Feasibility Study Project Profile

Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan June 2011Project Profile

Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan_Project Profile i Civil Engineering and Development Department

Planning and Engineering Study on Future Land Use at Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at

Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island – Feasibility Study

Project Profile

(prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499))

June 2011

Civil Engineering and Development Department


Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan_Project Profile ii Civil Engineering and Development Department

Project Profile

Table of Contents

1. BASIC INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Project Title ............................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Purpose and Nature of Project ................................................................................... 1 1.3 Name of Project Proponent ........................................................................................ 1 1.4 Location and Scale of Project and History of the Site ................................................... 1 1.5 Number and Types of Designated Projects to be Covered by the Project

Profile ..................................................................................................................... 2 1.6 Name and Telephone Number of Contact Person ......................................................... 2

2. OUTLINE OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME ......................... 3 2.1 Project Implementation ............................................................................................. 3 2.2 Project Time Table ................................................................................................... 3 2.3 Interactions with Other Projects ................................................................................. 3

3. POSSIBLE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT .......................................................... 3 3.1 Air Quality .............................................................................................................. 3 3.2 Noise ...................................................................................................................... 4 3.3 Water Quality .......................................................................................................... 4 3.4 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................. 4 3.5 Landfill Gas ............................................................................................................. 5 3.6 Ecology ................................................................................................................... 5 3.7 Cultural Heritage ...................................................................................................... 5 3.8 Land Contamination ................................................................................................. 6 3.9 Landscape and Visual ............................................................................................... 6

4. MAJOR ELEMENTS OF THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT ................................ 6 4.1 Air Quality .............................................................................................................. 6 4.2 Noise ...................................................................................................................... 7 4.3 Water Quality .......................................................................................................... 7 4.4 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................. 7 4.5 Ecology ................................................................................................................... 7 4.6 Cultural Heritage ...................................................................................................... 8 4.7 Land Contamination ................................................................................................. 8 4.8 Landscape and Visual ............................................................................................... 8

5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES TO BE INCORPORATED IN THE DESIGN AND ANY FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS ......................... 9 5.1 General ................................................................................................................... 9 5.2 Air quality ............................................................................................................... 9 5.3 Noise .................................................................................................................... 10 5.4 Water Quality ........................................................................................................ 10 5.5 Solid Waste ........................................................................................................... 11 5.6 Ecology ................................................................................................................. 12 5.7 Cultural Heritage .................................................................................................... 13 5.8 Land Contamination ............................................................................................... 13 5.9 Landscape and Visual ............................................................................................. 13

6. USE OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED EIA REPORTS ................................................... 14

Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan Project Profile

June 2011

Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan_Project Profile iii Civil Engineering and Development Department

List of Table Table 4.1 Representative Environmental Sensitive Receivers in the Vicinity of the Study Site List of Drawing Drg. No. HKI-Z1688 Planning and Engineering Study on Future Land Use at Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at

Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island – Feasibility Study : The Study Area HKI-Z1709 Planning and Engineering Study on Future Land Use at Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at

Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island – Feasibility Study : Sites of Archaeological Interest in the Vicinity of the Study Area


Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan_Project Profile 1 Civil Engineering and Development Department

1. BASIC INFORMATION 1.1 Project Title

1.1.1 Planning and Engineering Study on Future Land Use at Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island – Feasibility Study

1.2 Purpose and Nature of Project

1.2.1 The ex-Lamma quarry site was established in 1978 for rock extraction and miscellaneous processing and storage. A contract for the rehabilitation of the quarry site commenced in December 1995 and subsequently completed in 2002 and quarry operation concurrently ceased under the rehabilitation contract. Currently, the ex-Lamma quarry site is a landscaped area with a lake and several ponds.

1.2.2 The Project “Planning and Engineering Study on Future Land Use at Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island – Feasibility Study (the Study)” is to examine the development potential of the ex-Lamma quarry site (hereinafter referred to as “the Study Site”); study the impacts of the proposed developments on the Study Site and its surrounding areas at Lamma Island (referred to as “the Study Area” as defined in paragraph 1.4.2 below) and the adjoining water areas; and formulate and evaluate different land use options. The Project will include a planning and engineering study and an environmental impact assessment (EIA) which is the subject EIA of this Project Profile.

1.2.3 The findings and recommendations of the Study will serve as a reference for the preparation and revision of the relevant town plans to guide the future development of the Study Site and as a basis for infrastructure upgrading works.

