2 Considerations of Alternatives

2.1 Background to the Project

Since the karting tracks in Lau Shiu Hang and Mai Po closed down in 1993, there are no outdoor karting tracks for training or local racing events in Hong Kong. Kart drivers would need to go to neighbouring cities such as Zhuhai, Shenzhen or Macau for training or kart racing. Without an international standard venue, the popularity and development of karting sport in Hong Kong is held back and hindered.

In this regard, the Project Proponent and HKKC propose to provide an outdoor karting track at Lung Kwu Tan which would satisfy the international standard for kart racing as well as safety standard. The proposed karting track is for sporting purposes and can only be used by members of the HKKC. The karting track will not be opened to the general public for recreational uses as a licence issue by the HKKC is required for driving the petrol karts, and no international racing events will be held at the proposed venue.

2.2 Justification for Choosing the Present Site

A site selection exercise for a permanent karting track was conducted by the HKKC prior to the EIA study. Five potential sites, including Sheung Shui, Tin Shiu Wai, Robin’s Nest, Sharp Island and Lung Kwu Tan, have been studied. The factors considered in the assessment included engineering feasibilities, potential environmental impacts to the adjacent sensitive receivers during construction and operational stages, and potential impacts to ecology.

Sheung Shui and Tin Shui Wai

Potential sites at Sheung Shui (near NENT Landfill) and Tin Shui Wan have been studied for the possibility of construction and operate a karting track. Preliminary study shows that both sites are in close proximity to scattered village houses or residential uses, which would potentially be affected by the construction and operation of the karting track in terms of air quality, noise and landscape impacts. These two potential sites are therefore not preferred.

Robin’s Nest

A potential site at Robin’s Nest has been studied. The site is located within the Closed Area for which any person access to these areas would need a Closed Area Permit issued by the Hong Kong Police Force. The poor accessibility of the site would affects the popularity of karting track and will also cause operational difficulties. The potential site in Robin’s Nest is therefore not preferred.

Sharp Island

The study area at Sharp Island is far away from residential areas and thus potential air and noise impact on sensitive receivers is not expected to be a concern. However, the hilly terrain of Sharp Island would require extensive site formation works, such as excavation, site levelling, slope-cutting and tree felling works before track paving could start. Large amount of public fill materials would be produced and required offsite disposal and local terrestrial ecology may be disturbed. The potential site in Sharp Island is therefore not preferred.

Lung Kwu Tan

The proposed karting track at Lung Kwu Tan is remote (>1000m) from existing and planned residential area. Potential impacts on air quality and noise are anticipated to be small. The site currently is a flatted wasteland and no further excavation or slope-cutting would be required for the construction of an outdoor karting track, and hence the associated air quality and noise impacts and waste arising would be minimal. No tree felling would be required and hence impact on ecology resources is not anticipated. The footprints of the karting track would also be screened by the existing vegetation and the natural topography, so the Project would only be visible from limited viewpoints and no visual intrusion would be imposed by the Project.

Based on the above assessment, it was concluded that the site in Lung Kwu Tan would have minimal impacts on the environment and with good accessibility. Thus, the potential site at Lung Kwu Tan was considered to be the preferred location for the development of an outdoor karting track.