ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ORDINANCE (CAP. 499),
SECTION 5(7)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY BRIEF NO. ESB-120/2004
PROJECT
TITLE: HARBOUR AREA TREATMENT SCHEMES (HATS) -
PROVISION OF DISINFECTION FACILITIES AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND
(hereinafter known as the "Project")
NAME
OF APPLICANT: DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
(hereinafter known as the "Applicant")
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 An application (No. ESB-120/2004) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Brief under section 5(1) of the EIA Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted by the Applicant on 9 September 2004 with a project profile (No. PP-226/2004) (the Project Profile).
1.2 The proposed Project is to construct and operate new disinfection facilities within the existing Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (SCISTW) in order to reduce the E. coli level in the chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) effluent at SCISTW before discharging. The key elements of the Project are shown in Annexes A, B and C of the Project Profile, and are reproduced in the Appendix A of this EIA study brief. The Project incorporates the following components:
(a) a seawater pumping station and its intake culvert;
(b) an electrochlorination plant;
(c) a hypochlorite storage and dosing system;
(d) a sodium bisulphite storage and dosing system; and
(e) an electric substation.
1.3 The project is a Designated Project under Item F.1 Part I Schedule 2 of
the EIAO, i.e. "sewage treatment works with an installed capacity of more
than 15,000m3 per day".
1.4 Pursuant to section 5(7)(a) of the EIAO, the Director of Environmental Protection (the Director) issues this EIA study brief to the Applicant to carry out an EIA study.
1.5 The purpose of this EIA study is to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the construction and operation of the 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 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 demonstrate the need of the Project;
(ii) to describe the Project and associated works together with the requirements for carrying out the Project;
(iii) to identify and describe elements of community and environment to be affected by the Project and/or to cause adverse impacts to the Project, including natural and man-made environment and the associated environmental constraints;
(iv) to consider alternatives with a view to avoiding and minimizing the potential environmental impacts, in particular marine waters and the beaches along the Tsuen Wan coast, and other sensitive uses including the office buildings adjacent to the site; to compare the environmental benefits and dis-benefits of each of the different options; to provide reasons for selecting the preferred option(s) and to describe the part 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 demonstrate and establish the level of disinfection required in order to protect the beneficial uses of the sensitive receivers identified, including the Tsuen Wan beaches;
(vii) to identify and quantify any potential losses or damage and other potential impacts to flora, fauna and natural habitats and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts;
(viii) to propose the provision of mitigation measures so as to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction 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 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 EIA Process of the EIAO (hereinafter referred to as "the TM") are met.
3.2 The Scope
The scope of this EIA study shall cover the Project mentioned in Section 1.2
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) water quality impact on the marine waters and the other sensitive uses including the beaches along the Tsuen Wan coast and the Ma Wan fish culture zone, and the associated impact on the marine ecology;
(ii) hazard to life due to manufacture, storage, use and transport of dangerous goods;
(iii) odour impact arising from the construction and operation of the Project on the nearby sensitive receivers including the adjacent Government Dockyard office, the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks and the planned diving rescue and diving training centre for the Fire Service Department (FSD);
(iv) noise impact on the existing and planned noise sensitive receivers (NSRs);
(v) cumulative environmental impacts of the Project, through interaction or in combination with other existing, committed and planned developments in the vicinity of the Project, and those impacts which may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. Consideration shall be given to account for the cumulative water quality and ecological impacts from likely concurrent projects such as the effluent discharge into the same water bodies from other sewage treatment works and large cooling water systems.
3.3 Need of the Project and Consideration of Alternative Disinfection Methods
3.3.1 Need of the Project
The Applicant shall study and review the need of the Project as outlined in sub-section 1.2 above, and provide information to justify the need. The Applicant shall explain clearly the purpose and objectives of the Project, describe the scenarios with and without the Project, and also justify the need of the expedition of Stage 2A of the proposed HATS project. Special focus shall also be paid on the following issues:
(i) whilst Project Profile notes that the overall bacteria (E. coli) levels in the Victoria Harbour have been reduced by about 50% since the implementation of Stage I of the HATS project, the Applicant shall explain to what level the bacteria has exceeded the standard which led to the closure of some Tsuen Wan beaches; and
(ii) the Applicant shall demonstrate whether the provision of the proposed disinfection facilities can result in the re-opening of those closed beaches at Tsuen Wan.