1.3 Name of Project Proponent

1.3.1 The Project Proponent is Hong Kong Island and Islands Development Office (HKI&I DevO), Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Government).

1.4 Location and Scale of Project and History of the Site

1.4.1 The location of the Project is shown on Drawing No. HKI-Z1688.

1.4.2 The Study Area includes the Study Site, the adjacent “Comprehensive Development Area”, “Green Belt” and “Coastal Protection Area” zones with a total area of about 59.9 hectares. The Study Area is bounded by slopes at the northeast and the coastline at the southeast. The Study will include assessment of environmental impacts from the proposed developments on the Study Area, examination of the current major elements of environment and environmental protection measures to be incorporated within the Study Area.

1.4.3 The Study Site is located on the northern coast of Sok Kwu Wan covering an area of about 34.3 hectares with about 1 km of coastline. It was established in 1978 for rock extraction and miscellaneous processing and storage under a Public Works Contract. After years of operation, the Study Site was left with steep rock faces, constituting a major landscape scar of the area. In May 1993, the Geotechnical Engineering Office of the then Civil Engineering Department commissioned a planning and engineering study entitled “Rehabilitation of Lamma Quarry Planning and Engineering Study” (the Rehabilitation Study) for the Study Site. In 1994, the Government endorsed a strategy for the formation of a rehabilitated landform by a contractual arrangement between the quarry operator of the time and the Government through further commercial quarrying to be carried out concurrently with the rehabilitation works. The rehabilitation contract commenced



in December 1995 and completed in 2002. At present there is a 4-hectare man-made lake in the middle of the Study Site, which connects with some small ponds and discharges into the sea via a spillway at eastern end of the Study Site. There is a mass concrete pier at the southwestern end of the Study Site and it is located at some 500m to the northwest of Sok Kwu Wan Pier No. 2 and is accessible via motor boats in a few minutes.

1.4.4 In 1995, the Government endorsed the findings of the Rehabilitation Study, i.e. adopting the recreational land use as the preferred land use option and the Master Landscape Plan so formulated for rehabilitation. Although the option for recreational land use was adopted, it is identified in the Rehabilitation Study that the adoption of the preferred option does not preclude future modification for residential cum recreational uses, of which low density residential development would be kept at the base of the northern slopes and on the northern platforms.

1.4.5 The rehabilitation contract for the Study Site was completed in December 2002. The following works were carried out under the contract:

a. Formation of a new landform comprising a broad, gently sloping series of platforms bounded to the north with slopes which merge with the natural hillsides.

b. Formation of a 4-hectares man-made lake with a natural, non-engineered appearance and gently shelving edges which can support reed bed.

c. Landscaping and planting of exotic and native trees to create a self-sustaining, maintenance-free, green environment with a similar biodiversity to the surroundings.

1.4.6 There is a cement storage area being managed by Hong Kong Nihon Cement Company Limited, located at the southwest of the Study Site. There is a private pier with conveyor belt system in the area.

1.4.7 In May 2011, the Study Site was put under Short Term Tenancy (STT) to Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) for a non-profit making environmental education and wild life learning centre for a period of 3 years certain and thereafter quarterly.

1.5 Number and Types of Designated Projects to be Covered by the Project Profile

1.5.1 The Project includes a planning and engineering feasibility study of the Study Site (about 34.3 hectares). Therefore it falls within Item 1 of Schedule 3 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO), i.e. "Engineering feasibility study of urban development projects with a study area covering more than 20 hectares or involving a total population of more than 100 000. The Study is a Designated Project requiring an EIA report.

1.5.2 The Project may also consist of various Schedule 2 Designated Projects under the EIAO that may be identified in the course of the Study. In particular, there are two gazetted fish culture zones namely Sok Kwu Wan Fish Culture Zone and Lo Tik Wan Fish Culture Zone situated in the vicinity (please refer to the Drawing No. HKI-Z1688). The following elements of the Project, which are not exhaustive and are identified as Schedule 2 Designated Projects, are also included in this Project Profile :-

(i) Possible dredging operation for construction of new seawalls or improvement to the existing seawalls [under Schedule 2, Part I, C.12(a)(v)].

(ii) Possible construction of drainage channel or diversion works [under Schedule 2, Part I, I.1(b)(iv)].

