2 Project description

2.1 Purposes and Objectives of the Project

2.1.1.1 The purposes and objectives of the Project are to revitalise the existing Fo Tan Nullah (FTN) with the aim of enhancing the ecological value of FTN, providing a greener environment, promoting water friendliness and improving the community environment. The Project also includes provision of dry weather flow interceptors to improve the water quality.

2.2 Project Site Location and Site History

2.2.1.1 The Project site is located at the centre of Fo Tan District and covers the existing FTN. FTN is an old concrete-lined nullah of approximately 1.7 km long and 10 m to 35 m wide. It is one of the three main tributaries of Shing Mun River. It originates from Wo Sheung Tun and flows in the southeast direction towards Shing Mun River. Figure 2.1 illustrates the location plan of the Project.

2.2.1.2 The Project site is surrounded mainly by industrial buildings on its upper portion with Fo Tan Road running along the nullah, while the lower portion of the site is surrounded by residential developments, education institutions, government, institution or community facilities, with Fo Tan Road, Tai Po Road (Shatin) and Sha Tin Road spanning across the existing FTN. The current zonings of the Project site under the Draft Sha Tin Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/ST/35 include “Industrial” (“I”), “Green Belt” (“GB”), “Commercial” (“C”), “Comprehensive Development Area (1)” (“CDA(1)”), “Other Specified Uses” (“OU”), “Residential (Group A)” (“R(A)”), “Village Type Development” (“V”), and “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”).

2.3 Proposed Project Design

2.3.1 Project Scope

2.3.1.1 The Project comprises the following key components:

(a) beautification of the existing nullah (approximately 1.7 km long and 10 m to 35 m wide) by re-surfacing, greening and modification of channel bed;

(b) provision of Dry Weather Flow Interceptor (DWFI) system;

(c) provision of features for ecological enhancement and installation of underground water storage tank [approximately 10m (W) x 30m (L) x 2.5m (D)] under the existing Kwei Tei Street Garden equipped with two submersible water pumps installed under the nullah bed at mid-stream of FTN and underground water pipes for associated water retention and supplement;

(d) construction of viewing decks and revamp of existing footbridges/bridges;

(e) revamp/provision of footpaths, railings, amenity areas and pavilions along the nullah banks;

(f) improvement/modification of existing planters; and

(g) associated works including landscaping, utility works, etc.

2.3.1.2 General layout of the Project is shown in Figure 2.2 and details of the design scheme are illustrated in Appendix 2.1. The details of the design of the revitalisation works [e.g. actual alignment of the low flow channel, dimensions of proposed above-ground structures (including the viewing decks, revamp of existing footbridges/bridges and revamp/provision of footpaths and pavilions)] would be subject to detailed design stage.

2.3.1.3 Subsequent to the issue of the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-319/2019), due to the pressing needs to alleviate flood risks near Kwei Tei Street, the improvement/modification of drainage channel connecting Kwei Tei Street, which does not constitute a material change to an exempted DP under the EIAO, has been excluded from the Project scope for implementation under another public works contract so as to expedite its implementation programme. Furthermore, an underground water storage tank under the existing Kwei Tei Street Garden equipped with submersible water pumps installed under the nullah bed at mid-stream of FTN and underground water pipes (mainly housed within the DWFI system) has been proposed to support the provision of ecological enhancement features in the nullah in view of the insufficient baseflow in FTN (Section 2.5.1.7 refers). In accordance with Clause 6.2 of the EIA Study Brief, it has been checked if there would be any key changes in the scope of the Project mentioned in Section 1.2 of the EIA Study Brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-585/2019). Confirmation has been sought from the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) in writing on whether or not the scope of issues covered by the EIA Study Brief can still cover the key changes, and the additional issues, if any, that the EIA report must also address. It was demonstrated that the changes due to the exclusion of improvement/modification of drainage channel connecting Kwei Tei Street from the Project scope, and the addition of an underground water storage tank under the existing Kwei Tei Street Garden equipped with submersible water pumps installed under the nullah bed at mid-stream of FTN and underground water pipes to support the provision of ecological enhancement features in the nullah would not fundamentally alter the key scope of the EIA Study Brief. The EIA Study Brief is therefore considered still valid for the preparation of the EIA Report by the DEP (Appendix 2.3 refers).

