outcomes arising from the EIA study, including the
population and environmentally sensitive areas protected, environmentally
friendly designs recommended, key environmental problems avoided, compensation
areas included and the environmental benefits of environmental protection
measures recommended.
3.3.12 Environmental
Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements
3.3.12.1 The Applicant shall identify and justify in
the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A activities during the
construction and operation phases of the Project and, if affirmative, to define
the scope of the EM&A requirements for the Project in the EIA study.
3.3.12.2 Subject to the confirmation of the EIA study
findings, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in
Annex 21 of the TM. The Applicant shall
also propose real-time reporting of monitoring data for the Project through a
dedicated internet website.
3.3.12.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project
implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Appendix D to
this EIA study brief) containing all the EIA study recommendations and
mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.
4. DURATION OF VALIDITY
4.1 This EIA study brief is valid for 24
months after the date of issue. If the
EIA study does not commence within this period, the Applicant shall apply to
the Director for a fresh EIA study brief before commencement of the EIA study.
5. REPORT REQUIREMENTS
5.1 In preparing the EIA report, the
Applicant shall refer to Annex 11 of the TM for the contents of an EIA
report. The Applicant shall also refer
to Annex 20 of the TM, which stipulates the guidelines for the review of an EIA
report.
5.2 The Applicant shall supply the Director
with the following number of copies of the EIA report and the executive
summary:
(i) 50 copies of the EIA report in English
and 80 copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and
Chinese) as required under section 6(2) of the EIAO to be supplied at the time
of application for approval of the EIA report.
(ii) when necessary, addendum to the EIA
report and the executive summary submitted in 5.2 (i) above as required under section 7(1) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon
advice by the Director for public inspection.
(iii) 20 copies of the EIA report in English
and 50 copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and
Chinese) with or without Addendum as required under section 7(5) of the EIAO,
to be supplied upon advice by the Director for consultation with the Advisory
Council on the Environment.
5.3 The
Applicant shall, upon request, make additional copies of the above documents
available to the public, subject to payment by the interested parties of full
costs of printing.
5.4 In addition, to facilitate the public inspection of the EIA
Report via the EIAO Internet Website, the applicant shall provide electronic
copies of both the EIA Report and the Executive Summary Report prepared in
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or later) and in Portable
Document Format (PDF version 4.0 or later), unless otherwise agreed by the
Director. For the HTML version, a
content page capable of providing hyperlink to each section and sub-section of
the EIA Report and the Executive Summary Report shall be included in the
beginning of the document. Hyperlinks to all figures, drawings and tables in
the EIA Report and Executive Summary shall be provided in the main text from
where the respective references are made. All graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format
unless otherwise agreed by the Director.
5.5 The
electronic copies of the EIA report and the Executive Summary shall be
submitted to the Director at the time of application for approval of the EIA
Report.
5.6 When the EIA Report and the Executive Summary are made
available for public inspection under s.7(1) of the EIAO, the content of the
electronic copies of the EIA Report and the Executive Summary must be the same
as the hard copies and the Director shall be provided with the most updated
electronic copies.
5.7 To
promote environmentally friendly and efficient dissemination of information,
both hardcopies and electronic copies of future EM&A reports recommended by
the EIA study shall be required and their format shall be agreed by the
Director.
6. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS
6.1 If there is any change in the name of Applicant for this EIA
study brief during the course of the EIA study, the Applicant must notify the
Director immediately.
6.2 If
there is any key change in the scope of the Project mentioned in Sections 1.2,
1.3 and 1.4 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-103/2000),
the Applicant must seek confirmation from the Director in writing on whether or
not the scope of issues covered by this EIA study brief can still cover the key
changes, and the additional issues, if any, that the EIA study must also
address. If the changes to the Project
fundamentally alter the key scope of the EIA study brief, the Applicant shall
apply to the Director for a fresh EIA study brief.
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END OF EIA STUDY BRIEF ---
April
2001
Environmental
Assessment and Noise Division,
Environmental
Protection Department