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15.1.1
An EIA Report has been prepared for the partial
development of Fanling Golf Course Site in accordance with the requirements
given in the EIA Study Brief (ESB-318/2019) and the EIAO-TM. Environmental
assessment of the potential environmental impacts associated with the
construction and operation of the Project has been conducted. Environmental
issues covered in the EIA include:
·
Air quality impact;
·
Noise impact;
·
Water quality impact;
·
Sewerage and sewage treatment implications;
·
Waste management implications;
·
Land contamination;
·
Ecology impact;
·
Fisheries impact
·
Landscape and visual impacts; and
·
Impact of Cultural heritage.
15.1.2
This section summarizes the assessment
results of each technical aspect and concludes the acceptability of the overall
environmental performance of the Project.
15.1.3
The key assessment assumptions, limitation
of assessment methodologies and all related prior agreements with EPD on
assessment of different environmental aspects are given in Appendix 15.1.
15.1.4
A summary of environmental impacts
identified in this EIA is provided in Appendix 15.2 and the conclusions of technical chapters are described in the
following sections.
15.2
Air Quality Impact
15.2.1
Potential air quality impacts from the
construction works of the Project would mainly be related to construction dust
from excavation, materials handling, spoil disposal and wind erosion.
Quantitative fugitive dust assessments have been conducted including the
cumulative impact caused by nearby concurrent construction works within the
assessment area. With the implementation of mitigation measures as stipulated
in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust)
Regulation, dust suppression such as hourly watering at the active works
areas, exposed areas and unpaved haul roads, erection of 3m hoarding along site
boundary and good site practices, and environmental monitoring and audit
(EM&A) programme, the predicted Total Suspended Solid (TSP), Respiratory
Suspended Solid (PM10) and Fine Suspended Solid (PM2.5)
at representative Air Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) would comply with the criteria
stipulated in the Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) and EIAO-TM.
Operation Phase Impact
15.2.2
Quantitative assessment has been conducted
taking into account the key existing and planned/committed air pollution sources
during operation phase including the vehicular emissions from open sections of existing
roads, existing and proposed Public Transport Interchanges (PTIs), proposed
carpark and proposed road/junction improvements within the assessment area. Key
representative air pollutants include Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), PM10
and PM2.5. The assessment results concluded that the predicted
cumulative air quality impacts with full population intake on all ASRs would
comply with the AQOs. Therefore, no adverse residual air quality impact during
operation phase is anticipated.
15.3
Noise Impact
Construction Noise Impact
15.3.1
Construction noise associated with the use
of PME for different stages of construction has been conducted. With the
implementation of quieter construction method and practical
mitigation measures including good site management practices, use
of QPME, use of movable noise barrier, and noise enclosure, construction
noise impacts at all of the neighbouring residential noise sensitive
uses and educational institutions during normal school period would
be controlled to acceptable levels. Minimum separation distance between
schools and critical works area during school examination period have been
recommended to mitigate potential adverse construction noise impact during
examination period. With the recommended mitigation measures in place,
construction noise impacts on all representative NSRs would comply with the
relevant criteria. In case of any construction activities during
restricted hours, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure compliance
with the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) and the relevant TMs. The
Contractor will be required to submit a construction noise permit (CNP)
application to the Noise Control Authority and abide by any conditions stated
in the CNP, should one be issued. It should be noted that description made in
this report does not guarantee that a CNP will be granted for the project
construction. The Noise Control Authority would take into account the
contemporary conditions of adjoining land uses and other considerations when
processing the CNP application based on the NCO and relevant TM issued under
the NCO. The findings in the report shall not bind the Noise Control Authority
in making the decision.
Road Traffic Noise Impact
15.3.2
Operation road traffic noise impact on the
representative existing and planned noise sensitive uses within and near the
PDA and the road modification works have been predicted. To mitigate
the road traffic noise impact on the existing and planned NSRs within and near
the PDA and near the road modification works, a combination of noise mitigation
measures have been recommended, including i) application of low noise
road surfacing material along some sections of Project roads (e.g. Po Kin Road
and Ping Kong Road) and other roads, ii) provision of
acoustic window (baffle type) at planned residential blocks, iii) provision of
Class Assessment Approach at the proposed school, iv) restriction on locating
the more noise sensitive welfare uses at façade facing Ping Kong Road. With
the implementation of mitigation measures, the predicted traffic noise levels
of the existing NSRs and planned NSRs would comply with the relevant noise
criteria. Residual impact on representative existing and planned NSRs is not
expected.
