TABLE OF CONTENT

VOLUME 1

 


1.         INTRODUCTION

Project Background

Objectives of the EIA Study

Report Structure

 

2.         PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Brief Description

Benefits of the Project

Scope of the Project

Consideration of Alternatives 

Construction Methodologies

Construction Programme

Continuous Public Involvement

 

3.         ECOLOGICAL IMPACT

Introduction

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Assessment Methodology

Baseline Conditions

Ecological Importance

Identification of Environmental Impact

Evaluation of Ecological Impacts

Mitigation of Adverse Environmental Impacts

Evaluation of Residual Impacts

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

Conclusion

Reference

 

4.         FISHERIES IMPACT

Introduction

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Description of the Environment and Baseline Conditions

Identification and Evaluation of Fisheries Impacts

Mitigation Measures of Adverse Fisheries Impacts1

Environmental Monitoring and Audit4

Conclusion

Reference

 

5.         AIRBORNE NOISE IMPACT

Introduction

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Description of the Environment

Noise Sensitive Receivers

Background Noise Measurement

Potential Sources of Impact

Assessment Methodology

Airborne Noise Impact Assessment

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Evaluation of Residual Impacts

Cumulative Impact

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

Conclusion

 

6.         GROUND-BORNE NOISE IMPACT

Introduction

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Identification of Ground-borne Noise Sensitive Receivers

Potential Sources of Impact

Ground-borne Noise Prediction Methodology

Ground-borne Noise Impact Assessment

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

Conclusion

7.         LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Introduction

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Assessment Methodology

Scope and Content of the Study

Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

Baseline Study

Landscape Impact Assessment           

Recommended Mitigation Measures  

Visual Impact Assessment

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Conclusion

 

8.         CULTURAL HERITAGE IMPACT

Introduction

Environmental Legislation and Standards

Assessment Methodology

Existing Conditions     

Identification of Potential Impacts

Evaluation of Potential Impacts

Mitigation Measures

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

Conclusion

Reference

 

9.         LAND CONTAMINATION

Introduction

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Assessment Methodology

Description of the Environment

Identification of Potential Environmental Impacts

Prediction and Evaluation of Environmental Impacts

Conclusion

10.        WASTE MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

Introduction

Environmental Legislation

Environmental Guidelines

Assessment Approach and Methodology

Identification of Waste Sources

Evaluation of Waste Impacts for Construction Phase  

Evaluation of Environmental Impacts for Operation Phase

Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

Impacts Caused by Handling, Collection and Disposal of Waste

Evaluation of Residual Impacts          

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

Conclusion

 

11.        WATER QUALITY IMPACT

Introduction    

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Description of the Environment and Baseline Conditions

Identification of Water Sensitive Receivers

Identification of Potential Impacts

Assessment Approach and Methodology

Cumulative Impacts from Concurrent Projects

Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts 

Recommended Water Quality Mitigation Measures    

Evaluation of Residual Impacts          

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements   

Conclusions

 

12.        AIR QUALITY IMPACT 

Introduction

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Description of the Environment

Air Sensitive Receivers

Potential Sources of Impact

Assessment Methodology

Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts

Recommended Air Quality Mitigation Measures

Evaluation of Residual Impacts

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

Conclusion

13.        HAZARD TO LIFE

Introduction

Legislation requirement and evaluation criteria

Study Objectives and Methodology

Facility Details

Population Data

Hazard Identification

Frequency analysis

Consequence analysis

Risk Summation

Conclusions

Recommendations

References

14.        LANDFILL GAS HAZARD

Introduction

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

Assessment Criteria and Methodology

Assessment of Potential Risk  

Recommendations

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

Conclusion

15.        IMPACTS ON THE RESTORED NGAU TAM MEI LANDFILL

Introduction

Ngau Tam Mei Landfill History

Tunnel Configuration and Construction Method

Identification of Impacts

Assessment Methodology and Criteria

Evaluation of Impacts

Mitigation of Potential Impacts

Conclusions and Recommendations

References

 

16.        ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND AUDIT

Introduction

Ecological Impact

Fisheries Impact

Airborne Noise Impact

Ground-borne Noise Impact

Landscape and Visual Impact

Cultural Heritage Impact

Land Contamination

Waste Management Implications

Water Quality Impact

Air Quality Impact

Hazard to Life

Landfill Gas Hazard

Impact on Restored Ngau Tam Mei Landfill

 

17.        CONCLUSION  

 

18.        IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES

 

 

 

 

List of Tables

 

