The expansion of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) into a three-runway system (3RS) is one step closer to fruition following the approval of an environment study detailing the measures to be taken to mitigate the environmental impact of the project.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), state-owned operator and developer of HKIA, announced that its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has fully met the requirements set out by the Director of Environmental Protection in accordance with the EIA Ordinance.
The AA said more than 250 measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, and compensate for potential environmental impacts have been proposed in the EIA report, including the designation of Hong Kong’s largest ever marine park in northwestern Lantau waters.
The two-year study was undertaken with support from an EIA team comprising local and international experts, who examined the 3RS project with focus on 12 key environmental aspects.
“The team of experts concluded that the potential impacts of the 3RS project are acceptable given the tremendous efforts made in identifying, avoiding and minimizing the potential impacts with extensive measures proposed,” said AA.
“Hong Kong International Airport is strategically important to sustaining Hong Kong’s development and economy. We are fully aware of the environmental impacts arising from operating an airport and the currently proposed expansion project. This is why we are doing everything practicable to address the likely environmental impacts,” Vincent Lo Hong-sui, chairman of AA, said.
Following the approval, a 30-day public inspection period will be provided for feedback on the report by the people.
After the public inspection, “the EIA report will be reviewed by the Advisory Council on the Environment, whose advice will then be considered by the Director of Environmental Protection as to whether the report shall be approved and an Environmental Permit shall be granted,” said Stanley Hui Hon-chung, chief executive officer of AA. “We hope this process can be completed within this year.”
The next stage of work entails completing other statutory requirements and detailed design, updating the project cost and finalizing the funding options, all of which are expected to be completed before construction may begin.
“In order for HKIA to meet its long-term air traffic demand, which is growing much faster than forecast, we aim to commence construction of the 3RS project as soon as possible for 3RS commissioning in 2023,” said Hui.
Meanwhile, HKIA reported that cargo volume in May rose 8.3 percent to 367,000 tonnes year-over-year.
The growth in cargo throughput last month was driven mainly by transshipments, which was up 18 percent from a year ago. During the month, cargo throughput to and from China improved most significantly compared to other key regions.
Over the first five months of 2014, cargo volume throughput grew to 1.7 million tonnes, an increase of 6.1 percent compared with the same period last year.
On a rolling 12-month basis, HKIA handled 4.2 million tonnes of cargo, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.1 percent.
Photo: Shenghung Lin
