1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-070/2001) 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 29 March 2001 with a Project Profile (No. PP-122/2001) (the Project Profile).

1.2 The Project Profile proposes to build the Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel using drop shafts to collect and divert upland runoff to an east-west running stormwater tunnel. The tunnel is approximately 10 km in length. The diverted runoff will be conveyed via the tunnel to the sea at a tunnel portal, which is located at the headland south of Sandy Bay (the western portal) (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

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 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 any potential impacts from point and non-point pollution sources on the identified water systems and sensitive receivers during the construction and operation stages;

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

(vi) to identify any potential landscape and visual impacts and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers;

(vii) to identify any potential impacts to the historical, archaeological and cultural resources and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(viii) 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;

(ix) 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;

(x) 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;

(xi) to investigate the extent of the secondary environmental impacts that may arise from the proposed mitigation measures and to identify constraints associated with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA study, as well as the provision of any necessary modification;

(xii) 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.

(xiii) to consider alternatives with a view to avoiding or minimizing the potential environmental impacts to the Country Park(s), the Special Area(s) and other sensitive uses, and to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the different options and to provide reasons for selecting a preferred option and to describe the part environmental factors played in the selection.

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 EIA Process of the EIAO (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 Figures 2 and shall include the proposed project mentioned in sections 1.2 above. 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 potential impacts on the country parks and the special area (Pok Fu Lam Country Park and Special Area, and Lung Fu Shan Country Park).

(ii) the potential noise and dust impacts to sensitive receivers during the construction phases, in particular at areas near residential blocks and schools.

(iii) the potential terrestrial ecological impacts arising from the construction works, including removal of vegetation and disturbance to animals.

(iv) the potential impacts on water quality and marine ecology from the discharge of stormwater into the coastal waters during the operation phases, in particular the potential impacts on the cooling water intake for Queen's Mary Hospital by the discharge of stormwater with debris, sand, silts and tree branches during the operation phases.

(v) the potential impacts on downstream flushing capacity in the stormwater pipeline system of urban area during the construction and operation phases.

(vi) the potential landscape and visual impacts arising from the removal of vegetation and the cutting of slope at tunnel portal areas, in particular the area around the proposed western portal which will divide the land zoned "Open Space" on the draft Pok Fu Lam Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H10/10 into two portions. In addition, appropriate landscape treatment shall also be provided to enhance the amenity value of the area.

(vii) the potential impacts on cultural heritage likely to be affected by the construction works.

3.3 Consideration of Alternative Alignment Options and Construction Methods

3.3.1 Consideration of Different Alignment Options, Drop Shafts Locations and Outfall Design

Apart from the alignment proposed in the Project Profile, the Applicant shall consider other feasible alignment options for the project. Alternative locations of drop shafts and man access shafts shall be investigated. The Applicant shall consider lowering the outfall at the western portal to below sea level with a view to avoiding the visual impact. A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of possible tunnel alignment options, locations of drop shafts and man access shafts and any desilting devices minimizing uncontrolled sediment discharge into the sea shall be made.

3.3.2 Consideration of Alternative Construction Methods

Having regard to the cumulative effects of the construction period and the severity of the construction impacts to the affected sensitive receivers along the drainage tunnel and shafts, the EIA study shall also explore alternative construction methods for the project with a view to avoiding adverse environmental impacts to the maximum practicable extent. A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of applying different construction methods for different sections of each alignment option shall be made. The Applicant shall take into account of the environmental implications of potential flooding at downstream areas at wet seasons during construction phases in the comparison.

3.3.3 Selection of Preferred Scenario

Taking into the comparison in sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 above, the Applicant shall recommend/justify the adoption of an alignment that will avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects.

3.4 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.

3.4.1 Air Quality Impact

3.4.1.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing air quality impact as stated in section 1 of Annex 4 and 12 of the TM respectively.

3.4.1.2 The assessment area for air quality impact shall generally be defined by a distance of 500m from the proposed project boundary as shown in Figure 2. Yet it may be extended depending on the circumstances and the scale of the project.

3.4.1.3 The Applicant shall assess the air pollutant concentrations in accordance with the latest modelling criteria as agreed with the Director.

3.4.1.4 The air quality impact assessment information shall include the following:

Background and analysis of activities

(i) provide background information relating to air quality issues relevant to the project, e.g. description of the types of activities of the projects.

(ii) give an account, where appropriate, of the consideration/measures that had been taken into consideration in the planning of the project to abate the air pollution impact. That is, the Applicant shall consider alternative construction methods/phasing programmes and alternative modes of operation to minimize the construction air quality impacts respectively.

(iii) present the background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative construction air quality impacts.