2.3.2 Construction Activities

2.3.2.1 The scope of the abovementioned key components involves the following construction works elements:

Channel Bed Modification

· Excavation works; and

· Re-surfacing and greening along the nullah.

Improvement of Existing Walkways

· Construction of viewing deck / pavilion, renovation of existing footbridges.

Construction of Dry Weather Flow Interceptor System

· Connection works of DWFI system to the existing sewerage system; and

· Construction of DWFI channel along the nullah.

Landscaping and Miscellaneous

· Landscaping / greening along nullah bank; and

· Utility works.

Desilting at Downstream Tidal Zone

· Desilting at downstream tidal zone.

Construction of Underground Water Storage Tank and Mid-stream Submersible Water Pumps for Ecological Enhancement Associated Water Retention and Supplement

Underground Water Storage Tank

· Excavation and lateral support (ELS);

· Foundation works;

· Structural and electrical and mechanical (E&M) installation works for water storage tank; and

· Associated pipeworks.

Mid-Stream Submersible Water Pumps

· Construction of pumping facilities (mid-stream submersible water pumps and water pipes along the nullah) for water supplement.

2.3.3 Operational Activities

2.3.3.1 During the operational phase, similar to the existing practices, regular maintenance works for the drainage and sewerage systems along FTN, including desilting along the nullah and minor maintenance to the DWFI system, would be carried out by the DSD to remove excessive silts, debris and any obstructions to safeguard the hydraulic capacity of the nullah. Maintenance desilting of the nullah would tentatively be carried out on an annual basis during dry season (November to March) when the water flow is low, except during emergency situations where the accumulated silt would adversely affect the hydraulic capacity of the nullah or where flooding risk is imminent, or when complaints on environmental nuisance associated with the accumulated silt are received. Minor maintenance to DWFI system would only be undertaken on an as-needed basis and frequent maintenance (i.e. monthly) would not be required. The maintenance practices and frequency would be similar to the existing maintenance works undertaken by the DSD.

2.3.3.2 The operation of the two proposed submersible water pumps (one duty and one standby) installed under the nullah bed at mid-stream of FTN will be controlled by a level detector installed at the proposed underground water storage tank at the existing Kwei Tei Street Garden. Water flowing from the low flow channel will be collected in a wet well by gravity through a screened inlet pipe installed at the low flow channel. The water will then be pumped upstream to the underground water storage tank through pressurised underground pipes. The on-duty pump would be controlled and not operate during night-time (i.e. 2300 – 0700 hours). The stored water in the tank will be naturally discharged for recharging environmental flow in the nullah.

2.4 The Need of the Project

2.4.1 Environmental Benefits of the Project

Water Quality Improvement and Water Friendliness

2.4.1.1 Due to ageing drainage systems and possible expedient connection made in the past, polluted discharges from the existing drainage outlets along FTN are observed at present. Complaints and concerns from the public, including Sha Tin District Council (STDC) and local stakeholders, on the long-standing water quality and odour nuisance of FTN were received (Section 2.9 refers). With the implementation of the proposed DWFI system of the Project, the dry weather flows from the drainage outlets along FTN will be intercepted and discharged to the existing sewerage system via gravity mains (i.e. no DWFI pumping station required) for conveying to Shatin Sewage Treatment Works for treatment. With the interception of the polluted discharges, the water quality would be improved and odour nuisance to the resident nearby would be alleviated.

2.4.1.2 While as detailed in Table 2.3 that FTN is not suitable to be opened up for public access due to safety reasons, the improvement of water quality and riverside environment of the nullah due to the Project would enhance user experience and hence promoting water friendliness culture. In view of the existing fragmentated, inconsistent and underutilised public open spaces along FTN, installation of viewing decks along the nullah as well as improvement and landscaping works to existing walkways and public open spaces (e.g. installation of thematic pavilions, decked walkway and open spaces such as Community Box, Green Tunnel as shown in Appendix 2.1) are proposed to allow public to engage with and enjoy the revitalised waterscape.

