1.                              INTRODUCTION

1.1                          Background

1.1.1.1              The Kwun Tong Line Extension (KTE), otherwise referred to as ‘the Project’, is the proposed extension of the existing Kwun Tong Line (KTL) from Yau Ma Tei (YMT) Station to a new Whampoa (WHA) Station with an interchange with the proposed Shatin to Central Link (SCL) at the proposed Ho Man Tin (HOM) Station.  It should be noted that, in this EIA report, all details in relation to the proposed SCL project are tentative only as it is subject to obtaining government and statutory approvals. The assessments related to the SCL project are based upon the best available information at the time of the submission of this EIA report.  SCL is under a separate EIA study and subject to the study requirements of a separate EIA study brief under the statutory processes of the EIAO.

1.1.1.2              The existing KTL was Hong Kong’s first mass transit line opened in 1979, initially running from Kwun Tong Station through to YMT Station before being extended to connect with the Eastern Harbour Crossing Link to Quarry Bay in 1985 and, more recently, the Tseung Kwan O (TKE) Extension in 2002. The current KTL runs from Tiu Keng Leng Station to YMT Station and is serviced by a depot at Kowloon Bay.

1.1.1.3              The MTR Corporation has completed feasibility studies for the proposed extension and submitted a proposal to Government in February 2004.  The proposed scheme was subsequently modified to incorporate improved interchange arrangements with the proposed SCL and a revised proposal was submitted to Government in July 2005.  Positive responses from the public, relevant stakeholders and the Government have been received for the KTE and Government has requested the MTR Corporation to proceed with further planning and implementation of the extension. The target completion date is 2015, subject to obtaining government and statutory approvals.

1.2                          The Assignment

1.2.1.1              Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited (MIEL) was commissioned by the MTR Corporation in August 2008 to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study, pursuant to Section 5(7)(a) of the EIA Ordinance (EIAO), for the proposed KTE which is planned for completion in 2015, and includes the major components of the project as described below.

1.2.1.2              The extension of the KTL (i.e. the KTE project) comprises a new railway extension, approximately 2.6km long, running from the end of the existing KTL twin overrun / refuge siding tunnels south of YMT Station to the end of the overrun / refuge siding beyond the new terminus station at Whampoa. An intermediate station (HOM Station) will also provide an interchange with the SCL which is a concurrent project.  A crossover is located immediately east of HOM Station with a turnback siding immediately beyond the crossover. This allows every second train to turnback through HOM Station to maintain the current peak headway of 128 seconds. At WHA Station a single refuge siding will be provided immediately beyond the end of the platform.

1.2.1.3              The existing terminus at YMT Station will revert to a through station serving the KTE. The interface will be mainly for cable reprovisioning at YMT Station refuge siding tunnels and only very minor modification works will be undertaken at YMT Station. These minor works are not considered to represent a significant / material change. The distance between centrelines of YMT Station and HOM Station platforms is approximately 1,750m and between HOM Station and WHA Station platforms is approximately 830m. As the spacing between YMT Station and HOM Station is greater than the normal established principle of a maximum of about 1km, a mid-point Emergency Access Point (EAP) and ventilation building is proposed.  The major components of the project will include the following:

·               Running tunnels from YMT Station (existing overrun tunnels) to HOM Station;

·               Running tunnels from HOM Station to WHA Station;

·               HOM Station with associated structures and provisions including station structures and provisions for interchange with the SCL;

·               WHA Station with associated structures and provisions; and

·               The EAP and ventilation structure at Club de Recreio. 

1.2.1.4              The existing maintenance depot at Kowloon Bay will provide all facilities for the extended line which will use existing MTR Corporation Urban Line rolling stock. There will be no changes to this existing depot.  A new traction substation will be located at HOM Station and will supply the additional station and traction power loads for the extension. In addition to the above major components nursery sites, works areas and work sites (including barging facilities and magazine site) and access roads will be required to facilitate the construction of the project. 

1.2.1.5              The KTE is a single project and as an extension of the MTR Corporation’s KTL it is a Designated Project under the EIAO falling into the following categories:

·               A railway and its associated stations (Item A.2 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the EIAO);

·               A railway tunnel more than 800m in length between portals (Item A.7 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the EIAO);

·               Underground rock caverns (Item Q.2 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the EIAO). (Referred to in this report as Station Platform);

·               Rock crushing equipment which is a facility for the treatment of construction waste (a) with a designed capacity of not less than 500 tonnes per day; and (b) a boundary of which is less than 200m from an existing or planned (i) residential area; (ii) place of worship; (iii) educational institution; or (iv) health care institution (Item G.5 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the EIAO); and

·               An explosives depot in a stand-alone, purpose built building (Item K.10, Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the EIAO). (Referred to in this report as an explosives storage magazine).  Given that this explosives storage magazine is a temporary structure it will need to be decommissioned. The decommissioning will itself be a designated project (under Item 11, Part II – Decommissioning Projects of Schedule 2 of the EIAO). The date of the decommissioning is uncertain at this stage but the decommissioning of the temporary explosives storage magazine will not be part of the KTE project.

