1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-091/2001) 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 28 November 2001 with a Project Profile (No. PP-153/2001).

1.2 The Project Profile (No.PP-153/2001) proposes to construct and operate a helipad of about 30m in diameter and an emergency vehicular access (EVA), about 125m long and 4.5m wide at the north-western part of Peng Chau.

1.3 The helipad is mainly for transporting Peng Chau residents to urban area for medical treatment in emergency. The construction works for the helipad and EVA may include marine dredging, filling works or piling operation. (Location Plan in Figure 1).

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 project and related activities that take 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 consider alternative design and construction method(s) for the proposed project and to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the method(s) and design in selecting a preferred one;

(iii) 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;

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

(v) to identify and quantify and potential losses or damage to aquatic organism and natural habitats and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(vi) to identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and natural habitats and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

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

(xi) 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 project mentioned in Sections 1.2 and 1.3 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 water quality impacts arising from the construction and operation of the proposed project;

(ii) the potential ecological impacts especially the impacts on coral community in the vicinity of Tai Lei Island arising from the construction of the proposed project.

(iii) the potential noise impacts to the existing and planned sensitive receivers such as Sea Crest Villa at the south of the proposed helipad site, arsing from construction and operation of the proposed project;

(iv) the potential impacts on the local marine archaeology within the site boundary arising from the disturbance of the seabed arising from the proposed project.

3.3 Consideration of Alternative Site Locations, Alternative Designs and Construction Methods

When preparing the EIA report in accordance with the technical requirements below and the TM, the Applicant shall include in the EIA report the following considerations in sub-sections 3.3.1 to 3.3.3.

3.3.1 Alternative Site Locations

Apart from the proposed site location indicated in the Project Profile, the Applicant shall consider other feasible location options for the Project with a view to avoiding or minimizing the potential environmental impacts of the Project, especially the potential impacts onto the water quality, with special focus on the coral communities. In particular, when area(s) of ecological important (e.g. presence of hard or soft corals) may be identified, as required in sub-section 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 below, fine-tuning of the site location may be needed to avoid environmental impacts on any of the identified ecological important area(s). A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of the possible site location options shall be made with a view to recommending the preferred option to avoid adverse environmental effects to the maximum practicable extent.

3.3.2 Consideration of Alternative Design, Construction Methods and Sequences of Works

The Applicant shall consider alternative designs and construction methods, such as helipad on pile as against on reclaimed land, possible use of existing footpath along Pak Wan as the EVA, for the proposed project with an aim to avoiding or minimizing the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project, in particular the potential water quality and ecological impact. Having regard to the cumulative effects of the construction period and the severity of the construction impacts to the affected sensitive receivers, the EIA study shall also explore alternative sequences of works for the proposed project, with a view to avoiding prolonged adverse environmental impacts to the maximum practicable extent. The Applicant shall also compare the environmental impacts, environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of possible options, and provide reasons for selecting the final preferred option including the environmental factors considered in the selection.

3.3.3 Consideration of Alternative Approach and Departure Paths

The Applicant shall consider alternative approach and departure paths during operation stage with a view to avoid or minimize the potential helicopter noise nuisances to the noise sensitive receivers at Peng Chau and other affected areas.

3.3.4 Selection of Preferred Scenario

Taking into the comparisons in sub-sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.3 above, the Applicant shall recommend/justify the selection of the preferred scenario that will avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects arising from the proposed project, and adequately describe the part that environmental factors played in arriving at the final selection.

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 our above and subject to the findings under section 3.3. The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts.

3.4.1 Water Quality Impact

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

3.4.1.2 The assessment area for the purpose of this water quality impact assessment shall cover an area with a radius of 1 km from the project sites as shown in figure 2.

3.4.1.3 The Applicant shall identify and analyze all physical disruptions of marine water system arising from the construction of the proposed project.

