1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-020/1998) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the captioned Applicant on 26th October 1998 with a project profile (No. PP-030/1998).

1.2 The Applicant proposes to design and implement the construction of widening the existing dual 2-lane T6 Bridge to dual 3-lane, and providing a south bound link road from the T6 Bridge to Tolo Highway south of the interchange. The project covered in the project profile is a Designated Project under the EIAO by virtue of Sections A.1 of Schedule 2 under the Ordinance.

1.3 Pursuant to section 5(7)(a) of the EIAO, the Director of Environmental Protection (the Director) issues this EIA study brief to the Applicant to carry out an EIA study.

1.4 The purpose of this EIA Study is to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the construction and operation of the proposed project and all related activities taking place concurrently. This information will contribute to decisions by the Director on:

1. the overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that are likely to arise as a result of the proposed project;

2. the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction, and operation of the proposed project to mitigate against adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable; and

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

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY

2.1 The objectives of the EIA Study are as follows:

1. to describe the proposed project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the proposed project;

2. to identify and describe the elements of the community and environment likely to be affected by the proposed project, and/or likely to cause adverse impacts upon the proposed project, including both the natural and man-made environment;

3. to identify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

4. to identify any potential landscape and visual impacts and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

5. to propose the provision of infrastructure or mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the project;

6. to identify, predict and evaluate the residual (i.e. after practicable mitigation) environmental impacts and cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operational phases of the proposed project, in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

7. 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 reduce them to acceptable levels;

8. to investigate the extent of side-effects of proposed mitigation measures that may lead to other forms of impacts;

9. to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study; and

10. to design and specify the environmental monitoring and audit requirements, if required, to ensure the implementation and the effectiveness of the environmental protection and pollution control measures adopted.

3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY

3.1 The purpose of this study brief is to scope the key issues of the EIA study. The Applicant has to demonstrate in the EIA report that the criteria in the relevant sections of the Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (thereafter refer to as the TM), are fully complied with.

The Scope

3.2 The scope of this EIA study covers the proposed project mentioned in section 1.2 above, including :

1. widening of the T6 Bridge from dual 2-lane to dual 3-lane;

2. providing a new south bound link road from the T6 Bridge to Tolo Highway south of the interchange;

3. provision of fire hydrants, modified sign gantries, associated marine and drainage works, street lighting, traffic aids and surveillance facilities including emergency telephones and closed circuit television cameras;

4. provision of mitigation measures which may be identified and/or recommended in this EIA study; and

5. modification of the layout of the Ma Liu Shiu Weigh Station.

Technical Requirements

3.3 The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects of the activities as described in the scope as set out above. The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts :

3.4 Noise Impact Study

3.4.1 The "study area" shall be within 300m of the proposed project.

3.4.2 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing noise impact stated in Annexes 5 and 13 of the TM respectively.

1. Provision of Background Information

   The Applicant shall provide all background information relevant to the project, e.g. relevant previous or current studies.

2. Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers
   1. The Applicant shall select assessment points to represent all identified NSRs for carrying out quantitative noise assessment described below. The assessment point shall be agreed with the Director prior to the quantitative noise assessment. A map showing the location and description such as a name of building, use and floors of each and every selected assessment point shall be given.

   2. The NSRs shall include all existing NSRs and all planned/committed noise sensitive developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans & Layout Plans. For planned noise sensitive landuses without committed site layout, the Applicant should base on the relevant planning parameters to work out site layouts for operational noise assessment purposes.

3. Provision of an Emission Inventory of the Noise Sources

   The Applicant shall provide the road traffic data for the operational noise assessment. Confirmation of the validity of the road traffic data shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities.

4. Operational Noise Assessment (Road Traffic Noise)
   1. Calculation of Noise Levels

      (a1) The Applicant shall analyze the scope of the proposed road alignment(s) to identify appropriate new and existing road sections for the purpose of traffic noise impact assessment. When an existing road section undergoes major modification which will directly result in 25% increase in lanes or substantial changes in alignment or characters (e.g. change into high speed road) of the existing road, it shall be regarded as a new road for the purpose of this noise impact assessment.

      (a2) The Applicant shall calculate the traffic noise levels in respect of each road section and the overall noise levels from the combined road sections (both new and existing) at the NSRs.

   2. Presentation of Noise Levels

      (b1) The Applicant shall present the prevailing and future traffic noise levels in L10, (1 hr) at the NSRs at various representative floor levels (in m P.D.) on tables and plans of suitable scale.

      (b2) The potential noise impact of proposed road alignment(s) shall be quantified by estimating the total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements that will be exposed to noise levels exceeding the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the TM issued under the EIAO.

   3. Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures

      (c1) After rounding off the predicted noise levels according to "Calculation of Road Traffic Noise", the Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies in all situations where the predicted traffic noise level exceeds the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the TM by 1 dB(A) or more. Specific reasons for not adopting certain direct technical remedies to reduce the traffic noise to a level meeting the criteria in the TM or to maximize the protection for the NSRs as far as possible shall be clearly quantified and laid down. The total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive element that will be benefited by the provision of direct technical remedies shall be provided.

