1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-042/1999) 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 20 September 1999 with a Project Profile (No. PP-064/1999).

1.2 As stated in the Project Profile (No. PP-064/1999), the whole Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme (SSDS) comprises four stages. Stage I will provide a deep tunnel system to collect sewage from the preliminary treatment works (PTWs) in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island East and transfer it for treatment and disposal at Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (SCISTW). The works for Stage III/IV, i.e. this proposed project, are listed in Section 1.3 below. Stage II will provide a transfer and pumping system to convey the Stages I and III/IV effluent from the SCISTW to an oceanic outfall east of Lamma Island as well as disinfection facilities. The EIA study for Stage II ("SSDS EIA Study") is being conducted in accordance with the EIA study brief in the EIAO Register, No. SB-030/BC.

1.3 The Applicant proposes to collect sewage from PTWs in Hong Kong Island and transfer it for treatment at SCISTW in order to meet the Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) within the Victoria Harbour Water Control Zone. The proposed project involves the upgrading of existing PTWs at North Point, Wan Chai East, Wan Chai West, Central, Sandy Bay and Aberdeen; the construction of pumping stations at Shau Kei Wan, Aberdeen, Sandy Bay and Ap Lei Chau; the construction of a transfer system (tunnels and pipelines) to convey screened sewage from the PTWs to SCISTW by using the pumping stations and; expansion of SCISTW to enable treatment of the increased sewage flows.

1.4 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.

1.5 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 projects 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 elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the proposed project and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the proposed project, including 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 describe, identify and quantify any potential landscape and visual impacts and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers;

(vi) to identify any negative impacts on site of cultural heritage and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(vii) to propose the provision of infrastructure or mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and operation of the proposed project;

(viii) 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 proposed project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

(ix) to identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the proposed project which are necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and reducing them to acceptable levels;

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

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

(xii) to identify, within the study area, any individual project(s) that fall under Schedule 2 of the EIA Ordinance; to ascertain whether the findings of this EIA study have adequately addressed the environmental impacts of those projects; and, where necessary, to identify the outstanding issues that need to be addressed in any further detailed EIA study; and

(xiii) to design and specify 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

The purpose of this EIA 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 (hereinafter referred to as the TM) are fully complied with.

3.2 The Scope

The scope of this EIA study shall cover the proposed works area shown in Figure 1.4.1 of the Project Profile (No. PP-064/1999) and shall include the proposed project mentioned in section 1.3 above. The EIA study shall address the likely key issues described below; and together with any other key issues identified during the course of the EIA study :

(i) the potential water quality impacts arising from the discharge of the combined flows from SSDS Stage I and Stage III/IV via the SSDS Stage 1 interim outfall and the North West Kowloon outfall prior to the commissioning of SSDS Stage II. As part of the "SSDS EIA Study", the water quality impacts due to this scenario has already been modelled. This EIA study should make use of these modelling results to assess the water quality impacts;

(ii) the potential environmental impacts associated with the expansion of the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works and other PTWs. This should include the quantitative assessment of the water quality impacts due to the possible temporary by-pass of sewage at the seawall outfall during expansion and upgrading of the Stonecutter Sewage Treatment Work and other PTWs;

(iii) the potential noise and dust impacts arising from the construction works of the proposed project (in particular the drop shafts, tunnels and pipelines). This EIA study should also take into account any other major projects that may occur concurrently with this proposed project;

(iv) the potential noise and odour impacts arising from the operation of the proposed pumping stations and upgrading of sewage treatment works;

(v) during operation stage wet weather flows in excess of the capacity of the deep tunnel system may overflow at seawall outfall of the PTWs and the water quality impact should be quantitatively assessed;

(vi) the potential hazard impacts on two proposed works sites at Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau which are located within the consultation zones of two respective Potential Hazardous Installations.

3.3 Technical Requirements

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.

3.3.1 Air Quality Impact

3.3.1.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing air quality impacts as stated in Annexes 4 and 12 of the TM.