Greening Enhancement

2.4.1.3 The existing concrete nullah bed from the section south to Kwei Tei Street down to the section with tidal influence near Fo Tan MTR Station and embankment down to the confluence with Shing Mun River will be resurfaced with layer of vegetation, which will enhance both the aesthetic and ecological values of FTN. Greening along the nullah bed and banksides, such as provision of emergent wetland planting (e.g. reed and other aquatic herbs), mangroves, climbing plants, tree and / or grasscrete etc, will be provided. The existing mature trees growing along the nullah banks will be retained, and additional tree planting will be provided. The existing planters will also be modified to beautify the footpath along FTN.

Ecological Enhancement

2.4.1.4 The existing FTN is of low ecological value in view of its concrete-lined channel bed and bank, as well as its limited baseflow, especially in dry season (i.e. from November to March). With the installation of the proposed underground water storage tank under the existing Kwei Tei Street Garden and submersible water pumps installed under the nullah bed at mid-stream of FTN for associated water retention and supplement, the following ecological features will be incorporated into the nullah to improve and create aquatic and terrestrial habitats, enhancing its ecological values:

· Reprofiling of the low flow channel (from the section south to Kwei Tei Street down to the section with tidal influence near Fo Tan MTR Station) and construction of in-stream weirs to create a meandering alignment along the nullah to mimic natural stream pattern where practicable, providing a series of microhabitats for wildlife in surrounding areas;

· Provision of DWFI system to improve water quality and to support ecological enhancement;

· Introduction of general constructed wetland systems (artificial wetland created to mimic processes in natural wetland ecosystems involving vegetation, soils, and their associated microbes through engineering design) to the channel bed, which can serve as greening and ecological enhancement measures whilst achieving some degree of pollution removal (Section 2.5.1.4 refers);

· Greening along the channel bed and banksides, such as provision of emergent wetland planting (e.g. reed and other aquatic herbs), mangroves, climbing plants, tree and / or grasscrete to the banksides;

· Incorporation of planting designed to attract wildlife species (e.g. birds and butterflies) during revamp of public open space along FTN;

· Provision of nest boxes / hunting perch for wildlife (e.g. birds) along FTN;

· Installation of oyster baskets along the bottom of channel bank at the small portion of Shing Mun Main Channel within the Project site to provide habitats for intertidal species and ardeids; and

· Modification of channel bank at downstream section of FTN to enhance foraging habitats for waterbirds.

2.4.2 Scenario with the Project

2.4.2.1 With the implementation of the Project, over 20,000 m² of concrete-lined channel space would be transformed into green spaces to promote greening of the local environment and the ecological value of existing FTN would be enhanced with the incorporation of the ecological features as described in Section 2.4.1.4. Furthermore, the introduction of the DWFI system under the Project would eliminate the water quality and odour issues associated with the current polluted discharges to the nullah. While the revitalised FTN will not be opened up for public access due to safety reasons, the proposed revamp/provision of pavilion, viewing decks and amenity areas, and beautification of existing walkway and public open space along the nullah would improve the riverside environment for public enjoyment of the enhanced waterscape. No environmental disbenefits would be envisaged from the proposed revitalisation works.

2.4.3 Scenario without the Project

2.4.3.1 FTN flows through a number of large housing estates and the district’s major commercial and industrial areas. During non-rainy days, the nullah is dry most of the time except the low flow channel in the middle that contains mainly dry weather flows carrying some polluted discharges. Over 20,000 m² of channel space has been left unused at present. In addition, the cracked and stained concrete-lined channel shows little sign of aquatic or terrestrial life.

2.4.3.2 Without the Project, FTN would remain as a concrete channel with little aesthetic, ecological and social values, and would occupy the vast amount of space only serving a single purpose of flood conveyance. In addition, the opportunity of resolving the existing water quality and odour issues due to the polluted discharges would also be negated.

2.5 Consideration of Different Development Options

2.5.1.1 Various options in regard to the extent of DWFI system, water retention and replenish methods, and ecological enhancement designs have been considered with a view to optimising the revitalisation design of FTN in order to enhance the ecological value of the nullah, provide a greener environment, promote water friendliness and improve the community environment whilst avoiding, minimising and mitigating any potential adverse environmental impacts of the Project.

