ESB-117/2004

Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499)

Section 5 (7)

Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB- 117/2004

Project Title: West New Territories (WENT) Landfill Extensions

Name of Applicant: Waste Facilities Business Unit of

Environmental Protection Department

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 An application (No. ESB-117/2004) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Brief under section 5(1)(a) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant on 28 April 2004 with a project profile (No. PP-214/2004) (the Project Profile).

1.2 The Project comprises the development, management, operation, restoration and aftercare of the WENT Landfill Extensions. The location of the proposed WENT Landfill Extensions site is indicated in Appendix A. Details of the Project are described as follows:

(i) developing 2 extension sites (Sites A and B totalling about 240 hectares) with a total filling capacity of about 71 million cubic metres on the western side of the existing WENT Landfill;

(ii) carrying out site formation, drainage diversion and preparation; installation of liner system; installation of leachate collection, treatment and disposal system; provision of landfill gas collection and management system; provision of utilities; re-alignment and re-provision of a section of Nim Wan Road; restoration and aftercare; and provision of marine access; and

(iii) implementing any necessary environmental mitigation measures as well as environmental monitoring and auditing programme as recommended in this EIA Study.

1.3 The Project is a designated project under Schedule 2, G.1, of the EIAO: “A landfill for waste as defined in the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354)”.

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, operation, restoration and aftercare 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 Project and the associated activities of the Project;

(ii)the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction, operation, restoration and aftercare of the 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 Project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the Project;

(ii) to identify and describe elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the Project and/or likely to cause adverse impacts to the Project, including natural and man-made environment and the associated environmental constraints;

(iii) to provide information on the consideration of alternatives to avoid and minimize the potential environmental impacts to the ecologically sensitive areas and other sensitive uses; to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the different options; to provide reasons for selecting the preferred option(s) and to describe the part environmental factors played in the selection of preferred option(s);

(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 any potential landscape and visual impacts 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 identify any negative impacts on site of cultural heritage and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;

(viii) to propose the provision of mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare of the Project;

(ix) to investigate the feasibility, practicability, effectiveness and implications of the proposed mitigation measures;

(x) to identify, predict and evaluate the residual environmental impacts (i.e. after practicable mitigation) and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare phases of the Project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses;

(xi) to identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in the detailed design, construction, operation, restoration and aftercare of the Project which are necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels;

(xii) 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; and

(xiii) to design and specify environmental monitoring and audit requirements to ensure the effective implementation of the recommended environmental protection and pollution control measures.

3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY

3.1The Purpose

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 Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the EIAO (hereinafter referred to as “the TM”) are fully complied with.

3.2The Scope

The scope of this EIA study covers the Project mentioned in sub-section 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 noise impacts to noise sensitive receivers (NSRs) during operation of the Project, including off-site traffic noise impact along the roads with traffic generated by the Project potentially causing adverse noise impact on NSRs, including traffic noise from existing Lung Kwu Tan Road and the existing and re-aligned section of Nim Wan Road;

(ii) the potential air quality impacts to air sensitive receivers (ASRs) during the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare of the Project, including off-site dust and odour impacts along the roads with traffic generated by the Project potentially causing adverse air quality impacts on ASRs, including air quality impacts from existing Lung Kwu Tan Road and the existing and re-aligned section of Nim Wan Road;

(iii) the potential impacts of various types of wastes to be generated from the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare of the Project, in particular the excavated materials arising from site formation works, and any capital dredging and maintenance dredging works;

(iv) the potential water quality impact caused by site formation, drainage diversion and any other works activities including capital dredging for new marine access, if any, during construction stage, and the potential water quality impact caused by operation, restoration and aftercare stages of the Project, including maintenance dredging of the fairway, and in particular the potential impact to nearby natural water bodies including Deep Bay and the waters at Lung Kwu Chau and Sha Chau, and especially the Tsang Kok Stream and its associated water system in the catchment;

(v) the potential landfill gas hazard associated with the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare of the Project;

(vi) the potential landscape and visual impacts caused by the Project during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages, in particular the potential impact to the landscape value of the semi-mature woodland in Site B;

(vii) the potential cultural heritage impacts caused by the Project, in particular the potential impact to the Tsang Tsui Archaeological Site;

(viii) the potential aquatic and terrestrial ecological impacts arising from the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages of the Project, including loss of habitats and disturbance to wildlife, in particular the semi-mature woodland in Site B, any Pitcher Plants found in Site A, and the wetland habitat in the ash lagoons. The potential impact to ecologically sensitive areas, including the following and any other sensitive areas that may be identified during the course of the EIA study:

(a) the Tsang Kok Stream;

(b) the semi-mature woodland in Site B;

(d) the water table of Tsang Kok in which the tributaries of the Tsang Kok Stream are located; and

(e) the wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife in the ash lagoons.