3.3.1.2 The study area for air quality, to address in particular dust control during the construction stage and odour control during the operation stage, shall be defined by a distance of 500 metres from the proposed project boundary as showned in Figure 1.4.1 of the Project Profile (No. PP-064/1999).

3.3.1.3 The air quality impact assessments shall include the following major tasks :

(i) analyze all major construction and operation activities and their related air quality impacts. Such activities shall include the construction of the transfer system; the construction and operations of the pumping stations, the upgrading of the PTWs and the expansion of the SCISTW;

(ii) review and present background air quality information, including dust and odour effects, in the study area for the purpose of evaluating cumulative air quality impacts arising from the project activities under (i);

(iii) identify and describe representative air sensitive receivers (ASRs) of all existing, planned/committed sensitive developments that would be adversely affected by the project activities under (i). The Applicant shall refer to those developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans. The locations of these ASRs, to be presented in a map, shall be agreed with the Director;

(iv) identify the characteristics of major air emissions and to provide an emission inventory of major air emission sources (existing, planned/committed);

(v) describe the assessment method(s) to be used, whether these be analytical, numerical or physical models, the associated assumptions, validity and limits of application. Such method(s) shall be agreed with the Director before commencement of the EIA study;

(vi) assess and quantify, whenever applicable, the net and cumulative air quality impacts affecting the ASRs identified at (iii);

(vii) present predicted residual air pollution impacts, both unmitigated and mitigated, as summary tables and pollution contours, whenever practicable, for examination of the land use implications of these impacts;

(viii) propose appropriate and practicable mitigation measures to reduce the cumulative air pollution impacts to established standards;

(ix) propose and initiate appropriate monitoring and audit program to ensure proper dust and odour controls during the construction and operation of the project as part of the requirement specified in section 3.3.11 of this EIA study brief; and

(x) submit one set of all input and output file(s) of the model run(s) in electronic format to the Director.

3.3.2 Noise Impact

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

3.3.2.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following :

(i) Determination of Assessment Area

The area for the noise impact assessment shall generally include all areas within 300m from the proposed project shown in Figure 1.4.1 of the Project Profile (No. PP-064/1999). Subject to the agreement of the Director, the assessment area could be reduced accordingly if the first layer of noise sensitive receivers, closer than 300m from the outer project limit, provides acoustic shielding to those receivers at further distance behind.

(ii) Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels

The Applicant shall provide all background information relevant to the project, e.g. relevant previous or current studies. Unless involved in the planning standards, e.g. those for planning of fixed noise sources, no existing noise levels are particularly required.

(iii) Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

(a) The Applicant shall refer to Annex 13 of the TM when identifying the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs). 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 and Layout Plans.

(b) The Applicant shall select assessment points to represent all identified NSRs for carrying out quantitative noise assessment described below. The assessment points shall be agreed with the Director prior to the quantitative noise assessment. A map showing the location and description such as name of building, use, and floors of each and every selected assessment point shall be given. For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed site layouts, the Applicant should use the relevant planning parameters to work out site layouts for operational noise assessment purpose.

(iv) Provision of an Emission Inventory of the Noise Sources

The Applicant shall provide an inventory of noise sources (e.g. construction equipment for assessment of construction noise (both air-borne and structure-borne noise) associated with tunnelling works; and plant/equipment for operational noise assessment). Confirmation of the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities.

(v) Construction Noise Assessment

(a) The Applicant shall carry out assessment of noise impact from construction (excluding percussive piling) of the project during day time, i.e. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on weekdays other than general holidays in accordance with the methodology stipulated in paragraphs 5.3. and 5.4 of Annex 13 of the TM. The criteria in Table 1B of Annex 5 of the TM shall be adopted in the assessment.

(b) To minimize the construction noise impact, alternative construction methods to replace percussive piling shall be proposed as far as practicable. In case blasting cannot be avoided and it should be carried out, as far as practicable, outside the sensitive hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday to Saturday and any time on a general holiday, including Sunday. For blasting that must be carried out during the above-mentioned sensitive hours, the noise impact in associated with the removal of debris and rocks should be fully assessed and adequate mitigation measures should be recommended to reduce the noise impact as appropriate.