Extent of DWFI System

2.5.1.2 Drainage outlets with polluted discharges were identified between Sections 2 to 5 of FTN (Section 2.6.2 and Figure 2.2 refer) through the pollution source identification survey conducted under this Project. Environmental implications of the following three options regarding the extent of DWFI system for the Project have been considered with a view to striking a balance between water quality improvement and ecological enhancement in the nullah.

· Option 1 (No Interception) refers to the existing condition where all dry weather flows are discharged to the nullah directly without interception or treatment;

· Option 2 (Full Interception) refers to a full-scale DWFI system that intercepts the dry weather flows from all the drainage outlets identified with polluted discharges along the nullah within Sections 2 (part) to 5 of FTN. Section 6 of FTN is connected to natural catchments whilst Section 1 is surrounded by private housing estates / institutional uses which have well-established sewerage and stormwater drainage systems that expedient connection/misconnection to Sections 1 or 6 of FTN from industrial area or significant polluted surface runoff due to the nature of the catchment area would be unlikely. Likewise, Sections 1 and 2 (part) of the nullah are also subject to tidal influence with the outlets being submerged mostly in water that the discharges cannot be intercepted by the instream DWFI system. DWFI system is hence not considered for Sections 1, 2 (part) and 6 of the nullah.

· Option 3 (Partial Interception) refers to a more site-specific design which takes into account of the water quality condition of each outlet to provide DWFI system only to some drainage outlets with highly polluted discharges and to construct specific treatment wetlands at remaining outlets for in-situ polishing of the less polluted discharges (e.g. outlets connected to the urban roadside drainage system). The water treatment efficiency of the treatment wetlands would be highly dependent on their sizes and retention time of the influent (which is associated with steadiness of water flow at the nullah). Similar to Option 2, DWFI system would be provided along the nullah within Sections 2 (part) to 5 and not be required for outlets in Sections 1, 2 (part) and 6 of the nullah.

2.5.1.3 Environmental considerations of each option and the implications of each option on the revitalisation design are summarised in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Comparison of Alternative Extent of DWFI System

Design Considered	Environmental Benefits	Environmental Disbenefits	Implications on Revitalisation Design
Option 1 – No Interception	· No diversion of additional pollutant loads to the existing sewerage system	· Existing water quality and odour issues due to polluted discharges from drainage outlets along FTN would remain unresolved	· Poor water quality of FTN due to polluted discharges is undesirable for ecological enhancement, promotion of water friendliness or improvement of community environment and hence not considered
Option 2 – Full Interception (Preferred)	· Improvement to existing water quality and odour issues by intercepting all dry weather flows from the drainage outlets identified with polluted discharges along the nullah within Sections 2 (part) to 5 of FTN	· Increase comparatively more pollutant loads to the existing sewerage system	· Polluted discharges would be fully eliminated to improve water quality of FTN through DWFI system. · Baseflow of nullah would be reduced and may not be able to support aquatic habitat / wetland creation for greening and ecological enhancement. · Additional water retention and replenish facilities are required to provide sufficient baseflow for in-stream ecological enhancement
Option 3 – Partial Interception by intercepting partial polluted dry weather flows	· Improvement to water quality and odour issue by intercepting partial polluted dry weather flows from some of drainage outlets identified with highly polluted discharges along the nullah within Sections 2 (part) to 5 of FTN, but less effective as compared to Option 2 – Full Interception.	· Increase comparatively less pollutant loads to the existing sewerage system	· Polluted discharges would be partially eliminated by DWFI system. While the use of specific treatment wetlands at the remaining outlets without connecting to DWFI system could polish the non-intercepted polluted discharges, the treatment effectiveness would be limited due to the site constraints to provide sufficient treatment wetlands and the short retention time of influent resulting from the relatively steep gradient with high flow velocity of FTN. · Baseflow of FTN would be reduced, while to a smaller extent than Option 2 – Full Interception, still may not be able to support aquatic habitat / wetland creation. · Additional water retention and replenish method is required to provide sufficient baseflow for in-stream ecological enhancement

2.5.1.4 As discussed above, installation of specific treatment wetlands (similar to the general constructed wetland systems as described in Section 2.4.1.4) at drainage outlets would not be effective in polishing the remaining non-intercepted polluted discharges in view of the insufficient baseflow (considering that the original flow is already low and would be further reduced with interception of part of the flow with polluted discharges by DWFI system) and the site constraints to provide sufficient size of treatment wetlands, as well as the short retention time of influent (Table 2.1 refers). By intercepting only partial polluted dry weather flows, Option 3 is considered not able to fully resolve the existing water quality and odour issues from polluted discharges and hence is not preferred.

