Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499)
Section 5 (7)

Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-021/1998

Project Title : Route 16 Investigation Assignment - Alternative Alignment Study
The name of Applicant : Highways Department, Major Works Project Management Office

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-021/1998) 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 29th October 1998 with a project profile (No. PP-031/1998) on the captioned project.

1.2 The Applicant proposes to design and implement the construction of a dual 3-lane route connecting West Kowloon and Sha Tin, including tunnels, viaducts and slip road connections. The project covered in the project profile is a Designated Project under the EIAO by virtue of Section 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 captioned Applicant to carry out an EIA study.

An EIA Study was completed for a route alignment for Route 16, which was designated as the Conforming Alignment. Details of this previously approved EIA report are:

Title: Route 16 Investigation Assignment from West Kowloon to Sha Tin–Environmental Impact Assessment: Final Assessment Report, Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual
EIAO Register referenc number: EIA–135/BC
Endorsed by Advisory Council on the Environment: February 1998

The current EIA Study is required as a result of major design changes including an alternative alignment option for the Kowloon end of Route 16, widening of the Lai Chi Kok Viaduct, and the direct connection with Route 9. This alignment option from Sha Tin to West Kowloon, including all the noted changes, is designated as the Alternative Alignment.

1.5 The purpose of this EIA Study is to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the construction, operation of the proposed Alternative Alignment 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, operation, of the proposed project; 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, including a quantitative risk assessment regarding hazardous materials;

  4. to identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and wildlife habitats;

  5. to identify any potential landscape and visual impacts;

  6. to identify any potential impacts to the historical and cultural resources of the historic buildings specified in Section 3.10 below, and propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

  7. to propose the provision of infrastructure or mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction, operation of the proposed project, and to assess the land take impact arising from implementation of such mitigation measures;

  8. 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;

  9. to identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction, operation of the proposed project which are necessary to mitigate these impacts and reduce them to acceptable levels;

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

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

  12. to design and specify the environmental monitoring and audit requirements necessary 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. a dual 3-lane road connecting from the Lai Wan Interchange in West Kowloon to the proposed T3 Road in Sha Tin, with slip road connections on both sides;

  2. a ventilation building; and

  3. a toll plaza and an administration building.

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. However, this EIA Study should present detailed assessments for only those issues arising from the differences between the Conforming Alignment and the Alternative Alignment (including differences in traffic projections). Wherever relevant and possible, reference should be made to the above approved EIA report for the Conforming Alignment, regarding assessment details, results, required mitigation measures, and residual impacts, etc. The following are the technical requirements for specific impacts:

3.4 Noise Impact Study

3.4.1 The "study area" shall be within 300m of the proposed project. However, the study area can be reduced accordingly if the first layer of the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs), closer than the noted 300m distance, provide acoustic shielding to those receivers at further distance behind subject to the agreement with the Director.

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. For planned noise sensitive landuses without committed site layouts, the Applicant should base on the relevant planning parameters to work out site layouts for operational noise assessment purposes.

    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 (Site 10, which is adjacent to the Lai Wan Interchange, shall be included).

  3. Provision of an Emission Inventory of the Noise Sources

    The Applicant shall provide an inventory of noise sources for both the construction noise assessment and operational noise assessment. From a knowledge of the likely type, sequence and duration of construction activities required for the project implementation, identify those construction activities likely to cause noise problems to the receivers. For a road project, the inventory shall include the road traffic data. Confirmation of the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities.

  4. Construction Noise Assessment

    If the unmitigated construction noise levels are found exceeding the relevant criteria, the Applicant shall propose practicable direct mitigation measures (including but not limited to movable barriers, enclosures, quieter alternative methods, re-scheduling and restricting hours of operation of noisy task) to minimise the impact. If the mitigated noise levels are still exceeding the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.

  5. Operational Noise Assessment (Road Traffic Noise)

    1. Calculation of Noise Levels

      (a1) The Applicant shall analyse 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 of 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 issued under the EIAO 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. 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).

  6. Assessment of Side Effects and Constraints

    The Applicant shall identify, assess and propose means to minimize any side effects and to resolve any potential constraints due to the inclusion of the recommended direct technical remedies. For instance, when decking over of roadways is identified to be necessary, the air quality and the increase in noise levels below the deck and at the portals shall be addressed.