1.6 Name and Telephone Number of Contact Person

All queries regarding the Project can be addressed to:



Mr. David K. C. LO (Chief Engineer/Islands) Hong Kong Island and Islands Development Office, CEDD 13/F., North Point Government Offices 333 Java Road North Point Hong Kong Tel. 2231 4443 Fax. 2577 5040

2. OUTLINE OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME 2.1 Project Implementation

2.1.1 Planning Department (PlanD) and CEDD will jointly commission the Study to examine the development potential of the Study Site for predominantly residential use with compatible developments.

2.1.2 Specialist Environmental Consultants will be employed for undertaking the EIA study according to the Study Brief to be issued by the Director of Environmental Protection and to respond on behalf of the Project Proponent on issues related to the EIA.

2.2 Project Time Table

2.2.1 The Study including the EIA study is anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2011 for completion within a study period of approximately 30 months. Implementation programme with appropriate phasing including the design finalization, commencement of construction, commissioning and operation as well as contract packaging for implementation of the preferred development option will be formulated under the Study.

2.3 Interactions with Other Projects

2.3.1 The Project is not envisaged to have interactions with other projects at this stage. 3. POSSIBLE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Air Quality

Construction Impacts

3.1.1 Dust from construction works including site formation, infrastructure provision and any other associated activities, is expected to be the major source of impact during the construction phase. Subject to the recommendation of the future land use option, site formation works and subsequent construction works may have the potential to pose other air quality impacts on the nearby air sensitive receivers.

Operational Impacts 3.1.2 The major permanent sources of air pollutants are the emissions from village vehicles traffic on

local roads (if any) and from marine traffic. Odour from the sewage treatment facilities or sewage pumping station and refuse collection points is another potential source of air pollution. The



potential air quality impacts associated with the existing cement storage area and any proposed sewage treatment/pumping facilities have to be addressed.

3.2 Noise


3.2.1 Potential noise impacts on noise sensitive receivers will be associated with construction activities and powered mechanical equipment. The key construction activities which could give rise to noise impacts are excavation, concreting and piling etc.

Operational Impacts

3.2.2 The future noise environment will be affected by road traffic noise generated by village vehicles on local roads.

3.3 Water Quality


3.3.1 The Study Area is located on the northern shore of Sok Kwu Wan and two gazetted fish culture zones at Sok Kwu Wan and Lo Tik Wan are in the vicinity of the Study Area. One man-made lake and some small ponds have been created in the Study Site under the rehabilitation contract. Potential major sources of water quality impacts may arise from construction site run-off and wastewater generated from construction activities, sediment release from possible dredging and seawall construction. The adverse impacts may comprise additional runoff, increase of suspended solids, pH value and turbidity levels, generation of additional sewage and wastewater. The impact on Sok Kwu Wan and Lo Tik Wan fish culture zones nearby will need to be addressed.

Operational Impacts 3.3.2 During operation of the development of the Study Site, the major potential water quality impacts

will include those from possible increase in marine traffic and generation of sewage from the increased population and increased storm water runoff from the paved areas. The impact on Sok Kwu Wan and Lo Tik Wan fish culture zones has to be assessed. The potential water quality impacts associated with the existing cement storage area and any proposed sewage treatment plant and refuse collection points have to be addressed.

3.4 Solid Waste

Construction Phase

3.4.1 Solid wastes will mainly be generated from a wide range of construction activities such as site formation, construction of roads and drains, disposal of dredged material for possible reconstruction of the seawall and construction of the proposed development and infrastructure. The wastes arising from construction will largely consist of excavated and demolished C&D materials during earthworks and demolition works, chemical waste, and general refuse. The quantities of wastes to be generated during construction of the proposed development will largely depend on the future land use options and the construction methods.

Operational Phase

3.4.2 The amount of municipal solid waste that will be generated during operation of the proposed developments of the Study Site and associated infrastructure will depend on the population density of the future land use options. The storage and handling of this waste will have the potential to cause adverse environment impact.



3.5 Landfill Gas

3.5.1 There is no landfill within or in the vicinity of the Study Area Therefore, no qualitative assessment of landfill gas hazard will be necessary.

3.6 Ecology

3.6.1 Most of the habitats occurring within the Study Area are man-made under the rehabilitation contract and are common in Hong Kong. A mixed of exotic and native tree species were planted in the Study Site under the rehabilitation contract to create a green environment with a similar biodiversity to the surroundings. Apart from a natural looking landscape formed in the Study Site, aquatic and land habitats, including a 4-hectare fresh water lake with a small island therein to support reed beds, eight falcon nests on the rock cliff faces, small water ponds for fresh water creatures and a burrow for small land mammals, were constructed for wildlife.