2.5.1.5 As confirmed in Section 8, the existing sewerage system has sufficient capacity to cater for the additional dry weather flows intercepted if Option 2 is adopted, taking into account other potential interfacing projects including “Revitalisation of TWN”, “Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns”, etc. In addition, Option 2 with full interception of the polluted discharges would improve the water quality and resolve the odour problem of FTN which favours the revitalisation, hence it is selected as the preferred option.

Water Retention and Replenish Methods and Ecological Enhancement Designs

2.5.1.6 While the water quality of FTN could be significantly improved with the proposed full interception of polluted discharges from the existing drainage outlets along the nullah using DWFI system, the limited baseflow of the nullah would be further reduced and would constrain the in-channel ecological enhancement designs. As such, water retention and replenish methods have been explored to retain and supplement water to the nullah in order to provide sufficient water flow to support a healthy aquatic habitat in the channel.

2.5.1.7 In-stream fixed weirs would be incorporated in the nullah bed to retain water depth for aquatic habitats. Whilst rocks and boulders in a natural stream could serve as natural ‘weir’ to maintain certain water depth and create microhabitats, FTN is an engineering channel which primary function is for flood discharge that loose natural substrates (e.g. boulders and small rocks) can be easily washed away by the floods and cause damages and debris to the downstream area such that fixed weirs would be adopted. By impounding floodwater or environmental flows, weirs are particularly useful in the dry channels to retain water for a longer period, which could promote plant growth and aquatic species survival in such an otherwise dry environment.

2.5.1.8 Taking advantage of the proposed revamp of public open space along FTN to improve the community environment, land co-use concept would be adopted at the existing Kwei Tei Street Garden by the upstream section of the nullah that an underground water storage tank would be constructed for water retention, supplement and flood control alongside with the revamp of the existing playground. Overflow pipes will be constructed to guide water from the nullah into the storage tank during storm events. In view of the limited and inconsistent baseflow, especially in dry season, submersible water pumps will also be constructed in mid-stream section of FTN (i.e. upstream of the tidal zone) to pump water to the underground water storage tank for replenishing as detailed in Section 2.3.3.2. The stored water in the tank sourced from the overflow pipes and mid-stream submersible water pumps can be used for recharging environmental flow in the nullah, which can help maintain a healthy aquatic habitat and support the proposed emergent wetland planting for in-channel greening and ecological enhancement to mimicking the biodiversity of a natural stream environment and creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape.

2.6 Consideration of Alternative Construction Methods and Sequences of Works

2.6.1 Construction Methods

2.6.1.1 The proposed revitalisation works would be constructed by traditional open-cut and in-situ concreting method that mainly involve site clearance, soil excavation, sheet-piling, bore piling, formwork, concreting, backfilling, and reinstatement. Desilting works at downstream tidal zone would be carried out at the commencement and prior to the completion of the construction works to remove the silting accumulated at the nullah, in addition to the routine maintenance desilting works undertaken by DSD along FTN and by CEDD along Shing Mun River under existing arrangement. The construction of the proposed works would be divided into six sections depending on site constraints, as illustrated in Figure 2.2. To further reduce the potential water quality impacts, the excavation in the nullah will be carried out in an enclosed area surrounded by concrete blocks, sandbag barriers or other appropriate physical barriers. Environmental considerations of various construction methods for the installation of DWFI system and underground water storage tank are discussed as follows.

Dry Weather Flow Interceptor System

2.6.1.2 There are two approaches for the DWFI system construction, including conventional cast in-situ construction method and pre-cast structure. The major parts of the DWFI system are u-channel and pipe system cast-in with the concrete blocks at nullah wall for stabilisation. The concrete mass is generally 1 m wide and 1 m deep.