Identification of ASRs and examination of emission/dispersion characteristics

(iv) identify and describe representative existing and planned/committed air sensitive receivers (ASRs) that would likely be affected by the project. The Applicant shall select the assessment points of the identified ASRs such that they represent the worst impact point of these ASRs. A map showing the location and a description including the name of the buildings, their uses and height of the selected assessment points shall be given. The separation distances of these ASRs from the nearest emission sources shall also be given.

(v) provide an exhaustive list of air pollutant emission sources, including any nearby emission sources which are likely to have impact on the project. Examples of construction stage emission sources include stock piling, blasting, concrete batching and vehicular movements on unpaved haul roads on site, etc. Confirmation of the validity of the assumptions and the magnitude of the activities (e.g. volume of construction material handled, traffic mix and volume on a road etc.) shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/authorities and documented.

Construction air quality impact

(vi) The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollutant Control (Construction Dust) Regulation in dust control to ensure construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standards as stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 of the TM. A monitoring and audit programme during construction stage shall be initiated to verify the effectiveness of the control measures and to ensure that the construction dust levels be brought under control.

(vii) If the Applicant anticipates a significant construction dust impact that will likely cause exceedance of the recommended limits in the TM at the ASRs despite incorporation of the dust control measures stated in (vi) above, a quantitative assessment shall be carried out to evaluate the construction dust impact at the identified ASRs. The Applicant shall follow the methodology below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

Quantitative assessment methodology

(viii) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated in the modelling guidelines while making allowance for the specific characteristic of each project. This specific methodology must be documented in such level of details (preferably with tables and diagrams) to allow the readers of the assessment report to grasp how the model is set up to simulate the situation at hand without referring to the model input files. Details of the calculation of the emission rates of air pollutants for input to the modelling shall be presented in the report.

(ix) The Applicant shall identify the key/representative air pollutant parameters (types of pollutants and the averaging time concentration) to be evaluated and provide explanation for choosing these parameters for the assessment of the impact of the project.

(x) The Applicant shall calculate the cumulative air quality impact at the identified ASRs and compare these results against the criteria set out in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. The predicted air quality impacts (both unmitigated and mitigated) shall be presented in the form of summary table and pollution contours, for comparison with relevant air quality standards and examination of the land use implications of these impacts. Plans of suitable scale shall be used for presentation of pollution contour for determining buffer distances required.

Mitigating measures for non-compliance

(xi) The Applicant shall propose remedies and mitigating measures where the predicted air quality impact exceeds the criteria set in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. These measures and any constraints on future land use planning shall be agreed with the relevant government departments/authorities and documented. The Applicant shall demonstrate quantitatively that the resultant impacts after incorporation of the proposed mitigating measures will comply with the criteria stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 in TM.

Submission of model files

(xii) All input and output file(s) of the model run(s) shall be submitted to the Director in electronic format.

3.4.2 Noise Impact

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

3.4.2.2 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 project boundary. 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. For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed layouts, the Applicant shall base on the relevant planning parameters to work out the site layouts.

(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 shall use the relevant planning parameters to work out site layouts for operation 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 associated with tunneling and boring works; and plant/equipment for operation 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 shall 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 shall be fully assessed and adequate mitigation measures shall be recommended to reduce the noise impact as appropriate. For tunneling, noise impact (including air-borne noise and structure noise) associated with the operation of powered mechanical equipment, in particular, tunnel boring machine/raise boring machine or equivalent, shall be assessed.

(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 tunnel portal(s) and drop shaft(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) The Applicant shall confirm whether construction work during restricted hours is required. If affirmative, the Applicant shall 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 shall 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 shall be explicitly stated in the noise chapter and the conclusions and recommendations chapter in the EIA report.

(vi) Operation Noise Assessment on Fixed Noise Sources

(a) Assessment of Fixed Source Noise Levels

In the event that fixed mechanical plant is proposed, 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 Secondary Effects and Constraints

The Applicant shall identify, assess and propose means to minimize any secondary effects and to resolve any potential constraints due to the inclusion of any recommended direct technical remedies.

3.4.3 Water Quality Impact

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

3.4.3.2 The study area for this water quality assessment shall cover the Southern and Southern Supplementary, Victoria Harbour, Eastern and Western Buffer Water Control Zones as designated under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance. This study area could be extended to include other areas such as stream courses and the associated water system in the vicinity being impacted during the course of the EIA study if found justifiable.

3.4.3.3 The Applicant shall identify and analyze all physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, fresh water or ground water system(s), catchment area(s), stormwater pipeline and coastal water arising from the construction and operation of the proposed project.

