Policy Comments & Advocacy

Green Power would like to draw your kind attention to our concerns about the above-captioned Project Profile (PP).

Project Footprint

1. The Government has launched the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme to assess landslide risks associated with man-made slopes and natural hillsides. Detailed study on landslide risks for Study Area No. 6NE-D/SA1, a natural hillside at Route Twisk, Yuen Long was carried out by Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD).

2. Natural terrain hazards were identified within three catchments (nos. 6NE-D/DF14, 6NE-D/DF15 and 6NE-D/DF16) that pose risk to the existing development at toe of hillside (hereafter called Catchment A, B and C respectively). Hence, installation of soil nails at hillside area for Catchment A (Sec.1.2.3) and check dams to be constructed at the bottom of the Catchment B and C which are reinforced concrete barriers with debris retention basin (Sec 1.2.4) are proposed to prevent landslide.

3. Five small areas to the west of Route Twisk are dedicated as Temporary Storage Areas of construction materials and plant equipment (total area 940m2)(Sec. 1.4.3). All work sites fall within Tai Mo Shan Country Park and Water Gathering Ground (WWG) (Sec. 3.1.5).

Comments

4. The works boundary of the Project Site should be clearly delineated and physically fenced to prevent trespassing by project personnel to neighbouring country park areas. The works boundary of the Project should not occupy, encroach or disturb the identified and potential ecologically sensitive areas mentioned in PP by works agents including but not limited to contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associated service providers for related uses such as site offices, material/equipment/machinery installation and storage, stock piling, carparks, canteens, etc.

5. All personnel and workers of the Project should not poach or collect any wildlife or plants in the works areas and in nearby areas or country park. Also, no feeding of wildlife including but not limited to animals, birds and fishes by them is allowed. Dogs, cats or other domestic animals must be strictly prohibited to be kept in the all Project Sites and Temporary Storage Areas.

6. The materials spread for fencing, paving and installations should not cause trapping of animals and aquatic organisms. Lighting should be turned off at night when no works are undergoing in works areas. Any culverts and manmade channels should not create significant vertical drops that hinder the migration of aquatic organisms. The beds of culverts and manmade channels should allow natural deposition of sediment to restate to natural stage but not lead to obstruction of channels.

7. Any temporary access and work site should be reinstated to avoid long-term ecological and environmental impacts, and soil erosion to the satisfaction of relevant departments such as AFCD, EPD, GEO of CEDD, etc. Native plant species should be selected for reinstatement.

8. Felling of trees and unnecessary trimming/pruning of tree branches/canopies should be avoided in the works areas and in nearby areas. No wastewater should be spilled and no machineries should be placed on tree roots.

9. No smoking or fire ignition is allowed to prevent hill fire. Inflammable materials and chemicals/fuel should not be stored in the works areas. Relevant personnel and workers should be notified in this regard before entering the work areas. Suitable fire-fighting equipment should be in place in the work sites.

10. The Project area is located within the WWG of Water Supplies Department. Watercourses, including natural, semi-natural, manmade or temporary channels, should be physically isolated or diverted from the work site during construction phase to avoid contamination of potable water in WGG by works activities. Any sewage, wastewater and wastes should be removed from the works sites/areas.

11. Any point source and non-point source pollution and site surface runoff generated from the Project Site should be prevented from discharging into neighbouring river channels and stormwater drainage directly. Toxic chemicals, fuels, hazardous and dangerous goods should not be allowed to store in the Project Site and should be removed from the Project Site when no works activities are implementing and/or no personnel stays in the Project Site.

12. Wastes, especially food waste, should not be left in the works sites over night to avoid consumption by wildlife. Dumping of cement should be forbidden in the works areas or in vicinity. The project proponent should be responsible for removal of any wastes as part of their reinstatement of access and works sites.

Thank you very much for your kind attention. For any inquiries, please contact the undersigned at Green Power (T: 3961 0200, F: 2314 2661, Email: info@greenpower.org.hk).