Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499)Section 5 (7)
Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-054/2000
Project Title: Construction of Lung Kwu Chau Jetty
Name of Applicant : Civil Engineering Department, the Government of the HKSAR
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 An application (No.ESB-054/2000) 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 23 May 2000 with a project profile (No.PP-090/2000).
1.2 A Doppler VHF Omni-directional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (DVOR/DME) Station is being operated at Lung Kwu Chau to provide bearing and distance information to the approaching aircraft to and from the Chek Lap Kok Airport. Currently, the transportation of equipment for servicing the DVOR/DME is carried out by helicopters as the existing jetty at Lung Kwu Chau is considered too small for Civil Aviation Department's vessels to carry out the transportation work by sea. However, helicopter works are prohibited during nighttime and adverse weather conditions hence emergency repairing work is not possible under these conditions.
1.3 The applicant proposes to reconstruct an existing jetty at Lung Kwu Chau to facilitate transportation of servicing equipment for the DVOR/DME by sea. The proposed site is located at the eastern coast of Lung Kwu Chau as shown in the attached Figure 1. The proposed project is classified as a designated project under Item Q.1 of Part I of Schedule 2 of the EIAO as the proposed work site is located wholly within the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and the adjacent Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Lung Kwu Chau, Tree Island and Sha Chau, location of which are shown in the attached Figure 2. The proposed scope of work are as follows:-
(i) construction of a precast concrete blockwork jetty of 10m by 20m with a single berth;
(ii) construction of a concrete catwalk of approximately 62m long;
(iii) dredging of an approach channel of about 8500 m2 in size to a level of -2.5mCD in front of the berth;
(iv) installation of miscellaneous facilities on the jetty, including lighting, navigation light, fendering, handrails, tide gauge, etc., and;
(v) demolition of the existing jetty upon completion of the proposed jetty.
1.4 Pursuant to section 5(7)(a) of the EIAO, the Director of Environmental Protection (the Director) issues this Environmental Impact Assessment (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 impact 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 in detail 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 wildlife habitats;
(v) to identify any negative impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;
(vi) to propose the provision of 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 minimize any environmental impacts as far as practicable 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
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 (hereinafter referred to as the TM), are fully complied with.
The Scope
3.2 The scope of the EIA study shall cover the proposed project mentioned in Section 1.3 above, with the proposed works area as shown in the attached Figure 1. The EIA study shall address the likely key issues describe below, together with any other key issues identified during the course of the EIA study:-
(i) impact to marine ecology of the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park during construction and operation of the proposed jetty and during demolition of the existing jetty;
(ii) impact to capture fisheries from dredging works during construction and operation stages of the proposed jetty;
(iii) water quality impact associated with dredging works and construction and operation of the proposed jetty;
(iv) landscape and visual impact to Lung Kwu Chau during both construction and operational stages;
(v) archaeological impact to the Lung Kwu Chau Archaeological site (see attached Figure 3), including marine archaeological impact to the seabed of the dredging area;
(vi) management of construction waste and dredged sediment generated during the construction stage of the proposed works; and
(vii) environmental performance of alternative means for servicing the DVOR/DME station at Lung Kwu Chau and/or alternative sitings and design of the proposed jetty.
Technical Requirements
3.3 The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address all environmental aspects of the activities as described in the scope as set out above. The EIA shall include assessments of associated environmental impacts (e.g. ecological and water quality impacts), where applicable.
Consideration of Different Options and Transport Modes
3.4 The EIA shall take into consideration with clear and objective comparison of environmental benefits and dis-benefits of different modes for servicing the DVOR/DME station at Lung Kwu Chau and alternative sitings/design of the proposed jetty. In formulating the preferred options, the Applicant shall seek to avoid adverse environmental effects to the maximum practicable extent.
3.5 The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts as shown in Sections 3.6 to 3.12.
3.6 Water Quality Impact
3.6.1. 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.
3.6.2. The assessment area for the purpose of this water quality impact assessment shall cover the area within the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park.
