The Monthly Report of Sustainability Assessments (SA) lists the titles, brief descriptions and sustainability implications of new public policies and proposals that went through the SA process and were made known to the public through LegCo briefs or press releases etc during the report period. Internet links to the relevant background documents are also provided.

REPORT PERIOD : July 2010

Approved Stonecutters Island Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 23 July 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Stonecutters Island Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Stonecutters Island area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed Biological Treatment Plant will help improve the water quality of Victoria Harbour, which is an invaluable asset of Hong Kong. This is in line with the sustainability principle of seeking to find opportunities in enhancing environmental quality. Nonetheless, the implementation of the projects would cause some environmental problems, such as possible deterioration in carbon dioxide emission during the operation stage. Suitable mitigation measures and good site practices should be adopted to minimise the possible impacts.

REPORT PERIOD : June 2010

Waste Disposal (Clinical Waste)(General) Regulation and Waste Disposal (Charge for Disposal of Clinical Waste) Regulation [LegCo Brief]

To safeguard public health, the Government intends to implement the Clinical Waste Control Scheme (the Control Scheme) to ensure clinical waste is handled and disposed of in an environmentally sound and safe manner. Under the Control Scheme, clinical waste producers (e.g. hospitals and clinics) will have to employ licensed waste collectors to collect and transport their clinical waste for treatment and disposal at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal would help minimise the environmental and public health risks arising from the improper handling of clinical waste. In particular, there would be improvement to such indicators as "communicable diseases" and "landfill capacity" through proper handling of infectious clinical waste, charging for their disposal and encourage waste reduction.

Development of Science Park Phase 3 [LegCo Finance Committee Paper]

To further promote the development of innovation and technology, boost the development of green technology and attract more high-tech companies to establish a presence in Hong Kong, the Government decided to implement the development of Science Park Phase 3. On 23 April 2010, Finance Committee of Legislative Council approved a funding commitment to Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation to enable it to proceed with the construction of Science Park Phase 3.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed development of Science Park is expected to contribute to the long-term economic growth in Hong Kong through providing a conducive environment to nurture innovation and technology, facilitate technology transfer and application, and help improve economic diversity in Hong Kong. Some adverse environmental impacts are inevitable during both the construction and operation stages, these include construction waste, dust, air pollutant and noise, water consumption, waste production, impact on natural habitats, and impact on local marine water quality through stormwater runoff. Mitigation measures and best management practices will be implemented to minimise the anticipated environmental impacts and the project's ecological footprint.

Draft Ma On Shan Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 11 June 2010, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Ma On Shan Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Ma On Shan area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The incorporation of appropriate development restrictions, and the provision of three "non-building areas" and three strips of land with 2-storey building height restriction for better ventilation purpose are in line with the sustainability principle of enhancing environmental quality. They would help enhance the quality of urban living space and contribute positively to the overall sustainability of Hong Kong. However, the differing concerns and views from various stakeholders should be handled with care.

Draft Tung Chung Town Centre Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 11 June 2010, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Tung Chung Town Centre Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Tung Chung Town Centre South area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of development restrictions would help address the public concern on massive and out-of-context developments, improve the urban design and the visual quality of the area by maintaining an appropriate building height profile taking into account the local character of the area. This is in line with the sustainability principle of enhancing environment quality. Other proposed amendments are technical in nature and small in scale and would not have significant sustainability implications.

Development of Poultry Slaughtering Centre Shelved [Press Release]

The Government announced on 1 June 2010 that it would shelve the development of a poultry slaughtering centre at this stage. The Government has made this decision mainly because latest scientific assessment confirmed that the risk of avian influenza in Hong Kong at present is very low. The Government would maintain its efforts in controlling the risk of avian influenza, and would strengthen the surveillance at various levels of the live poultry supply chain.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal to implement enhanced surveillance and control measures at all levels of the live poultry supply chain will help further minimize the risk of transmission of avian influenza from poultry to human. In general, it would therefore contribute to the sustainability principle of providing a living and working environment and pursuing policies which promote and protect the physical health and safety of the people in Hong Kong.

