1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-041/1999) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant on 13 September 1999 with a project profile (No. PP-062/1999).

1.2 The Applicant proposes to build an animal cremator at a site in Nim Wan, Tuen Mun for the disposal of animal carcasses. The location of the site is shown in the attached Appendices A and B. The project daily arisings of animal carcasses is about 20 tonnes per day by the year 2021. The animal cremator would also provide individual cremation service of dead pets for the public as an optional service. During emergency situation, it may be used to handle human body parts such as amputated limbs and excised organs originated from hospitals or clinics. The construction of the Animal Cremator will comprise the followings:-

(1) Construction of a building for accommodating cremator units and the associated facilities, workshops, offices, cold storage, etc. to handle approximately 20 tonnes (including contingency) of animal carcasses per day;

(2) construction of a chimney (about 20 - 30 metres high)

(3) installation of two cremator units and one optional pet cremator unit;

(4) provision of infrastructures including service roads and drains, sewerage, paved parking spaces and fencings; and

(5) where necessary, provision of waste water treatment facilities or pumping facilities to transfer its wastewater to other government facilities for treatment.

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 designated project and related activities taking place concurrently. This information will contribute to decisions by the Director on:

(i) the overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that are likely to arise as a result of the proposed project;

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

(iii) 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:

(i) to describe the proposed project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the proposed project;

(ii) 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 to the proposed project, including both the natural and man-made environment;

(iii) to identify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

(iv) to identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and natural habitats;

(v) to identify any potential landscape and visual impacts and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(vi) 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;

(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, assesses 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 reducing them to acceptable levels;

(ix) to investigate the extent of side-effects of proposed mitigation measures that may lead to other forms of impacts;

(x) to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study;

(xi) 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

The Purpose

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 referred to as the TM), are fully complied with.

The Scope

3.2 The scope of this EIA study shall cover the proposed project mentioned in section 1.2 above, with the proposed works area as shown in the attached Appendices A and B.. The EIA study shall address the likely key issues described below, together with any other key issues identified during the course of the EIA study:

(i) the environmental impacts of aerial emissions from the chimney of the animal cremator;

(ii) the water quality impacts during construction and operational phases, including surface runoff, wastewater discharges and cooling water discharges;

(iii) the environmental impacts of the disposal of waste arising from the operation of the animal cremator;

(iv) ecological impact during construction of the access road to the animal cremator;

(v) landscape and visual impact during both the construction and operational phases of the animal cremator;

(vi) cumulative environmental impacts of the proposed animal cremator with nearby facilities such as the Black Point Power Plant, the proposed sludge incinerator facility at Nim Wan and the proposed Waste-To-Energy Incineration Facilities (WEIF) in close proximity to the animal cremator;

(vii) the environmental impacts of the collection, transportation and storage of animal carcasses and human body parts such as amputated limbs and excised organs;

(viii) health risk associated with the handling of animal carcasses and human parts during operation of the animal cremator;

(ix) feasibility of alternative modes of transportation (including delivery by sea) and their associated environmental impacts/benefits (including odour, noise, dust, health rish and other nuisances).

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 technical requirements for the EIA study are listed in the following Sections 3.4 to 3.13.

3.4 The EIA report shall include background information on the siting selection procedures and the part environmental factors played in the selection process. A comparison of the main environmental impacts of different siting options considered shall be provided. For the latter, the likely future environmental conditions in the absence of the project (no-build scenario) shall also be presented.

3.5 The EIA report shall contain a comparison of the environmental benefits/impacts of alternative mode of transportation (including delivery by sea) of the animal carcasses and human parts. The assessments of associated environmental impacts (e.g., dust, odour, noise and other nuisances) and health risk, if applicable, shall be conducted. Recommendations on the final selection and the environmental factors played in the selection process shall be clearly presented.

3.6 Air Quality Impact

3.6.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing air quality impact as stated in Annexes 4 and 12 of the Technical Memorandum, respectively.

