Hong Kong’s government has published details of areas to be covered by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) into the expansion plan at Hong Kong International Airport.
Released by the territory’s Director of Environmental Protection, the Study Brief outlines the scope of issues to be addressed, including air quality, water quality, noise and marine ecology. The project needs to pass the assessment before the airport can proceed with its new three-runway expansion plan.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said it welcomed the brief.
“Receiving the Study Brief is important because it will serve as a guide for how we conduct the EIA study. The next step is to embark upon the EIA process, which is expected to take about two years to complete. 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 AAHK CEO, Stanley Hui Hon-chung.
AAHK added that it has invited a series of environmental experts and other stakeholders to join a series of briefings and airport visits, while a new website has been created offering information about the three runway project.
“AAHK will include all study findings and possible mitigation measures in the EIA report,” the airport operator said in a statement.
The EIA is expected to take approximately two years to complete. The third runway project will involve the reclamation of approximately 650 hectares of land.