3.6.2 The potential terrestrial and marine ecological impacts arising from the proposed development will be associated with :-

Construction Phase (i) Direct habitat loss and habitat fragmentation; (ii) Disturbance to wildlife and vegetation, such as air pollution, water pollution, noise and glare; (iii) Increased sediment load; (iv) Toxic pollutants from construction operations; and (v) Soil compaction.

Operational Phase (i) Ecological barrier; and (ii) Disturbance to wildlife and vegetation, such as air pollution, water pollution, noise and glare.

3.7 Cultural Heritage

3.7.1 There are four sites of archaeological interest in the “List of Sites of Archaeological Interest in Hong Kong (as at November 2010)” published by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) of Leisure and Cultural Services Department in the vicinity of the Study Area:-

(i) Lo So Shing Archaeological Site (ii) Loh Ah Tsai Stone Circle (iii) Sha Long Wan (Tit Sha Long) Archaeological Site (iv) Mo Tat Wan Archaeological Site

3.7.2 The locations of the four sites of archaeological interest are shown on Drawing No. HKI-Z1709.

3.7.3 With reference to the website of AMO, there is no declared monuments in Lamma Island and no graded historical building (as at 23 February 2011) in the vicinity of the Study Area.

3.7.4 Potential impacts on identified heritage resources within the Study Area and associated infrastructures may arise from the following :

Construction Phase

Construction works may result in damage to or loss of buried archaeological sites by:

● Disturbance through excavation at or near an archaeological site, topsoil stripping and the passage of heavy machinery on exposed and buried deposits;

● Change in the water table due to construction and development activities;



● Ground compaction due to construction activities may cause damage or distortion to buried archaeological remains; and

● Indirect impacts such as visual, vibration and noise intrusion on the setting and amenity of historic and cultural resources.

Operational Phase

● There is no traditional buildings, temples, shrines nor woodland in the Study Area. Cultural heritage impacts during the operational phase are not expected.

3.8 Land Contamination

3.8.1 While there are no extensive areas of contaminated land such as landfills, chemical stores etc. in the Study Site, there is potential for the presence of residues from previous quarry operation to create an adverse impact that will need to be cleaned up during the site formation phase.

3.8.2 The contaminated land impacts are likely to be related to the following: health risks to site workers; disposal of contaminated soils, where encountered; and potential health risks to future users of the areas. The land contamination issue and its impact within the Study Site will be identified and assessed.

3.9 Landscape and Visual

3.9.1 The expected sources of landscape and visual impacts arising from the development of the Study Site are as follows:-

Construction Phase

(i) Loss of landscape elements, e.g. woodland, trees, small ponds and natural topography;

(ii) Loss of visual amenity through removal of landscape elements e.g. trees;

(iii) Visual appearance of any temporary use prior to the residential development;

(iv) Construction activities on the existing available land; and

(v) Obstruction of or intrusion into views by the residential development.

Operational Phase

(i) Visual intrusion and obstruction created by the development; and

(ii) Visual quality of the new development. 4. MAJOR ELEMENTS OF THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT 4.1 Air Quality

4.1.1 The Study Site is located in the middle of Lamma Island, with rural villages and a cement storage area nearby. It is also meteorologically sheltered by Luk Chau Shan (about 120m height) at northeast and Ling Kok Shan at the southwest (about 200m height). Wind speed and wind direction data are available from a meteorological station operated by the Hong Kong Royal Observatory located at Cheung Chau Island, approximately 10km west of Lamma Island. Based on the prevailing air stream at Cheung Chau Station, the most common wind direction is east (about 22%), followed by southeast (about 15-20%) and north (about 15-20%).

4.1.2 Any air pollutants from the existing cement storage area at the southwest of the Study Site may have the potential to post air quality impacts on the future development of the Study Site have to be assessed and addressed.



4.1.3 The representative future and existing Air Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) in the vicinity of the Study Site are summarised in Table 4.1 under paragraph 4.3.3 below.

4.2 Noise

4.2.1 The existing noise environment within the Study Area is dominated by the marine traffic and activities in the vicinity of Sok Kwu Wan.

