4.1.1
Over the last 10 years, rapid
development in Sai Kung has resulted in a higher surface runoff and the
existing drainage systems that have been designed with lower flood protection
level are no longer adequate to provide the flood protection standards required
for developed areas. This Project
purposes to improve the lower sections of the three river channels and aims to
relief the potential flooding risk which may cause danger to human life, damage
to properties and to a lesser extent nuisance to the public.
4.1.2
The overall environmental
acceptability of the Project has been carefully considered and balanced in the
EIA Study and the engineering design work.
Possible alternatives alignments and construction options have been
evaluated to minimise environmental impacts.
4.1.3
The detailed design of the drainage
improvements has reflected the potential ecological value of the existing
rivers, and natural features of the rivers will be retained wherever
possible. Ecologically friendly
designed river channels have been applied instead of the conventional concrete
bed channel so as to restore and enhance the ecological habitats in the
original river channel. Compensatory planting has been incorporated to mitigate
the loss of natural riparian vegetation.
4.1.4
During the construction phase, the
potential impacts particularly the air, noise and water quality impacts would
be mitigated to acceptable levels through the proposed specific measures.
4.1.5
The potential environmental impacts
during both construction and operational stages are addressed with suitable
design and mitigation measures. The results of various assessments indicate
that the environmental impacts identified are generally within acceptable
environmental standards and no adverse residual impacts are identified.