      (c2) The total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements that will still be exposed to noise above the criteria in the TM with the implementation of all recommended direct technical remedies shall be quantified.

      (c3) In case where a number of the NSRs cannot all be protected by the recommended direct technical remedies, the Applicant shall identify and estimate the total number of existing dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements which may qualify for indirect technical remedies, the associated costs, and any implications for such implementation. Eligibility of the affected premises for indirect technical remedies shall be determined based on satisfying all of the following three criteria:

      • the predicted overall noise level from the new road together with other traffic noise in the vicinity must be above a specified noise level (e.g. 70 dB(A) for domestic premises and 65 dB(A) for education institutions, all in L10(1 hr));

      • the predicted overall noise level is at least 1.0 dB(A) more than the prevailing traffic noise level, i.e. the total traffic noise level existing before the works to construct the road were commenced; and

      • the contribution to the increase in the predicted overall noise level from the new road must be at least 1.0 dB(A).

5. Construction Noise

   The Applicant shall specify the required noise control measures for construction activities listed in Annex B of the Project Profile (no. PP-030/1998). No assessments are required.

3.5 Air Quality Impact

3.5.1 Construction Dust

The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) regulation in dust control. No assessments are required.

3.6 Water Quality Impact

3.6.1 The "study area" shall be within 300m from the proposed project.

3.6.2 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing water pollution as stated in Annexes 6 and 14 of the TM respectively. Essentially, the assessment shall address the following:

1. collection and review of background information on the existing water system(s) and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the proposed project during construction and operation;

2. characterization of water quality on the surrounding water systems and sensitive receivers which might be potentially affected by the proposed project during construction;

3. identification of any activities such as dredging, filling and excavation which might lead to alteration of water courses, change in flow regime, increase in sediment re-suspension and contaminant release;

4. as regards dredging, filling, and sediment/mud transportation and disposal activities, field investigation, sampling and laboratory tests to characterize the sediment/mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate. The ranges of parameters to be analyzed, the number, type and methods of sampling/sample preservation/laboratory tests, and the laboratory to be used shall be subject to the approval of EPD;

5. identification and evaluation of the best practicable dredging and filling methods to minimize dredging and dumping requirements and demand for fill sources based on the criterion that existing marine mud shall be left in place and not to be disturbed as far as possible.

6. prediction and quantification of impacts on the water system(s) and sensitive receivers due to changes identified in (iii), (iv) and (v) above. Possible impacts arising from those alternations and changes identified in (iii), (iv) and (v) above and any other pollution sources. The prediction shall take into account and include possible different construction stages or sequences. Cumulative impacts due to other projects, activities or pollution sources within a boundary of 300 m from both sides along the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers, shall be predicted and quantified;

7. assessment and evaluation of any potential water quality impacts on the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers due to sewage arising from on-site construction workforce. Any effluent generated will require appropriate treatment and disposal;

8. identification, assessment and evaluation of any potential stormwater impacts on the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers during construction stages as to reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within relevant standards, objectives and criteria. Best management practices shall be recommended to reduce any potential impacts arising from stormwater runoff during both construction and operational phases;

9. erosion control plan during construction shall be established as per assessments carried out as described in item (vi) above. This erosion control plan shall incorporate details such as locations, sizes and types of best management practices, which will be used to reduce stormwater pollution arising during construction works. These requirements shall be incorporated in the project contract document and formed part of the permit conditions.

3.7 Waste Management Impact

3.7.1 The "study area" shall be generally within 500m from the proposed project. Where off-site impact may be caused (e.g. waste disposal or dumping), the study area shall also include locations beyond this limit.

3.7.2 The Applicant shall assess the waste management implications arising from the construction of the project in accordance with Annex 7 and 15 of the TM. The assessment of waste management impacts shall cover, but not limited to, the following:

1. Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation

   Identify the quantity, type, quality and timing of the liquid and solid waste arising as a result of the construction, based on the sequence and duration of these activities.

2. Proposal for Waste Management
   1. Prior to considering the disposal options for various types of wastes, opportunities for waste reduction/ reusing/ recycling shall be fully evaluated.

   2. Apart from taking into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation, the types and quantities of the wastes required to dispose of as a consequence shall be estimated and the disposal options for each type of waste described in detail. The disposal method recommended for each type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in section (c) below. All solid waste, wastewater and sludge shall be conveyed by suitable means to be disposed properly outside the water gathering grounds.

   3. the impact caused by handling (including labeling, packaging and storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail. This assessment shall cover but not be limited to the following areas:
      • air and odour emission;

      • noise;

      • wastewater discharge; and

      • public transport.

3.8 Landscape And Visual Impact

3.8.1 For landscape impact, the "study area" shall be within 500m from the proposed project. As for visual impact, all sensitive receivers shall be assessed within the visual envelope outlining the area of land where there is a view of any part of the proposed project.