3.3.2 Consideration of Alternative Disinfection Methods
In addition to the proposed disinfection option, the Applicant shall consider other feasible sewage disinfection options for the Project with a view to mitigating the water quality and/or ecological impacts to within relevant criteria in the TM. A comparison of the environmental benefits and disbenefits of the sewage disinfection options, shall be made with a view to recommending the preferred option to avoid adverse environmental effects to maximum practicable extent.
3.3.3 Selection of Preferred Scenario
Taking into consideration of the findings in Section 3.3.2 above, the Applicant shall provide justifications and recommend the preferred sewage disinfection method that will avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects arising from the Project, and adequately describe the part that environmental factors played in arriving at the final selection.
3.4 Technical Requirements
The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address the environmental aspects as described in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 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.
3.4.1 Air Quality Impact
3.4.1.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines as stated in Section 1 of Annex 4 and Annex 12 of the TM for evaluating and assessing the air quality impact due to the construction and operation of the Project, as stipulated in Section 1.2 above.
3.4.1.2 The study area for the air quality impact assessment shall generally be defined by a distance of 500 metres from the boundary of the project site, and it shall be extended to include major emission sources that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. For this Project, the assessment shall include the existing, planned and committed sensitive receivers within the study area including the existing Government Dockyard office and the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, and the planned FSD diving rescue and diving training centre. Such assessment shall be based on the best available information at the time of the assessment.
3.4.1.3 The air quality impact assessment shall include the following:
(i) Background and Analysis of Activities
(a) Provide background information relating to the air quality issues relevant to the Project, e.g. description of the topographical and man-made features which may affect the dispersion characteristics of air pollutants within the study area.
(b) Present background air quality levels in the assessment area for the purpose of evaluating cumulative construction and operational air quality impacts.
(c) Describe the types of activities of the Project that may affect air quality during both construction and operational stages.
(d) Consider alternative construction methods / phasing programmes and alternative modes of operation to minimize the construction and operational air quality impact respectively.
(ii) Identification of Air Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) 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, 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 development, the Applicant shall review the development programme against the different construction stages to assess whether the occupiers 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, including any nearby emission sources which have impact related to the Project based on the analysis of construction and operational activities in Sub-section 3.4.1.3(i) above. Examples of construction stage emission sources include dust emissions from the excavation and stock piling of the construction activities and odour emissions from the modification / expansion to the existing sewage treatment facilities. Examples of operational stage emission sources include odour emissions from the disinfection facilities of the Project and the existing sewage treatment facilities. Confirmation of validity of the assumptions and magnitude of the activities (e.g. volume of construction material handled, odour emission strength) shall be obtained from the relevant government departments / authorities and documented.
(iii) Construction Dust Impact
The Applicant shall follow the requirements of the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation in dust control to ensure construction dust impacts are controlled within the relevant standards as stipulated in section 1 of Annex 4 of the TM. A monitoring and audit program for the construction phase shall be devised to verify the effectiveness of the control measures.
(iv) Odour Impact (Construction Phase & Operational Phase)
The Applicant shall provide information to clarify whether there is any odour emission from the construction and operation of the Project. The Applicant shall demonstrate that there will not be any odour impacts arising from the Project, otherwise a quantitative assessment shall be carried out to evaluate the cumulative odour impact at the identified ASRs. Assessments of the odour impact on the identified ASRs shall be based on a worst-case scenario under normal operating conditions. The evaluation shall be based on the strength of the emission sources identified in Sub-section 3.4.1.3(ii)(b) above. The Applicant shall follow Sub-section 3.4.1.3(v) below when carrying out the quantitative assessment.
(v) Quantitative Assessment Methodology
(a) The Applicant shall apply the general principles enunciated in the modelling guidelines in Appendices B-1 to B-3 while making allowance for the specific 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. 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.
(c) The Applicant shall calculate the cumulative odour 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 odour impacts (both unmitigated and mitigated) 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.
(vi) Mitigation Measures for Non-compliance
The Applicant shall propose remedies and mitigating measures where the predicted odour impact exceeds the criteria set in Section 1 of Annex 4 in the TM. 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. If there are constraints on future land uses, the Applicant shall agree with the relevant government departments / authorities, and document the agreement in the EIA Report.
(vii) Submission of Model Files
All input and output file(s) of the model run(s), if any, shall be submitted to the Director in electronic format.
3.4.2 Noise Impact
3.4.2.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing the noise impacts arising from the construction and operation stages of the Project as stated in Annexes 5 and 13 of the TM.