(ix) the environmental risk to the nearby natural watercourses, especially the Tsang Kok Stream and its associated water system in the catchment and the habitats in the ash lagoons due to accidental leakage of leachate and other waste water during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages of the Project and the necessary contingency measures;

(x) the potential cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project, and that those impacts may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. Consideration shall be given to account for the likely concurrent projects such as the existing WENT Landfill, Black Point Power Station and Castle Peak Power Station;

(xi) in the event that the Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA) in the China Light & Power (CLP) ash lagoons would be disturbed by works associated with the Project, the potential environmental impacts caused by the Project during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages due to disturbance of the PFA; and

(xii) the direct and indirect / secondary environmental impacts arsing from the interaction of the Project and the existing uses within the boundary of the Project including the CLP ash lagoons, the shrine and any other facilities associated with construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages of the Project such as, if any, infrastructures / facilities that need to be provided or re-provided off-site.

3.3 Consideration of Alternative Options

3.3.1The Need of the Project

The Applicant shall study and review the need of the Project as mentioned in sub-section 1.2 above, and provide information to justify the need. The Applicant shall explain clearly the purpose and objectives of the Project and describe the scenarios with and without the Project.

3.3.2 Consideration of Different Extension Areas

In addition to the proposed extension areas mentioned in sub-section 1.2 above, the Applicant shall consider other feasible extension areas for the Project. Any relevant findings from previous strategic environmental assessments or environmental impact assessments, such as those listed in sub-section 3.4 below, should be summarised and presented. A comparison of the environmental benefits and disbenefits of possible extension areas shall be made with a view to recommending the preferred extension area to avoid adverse environmental impact to the maximum practicable extent. In particular, consideration shall be given to avoid or minimize disturbance to the ecosystems in adjacent areas including the Tsang Kok Stream in Site A, the semi-mature woodland in Site B and the wetland habitat in the ash lagoons, and avoid or minimize disturbance to existing shrine and Tsang Tsui Archeological Site in Site B.

3.3.3 Consideration of Alternative Construction Methods and Sequences of Works

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 explore alternative construction methods and sequences of works for the Project, with a view to avoiding prolonged adverse environmental impacts to the maximum practicable extent. A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of applying different construction methods and sequence of works shall be made. In addition, the tentative programme of implementation of various stages of the Project shall be included in the EIA study.

3.3.4 Selection of Preferred Scenario

Taking into consideration the findings resulting from sub-sections 3.3.2 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 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 as described in sub-sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 above. The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts.

In carrying out the assessments to meet the following technical requirements, the Applicant shall make reference to the findings of relevant previous studies / surveys and collate relevant available information on environmental matters related to the Project, including but not limited to those in :

(i) Planning Department’s study on Sustainable Development for the 21^st Century;

(ii) Environmental Protection Department’s study on Extension of Existing Landfills and Identification of Potential New Waste Disposal Sites, and

(iii) Environmental baseline and monitoring & audit data of existing WENT Landfill.

3.4.1 Air Quality Impact

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

3.4.1.2The study area for air quality impact assessment shall generally be defined by a distance of 500 metres from the boundary of the project site; with consideration be given to extend the area to include major emission sources that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. It will have to includeareas where the air quality may be potentially affected by the Project, in particular areas close to the road network affected by traffic generated from this Project, including the areas along both sides of the existing Lung Mun Road, Lung Kwu Tan Road and the existing and re-aligned section of Nim Wan Road, as well as air sensitive receivers at Ha Pak Nai and Black Point Power Station. Such assessment shall be based on the best available information at the time of the assessment. The emissions from associated works of the Project shall also be included in determining the cumulative impacts. Besides, if the likely concurrent projects as mentioned in sub-section 3.2 (x) above and any other concurrent projects are identified as relevant during the course of the EIA study, their possible emissions shall also be taken into account in the air quality impact assessment.

3.4.1.3The Applicant shall assess the construction dust impact arising from the land based works of the Project and the air quality impact (including dust, odour, vehicle emissions, marine emissions, toxic and odourous components of landfill gas, flaring emissions and other air pollutants) during operation, restoration and aftercare stages of the Project with reference to the relevant sections of the guidelines in Appendices B-1 to B-3, or other methodology as agreed by the Director.

3.4.1.4 The air quality impact assessment shall include the following:

(i)Background and Analysis of Activities

(a) Provide background information relating to air quality issues relevant to the Project, e.g. description of the types of activities of the Project that may affect air quality during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages.

(b) 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 air quality impact during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages of the Project.

(c) Present the background air quality levels in the study area for the purpose of evaluating the cumulative air quality impact during construction, operation, restoration & aftercare stages of the Project.