(c) If the unmitigated construction noise levels are found exceeding the relevant criteria, the Applicant shall propose practicable direct mitigation measures (including movable barriers, enclosures, quieter alternative methods, re-scheduling and restricting hours of operation of noisy task) particular at the open-cut area(s) and the tunnel portal(s) to minimize the impact. If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.

(d) In case the Applicant would like to evaluate whether construction works in restricted hours as defined under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) are feasible or not in the context of programming construction works, reference should be made to the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO. Regardless of the results of the construction noise impact assessment for restricted hours, the Noise Control Authority will process the Construction Noise Permit (CNP) application, if necessary, based on the NCO, the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO, and the contemporary conditions/situations. This aspect should be explicitly stated in the noise chapter and the conclusions and recommendations chapter in the EIA report.

(vi) Operational Noise Assessment on Fixed Noise Sources

(a) Assessment of Fixed Source Noise Levels

The Applicant shall calculate the expected noise using standard acoustics principles. Calculations for the expected noise shall be based on assumed plant inventories and utilization schedule for the worst case scenario. The Applicant shall calculate the noise levels taking into account of correction of tonality, impulsiveness and intermittency in accordance with the Technical Memorandum for the Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites.

(b) Presentation of Noise Levels

The Applicant shall present the existing and future noise levels in Leq (30 min) at the NSRs at various representative floor levels (in m P.D.) on tables and plans of suitable scale.

A quantitative assessment at the NSRs for the proposed fixed noise source(s) shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM.

(c) Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures

The Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies within the project limits in all situations where the predicted noise level exceeds the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM to protect the affected NSRs.

(vii) 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 any recommended direct technical remedies.

(viii) Evaluation of Constraints on Planned Noise Sensitive Developments/Landuses

For 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.

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

3.3.3 Water Pollution

3.3.3.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing water pollution as stated in Annexes 6 and 14 of the TM.

3.3.3.2 The study area for this water quality assessment shall cover the following Water Control Zones as designated under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance : Victoria Harbour, Eastern Buffer, Western Buffer and Southern. This study area could be extended to include other areas being impacted during the course of the EIA study if found justifiable.

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

3.3.3.4 The "SSDS EIA Study" has considered the water quality impacts associated with the emergency overflow of the whole SSDS during its operation stage. This EIA study should make reference to the findings in this "SSDS EIA Study", and to further consider the risk of, and the associated water quality impacts arising from, the failures of, and the maintenance requirements of, each individual PTWs, that will lead to the discharge of sewage at the sewage outfalls. The Applicant should identify worst case scenario(s) and seek agreement with the Director before proceeding with quantitative assessment(s) of the associated water quality impacts.

3.3.3.5 The Applicant shall include in the water quality impact assessment the following major tasks :

i) collect and review relevant background information on the affected water system(s) and their respective catchment(s);

ii) characterize water and sediment quality based on existing information or information collected from appropriate site surveys/tests;

iii) identify and analyze existing, planned/committed activities and beneficial uses related to the water system(s) and identify all affected water sensitive receivers. The Applicant shall refer to those developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans;

iv) identify pertinent water and sediment quality objectives, criteria and standards for the water system(s) and sensitive receivers identified in (iii) above;

v) identify any alteration(s)/change(s) to existing water courses, natural streams/ ponds, shoreline or bathymetry, flow regimes, ground water levels, and catchment types or areas;

vi) identify, analyze and quantify all existing and committed water and sediment pollution sources, including point discharges and non-point sources to surface water runoff, and analyze these in relation to the provision and adequacy of future facilities to reduce such pollution, in terms of capacity and levels of treatment;

vii) provide an emission inventory on the quantities and characteristics of existing and committed pollution sources identified in (vi) above and to conduct appropriate field investigation and laboratory tests to fill in any major information gaps, if considered necessary;

viii) predict and quantify, using mathematical modelling or other techniques to be approved by the Director, impacts on the affected water system(s) and the sensitive receivers due to those alterations and changes identified in (v) above and the pollution sources identified in (vi) above. Possible impacts include change in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion or deposition, water and sediment quality and the resultant effects on the aquatic organism due to above changes. The modelling requirements are given in Appendix 1 of this EIA study brief;

Cumulative impacts due to other projects, activities or pollution sources with a boundary around the assessment area, subject to the agreement of the Director shall be predicted and quantified.

ix) propose water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction and operation stages so as to reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within standards;

x) investigate and propose best management practices to reduce storm water and non-point source pollution arising from the construction of the proposed project; and

xi) evaluate and quantify any residual impacts on the affected water system(s) and sensitive receivers with regard to the appropriate water and sediment quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines.