  7. Evaluation of Constraints on Planned Noise Sensitive Developments/Land Uses
    1. In the event that there are planned noise sensitive uses which will still be affected even with all practicable direct technical remedies in place, the Applicant shall propose, evaluate and confirm the practicality of additional measures within the planned noise sensitive uses and shall make recommendations on how these noise sensitive uses will be designed for the information of relevant parties.

    2. The Applicant shall take into account the agreed environmental requirements/constraints identified by the study to assess the impact on development parameters and development potential of the concerned sites which shall be made known to the relevant parties.

3.5 Air Quality Impact

3.5.1 The "study area" shall be within 500m from the proposed project.

3.5.2 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing air quality impact as stated in Annexes 4 and 12 of the TM respectively arising from operational phase of the project only.

3.5.3 The air quality impact assessment shall include the following:

  1. General

    1. presentation of existing and background air quality for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative air quality impacts of the proposed project;

    2. description of the topographical and man-made features which may affect the dispersion characteristics of air pollutants;

    3. identification of representative air sensitive receivers and/or potential affected uses (Site 10, which is adjacent to the Lai Wan Interchange, shall be included);

    4. identification of emission characteristics and provision of an emission inventory of the air pollution sources;

    5. description of the assessment method (whether it be analytical, numerical or physical) and the associated assumptions, validity of the method and limits of application;

    6. analysis of operational activities, its related air quality impact and characterization;

    7. presentation of the assessment results in the form of summary table and pollution contours, whenever practicable, for comparison with relevant air quality standards and the examination of the land use implications of these impacts; and

    8. proposals of effective mitigation measures to reduce the cumulative air pollution impacts to established standards.

  2. Specific

    1. Operational Air Quality Impact Assessment

      (a1) Assess the net and cumulative air pollution impact of the proposed project to receptors by dispersion modelling. The Applicant shall provide detailed methodology statement and key assumptions of the selected model such as emission factors and other input parameters etc. to the Director for comment and consent before commencement of the Study.

      (a2) The report shall include the entire output file(s) of the model run(s) in electronic format. These files shall echo all the input data.

      (a3) Air pollution Isopleths shall be produced as an output of the study.

      (a4) The Applicant shall also assess the air quality implications of any proposed noise mitigation measures. If noise mitigation measures such as noise canopy, which will affect dispersion of air pollutants are proposed to mitigate noise impact due to traffic flow, then the Applicant shall also assess the implications of such mitigation measures on air quality impact. If noise canopy in the form of total enclosure is proposed, then both 'tunnel' portal emissions and air quality inside the 'tunnel' shall also be addressed.

    2. Construction Dust

      The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) regulation in dust control and shall initiate an audit and monitoring programme during construction to ensure construction dust impacts within 500m of the Project are controlled within the relevant standard as stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM.

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 and evaluate whether the natural stream courses in the vicinity of Butterfly Valley would be affected by the proposed Route, particularly during construction works;

  2. characterisation 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 construction activities such as tunnelling, cutting, on-site concrete batching, filling and excavation which might lead to alteration of water courses, increase sediment loading to downstream watercourses or drainage systems and changes of catchment area(s);

  4. prediction and quantification of impacts on the water system(s) and sensitive receivers due to changes identified in (iii) above. Possible impacts in particular during construction include changes in sediment erosion, deposition and contaminated construction runoff and the effects on the identified sensitive receivers and water system(s) due to such changes. 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;

  5. establishment of pertinent water quality objectives, criteria and standards for the water system(s) and all the sensitive receivers;

  6. 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, and the operation of the toll plaza and administration building. Any effluent generated will require appropriate treatment and disposal;

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

  8. establishment of erosion control plan during construction as per assessments carried out in (iv) 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 and construction runoff 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 labelling, 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:

      • potential hazards;

      • 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 (Lion Rock Country Park to be included as a sensitive receiver for visual impact).

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. 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 analyse the existing landscape resource and character of the Study Area. It shall focus particularly on the sensitivity of the landscape framework such as green belt, open space, landscape protection area, etc., and its ability to accommodate change. The Applicant shall identify the degree of compatibility of the proposed project with the existing landscape. Impacts shall be categorized according to Annex 8 of the TM to allow for an assessment of the significance of such impacts.

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.

  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 outline zoning plans, outline development plans, layout plans, planning briefs, etc. 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 minimise 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 As appropriate, perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, oblique aerial photographs, photo-retouching and photomontages shall be adopted to illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the project. The Applicant shall record the technical details on preparing the illustrative material, which may need to be submitted for verification of the accuracy of the illustrations.