2.6.1.3 In-situ concrete casting could induce environmental impacts such as construction noise, dust and water quality, yet it is expected that the duration and extent of the impacts would be temporary and localised and could be mitigated by proper measures during the construction phase. While the pre-cast structure is constructed in fabrication yard away from the Project site that its production could cause less environmental nuisance to the surroundings, the concrete mass should fit the shape of existing nullah wall and the size of the drainage outlets, which vary along the nullah that on-site modification to the pre-cast structure is inevitable due to the actual site constraints. Utilisation of powered mechanical equipment (PME) such as breaker would be required that the environmental impacts for both approaches would be similar. Alternatively, if a new precast structure is decided to be adopted instead of on-site modification, detailed and prolonged coordination between different parties including structural, architectural, etc. would be required that the whole construction period might be prolonged and would result in generation of additional construction waste from the abandoned precast structure and disturbance/nuisance from the repeated loading and unloading activities / trial installation of concrete mass. Furthermore, off-site precast units are considered not practical nor cost effective due to site constraints with limited accessibility, which hinders the transportation of the precast units.

2.6.1.4 Considering that the traditional cast in-situ construction method could allow more flexibility for on-site alteration and is the most straightforward method for this Project, prolonged construction duration and repeated construction activities would be avoided and hence reduce potential disturbance/nuisance to the environment and local public, the construction method of in-situ construction of DWFI system is considered more suitable and practical and is adopted.

Underground Water Storage Tank

2.6.1.5 The proposed underground water storage tank with an area of approximately 300 m² and 2.5 m deep will be installed at shallow depth to match the downstream invert level of the nullah (Appendix 2.1 refers). Conventional bottom-up open-cut construction method is commonly adopted for shallow excavation and small scale substructure and there is limited alternative option. Alternative construction method, such as top-down construction of underground structure (which typically involves construction of a ground-floor slab with openings for access by open-cut method and then further excavation and casting of substructure beneath the ground slab) which is mainly used for deep excavation, is considered not suitable for this simple structure and shallow underground water storage tank. In addition, as the proposed underground water storage tank is situated near the existing gas utility in Kwei Tei Street Garden, conventional bottom-up open-cut construction method would better cater for shallow excavation. While bottom-up open-cut construction could pose environmental nuisance such as construction noise, dust and water quality impacts, the duration and extent of the impacts would temporary and localised given the limited scale of the proposed underground water storage tank. Therefore, the construction method of open-cut construction of underground water storage tank is considered more suitable and practical and is adopted.

2.6.2 Construction Sequence

2.6.2.1 The Project site will be divided into six sections to be constructed in sequence starting from downstream FTN (Figure 2.2 and Appendix 2.2 refer) to reduce the construction impacts on nearby sensitive receivers comparing with constructing simultaneously in adjoining sections. The construction works along the nullah within each section would last for approximately 1 year and will not be undertaken at the entire section at the same time.

2.6.2.2 For each section, the construction works within the nullah, including nullah bed modification, construction of DWFI system along the nullah, mid-stream submersible water pumps and water pipes along the nullah and desilting works at downstream tidal zone (Appendix 2.1 refers), will only be undertaken during dry season to reduce the potential water quality impacts due to surface run-off. To further reduce the potential water quality impacts, the excavation in the nullah will be carried out in an enclosed area surrounded by concrete blocks, sandbag barriers or other appropriate physical barriers. Likewise, construction works outside the nullah such as walkway improvement will be scheduled to avoid overlapping with works within the nullah to avoid heavy construction activities concentrating in a certain area over any period.

2.7 Construction Programme

2.7.1.1 The construction works are tentatively scheduled to commence in Q1 2024 for completion in Q4 2029. A tentative construction programme for the Project is provided in Appendix 2.2. This programme provides the basis for the assessments presented in the EIA Report.

2.8 Concurrent Projects

2.8.1.1 Table 2.2 summarises the potential concurrent projects within 500 m from the Project or ones that involve construction works within or in close proximity to Shing Mun River and its tributaries which would contribute to the cumulative environmental impacts during construction and / or operational phase. Indicative locations of these concurrent projects are shown in Figure 2.3.

