Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499),
Section
5(7)
Environmental
Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-125/2005
(hereinafter known as
the "Project")
Name of Applicant : Ocean
Park Corporation
(hereinafter known as
the "Applicant")
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 An application (No. ESB-125/2005)
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
1.2
The current
(i)
expansion
– expanding new areas in addition to the existing Park and provide new
attractions, rides and facilities;
(ii)
reconstruction
– modifying existing attractions, rides and facilities within the existing Park
areas;
The expansion and reconstruction
will be carried out by phases so that some facilities will still be opened for the
visitors’ use during the redevelopment.
Upon completion of the Project, the redeveloped
Park will operate with opening hours extended to late evening.
1.3
As the Project includes physical modification
resulting in adverse environmental impacts, it constitutes material change to an
exempted designated project. The location and layout of the
existing Park and that of the redeveloped Park as proposed under the Project are
shown in Appendix A-1 and Appendix A-2 respectively.
1.4
The
expansion of the Park will encroach into the area of the existing Hong Kong
School of Motoring,
Citybus depot and part of the public bus terminus. This approximately 2 hectares expansion
together with the existing Park area in Wong Chuk Hang will form the “Waterfront area”. Approximately 5 hectares of vegetated
area in Nam Long Shan will be cleared.
This expansion together with the existing Park around Nam Long Shan will
form the “Summit
area”. The location and
layout of the two proposed
areas of expansion are shown in Appendix A-3 and Appendix A-4 respectively.
1.5
The
Project includes the following major works:
Expansion
- formation of expansion
areas as shown in Appendix A-3 and Appendix A-4;
-
construction
of new attractions, rides and facilities, entry plaza with public transport interchange
and car parking facilities;
-
construction
of a funicular train system, including tunnel, station and
viaduct;
-
construction
of a new Emergency Vehicular Access (EVA);
Reconstruction
-
modification
works for the
existing attractions, rides and facilities;
-
improvement
to the existing Nam Long Shan Road by widening and to include some slope works and
stabilization works; and
-
modification
of the existing boat jetty without involving dredging works. The jetty location is shown in Appendix
A-3.
1.6
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.
1.7
The
purpose of this EIA study is to provide information on the nature and extent of
potential environmental impacts arising from the expansion and
reconstruction of
the current Park;
the long term operation
of the Project;
and related activities that would take place concurrently. This information
will contribute to decisions by the Director on:
(i) the overall
acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences that is 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 and operation of the Project to mitigate
against adverse environmental consequences; 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 any individual Designated Project under Part I Schedule 2 of the EIAO
to be covered in the Project to ascertain whether the findings of this EIA Study
have adequately addressed the environmental impacts of these projects;
(iii)
to identify and
describe the elements of the community and environment to be affected by the
Project and/or to cause adverse impacts to the Project, including both the
natural and man-made environment and the associated environmental constraints;
(iv)
to present the
considerations of alternatives with regard to avoiding and minimizing the
potential environmental impacts on the sensitive receivers; to compare the
environmental benefits and dis-benefits of the options; to provide reasons for
selecting the preferred option(s) and to describe the part of environmental
factors played in the selection;
(v)
to identify and
quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive
receivers and potential affected uses;
(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 and quantify any potential landscape and visual impacts and to propose
measures to mitigate these impacts;
(viii) to
identify any negative impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to propose
measures to mitigate these impacts;
(ix)
to propose the
provision of mitigation measures to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance
and nuisance during expansion and
reconstruction of the current Park and
the long term operation
of the Project;
(x)
to investigate the
feasibility, practicability, effectiveness and implications of the proposed
mitigation measures;
(xi)
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 in relation to the sensitive receivers and
potential affected uses;
(xii) to
identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards, to be included in
the detailed design for the expansion, reconstruction of the current Park and
the long term operation
of the Project, which are necessary to mitigate these environmental impacts and
cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels;
(xiii) 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
(xiv) 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 shall include the major elements mentioned in Section
1.5 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:
(i)
the potential noise impacts on nearby noise sensitive receivers, including but
not limited to: Manly Villa, Wong Chuk Hang San Wai, residences along Shouson