(ii)Identification of Air Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) and Examination of Emission / Dispersion Characteristics

(a) Identify and describe representative existing and planned / committed ASRs that would likely be affected by all identified potential adverse environmental impacts arising from the Project, both on-site and off-site, including those earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans. The Applicant shall select assessment points of the identified ASRs that represent the worst impact point of these ASRs. A map clearly showing the locations and descriptions such as names of buildings, uses and heights of the selected assessment points shall be given. The separation distances of these ASRs from the nearest emission sources shall also be given.

(b) Provide an exhaustive list of air pollutant emission sources, including any nearby emission sources which are likely to have impact related to the Project based on the analysis of activities during the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages of the Project in sub-section 3.4.1.4(i)(a) above. Confirmation regarding the validity of the assumptions adopted and the magnitude of the activities (e.g. volume of construction material handled, traffic mix and traffic volume on a road, etc.) shall be obtained from the relevant government departments / authorities and documented.

(iii)Construction Phase Air Quality Impact

(a) The Applicant shall follow the requirements stipulated under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation to ensure that 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 for the construction phase shall be devised to verify the effectiveness of the control measures proposed so as to ensure proper construction dust control.

(b) If the Applicant anticipates that the Project will give rise to significant construction dust impacts likely to exceed the recommended limits in the TM at the ASRs despite the incorporation of the dust control measures proposed in accordance with sub-section 3.4.1.4(iii)(a) above, a quantitative assessment should be carried out to evaluate the construction dust impact at the identified ASRs. The Applicant shall follow the methodology set out in sub-section 3.4.1.4(v) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

(iv)Operation, Restoration and Aftercare Phases Air Quality Impact

(a) The Applicant shall calculate the expected air pollutant concentrations at the identified ASRs based on an assumed reasonably worst-case scenario under normal conditions during operation, restoration and aftercare stages. The evaluation shall be based on the strength of the emission sources identified in sub-section 3.4.1.4(ii)(b) above. The Applicant shall follow sub-section 3.4.1.4(v) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

(v)Quantitative Assessment Methodology

(a) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated in the modelling guidelines in Appendices B-1 to B-3 while making allowance for the specific characteristic of the Project. This specific methodology must be documented in such level of details, preferably assisted with tables and diagrams, to allow the readers of the EIA report to grasp how the model has been set up to simulate the situation under study without referring to the model input files. Detailed calculations of air pollutants emission rates for input to the model shall be presented in the EIA report. The Applicant must ensure consistency between the text description and the model files at every stage of submissions for review. In case of doubt, prior agreement between the Applicant and the Director on the specific modelling details should be sought.

(b) The Applicant shall identify key / representative air pollutant parameters (types of pollutants and the averaging time concentrations) to be evaluated and provide explanation for selecting such parameters for assessing the impact from the Project.

(c) The Applicant shall calculate the overall cumulative air quality impact at the ASRs identified under sub-section 3.4.1.4 (ii) above 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(s) and pollution contours, to be evaluated against the relevant air quality standards and on any effect they may have on the land use implications. Plans of a suitable scale should be used to present pollution contours to allow buffer distance requirements to be determined properly.

(d) If there is any direct technical noise remedy recommended in the study, its air quality implication shall be assessed. For instance, if barriers that may affect dispersion of air pollutants are proposed, then the implications of such remedies on air quality impact shall be assessed. If tunnel or noise enclosures are proposed, then portal emissions of the tunnel/enclosed road sections and air quality inside the tunnel / enclosed road sections shall also be addressed. The Applicant shall highlight clearly the locations and types of agreed noise mitigating measures (where applicable), be they barriers, tunnel / road enclosure and their portals, and affected ASRs, on the contour maps for easy reference.

(vi)Mitigation Measures for Non-compliance

The Applicant shall propose remedies and mitigating measures where predicted air quality impact exceeds the criteria in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. These measures and other associated constraints on future land use planning shall be agreed with the relevant government departments / authorities and be clearly documented in the EIA report. The Applicant shall demonstrate quantitatively that residual impacts after incorporation of proposed mitigating measures will comply with criteria in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM.

(vii)Submission of Model Files

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 operational noise impacts arising from the Project 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 Study Area

The study area for the noise impact assessment shall be defined by a distance of 300m from the roads with traffic generated by the Project potentially causing adverse noise impact on noise sensitive receivers (NSRs). The roads may include, but not limited to, Nim Wan Road and Lung Kwu Tan Road. The study area shall be agreed with the Director prior to quantitative noise assessment. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the study area could be reduced accordingly if the first layer of NSRs provides acoustic shielding to those receivers at further distance behind.

(ii)Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels

(a)The Applicant shall provide all background information relevant to the Project, including relevant previous or current studies. Unless required for determining the planning standards, such as those for planning of fixed noise sources, no existing noise levels are required except as set out below.

