Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), Section 5(7)

Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-137/2005

 

 Project Title : Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre,

Atrium Link Extension

(hereinafter known as the "Project")

 

Name of Applicant :    Hong Kong Trade Development Council

(hereinafter known as the "Applicant")

                                                                                                            

1.            BACKGROUND

 

1.1                    An application (No. ESB-137/2005) 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 1 November 2005 with a Project Profile (No. PP-268/2005) (the Project Profile).

 

1.2                    The proposed Project is to expand the existing facilities to provide essential room for Hong Kong's leading trade fairs to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).  The Atrium Link Extension will be constructed in place of the present link between the Phase I and Phase II buildings of the HKCEC and will provide accommodation for Hong Kong's mega fairs. The location of the Project is given in Appendix A, which was prepared based on Figure 1.6a of the Project Profile.

 

1.3                    The scope of the Project include the following major works:

(i)                  Construction of foundations, pile caps and superstructure for the Atrium Link Extension which decks over the existing and planned roads between the Phase I and Phased II of the HKCEC;

(ii)                Demolition of the existing Atrium Link; and

(iii)               Construction and demolition of a temporary footbridge and a temporary working platform.  All of the temporary marine piles of the Project will be removed in the final construction stage.

 

1.4                    Based on the information in the Project Profile, the Project which involves a road fully enclosed by decking above and by structure on the sides of more than 100m, is identified as a Designated Project as defined under Item A.9, Part I, Schedule 2 of the EIAO. The Project may also involve a dredging operation which is less than 100m from a seawater intake point. Thus, the Project may also be a Designated Project as defined under Item C.4 and/or C.12, Part I, Schedule 2 of the EIAO.

1.5                    Pursuant to section 5(7)(a) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, the Director of Environmental Protection (the Director) issues this EIA study brief to the Applicant to carry out an EIA study.

1.6                    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 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 Project;

(ii)                the conditions and requirements for the detailed design, construction and operation 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 the Designated Projects under Schedule 2 of the EIAO to be covered in the Project;

(iii)              to consider alternative project design, alternative construction method(s) and sequence(s), layout of the temporary marine piles, and to compare their environmental benefits and dis-benefits with the view of selecting the preferred options from the environmental perspective;

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

(v)               to identify and quantify air and water pollutant emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive receivers and potential affected uses and to propose measures to avoid in the first instance or mitigate these impacts;

(vi)              to identify and quantify any potential landscape and visual impacts and to propose measures to avoid in the first instance or mitigate these impacts;

(vii)            to identify and quantify waste management requirements including handling and disposal of wastes from the demolition of the existing Atrium Link, and if dredging operation is required, handling and disposal of any marine sediment and to propose measures to avoid in the first instance or mitigate these impacts;

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

 

3.1          The Purpose

 

                           The purpose of this study brief is to scope the key issues of the EIA study and to specify the environmental issues that are required to be reviewed and assessed in the EIA report.  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 Project proposed in the Project Profile and the works and facilities mentioned in Sections 1.2 V 1.4 above.  The EIA study shall address the key issues described below, together with any other key issues identified during the course of the EIA study and the cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed, and planned and known potential developments in the vicinity of the Project for both long-term and interim scenarios of with and without the planned Road P2 and Central Wan Chai Bypass (CWB):

(i)            the potential air quality impacts on the air sensitive receivers, including fresh air intakes of the nearby hotels and commercial buildings during the operation stage of the Project due to the decking over the existing roads (e.g. Convention Avenue and Expo Drive Central) and planned roads (e.g. Road P2 and Central Wan Chai Bypass as shown on the Draft Wan Chai North Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H25/1);

(ii)          the potential construction stage water quality impacts on the water sensitive receivers including the Water Services Departments Wan Chai Salt Water Pumping Station and other seawater intake points along Convention Avenue for flushing/cooling purpose;

(iii)         the potential landscape and visual impacts on existing and planned sensitive receivers, including the nearby hotels in particular the lower floors, due to the construction and operation of the Project including area underneath the proposed Atrium Link Extension; and

(iv)        the potential impacts of various types of waste arising, including any dredged marine sediment arising from the construction of the Project, during the occasions such as removal of temporary marine piles.