3.6.3. The Applicant shall identify and analyze in the assessment all physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine water system(s) arising from construction and operation of the project.
3.6.4. The Applicant shall include the following in the water quality impact assessment:-
(i) collection and review of background information on the existing marine water body;
(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 body and identification of all water sensitive receivers;
(iv) identification of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives, criteria and standards for the water body and all the sensitive receivers;
(v) identification of any alteration of shoreline or bathometry, change of flow regimes;
(vi) identification, analysis and quantification of all water and sediment pollution sources during the construction and operation phases of the project, including point discharges and non-point sources to surface water runoff, maintenance dredging during the operation of the proposed jetty, and analysis of the provision and adequacy of mitigation measures 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. Field investigation and laboratory tests, as appropriate, shall be conducted to fill in any relevant information gaps;
(vii) prediction and quantification, by suitable quantification techniques subject to the approval of the Director, of impacts on the water body 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 changes in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion or deposition, water and sediment quality and the effects on the aquatic organism due to such changes. The prediction shall include possible different construction stages or sequences, and different operation stages; cumulative impacts due to other projects, activities or pollution sources within a boundary around the assessment area, subject to the agreement of the Director, shall also be predicted and quantified.
(viii) identification and quantification by suitable quantification techniques subject to the approval of the Director, of all dredging, fill extraction, filling, reclamation, mud/sediment transportation and disposal activities and requirements. Potential fill source and dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified. Field investigation, sampling and laboratory tests to characterize the sediment/mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate. The ranges of parameters to be analyzed; the number, type and methods of sampling; sample preservation; laboratory tests; and the laboratory to be used shall be subject to the approval of the Director of environmental Protection; prediction, quantification and assessment of impacts on the physical regime, water and sediment quality of the water body and the sensitive receivers due to the activities identified above. The prediction and quantification of impacts caused by, amongst others, sediment re-suspension and contaminant release shall be carried out with suitable quantification techniques subject to the approval of the Director.
(ix) Identification and evaluation of the best practicable dredging and reclamation methods to minimize dredging and dumping requirements and demand for fill sources based on the criterion that existing marine mud shall be left in place and not be disturbed as far as possible. Cumulative impacts due to other dredging, filling or dumping activities within a boundary around the Assessment Area shall also be predicted and quantified.
(x) proposal for upgrading or providing any effective infrastructure, 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;
(xi) Best management practices to reduce storm water and non-point source pollution shall be investigated and proposed as appropriate; and
(xii) evaluation and quantification of residual impacts on the water body and the sensitive receivers with regard to the appropriate water and sediment quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines.
3.7 Ecological Impact
3.7.1. 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.
3.7.2. The assessment area for the purpose of this ecological impact assessment shall be the area within the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and the Site of Special Scientific Interest at Lung Kwu Chau, Tree Island and Sha Chau.
3.7.3. 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 project shall avoid impacts on recognized sites of conservation importance (e.g., Country or Marine Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and other ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impact and should evaluate the environmental acceptability of the proposed project.
3.7.4. The assessment shall include the following major tasks:
(i) review the findings of relevant studies (see list at Appendix I) 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 coastal and aquatic environment;
(iii) carry out necessary field surveys which shall cover the wet seasons (the duration of which shall be at least six 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 and/or substrate type, species present, dominant species found, species diversity and abundance, community structure, seasonal patterns, 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:-
(a) natural coastline including rocky and sandy shores;
(b) coastal bay waters and seabed;
(c) other waters of the Marine Park;
(d) the biota of the Marine Park, in particular Sousa chinensis, the Chinese White Dolphin; and
(e) any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interest by the study.
(vi) describe the Marine Park and SSSI and any other 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, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts such as destruction of habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, loss of feeding and breeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity and habitat fragmentation; and in particular the following:-
(a) impacts of habitat loss and disturbance associated with dredging, extraction and placing of fill materials during construction;
(b) impacts of habitat loss and disturbance to wildlife arising from construction of the new jetty and demolition of the existing jetty; and
(c) deterioration of environmental qualities (e.g., water qualities) and the subsequent impacts to the biological communities during operational stage including any maintenance dredging required.