Fixed Noise Source Impact
15.3.3
Fixed noise source impact assessment has
been conducted for all existing and planned fixed noise sources. Noise impact
from planned fixed noise source under this Project (i.e. ventilation fans for
the proposed PTI) could be effectively mitigated by implementing noise
mitigation measure at source. With the adoption of the proposed maximum
allowable SWL, the predicted noise level at the representative NSRs would
comply with the relevant noise criteria for both existing and planned fixed
noise sources.
15.3.4
The PTI will be enclosed and designed to
avoid direct line-of-sight to the NSRs. Canopy at the ingress and egress will
also be provided. Therefore, adverse fixed noise sources impact on the NSRs is
not anticipated. The design of the PTI and the proposed maximum allowable SWLs
of the ventilation fans shall be reviewed with the final design during the
detailed design stage.
Aircraft Noise Impact
15.3.5
Aircraft noise impact on planned sensitive
uses within Sub-area 1 of PDA have been reviewed. The NEF 25 Contour have taken
into account various parameters including all flight path(s) to be in use under
3RS operation. All departure flight path(s) to be in use under the 3RS
operations and near to the development site(s) have been assessed. As confirmed
by AAHK, the NEF 25 Contour is up-to-date. The Project area is located at over
15km from the NEF 25 Contour of the HKIA under the 3RS operation. Adverse aircraft
noise impact due to 3RS operation is not anticipated.
15.3.6
The aircraft noise impact from the operation
of Shek Kong Airfield have been reviewed. The separation between the PDA and
the Shek Kong Airfield is approximately 5.3 km. In view of the large separation
between PDA and Shek Kong Airfield, adverse aircraft noise impact due to
operation of Shek Kong Airfield is not anticipated. According to the latest
information, the approach and departure operation of aircrafts would maintain
sufficient separation distance from the PDA. Therefore, no adverse aircraft
noise impact is anticipated in PDA.
Helicopter Noise Impact
15.3.7
Helicopter noise impact on planned sensitive
uses within Sub-area 1 of PDA have been reviewed. According to the latest
information, the flight path of helicopters would maintain sufficient
separation distance from noise sensitive receivers in Sub-area 1 of PDA.
Therefore, no adverse helicopter noise impact is anticipated in PDA.
Construction Phase
15.4.1
Minimization of water quality deterioration
could be achieved through implementing the appropriate mitigation measures.
Regular site inspections should be undertaken routinely to inspect the
construction activities and works areas in order to ensure the recommended
mitigation measures are properly implemented.
Operation Phase
15.4.2
The key potential source of impact on water
quality during the operation phase of the Project would include the road
run-off, storm run-off from building, sewage and wastewater effluents and usage of agrochemicals. Mitigation
measures with adequate maintenance are recommended to remove grits and grease
from the runoff during operation. All sewage and wastewater generated from
these facilities would be properly collected and diverted to public sewer. In addition, a management plan stating the
details of application of agrochemicals including the type, dosage, frequency,
application instructions shall be prepared. No adverse operation phase impact is anticipated.
15.4.3
There would be no residual water quality
impact during both construction and operation phases of the Project.
15.5
Sewage and Sewerage Treatment Implications
15.5.1
The proposed sewerage will collect sewage
from the public housing site and convey to the downstream sewerage system.
During construction phase, substantial impact on the existing sewerage system
arising from the Project is not anticipated.
15.5.2
New public sewerage system is proposed in
the PDA to collect the sewage generated from the proposed development in the
PDA to Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works (SWHSTW). Based on the findings of
the sewerage and sewage treatment impact assessment, EPD advised that SWHSTW
has adequate treatment capacity to cater for the sewage flow generated from the
proposed housing development upon upgrading works.
Construction Phase
15.6.1
The main waste types to be generated during
the construction phase of the Project would include inert and non-inert construction
and demolition (C&D) materials, chemical waste, asbestos-containing
materials (ACMs) and general refuse. Reduction measures have been recommended
to minimise the amount of materials generated by the Project by reusing C&D
materials as far as practicable before off-site disposal.
15.6.2
An estimated total of 950,000 m3 of C&D
materials are expected to be generated, of which 620,000 m3 are
inert C&D materials and 330,000 m3 are non-inert C&D
materials. Out of the non-inert C&D materials (clean soil) 56,000 m3
is expected to be reused on-site. 50,000 m3 of inert C&D
materials are expected to reuse on-site and 570,000 m3 is estimated
to be disposed of at the Public Fill Reception Facility (Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill
Bank), whereas 66,000 m3 of non-inert C&D materials shall be
recycled prior to off-site disposal and 208,000 m3 of non-inert
C&D materials shall be disposed of at designated landfill (NENT).
