1
INTRODUCTION
1.1.3
In 2009, CEDD commissioned a
Design and Construction (D&C) Assignment on “Tsuen Wan Bypass, Widening of
Tsuen Wan Road between Tsuen Tsing Interchange and Kwai Tsing Interchange, and
Associated Junction Improvement Works” (the TWB project) to cater for the
anticipated increase in traffic demand arising from the developments in the
Northwest New Territories, the commissioning of West Rail and its associated
property developments as well as other planned developments in Tsuen Wan. By
comparing the results of the traffic survey conducted in 2012 with that
conducted in 2006, it was revealed that there was a general decrease in the
peak hour traffic volume between 2006 and 2012. Moreover, the projected traffic
peak hour flow in 2021 as forecast in the survey conducted in 2012 also
demonstrated a drop as compared with the traffic flow in 2006.
1.1.4
In view of the foregoing, CEDD
concluded that there was still adequate road capacity for Tsuen Wan Road (TWR)
by 2021 and there was no imminent need to implement the TWB project by that
time. It was then agreed in June 2013 to defer the implementation programme of
the TWB project.
1.1.5
Since then, Transport
Department (TD) conducted traffic counts from 2013 and 2015. The traffic counts
revealed a general increase in peak hour traffic in 2013 and 2014 when compared
with the findings of CEDD’s traffic survey conducted in 2012, while the peak
hour traffic in 2015 remained steady.
1.1.6
Highways Department (HyD) subsequently took over the project from CEDD. HyD’s traffic review study on TWR traffic conditions
conducted in 2016 revealed that the widening of TWR and improvement of
associated junctions were needed to cope with the future traffic demand.
1.1.7
On 23 May 2019, HyD commissioned AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. to undertake the
assignment of Agreement No. CE 61/2018 (HY) Widening of Tsuen Wan Road,
Extension of Existing Vehicular Bridge at Texaco Road and the Associated
Junction Improvement Works – Investigation. The purpose of the investigation
assignment is to examine and review the Initial Scheme, which was basically
formulated under the aforementioned CEDD’s D&C
Assignment, develop other feasible build forms / alignment options (other
Schemes) for the Project. By comparing and evaluating the Initial Scheme and
all other Schemes developed, based upon traffic, environmental and land
considerations amongst other factors, the Preferred Scheme will be formulated
and taken forward to the detailed design and construction stages of the
Project.
1.1.8
Since approval of the
abovementioned EIA report (EIA Register No.: AEIAR-124/2008) in 2008, there are
new developments and new sensitive receivers within the study area as well as
new assessment requirements for the Project, together with potential changes in
project scope, a fresh EIA study is considered required for the Preferred
Scheme.
1.1.9
The Project site is located
within an urban area and ecological impacts are not expected.
1.2
Designated Projects under
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance
1.2.2
The
Project comprises the following which are classified as a Designated Project
(DP) under Part I, Schedule 2 of the EIAO:
1.2.3
Item A.1 - A road which is an expressway, trunk
road, primary distributor road or district distributor road including new
roads, and major extensions or improvements to existing roads
The new road sections under the Project comprise road types of expressway
and primary distributor. Besides, the
following items under the scope of works also constitute a DP item under A.1:
·
Widening of individual road
sections of TWR which is an expressway;
·
Construction of a two-lane slip
road connecting TWR (Tuen Mun bound) and Hoi Hing
Road (Slip Road E) which is a primary distributor (PD); and
·
Construction of a single-lane
slip road to provide a direct access from Tsing Tsuen Road (Tsuen Wan bound) to
TWR (Kowloon bound) in front of Wing Kei Road Flyover (Slip Road C) (i.e. a
potential item as its implementation is yet to be ascertained and subject to
further traffic review) which is a primary distributor (PD).
1.2.4
Item A.8 - A road or railway
bridge more than 100 m in length between abutments
The construction
of Slip Road C (potential) and Slip Road E, which are approximately 670m and
380m long respectively, is hence a DP under Item A.8 of Schedule 2, Part 1 of
the EIAO.
1.3.1
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 the associated
works that take place concurrently. This
information will contribute to decisions on:
·
the overall acceptability of
any adverse environmental consequences that are likely to arise as a result of
the Project;
·
the conditions and requirements
for the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project to mitigate
against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and
·
the acceptability of residual
impacts after the proposed mitigation measures are implemented.
1.4.1
The objectives of this EIA
study as defined in Section 2 of the EIA Study Brief are as follows:
(i)
to describe the Project and
associated works together with the requirements and environmental benefits for
carrying out the proposed Project;
(ii)
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;
(iii) to identify and quantify emission sources and determine the
significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;
(iv) to identify any adverse impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to
propose measures to mitigate these impacts;
(v)
to propose the provision of
infrastructure or mitigation measures so as to minimise pollution, environmental
disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the Project;
(vi) to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and implications of
the proposed mitigation measures;
(vii) to identify, predict and evaluate the residual (i.e.
after practicable mitigation) environmental impacts 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;
(viii) 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 residual environmental impacts and
cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels;
(ix) to identify potential hazard to life impacts and to propose measures
to mitigate these impacts;
(x)
to design and specify the
environmental monitoring and audit requirements; and
(xi) to identify any additional studies necessary to implement the
mitigation measures of monitoring and proposals recommended in the EIA report.
1.5
Structure of the EIA Report
1.5.1
The objectives and scope of the
EIA study are provided in this Section 1. The project background and descriptions are
provided in Section 2. Sections
3 to 11 detail the results of the environmental impact assessment of
each key subject area, covering relevant legislation, environmental conditions,
assessment criteria, methodology, assessment findings, and proposed mitigation
measures.
1.5.2
Section 3 to 11 are outlined as
follows:
·
Section 3: Air Quality Impact
·
Section 4: Noise Impact
·
Section 5: Water Quality Impact
·
Section 6: Waste Management
Implication
·
Section 7: Land Contamination
·
Section 8: Landfill Gas Hazard
·
Section 9: Hazard to Life
Review
·
Section 10: Cultural Heritage
·
Section 11: Landscape and
Visual Impact
1.5.3
An outline of the requirements
for the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) is presented in Section
12. The EM&A programme is
presented in detail in a separate EM&A Manual. A summary of environmental outcomes is
provided in Section 13 and a conclusion of the whole assessment is given
in Section 14.