4.2.2 Isolated industrial operations scattered throughout the cement storage area also contribute to the overall ambient noise levels.

4.2.3 Representative Noise Sensitive Receivers (NSRs) are selected to represent both existing and future land uses affected by the implementation of the proposed development. The existing NSRs are the same as the corresponding ASRs, as indicated in Table 4.1.

4.3 Water Quality

4.3.1 The Study Area is located on the northern shore of Sok Kwu Wan. A series of natural looking sand traps are provided within the Study Area to collect surface runoff to serve as amenity water features and replenish water in the man-made lake. There is no existing water pollution source generated at or discharged into the Study Area except for natural suspended solids from the surface runoff.

4.3.2 Two gazetted fish culture zones at Sok Kwu Wan and Lo Tik Wan are considered to be sensitive receivers, as indicated in Table 4.1.

4.3.3 The representative future and existing Environmental Sensitive Receivers in the vicinity of the Study Site are summarized in Table 4.1 below. Table 4.1 Representative Environmental Sensitive Receiver in the Vicinity of the Study Site

Description Nature of Sensitive Receiver Type of Sensitive Receiver(1)

Luk Chau Village Residential ASR & NSR

Lamma Island Youth Hostel Hostel ASR & NSR

Quarters in cement storage area Residential ASR & NSR

Lo So Shing Residential and institutional (school) ASR & NSR

Sok Kwu Wan Residential ASR & NSR

Ta Shui Wan Residential ASR & NSR

Sok Kwu Wan fish culture zone Fish culture zone WSR

Lo Tik Wan fish culture zone Fish culture zone WSR

Note: (1) NSR – Noise Sensitive Receiver; WSR – Water Sensitive Receiver; ASR = Air Sensitive Receiver

4.4 Solid Waste

4.4.1 The existing solid waste arising from the Study Site is minimal. It is anticipated that the major sources of solid waste from the future developments are domestic waste.

4.5 Ecology

4.5.1 The Study Site currently comprises grassland and man-made habitats including lake, ponds, sand traps, reed beds, landscaped slopes and man-made falcon nests, which were created under the



rehabilitation contract for ecological and landscape enhancement. The areas provide potential habitats for wildlife uses, including a number of bird species, fishes and insects.

4.5.2 According to OZP No. S/I-LI/9, the Study Site is zoned at ‘Undetermined’ while the northeast shore of the Study Site is zoned as ‘Coastal Protection Area’ which comprises natural coastlines with rocky shores, promontories, and other coastal features of high scenic value. The north-eastern fringe of Luk Chau with extensive covers of soft corals and sea fans are important coastal habitats.

4.5.3 With reference to Hong Kong Biodiversity (Issue No. 8 March 2005) published by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Lamma Island is the type locality of Romer’s Tree Frog. The frog is common in the southern parts of Lamma Island, including Sok Kwu Wan.

4.5.4 According to a preliminary ecological assessment commissioned by YMCA of Hong Kong in late March 2010, the bird community of the Study Area and in the vicinity of Sok Kwu Wan could be divided into three major groups: birds of prey, waterbirds and terrestrial birds. Birds of prey were best represented by the Black Kite (Milvus migrant) which is a residential and wintering species in Hong Kong. In winter there are some 1,000 individuals gathering in Hong Kong, including many dozens that frequently occurs on Lamma Island. In addition, Lamma Island is also one of the areas in Hong Kong where White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) can be seen regularly. The eagle is one of the four sea eagles species recorded in mainland China, and is also one of the eight Haliaeetus species found in the world. Major water birds in the Sok Kwu Wan areas are composed of egrets and herons, kingfishers and waders. Terrestrial birds in the Study Area and the Sok Kwu Wan vicinity are mainly starlings, mynas, crows and magpies, bulbuls (Pycnonotus spp.), thrushes (Turdus spp.) and small passerines. The Study Area mainly consists of grassy shrubland, plantation area and freshwater ponds, while the Sok Kwu Wan and its vicinity also have natural secondary woodland as well as sandy and rocky shores. These areas provide suitable habitats for a large variety of wildlife such as insects, amphibians, reptiles and other invertebrates.


4.6.1 There are no sites of archaeological interest, declared monuments nor graded historic buildings and sites within the Study Area.


4.7.1 The existing environment of the Study Area is mainly rural in character. The main expected contaminants may come from the past land uses in the Study Site from residues from previous quarry operation and the by-products from cement storage area.