(viii) evaluate the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using well-defined criteria;
Assessment of Impacts on Chinese White Dolphins
(ix) review and incorporate the findings of relevant studies including the previous dolphins studies as mentioned in Appendix I above and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;
(x) evaluate the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential impacts on the Chinese White Dolphins;
(xi) carry out necessary field surveys and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified, if any, and to fulfil the objectives of the EIA study;
(xii) present all relevant survey findings including previous surveys conducted in relevant studies together with surveys carried out under this study;
(xiii) assess the impacts on the Chinese White Dolphin due to disturbance, loss of habitat and food supply;
(xiv) assess the cumulative impacts of any nearby dredging/reclamation operations on the dolphins;
(xv) identify precautionary and mitigatory measures for protection of the Chinese White Dolphins. The proposed measures may include, but need not be limited to, those recommended in previous EIA studies and dolphins studies, such as ecological monitoring on the dolphins during construction phase;
Ecological Mitigation
(xvi) consider, evaluate and recommend all possible alternatives and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize, and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified; in particular:-
(a) the feasibility of alternative modes for servicing the DVOR/DME shall be considered as a first priority, the alternatives compared and their relative impacts included;
(b) the feasibility of alternative layouts and designs which avoid or minimize loss of natural coastline and seabed within the Marine Park shall be considered as a second priority and their relative impacts included; and
(c) reinstatement of habitat temporarily affected by the proposed development and enhancement of existing lower quality habitats otherwise unaffected by the project.
(xvii) 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;
(xviii) determine and quantify as far as possible the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;
(xix) 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
(xx) review and recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.
3.8 Fisheries Impact
3.8.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing fisheries impact as stated in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM.
3.8.2 The assessment area for the purpose of this fisheries impact assessment shall be the area likely to be impacted by the project.
3.8.3 The fisheries impact assessment shall include the following:-
(i) description of the physical environmental background;
(ii) description and quantification of existing capture fisheries activities;
(iii) description and quantification as far as possible the existing fisheries resources (e.g. major fisheries products and stocks);
(iv) identification of parameters (e.g. water quality parameters) and areas (e.g. breeding/spawning grounds, nursery grounds, reefs) that are important to fisheries;
(v) identification and quantification as far as possible any direct/indirect impacts to fisheries (e.g. deterioration of fishing grounds, loss of breeding grounds, reduction of catch/productivity);
(vi) evaluation of impacts and make proposals for any environmental mitigation measures with details on justification, description of scope and programme, feasibility as well as staff and financial implications including those related to subsequent management and maintenance requirements of the proposals; and
(vii) review the need for monitoring during the construction and operation phases of the project and, if necessary, propose a monitoring and audit programme.
3.9 Cultural Heritage Impact
3.9.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing impact on cultural heritage as stated in Annexes 10 and 19 of the TM, respectively.
3.9.2 The historical, archaeological and cultural heritage impact study should take into account the importance of cultural heritage in Hong Kong and address the potential impacts to the historical, archaeological and cultural resources within the assessment area.
3.9.3 The Assessment Area for the historical, archaeological and cultural heritage impact study shall cover the entire footprint of the work boundary as shown in Figure 1.
3.9.4 The examination of the assessment area should allow a general appraisal of archaeology and historic landscapes of the areas that the development will take place. The project should be modified and, if necessary, supplemented to accommodate off-site areas of spoil disposal, construction sites and traffic routes which could affect archaeological, historic and cultural resources as these are identified during the evolution of the engineering design.
3.9.5 The historical, archaeological and cultural heritage impact assessment should focus on:-
(i) Investigation of archaeological potential of the study area by:-
(a) developing a field evaluation programme to identify areas to be investigated;
(b) producing field evaluation protocols to determine the sampling technique, the sample rational to be applied and the site record forms to be used, the evaluation protocols should be compatible with the data capture requirements of the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO); and
(c) undertaking field evaluations.