3.6.2 The assessment area for air quality impact shall generally be defined by a distance of 500m from the boundary of the project area. Any emission sources in the study area with notable impacts (eg. the chimney) should be identified and included in the air quality assessment to cover the short-range contribution. In cases where there is one or more significant sources nearby, the study area may have to be extended or alternatively estimation approach be employed to ensure these impacts are reasonably accounted for. In addition, the assessment area shall be expanded to cover the nearest representative air sensitive receiver (ASR) from the project area accordingly.

3.6.3 The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation in dust control and, subject to Secton 4 below, shall initiate an audit and monitoring program during the construction stage to ensure construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standard as stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM.

3.6.4 The air quality assessment shall include the following :

3.6.4.1 General Requirements

The following general requirements shall include both criteria and non-criteria air pollutants.

(i) presentation of existing and background air quality in the study area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative air quality impacts of the proposed project;

(ii) description of the topographical and man-made features which may affect the dispersion characteristics of air pollutants within the study area;

(iii) identification of representative air sensitive receivers and/or potential affected uses;

(iv) identification of emission characteristics and provision of an emission inventory of the existing, committed and planned air pollution sources;

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

(vi) analysis of operational activities (after commissioning), including any foreseeable emergency uses of the facility, their related air quality impact and characterization;

(vii) assessment and evaluation of the net and cumulative air quality impacts, the latter shall take into account all major nearby emission sources, such as the Black Point Power Station, and the proposed sludge incineration facility at Nim Wan currently being considered under the Sludge Treatment and Disposal Strategy Study and the proposed Waste-To-Energy Incineration Facilities (WEIF), which is currently in its site search stage, should also be kept in view.

(viii) 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

(ix) proposals of effective mitigation measures to reduce the cumulative air pollution impacts to established standards.

(x) the report that is submitted to the Air Policy Group and Air Management Group of the Environmental Protection Department should include all input and output files of the model runs in electronic format.

3.6.4.2 Specific Requirements

(A) In assessing the aerial emissions, both criteria and non-criteria pollutants should be taken into consideration :

(a) Criteria air pollutants as specified in the Hong Kong Air Quality Objectives

(b) Non-criteria air pollutants

The assessment of non-criteria pollutants shall take full cognizance of the latest developments in ambient air quality standards put forward by renowned international organizations, such as USEPA, or WHO, etc.. The assessment criteria shall be subject to agreement of the Director.

(B) Greenhouse Gases

(a) The Applicant shall assess the six Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) under Kyoto Protocol using the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines. Biogenic and non-biogenic CO2 should be reported separatly. Three years are selected for the assessment, namely, 2005 (the first year of full operation), 2010 and 2021.

(b) The GHGs impact assessment shall include the following:

(i) identification of emission and provision of a quantitative emission inventory for CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O from energy sources;

(ii) qualitative assessment of CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O, HFCs, PFCs and SF6 from other sources like industrial processes, land-use change;

(iii) assessment and evaluation of the net GHG emissions;

(iv) proposals of effective mitigation measures to reduce emission, e.g., advanced combustion technology, waste heat utilization including feeding excess electricity to grid line to indirectly offset power plant GHG emissions, alternative refrigeration technology or refrigerants (e.g., ammonia, hydrocarbon) to substitute use of high GWP gases, etc. ; and

(v) quantification of GHG emission reduction achievable through mitigating options.

3.7 Water Pollution

3.7.1 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.

3.7.2 The assessment area for the purpose of this water quality impact assessment shall cover the project area(s) as shown in the attached Appendixes A and B, plus any stream courses and the associated water system in the vicinity that may be affected by the project.

3.7.3 The Applicant shall identify and analyze in the assessment all physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, estuarine, fresh water or ground water system(s) arising from construction and operation of the project.

3.7.4 The Applicant shall include the following in the water quality impact assessment :

(i) collection and review of background information on the existing water system(s) and the respective catchment(s);

(ii) characterization of water and sediment quality based on existing information or site surveys/tests as appropriate;

(iii) identification and analysis of all existing and future activities and beneficial uses related to the water system(s) and identification of all water sensitive receivers;

(iv) identification of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives, criteria and standards for the water system(s) and all the sensitive receivers;

(v) identification, analysis and quantification of all existing and future water and sediment pollution sources, including cooling water discharges and surface water runoff, and analysis of the provision and adequacy of future facilities to reduce such pollution. An emission inventory on the quantities and characteristics of all these existing and future pollution sources in the assessment area shall also be provided.