Hill Road and Police Training School (locations shown in Appendix A-5), caused
by the expansion and reconstruction of the current Park and long term operation
of the Project, in particular the addition of attractions, rides, facilities
and extended opening hours to late evening;
(ii)
the potential landscape and visual
impacts caused by the
expansion and reconstruction of the current Park and long term operation of the
Project, in particular the potential impact to the landscape value of the designated
coastal protection areas, and the potential visual impact, including glare from
man-made light sources, on the sensitive receivers such as hikers, users of
recreational water, ferry users and nearby residences;
(iii)
the potential ecological impacts caused by the expansion of the Park, including loss
of habitats, removal of vegetation and disturbance to wildlife, in particular
the site clearance for the expansion at the Summit area, construction of the
new EVA, and modification of the boat jetty if marine work is anticipated;
(iv)
the potential impacts of various types of waste to be generated from the
construction and operation of the Project, in particular the excavated
materials arising from formation of the expansion areas and tunnel construction
for the funicular train system; and waste management issues associated with
minimizing, recycling and reuse of inert construction and demolition material throughout
the redevelopment of the Project;
(v)
the potential air quality impacts on nearby air sensitive receivers, including but
not limited to: Manly Villa, residences along Shouson Hill Road, Police
Training School, Aberdeen Sports Ground and visitors in the Park (locations
shown in Appendix A-5), caused by the expansion and reconstruction of the Park during
the formation of expansion areas and long term operation of the Project;
(vi)
the potential water quality impact and sewerage infrastructure impacts due to long
term operation of the Project, including discharges produced from the marine life keeping systems,
aquariums and visitor attraction facilities;
(vii) the potential cultural
heritage impacts
including both archaeological impact and built heritage impact caused by the
Project, in particular the potential impact on the archaeological
site(s), if any, underneath
the existing Hong Kong School of Motoring and the heritage building(s) in Wong
Chuk Hang San Wai;
(viii) the potential risk to life in case there is the need for any overnight
on site storage of explosives which may adversely impact on populated
areas; and
(ix)
the potential cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through
interaction or 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 likely concurrent projects such as the Southern Island Line, depending
on availability of information on its development programme at the time of the
assessment.
3.3 Consideration of Alternative Layout and
Construction Methods
The
Applicant shall present in the EIA the relevant information concerning the need
for the Project, its key elements as proposed in the Project Profile:
such as the expansion
of the Park; reconstruction and addition of attractions,
rides, infrastructures
and facilities;
new EVA; improvement
to the existing Nam Long Shan Road, modification
to the existing boat jetty;
extended operational hours; and the Project’s
implementation programme.
The Applicant shall present in the EIA
report the reasons and the considerations given to the proposed internal layout design as contained in the Project Profile
in respect of avoiding or minimising, as far as practicable, the associated
environmental impacts.
The
EIA study shall present the considerations
given for adopting alternative construction methods
and/or alternative sequences for key construction activities under the Project
that are environmentally more friendly.
They could include but not limited to: use of Tunnel Boring Machine for
the construction of the funicular system; alternative means to manage the disposal
of earth material; and alternative marine work to modify the boat jetty. A comparison of the environmental
benefits and dis-benefits of applying different construction methods and
sequence of works shall be made with a view to recommending the preferred
option to avoid adverse on-site and off-site environmental impact.
Taking into
consideration of the findings in Sections
3.4 Technical Requirements
The
Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address the environmental aspects as
described in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 above. The assessment shall be based on the best
and latest information available during the course of the EIA study. The Applicant shall include maps/figures in
the EIA study report showing the boundary of study area, internal layout and details
of the construction programme for different phases.
3.4.1
Noise
Impact
(i) the potential
construction noise impacts on nearby noise sensitive receivers (NSRs),
including but not limited to: Manly Villa, Wong Chuk Hang San Wai, residences
along Shouson Hill Road and Police Training School, arising from the expansion
phase and the reconstruction phase of the Park; and
(ii) the potential operational
noise impacts on the nearby noise sensitive receivers (NSRs), including but not
limited to: Manly Villa, Wong Chuk Hang San Wai, residences along Shouson Hill
Road and Police Training School, arising from the attractions, rides,
facilities, funicular train system and induced off-site traffic generated from
the Project. The situation under the scenarios of existing Park operation and future
Park operation with the Project shall be presented.