(iii)Identification of Noise Sensitive Receivers

(a) The Applicant shall refer to Annex 13 of the TM when identifying the NSRs. The NSRs shall include all existing NSRs and all planned/committed noise sensitive developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans. Photographs of all existing NSRs shall be appended to the EIA report.

(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 floor of each and every selected assessment point shall be given. For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed site layouts, the Applicant should use the relevant planning parameters to work out representative site layouts for operational noise assessment purpose.

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

The Applicant shall provide an inventory of noise sources including representative construction equipment for construction noise assessment such as for tunnelling and other construction works, and traffic flow / fixed plant equipment, as appropriate, for operational noise assessment. Confirmation on the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments / authorities and documented.

(v)Operational Noise Assessment

(a) Road Traffic Noise

(a1) Calculation of Noise Levels

The Applicant shall calculate the expected road traffic noise using methods described in the U.K. Department of Transport's “Calculation of Road Traffic Noise” (1988). Calculations of future road traffic noise shall be based on the peak hour traffic flow in respect of the maximum traffic projection within the expected operation years of the Project.

The EIA shall contain sample calculations as considered necessary and requested by the Director, and drawings of appropriate scale to show the road segments, topographic barriers and assessment points input into the traffic noise model. The Applicant shall provide input data sets of traffic noise prediction model adopted in the EIA study

The data shall be in electronic text file (ASCII format) containing road segments, barriers and noise sensitive receivers information. The data structure of the above file shall be agreed with the Director. CD-ROM(s) containing the above data shall be attached in the EIA report.

(a2) Presentation of Noise Levels

The Applicant shall present the future noise levels in L₁₀ (1 hour) at the NSRs on tables and plans of suitable scale for the scenarios with and without the Project.

A quantitative assessment at the NSRs for the proposed road alignments shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM. The potential noise impact of the Project shall be quantified by estimating the total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements that will be exposed to noise levels exceeding the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the Technical Memorandum.

(a3) Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures

After rounding of the predicted noise levels according to the U.K. Department of Transport's “Calculation of Road Traffic Noise” (1988), the Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies in all situations where the predicted traffic noise level exceeds the criteria set in Table 1A of Annex 5 in the TM by 1dB(A) or more and is contributed significantly by the noise from vehicle traffic generated by the Project. Specific reasons for not adopting certain direct technical remedies in the design to reduce the traffic noise to a level meeting the criteria in the TM or to maximize the protection for the NSRs as far as possible should be clearly quantified and laid down.

The total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive element that will be benefited by the provision of direct technical remedies should be provided. In order to clearly present the extents/locations of the recommended noise mitigation measures, plans prepared from 1:1,000 or 1:2,000 survey maps showing the mitigation measures (e.g. enclosures/barriers, low noise road surfacing, etc.) shall be included in the EIA report. The total number of dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive elements that will still be exposed to noise above the criteria with the implementation of all recommended direct technical remedies shall be quantified. The Applicant shall provide in the EIA report the information of the recommended noise mitigation measures (such as barrier types, nominal dimensions at different cross-sections, extents/locations, lengths, mPD levels of barriers) in electronic format as agreed by the Director.

(vi)Assessment of Side Effects and Constraints

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

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

For planned noise sensitive uses which will still be affected even with all practicable direct technical remedies in place, the Applicant shall propose, evaluate and confirm the practicality of additional measures within the planned noise sensitive uses and shall make recommendations on how these noise sensitive uses will be designed for the information of relevant parties.

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

3.4.3 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 the water quality impact assessment shall cover all areas within 500m from the boundary of the Project. This study area could be extended to include other areas such as nearby watercourses and the associated water systems, including the coastal water of Deep Bay, if they are found also being impacted during the course of the EIA study and have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. The EIA shall assess the water quality impacts due to the Project.

3.4.3.3 The Applicant shall identify and analyse 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, operation, restoration and aftercare stages of the Project. The Applicant shall assess the environmental risk to the water bodies (including Tsang Kok Stream, Deep Bay and the waters at Lung Kwu Chau and Sha Chau) due to the possibility of a leachate treatment plant failure and due to accidental leakage of leachate and/or other wastewater and to devise any necessary contingency measures.

3.4.3.4 The Applicant shall predict, quantify and assess any water quality impacts arising from the Project on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers by appropriate techniques proposed by the Applicant and agreed with the Director. Possible water quality impacts due to the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare of the landfill shall include but not be limited to changes in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion and deposition pattern, surface, ground and storm water quality, sediment quality and effects on the flora and fauna due to such changes in the study area. The prediction shall include possible different construction stages or sequences, and different operation, restoration and aftercare stages. Affected sensitive receivers shall be identified by the assessment tool with indications of degree of severity.