3.4.3.4 The Applicant shall include (1) the construction phase impacts on water quality at the site; and (2) the operation phase impacts on water quality at downstream of the site due to the natural process of siltation, flows and water velocity, and re-suspensions of sediments. Essentially the assessment shall address the following:

(i) Collection and review of background information on the existing and planned water systems and their respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the project during construction and operation;

(ii) Characterization of water and sediment quality of the water systems and respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the project during construction and operation based on existing information or appropriate site survey and tests;

(iii) Identification and analysis of all existing and planned future activities and beneficial uses related to the water system(s) and identification of all water sensitive receivers. The Applicant shall refer to, inter alia, those developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans;

(iv) Identification of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives and establishment of other appropriate water and sediment quality criteria or standards for the water system(s) and all the sensitive receivers in (i) above;

(v) Review the specific construction methods and configurations, and operation of the project. Identification of any alteration of existing water courses, natural streams/ponds, shoreline or bathymetry, flow regimes, ground water levels and catchment types or areas;

(vi) Identification, analysis and quantification of all existing, likely future 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; evaluation and quantification through appropriate site investigation and tests to the pollution loading intercepted by the project and discharged to the marine waters in Sandy Bay; evaluation and quantification of the flows and pollution loads collected and discharged into the existing and planned downstream water courses and drainage systems before and after operation of the project;

(vii) Establishment and provision of a pollution load inventory on the quantities and characteristics of all existing and likely future water pollution sources identified above. Field investigation and laboratory tests shall be conducted as appropriate to fill in any major information gaps;

(viii) Cumulative impacts due to other projects, activities or pollution sources within a boundary of 300 m from both sides along the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers shall be identified and assessed;

(ix) Assessment and evaluation of any potential water quality impacts on the identified water system(s), respective catchments and sensitive receivers due to sewage arising from the construction stage. Any effluent generated will require appropriate collection, treatment and disposal to within standards and objectives and criteria established in (iv) above;

(x) Assessment and evaluation of any potential stormwater and construction runoff impacts on the water system(s), respective catchments and sensitive receivers during construction stages as to reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within standards, objectives and criteria established in (iv) above. Best management practices shall be recommended to reduce any potential impacts arising from stormwater runoff during both construction and operation phases;

(xi) Establishment of the erosion control plan during construction as per assessment carried out in point (x) above. This erosion control plan shall incorporate details such as locations, sizes and types of best management practices, which will be used to reduce stormwater pollution arising from construction works;

(xii) Should dredging be required, the Applicant shall evaluate and quantify the possible impacts arising from the dredging works. The Applicant shall identify clearly the nature, extent and rate of the dredging works, and the volume of sediment disturbed. Appropriate laboratory tests such as elutriate tests (USACE) and sediment pore water (interstitial water) analyses shall be performed on the sediment samples to simulate and quantify the degree of mobilization of various contaminants such as metals, ammonia, trace organic contaminants such as PCBs, PAHs, TBT and chlorinated pesticides into the water column during dredging. Suitable mud dredging disposal methods shall be recommended to reduce any adverse effects found;

(xiii) In case of small scale dredging works and with the prior written approval by the Director, the Applicant shall assess the potential increase in turbidity and suspended solids levels in the water column due to disturbance of marine sediments during dredging. The potential for release of contaminants during dredging shall also be addressed using the chemical testing results derived from sediment samples collected on site and relevant historic data;

(xiv) In case of large scale dredging works, the Applicant in addition to the above assessment shall conduct a full scale mathematical modelling which include simulating situation during various construction phases and upon completion of dredging, assessing both the local and global effects on flow regime, erosion and sediment pattern and water quality due to the interim and ultimate alteration of shoreline and bathymetry as a result of dredging marine sediment. The modelling assessment shall take into account the additional pollution loadings and oxygen demand exerted by sediment disturbed and any fill materials. The mathematical modelling requirements are set out in Annex A attached to this study brief;

(xv) The Applicant shall identify whether the discharge of runoff in Sandy Bay during the operation phases will give rise to adverse impacts on water quality in accordance with the TM. The Applicant shall evaluate any water quality impacts, including changes in sediment erosion or deposition pattern, downstream salinity profile and effect on aquatic organisms. This assessment shall have regard for the frequency, duration, volume and flow rate of the discharge and its pollutant and sediment load;

Waste Water and Non-point Sources Pollution

(xvi) Proposal of effective and practicable infrastructure upgrading or provision, water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction and operation stages so as reduce the water quality impacts to within acceptable levels of standards. Requirements to be incorporated in the project contract document shall also be proposed. Based on the baseline stormwater flows of the existing and planned downstream water courses and drainage systems before operation of the project, the design of the overflow devices for the drainage tunnel shall be modified to ensure that sufficient flushing can be maintained in the downstream water courses and drainage systems;

(xvii) Best management practices to reduce stormwater and non-point source pollution shall be investigated and proposed as appropriate. Attention shall be made to the water quality control and mitigation measures recommended in the ProPECC paper on construction site drainage;

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

3.4.4 Waste Management Implications

3.4.4.1 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 respectively.