1.2.1.6              An application for an EIA Study Brief was made to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) dated 24 April 2008 with an associated Project Profile (No. PP-352/2008). In accordance with Section 5/(7)(a) of the EIAO, an EIA Study Brief was issued (No. ESB-188/2008) for the undertaking of an EIA Study and preparation of an EIA Study Report.

1.2.1.7              Since the issue of the Study Brief, some changes to the project have been implemented following the consideration of alternative schemes and the assessment of the environmental and engineering pros and cons of each.  The details of the alternatives considered and the selection of the preferred scheme are provided in Section 2 under the heading Alternative Alignment Schemes.

1.3                          Purpose and Objectives of this EIA Study

1.3.1.1              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 associated mitigation and related activities that take place concurrently. This information will contribute to decisions on:

·               The overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences as a result of the Project and the associated activities of the Project;

·               The conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences; and

·               The acceptability of residual impacts after the proposed mitigation measures are implemented.

1.3.1.2              Specific objectives of the EIA Study are as follows:

·               To describe the Project, associated works and any phasing of development together with the requirements and environmental benefits for carrying out the Project;

·               To identify and describe the elements of the community and environment likely to be affected by the Project and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the Project, including both the natural and man-made environment and the associated environmental constraints;

·               To describe the constraints leading to and considerations given in selecting the proposed alignment, station locations, locations and size of work areas, underground work construction methods including considerations of the comparative benefit(s) and dis-benefit(s) of alternative alignments, station locations, work sites and underground/ tunnelling construction methods; to provide reasons for selecting the preferred option(s) for the above; and to describe the part environmental factors played in the whole selection process to include environmental benefits and dis-benefits;

·               To identify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

·               To identify and quantify waste management requirements and land contamination prevention requirements, and to propose measures to avoid in the first instance or mitigate these impacts;

·               To identify any negative impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to propose measures in the first instance to mitigate these;

·               To identify and quantify any potential landscape and visual impacts and to propose measures to avoid in the first instance or mitigate these impacts;

·               To propose the provision of mitigation measures so as to minimise pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the project;

·               To investigate the feasibility, practicality, effectiveness and implications of the proposed mitigation measures;

·               To identify, predict and evaluate the residual environmental impacts (i.e. after practical 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;

·               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 these environmental impacts and cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels;     

·               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

·               To design and specify the environmental monitoring and audit requirements to ensure the effective implementation of the recommended environmental protection and pollution control measures.

1.4                          Approach to the EIA Study

1.4.1                    Background

1.4.1.1              This study has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-188/2008) and the guidelines on assessment methodologies provided in Annexes 12-19 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). A general description of the approaches and methodologies adopted for the assessment are outlined below and more detailed descriptions are given in the relevant sections.

1.4.1.2              As required by the EIA Study Brief the documentation of key assessment assumptions, limitation of assessment methodologies and related prior agreement(s) with the Director of Environmental Protection are included in this EIA Report in Appendix 1.1.

1.4.2                    Baseline Conditions   

1.4.2.1              The relevant aspects of the existing environment have been identified and described to provide a baseline for the identification and prediction of potential impacts which are likely to arise from implementing the Project. Baseline environmental surveys were undertaken and relevant reports / documents have been reviewed (and information incorporated where appropriate) to determine the existing environmental conditions at the Project Site and all surrounding areas likely to be affected by the Project.

1.4.3                    Impact Prediction

1.4.3.1              The individual aspect assessments have been undertaken in accordance with the relevant guideline on assessment methodology from Annexes 12-19 of the EIAO-TM. Computer models have been used to quantitatively predict environmental impacts for air quality, air-borne construction and fixed plant noise and ground-borne construction and operation noise. The modelling predictions have been based on approved / recognised local and international methods and these are described in the relevant chapters of the report.

1.4.3.2              The methodologies used in the assessments have previously been applied in similar EIA studies in Hong Kong, such as the MTR Corporation West Island Line. These have generally been accepted for use in assessing environmental impacts and for the comparison of predicted results with the EIAO-TM standards. While there are some limitations in the methodologies, for example the accuracy of the predictive base data for future conditions such as weather conditions. Such uncertainties in the assessment of impacts have been considered during the formulation of assessment conclusions. These have been addressed by adoption of realistic but worst case assumptions to provide a conservative assessment of environmental impacts. Where worst case assumptions have been used this has been stated in the assessment methodologies. 