3.4.3.5 The Applicant shall take into account and include likely different construction and operational stages or sequences, including capital dredging and maintenance dredging, if any, of the Project in the assessment. The assessment shall have regard to the frequency, duration, volume and flow rate of the discharges and its pollutant and sediment loading. Reference shall be made to available information in previous studies including, but not limited to, those listed in sub-section 3.4 (i) to (iii). Essentially the assessment shall address the following:

(i) Collection and review of background information on the existing and planned water system(s) and their respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project during construction, operation, restoration & aftercare stages.

(ii) Characterization of water and sediment quality of the water system(s) and respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages 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, including those highlighted in sub-section 3.2(iv) above. The Applicant shall refer to, inter alia, those developments and uses earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans.

(iv) Identification of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives and establishment of other appropriate water and sediment quality criteria or standards for water system(s) and all the sensitive receivers in sub-section 3.4.3.5(i) above and particularly those ecologically sensitive receivers for the assessments in sub-section 3.4.8.

(v) Review of the construction sequences and methods, and operation, restoration and aftercare of the Project to identify 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 and likely future water and sediment pollution sources, including point discharges and non-point sources to surface water runoff and analyse these in relation to the provision and adequacy of future facilities to reduce such pollution in terms of capacity and levels of treatment. Details of the leachate collection and treatment system shall be provided and the capacity of the sewerage infrastructure system, if any, shall be addressed. Establishment and provision of a pollution load inventory on the quantities and characteristics of all existing and likely future water pollution sources identified above shall be included. Field investigation and laboratory tests shall be conducted as appropriate to fill in any major information gaps.

(vii) Prediction and quantification of impacts on the water system(s) and respective catchments and sensitive receivers that would likely be affected by the alterations and changes identified in sub-section 3.4.3.5(v) above and the pollution sources identified in sub-section 3.4.3.5(vi) above. Both the local and regional effects on erosion, sedimentation pattern, sediment dispersion, flow regime and water quality due to any dredging of marine sediment and backfilling activities, interim and ultimate alteration of shoreline and bathymetry as a result of any marine works for the Project shall be assessed. The location, nature, extent and rate of such works for the Project shall be clearly identified and evaluated. The assessment shall also take into account the additional pollution loading and oxygen demand exerted by sediment disturbed and any fill materials.

(viii) 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 and cumulative environmental impacts during its operation be evaluated. Field investigation, sampling and chemical and biological laboratory tests to characterize the sediment/mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate. The potential release of contaminants during dredging and any other marine works shall be addressed using the chemical testing results derived from sediment samples collected on site and relevant historic data. Appropriate laboratory tests such as elutriate tests 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 (including PCBs, PAHs, TBT and chlorinated pesticides) into the water column during dredging. The ranges of parameters to be analyzed; the number, location, depth of sediment, 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 Applicant shall also assess the pattern of the sediment deposition and the potential increase in turbidity and suspended solid levels in the water column and at the sensitive receivers due to the disturbance of sediments during dredging.

(ix) Assessment and evaluation of any potential stormwater and construction runoff impacts on the water system(s), respective catchments and sensitive receivers, particularly the Tsang Kok Stream and Deep Bay, during the construction, operation, restoration, and aftercare stages of the Project so as to reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within standards, objectives and criteria established in (iv) above. This assessment shall have regard for the frequency, duration, volume and flow rate of the discharge and its pollutant and sediment loads. Best management practices shall be recommended to reduce any potential impacts arising from site and stormwater runoff.

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

(xi) Assessment of the cumulative impacts due to other related concurrent and planned projects, activities or pollution sources along the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. This shall include the potential cumulative water quality impacts during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages, arising from, inter alia, the associated works of the Project, the activities and planned projects highlighted in sub-section 3.2 (x) & (xii) above.

(xii) The Applicant shall devise mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts identified above. The residual impacts on water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the relevant water and sediment quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines shall be assessed and quantified.

(xiii) With reference to assessment findings in sub-section 3.4.3.3 above, review any relevant existing contingency plan(s) and if necessary, propose modification(s) to existing contingency plan(s), or derive new contingency plan(s) as appropriate to deal with accidental leakage of leachate. The plan(s) shall aim to contain and/or remove accidental leakage so as to prevent and/or minimize exposure to contaminants by environmentally sensitive receivers / areas such as Tsang Kok Stream and wetland habitat in the ash lagoons.

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

The Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare activities of the Project, based on the sequence and duration of these activities.

(ii)Proposal for Waste Management

(a) Prior to considering disposal options for various types of wastes, opportunities for reducing waste generation, on-site or off-site re-use and recycling 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. Pre-treatment 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.