Table 2.2 Potential Interfacing Projects

Project	Tentative Construction Programme	Potential Cumulative Impacts
Project	Tentative Construction Programme	Potential Cumulative Impacts
Drainage Improvement Works in Sha Tin and Sai Kung	2023 - 2031	Drainage improvement works are proposed in various locations in Sha Tin and Sai Kung under Drainage Improvement Works in Sha Tin and Sai Kung. Based on the latest available information, the flood walls proposed along Shing Mun River Channel under this project would fall partly (approximately 100 m long) within the 500m assessment area of this EIA Study, while no detailed construction programme of the concerned flood walls was available at time of the preparation of this EIA Report. During the detailed design stage, the contractor of this Project should be requested to closely liaise the contractors of this potential concurrent DSD project in planning the interfacing works properly to minimise the potential cumulative impacts by avoiding/minimising repeated and concurrent construction works.
Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns – Upstream Sewerage and Pumping Stations	2020 - 2024	Rising main for connecting Sha Tin Main Sewage Pumping Station to the planned Intermediate Sewage Pumping Station along Shing Mun River proposed under the Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns – Upstream Sewerage and Pumping Stations would run across and overlap partly with FTN. Based on the latest available information, the planned sewerage works would be scheduled to commence in year 2020 for completion in year 2024 tentatively, but no detailed construction programme of the concerned section of sewerage works overlapping with the Project was available at time of the preparation of this EIA Report. During the detailed design stage, the contractor of this Project should be requested to closely liaise the contractors of this potential concurrent DSD project in planning the interfacing works properly to minimise the potential cumulative impacts by avoiding/minimising repeated and concurrent construction works.
Sewerage Works near Kwei Tei Street	2020 – 2022	The footprint of planned sewerage works near Kwei Tei Street overlaps partly with the Project. However, since it is expected to be completed prior to commencement of the Project construction, no cumulative construction impacts would be anticipated. Cumulative sewerage impact from the proposed DWFI system of the Project and this concurrent project has been taken into account in this EIA Report.
Widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section)	Q3 2018 – 2023	Widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section) falls within the 500m assessment area of this EIA. It is expected to be completed prior to commencement of construction of this Project that no cumulative environmental impacts would be anticipated.
Revitalisation of Tai Wai Nullah	Q1 2024 – Q4 2029	TWN is situated at approximate 2.7 km from FTN. Given the large separation distance between the two concurrent revitalisation works of FTN and TWN, insignificant cumulative construction phase air quality and noise impacts would be expected. Potential cumulative water quality and ecological impacts to downstream areas in Shing Mun River Channel and Tolo Harbour during construction phase have been taken into account. Both the Project and Revitalisation of TWN would improve water quality and hygiene of the two nullahs that no unacceptable cumulative operational phase impact would be anticipated. The cumulative sewerage impact from the proposed DWFI system of the Project and Revitalisation of TWN have been taken into account.
Revised Trunk Road T4 in Sha Tin	Q4 2023 – Q3 2028	While Revised Trunk Road T4 is situated at over 2km from this Project, it involves construction of bridge piers within Shing Mun River. Given the large separation distance between the two concurrent projects, insignificant cumulative construction phase air quality and noise impacts would be expected. Based on the approved EIA of Revised Trunk Road T4 in Sha Tin (AEIAR-231/2021), the bridge piers construction is tentatively scheduled from November 2023 to September 2025. Potential cumulative water quality and ecological impacts to downstream areas in Shing Mun River Channel and Tolo Harbour during construction phase have been taken into account.
Redevelopment of Housing Authority’s (HA) Sui Fai Factory Estate for Residential Use	2023 – 2031	The proposed redevelopment site of HA’s Sui Fai Factory Estate falls within the 500m assessment area of this EIA. Based on the latest available information, the site would be redeveloped for residential use and is tentatively planned to be occupied in 2031. No detailed construction programme of the redevelopment of HA’s Sui Fai Factory Estate was available at time of the preparation of this EIA Report. Nonetheless, relevant cumulative environmental impacts, such as noise and water quality have been taken into account.
New Facilities Building of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI)	2021 – Mid-2024	The New Facilities Building of the Hong Kong HKSI is situated within the 500m assessment area of this EIA adjacent to the downstream section of FTN. Based on the latest available information, the planned development of new facilities building of the HKSI was targeted for completion in mid-2024 tentatively, but no detailed construction programme of the development was available at time of the preparation of this EIA Report. Nonetheless, relevant cumulative environmental impacts, such as air quality and water quality have been taken into account. During the detailed design stage, the contractor of this Project should be requested to closely liaise the contractors of this potential concurrent project in planning the interfacing works properly to minimise the potential cumulative impacts by avoiding/minimising repeated and concurrent construction works.