Table 2.1           Summary of Alignment  

Table 2.2           Criteria for Option Development

Table 2.3           Alignment Options

Table 2.4           Evaluation of Alignment Options in Preliminary Design Study

Table 2.5           WKT Design Scheme Options

Table 2.6           Generic Type of Ventilation Buildings

Table 2.7           Design Criteria for Ventilation Building

Table 2.8           Summary of Proposed Ventilation Buildings/EAPs

Table 2.9           Benefits and Dis-benefits of Construction methods

Table 2.10         Preferred Construction methods 

Table 2.11         Locations of Construction Shafts and Adits

Table 2.12         Proposed New Barging Points

Table 2.13         Tentative Civil Construction Works Schedule of Key Elements

Table 2.14         Major Concurrent Projects

Table 2.15         Major Environmental Concerns/Views

Table 3.1           Summary of Key Construction Elements along the Project Alignment

Table 3.2           Ecological Survey Programme

Table 3.3           Summary of the Zonings and Areas of Conservation Interest within the Study Area

Table 3.4           Size and Composition of the Habitat Types within the Study Area in the Northern Section

Table 3.5           Avifaunal Species Recorded from the Mai Po Area

Table 3.6           Dragonfly Species Recorded from the Mai Po Area

Table 3.7           Butterfly Species Recorded from the Mai Po Area

Table 3.8           Mammalian Species Recorded from the Mai Po Area

Table 3.9           Herpetofaunal Species Recorded from the Mai Po Area

Table 3.10         Freshwater Community Recorded from the Mai Po Area

Table 3.11         Avifaunal Species Recorded from the Shek Kong and Kam Tin Area

Table 3.12         Dragonfly Species Recorded from the Shek Kong and Kam Tin Area

Table 3.13         Butterfly Species Recorded from the Shek Kong and Kam Tin Area

Table 3.14         Mammalian Species Recorded from the Shek Kong and Kam Tin Area

Table 3.15         Herpetofaunal Species Recorded from the Shek Kong and Kam Tin Area

Table 3.16         Freshwater Community Recorded from the Shek Kong and Kam Tin Area

Table 3.17         Avifaunal Species Recorded from the Ngau Tam Mei and Tai Tong Area

Table 3.18         Dragonfly Species Recorded from the Ngau Tam Mei and Tai Tong Area

Table 3.19         Butterfly Species Recorded from the Ngau Tam Mei and Tai Tong Area

Table 3.20         Mammalian Species Previously Recorded from the Ngau Tam Mei and Tai Tong Area

Table 3.21         Herpetofaunal Species Recorded from the Ngau Tam Mei and Tai Tong Area

Table 3.22         Freshwater Species Recorded from the Ngau Tam Mei and Tai Tong Area

Table 3.23         Faunal Species of Conservation Interest Previously Recorded within the Study Area of SMV

Table 3.24         Ecological Evaluation of Active Agriculture Habitat

Table 3.25         Ecological Evaluation of Inactive Agriculture Habitat

Table 3.26         Ecological Evaluation of Fishpond Habitat

Table 3.27         Ecological Evaluation of Reedbed / Freshwater Marsh Habitat

Table 3.28         Ecological Evaluation of Created Wetland Habitat

Table 3.29         Ecological Evaluation of Watercourse Habitat

Table 3.30         Ecological Evaluation of Drainage Channel Habitat

Table 3.31         Ecological Evaluation of Grassland Habitat

Table 3.32         Ecological Evaluation of Seasonally Wet Grassland / Wet Grassland Habitat

Table 3.33         Ecological Evaluation of Secondary Woodland Habitat

Table 3.34         Ecological Evaluation of Shrubland Habitat

Table 3.35         Ecological Evaluation of Plantation Habitat

Table 3.36         Ecological Evaluation of Developed Area / Wasteground Habitat

Table 3.37         Ecological Evaluation of Urbanized and Developed Habitat at Southern Section

Table 3.38         Estimated Habitat Loss within the Project Scheme Boundary

Table 3.39         Potential Direct Ecological Impacts to Watercourse Habitat

Table 3.40         Potential Direct Ecological Impacts to Drainage Channel Habitat

Table 3.41         Potential Direct Ecological Impacts to Active Agriculture Habitat

Table 3.42         Potential Direct Ecological Impacts to Inactive Agriculture Habitat

Table 3.43         Potential Direct Ecological Impacts to Grassland Habitat

Table 3.44         Potential Direct Ecological Impacts to Shrubland Habitat

Table 3.45         Potential Direct Ecological Impacts to Plantation Habitat in the Northern Section