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

- potential hazard;

- air and odour emissions;

- noise;

- wastewater discharge; and

- public transport.

(iii)Dredging, Filling and Dumping

(a) For dredging, filling & dumping operations, the project proponent shall Identify and quantify 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. 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; chemical and biological laboratory test method to be used shall be subject to the approval of the Director. The categories of sediments which are to be disposed of in accordance with a permit granted under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance (DASO) (Cap. 466) shall be identified by both chemical and biological tests, and their quantities estimated. If the presence of any seriously contaminated sediment which requires special treatment or 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 construction methods, treatment methods, in-situ/ex-situ arrangements, reuse/ recycling options and construction programme 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.

(iv)Waste Management Plan

If the construction method(s) adopted will lead to the generation of significant amount of wastes material, the Applicant shall, based on the assessment in sub-sections 3.4.4.2 (i) to (iii) above, include in the EIA report a Waste Management Plan specifying, where appropriate, the following elements to ensure that the potential environmental impacts will be avoided or minimized :

(a) measures on how to maximize the waste(s) reduction;

(b) quantity and nature of the waste(s) to be generated;

(d) their disposal mean(s), route(s) and final destination(s) inside the HKSAR boundary and outside the HKSAR boundary, which may have potential cumulative impacts to the environment of the HKSAR.

To cater for uncertainties in waste arising estimates, sites available for waste disposal, etc., a scenarios approach may be adopted in preparing the Waste Management Plan.

3.4.5 Landfill Gas Hazards

3.4.5.1The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing landfill gas hazards as stated in section 1.1(f) in Annex 7 and section 3.3 in Annex 19 of the TM respectively. In particular, the landfill gas hazards assessment shall be carried out in accordance with the “Landfill Gas Hazard Assessment Guidance Note” (1997) issued by the Director and shall entail two main components, which are qualitative risk assessment and landfill gas precautionary/protection design. Specifically, the assessment shall include the following technical tasks:

(i) review of background information and studies related to the existing WENT Landfill and the proposed WENT Landfill Extensions;

(ii) identification of the nature and extent of the sources, including the likely concentrations and/or amounts of hazardous emissions which might have the potential for impacts from the Project on potential receivers;

(iii) identification of the possible pathways through the ground, underground cavities, utilities or ground water, and the nature of these pathways through which the hazardous emissions must traverse if they were to reach the Project and the new consultation zone;

(iv) identification of the potential receivers associated with the Project which are sensitive to the impacts of the hazardous emissions;

(v) qualitative assessment on the degree of risk which the hazardous emissions may impose on the receivers for each of the source-pathway-receiver combinations; and

(vi) design of suitable level of precautionary measures and contingency plan for the Project and potential receivers, if needed.

3.4.6 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.4.6.1The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines as stated in section 1 in Annex 10 and Annex 18 of the TM respectively for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts of any above ground structures and work areas associated with the Project. Landscape and visual impacts during construction, operation, restoration and aftercare stages within the study area shall be assessed.

3.4.6.2The study area for the landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within 500 metres from the Project boundary. The study area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope from the Project. The defined visual envelope must be shown on a plan in the EIA report.

3.4.6.3The Applicant shall review relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permissions Area Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans, other relevant published land use plans, planning briefs and studies which may identify areas of high landscape value and recommend country park, coastal protection area, conservation area, open space, amenity area and green belt designations. Any guidelines on landscape strategies, landscape frameworks, urban design concepts, building height profiles, special design areas, landmarks, designated view corridors, open space networks, landscape links 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 as to assess whether the project can fit into surrounding setting. Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) and any published land use plans should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should be recommended.

3.4.6.4The Applicant shall describe, appraise, analyse and evaluate the existing and planned landscape resources and character of the study area. A system shall be derived for judging landscape and visual impact significance as required under the TM and EIAO Guidance Note No.8/2002 “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under EIAO”. Annotated oblique aerial photographs and plans of suitable scale showing the baseline landscape character areas and landscape resources and mapping of impact assessment shall be extensively used to present the findings of impact assessment. Descriptive text shall provide a concise and reasoned judgment from a landscape and visual point of view. The assessment shall be particularly focused on the sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change. The Applicant shall identify the degree of compatibility of the Project with the existing and planned landscape settings. The landscape impact assessment shall quantify the potential landscape impacts as far as possible, so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the Project. Clear mapping of the landscape impact is required. A tree survey shall be carried out and the impacts on existing mature trees shall be addressed. Cumulative landscape and visual impacts of the Project with other existing, committed and planned developments, including but not limited to the Black Point Power Station, in the study area, shall be assessed.

3.4.6.5The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the Project. Clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact is required. The assessment shall include the following:

(i) identification and plotting of visual envelope of the Project;

(ii) identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope with regard to views from both ground level, sea level 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; and

(iv) description of the severity of visual impacts in terms of nature, distance and number of sensitive receivers.