REPORT PERIOD : May 2010

Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2010 [LegCo Brief]

The Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2010 was gazetted on 7 May 2010. The purpose of the amendment regulation is to tighten the specifications of motor vehicle diesel and unleaded petrol to Euro V standards. The major difference between Euro IV and Euro V motor vehicle fuels (i.e. for both diesel and petrol) is the tightening of the cap on their sulphur content from 0.005% to 0.001%.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal is conducive to reducing emissions from motor vehicles, thus helping to improve roadside air pollution. It is in line with the sustainability principles of seeking to find opportunities to enhance environmental quality.

Food Safety Bill [LegCo Brief]

The Food Safety Bill was introduced into the Legislative Council on 2 June 2010 to strengthen food safety control to protect public health. The purpose of the Bill is to introduce a food tracing mechanism to ensure that the Government can trace the source of the food more effectively and take prompt action when dealing with food incidents.

Sustainability Implications: In line with the sustainability principle of pursuing policies which promote and protect the physical health of the people of Hong Kong, the proposal would strengthen the Government's capability to ensure food safety, thereby enhancing the protection of public health and consumer interests.

Approved Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 7 May 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Aberdeen and Ap Li Chau area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of building height restrictions will generally give due respect to the existing heights of buildings which are of cultural heritage value. This would help maintain the status quo of these buildings and maintain the existing landscape and buildings of cultural historical value. By maintaining an appropriate height profile and avoiding buildings that are out-of-context, the building height restrictions would also help improve the urban design, air ventilation, landscape and visual quality of the area. The proposal is therefore in line with the sustainability principles in protecting historical and architectural assets and enhancing environmental quality in Hong Kong. In general, the proposed amendments would result in an improvement in Hong Kong's urban living space.

Approved Tseung Kwan O Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 7 May 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Tseung Kwan O Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Tseung Kwan O area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed South East New Territories Landfill Extension (SENTLFx) will provide additional landfill capacity to serve the whole territory. It is in line with the sustainability principle of providing the resources to meet the needs of the population. Although it will take up about 5 hectares of land in the Clear Water Bay Country Park, the affected area will be restored into woodland upon decommissioning of the SENTLFx. Nonetheless, the implementation of the proposed amendments would inevitably bring some environmental problems. The sustainability assessment has identified possible adverse impacts on waste, air quality, noise and landscape features. Suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to mitigate the anticipated impacts. The differing concerns and views from various stakeholders should also be handled with care.

Approved So Kwun Wat Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 7 May 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved So Kwun Wat Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the So Kwun Wat area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed rezoning of the sites for residential use would enable a better utilization of land resources. While the rezoning of the peripheral slopes to "Green Belt" could help enhance the amenity, maintain the existing character and preserve the ecological habitats of the area, suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to minimize possible adverse landscape impacts of the residential developments. Other proposed amendments can generally help maintain the existing rural character and the low-rise, low-density environment of the area. This is in line with the sustainability principle of seeking to find opportunity to enhance environmental quality.

Approved The Peak Area Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 28 May 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved The Peak Area Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in The Peak area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of building height restrictions would help maintain the urban design, landscape and visual quality of the area. They would also give due respect to the existing heights of buildings which are of historical significance and help maintain the status quo of these buildings. This is in line with the sustainability principles in protecting historical and architectural assets and enhancing environmental quality in Hong Kong, leading to an overall improvement in the urban living space.

REPORT PERIOD : April 2010

Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Bill [LegCo Brief]

The Government has introduced the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Bill to the Legislative Council on 28 April 2010. To reduce air pollution, heat and noise nuisances caused by idling motor vehicles with running engines, the Bill will introduce a statutory requirement for drivers to switch off the engines while the vehicles are stationary.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal is in line with the sustainability principles of avoiding environmental problems for present and future generations, seeking to find opportunities to enhance environmental quality, as well as providing a living environment which promotes and protects the physical health of the people of Hong Kong.