Table 3.46         Potential Ecological Impacts to Faunal Species of Conservation Interest in Project Area

Table 3.47         Potential Indirect Ecological Impacts to Watercourse and Drainage Channel Habitat in Project Area

Table 3.48         Preferred Tunnel Construction Methods to be Applied in the Project Alignment

Table 3.49         Relevant Concurrent Major Projects in the Vicinity of the Project Area in the Northern Section

Table 3.50         Ecological Considerations in Site Selection

Table 4.1           Fishpond Area and Annual Fish Production in Hong Kong from 1998 to 2008

Table 4.2           Condition and Area of Fishponds recorded within the Study Area   

Table 4.3           Key Works Elements and the Construction Methods to be Applied in the Mai Po Area

Table 4.4           Evaluation of Fisheries Impact to Active and Inactive Fishponds within Study Area of the MPV

Table 4.5           Evaluation of Fisheries Impact to Other Active and Inactive Fishponds within the Study Area of other Works Sites

Table 4.6           Precautionary Measures to Potential Hydrological Impacts from Bore Tunnelling and Shaft Construction in Mai Po

Table 5.1           Construction Noise Criteria for Activity other than Percussive Piling

Table 5.2           Construction Noise Criteria for SPME

Table 5.3           Acceptable Noise Level for Airborne Railway Noise

Table 5.4           Baseline Environmental Condition

Table 5.5           Representative Noise Sensitive Receivers for Airborne Construction Noise Assessment

Table 5.6           Representative Noise Sensitive Receivers for Operational Fixed Plant Assessment

Table 5.7           Representative Noise Sensitive Receivers for Airborne Railway Noise Assessment

Table 5.8           Background Noise Measurement Results

Table 5.9           Locations of Construction Shafts

Table 5.10         Plant Schedule for SSS

Table 5.11         Identified Fixed Plant Noise Sources

Table 5.12         Assumptions for Airborne Railway Noise Assessment

Table 5.13         Subsources of High Speed Train

Table 5.14         Worst Case Launchings and Arrivals in SSS

Table 5.15         Operation Scenarios

Table 5.16         Unmitigated Construction Noise Levels

Table 5.17         Unmitigated Airborne Railway Noise Levels from ERS and SSS

Table 5.18         Predicted Noise Levels from Train movement/operation at SSS

Table 5.19         Calculation of Maximum Sound Power Level from Maintenance shed

Table 5.20         Unmitigated Noise Levels from Maintenance Trains Movement During Night-time Period

Table 5.21         Maximum Sound Power Levels of Ventilation Buildings

Table 5.22         Quiet PME Recommended for Adoption during Construction Phase

Table 5.23         Noise Mitigation Measures for Certain PME during Construction Phase

Table 5.24         Summary of Mitigated Construction Noise Levels 

Table 5.25         Mitigated Airborne Railway Noise Levels from ERS and SSS

Table 5.26         Mitigated Noise Levels from Train Movement/Operation at SSS

Table 5.27         Mitigated Noise Levels from Maintenance Train Movement During Night-time Period

Table 5.28         Predicted Residual Impacts Due to the Project

Table 5.29         Summary of Additional Noise Sensitive Receivers

Table 5.30         Summary of Cumulative Construction Noise Levels in MPV

Table 5.31         Summary of Further Mitigated Cumulative Construction Noise Levels

Table 5.32         Summary of Cumulative Construction Noise Levels in WKT

Table 5.33         Predicted Cumulative Operational Noise Levels

Table 6.1           Ground-borne Construction Noise Criteria

Table 6.2           Operational Ground-borne Railway Noise Criteria

Table 6.3           Identified GBNSRs for Assessment of Ground-borne Construction Noise Impacts due to TBM operation

Table 6.4           Identified GBNSRs for Assessment of Ground-borne Construction Noise Impacts due to the Construction of Adits

Table 6.5           Operation Phase Ground-borne Railway Noise Sensitive Receivers

Table 6.6           LSR Values used for Assessment

Table 6.7           Reference Source Levels

Table 6.8           Wave Propagation Properties of Soil

Table 6.9           Chainages where TBM Operation will occur

Table 6.10         Predicted Ground-borne Construction Noise levels due to TBM Operation

Table 6.11         Locations at which TBM Ground-borne Noise Levels would Exceed the Daytime Noise Limit

Table 6.12         Predicted PME Ground-borne Noise Levels during Construction

Table 6.13         Assumed Train Movements

Table 6.14         Locations of Turnouts

Table 6.15         Predicted Ground-borne Railway Noise Levels

Table 6.16         Approximate Chainages where Low Noise Trackform to be provided