3.4.1.4 The Applicant shall take into account and include different construction methods, construction stages or sequences of the Project in the assessment The Applicant shall include in the water quality impact assessment the following major tasks:

(i) collect and review relevant background information on the existing and planned water system;

(ii) characterize water and sediment quality based on existing information collected during the last 5 years or the more recent information collected from appropriate site surveys/tests;

(iii) identify and analyze existing, planned/committed activities and beneficial uses related to the water system and identify all 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) evaluate the possible impacts arising from the construction, including possible dredging, filling and piling works;

(v) identify any alteration(s)/change(s) to bathymetry or flow regimes.

(vi) identify, and analyze all existing, future and other project(s) related water and sediment pollution sources (which shall include maintenance dredging of marine sediment for the adjacent navigation channel as necessary).

(vii) predicting by desk top calculation or qualitative means the 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.

(viii) predicting by desk top calculation or qualitative means the cumulative impacts due to other operation and construction activities including the Peng Chau Sewage Treatment Works Upgrading, etc.;

(ix) propose water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction stages so as to minimize the water and sediment quality impacts;

(x) 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 guideline;

(xii) dredging, filling and dumping (if necessary)

(a) Identification and quantification of all dredging, fill extraction, filling, mud/sediment transportation and disposal activities and requirements. Potential fill source and dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified. 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. Field investigation, sampling and chemical and biological 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; and chemical and biological laboratory test methods to be used shall be subject to the approval of the Director. The categories of sediments which require different types of disposal in accordance with the Works Bureau Technical Circular No. 3/2000 shall be identified by both chemical and biological tests and their quantities shall be estimated. If the presence of any seriously contaminated sediment which requires Type 3 disposal is confirmed, the Applicant shall identify the most appropriate treatment and/or disposal arrangement and demonstrate its feasibility;

(b) Identification and evaluation of the best practicable dredging 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 to be disturbed as far as possible;

(c) to evaluate and recommend the most suitable mud dredging and disposal methods and mitigation measures to minimize water quality impacts.

3.4.2 Ecological Impact (Both Terrestrial and Marine)

3.4.2.1 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.

3.4.2.2 For marine ecological impact assessment, the assessment area shall be the same as that for water quality impact assessment as described in section 3.4.1.2, or the area likely to be impacted by the Project. For terrestrial ecological impact assessment, the assessment area shall cover the area likely to be impacted by the project (including any areas required for works site and stockpiling).

3.4.2.3 In the ecological impact assessment (Both Terrestrial and Marine), 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 Project shall avoid impacts on ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall explore other possible alternative alignments for the EVA (such as widening of the existing footpath). The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential direct (e.g. by physical disturbance) and indirect (e.g. by changes in water quality) ecological impacts associated with the Project including all different alternatives.

3.4.2.4 The assessment shall include the following major tasks:

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

ii) evaluate the information collected from sub-section (i) above, and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to the terrestrial and marine environment;

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

iv) establish the general ecological profile of the study based on data of relevant previous studies/surveys and results of additional ecological field surveys area 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 and any important ecological features identified in the assessment area;

c. ecological characteristics of each habitat type such as size/extent, vegetation/substrate 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 photographs 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

f. investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of the various habitats with special attention to those wildlife groups and habitats with conservation interests, including but not limited to the following:

• natural coastlines and the associated coastal communities;
• coral communities;
• any notable benthic or littoral communities; and
• any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation interests by this EIA study;

v) using suitable methodology and considering also any works activities from other projects reasonably likely to occur at the same time, identify and quantify as far as possible any direct, indirect (e.g. changes in water qualities, hydrodynamics properties, sedimentation rates and patterns, hydrology), on-site, off-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts such as destruction or disturbance of habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, loss of feeding and breeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity, habitat fragmentation; and in particular the following:

1. habitat loss and disturbance to wildlife during construction stage;
2. removal or disruption of potentially valuable benthic communities; and
3. deterioration or disturbance to corals or other marine habitats of conservation value, including any discovered during the course of the assessment;

vi) evaluate the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified using well-defined criteria, and comparison of the ecological impacts arising from possible alternative EVA alignments;

vii) determine that the ecological impacts are avoided by design to the maximum practicable extent;

viii) recommend all possible alternatives (such as adoption of alternative EVA alignment, modification of layout and design) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified, such as

1. layouts and designs to recreate the natural intertidal and subtidal shores lost through reclamation;
2. reinstatement of habitats temporarily affected by the proposed development to its original state and if possible with some enhancement features;

ix) 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;

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

xi) 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 Works Bureau Technical Circular No. 4/97 shall be followed; and

xii) review the need for and recommend any ecological monitoring programme.