2.9 Public Consultation

2.9.1.1 Consultation exercise carried out include:

· Meeting with Sha Tin District Council in June and July 2018, March 2021

· Meeting with Sha Tin District Council Health and Environmental Committee in March 2019

· Meeting with Green Groups in July 2020

· A series of public engagement exercises (e.g. interviews, workshops and surveys) through the use of Design Thinking Approach between December 2020 to August 2021.

2.9.1.2 During the public inspection period of the Project Profile submitted for the Application of EIA Study Brief (No. PP-585/2019) in 2019, comments received were largely in favour of the Project, in particular, the proposed DWFI system and ecological enhancement are considered to be beneficial to the community. Members of the Sha Tin District Council, general public and green groups are supportive of the Project. Key findings and concerns obtained from public inspection period of the Project Profile and the public consultation meetings, as well as follow up actions taken are summarised in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3 Summary of Public Concerns and Follow-up Actions

Key Concerns	Follow-up Actions
Avoidance and minimisation of impacts to existing natural watercourses / habitats and associated wildlife	All identified natural watercourse in vicinity of the Project have been avoided under the revitalisation design that no works would be conducted within any natural watercourse. There are existing mature trees along FTN on pedestrian road within the Project site. Although these tree species are not of conservation importance, the tree specimens are mature with good foliage and tree crown that can potentially provide habitat for fauna species. These mature trees will therefore be retained under the revitalisation design.
Water quality issues and odour nuisance	DWFI system are proposed to intercept polluted dry weather flows that are discharged from drainage outlets along both sides of FTN. After implementation of the system, water quality and odour along the nullah would be improved.
Promotion of water friendliness	FTN has a narrow and steep channel. Water level would likely rise faster during a heavy rainstorm. The relatively fast rising water level and high flow velocity would pose a greater danger to pedestrians in the nullah. In addition, emergency evacuation would be challenging given the long and narrow setting of the nullah and the lack of adequate access and egress arrangement due to limited land availability. FTN is therefore not suitable to be opened up for public access. However, with the improved water quality, there is an opportunity to enhance user experience along FTN and hence promoting water friendliness culture. Considering the public desire for more public open spaces, revitalisation features including installation of viewing decks along the nullah, as well as improvement and landscaping works to existing walkways and public open spaces to promote water friendliness culture / activities.
Insufficient baseflow to support proposed ecological enhancement	As detailed in Sections 2.5.1.6 to Section_2.5.1.8, water retention and replenish methods including construction of in-stream fixed weirs and underground water storage tank, would be incorporated in the revitalisation design in order to maintain sufficient baseflow to support a healthy aquatic habitat and in-channel ecological enhancement. Other ecological enhancement features along bankside and public open space along FTN (e.g. thematic greening along banksides and public open space, provision of nest boxes / hunting perch for wildlife) will also be installed to promote ecological connectivity.
Improvement on walkability along the nullah and enhancement of public open spaces	Existing footpaths along both sides of the nullah would be revamped to provide a more comfortable urban walking environment, e.g. partial decking and widening of footpath to create a more spacious walking space; use of planting (e.g. shrubs and/or small trees) as a soft barrier between the footpath and busy carriageway to enhance the walkability of the walkway and to provide more greening and promote environmental friendliness; installation of covered walkways / shelters along footpaths to provide an open space for community activities along the waterscape. In order to promote water friendliness culture and allow public to engage with and enjoy the revitalised waterscape, viewing decks would be constructed along the nullah, the current bankside planters would also be modified to minimise blockage of pedestrians from the nullah.