(i)
Determination
of Study Area
The study area for the noise
impact assessment shall be defined by a distance of
(ii)
Provision
of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels
The Applicant shall provide
existing noise levels and background information relevant to noise issue of the
Project. The Applicant may refer to
completed or ongoing EIA and environmental studies to identify the background
information.
(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 the existing NSRs
and the planned/committed noise sensitive developments and uses including those
indicated on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Development Permission Area
Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans and other relevant published
land use plans. Photographs of the
existing NSRs shall be appended to the EIA report.
(b)
The Applicant shall
select assessment points to represent the identified NSRs for carrying out
quantitative noise assessment described below. The assessment points shall be agreed
with the Director prior to the quantitative noise assessment. A map showing the location and
description such as name of building, use, and floors of the selected
assessment point shall be given.
For planned noise sensitive land uses without committed site layouts,
the Applicant shall use the relevant planning parameters to work out 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 and shall provide fixed
plant noise sources and entertainment
noise sources.
(v)
Construction
Noise Assessment
(a)
The Applicant shall
carry out assessment of noise impact from construction (excluding percussive
piling) of the Project during day time (i.e.
(b)
The assessment shall
cover the cumulative noise impacts due to the construction works of the Project
and any other relevant concurrent projects identified during the course of the assessment, such as Southern Island Line
as mentioned in Section 3.2 (ix) above.
Whenever applicable, the different phases of the Project e.g. expansion
phase and reconstruction phase shall be presented.
(c)
The Applicant shall
propose alternative construction methods, sequences and mitigation measures to
minimise any adverse construction noise impact.
(d)
If the unmitigated
construction noise levels are found exceeding the relevant criteria, the
Applicant shall propose direct mitigation measures to minimize the impact. If
the mitigated noise levels still exceed the relevant criteria, the duration of
the noise exceedance and population affected shall be given.
(vi)
Operational
Noise Assessment
(a) Fixed Noise Sources
The
Applicant shall identify any fixed noise sources within the study area, including attractions, rides, facilities, funicular train system, and
all noisy activities within the Project.
The following assessment requirements
shall be followed.
(a1) Assessment
of Fixed Source Noise Levels
The
Applicant shall calculate the expected noise using standard acoustics
principles. Calculations for the
expected noise shall be based on assumed noise sources from the activities and plant
inventories for the worst case scenario. The Applicant shall calculate the
noise levels taking into account correction of tonality, impulsiveness and
intermittency in accordance with the Technical Memorandum for the Assessment of
Noise from Places other than Domestic Premises, Public Places or Construction
Sites.
(a2) Presentation of Noise Levels
The
Applicant shall present the existing and future noise levels in Leq
(30 min) at the NSRs at various representative floor levels (in m P.D.) on
tables and plans of suitable scale.
A
quantitative assessment at the NSRs for the proposed fixed noise source(s)
shall be carried out and compared against the criteria set out in Table
(a3) Proposals for Noise Mitigation Measures
The
Applicant shall propose direct technical remedies within the project limits in situations
where the predicted noise level due to the Project exceeds the criteria set out
in Table
(b) Road
Traffic Noise
The Applicant shall assess any adverse induced off-site traffic noise
impact generated from the Project.
The following assessment requirements shall be followed.
(b1) 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 NSRs 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.
(b2) 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 shall be carried out and compared
against the criteria set out in Table
(b3) 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 noise
mitigation measures, including traffic management measures to control traffic
induced from the Project in all situations where the predicted traffic noise
level exceeds the criteria set in Table
The total number of
dwellings, classrooms and other noise sensitive element that will be benefited
by the provision of noise mitigation measures 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.) 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 noise
mitigation measures shall be quantified.
(vii)
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.
(viii)
Evaluation
of Constraints on Planned Noise Sensitive Developments/Landuses
For
planned noise sensitive uses which will still be affected even with the 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.