3.3.4 Waste Management Implications

3.3.4.1 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.

3.3.4.2 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 construction and operation activities, 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, the Applicant shall fully evaluate opportunities for reducing waste generation.

(b) After taking taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation, the Applicant shall estimate the types and quantities of the wastes required to be disposed of as a consequence and describe the disposal options for each type of waste in detail. The disposal options 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 and odour emissions;
- noise;
- wastewater discharge; and
- public transport.

3.3.5 Ecological Impact (Both Terrestrial and Aquatic)

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

3.3.5.2 The assessment area for the purpose of terrestrial ecological assessment shall include all areas within 500 m distance from the site boundary of the land-based works area as shown in Figure 1.4.1 of the Project Profile (No. PP-064/1999), or the area likely to be impacted by the proposed project. The assessment area for the purpose of marine ecological assessment shall be the same as the assessment area for water quality impact assessment in Section 3.3.3.2, or the area likely to be impacted by the proposed project.

3.3.5.3 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 environment. In particular, the proposed projects 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.

3.3.5.4 The assessment shall include the following major tasks :

(i) review the 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 shall at least cover four 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, 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;

(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 wildlife/ habitats or red data books;

(v) investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special attention to woodlands, natural coastlines, corals, marine mammals and any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by this EIA study;

(vi) describe 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 development or not;

(vii) 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, and in particular the following :

(a) Habitat loss and disturbance to wildlife during construction stage; and

(b) Deterioration of environmental qualities (e.g. water quality) and subsequent impacts to the biological communities during operation stage.

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

(ix) 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;

(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 as far as possible the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;

(xii) 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

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

3.3.6 Fisheries Impact

3.3.6.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for assessing fisheries impact, as specified in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM.

3.3.6.2 The assessment area shall be the same as that for water quality impact assessment as set out in Section 3.3.3.2. It shall include the Fish Culture Zones at Ma Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Lo Tik Wan.

3.3.6.3 The study shall review and collate existing information to provide adequate and accurate data for prediction and evaluation of impacts of the proposed project on fisheries.

3.3.6.4 The fisheries impact assessment shall include the following major tasks :

(i) describe the physical environmental background;

(ii) describe and quantify the existing fisheries activities;

(iii) describe and quantify the existing fisheries resources;

(iv) identify parameters and areas that are important to fisheries;

(v) identify and quantify any direct, indirect, on-site and off-site impacts to fisheries;

(vi) evaluate impacts and propose any practicable alternatives or mitigation measures to prevent or minimize adverse impacts on fisheries; and

(vii) review the need for and recommend any fisheries monitoring and audit programme required.

3.3.7 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.3.7.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM for evaluating and assessing visual impacts of any above ground structures associated with the proposed project. Visual impacts during both the construction and the operation phases shall be assessed.

3.3.7.2 Description of the visual compatibility of the project with the surrounding and the planned setting, and its obstruction and interference with key views of the adjacent areas; and the severity of visual impacts in terms of distance, nature and number of sensitive receivers shall be identified. The visual impacts of the proposed project with and without mitigation measures shall be included so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

3.3.7.3 The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including the provision of a landscape design to cover the retention of vegetation, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed land, compensatory planting, provisioning and reprovisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of material used, and any measures to mitigate the disturbance of the existing land use. Presentation of perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, photomontage from key vantage points taken for all proposed above ground structures in the existing and planned urban setting illustrating the effectiveness of visual impact mitigation measures shall be included.