 

3.3          Consideration of Alternatives

 

3.3.1       Need for the Project

 

The Applicant shall present in the EIA the information on the need for the Project and the Projects implementation programme.

 

3.3.2       Consideration of Alternatives

The EIA study shall explore alternative project design, alternative construction methods for the Project, such as no dredging construction method and complete removal of proposed temporary marine piles from the seabed after use instead of cutting off the piles close to the seabed level, with a view to avoiding adverse environmental impacts to the maximum practicable extent, including potential air quality, water quality and landscape and visual impacts, including visual impact on the nearby hotels in particular the lower floors, due to the construction and operation of the Project.

A comparison of the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of applying different project design and construction methods shall be made with a view to recommending the preferred methods to avoid adverse on-site and off-site environmental impacts to the maximum practicable extent.

 

3.4          Technical Requirements

 

The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address the environmental aspects as described above.  The EIA study shall include the following technical requirements on specific impacts. The Applicant shall include in the EIA report details of the construction programme.

 

The Applicant shall review previously studies or EIA reports which have a bearing or are relevant to the Project and make reference to the relevant information for the purpose of this EIA study. The following approved EIA reports shall be referred to:

 

(i)                  Environmental Impact Assessment Report of Central - Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link (EIAO Register No. AEIAR-041/2001);

(ii)                Environmental Impact Assessment Report of Wanchai Development phase II (EIAO Register No. AEIAR-042/2001);

(iii)               Environmental Impact Assessment Report of Central Reclamation Phase III (EIAO Register No. AEIAR-040/2001); and

(iv)              Environmental Impact Assessment Report of Central and Wan Chai Reclamation Development Focussed Study for the Proposed Extension to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - Stage 2 Final Report Vol. 2 V Environment (EIAO Register No. EIA-030/BC)

 

The EIA study shall meet the following technical requirements on specific impacts, unless otherwise approved by the Director specifically in writing.

 

3.4.1              Air Quality Impact (Operation Stage)

3.4.1.1          This EIA study should make reference to the relevant findings and recommendations of the approved EIA reports as mentioned in Section 3.4 above, extract to present all relevant information from the approved EIA reports and incorporate any new and additional information to address the air quality impacts arising from operation of the Project for long-term and interim scenarios of with and without the planned Road P2 and Central Wan Chai Bypass.  The 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.

3.4.1.2          The study area for air quality impact assessment shall generally be defined by a distance of 500 metres from the boundary of the project site, yet it shall be extended to include major emission sources that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project.

3.4.1.3          The Applicant shall assess the air pollutant concentrations with reference to the relevant sections of the air modelling guidelines in Appendices B-1 to B-3 attached to this study brief, or other methodology as agreed by the Director.

3.4.1.4          The air quality impact assessment shall cover the operation of the Project, and 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 Project that may affect air quality during operation stage.

(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 project design to minimize the operational air quality impact.

(c)    Present background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating cumulative operational air quality impacts.

(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 the Project, including those earmarked on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans.  The Applicant shall select the assessment points of the identified ASRs that represent the worst impact point of these ASRs.  A map showing the location and description such as name of buildings, their uses and fresh air intake locations, where applicable, and height of the selected assessment points shall be given.  The separation distances of these ASRs from the nearest emission sources shall also be given.

(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 and operational activities in Sub-section (i)(a) above. Examples of operational stage emission sources include exhaust emissions from vehicles, etc. Confirmation of validity of the assumptions and magnitude of the activities (e.g. traffic mix and volume on a road, etc.) shall be obtained from the relevant government departments/ authorities and documented.