(vi) Possible emission of microbes associated with transportation, storage and handling of animal carcasses into surrounding waterbodies should be assessed in detail;

(vii) assessment and quantification of all existing and future waste water generation activities and analysis on the adequacy of existing and future sewerage infrastructure (including on-site wastewater treatment plant(s));

(viii) proposal for upgrading or providing any effective sewerage infrastructure (including on-site wastewater treatment plant(s)), water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction, operation stages so as to reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within standards. Requirements to be incorporated in the project contract document shall also be proposed;

(ix) Best management practices to reduce storm water and non-point source pollution shall be investigated and proposed as appropriate; and

(x) evaluation and quantification of residual impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the appropriate water and sediment quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines.

3.8 Waste Management Implications

3.8.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing waste management implications as stated in Annexes 7 and 15 of the TM, respectively.

3.8.2 The assessment of waste management implications shall cover the following:

(i) Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation

The Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the proposed dredging works, based on the sequence and duration of these activities.

(ii) Proposal for Waste Management

(a) Prior to considering the disposal options for various types of wastes, opportunities for reducing waste generation shall be fully evaluated.

(b) Having been taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation, the types and quantities of the wastes required to be disposed 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 (c) below.

(c) The impact caused by handling (including labelling, packaging & storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail. This assessment shall cover the following areas :

- potential hazard;
- air & odour emission;
- noise;
- wastewater discharge; and
- public transport.

3.9 Land Contamination Prevention

3.9.1 Fuel oil would be transported, handled and stored during the operation phase of the animal cremator. To prevent contamination problem from arising in the future, in accordance with ProPECC PN3/94, the Applicant shall:

(i) identify possible sources of contamination associated with the operation of the animal cremator; and

(ii) formulate appropriate operational practices, waste management strategies and precautionary measures for the prevention of contamination problems.

3.10 Ecological Impact

3.10.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing ecological impact as stated in Annexes 8 and 16 of the TM, respectively.

3.10.2 In the ecological impact assessment, the Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats within the assessment area. The aim shall be to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environmental. In particular, the proposed project shall avoid impacts on recognized 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 project. The assessment area for the purpose of this ecological impact assessment shall include all areas within 500 m distance from the proposed site area as shown in the attached Appendixes A and B.

3.10.3 The assessment shall include the following :

(i) review findings of relevant studies and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;

(ii) evaluate the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to the terrestrial and aquatic environment;

(iii) carry out necessary field surveys (the duration of which shall be at least 4 months and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfill the objectives of the EIA study;

(iv) establish the general ecological profile and describe the characteristics of each habitat found; major information to be provided shall include :

(a) description of the physical environment;

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

(c) ecological characteristics of each habitat type such as size, 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;

(d) representative colour photos of each habitat type and any important ecological features identified;

(e) species found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation, international conventions for conservation of habitats or red data books;

(v) investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special attention to those wildlife groups and habitats identified as have special conservation interests including the woodlands at the vicinity of the animal cremator;

(vi) describe all recognized sites of conservation importance in the proposed development site and its vicinity and assess whether these sites will be potentially affected by the proposed development;

(vii) using suitable methodology, identify and quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect, on-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts such as destruction of habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, reduction of ecological carrying capacity and habitat fragmentation;

(viii) evaluate the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using well-defined criteria;

(ix) recommend all possible alternatives (such as alternative alignment of the access road) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified;

(x) 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;

(xi) determine and quantify the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;

(xii) evaluate the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using criteria as stated in Annex 8 of the TM; and

(xiii) review the need for and recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.

3.11 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.11.1 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 TM, respectively.

3.11.2 The assessment area for the landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within a 500m distance from the proposed project. The assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the proposed project.