3.4.2.2 The noise impact assessment shall include the following:
(i) Determination of Assessment Area
The study area for the noise impact assessment shall be defined by a distance of 300m from the fixed noise source(s) on NSRs. Subject to the agreement of the Director, the study area could be reduced accordingly if the first layer of NSRs provides acoustic shielding to those receivers at further distance behind.
(ii) Provision of Background Information and Existing Noise Levels
The Applicant shall provide existing noise levels and background information relevant to the noise issues 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, planned / committed noise sensitive developments and uses, including those indicated on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans, Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans. The Applicant shall also identify whether there is any NSR within the planned FSD diving rescue and diving training centre. 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 traffic flow and fixed plant equipment for operational noise assessment. Confirmation on the validity of the inventory shall be obtained from the relevant government departments / authorities and documented.
(v) Construction Noise Assessment
(a) If there is NSR identified in the above section 3.4.2.2(iii) affected by the Project, the Applicant shall carry out an assessment of noise impact from construction (excluding percussive piling) of the Project during day time (7am to 7pm, on weekdays other than general holidays) in accordance with the methodology stipulated in paragraphs 5.3 and 5.4 of Annex 13 of the TM issued under the EIAO. The criteria in Table 1B of Annex 5 of the TM shall be adopted in the assessment.
(b) The assessment shall cover the cumulative noise impacts due to the construction works of the Project and other projects in the vicinity (such as the planned FSD diving rescue and diving training centre if it is to be constructed at the same time).
(c) The Applicant shall propose alternative construction methods and mitigation measures to minimize the construction noise impact.
(d) If the unmitigated construction noise levels are found to exceed the relevant criteria, the Applicant shall propose direct mitigation measures to minimize the impacts.
(vi) Operational Noise Assessment
(a) If there is NSR identified in the above section 3.4.2.2(iii) affected by the Project, the Applicant shall carry out assessment of noise impact from operation of the Project during both daytime and night-time in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in Annex 13 of the TM. The criteria in Table 1A of Annex 5 of the TM shall be adopted in the assessment. The impact shall cover the operation of the fixed noise sources. Noise contours should be provided to facilitate appreciation of the extent of the potential noise impacts.
(b) The Applicant shall follow Annexes 5 and 13 of the TM to propose methodology in assessing the noise impact arising from the operation of the Project. The methodology shall be approved by the Director prior to the commencement of the assessment. The Applicant may make reference to overseas standards on proposing the noise criteria and methodology mentioned above.
(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.
3.4.3 Water Quality Impact
3.4.3.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing water pollution as stated in Annexes 6 and 14 of the TM.
3.4.3.2 The study area for this water quality assessment shall cover the following Water Control Zones as designated under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance: North Western, Western Buffer, Victoria Harbour, Eastern Buffer, Junk Bay and Southern. This study area shall be extended to include major emission sources that may have a bearing on the environmental acceptability of the Project. Sensitive receivers including habitats of species of conservation importance, area of fisheries interest, fish culture zone and bathing beaches shall be addressed in the water quality assessment.
3.4.3.3 The Applicant shall quantify the impacts on the sensitive receivers identified such as Tsuen Wan beaches due to undisinfected effluent from Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works in order to demonstrate the need of this Project. The Applicant shall also determine quantitatively the level of disinfection required in order to ensure the beneficial uses of the sensitive receivers identified would be properly protected.
3.4.3.4 The Applicant shall identify and analyse the physical, chemical and biological disruptions of marine, fresh water or ground water system(s), catchment area(s), storm water pipeline and coastal water arising from construction and operation of the Project. The Applicant shall clearly explain the effects of potential toxicity of chlorinated effluents and dechlorination agents, the water quality implications due to overdosing of hypochlorite and dechlorination agents, and mitigation measures to be taken to avoid adverse impacts of chlorination and dechlorination.
3.4.3.5 The Applicant shall predict, quantify and assess any water quality impacts arising from construction and operation of the Project on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers by mathematical modelling. The water quality impacts shall include changes in hydrology, flow regime, sediment erosion and deposition pattern, water and sediment quality, downstream salinity profile and effects on the flora and fauna. The mathematical modelling requirements are set out in Appendix C to this Study Brief.