15.6.3
A C&DMMP is required as the estimated quantity of C&D
materials to be generated is over 50,000 m3, and according
to Section 4.1.3 of the PAH, the proposed Project is not classified as
“designated” projects under Schedule 2 of the EIAO but is generating surplus
C&D materials in excess of 300,000 m3 – the C&DMMP shall be
submitted to PFC in principal approval prior to commencement of the detailed
design stage. The C&DMMP should be vetted and endorsed by the departmental
Vetting Committee before submitting it to PFC for approval. As such, the
C&DMMP shall be available in a later stage.
15.6.4
During construction phase, chemical waste generated shall be
collected by a licenced chemical waste collector and to be disposed of at a
licenced chemical waste treatment and disposal facility – the Chemical Waste
Treatment Centre (CWTC). The chemical waste shall be handled
in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and
Storage of Chemical Waste published by the EPD.
15.6.5
All asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), if confirmed to be
present within the existing premises, must be removed in accordance with the
Air Pollution Control Ordinance and prior to the demolition work. The amount of
asbestos wastes generated shall be confirmed upon results from the Asbestos
Investigation Report. The removal and disposal of asbestos wastes are to be
conducted by a licensed waste collector in compliance with the Waste Disposal Ordinance.
15.6.6
Construction waste is suggested to be
on-site recycled and reused as much as possible. Various waste management
measures and good site practices also provided to reduce the volume of waste.
Provided that the waste is managed by implementing all the recommended
measures, no unacceptable adverse environmental impacts arising from the
handling, storage, transportation or disposal of the waste generated by the
Project would be envisaged.
Operation Phase
15.6.7
The main types of waste to be generated
during the operation phase of the Project would consist of general refuse, clinical
and chemical wastes.
15.6.8
The estimated volume of waste generation in
the operation phase is approximately 34 tpd of general refuse, of which 6.5 tpd
would be recycled with the remaining 27.5 tpd for final disposal at landfills.
Mitigation measures must be implemented for the identified types of waste in
order to minimise the potential adverse impacts to the environment. During
operation, general refuse should be collected on a daily basis and delivered to
the refuse collection point accordingly. A reputable waste collector shall be
employed to remove general refuse regularly to avoid odour nuisance or
pest/vermin problems. Sufficient recycling containers are recommended to be
provided at suitable locations to encourage recycling of waste such as aluminum
cans, plastics bottles and wastepaper.
15.1.1
With the proper handling and implementation of recommended
mitigation measures for the handling, transportation and disposal of the wastes
generated from Project activities, adverse residual waste management
implications are not anticipated for both the construction and operational
phases.
15.7
Land Contamination
15.7.1
This land contamination assessment examined
the potential land contamination impacts at the Proposed Development Area
(Sub-Areas 1 to 4), and the associated off-site works area. The land
contamination assessment consisted of detailed desktop reviews, site
inspections, the proposed site investigation and their potential impacts to
land users during construction and operation phases.
15.7.2
The land contamination assessment follows a risk-based screening
approach to the investigation of contaminated land, in order to identify any
past or present potentially contaminating activities and to provide the
assessment of the extent and nature of site contamination if it exists.
15.7.3
If the levels of contamination need to be remediated for the
development area to be suitable for the intended land use, remediation
objective of rural and urban residential (whichever more stringent) at Sub-Area
1 and Sub-Area 2 (partial), and public parks classifications at Sub-Area 2 to Sub-Area
4 will be adopted to ensure the contaminants will not pose an unacceptable risk
to human health or to the environment.
15.7.4
Sampling strategy with details on representative sampling and
analysis for determination of the nature and extent of the actual contamination
conditions of soil and/or groundwater at the PDA are proposed in the given CAP
(Appendix 8.1). Given the PDA is still in operation, SI is unlikely to
be carried out at this stage and shall only begin after the land has been
reverted to Government in 2023. Upon the land has been
reverted to Government and site clearance, a re-appraisal and
a supplementary CAP, incorporation of findings of covering the entire
assessment area and updated sampling and testing strategy, shall be prepared
and submitted to EPD for approval. Site investigation and lab analyses shall
commence after the approval of the supplementary CAP by EPD.
15.7.5
Following the completion of SI works, the SI results should
be presented in the Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for submission to
EPD, and if remediation is required, Remediation Action Plan (RAP) shall be prepared with the purpose to set
remediation goals and specify remediation monitoring and measurements to
monitor remediation progress. The RAP shall be submitted to EPD for approval
before the commencement of remediation works.