3.3.8 Impact on Cultural Heritage

3.3.8.1 The Applicant shall identify those sites of cultural heritage that might be adversely affected by the impacts due to vibration and ground settlement associated with the construction activities of the proposed project. The EIA study shall establish a list of archaeological sites, historic buildings and structures located within or in close proximity to the project area, that might have the potential to be affected. The list should include at least the following entities :

3.3.8.2 The Applicant shall assess the extent to which theses sites or structures might be affected and recommend possible alternatives (such as modification of layout and design of the project) and practicable monitoring and mitigation measures to avoid and minimize damage to important sites of cultural heritage. Such measures, if found necessary, shall be agreed with the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Home Affairs Bureau.

3.3.9 Hazard To Life

3.3.9.1The Applicant shall follow the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annexes 4 and 22 of the TM in conducting hazard assessment.

3.3.9.2 Since the proposed work sites at Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau are located within the consultation zone of two respective Potential Hazardous Installations (PHI), namely the Hongkong & China Gas Company's Gas Holder (PHI No. H4) and the Shell LPG Transit Depot/Bulb Domestic Supply (PHI No. H5), the Applicant shall carry out hazard assessment as follows :

(i) assess the risks associated with all aspects of the construction and operation of the proposed project ;

(ii) in conducting the assessment the hazards associated with the storage and use of any other dangerous goods or hazardous activities present on site shall also be assessed;

(iii) ascertain whether the overall risks posed by the activities of the project are acceptable, taking into account the risk guidelines set out in section 4.4 of Chapter 11 of the Hong Kong Planning Standards & Guidelines;

(iv) recommend mitigation measures where the risk is considered in the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) region or above, and to quantify the reduction in risk achievable by these means;

(v) recommend measures that would prevent accidental damage to the adjacent PHIs and their associated pipelines during construction and operation of the proposed project.

3.3.9.3 If there is storage of explosives on site, the Applicant shall expand the scope of the hazard assessment to include :

i) identification of all hazardous scenarios associated with the transport, storage and use of explosives for blasting operations.

ii) execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms.

iii) comparison of individual and societal risks with the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM; and

iv) identification and assessment of practicable and cost effective risk mitigation measures.

3.3.10 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 and the environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.

3.3.11 Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements

3.3.11.1 The Applicant shall follow the guidelines as stated in Annex 21 of the TM to formulate an EM&A programme and to define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the proposed project in the EIA study.

3.3.11.2 The Applicant shall also follow Annex 21 of the TM to identify in the EIA study whether there is any need to carry out an environmental management system (EMS) activities during the construction and/or operation phases of the proposed project. If the need is established, then the Applicant shall set out the EMS requirements for the construction and/or operation of the proposed project to achieve satisfactory environmental performance.

3.3.11.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Appendix 2 to this EIA study brief) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.

4. DURATION OF VALIDITY

4.1 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.

5. REPORT REQUIREMENTS

5.1 In preparing the EIA report, the Applicant shall make reference to the general guidance as set out in Annex 11 and Annex 20 of the TM. Annex 11 lists out the main sections of the content of an EIA report and Annex 20 sets out the guidelines used by the Director for review of the EIA report.

5.2 The Applicant shall provide the Director with :

(i) as perusal to section 6(2) of the EIAO,
    - 50 copies of the EIA report in English; and
    - 100 copies of the Executive Summary(ies) (in English and Chinese),
    to be supplied at the time of application for approval of the EIA report;

(ii) as perusal to section 7(1) of the EIAO,
    - when necessary, addendum to the EIA report and the Executive Summary(ies) submitted in (i) above
    to be supplied upon the advice by the Director for public exhibition;

(iii) as perusal to section 7(5) of the EIAO,
    - 20 copies of the EIA report in English; and
    - 50 copies of the Executive Summary(ies) (in English and Chinese),
    to be supplied upon advice by the Director for consultation with the Advisory Council on the Environment.

5.3 The Applicant shall, upon request, make additional copies of the above documents available to the public, subject to payment by the interested parties for full printing costs.