3.4.3.6 The Applicant shall take into account Stage 1, Stage 2A and Stage 2B of the HATS in the assessment. The Applicant shall have regard to the content, frequency, duration, volume and flow rate of the discharges and its pollutant and sediment loading. The Applicant shall also assess the water quality impacts of the necessary temporary discharges via emergency outfall immediately prior to and/or during the early phase of the commissioning of the upgraded sewage treatment facilities. Essentially the assessment shall address the following:
(i) collection and review of background information on the existing and planned water system(s) and their respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project during different stages;
(ii) characterization of water and sediment quality of the water system(s) and respective catchments and sensitive receivers which might be affected by the Project. Seawater samples shall be collected to test for total residual chlorine, chlorination by-products and dechlorination chemicals to establish the background conditions;
(iii) identification and analysis of the existing and planned future activities and beneficial uses related to the water system(s) and identification of the water sensitive receivers. The Applicant shall refer to those developments and uses indicated on the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, Outline Development Plans and Layout Plans;
(iv) identification of pertinent water and sediment quality objectives, criteria and standards for the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers in Sub-section 3.4.3.6(iii) above. Reference shall be made to the set of water quality criteria established under the Environmental and Engineering Feasibility Assessment Studies in relation to the Way Forward of the HATS;
(v) review of the different stages of the Project to identify any alteration of existing shoreline or bathymetry, flow regimes, ground water levels and catchment types or areas;
(vi) identification and quantification of the existing and committed water and sediment pollution sources and loading, including point and non-point discharges to surface water runoff, through site investigation and tests, which are to be generated by the Project and discharged to marine waters and existing and planned drainage systems;
(vii) evaluation and prediction of the effluent characteristics based on provision of disinfection facilities at Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works to cover the intermediate and final operation stages of the Project. The Applicant shall predict the effluent characteristics by making reference to the wastewater characteristics, the performance of the Chemical Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT) process at Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works, the proposed disinfection facilities, chemical dosages and contact time, the findings of the previous studies, and additional sampling and tests. Parameters shall include pH value, ammonia, sulphite (if sodium bisulphite is used as dechlorination agent), and total residual chlorine and chlorination by-products (if chlorination is considered as an option of disinfection). The Applicant shall identify contaminants that are of concern, and shall arrange to carry out whole effluent toxicity tests over a range of dilution using ambient seawater, and using different biological species;
(viii) establishment and provision of a pollution load inventory on the quantities and characteristics of the existing and future water pollution sources in sub-section 3.4.3.6(vi). Field investigation and laboratory tests shall be conducted if the information is not available;
(ix) analysis on the provision and adequacy of existing and planned future
wastewater treatment facilities in terms of capacity and level of treatment
to reduce pollution arising from both point and non-point discharges identified
in Sub-section 3.4.3.6(vi) above;
(x) assessment of the cumulative impacts due to other related concurrent and
planned projects, activities or pollution sources along the identified water
system(s) and sensitive receivers that may have a bearing on the environmental
acceptability of the Project through mathematical modelling. This shall include
the potential cumulative operational water quality impact arising from other
sewage treatment works and once-through cooling water systems;
(xi) review of the previous studies and the information from additional sampling and tests and assessment of the adverse ecological effects that may result from exposure to toxic substances due to effluent discharges, and the potential human health risks associated with ingestion of and contact with contaminated seawater during swimming or engaging in other water related activities and with the consumption of potentially contaminated seafood. The approach and methodologies shall involve:
(a) Problem formulation - identification of the perceived risks and values of the resources to be protected and establishment of the objectives, scope and focus of the assessment;
(b) Characterization of exposure and ecological effects - identification of the toxic contaminants of concern; the characteristics of the communities potentially at risk; assessment endpoint; prediction of the spatial and temporal distribution of the toxic substances, and identification and quantification of the adverse effects on the communities potentially at risk from exposure to the toxic substances in marine water due to the effluent discharge;
(c) Toxicity assessment and risk assessment - characterization of the ecological or human health effects of each identified substance on the exposed receptors, and evaluation of the likelihood of adverse ecological and public health effects associated with exposure. The ecological significance of the risk shall be evaluated with consideration of the types and magnitudes of the effects, their spatial and temporal patterns, and the likelihood of recovery. A summary of the assumptions used, the scientific uncertainties, and the strengths and weaknesses of the analyses shall be provided;
(xii) proposal of infrastructure upgrading or provision, water pollution prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented during different operational stages so as to reduce water quality impacts to within acceptable levels of standards; and
(xiii) proposal of mitigation measures to avoid or minimize the impacts identified above. The residual impacts on the water system(s) and the sensitive receivers with regard to the relevant water quality objectives, criteria, standards or guidelines shall be assessed and quantified using mathematical models set out in Appendix C of this study brief.