4.7.2 The number of sensitive receivers likely to be impacted by the identified contamination concerns is expected to be limited to current land users (i.e. the cement storage area) and future site workers employed during the construction phase of the project.

4.7.3 Land-based excavation and grading works will be required for the potential residential development in the area. These construction activities are cause for concern as they may interfere with potentially contaminated soil underlying, and hence creating the potential to impact sensitive receivers.


4.8.1 The composition of landscape elements within the Study Site consists of the existing protected coastline, well-wooded hill slopes and other rural and natural features. Site landscape and visual impacts are likely to result from the new residential developments and infrastructure subject to the formulation of the land use options.

4.8.2 Subject to the landscape and visual impact assessment, the following receiver group areas would be identified based on existing land use and physical conditions:



(i) Ta Shui Wan;

(ii) Sok Kwu Wan;

(iii) Lo So Shing; and

(iv) Southern part of Hong Kong Island

4.8.3 Visual sensitive receivers (VSRs) can be located within the above receiver group areas and they may be classified into residential buildings, non-residential buildings, and public in external areas including travellers on transport routes.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES TO BE INCORPORATED IN THE DESIGN AND ANY FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

5.1 General

5.1.1 The EIA study will investigate those environmental impacts and propose the appropriate mitigation measures with the intention that all development proposals recommended by the project would be environmentally acceptable and cost effective. The residual impacts, if any, would be confined within the allowable limits. Environmental monitoring and auditing of potential impacts that may arise from implementation of the works proposed by the Project would be provided for the construction and operational phases. Subject to the findings of the EIA study, the following mitigation measures will be incorporated in the design and construction of the Project.

5.2 Air quality

Construction Phase

5.2.1 In order to prevent adverse impacts on air quality, the control measures stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulations should be implemented wherever applicable, to limit the dust emissions from the site. Mitigation measures, including but not limited to the following, will be put in place.

● Stockpiles of dusty material will not extend beyond site boundaries.

● In the process of material handling, any material which has the potential to create dust will be treated with water or sprayed with a wetting agent where practicable.

● Any vehicles/ marine vessels with an open load compartment used for transferring dusty materials off-site will be properly fitted with side and tail boards and cover.

● Stockpiles of sand and aggregate will be enclosed on three sides and water sprays will be used to dampen stored materials and when receiving raw material.

● The site will be frequently cleaned and watered to minimise fugitive dust emissions.

● Motorised vehicles on the site will be restricted to a maximum speed of 15 km/hr and shall be confined to designated haul routes which will be paved or surfaced with hardcore.

Operational Phase

5.2.2 The proposed mitigation measures to improve the air quality within the Study Area are to be considered as follows :-

(i) Vehicle Emissions from Open Roads

● adequate buffer distance, tree planting and dense shrub plantation are recommended to separate the pedestrian and roads.



(ii) Odour Impact from possible Sewage Treatment Works (STW) and Sewage Pumping Stations (SPS)

Proposed SPS for development of the Study Site:-

● design would be in accordance with DSD’s Standard Design on Sewage Pumping Station, with all pumps located underground and enclosed within a structure/building; and

● deodorization system would be installed and good housekeeping practice would be adopted for STW and SPS.

(iii) Odour Impact from Refuse Collection Points (RCPs)

● proper waste management system would be adopted.

5.3 Noise

Construction Noise

5.3.1 In order to mitigate adverse noise impacts, the following general mitigation measures will be put in place.

● Quiet plant will be used to reduce noise generated.

● Movable and temporary barriers will be provided to screen NSRs from particular items of plant or noisy operations.

● Noise screening structures or purpose-built noise barriers will be provided along the site boundary to provide additional protection to NSRs nearby.

● Good site practices will be implemented as effective noise mitigation measures. These will include, but not limited to, locating noisy equipment and activities as far from NSRs as practical, scheduling noisy activities to minimise exposure of nearby NSRs to high levels of construction noise, proper maintenance of construction plant and devising methods of working to minimise noise impacts on the surrounding environment.

Operational Phase

5.3.2 The potential noise impacts from the village vehicles and ferry services will need to be investigated and mitigation measures will be provided, as necessary.

5.3.3 For the potential impacts arising from other fixed noise sources including utilities services in the vicinity, the following mitigation measures and appropriate building design should be adopted.