3.8.2 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impact as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum, respectively. Both the impacts during construction and operation phases shall be assessed. Landscape and visual impact assessment shall cover the following:

1. a baseline study to provide a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape and visual character;

2. a review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

3. impact studies to identify the potential landscape and visual impacts and predict their magnitude and potential significance; and

4. recommendations on mitigation measures and implementation programme.

3.8.3 Assessment of Landscape Impacts

3.8.3.1 The Applicant shall describe, appraise and analyze the existing landscape resource and character of the Study Area. It shall focus particularly on the sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change. The Applicant shall identify the degree of compatibility of the proposed project with the existing landscape.

3.8.4 Assessment of Visual Impacts

3.8.4.1 The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the proposed project. The assessment shall include the following:

1. identification and plotting of visibility contours and visual envelope of the proposed project. The Study Area visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the proposed project.

2. identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visibility contours with regard to views from both ground level and elevated vantage points;

3. description of the visual compatibility of the project with the surrounding, and its obstruction and interference with key views of the adjacent areas; and

4. the severity of visual impacts in terms of distance, nature and number of sensitive receivers shall be identified. The visual impacts of the project with and without mitigation measures shall be assessed.

3.8.5 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

3.8.5.1 The Applicant shall review relevant outline zoning plans, outline development plans, layout plans, planning briefs and studies which may contain guidelines on urban design concept, designated view corridors, open space network and other design specification that may affect the appearance of the project. Such review will give an insight to the future outlook of the area affected and ways the project can be assimilated into the environment. Any conflict with the statutory town plan shall be highlighted and appropriate follow up action shall be recommended.

3.8.6 Proposals for Mitigation Measures

3.8.6.1 The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified in 3.8.3 and 3.8.4 above, including the provision of a landscape design. The mitigation measures shall include the preservation of vegetation, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen planting, revegetation of disturbed land, compensatory planting, reprovisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the disturbance to the existing landuse. Parties shall be identified for the on-going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operational phase of the project. A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be presented.

3.8.7 Presentation Materials

3.8.7.1 Perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, photographs of scaled physical models, oblique aerial photographs, photo-retouching and computer generated photomontages shall be adopted to illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the project. The Applicant shall record the technical details in preparing the illustration which may need to be submitted for verification of the accuracy of the illustration.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND AUDIT (EM&A) REQUIREMENTS

4.1.1 The Applicant shall identify in the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A activities for water quality impact during the construction phase of the project and, if affirmative, to define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the project in the EIA study.

4.1.2 Subject to the confirmation of the EIA study findings, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM.

4.1.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule, in the form of a check list as shown in annex I attached, containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.

5. DURATION OF VALIDITY

5.1 This EIA study brief is valid for 24 months after the date of issue. If the EIA study does not commence within this period, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for another EIA study brief afresh before commencement of the EIA study.

6. REPORT REQUIREMENTS

6.1 In preparing the EIA report, the Applicant shall refer to Annex 11 of the TM for the contents of an EIA report. The Applicant shall also refer to Annex 20 of the TM which stipulates the guidelines for the review of an EIA report.

6.2 The Applicant shall supply the Director with the following number of copies of the EIA report and the executive summary :

1. 35 copies of the EIA report in English and 35 copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese) as required under section 6(2) of the EIAO to be supplied at the time of application for approval of the EIA report.

2. when necessary, addendum to the EIA report and the executive summary submitted in (i) above as required under section 7(1) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for public inspection.

3. 20 copies of the EIA report in English and 50 copies of the executive summary (in both English and Chinese) with or without Addendum as required under section 7(5) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for consultation with the Advisory Council on the Environment.

6.3 In addition, to facilitate the public inspection of the EIA Report via the EIAO Internet Website, the applicant shall provide electronic copies of both the EIA Report and the Executive Summary Report prepared in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or later) and in DynaDoc Format (version 3.0 or later) [for Chinese documents] and in Portable Document Format (PDF version 3.0 or later) [for English documents], unless otherwise agreed by the Director. For the HTML version, a content page capable of providing hyperlink to each section and sub-section of the EIA Report and the Executive Summary Report shall be included in the beginning of the document, and all graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format.

6.4 The electronic copies of the EIA report and the Executive Summary shall be submitted to the Director at the time of application for approval of the EIA Report.

6.5 When the EIA Report and the Executive Summary are made available for public inspection under s.7(1) of the EIA Ordinance, the content of the electronic copies of the EIA Report and the Executive Summary must be the same as the hard copies and the Director shall be provided with the most updated electronic copies.

7. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1 During the EIA study, if there is any change in the name of the Applicant for this EIA study brief, the Applicant mentioned in this study brief must notify the Director immediately.

7.2 If there is any key change in the scope of the project mentioned in section 1 of this EIA study brief and in the Project Profile (No. PP-030/1998), the applicant must seek confirmation from the Director in writing on whether or not the scope of issues covered by this EIA study brief can still cover the key changes, and the additional issues, if any, that the EIA study must also address. If the changes to the project fundamentally alter the key scope of the EIA study brief, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for another EIA study brief afresh.

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