1.4.4                    Impact Evaluation      

1.4.4.1              The predicted changes and effects resulting from the proposed Project have been evaluated in accordance with the criteria given in Annexes 4-10 of the EIAO-TM. Wherever practicable and appropriate quantitative assessments have been undertaken.

1.4.5                    Impact Mitigation

1.4.5.1              Mitigation measures have been identified and evaluated to avoid the impacts in the first instance. Thereafter the mitigation has sought to control, reduce and minimise or remedy the impacts. The effectiveness of the proposed mitigation has been assessed and any residual environmental impacts have been identified and considered for their acceptability.

1.4.5.2              An implementation schedule for the mitigation measures has been prepared (see Section 16), which for each mitigation measure, identifies when and where it is required, the parties responsible for its implementation and where necessary, for its maintenance.

1.5                          EIA Study Scope

1.5.1.1              The environmental issues covered in this EIA Study and their assessment areas, as specified in the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-188/2008), are presented below:

·               Construction stage air quality impact – the assessment area extends to 500m from the Project boundary and all works areas proposed by the Project;

·               Air-borne and ground-borne noise impact – the assessment area extends to 300m from the Project boundary and all works areas proposed for the Project;

·               Water quality impact – the assessment area extends to 300m from the Project boundary and all works areas proposed for the Project, it includes the Victoria Harbour Water Control Zone (WCZ) as stipulated under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance;

·               Waste management implications;

·               Land contamination assessment;

·               Landscape and visual impact – landscape assessment areas extend to 100m from the Project boundary and all works areas proposed for the Project and the visual impact assessment areas are defined by the visual envelope of the project;

·               Cultural heritage impact – the assessment area extends to 300m from the Project boundary and all works areas proposed for the Project;

·               Hazard to life issues – the construction of the project will require drill and blast tunnel construction techniques which will utilise explosives and these will be stored (including overnight) in a purpose designed and built temporary explosives storage magazine; and

·               Environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) requirements if necessary for the Project.

1.5.1.2              The Project has no operational phase air quality impacts nor any impacts on fisheries and therefore these aspect have not been assessed in this EIA Study.

1.5.1.3              The temporary explosives storage magazine site is on reclaimed land and, as such there are no significant ecological resources at the site and there will be no marine works required for its establishment. No ecological impacts are anticipated and therefore this aspect has not been assessed in this EIA Study.

1.6                          Structure of this Report

1.6.1.1              This EIA Study Report comprises of 16 sections including this Introductory Section. The other sections are outlined below:

·               Section 2 Alternative Alignment Schemes – provides a description of the alternative alignment schemes and the factors considered in selecting the preferred alignment, station locations and construction methods. It also summarises the Project’s anticipated environmental benefits, its Public Consultation programme and the further design modifications to the preferred Project Scheme;

·               Section 3 Project Description – provides a detailed description of the preferred Project Scheme (including the latest modifications) which is the subject of the environmental assessments detailed in this EIA Study Report;

·               Section 4 Cultural Heritage Assessment – identifies and assesses the potential impacts on cultural heritage arising during the construction and operation of the Project;

·               Section 5 Landscape and Visual Assessment – identifies and assesses the potential temporary and permanent landscape and visual impacts arising during the construction and operation of the Project;

·               Section 6 Air Quality – identifies and assesses the potential air quality impacts arising during the construction and operation of the Project;

·               Section 7 Air-Borne Noise – identifies potential air-borne noise impacts arising during the construction and operation of the Project;

·               Section 8 Ground-Borne Noise – identifies and assesses the potential ground-borne noise impacts arising during the construction and operation of the Project;

·               Section 9 Water Quality Assessment – identifies and assesses the potential water quality impacts arising during the construction and operation of the Project;

·               Section 10 Waste Management – identifies and assesses the potential impacts associated with waste generation during the construction and operation of the Project and describes measures for handling and storage of waste materials;

·               Section 11 Land Contamination – identifies and assesses issues arising from areas of potential land contamination;

·               Section 12 Hazard to Life – identifies and assesses the potential hazard to life implications of the use and storage of explosives during the Project;

·               Section 13 Environmental Management and Audit – presents the EM&A requirements for the Project;

·               Section 14 Summary of Environmental Outcomes – presents the summary of environmental outcomes;

·               Section 15 Conclusions – presents the overall conclusion for the EIA Study Report; and

·               Section 16 Implementation Schedule – provides information on the implementation of the mitigation measures.