3.4.6.6 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 alignment, design and construction methods 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 mitigation measures proposed shall not only be concerned with damage reduction but shall also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape and visual quality. The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape design.

3.4.6.7The mitigation measures shall include preservation of vegetation and natural coastline, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed land, woodland restoration, compensatory planting, provisioning / reprovisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, minimization of noise barriers, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, colour scheme and texture of material used and any measures to mitigate the impact on existing and planned land uses and sensitive receivers. 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. A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures shall be provided. Presentation of photomontages of the Project in the existing rural setting and planned setting illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures shall be included.

3.4.6.8Annotated illustration materials such as coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, oblique aerial photographs, photographs taken at vantage points, and computer-generated photomontage shall be adopted to fully illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the Project. In particular, the landscape and visual impacts of the Project with and without mitigation measures shall also be properly illustrated in existing and planned setting by computer-generated photomontage so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. All computer graphics shall be compatible with Microstation DGN file format or as agreed with the Director. 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.

3.4.7 Impact on Cultural Heritage

3.4.7.1The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing cultural heritage impacts as stated in section 2 in Annex 10 and section 2 in Annex 19 of the TM, respectively.

3.4.7.2The cultural heritage impact assessment shall include terrestrial investigation as well as built heritage investigation. The Applicant shall refer to Appendix C for the detailed requirements.

(i)Terrestrial Archaeological Investigation

The study areas for terrestrial archaeological investigation shall include areas within 50 metres from Project boundary and any associated works areas that may have adverse impacts on known and unknown archaeological sites. Special attention shall be paid to Tsang Tsui Archaeological Site in Site B. The Applicant shall engage a qualified archaeologist who shall obtain a License from the Antiquities Authority before undertaking field evaluation under the provisions of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap. 53).

(ii)Built Heritage Investigation

The Applicant shall identify all sites of historic buildings and structures based on the result of desktop research and field evaluation, and establish a comprehensive inventory of these sites that might have the potential to be affected by the Project. Historic buildings and structures include a variety of forms with a wide range of different functions like domestic, working and cultural uses, places of worship, houses, agricultural buildings, boundary stones and walls, workshops etc. Special attention shall be paid to the existing shrine in Site B. The investigation shall be undertaken by an expert in cultural heritage.

(iii)In the event that the investigations as stated in sub-sections 3.4.7.2 (i) and (ii) prove to be inadequate, the Applicant shall undertake supplementary studies as agreed by the Director. The Applicant can make necessary reference to Appendix C on the “Criteria for Culture Heritage Impact Assessment”.

3.4.7.3The Applicant shall demonstrate that the disturbance, including access, to those sites of cultural heritage are avoided to the maximum practicable extent by modification of the alignment, layout and design of the Project. If those sites of cultural heritage would still be directly and/or indirectly affected by the Project, the Applicant shall fully justify that there is a need for the Project which is of paramount importance and which outweighs in-situ preservation of the sites of cultural heritage. Then the Applicant shall recommend practicable mitigation measures to keep the adverse impacts on the sites of cultural heritage to the minimum. A checklist 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.

3.4.8 Ecological Impact (Both Terrestrial and Aquatic)

3.4.8.1The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing ecological impact as stated in Annexes 8 and 16 of the TM respectively.

3.4.8.2The study area for the purpose of terrestrial ecological assessment shall include all areas within 500 metres from the site boundary of the land based works areas or the area likely to be impacted by the Project. For aquatic ecology, the study area shall be the same as the water quality impact assessment or the area likely to be impacted by the Project.

3.4.8.3In the ecological impact assessment, the Applicant shall examine the flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats within the assessment area, including those highlighted in sub-section 3.2(viii) above. The aim shall be to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment. In particular, the Project shall avoid impacts on recognized sites of conservation importance and other ecologically sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and quantify as far as possible the potential ecological impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project and in combination with those cumulative impacts from associated works of the Project, both directly by physical disturbance and indirectly by changes of water quality, sedimentation patterns and hydrodynamic regime.