The
Applicant shall take into account agreed environmental requirements/
constraints identified by the study to assess the development potential of
concerned sites.
3.4.2.1
The
Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing
landscape and visual impacts as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM respectively.
(i) the potential impacts
on areas of high landscape value, including the designated coastal protection
areas and green belt during the construction and operation of the Project, in
particular the expansion areas and the new EVA; and
(ii) the potential visual impacts,
obstruction and glare interference with the key views to the sensitive
receivers, including hikers, users of recreational water, ferry users, nearby
residences and visitors in the Park, in particular the potential impacts caused
by the expansion of the Park and long term operation of the Project with
extended opening hours to late evening.
(i) identification and plotting of visibility
contours[1]
of the Project within the study area;
(ii) identification of the key
groups of sensitive receivers within the visibility contours and their views at
both ground level/sea level and elevated vantage points;
(ii)
description
of the visual compatibility of the Project with the surrounding and the planned
setting, and its obstruction and interference with the key views of the
adjacent areas. Among other
receivers, sensitive receivers shall include hikers, users of recreational
water, ferry users and other residences; and
(iii)
description
of the severity of visual impacts in terms of distance, nature and number of
sensitive receivers. The visual
impacts of the Project with and without mitigation measures shall also be
included so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
(i) the
potential ecological impacts on important habitats such as woodlands and
streams, and some plant species of conservation importance, including but not
limited to: Artocarpus hypargyreus
and Diospyros vaccinioides, in
particular the potential impacts caused by the clearance of vegetation areas
for the Park’s expansion (as shown in Appendix A-4), improvement to Nam Long
Shan Road and construction of new EVA, if such works are found unavoidable;
(ii) the potential impacts
on ecologically significant habitat or species such as any corals around the
existing boat jetty (as shown in Appendix A-3) if marine work is anticipated
for the modification of existing boat jetty.
(i) review and incorporate the findings of relevant studies and collate all the available information regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;
(ii) evaluate the information collected and identify any information gap relating to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to the terrestrial environment;
(iii) carry out necessary field surveys for a duration of at least six months, covering a wet season and investigations to verify the information collected, fill the information gaps identified and fulfill the objectives of the EIA study;
(iv) establish an ecological profile and describe the characteristics of each habitat found. Major information to be provided shall include:
(a)
description of the
physical environment and whether these sites will be affected by the Project or
not;
(b)
habitats maps of
suitable scale (1:1000 to 1:5000) showing the types and locations of habitats
in the study area;
(c)
ecological characteristics
of habitat types 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 habitat types 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:
(a)
woodlands
(b)
shrublands
(c)
natural stream courses
and rivers
(d)
vertebrates (e.g.
avifauna, mammals including bats, fish, herpetofauna)
(e)
coral communities (if marine work is anticipated)
(f)
macroinvertebrates
(e.g. butterflies, odonates, crustaceans)
(g)
any other habitats and
wildlife groups 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
mentioned in Section
(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 the criteria in Annex 8 of the TM;
(ix) recommend possible alternatives (such as different layouts, design and/or using other construction methods and sequences) and practicable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified;
(x) evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and define the scope, type, location, implementation arrangement, subsequent management and maintenance of such measures;
(xi) determine and quantify as far as possible the residual ecological impacts after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures;
(xii) evaluate the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts using the criteria in Annex 8 of the TM; and
(xiii) review the need for and recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.
(i) Analysis of
Activities and Waste Generation
The
Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste and
chemical waste arising as a result of the construction and operation activities
of the Project, based on the sequence and duration of these activities. The
Applicant shall adopt design, general layout, construction methods and
programme to minimize the generation of public
fill/inert C&DM and maximise the use of public fill/inert C&DM for other
construction works.
(ii) Proposal for
Waste Management
(a)
Prior to considering the disposal options for various types of wastes, opportunities
for reducing waste generation, on-site or off-site re-use and recycling shall
be evaluated. Measures that 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 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 the
wastes shall be described in detail. The disposal options recommended for each
type of wastes shall take into account the result of the assessment in item (c)
below. The EIA report shall also
state clearly the transportation routings and the frequency of the trucks/
vessels involved, any barging point or conveyor system to be used, the
stockpiling areas and the disposal outlets for the wastes identified; and
(c)
The impact caused by handling (including stockpiling, labelling,
packaging & storage), collection, transportation and 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;
-
public transport; and
-
landscape and visual
impacts, if any.