● For the NSRs, proper arrangement of housing blocks and the use of special block design.

● For the noise sources, careful siting of noisy machinery within the site; by enclosing the noisy machinery within building structures; by use of acoustic louver, silencer for ventilating fan, acoustic door and absorptive wall lining; and any opening of the building to be located facing away from any NSRs.

5.4 Water Quality

Construction Phase

5.4.1 In order to prevent adverse impacts on water quality, the following general mitigation measures will be put in place.

● Good site practice in accordance with the ProPECC PN 1/94 “Construction Site Drainage” and “Recommended Pollution Control Clauses for Construction Contracts” issued by EPD, and the procedures in the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB) Technical



Circular (Works) (TCW) No. 5/2005 “Protection of Natural Stream/Rivers from adverse impact arising from construction works”.

● Site run-off should be properly treated and collected to ensure the effluent comply with Water Pollution Control Ordinance. Temporary sand traps or other silt removal facilities should be provided to remove the oil, lubricants, grease, silt, grit and debris from the wastewater before discharging into the outlets.

● Silt removal facilities will be maintained regularly.

● Open stockpiles of materials on site will be avoided or where unavoidable covered with tarpaulin or similar fabric during rainstorms.

● Silt curtains or sand bag barriers will be used to confine the disturbed area during sediment removal activities.

● Where possible, works entailing soil excavation will be minimised during the rainy season (April to September).

● To minimize the impacts of concrete washings, infiltration/sedimentation pits will be used to settle out the washings before treatment/re-use/discharge. If necessary, treatment units with pH adjustment will be adopted.

● During dredging for possible reconstruction of the seawall, appropriate construction method will be selected to control the generation of sediment plumes.

● Silt curtains or sand bag barriers will be used to confine the disturbed area during sediment removal activities.

● Proper construction techniques will be employed to prevent sediment release during construction. Stringent site sediment control and mitigation measures will be implemented to prevent elevation of suspended solid.

● Oil interceptors will be provided and properly maintained for collecting spillage or leakages from site workshops. The waste oil removed will be collected by licensed collectors.

● Mobile toilets or other appropriate means will be provided to store sewage before disposal through licensed collection agent or discharging to main sewerage system.

● For bore piling operations, the resulting suspension will be settled in sedimentation/ infiltration pit until supernatant is clear and the bentonite solids will be disposed appropriately.

Operational Phase

5.4.2 The following general mitigation measures are to be considered:

● provision of sand/silt and oil/grease traps, porous pavements and detention ponds at suitable locations to prevent ingress of pollutants to the stormwater system, which would serve to reduce the loading from the storm drains to the inland waters of the Southern Water Control Zone;

● construction of drainage works to prevent increased risk of flooding;

● adopting proper sewerage system to collect and treat sewage effluent flows from the developments; and

● provision of suitable measures to minimise the risk of emergency discharges of untreated sewage effluent and to ensure timely repair.

5.5 Solid Waste

Construction Phase



5.5.1 Solid waste arising from construction will largely consist of spoil generated during earthworks, and general construction waste/surplus materials (such as C&D materials, chemical waste and general refuse). It will also include dredged materials from possible reconstruction of the seawall.

5.5.2 As the development would require the import of fill material, the C&D materials will be stored separately and reused in the works.

5.5.3 The following measures will be implemented to reduce the quantities of C&D materials for disposal off site:

● All C&D materials will be sorted and re-used wherever possible;

● Waste haulier should obtain the necessary registration and licences under the Waste Disposal Ordinance and the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation from the Environmental Protection Department;

● Nomination of an approved person to be responsible for good site practice, arrangements for collection and effective disposal to an appropriate facility, of all waste generated at the site;

● Separation of chemical wastes for special handling and appropriate treatment at a licensed facility;

● A recording system for the amount of wastes generated recycled and disposed of (including the disposal sites);

● In order to monitor the disposal of C&D materials and solid wastes at public filling facilities and landfills, and control fly-tipping, a trip-ticket system shall be implemented by the Contractor, in accordance with the contract and the requirements of DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2010 "Trip Ticket System for Disposal of Construction & Demolition Materials".

● A Waste Management Plan (WMP) shall be prepared and this WMP shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval. The WMP will be in accordance with ETWB TC(W) No. 19/2005 "Environmental Management on Construction Sites".

● Segregation and storage of different types of waste in different containers, skips or stockpiles to enhance reuse of recycling of materials and their proper disposal.