3.4.3 Impacts on Corals

3.4.3.1 The assessment area shall be same as that for water quality impact assessment as set out section in 3.4.1.2. An assessment of the impacts on corals shall be included and the following tasks shall be accomplished:

i) review and incorporate the findings of relevant previous studies/surveys including those specific to the coral communities documented within the assessment area and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;

ii) evaluate the information collected and identify information gap relating to the assessment of potential impacts on corals;

iii) carry out necessary field surveys including underwater dive surveys and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfill the objectives of the EIA study;

iv) present all relevant survey findings including previous surveys conducted in relevant studies together with surveys carried out under this study;

v) using suitable methodology, e.g. Rapid Ecological Assessment, identify and quantify as far as possible the seabed substrate type, species composition and cover of the hard and soft coral assemblages and the associated epibenthic fauna and flora of the survey sites. Representative photographs and/or video footage shall be taken and used for description, identification, validation and reporting purposes. Based on the results of the underwater surveys, assess and evaluate using well-defined criteria the ecological significance of the survey sites in particular coral communities;

vi) assess the water quality and consequent ecological impacts on corals during the construction phase. The assessment shall include detailed prediction and evaluation on the change in water quality, in particular suspended solids and the extent and rate of sediment plume dispersion during the construction phase. The significance and acceptability of the predicted impacts shall be evaluated using well-defined criteria;

vii) assess the cumulative impacts on the corals due to other operation and construction activities including the Peng Chau Sewage Treatment Works Upgrading, etc;

viii) identify precautionary and appropriate mitigation measures for protection of corals in the assessment area. The proposed measures with respect to coral protection may include, but not be limited to, those recommended in previous EIA studies and other relevant studies; and

ix) review the need for and recommend appropriate coral monitoring programme. Special attention should be given to monitoring of coral communities identified as vulnerable to direct and indirect adverse impacts. Use of a quantitative survey methodology, e.g. underwater quantitative video transect technique with random or fixed placement of transects, should be considered.

3.4.4 Fisheries Impact Assessment

3.4.4.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing fisheries impact as stated in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM. The assessment area shall be same as that for water quality impact assessment as set out section in 3.4.1.2.The assessment shall cover any potential impact of the proposed project on capture fisheries during the construction phase.

3.4.4.2 The study shall review and collate existing information to provide adequate and accurate data for predication and evaluation of impacts of the Project on fisheries.

3.4.4.3 The fisheries impact assessment shall include the following tasks:

(i) description of the physical environmental background;

(ii) description and quantification as far as possible 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 that will be affected;

(v) identification and quantification as far as possible any direct/ indirect and onsite/ offsite impacts of fisheries;

(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 and, if necessary, propose a monitoring and auditing programme.

3.4.5 Noise Impact

3.4.5.1 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.

3.4.5.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following :

(i) Determination of Assessment Area

The assessment area for the construction noise impact assessment shall include all areas within 300 m 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 (NSRs), closer than 300 m from the project boundary, provides acoustic shielding to those NSRs further from the site.

(ii) Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels

The Applicant shall provide all background information relevant to the proposed project, including relevant previous or current studies.

(iii) Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

(a) The Applicant shall refer to Annex 13 of the TM when identifying the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs) around the proposed helipad within the assessment area and under the landing and taking-off approaches. 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.

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

The Applicant shall provide an inventory of noise sources for all the plant and equipments relating to the proposed project. 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 proposed 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 paragraph 5.3. of Annex 13 of the TM. The criteria in Table 1B of Annex 5 of the TM shall be adopted in the assessment.