 

3.9 Ecological Impact (Both Aquatic And Terrestrial)

3.9.1 For ecological impact, the "study area" shall be within 500m from the proposed project.

>3.9.2 The Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats within the project areas and other areas likely to be affected by the project. It shall be the aim to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment. In particular, the proposed project shall avoid impacts on recognised sites of conservation importance and other ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impacts associated with the construction and operation of the project. The study shall evaluate the environmental acceptability of the project. The relevant guidelines and requirements laid down in the TM, in particular Annexes 8 and 16, shall be followed.

3.9.3 The Applicant shall carry out the following tasks in the assessment :

  1. review the findings of relevant studies and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the study area;

  2. evaluate the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to the terrestrial and aquatic environment;

  3. carry out necessary field surveys (the duration of which shall be at least 4 months and cover the wet season) and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfill the objectives of the EIA Study;

  4. establish the general ecological profile and provide a description of the characteristics of each habitat found; major information to be provided shall include:

    1. description of the physical environment;

    2. habitat maps of suitable scale (1:1000 to 1:5000) showing the types and locations of habitats in the study area;

    3. ecological characteristics of each habitat type such as size, vegetation type, species present, dominant species found, species diversity and abundance, community structure, inter-dependence of the habitats and species, and presence of any features of ecological importance;

    4. representative colour photos of each habitat type and any important ecological features identified, and

    5. species found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation, international conventions for conservation of wildlife/habitats or red data books.

  5. investigate and provide a description of the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special attention to the following habitats and wildlife groups:

    1. woodlands;

    2. natural stream courses and rivers;

    3. mammals; and

    4. any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by the study;

  6. provide a description of all recognized sites of conservation importance in the proposed development site and its vicinity and assess whether these sites will be affected by the proposed project or not;

  7. using suitable methodology, identify and quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect, on-site, off-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts such as destruction of habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, loss of feeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity and habitat fragmentation;

  8. evaluate the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using well-defined criteria;

  9. recommend all possible alternatives (such as modifications of layout and design) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified;

  10. evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and define the scope, type, location, implementation arrangement, subsequent management and maintenance of such measures;

  11. determine and quantify as far as possible the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;

  12. evaluate the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using well-defined criteria. If off-site mitigation measures are considered necessary to mitigate the residual impacts, the guidelines and requirements laid down in the PELB Technical Circular No. 1/97 shall be followed; and

  13. review the need for and recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.

3.10 Heritage Impact Assessment

3.10.1 The heritage impact assessment shall be conducted for the Lai Chi Kok Hospital and the historic buildings in Tin Sam, Sha Tin.

3.10.2 The heritage impact assessment shall focus on the evaluation of impacts on cultural heritage and proposals for any mitigation measures with detailed elaboration on scope of work including:

  1. heritage resources of the noted historic buildings shall be identified as far as practicable through reference to appropriate records, such as the archives of the AMO, and through consultations with relevant village representatives, appropriate academic sources and other Government sources, including the Lands Department, District Offices, etc.;

  2. the criteria to be adopted to assess the level of direct and indirect impacts to the heritage resources and to develop appropriate mitigation measures, shall be established in close liaison with AMO during the course of the EIA Study.

3.10.3 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing impacts on cultural heritage as stated in Annexes 10 and 19 of the TM respectively.

3.11 Hazard Assessment

3.11.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing hazard to life as stated in Annex 4 of the TM. The assessment shall cover both construction and operation stages, and include the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre LPG Installation and the Carado Garden LPG Installation (in Tai Wai), as well as Sha Tin Water Treatment Works, Tai Po Road Water Treatment Works, and Shek Lei Pui Water Treatment Works. The objectives of the hazard assessment shall include the following:

  1. identification of all hazardous scenarios associated with transport, storage and processing of hazardous material (including chlorine) taking into account equipment failures and human errors;

  2. execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms;

  3. comparison of individual and societal risks with Government Risk Guidelines and comment on the acceptability of the assessed risk;

  4. identification and assessment of practicable and cost effective risk mitigation measures to demonstrate the compliance with Hong Kong Risk Guidelines.

  5. The methodology of hazard assessment, the risk/hazard ranking system shall be agreed and approved by the Director prior to commencing with detailed studies.

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

4.1 Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) Requirements

4.1.1 The Applicant shall identify in the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A activities during the construction and operational phases 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. 45 copies of the EIA report in English and 45 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 (each bilingual 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.

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-031/1998), 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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