CEDD Submits Environmental Impact Assessment for Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands Reclamation Project

CEDD submits Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Reclamation for Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands

A spokesperson for the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) said that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the Reclamation for Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI) was submitted to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (December 31). The EPD will, in accordance with the statutory procedures and requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO), review the relevant EIA Report within 60 days upon receiving it to determine whether the report is suitable for public inspection to commence the subsequent statutory process of EIA.

The spokesperson for the CEDD said, "EIA is one of the steps in implementing large-scale engineering projects. Its purpose is to assess potential environmental impacts of the projects at the planning stage, and to formulate measures to avoid, minimise and mitigate these impacts. As for the reclamation for KYCAI, the EIA statutory process is part of the work to be carried out at the early planning stage of the project."

The CEDD prepared the EIA Report for the Reclamation for KYCAI in accordance with the provisions in the EIAO, the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process, and the EIA Study Brief. During the preparation process, a comprehensive ecological survey was carried out, and an advanced simulation model on hydrodynamics and water quality was adopted to carry out rigorous assessment on potential environmental impacts of the reclamation works in accordance with the requirements of the EIAO. Furthermore, appropriate mitigation and precautionary measures were formulated.

The CEDD also engaged a group of experts (including local, overseas and Mainland experts specialised in environment and ecology) to delve into relevant environmental issues such as hydrodynamics, water quality, ecology and fisheries. The experts provided positive feedback on the EIA Report and considered the assessment scientific and reasonable.

The proposed KYCAI, involving the reclamation of 1 000 hectares of land, is currently at its study and planning stage. Apart from the EIA Report for the reclamation submitted today, the CEDD is required to complete EIAs on other aspects including strategic roads and land development, and will commence detailed engineering design progressively. The Government will take into consideration the progress of relevant studies on the project, as well as the overall planning of various land creation and infrastructures projects, in mapping out the implementation strategy of the project in a steady and prudent manner.

FEHD deeply grieved by death of Workman II

The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, today (December 31) expressed profound sadness at the passing of a Workman II, Ms Li Haiying, and offered his deepest condolences to her family.

Ms Li was carrying out street cleansing duties this afternoon in the vicinity of Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei. While transporting refuse to the junction of Waterloo Road and Ferry Street, she was knocked down by a goods vehicle. She was sent to hospital and later certified dead, aged 57. Investigation by the Police is under way.

Ms Li was under the Yau Tsim District Environmental Hygiene Office and was mainly responsible for street cleansing work.

Mr Ng said, "Having joined theFood and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) for over nine years, Ms Li served the public with dedication and perseverance. I am deeply grieved at the loss of such a devoted colleague. On behalf of all our colleagues, I offer the deepest condolences to her family."

The FEHD will maintain close contact with Ms Li's family and provide all appropriate support and assistance to help them through this difficult time.

Source: AI-found images