Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Aaron Bok and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (April 22):
Question:
(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of engineering projects in the past three years where compliance costs (including mitigation measures, compensation proposals, or monitoring and auditing expenses) have increased significantly due to the requirements of individual assessment criteria in the Memorandum; if so, of the extent of cost increase;
In addition, under the amended Technical Memorandum, project proponents may, after the detailed design at a later stage of a project is available (e.g. before tendering or before commencement of works), use the online construction noise management platform under the EPD’s HKED to conduct a detailed quantitative construction noise assessment and submit the relevant mitigation plan, so as to complete the construction noise assessment efficiently.
Meanwhile, the EPD has introduced various advanced technologies to further enhance its capabilities in environmental monitoring and assessment, including the use of AI to assist in monitoring migratory routes and roosting conditions of wintering birds, and the use of 3D optical radar scanning technology for tree surveys. These applications not only improve efficiency, but also enhance the scientific quality and reliability of the EIA.
The EPD will continue to uphold a professional, open and collaborative approach, and actively encourage project proponents to put forward innovative, cost-effective and practicable environmental mitigation proposals, so as to ensure that all environmental factors have been duly considered during project delivery, while reducing overall project costs and expediting delivery.