5.4 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 Portable Document Format (PDF version 4.0 or later), 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. Hyperlinks to all figures, drawings and tables in the EIA Report and Executive Summary shall be provided in the main text from where the respective references are made. All graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format unless otherwise agreed by the Director.

5.5 Electronic copies of the EIA report and the Executive Summary(ies) shall be submitted to the Director at the time of application for approval of the EIA Report.

5.6 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.

5.7 To promote environmentally friendly and efficient dissemination of information, both hardcopies 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.

6. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 If there is any change in the name of Applicant for this EIA study brief during the course of the EIA study, the Applicant must notify the Director immediately.

6.2 If there is any key change in the scope of the proposed project mentioned in Section 1.3 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile No. PP-064/1999, 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 proposed project fundamentally alter the key scope of the EIA study brief, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for another EIA study brief afresh.

Appendix 1

Modelling software general

1. The modelling software shall be fully 3-dimensional capable of accurately simulating the stratified condition and salinity transport within the model area.

2. The modelling software shall consist of hydrodynamic, water quality and particle dispersion modules. The hydrodynamic and water quality modules shall have proven and successful applications locally and overseas.

3. The hydrodynamic and water quality modules shall be strictly mass conserved at all levels.

Model details - Calibration & Validation

1. No field data collection is required for model calibration for this study. However, the models shall have been properly calibrated and validated before commencement of this study in the eastern part of Pearl River Estuary, North Western Waters, Western Harbour, Victoria Harbour, East Lemma Channel and West Lemma Channel with the field data collected by:

1. Hydraulic and Water Quality Studies in Victoria Harbour (1987)
2. Port and Airport Development Strategy - Enhancement of WAHMO Mathematical Models (1990)
3. Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme Stage II - Oceanic Outfall, Oceanographic Surveys and Modelling (1992)
4. EPD's routine monitoring data
5. Tidal data from HK Observatory, Macau and relevant Mainland Authorities.
6. Tidal data shall be calibrated and validated in both frequency and time domain manner.

2. For the purpose of calibration and validation, the model shall run for not less than 15 days of real sequence of tide (excluding model spin up) in both dry and wet seasons with due consideration of the time required to establish initial conditions.

3. In general the hydrodynamic models shall be calibrated to the following criteria:

Criteria	Level of fitness
with field data
tidal elevation (rms)	<8%
maxi. phase error at HW and LW	<20 minutes
maxi. current speed deviation	<30 %
maximum phase error at peak speed	<20 minutes
maximum direction error at peak speed	<15 degrees
maximum salinity deviation	<2.5 ppt

Model details - Simulation

1. The water quality modelling results shall be qualitatively explainable, and any identifiable trend and variations in water quality shall be reproduced by the model. The water quality model shall simulate and take account of the interaction of dissolved oxygen, phytoplankton, organic and inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, silicate, BOD, temperature, suspended solids, air-water exchange and benthic processes. It shall also simulate salinity and E. coli. Salinity results simulated by hydrodynamic models and water quality models shall be demonstrated to be consistent.

2. The models shall at least cover the whole of Pearl River Estuary (including all major tributaries), Macau, Lema Channel, and Mirs Bay to incorporate all major influences on hydrodynamic and water quality.

3. Model grid across the Ma Wan Channel, Kap Shui Mun, Rambler Channel and Lei Yue Mun shall be less than 75 m. In general, grid size at the area affected by the project shall be less than 400 m in open waters and less than 75 m around sensitive receivers. The grid schematisation shall be agreed with EPD. All models shall either be dynamically linked to a far field model or form part of a larger model by gradual grid refinement.

Modelling assessment

1. Scenarios to be assessed shall cover all phases of development being considered. Corresponding pollution load, bathymetry and coastline shall be adopted in the model set up.

2. Assess for compliance of Water Quality Objectives.

3. Hydrodynamic and water quality models shall be run for 15 days (excluding model spin up) of real sequence of tide.

4. Assess the impact on all sensitive receivers including the application of bacterial dispersion module.

5. All modelling input data and results shall be submitted in digital media to EPD.

November 1999
UAG, EAND,
Environmental Protection Department

 


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Appendix 2

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