15.7.6
A Remediation Report (RR) shall be prepared for
submission to EPD to demonstrate adequate remediation works have been completed
to meet the relevant remediation goals. The content of the RR shall include the
description of remediation programme carried out and the remediation monitoring
results. The RR shall be submitted to EPD for endorsement. No construction
works or development of site should be carried out prior to the endorsement of
the RR.
15.7.7
Upon obtaining site investigation results, if high level of naturally-occurring
arsenic is found present within the Project area and any associated off-site
works area, a health impact assessment shall be conducted following the
requirement listed in Clause 3.4.8.4 of the EIA Study Brief and based on
established international practices, including any codes of practices and
guidelines applicable to Hong Kong with suitable reference to the approved EIA
report of North East New Territories New Development Areas (Register no.:
AEIAR-175/2013).
15.7.8
Such consideration of mitigation measures with justifications on the
scope, approach and methodology to be adopted in the health impact assessment
shall be submitted to EPD for agreement prior to commencement of assessment.
15.7.9
Land contamination assessment and remediation shall be completed
prior to the development of the Project. If deemed necessary, the contaminated
sites shall be remediated before commencement of any construction works which
may disturb the ground. In all cases, contaminated soil remediation, treatment
or disposal must be managed in an environmentally sound manner, including
compliance with all relevant legislation and Government requirements.
15.7.10
Remediation options for the land contamination assessment are
discussed in Section 8.5. The remediation method adopted will be based
upon results of the site investigation, and views from the relevant authorities
would be sought for the remediation technologies that are not included in the
Practice Guide.
15.7.11
The establishment and implementation of the supplementary CAP, CAR
and/or RAP will minimise potential adverse impacts to the environment arised
from land contamination and site remediation activities. No adverse residual
impacts are anticipated from the construction and operation of Project
activities.
15.8
Ecology Impact
15.8.2
Based on the selected Development Option 2,
the associated ecological impacts have been considered and assessed. The proposed development will avoid areas of higher ecological
values i.e. Sub-Areas 2 to 4 (medium or medium to high ecological values), only
Sub-Area 1 with relatively lower ecological value (low to medium) will be
developed. Direct impacts to most of the important habitats (e.g. swampy
woodland with very rare Glyptostrobus pensilis) and species of conservation
importance are not expected. Besides, the hydrological disruption due to the proposed
development is not expected, potential impacts to the hydrology of the swampy
woodland are thus not likely. With the implementation of the proposed
management with the aims to protect the important habitats and species of
conservation importance in Sub-Areas 2 to 4, the ecological conditions will be
conserved and probably be enhanced.
15.8.3
As woodland and mixed woodland are
identified within Sub-Area 1, in order to minimize the potential impacts due to
habitat loss (i.e. 4.11ha of woodland and mixed woodland) and site formation, a
number of mitigation measures will be implemented. Compensation woodland
planting will be provided (~5.1 ha, larger than the loss of 4.11ha woodland and
mixed woodland) and opportunities of in advance planting will be explored.
Plant species of conservation importance recorded within Sub-Area 1 will be
retained as far as possible or transplanted. As Sub-Area 2 and Sub-Area 3 will
only provide recreational facilities and ancillary facilities, and no works is
proposed in Sub-Area 4, no adverse ecological impacts are anticipated.
15.8.4
Sub-Areas 2 to 4 are intended to be zoned as “Other Specified
Uses” annotated “Recreation cum Conservation” under Outline Zoning Plan. Hence,
Sub-Areas 2 to 4 should be conserved and a management plan will be formulated
with the aims to manage the human activities conducted in Sub-Areas 2 to 4 and
conserve the ecologically sensitive habitats and species of conservation
importance from disturbance. With the future management plan, the potential
indirect impacts from disturbance (e.g. noise, traffic and human disturbance)
to the important habitats in Sub-Areas 2 to 4 and the habitats in the vicinity
as well as the species of conservation importance can be further reduced. A
monitoring programme will be included in the management plan to evaluate the
effectiveness of the management strategies.
15.8.5
With the implementation of mitigation
measures, the residual ecological impact from the proposed development is
considered acceptable.
15.9
Fisheries Impact
15.9.1
A study based on existing information on
pond culture fisheries resources and activities within the assessment area has
been undertaken, following the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and
assessing fisheries impact as stated in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM-EIAO.
15.9.2
The proposed development will be conducted
within the Project Site. No loss of active or inactive fish ponds are
anticipated. With the implementation of mitigation measures recommended in
Section 5 of this EIA Report for controlling water quality impact, the
Project would not cause any unacceptable water quality impact to adjacent fish
ponds or watercourses that provide water supply for fish ponds during
construction and normal operation.