Table 6.17         Predicted Ground-borne Noise Levels with the Provision of IST

Table 7.1           Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

Table 7.2           Summary of Aboveground Facilities

Table 7.3           Summary of Aboveground Facilities at WKT

Table 7.4           Summary of WKT Options Selection

Table 7.5           Details list of OZPs and Zoning of the Project

Table 7.6           List of Zone of Visual influence in Different Area

Table 7.7           Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and their Sensitivity to Change

Table 7.8           Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and their Magnitude of Impacts

Table 7.9           Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Proposed Works during Construction and Operation Phase

Table 7.10         Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

Table 7.11         Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

Table 7.12         Significance of Landscape Impacts in the Construction and Operation Phases

Table 7.13         Significance of Visual Impacts in the Construction and Operation Phases

Table 8.1           Findings from Field Walk

Table 8.2           Summary of Hand Auger Findings

Table 8.3           Summary of Test Pits Findings

Table 8.4           Location of Sonar Contact Points and Diver Survey Results

Table 8.5           Potential Impact on Built Heritage Sites during Construction Phase

Table 8.6           Potential Impact on Built Heritage Sites during Operation Phase

Table 9.1           Ventilation Building Sites/ Emergency Access Point (EAP)

Table 9.2           Supporting Works Area

Table 9.3           Potential Contaminated Sites Identified in this Project

Table 9.4           Areas Infeasible for Site inspection and Further Investigations

Table 9.5           Summary of SI findings

Table 9.6           Location, Depth and Estimated Quantity of Contaminated Soil Found

Table 9.7           Factors for Remediation Considerations

Table 9.8           Summary of Areas for Site Appraisal and Investigation in Stage 2

Table 10.1         Identification of Waste Types and Sources in Construction and Operation Phases of the Project

Table 10.2         Summary on Quantity of C&D Materials Generated Annually

Table 10.3         Quantity of Fill Materials Supplied by the Project and Required by HZMB

Table 10.4         Summary on Approximate Quantity of C&D Materials Generated, Reused and Disposed of

Table 10.5         Summary of Annual Disposal Quantity and Quality of C&D Materials

Table 10.6         Summary of the Disposal Routes of the Works Areas

Table 10.7         Summary of Materials Disposed of and Ramps Used in the Works Areas

Table 10.8         Summary of Handling Rate and Frequency of Barge Movements

Table 10.9         Summary of Chemical Screening Results

Table 10.10       Estimated Quantity of Different Types of Sediment to be Excavated and Handled in Tunnel Alignment Section from Chainage 140+380 to 140+900 and Cut-and-Cover Works Areas for Hoi Ting Road Construction Shaft, Mong Kok West Ventilation Building and West Kowloon Terminus

Table 10.11       Estimated Quantity of Different Types of Sediment to be Excavated and Handled in Cut-and-Cover Works Areas for Nam Cheong Ventilation Building and Nam Cheong Works Area

Table 10.12       Estimated Quantity of Different Types of Sediment to be Excavated and Handled at Stream in Shek Kong and Cut-and-Cover Work Area for Tai Kong Po Emergency Access Point

Table 10.13       Estimated Quantity of Different Types of Sediment to be Excavated and Handled in Cut-and-Cover Works Area for Mai Po Ventilation Building

Table 10.14       Estimated Quantity of Different Types of Sediment to be Dredged and Handled at Dredging Area in Lung Kwu Sheung Tan

Table 10.15       Summary of Waste Disposal for Operation Phase

Table 10.16       Summary of Waste Generation and Recommended Disposal Methods for Construction and Demolition Works

Table 11.1         Summary of Water Quality Objectives for Victoria Harbour WCZ

Table 11.2         Summary of Water Quality Objectives for Western Buffer WCZ

Table 11.3         Summary of Water Quality Objectives for North Western WCZ

Table 11.4         Summary of Water Quality Objectives for Deep Bay WCZ

Table 11.5         WSD Standards at Flushing Water Intakes

Table 11.6         Baseline Marine Water Quality Condition for Victoria Harbour WCZ

Table 11.7         Baseline Marine Water Quality Condition for Western Buffer WCZ

Table 11.8         Baseline Marine Water Quality Condition for North Western WCZ  

Table 11.9         Baseline Marine Water Quality Condition for Western Buffer and Deep Bay WCZ

Table 11.10       Baseline Marine Sediment Quality Condition

Table 11.11       Baseline River Water Quality Condition for Kam Tin River

Table 11.12       Summary of Parameters for Thermal Plume Model (Delft3D-FLOW)

