Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and sister carriers Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair welcomed the issuance of the Study Brief for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of expanding Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) into a three-runway system.
The study brief, issued by the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP), outlines the scope of environmental issues and hazards to be addressed in the EIA study.
AAHK submitted to the DEP n on May 28 a project profile detailing the planned expansion of Hong Kong airport and its potential impact on the environment.
The profile submission is the initial phase in the project’s statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
AAHK said that following the release of the study brief, they will next carry out the study and consultation phase of the EIA process, a period expected to take about two years.
In this phase, AAHK will conduct a series of comprehensive studies to assess potential environmental impacts, and will launch a series of stakeholder engagement activities such as discussions and events designed to solicit public views on and increase awareness of the planned conversion of the airport from a two-runway system to three.
AAHK will then draft an EIA report that will include all its study findings and outline possible environmental mitigation measures.
“We are dedicated to carry out this work in a highly prudent, transparent and professional manner as always. We will not underestimate the challenges ahead, and will leave no stone unturned to explore all possible ways to avoid, minimise, mitigate and compensate for potential environmental impacts,” said Stanley Hui Hon-chung, CEO of AAHK.
The extension of the runway system is part of improvement efforts to prevent overloading at the airport.
In supporting the expansion, Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Patrick Yeung said: “Building a third runway is the only viable option for preserving the international hub status of our airport.”
Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar said: “We are firm believers that economic development and environmental protection can go hand in hand for the betterment of Hong Kong.”
Photo: jaakko.hakulinen