3.4.4 Waste Management Implications
3.4.4.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing waste management implications as stated in Annexes 7 and 15 of the TM.
3.4.4.2 The assessment of waste management implications shall cover the following:
(i) Analysis of Activities and Waste Generation
The Applicant shall identify the quantity, quality and timing of the waste arising as a result of the operation activities of the Project, 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, 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 operational 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 each type of waste shall be described in detail. Pre-treatment processes for solid waste before disposal shall be addressed in details. The disposal method recommended for each type of waste shall take into account of the result of the assessment in Sub-section 3.4.4.2(c) below.
(c) The impact caused by handling (including labelling, packaging & storage), collection, transportation and disposal of wastes shall be addressed, and mitigation measures shall be proposed. This assessment shall cover the following areas:
- potential hazard;
- air and odour emissions;
- noise;
- wastewater discharge; and
- public transport.
3.4.5 Ecological Impact
3.4.5.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating
and assessing ecological impact as stated in Annexes 8 and 16 of the TM. The
Applicant shall calculate the content and amount of chemicals (including the
residual hypochlorite and sodium bisulphite solutions) to be discharged into
the marine waters after the implementation of the Project, and evaluate:
(i) whether there will be any potential damage to the marine life and ecosystem;
and
(ii) the likelihood of total residual chlorine and chlorination by-products
to be evaporated and dissolved in the rain, fog or atmospheric moisture, and
the potential impacts to the terrestrial and marine environment.
3.4.5.2 The assessment area for the purpose of the marine ecological impact
assessment shall be the same as the assessment area for Water Quality Impact
Assessment.
3.4.5.3 In the ecological impact assessment, the Applicant shall examine the
flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats within the assessment
area. The aim shall be to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment.
In particular, the Project shall avoid impacts on recognized sites of conservation
importance (e.g. Marine Parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and other
ecological sensitive areas. The assessment shall identify and quantify the potential
ecological impacts associated with the Project, and explicitly describe any
potential impact to the marine habitats and/or marine life.
3.4.5.4 The assessment shall include the following major tasks:
(i) review the findings of relevant studies and collate the available information
regarding the ecological characters of the assessment area;
(ii) evaluate information collected and identify any information gap relating
to the assessment of potential ecological impacts to coastal and aquatic environment;
(iii) carry out necessary field surveys which shall cover the wet season, the
duration of which shall be at least four months, and investigations to verify
the information collected;
(iv) review the adequacy of the field survey and recommend, with justifications,
whether further field survey is required, having regard to the information available
from previous studies and the results of the field survey conducted for this
Project;
(v) establish the general ecological profile and describe the characteristics
of each habitat found; major information to be provided shall include:
(a) description of the physical environment;
(b) habitat maps of suitable scale showing the types and locations of habitats
in the assessment area;
(c) ecological characteristics of each habitat type such as size, vegetation
and/or substrate 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 photos of each habitat type and any important ecological
features identified;
(e) species found that are rare, endangered and/or listed under local legislation,
international conventions for conservation of wildlife / habitats or red data
books;
(vi) investigate and describe the existing wildlife uses of various habitats
with special attention to natural coastlines, corals, marine mammals and any
other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation
interests by the EIA study;
(vii) describe the recognized sites of conservation importance in the assessment
area, and assess whether these sites will be affected by the Project or not;
(viii) apply suitable methodology, identify and quantify any direct, indirect,
on-site, primary, secondary and cumulative ecological impacts such as destruction
of habitats, reduction of species abundance / diversity, loss of feeding and
breeding grounds, reduction of ecological carrying capacity and habitat fragmentation,
and in particular the following:
(a) habitat loss and disturbance of wildlife during construction stage;
(b) deterioration of environmental qualities (e.g. water qualities) and the
subsequent impacts to the biological communities during intermediate and final
operation stages;
(ix) identify the ecological sensitive receivers including sensitive elements
of marine, subtidal, and intertidal communities / habitats which would be potentially
affected directly or indirectly by the Project;
(x) evaluate the significance and acceptability of the ecological impacts identified
using the criteria in Annex 8 of the TM;
Ecological Mitigation
(xi) consider, evaluate and recommend alternatives and mitigation measures to
avoid, minimize, and/or compensate for the adverse ecological impacts identified;
(xii) 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;
(xiii) determine and quantify the residual ecological impacts after implementation
of the proposed mitigation measures;
(xiv) evaluate the severity and acceptability of the residual ecological impacts.