Table 11.13       Estimated Discharge Rates

Table 11.14       Estimated Diurnal Flow Pattern

Table 11.15       Summary of Parameters for Modelling of Residual Chorine (Delft3D-PART)

Table 11.16       Approximately Distance of Other Cooling Water Intakes and Outfalls from Proposed WKT Outfall

Table 11.16a Ambient and Tolerance Values for Suspended Solids Concentrations in the Vicinity of Sensitive Receivers

Table 11.16b      Calculated Suspended Sediment Concentrations for the Near Shore Dredging Region (with Deployment of Silt Curtain)

Table 11.17       Temperature Elevations at Cooling Water Intakes

Table 11.18       Approximate Dimension of Mixing Zones of Thermal from the Proposed Seawater Cooling System   

Table 12.1         Hong Kong Air Quality Objectives

Table 12.2         PTI Air Quality Guideline

Table 12.3         Baseline Environmental Condition

Table 12.4         EPD Air Quality Monitoring Data in 2007

Table 12.5         Representative Air Sensitive Receivers

Table 12.6         Tunnel Construction using Cut and Cover Method

Table 12.7         Locations of Construction Shafts and Adits

Table 12.8         Interfacing Project

Table 12.9         Concrete Batching Plant – Dust Emission Design Control Measures

Table 12.10       Cut & Cover Area and Stockpiles – Dust Emission Design Control Measures

Table 12.11       Barging Facilities – Dust Emission Design Control Measures

Table 12.12       Emission Factors for Dusty Construction Activities at West Kowloon Works Area

Table 12.13       Emission Factors for Dusty Construction Activities at Nam Cheong Works Area

Table 12.14       Emission Factors for Dusty Construction Activities at Shek Kong Works Area

Table 12.15       Predicted Cumulative Maximum Hourly Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (West Kowloon Works Area)

Table 12.16       Predicted Cumulative Maximum 24-Hour Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (West Kowloon Works Area)

Table 12.17       Predicted Contribution to Annual Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (West Kowloon Works Area) from the Project

Table 12.18       Predicted Cumulative Maximum Hourly Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (Nam Cheong Works Area)

Table 12.19       Predicted Cumulative Maximum 24-Hour Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (Nam Cheong Works Area)

Table 12.20       Predicted Contribution to Annual Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (Nam Cheong Works Area) from the Project

Table 12.21       Predicted Cumulative Maximum Hourly Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (Shek Kong Works Area)

Table 12.22       Predicted Cumulative Maximum 24-Hour Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (Shek Kong Works Area)

Table 12.23       Predicted Contribution to Annual Average TSP Concentrations at Representative Air Sensitive Receivers (Shek Kong Works Area) from the Project

Table 13.1         Project Contracts and Work Areas (Blasting only)

Table 13.2         Summary of Explosives Deliveries and Transport Quantities (for Base Case)

Table 13.3         Summary of Explosives Deliveries and Transport Quantities (Worst Case)

Table 13.4         Scenarios Considered in the QRA study

Table 13.5         Potential Loss of Life for Base Case

Table 13.6         Potential Loss of Life for Worst Case      

Table 13.7         Potential Loss of Life for Worst Case, Option 1 and Option 2        

Table 13.8         ALARP Assessment Results     

Table 14.1         Classification of Risk Category   

Table 14.2         Summary of General Categorisations of Risk       

Table 14.3         Landfill Gas Monitoring Results in NTML (October 2006 to September 2008)          

Table 14.4         Groundwater Quality Monitoring Results in NTML (October 2006 to July 2008)        

Table 14.5         Landfill Gas Monitoring Results in GDBL (October 2006 to September 2008)          

Table 14.6         Groundwater Quality Monitoring Results in GDBL (December 2006 to September 2008)      

Table 14.7         Landfill Gas Monitoring Results in SLSL (October 2006 to September 2008)           

Table 14.8         Groundwater Quality Monitoring Results in SLSL (October 2006 to October 2008)

Table 14.9         Groundwater Level in NTML (August 2003 to August 2008)

Table 14.10       Groundwater Level in GDBL (December 2006 to September 2008)

Table 14.11       Groundwater Level in SLSL (November 2006 to November 2008)

Table 14.12       Qualitative Assessment of Landfill Gas Hazard Associated with the Project

Table 14.13       Actions in the Event of Gas Being Detected

Table 15.1         Summary of the Impact of Only Settlement Resulting from Tunnel Formation

Table 17.1         Summary of Key Environmental Outcomes / Benefits

Table 18.1         Project Implementation Schedule