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

(i) Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation

Identification of 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 re-use 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 separately considered.

(b) After considering all the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing re-use, 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 shall be described in detail. Pretreatment processes for slurry before disposal shall be addressed in details. The disposal method recommended for each type of waste shall take into account of the result of the assessment in (c) below; and

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

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

3.4.5 Ecological Impact (Both Terrestrial and Aquatic)

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

3.4.5.2 The assessment area for the purpose of terrestrial ecological assessment shall include all areas within 500m distance from the site boundary of the land based works areas as shown in Figure 2 or the area likely to be impacted by the project. For aquatic ecology, the assessment area shall be the same as the water quality impact assessment described in section 3.4.3.2 or the area likely to be impacted by the proposed project.

3.4.5.3 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.

3.4.5.4 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 be at least four months, including wet season, 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 for wildlife/habitats or red data books;

(v) investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of various habitats with special attention to country parks, special areas, natural stream courses, 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 sites and its vicinity and assess whether these sites will be affected by the proposed development or not;

(vii) using suitable methodology, to 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) operation impacts on aquatic life through periodic storm discharges at the portal.

(viii) to 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 residual ecological impacts using well-defined criteria. If off-site mitigation measures are considered necessary to mitigate the residual impacts; and

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

3.4.6 Fisheries Impact

3.4.6.1 The Applicant shall identify the potential impacts to the fisheries around the outfall portal during construction and operation phases having regard to the duration and quantity of discharges. If adverse impacts are envisaged, the Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for assessing fisheries impact as specified in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM respectively.

3.4.6.2 The assessment area shall be the same as that for water quality impact assessment as set out in section 3.4.3.2. It shall include the Fish Culture Zone at Lo Tik Wan.

3.4.6.3 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.

3.4.6.4 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 of 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.

3.4.7 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.4.7.1 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.

3.4.7.2 Description of the visual compatibility of the project, especially the outfall portal and the above ground structures associated with the drop shafts 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.

3.4.7.3 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.

3.4.8 Impact on Cultural Heritage

3.4.8.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing impact on cultural heritage as state in Annexes 10 and 19 of the TM respectively.

3.4.8.2 The heritage impact assessment information shall include the following:

(i) The Applicant shall identify all sites of cultural heritage that might be adversely affected by the impacts due to vibration associated with the construction activities of the project. The EIA study shall establish a comprehensive inventory 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. A plan showing the location of both the proposed works and all sites of cultural heritage identified is required. Besides, a check list including all the affected sites of cultural heritage, impacts identified, recommended mitigation measures as well as the implementation agent and period shall also be included in the EIA report.

(ii) The Applicant shall assess the extent to which those sites of cultural heritage might be directly and indirectly affected and recommend possible alternatives (such as modification of layout and design of the project) and practicable monitoring and mitigation measures to avoid or keep the adverse impacts on the site of cultural heritage to the minimum.

(iii) Special attention shall be paid to the historic buildings and structures in the vicinity of the project including the following five known built heritage. A map in 1:1000 scale indicating the boundary of each identified built heritage together with the nearby work areas in proper scale shall be made.

• Tiger Balm Gardens (Grade II) at Tai Hang,

• Former explosive Magazine of Victoria Barracks (Grade I, also known as Old Ammunition Depot) at Queensway,

• Hop Yat Church (Grade II) at 2 Bonham Road,

• Pinewood Battery (1903) at Lung Fu Shan and

• Batteries (1912) on Mount Davies Battery

(iv) In the event that supplementary studies are needed and are agreed by the Director, the Applicant can draw necessary reference to Annex B on the "Guidelines for Marine Archaeological Investigation (MAI)" and "Requirements of Built Heritage Impact Assessment (BHIA)".

3.4.9 Hazard To Life

3.4.9.1 If there is overnight storage of explosives, and the location of which is in close vicinity of populated areas, the Applicant shall follow the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annexes 4 and 22 of the TM in conducting hazard assessment and include the following in the assessment:

(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.

3.4.10 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.

3.4.11 Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements

3.4.11.1 The Applicant shall identify and justify in the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A activities, during the construction phases of the project, and if affirmative, to define the scope of the EM&A requirements for the project in the EIA study.

3.4.11.2 Subject to the confirmation of the EIA study findings, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM. The Applicant shall propose real-time reporting of monitoring data for the project through a dedicated internet website accessible to the public.

3.4.11.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Annex C 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 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.

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

(i) 50 copies of the EIA report in English and 80 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 5.2 (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.

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 of full costs of printing.

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 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.

5.6 When the EIA Report and the Executive Summary are made available for public inspection under s.7(1) of the EIAO, 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 project mentioned in Sections 1.2 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile, 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.

May 2001
Environmental Assessment and Noise Division,
Environmental Protection Department