Rural Planning and Improvement Strategy - Minor Projects Environmental Guidance Note

2. Introduction

2.1	Rural Planning & Improvement Strategy (RPIS) was endorsed by Executive Council in 1989 to formulate a coherent strategy to improve the rural areas in New Territories. In 1994, Home Affairs Department (HAD) took up the management role of RPIS Minor Projects from Territory Development Department (TDD).

2.2	RPIS Minor Projects are small scale projects focusing on improving living quality and environment of localised rural areas. According to the paper "Review and Way Forward of RPIS Minor Works Implementation by City and New Territories Administration(now Home and Youth Affairs Bureau)" prepared by RPIS Section, HAD in October 1994, each RPIS Minor Project should be costing less than HK$ 10 Million. The ceiling cost was then increased to HK$ 50 Million.

2.3	In view of the scale and nature, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is usually considered not necessary for majority of the RPIS Minor Projects. With proper implementation of the projects, such as proper and environmental friendly design and proper pollution control during construction, environmental impacts of the projects during construction and operation are envisaged to be minimal.

2.4	Since the implementation of RPIS Minor Projects, EPD has provided advice and comments on various types of projects. The projects include: Village Access Roads / Footpaths / Footbridges Minor site formation works for open space, car parks and village houses Piers River Training Storm Drainage Works Sewerage Works Water Supply Works

2.5	Based on the experience gained from dealing with RPIS Minor Projects, some guidance on considering the environmental issues of the projects are formulated and discussed in Section 3 .