● Any unused chemicals or those with remaining functional capacity shall be recycled;

● Use of reusable non-timber formwork to reduce the amount of C&D materials; and

● Proper storage and site practices to minimize the potential for damage or contamination of construction materials.

Operational Phase

5.5.4 The following mitigation measures are to be considered:

● The refuse collection points (RCP), if any, should be enclosed to minimize noise, odour and visual nuisance, and it should be fitted with a deodourizing unit and ventilation system to remove odour. Each RCP should be fitted with a water point and high pressure hose for cleansing operations, with connection to the foul sewerage system.

● Domestic waste recycling should be encouraged, with provision of collection bins at appropriate locations in all housing estates and promotion campaigns for waste paper recovery, plastic bag collection and ‘sort and recovery’ of waste materials.

5.6 Ecology

5.6.1 The mitigation measures that are to be implemented to minimize the impacts on air quality, noise and water quality will also help to minimize any impacts on ecological resources.



5.6.2 As regards ecological impact, the best mitigation is avoidance and will be used wherever possible. For impact which is considered unavoidable, mitigation measures will be adopted to minimize such impact, e.g. translocation of important species, confining works in specific area/ season, etc. Compensation will be provided for the loss of important species or habitats, if any, on like-for-like basis whenever possible.

5.6.3 Any residential development proposal should be compatible with the surrounding land uses and rural setting. Mitigation measures should also be devised in the operational phase when necessary.


5.7.1 A cultural heritage impact assessment will be carried out under the EIA Study. Mitigation measures to minimize any potential cultural heritage impacts will be recommended in the EIA Study and fully implemented in appropriate stages, based on the findings of the approved EIA documents.


5.8.1 The following mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction phase to minimise any potential exposure to contaminated soils or groundwater:

● Site workers should wear gloves, masks and other protective clothing where exposure to vapour or contaminated soil may be encountered;

● Contaminated materials should be removed with bulk earth movers to prevent human contact;

● Adequate washing facilities should be provided and smoking/eating should be prohibited in the area;

● Contaminated sediments which have been stockpiled or are being transported should be covered with tarpaulin;

● Leakage of pollutants or leaching from excavated soil should be prevented by storing on an impermeable surface;

● Only licensed waste hauliers should be used to collect and transport any contaminated material to an appropriate disposal site and procedures should be developed to ensure that illegal disposal of wastes does not occur; and

● The necessary waste disposal permits should be obtained, as required, from the appropriate authorities, in accordance with the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap 354), Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation (Cap 354), as required.


Mitigation Measures to be Incorporated in the Design Layout of the Proposed Development

5.9.1 The following measures are to be considered during the design stage to minimize the landscape and visual impacts, including, but not limited to:

● controlling building height profiles and providing stepped building heights;

● preserving and establishing visual and open space links, including provision of view and breeze corridors; and

● urban and landscape design principles.

Construction Phase

5.9.2 The following general mitigation measures will be implemented to alleviate the impacts for the construction phase, including, but not limited to:

Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan Project Profile

June 2011


● Erosion control measures should be implemented for protection of construction works and the landscape if heavy rains occur;

● Measures should be taken to store and use construction equipment and building materials where they are not visually intrusive, or easily washed away or where they produce less dust; and

● Haul roads should be rehabilitated at the earliest opportunity to be compatible with their existing surrounding landscape or planned surrounding landscape.

Operational Phase

5.9.3 The following general mitigation measures are to be considered for the operational phase, including, but not limited to:

● Proper arrangement of building blocks and provision of appropriate building height profiles;

● provision of visual and open space links and view corridors and breezeways;

● provision of urban design measures as identified in the design stage;

● Tree transplanting and compensatory planting will mitigate the impact on the existing tree/woodland;

● Amenity strips will be provided to local roads, wherever practicable, to mitigate their visual appearance; and

● Landscape treatment will be provided to any sewage treatment plant and refuse collection points, where practicable, to enhance their visual appearance.

6. USE OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED EIA REPORTS 6.1.1 No previous approved EIA report exists for the proposed project. However, reference may be made

to the following previously approved EIA report within the Study Area :

Register No Title

EIA-022/BC Lamma Quarry; Casting Basin & Moderate Quarry Extension, Environment Impact Assessment – Final Report (1993)

Documents

Feasibility Study Project Profile