(d) Marine Archaeological Investigation (MAI) on the area of the seabed of the works boundary of the proposed jetty and the dredging area (see Figure 1) in order to assess the marine archaeological value of the area. Guidelines for the MAI is attached in Appendix II.
(a) Evaluation of impacts on areas of archaeological interest including the seabed of the works boundary of the proposed jetty and the dredging area; and proposals for any mitigation measures with detailed elaboration on scope
3.10 Waste Management
3.10.1 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.
3.10.2 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, opportunities for reducing waste generation and on-site or off-site reuse shall be fully evaluated. Measures which can be taken in the planning and design stages, e.g., by modifying the design approach and in the construction stage for maximizing waste reduction shall be considered separately.
(b) Having taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing reuse, the types and quantities of the wastes required for disposal 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 set out below.
(c) The impact caused by handling (including labelling, packaging & storage), collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail with appropriate mitigation measures proposed. This assessment shall cover the following areas:-
potential hazard; air and odour emissions; noise; wastewater discharge; and public transport.
3.11 Landscape and Visual Impact
3.11.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum. Both construction and operation impacts shall be assessed.
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 visual envelope from the proposed project.
3.11.3 The Applicant shall review relevant outline development plans, outline zoning plans, layout plans, planning briefs and studies which may identify areas of high landscape value, and recommend conservation zone designation. Any guidelines on conservation that may affect the appreciation of the project shall also be reviewed. The aim is to gain an insight to the future outlook of the area so that the project can fit into surrounding setting.
3.11.4 The Applicant shall describe, appraise and analyze the existing landscape resources and character of the assessment area. The sensitivity of the landscape and its ability to accommodate change shall be particularly focused on. A system should be derived for judging impact significance. The Applicant shall identify the degree of compatibility of the proposed project with the existing landscape. The assessment shall quantify the potential landscape impacts as far as possible, so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the proposed project. Clear mapping of the landscape impact is required.
3.11.5 The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the proposed project. Clear illustrations of visual impact assessment are required. The assessment shall include the following:
(i) identification and plotting of visibility envelope of the proposed project within the assessment area;
(ii) identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope and their views at both ground/sea levels and elevated vantage points;
(iii) description of the visual compatibility of the project with the surrounding, and the planned setting and its obstruction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas. Among other receivers, sensitive receivers shall include hikers, users of recreational water users, ferry users and other residences with view across to Lung Kwu Chau; and
(iv) severity of visual impacts in terms of distance, nature and number of sensitive receivers. The visual impacts of the project with and without mitigation measures shall also be included so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
3.11.6 The Applicant shall evaluate the merits of preservation in totality, in parts or total destruction of existing landscape and the establishment of a new landscape character area. In addition, alternative design that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impacts shall be evaluated for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape design. The mitigation measures shall include preservation of vegetation, transplantation of mature trees, revegetation of disturbed land, compensatory planting, design of structure, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of materials used. Parties shall be identified for the on going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the project. The mitigation measures proposed shall not only be concerned with damage reduction but should also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape. A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be provided.
3.11.7 Coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, annotated oblique aerial photographs, photo-retouching and computer-generated photomontage shall be adopted to fully illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed project to the satisfaction of the Director. All computer graphics shall be compatible with Microstation DGN file format. The Applicant shall record the technical details such as system set-up, software, data files and function in preparing the illustration, which may need to be submitted for verification of the accuracy of the illustrations.
3.12 Summary of Environmental Outcomes
3.12.1 The EIA report shall contain a summary of the key environmental outcomes arising from the EIA study, including the environmentally sensitive areas protected, environmentally friendly designs recommended, key environmental problems avoided, compensation areas included and the environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING & AUDIT (EM&A) REQUIREMENTS
4.1 The Applicant shall identify and justify 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 proposed developments and, if affirmative:
(i) to define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the proposed developments in the EIA study; and/or
(ii) to set out the EMS requirements for the construction and operation of the proposed developments to achieve satisfactory environmental performance.