3.4.8.4 The assessment shall include the following major tasks:

(i) review the findings of relevant previous studies/surveys including but not limited to those listed in sub-section 3.4 (i) to (iii) and collate all available information on the ecological characters of the study area;

(ii) evaluate the information collected from sub-section 3.4.8.4 (i) above, and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to the aquatic and terrestrial environment;

(iii) carry out necessary field surveys for a total duration of at least 6 months covering the wet and dry seasons, and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified in sub-section 3.4.8.4 (ii) above and fulfil the objectives of the EIA study;

(iv) establish an ecological profile of the study area based on data of relevant previous studies/surveys and results of additional ecological field surveys, and describe the characteristics of each habitat found. Major information to be provided shall include:

(a) description of the physical environment, including all recognized sites of conservation importance and ecologically sensitive areas as listed in sub-section 3.2(viii) above, and assess whether these sites will be affected by the Project;

(b) habitat maps of suitable scale showing habitat types & locations in study area;

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

(v) 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:

- inter-tidal mudflat

- mangrove

- seagrass bed

- woodlands including the semi-mature woodland in Site B

- sedge (Carex leucochlora)

- wetlands including the CLP ash lagoons

- natural stream courses and rivers (eg. Tsang Kok Stream)

- vertebrates (e.g. avifauna, mammals including bats, fish, herpetofauna)

- macroinvertebrates (e.g. butterflies, odonates, crustaceans)

- inter-tidal and sub-tidal benthic communities

- any other habitats and wildlife groups, including any Pitcher Plants in Site A, identified as having special conservation interests by this EIA study;

(vi) using suitable methodology to 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 on the wildlife groups and habitats mentions in sub-section 3.4.8.4 (v) above, such as destruction of habitats, reduction of species abundance/diversity, loss of feeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity, habitat fragmentation, etc.;

(vii) demonstrate that the ecological impacts due to the construction and operation of the Project are avoided by design to the maximum practicable extent;

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

(ix) recommend all possible alternatives (e.g. different extension area and/or using other construction methods and sequences) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified, such as :

(a) measures to compensate for the wetland habitats lost; and

(b) reinstatement of habitats temporarily affected by the Project to its original state and if possible with some enhancement features;

(x) evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and define the scope, type, location, implementation arrangement, subsequent management and maintenance of such measures;

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

(xii) evaluate the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using well-defined criteria; and

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

3.4.9 Other Possible Environmental Issues

3.4.9.1In the event that the pulverized fuel ash (PFA) in the CLP ash lagoons is to be disturbed by works associated with the Project during the construction, operation, restoration or aftercare stages of the Project, an assessment shall be conducted to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the disturbance of the PFA. The assessment shall include the following key steps:-

(i) an identification of the hazards associated with radioactivity from the radon emissions, of the excavation, filling, handling, storage, transport and disposal of PFA and the possible environmental impacts from the mobilization or release of leachate from the ash lagoons due to the disturbance of the PFA. Reference can be made to previous studies such as the Hong Kong Electric Company Ltd.’s Final Initial Assessment Report on the Environmental Impact Assessment of Units L7 and L8 Lamma Power Station issued in May 1992, the Environmental Protection Department’s Environmental Impact and Safety Assessment Report on Low-level Radioactive Waste Storage Facility Consultancy Study issued in June 1995, etc. ;

(ii) an assessment of the likelihood and consequences of exposure to the radioactivity from the radon emissions, of the excavation, filling, handling, storage, transport and disposal of PFA and the environmental impacts from mobilization or release of leachate from the ash lagoons due to disturbance of the PFA;

(iii) an identification of means by which the environmental impacts can be reduced;

(iv) recommendation of all reasonably practicable measures to reduce environmental risks or mitigate environmental impacts due to disturbance of the PFA in the ash lagoons arising from the works associated with the Project during the construction, operation, restoration or aftercare stages of the Project; and

(v) an assessment of residual environmental impacts, if any, after the mitigation measures are put in place.

3.4.10 Summary of Environmental Outcomes

The EIA report shall contain a summary of 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

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

3.4.11.2Subject 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 also propose real-time reporting of monitoring data for the Project through a dedicated internet website.

3.4.11.3The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Appendix D 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 The Applicant shall notify the Director of the commencement of the EIA study. If the EIA study does not commence within 36 months after the date of issue of the EIA study brief, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for a fresh EIA study brief 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 sub-section 5.2 (i) aboveas 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 public inspection of EIA report via EIAO Internet Website, the Applicant shall provide electronic copies of both the EIA report and executive summary 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 executive summary 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 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 section 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.

5.8 To facilitate public involvement in the EIA process, the applicant shall produce 3-dimensional electronic visualisations of the major findings and elements of the EIA report, including baseline environmental information, the environmental situations with or without the project, key mitigated and unmitigated environmental impacts, and key recommended environmental mitigation measures so that the public can understand the project and the associated environmental issues. The visualisations shall be based on the EIA report and released to the public. The visualisations shall be submitted in CD-ROM or other suitable means agreed with the Director in commonly readable formats. Unless otherwise advised or agreed by the Director, copies of the CD-ROM shall be the same as the number of EIA reports required under section 5 of this study brief.

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 sub-section 1.2 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-214/2004), 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.

--- END OF EIA STUDY BRIEF ---

June 2004

Environmental Assessment and Noise Division,

Environmental Protection Department.