(iii) 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
(a) measures
on how to maximize the waste(s) reduction;
(b) quantity
and nature of the waste(s) to be generated;
(c) how,
when and where waste(s) will be generated, stored, reused, recycled and
disposed on-site/off-site; and
(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, a scenarios approach may be adopted in preparing the Waste
Management Plan.
(i) the
present use of the land (e.g. description of the activities, chemicals and
hazardous substances handled with a clear indication of their storage and
location by reference to a site map); and
(ii) the relevant
past land history in relation to possible land contamination (e.g. accident
records, change of land use.).
(i) the
potential dust impacts on the air sensitive receivers (ASRs), including but not
limited to: Manly Villa, residence along Shouson Hill Road, Wong Chuk Hang San
Wai, Police Training School, Aberdeen Sports Ground and visitors in the Park, arising
from the site formation at the expansion area and associated construction
activities such as stockpiling, blasting and vehicular movements on unpaved
haul roads on site during the construction phase; and
(ii) the potential air
quality implications due to the operation of the Project, including emissions
from additional traffic induced by the Project. The potential ASRs including but not
limited to: Manly Villa, residence along Shouson Hill Road, Wong Chuk Hang San
Wai, Police Training School, Aberdeen Sports Ground and visitors in the Park. The situation
under the scenarios of existing Park operation and future Park operation with
the Project shall be presented.
(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 both construction and operation stages.
(b)
Present
background air quality levels in the study area for the purpose of evaluating
cumulative constructional and operational air quality impacts.
(c)
Consider
alternative construction methods/phasing programmes and alternative modes of
operation to minimize the constructional and operational air quality impact.
(ii) Identification of Air Sensitive Receivers and
Examination of Emission/ Dispersion Characteristics
(a) Identify and describe existing and planned/committed
ASRs that would be affected by the Project, including those indicated 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 height of the selected assessment points shall be
given. The separation distances of these ASRs from the nearest emission sources
shall also be given. For phased implementation, the Applicant shall review the
implementation programme against the different construction stages to assess
whether the visitors of the early phases could become ASRs to be affected by the
construction works of later phases.
(b) Provide an exhaustive list of air pollutant
emission sources, and their respective emission strength within the study area for both construction
and operation stages based on constructional and operational activities
identified in Section
(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 which
may arise as a result of the works 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.
(b)
If
the Applicant anticipates that the Project will give rise to significant
construction dust impacts likely to exceed recommended limits in the TM at the
ASRs despite the incorporation of the dust control measures proposed in
accordance with Section
(c)
The assessment shall
cover the cumulative dust impacts due to the construction works of the Project
and the potential Southern Island Line as mentioned in Section 3.2 (ix) above
and any other relevant concurrent projects identified during the course of assessment.
(iv) Operational Phase Air Quality Impact
The Applicant
shall assess
the expected air pollutant concentrations at the
identified ASRs based on an assumed reasonably worst-case scenario by
estimating the additional air pollutant emissions caused by the Project,
including induced traffic generated from the Project. The evaluation shall be based on the
strength of the emission sources identified in Section
(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 characteristics of the Project. This specific methodology must be
documented in such level of details (preferably with tables and diagrams) to
allow the readers of the assessment report to grasp how the model is set up to
simulate the situation at hand without referring to the model input files. Details of the calculation of the
emission rates of air pollutants for input to the modelling shall be presented
in the report. The Applicant must
ensure consistency between the text description and the model files. 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 (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.
(d)
The
Applicant shall calculate the overall cumulative air quality impact at the
identified ASRs identified under Section
(vi) Mitigation Measure for Non-Compliance
The Applicant shall propose
remedial mitigation measures where the predicted air quality impact exceeds the
criteria set in Section 1 of Annex
(vii) Submission of Model Files
Input and output file(s) of
the model run(s) shall be submitted to the Director in electronic format.