(iii)               Operation Phase 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.  The evaluation shall be based on the strength of the emission sources identified in Sub-section (ii)(b) above.  The Applicant shall follow Sub-section (iv) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.

(b)   For calculation of future road traffic air pollution impacts, the assessment shall be conducted for long-term and interim scenarios of with and without the planned Road P2 and Central Wan Chai Bypass, including its eastbound and westbound slip roads. The Applicant shall contact the Civil Engineering Development Department to obtain the latest best available information on the on-going Review of the Wan Chai Development Phase II. The Applicant shall demonstrate that the selected year of assessment represents the reasonably worst scenario given the combination of vehicular emission factors and traffic flow for the selected year.

(c)    As planned vehicular tunnels and full enclosure (i.e. the planned underground Central Wan Chai Bypass and the proposed Atrium Link Extension) are located in the Project site, it is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the air quality inside/under these proposed structures shall comply with Practice Note on Control of Air Pollution in Vehicle Tunnels issued by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).  For assessment of air quality impact due to emissions from tunnels/full enclosures, the Applicant shall ensure that the emission amount and the pollutants emitted from these tunnel/full enclosures have been agreed with the relevant tunnel ventilation design engineer and documented.

(iv)              Quantitative Assessment Methodology

(a)    The Applicant shall conduct the assessment with reference to the relevant sections of the modelling guidelines stated in section 3.4.1.3 or any other methodology as agreed with the Director.  The specific methodology must be documented in such level of details, preferably with tables and diagrams, to allow the readers of the assessment report to grasp how the model is set up to simulate the situation at hand without referring to the model input files.  Details of the calculation of the emission rates of air pollutants for input to the modelling shall be presented in the report.  The Applicant must ensure consistency between the text description and the model files at every stage of submission.  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 the key/representative air pollutant parameters, including types of pollutants and the averaging time concentration, to be evaluated and provide explanation for choosing these parameters for the assessment of the impact of the Project.

(c)    The Applicant shall calculate the cumulative air quality impact at the identified ASRs and compare these results against the criteria set out in section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM.  The predicted air quality impacts, for both unmitigated and mitigated scenarios, shall be presented in the form of summary table 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 contour to allow buffer distance requirements to be determined properly.

(d)   As tunnel and decking above existing and planned roads are involved in the Project, portal emissions of the tunnel/enclosed road section and air quality inside the tunnel/enclosed road section shall also be addressed.  The Applicant shall highlight clearly the locations of the ASRs, including the fresh air intakes of nearby centralised ventilation buildings (e.g. hotels), as well as tunnel/road enclosure and their portals on the contour maps for easy reference.

(v)                Mitigation Measures for Non-compliance

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

(vi)              Submission of Model Files

All input and output file(s) of the model run(s) shall be submitted to the Director in electronic format, together with the hard copy submission of the EIA report.

3.4.2              Water Quality Impact (Construction Stage)

3.4.2.1            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.

3.4.2.2            The study area for the water quality impact assessment shall cover an area with a radius of 500m from the Project boundary.  This study area shall be extended to include other areas if they are found also to be affected by the Project during the course of the EIA study and have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project.

3.4.2.3            The Applicant shall identify and analyse physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, existing and planned drainage systems, catchment area(s), water channel(s) and coastal water(s) arising from the Project.

3.4.2.4            The Applicant shall predict, quantify where possible and assess any water quality impacts arising from the Project on the affected water system(s) and their sensitive receivers by proposing appropriate techniques.  Potential impacts shall include at least those arising from: the construction and demolition of marine piles, presence of marine piles on the water quality of the sea channel between Phase I and Phase II of the HKCEC, dredging and dumping of any marine sediment, sewage, wastewater and surface runoff from construction activities.  The Applicant shall where possible quantitatively assess the possible water quality impact due to the Project if the polluted stormwater discharges from the nearby storm culverts cannot be dispersed away from the sea channel due to the proposed temporary marine piles.  Essentially the assessment shall address the following :