15.10
Landscape and Visual Impacts
15.10.1
The proposed public housing development will
inevitably result in some landscape and certain visual impacts. The works will
be conducted within Golf Course Landscape (LCA1). Golf Club Building (LR8.1)
and Carpark in Golf Course (LR8.2) are expected to receive the most impact due
to the large percentage of area to be affected. Natural Woodland in Golf
Course (LR1.1), Secondary Woodland in Golf Course (LR1.2) and Grassland (LR2)
will also be affected due to the large total area size. It is not possible to
fully mitigate all landscape impacts in relation to the loss of trees and other
vegetation during construction and operation phase. However, the impacts have
been reduced through minimization of construction and temporary works area with
construction control, incorporation of aesthetic landscape and architectural
design and providing more greening around the Development and associated
infrastructure works. Residual impacts to LRs and LCAs will provide slight to
moderate landscape impact by Year 10 when the proposed mitigation measures are
in full effect.
Visual Impact
Construction Phase
15.10.2
With the implementation of mitigation
measures such as the control of night-time lighting glare, good site practice,
erection of decorative screen hoarding, preservation of existing vegetation,
part of the residual visual impacts of construction phase is expected to be
alleviated and ranged from substantial adverse to insubstantial in construction
phase.
Operation Phase (Year 10)
15.10.3
With the implementation of mitigation
measures, residual visual impact of operation phase (Year 10) is expected to be
alleviated and ranged from substantial adverse to insubstantial. The proposed
staggered built forms and sensitive treatment and design of external finish of
the built elements, together with landscape treatment around and within the
perimeter of the site, podium gardens, retention of mature trees and trees of
high amenity value, can alleviate the visual impacts on certain VSRs and
enhance the visual quality for residents of the proposed public housing
development. To further enhance of the visual quality, Sub-areas 2-4 of the
PDA will receive landscape treatment and additional planting.
15.10.4
In conclusion, the visual impacts can be
alleviated to a certain extent with implementation of mitigation measures, and
are considered acceptable.
15.11
Cultural Heritage
15.1.2
Desk-based review indicates that existing
impacts associated with the construction and maintenance of the golf course
would have affected archaeological potential of large parts of Sub-Area 1.
Three small areas within a wooded area are identified as original landforms and
are tentative proposed for archaeological field investigation. Minor
development within Sub-Areas 2 to 4 may equally affect pockets of original
landform, but extent of development within both Sub-Area 1 and Sub-Area 2 to 4
is yet unknown.
15.1.3
In addition, some archaeological potential
exist around the proposed drainage and minor road upgrade works to the east of
Sub-Area 1 or as yet decided works associated with minor works in
Sub-Areas 2 to 4, although the some of the proposed impacts will occur on and
along existing roads and drainage channels. Depending on the details of the
proposed associated and/or drainage and minor road upgrade works to be reviewed
in detailed archaeological impact assessment at later stage (and prior to detailed design stage), an archaeological field survey (prior to construction
phase) is required if areas outside the existing roads and drainage
channels are affected, or archaeological watching brief (during construction
phase) is required if works are within existing impact areas such as
existing roads and drainage channels. Review should be undertaken for Sub-Area
1 and Sub-Areas 2 to 4 (associated) works prior to
other investigations including ground investigation, investigation for land
contamination and so on in order not to disturb the site.
15.11.2
A detailed
archaeological impact assessment including archaeological field survey,
including field scan, auger tests and test pit excavation will be required
within Sub-Area 1 and select areas within Sub-Areas 2 to 4 if development is
confirmed. The archaeological
survey and archaeological impact assessment should be conducted prior to other
investigations including ground investigation, investigation for land
contamination and so on in order not to disturb the site and the archaeological
field survey.to guide the development and record
archaeological information, if any.
15.11.3
Further assessment pending to the grading
of the New Item conducted by AAB and mitigation measures, where necessary, will
be proposed to AMO for agreement.
15.12
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements
15.12.1
It is recommended to implement an
EM&A programme to monitor the environmental impacts on
the neighbouring sensitive receivers regularly. An EM&A
Manual is prepared to specify the monitoring requirements, timeframe
and responsibilities for the implementation of the environmental mitigation
measures identified in the EIA report. An Environmental Mitigation
Implementation Scheme as stated in the EIA report and EM&A
Manual has summarised all the measures, the implementation
locations, timeframe, agency etc. and required to strictly follow.