(i) the potential operational stage water quality impacts on the water system and sensitive receivers within
the study area, including but not limited
to: Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and the secondary contact recreational waters to
the south of the Park, if there is possible
sewage overflow and/or emergency bypass as a result of capacity constraint of
sewerage system or emergencies arising from the Project, of if there is any proposal
for sewage treatment and disposal within the Park;
(ii) the potential operational stage water quality impacts on the water system and the sensitive receivers
within the study area if there is additional discharges containing disinfectants/residual
chemicals produced from marine life keeping system, aquariums and visitor attraction facilities;
(iii)
the potential operational stage water quality
impacts on the water system and the sensitive receivers within the study
area if there is additional discharge from artificial ponds and lakes, point
and non-point source surface runoff containing residues of chemicals such as
fertilizer and pesticide;
(iv)
the potential construction and operational stages water quality impacts
arising from the modification of the existing boat jetty if marine work is
anticipated; and
(v)
if there is additional operational discharges from the Project, the situation under the scenarios of existing Park operation and future
Park operation with the Project shall be presented.
(i) collection
and review of background information on the existing water system(s) and the
respective catchment(s).
(ii)
characterization of water quality based on
existing information or site surveys/tests as appropriate.
(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.
(iv)
identification of pertinent water quality
objectives and establishment of other appropriate
water quality criteria or standards for the water system(s) and all the
sensitive receivers.
(v)
identification of any alteration of water
courses, natural streams/ponds, change
of drainage system, change of flow regimes, change of ground water levels,
change of catchment types or areas.
(vi)
identification, analysis and quantification of
all existing and likely future water pollution sources, including point
discharges and non-point sources to surface water runoff. These shall include, but not limited to,
flows and pollution loads of effluent discharge produced from
marine life keeping system, aquariums and visitor attraction facilities;
thermal and chemical
discharge from cooling systems; and residual chemical in surface runoff and overflows from artificial ponds and lakes. Field investigation and laboratory
tests shall be conducted as appropriate.
(vii)
report on the adequacy
of the existing sewerage and sewage treatment facilities for the handling,
treatment and disposal of wastewater arising from the Project as required in
section
(viii)
subject to the
assessment findings and recommendations from the Sewerage and Sewage Treatment
Implications Assessment under Section
(ix)
establishment and provision of an emission
inventory on the quantities and characteristics of all the pollution sources identified from (vi) to (viii) above. The situation under the scenarios of existing Park operation, future
Park operation with and without the Project shall be presented.
Impact
Prediction
(x)
if the discharge flow
rates and parameters for
(xi)
based on the assessment
findings from (vi) to (ix) above, prediction and quantification by
mathematical modelling or other technique approved by the Director, of the
impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers due to those
alterations and changes identified in (v) and the pollution sources identified
in (vi) to (viii) above as a result of the Project. The modelling
requirements are in Appendix D to this Study Brief.
(xii)
possible impacts include changes in hydrology,
flow regime, water quality and the effects on the aquatic organism due to such
changes. The prediction shall take into account and include likely different
construction stages or sequences, different operation stages.
(xiii)
cumulative impacts due to other projects,
activities or pollution sources within a boundary around the Project Area to be
agreed by the Director shall also be predicted and quantified.
(xiv)
analysis on the provision and adequacy of
existing and planned future facilities to reduce pollution arising from the
non-point sources identified in (vi) above.
(xv)
report on the adequacy of existing and planned
future sewerage infrastructure to receive discharges of waste water identified
in (vii) above.
(xvi)
analysis on the potential water quality impacts
during the construction stage.
Mitigation
Measures
(xvii)
proposal of effective infrastructure upgrading
or provision, water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be
implemented during the construction and operation stages so as to reduce
the water quality impacts to within acceptable levels of standards. Requirements
to be incorporated in the project contract document shall also be proposed.
(xviii)
best management practices to reduce storm water
and non-point source pollution shall be investigated and proposed as
appropriate. Attention shall be made to the water quality control and
mitigation measures recommended in the Professional Persons Environmental Consultative Committee (ProPECC) Note PN1/94 on construction site drainage.