(i)                  Collect and review background information on the existing and planned water systems, their respective catchments and sensitive receivers, such as the Wan Chai Salt Water Pumping Station and other seawater intakes along Convention Avenue, which might be affected by the Project;

(ii)                Characterize water and sediment quality of the water systems and respective catchments and sensitive receivers, which might be affected by the Project based on the latest best available information or through appropriate site survey and tests;

(iii)               Identify and analyse relevant existing and planned future activities, beneficial uses and water sensitive receivers related to the affected water system(s).  The Applicant shall refer to those developments and uses specified in the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans, and any other relevant published landuse plans;

(iv)              Identify and establish pertinent water and sediment quality objectives, criteria or standards for the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers identified in Sub-section (i), (ii) & (iii) above, including the seawater intakes for cooling and toilet flushing purposes;

(v)                Review the specific construction sequence and methods of the Project, such as, the specific designs and construction configurations of temporary marine piles; any marine sediment dredging requirement, construction and sequence of the Project as a whole so as to identify any alteration of bathymetry, flow regimes and any consequential water quality impacts on the nearby water sensitive receivers;

(vi)              Identify and quantify where possible existing and likely water and sediment pollution sources and loading.  A pollution load inventory on the quantities and characteristics of these existing and likely pollution sources in the study area shall also be provided.  Field investigation and laboratory test, shall be conducted as appropriate to fill relevant information gaps;

Impact Prediction 

(vii)             Predict and quantify where possible, by appropriate quantitative analysis technique, the impacts due to the presence of temporary marine piles on the flushing capability of the sea channel between Phase I and Phase II of the HKCEC. In case of doubt, prior agreement between the Applicant and the Director on the quantitative analysis technique should be sought; and

(viii)           If the impact is found to be significant, more detailed quantitative analysis shall be carried out to assess the impacts on the water system(s) and sensitive receivers due to the Project alone and cumulatively due to other concurrent projects (such as Central Reclamation Phase III), activities, planned projects (such as Wan Chai Development Phase II where applicable based on the latest best available information), and pollution sources.  The cumulative impact assessment shall include activities or pollution sources within a boundary of 300 m from the identified water system(s) and sensitive receivers. Possible impacts include change in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion or deposition, if marine sediment dredging is required, water and sediment quality and the effects on the water sensitive receivers in the affected water bodies. The prediction shall take into account and include possible different construction stages of the Project. In case of doubt, prior agreement between the Applicant and the Director on the detailed quantitative analysis technique should be sought.

Dredging of Marine Sediment

(ix)              If dredging of marine sediment is required, identify and quantify where possible dredging, mud/sediment transportation and disposal activities and requirements.  Potential dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified.  Field investigation, sampling and laboratory tests to characterize the sediment/mud concerned shall be conducted as appropriate.  The potential release of contaminants during dredging and other marine works shall be addressed using the chemical testing results derived from sediment and marine water samples collected on site and/or relevant historical data.  Appropriate laboratory tests such as elutriate tests in accordance with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) method and sediment pore water (interstitial water) analyses shall be performed on the sediment samples to simulate and quantify where possible the degree of mobilization of various contaminants such as metals, oxygen demand, ammonia, nutrients, trace organic contaminants, including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs),  Tributyltin (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 laboratory test methods to be used shall be appropriate to the sediment. 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, back filling and dumping;

(x)                Predict, quantify where possible and assess impacts on the hydrodynamic regime, water and sediment quality of the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers due to the activities identified above. The prediction and where possible quantification of impacts caused by sediment re-suspension and contaminants release shall be carried out by appropriate quantitative analysis technique;

(xi)              Review, evaluate and identify best practicable dredging methods to minimize, to the maximum extent, marine mud disturbance and the need for dumping.  The Applicant shall work on the presumption that existing marine mud shall be left in place and not be disturbed as far as possible.  The selected method shall take into consideration the need to protect the water system(s) and sensitive receivers;