(b) 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) to minimize the impact. If the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of the noise exceedance shall be given.

(c) 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 construction noise impact assessment for restricted hours, the Noise Control Authority will consider a well-justified Construction Noise Permit (CNP) application once filed, based on the NCO, the relevant technical memoranda issued under the NCO, and the contemporary conditions/situations of adjoining land uses and any previous complaints against construction activities at the site before making his decision in granting a CNP. This aspect should be explicitly stated in the noise chapter and the conclusions and recommendations chapter in the EIA report.

(vi) Operation Noise Assessment

(a) The Applicant shall carry out assessment quantitatively of noise impact from operation of the proposed project during both daytime and night-time in accordance with the methodology stipulated in Annex 13 of the TM. The criteria in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM shall be adopted in the assessment.

(b) The Applicant shall evaluate the potential noise impacts generated from helicopters during its approach and departure and recommend suitable approach and departure paths to alleviate the helicopter noise.

3.4.6 Waste Management Implications

3.4.6.1 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.

3.4.6.2 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 activities, based on the sequence and duration of these activities.

(ii) Proposal for Waste Management

(a) Prior to considering the disposal option, opportunities for reducing waste generation and on-site or off-site reuse shall be fully evaluated.

(b) Having taken into account all the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing reuse, the quantity of the waste required to be disposed of as a consequence shall be estimated and the disposal options for the wastes described in detail. The disposal method recommended for the wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment set out in (c) below.

(c) The impact caused by handling, collection, and disposal of wastes shall be addressed in detail and appropriate mitigation measures proposed to mitigate the induced environmental impacts.

3.4.7 Impact on Cultural Heritage

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

3.4.7.2 The cultural heritage study shall assess both direct and indirect impacts on the marine archaeology, as well as identifying other unknown items of archaeological and historical interests at or close to the proposed project, and propose appropriate mitigation measures according to the requirements set out in Appendix A.

3.4.7.3 Study requirements for the Marine Archaeological Investigation are detailed in Appendix A.

3.4.8 Illustration Materials

The Applicant shall submit design proposal in the form of cross sectional plans, perspective drawings and photomontages, where appropriate, that covers the form and appearance of the proposed helipad, and provision of landscape design proposals.

3.4.9 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.

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

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

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

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

5. DURATION OF VALIDITY

This EIA study brief is valid for 36 months after the date of issue. If the EIA study does not commence within this period, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for another EIA study brief afresh before commencement of the EIA study.

6. REPORT REQUIREMENTS

6.1 In preparing the EIA report, the Applicant shall refer to Annex 11 of the TM for the contents of an EIA report. The Applicant shall also refer to Annex 20 of the TM, which stipulates the guidelines for the review of an EIA report.

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

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

6.3 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.

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 where the respective references are made. All graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format unless otherwise agreed by the Director.

6.5 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.

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 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.

7. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1 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.

7.2 If there is any key change in the scope of the proposed project mentioned in sections 1.2 and 1.3 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile No. PP-153/2001, 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.

--- END OF EIA STUDY BRIEF ---

January 2002
AAG, EAND,
Environmental Protection Department

Appendix A

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:

1. Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) - the Department holds extensive seabed survey data collected from previous geological research.

2. Marine Department, Hydrographic Office - the Department holds a substantial archive of hydrographic data and charts.

3. 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 assessment area should deploy high resolution boomer, side scan sonar and an echo sounder. The data received from the survey would be analysed in detail to provide:

1. Exact definition of the areas of greatest archaeological potential.

2. Assessment of the depth and nature of the seabed sediments to define which areas consist of suitable material to bury and preserve archaeological material.

3. 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 Task 1 and 2 will be analysed to provide an indication of the likely character an extent of archaeological resources within the study area. This would facilitate formulation of a strategy for investigation.

3.2 The results would presented as a written report and charts. If there is no indication of archaeological material there would be no need for further work.

(4) Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV)/Visual Diver Survey/Watching Brief

4.1 Subject to the outcome of Task 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 Task 1, 2 and 3 to focus work on the 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.