4.2 Subject to the confirmation of 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 checklist as shown in Appendix 3 or as approved by the Director) 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 from 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 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 whee the respective references are made. All graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format unless otherwise agreed by the Director.
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 REQUIREMENT
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-090/2000), 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 a fresh EIA study brief.
Appendix I
Relevant Studies for the Ecological Impact Assessment
The following studies are relevant and should be reviewed for the purpose of ecological assessment:-
(A) Proposed Aviation Fuel Receiving Facility at Sha Chau: EIA Volume 1 & 2 (EIAO Register ref. EIA-053/BC)
(B) EIA Study for Disposal of Contaminated Mud in the East Sha Chau Marine Borrow Pit (EIAO Register ref. EIA-107/BC)
(C) Jefferson T (1998) Population Biology of the Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphin (Sousa chinensis Osbeck, 1765) in Hong Kong Waters: Final Report, submitted to Agriculture and Fisheries Dept., Hong Kong SAR Government 15 April 1998
(D) Study on Tonggu Waterway: Final Report July 1999 Scott Wilson (Hong Kong) Ltd. to the Civil Engineering Dept., Hong Kong SAR Government
Appendix II
Guidelines for Marine Archaeological Investigation (MAI)
The standard practice for MAI should consist of four separate tasks, i.e., (1) Baseline Review, (2) Geophysical Survey, (3) Establishing Archaeological Potential and (4) Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV)/Visual Diver Survey/Watching Brief.
1. Baseline Review
1.1 A baseline review should be conducted to collate the existing information in order to identify the potential for archaeological resources and, if identified, their likely character, extent, quality and value.
1.2 The baseline review will focus on known sources of archive data. It will include:-
(a) Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) - the Department holds extensive seabed survey data collected from previous geological research. (b) Marine Department, Hydrographic Office - the Department holds a substantial archive of hydrographic data and charts. (c) The Royal Naval Hydrographic Department in the UK - the Department maintains an archive of all survey data collected by naval hydrographers.
1.3 The above data sources will provide historical records and more detailed geological analysis of submarine features which may have been subsequently masked by more recent sediment deposits and accumulated debris.
2. Geophysical Survey
2.1 Extensive geophysical survey of the study area should deploy high resolution boomer, side scan sonar and an echo sounder. The data received from the survey would be analyzed in detail to provide:-
(a) Exact definition of the areas of greatest archaeological potential.
(b) Assessment of the depth and nature of the seabed sediments to define which areas consist of suitable material to bury and preserve archaeological material.
(c) Detailed examination of the boomer and side scan sonar records to map anomalies on the seabed which may be archaeological material.
3. Establishing Archaeological Potential
3.1 The data examined during Tasks 1 and 2 will be analyzed to provide an indication of the likely character and extent of archaeological resources with the study area. This would facilitate formulation of a strategy for investigation.
3.2 The results would be presented as a written report and charts. If there is no indication of archaeological material there would be no need for further work, subject to the agreement of the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO).
4. Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV)/Visual Diver Survey/Watching Brief
4.1 Subject to the outcome of Tasks 1, 2 and 3, accepted marine archaeological practice would be to plan a field evaluation programme to acquire more detailed data on areas identified as having archaeological potential. The areas of archaeological interest can be inspected by ROV or divers. ROV or a team of divers with both still and video cameras would be used to record all seabed features of archaeological interest.
4.2 Owing to the heavy marine traffic in Hong Kong, the ROV/visual diver survey may not be feasible to achieve the target. If that is the case, an archaeological watching brief is the most appropriate way to monitor the dredging operations in areas of identified high potential to obtain physical archaeological information.
4.3 A sampling strategy for an archaeological watching brief would be prepared based on the results of Tasks 1, 2 and 3 to focus the works on areas of greatest archaeological potential. Careful monitoring of the dredging operations would enable immediate identification and salvage of archaeological material. If archaeological material is found, the AMO should be contacted immediately to seek guidance on its significance and appropriate mitigation measures would be prepared.
5. Report
5.1 If Task 4 is undertaken, the results would be presented in a written report with charts.