Mitigation Measures

(xii)             Propose effective infrastructure upgrading or provision, water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during the implementation of the Project, including consideration of silt curtains and diversion of the seawater intakes and/or storm culverts, and the feasibility, practicability and efficiency of such measures on site, so as to avoid and reduce the water and sediment quality impacts to within acceptable levels of standards. Requirements to be incorporated into the Project contract document shall also be proposed;

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

Residual Impacts

(xiv)           Evaluate and quantify where possible the residual impacts (i.e. after practicable mitigation) on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the relevant water and sediment quality objective, criteria, standards or guidelines using appropriate quantitative analysis technique.

 

3.4.3              Landscape and Visual Impact (Construction and Operation Stages)

3.4.3.1  The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM for evaluating and assessing landscape and visual impacts of the Project, including any above ground structures and work areas associated with the Project.  Landscape and visual impacts during both construction and operation stages including the long-term and interim scenarios of with and without the planned Road P2, Central Wan Chai Bypass and Wan Chai Development Phase II, which is under review, within the study area shall be assessed based on the latest best available information.

 

3.4.3.2    Study areas for landscape impact assessment shall include areas within 100m from the Project.  Study area for visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the Project.  The defined visual envelope must be shown on a plan in the EIA report.

 

3.4.3.3  The Applicant shall review relevant Outline Zoning 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 open space, amenity area and green belt designations.  Any guidelines on landscape strategies, landscape frameworks, urban design concepts, special design areas, 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.

 

3.4.3.4  The Applicant shall describe, appraise, analyse and evaluate the existing and planned landscape resources and character of the study area including the area to be enclosed under the proposed Atrium Link Extension.  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 resource/character 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 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 trees shall be addressed.  Cumulative landscape and visual impacts of the Project with other existing, committed and planned developments in the study area shall be assessed.

 

3.4.3.5    The Applicant shall assess the visual impacts of the Project including the visual impacts on the nearby hotels in particular the lower floors and users of the enclosed roads/area.  Clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact is required.  The assessment shall include :

 

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

(ii)            identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers, including the nearby hotels in particular the lower floors, within the visual envelope with regard to views from both sea level, ground level and elevated vantage points;

(iii)           description of the visual compatibility of the Project with the surrounding and the existing and planned setting, and its obstruction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas, including views from the lower floors of nearby hotels; and

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

 

3.4.3.6    The Applicant shall evaluate the merits of preservation in totality, in parts or total destruction of existing landscape and the establishment of a new landscape character area.  In addition, alternative design 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 adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape design.

 

3.4.3.7   The mitigation measures shall include preservation of vegetation, transplanting of trees, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed land, compensatory planting, provisioning / reprovisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, particularly on the roof level of the proposed extension, sensitive design treatment on structure, 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 and planned setting illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures shall be included.

 

3.4.3.8    Annotated 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 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.  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.

 

 

3.4.4              Waste Management Implications (Construction Stage)

3.4.4.1    The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing waste management implications as stated in Annexes 7 and 15 of the TM respectively.

 

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

 

            (i)         Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation

 

            Identification of the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the construction activities in particular the demolition of the existing Atrium Link and dredging operation if any, based on the sequence and duration of these activities.

 

            (ii)        Proposal for Waste Management

 

                        (a)        Prior to considering the disposal options for various types of wastes, opportunities for reducing waste generation and on-site or off-site re-use shall be fully evaluated. Measures which can be taken in the planning and design stages e.g. by modifying the design approach and in the construction stage for maximizing waste reduction shall be separately considered.