3.11.3 The landscape and visual impact assessment shall include the following :

(i) a baseline study to provide for a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape and visual character;

(ii) a review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

(iii) impact studies to identify the potential landscape and visual impacts and predict their magnitude and potential significance; and

(iv) recommendations on mitigation measures and implementation programme.

3.11.4 The Applicant shall appraise and analyze the existing landscape resource and character of the assessment area. The sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change shall be particularly focused on. The Applicant shall identify the degree of compatibility of the proposed project(s) with the existing landscape.

3.11.5 The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the proposed project(s). The assessment shall include the following :

(a) identification and plotting of visibility contours of the proposed project(s) within the assessment area;

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

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

3.11.6 The Applicant shall review relevant plans and studies which may contain guidelines and urban design concept, building height profile, designated view corridors, specific elements such as, areas of high visual value, special design areas, and open space network. The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area affected and the ways that the project can fit into the environment. Any conflict with the statutory town plan should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should be recommended.

3.11.7 The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape and townscape design. The mitigation measures shall also include the retention of vegetation, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed land, reprovisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, and any measures to mitigate the disturbance of the existing agricultural and horticultural land use. Parties shall be identified for the management and maintenance of any proposed mitigation measures to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the proposed project. A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall also be worked out.

3.11.8 Perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, photographs on scaled physical models, photo-retouching and photo-montage shall be adopted to illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed project.

3.12 Health Risk Assessment

3.12.1 A health risk assessment shall be conducted to assess the potential health impact associated with the operation of the animal cremator. Particular attention should be paid to assess any microbial emissions (bacteria, viruses, etc.) during transportation, storage and handling of animal carcasses and human parts such as amputated limbs and excised organs orignated from hospitals or clinics.

3.12.2 The health risk assessment shall be based on establish practices in foreign countries, such as the European approach as implemented in the UK through the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and the associated Biological Agents Approved Code of Practice. A literature search shall be carried out to determine the best approach for the risk assessment. The approach shall be agreed by Director of Health.

3.12.3 The health risk assessment shall follow the following key steps:-

(i) a systematic identification of the hazards associated with collection, transport and disposal of animal carcasses and human parts via the animal cremator;

(ii) an assessment of the likelihood and consequences of exposure to the animal carcasses and human parts;

(iii) an identification of means by which the risks could be further reduced; and

(iv) recommendation of all reasonably practicable measures to reduce risks.

3.12.4 The assessment shall include a comparison of the proposed Hong Kong Code of Practice (and associated regulations) with the codes of practice, guidelines, etc. applied elsewhere in the world.

3.13 Noise Issues

3.13.1 Though no detailed noise assessment is required because of the type, nature and location of the project, the EIA report shall state the noise mitigation measures, if any, or include clear statements about the reasons that noise concerns are not of major concerns.

3.14 Summary of Environmental Outcomes

The EIA report shall contain a summary of the key environmental outcomes arising from the EIA study, including the population and environmentally sensitive areas protected, environmentally friendly designs recommended, key environmental problems avoided, compensation areas included, the environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended and residual impacts.

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

4.1 The Applicant shall identify in the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A and/or environmental management system (EMS) activities during the construction and operation phases of the project and, if affirmative :

(i) to define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the project in the EIA study; and/or

(ii) to set out the scope of the EMS requirements for the construction and operation of the project to achieve satisfactory environmental performance.

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

4.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a check list as shown in Appendix C) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.

5. DURATION OF VALIDITY

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 :

(i) 40 copies of the EIA report in English and 60 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.

(ii) 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.

(iii) 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 The Applicant shall make additional copies of the above documents available to the public, subject to payment by the interested parties of full costs of printing.

6.4 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.

6.5 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.

6.6 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.

6.7 To promote environmentally friendly and efficient dissemination of information, both hard copies and electronic copies of future EM&A reports recommended by the EIA study shall be required and their format shall be agreed by the Director.

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 1.2 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-062/1999), 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

October 1999
Environmental Protection Department

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