If off-site mitigation measures are considered necessary to mitigate the residual
impacts, the Applicant is recommended to follow the guidelines and requirements
laid down in the PELB Technical Circular No. 1/97; and
(xv) review and recommend any ecological monitoring programme required.
3.4.6 Fisheries Impact
3.4.6.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing fisheries impact as stated in Annexes 9 and 17 of the TM.
3.4.6.2 The assessment area for fisheries impact assessment shall be the same as for water quality impact assessment stated in section 3.4.3.2, and the Ma Wan fish culture zone shall be included within the assessment area.
3.4.6.3 The assessment area shall cover any potential impact for the options as derived under sub-clause 3.3.2 of this Brief on both capture and culture fisheries, during the construction and operation phase. Existing information regarding the study area shall be reviewed. Based on the review results, the study shall identify data gap and determine if there is any need for field surveys. If field surveys are considered necessary, the study shall recommend methodology, duration and timing for the field surveys.
3.4.6.4 The fisheries impact assessment shall include the following tasks:
(i) description of the physical environmental background;
(ii) description and quantification of the existing capture and culture fisheries activities;
(iii) description and quantification of the existing fisheries resources (e.g. major fisheries products and stocks);
(iv) identification of parameters (e.g. water quality parameters) and areas that will be affected;
(v) identification and quantification of any direct / indirect and onsite / offsite impacts of fisheries;
(vi) evaluation of impacts and make recommendations for any environmental mitigation measures with details on justification, description of scope and programme, feasibility as well as staff and financial implications including those related to subsequent management and maintenance requirements of the proposals; and
(vii) review of the need for monitoring and, if necessary, recommend a monitoring and auditing programme.
3.4.7 Hazard To Life
3.4.7.1 A hazard assessment of manufacture, storage, use and transport of dangerous goods (e.g. hydrogen, hypochlorite and sodium bisulphite) shall be carried out following the criteria for evaluating hazard to life as stated in Annexes 4 and 22 of the TM and including the following in the assessment:
(i) identification of all credible hazardous scenarios associated with the on-site manufacture, storage, use and transport of dangerous goods;
(ii) execution of a Quantitative Risk Assessment to determine risks to the off-site population 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 to determine the acceptability of the assessed risk; and
(iv) identification and assessment of practicable and cost effective risk mitigation measures to demonstrate the compliance with the Risk Guidelines.
3.4.7.2 The methodology of hazard assessment shall be agreed and approved by the Director prior to commencing the detailed studies.
3.4.8 Impact on Human Health & Man-made Environment
3.4.8.1 The Applicant shall review the likelihood of total residual chlorine and chlorination by-products to be evaporated and dissolved in the rain, fog or atmospheric moisture, make reference to experiences on actual implementation of similar projects, scientific researches or overseas experiences on their potential to cause serious environmental effects, determine the subsequent effects of human health and deposits of the by-products on building materials and result in material corrosion and damage, and define the best practicable mitigation measures that shall be adopted for the project.
3.4.9 Summary of Environmental Outcomes
3.4.9.1 The EIA report shall contain a summary of the key environmental outcomes arising from the EIA study, including the population and environmentally sensitive areas protected, environmentally friendly designs recommended, key environmental problems avoided, compensation areas included and the environmental benefits of environmental protection measures recommended.
3.4.10 Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Requirements
3.4.10.1 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.
3.4.10.2 Subject to confirmation of EIA findings, the Applicant shall comply with requirements as stipulated in Annex 21 of the TM.
3.4.10.3 The Applicant shall prepare a project implementation schedule (in the form of a checklist as shown in Appendix D to this EIA study brief) containing all the EIA study recommendations and mitigation measures with reference to the implementation programme.
4. DURATION OF VALIDITY
4.1 This EIA study brief is valid for 36 months from the date of issue. If the EIA study does not commence within this period, 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 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) 50 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 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 Section 1.2 of this EIA study brief and in Project Profile (No. PP-226/2004), the Applicant must seek confirmation from the Director in writing on whether or not the scope of issues covered by this EIA study brief can still cover the key changes, and the additional issues, if any, that the EIA study must also address. If the changes to the Project fundamentally alter the key scope of the EIA study brief, the Applicant shall apply to the Director for a fresh EIA study brief.
--- END OF EIA STUDY BRIEF ---
October 2004
Environmental Assessment and Noise Division,
Environmental Protection Department