 

                        (b)        After considering all the opportunities for reducing waste generation and maximizing re-use, the types and quantities of the wastes required to be disposed of as a consequence shall be estimated and the disposal options for each type of waste shall be described in detail. The disposal method recommended for each type of waste shall take into account of the result of the assessment in (c) below; and

 

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

                                    -           potential hazard;

                                    -           air and odour emissions;

                                    -           noise;

                                    -           wastewater discharge; and

                                    -           public transport.

 

   (iii)       Dredging and/or Dumping

 

(a)               If dredging and/or dumping are required, all dredging, mud/sediment transportation and disposal activities and other requirements shall be identified and quantified. Potential dumping ground to be involved shall also be identified. The Applicant may refer to relevant historic data of sediment quality in previous EIA/studies or conduct appropriate field investigation, sampling and chemical and biological laboratory tests to characterize the sediment/mud concerned. The ranges of parameters to be analyzed; the number, type and methods of sampling; sample preservation; chemical and biological laboratory test method; and the laboratory to be used shall be appropriate to the sediment. The categories of sediments which are to be disposed of in accordance with a permit granted under the Dumping At Sea Ordinance shall be identified by both chemical and biological tests and their quantities shall be estimated. If the presence of contaminated sediment 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.

 

3.4.5              Other Environmental Impacts

3.4.5.1    The Project Profile indicated that the following environmental issues will unlikely cause adverse environmental impacts provided that statutory environmental requirements are fully complied with and good site practice is properly implemented.

(i)                  construction stage: noise and dust; and

(ii)                operation stage: noise, waste and sewage.

 

3.4.5.2    To provide full picture on environmental impacts due to the Project, the Applicant shall include information, reasons and project design/arrangement to justify whether or not the Project would cause any adverse impacts on the above environmental issues as mentioned in Section 3.4.5.1 above.  The Applicant shall clearly identify any statutory environmental requirements to be followed and recommend good practice to avoid and minimise environmental impacts and nuisances.

 

3.4.6              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, and the environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.

 

3.4.7              Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements

3.4.7.1   The Applicant shall identify and justify in the EIA study whether there is any need for EM&A activities during construction and operation phases of the Project and, if affirmative, to define the scope of EM&A requirements for the Project.  The Applicant shall also consider and propose real-time reporting of monitoring data for the Project through a dedicated internet website as appropriate, and the setting up of a community liaison office to enhance communication with the public on the environmental impacts and mitigation measures for the Project.

 

3.4.7.2    Subject to confirmation of EIA findings, the Applicant shall comply with requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM.

 

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

 

4.              DURATION OF VALIDITY

 

                 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 this 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) above as required under section 7(1) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for public inspection.

 

(iii)       20 copies of the EIA report in English and 50 copies of the executive summary (each bilingual in both English and Chinese) with or without Addendum as required under section 7(5) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for consultation with the Advisory Council on the Environment.

 

5.3            The Applicant shall, upon request, make additional copies of 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 the EIA report via the EIAO Internet Website, the Applicant shall provide electronic copies of both the EIA report and the 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 the 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 the respective references are made.  All graphics in the report shall be in interlaced GIF format unless otherwise agreed by the Director.

 

5.5            The electronic copies of the EIA report and the executive summary shall be submitted to the Director at the time of application for approval of the EIA report.

 

5.6            When the EIA report and the executive summary are made available for public inspection under 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.

 

6.              OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

 

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

 

6.2                        If there is any key change in the scope of the Project mentioned in Sections 1.2 V 1.4 of this EIA study brief and in the Project Profile, the Applicant must seek confirmation from the Director in writing on whether or not the scope of issues covered by this EIA study brief can still cover the key changes, and the additional issues, if any, that the EIA study must also address.  If the changes to the Project fundamentally alter the key scope of the EIA study brief, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for a fresh EIA study brief.

　

　

 

 

 

|  Appendix A | Appendix B1-B3 |  Appendix C | 

 

　

 

--- END OF EIA STUDY BRIEF ---

 

November 2005

Environmental Assessment Division,

Environmental Protection Department