(xix)
evaluation and quantification of residual
impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the
appropriate water quality criteria, standards or guidelines.
(i)
investigate and review
the adequacy of the existing sewerage and treatment facilities for absorbing
part or all the sewage discharge from the Project within the scope of the EIA
study as defined in Section 3.2 above;
(ii)
any additional sewage
flows and flow projections from other planned developments to be connected to
the APTW shall also be assessed; and
(iii) Based
on items (i) & (ii) above, if the existing sewerage capacities cannot cope
with the maximum discharges, the Applicant shall propose the necessary upgrading
works to improve the existing sewage and sewage treatment facilities or to
provide new sewerage and sewage treatment facilities to receive and transport
the sewage. Any proposed sewerage
system should be designed to current DSD standard. Computerised analysis techniques such as
HYDROWORKS may be used in the preliminary design. The Drainage Services Department (DSD)’s
requirements of HYDROWORKS Model Transfer are given in Appendix E.
(i) Terrestrial
Archaeological Investigation
The
study area for terrestrial archaeological investigation shall include the expansion areas of the Project, in particular the area underneath
the Hong Kong School of Motoring. 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). The Applicant
shall draw necessary reference to relevant sections of Appendix F.
(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, in particular the Wong Chuk Hang San Wai. 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. The investigation shall be
undertaken by an expert in cultural heritage.
(iii) In
the event that the investigations as stated in sub-sections
(i)
identification of all credible and applicable
hazardous scenarios associated with the transport, storage and use of
explosives for blasting operations;
(ii)
execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment
expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms;
(iii)
comparison of individual and societal risks with
the Criteria for Evaluating Hazard to Life stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM; and
(iv) identification
and assessment of practicable and cost effective risk mitigation measures.
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 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
5.2 The
Applicant shall supply the Director with the following number of copies of the
EIA report and the executive summary:
(i) 50
copies of the EIA report in English and 80 copies of the executive summary
(each bilingual in both English and Chinese) as required under section 6(2) of
the EIAO to be supplied at the time of application for approval of the EIA
report.
(ii) when
necessary, addendum to the EIA report and the executive summary submitted in
5.2 (i) above as required under
section 7(1) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for public
inspection.
(iii) 20 copies
of the EIA report in English and 50 copies of the executive summary (each
bilingual in both English and Chinese) with or without Addendum as required
under section 7(5) of the EIAO, to be supplied upon advice by the Director for
consultation with the Advisory Council on the Environment.
5.3 The
Applicant shall, upon request, make additional copies of above documents
available to the public, subject to payment by the interested parties of full
costs of printing.
5.5 The
electronic copies of the EIA report and the executive summary shall be
submitted to the Director at the time of application for approval of the EIA report.
5.6 When
the EIA report and the executive summary are made available for public
inspection under s.7(1) of the EIAO, the content of the electronic copies of
the EIA report and the executive summary must be the same as the hard copies
and the Director shall be provided with the most updated electronic copies.
5.7 To
promote environmentally friendly and efficient dissemination of information,
both hardcopies and electronic copies of future EM&A reports recommended by
the EIA study shall be required and their format shall be agreed by the
Director.
6. OTHER
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS
6.1 If
there is any change in the name of Applicant for this EIA study brief during
the course of the EIA study, the Applicant must notify the Director
immediately.
6.2
If
there is any key change in the scope of the Project mentioned in Sections 1.2 to
1.5 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-243/2005), 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 ---
May
2005
Environmental
Assessment Division,
Environmental
Protection Department
[1] Visibility Contour (VC) is the graduation of potential visibility of a development as viewed from surrounding contours. It refers to the altitude or elevation of the derived by projecting the height of the proposed development across a contour map of the surrounding area to show the extent of areas from where the development can be viewed and at which locations the development will be screened by the landform or by existing woodland. The VC map can be established by creating a sector of 5 or 10 degree in a radial pattern and projecting from the highest point of the development to the land profile generated from the contours within the sector to show the exposed and screened areas. Visual screening offered by existing woodlands can be determined by adding tree heights to altitude to show the true height of the trees. The accuracy of the VC should be verified by field survey.