Approved Shek Kip Mei Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 9 April 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Shek Kip Mei Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP incorporating the amendments was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of building height restrictions will help address public concern on massive and out-of-context developments, maintain the local character of the area and facilitate local ventilation. This is in line with the sustainability principle to enhance environmental quality. The improvement in the provision of open space as a result of a decrease in the planned population of Tai Hang Sai Estate and the enhancement to the setting of existing buildings with cultural value are in line with the principle in enhancing the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s recreational opportunities and archaeological and historical assets. The proposals will lead to an overall improvement in the urban living space. Potential objections from various stakeholders should however be handled with care.

REPORT PERIOD : March 2010

Hong Kong – New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership Agreement [LegCo Brief]

Hong Kong and New Zealand signed the Hong Kong, China – New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEP Agreement) on 29 March 2010. The CEP Agreement is Hong Kong's first free trade agreement (FTA) with a foreign economy, and its second FTA following the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement with the Mainland of China. The CEP Agreement is a comprehensive and high quality FTA. It comprises trade liberalisation measures on both trade in goods and services. It opens up new business opportunities for both places and strengthens their trade and investment ties.

Sustainability Implications: The CEP Agreement with New Zealand will bring more and better export opportunities to Hong Kong traders. This in turn benefits other trade related sectors in the Hong Kong economy, including banking, insurance and transportation. These would help sustain the economic development of Hong Kong and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international trade, economic and financial hub.

Draft South West Kowloon Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 12 March 2010, the Town Planning Board announced the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft South West Kowloon Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the South West Kowloon area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal will reduce the development density, improving visual openness, as well as providing more public open space. However, the provision of a public transport interchange and its supporting facilities, Mass Transit Railway vent shafts and public utility installations within the site would inevitably cause some environmental problems for the users of the public open space and nearby residents, including adverse impacts on air quality and noise and visual impacts. Suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to mitigate the possible impacts. There should also be sufficient linkages between the public open space and railway stations and nearby property developments to facilitate public access and sustain use of the open space.

Draft Mid-Levels West Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 19 March 2010, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Mid-Levels West Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide development and redevelopment in the Mid-levels West area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of building height restrictions will help improve the urban design, landscape and visual quality of the area by maintaining an appropriate height profile, avoiding out-of-context buildings and preserving the views to the ridgeline and along harbourfront. This is in line with the sustainability principles in enhancing environmental quality to an overall improvement in the urban living space in Hong Kong.

Approved North Point Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 19 March 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved North Point Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the North Point area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The requirement for the submission of Master Layout Plan together with landscape master plan and other technical assessments under the new “Comprehensive Development Area(3)” zone will help improve the urban design, landscape and visual quality of the area. This is in line with the sustainability principle in enhancing environmental quality. The other proposed amendments are technical in nature and would not have significant sustainability implications.

Approved Kennedy Town and Mount Davis Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 26 March 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Kennedy Town and Mount Davis Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Kennedy Town and Mount Davis area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of building height restrictions would help maintain the local character of the area and facilitate local air ventilation. West Island Line would help improve mobility and air quality in the long term through commuters switching from road to rail transport. While the implementation of the project would inevitably cause some adverse impacts on the environment, including the noise during construction and operation, air pollution from works sites, loss of open space and waste generated from tunnel excavation, proper measures will be implemented to reduce the adverse temporary and long-term impacts as far as possible. Nonetheless, the proposed amendments are generally in line with the sustainability principles in enhancing environmental quality leading to an overall improvement in the urban living space in Hong Kong.

Draft Ping Che and Ta Kwu Ling Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 12 March 2010, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Ping Che and Ta Kwu Ling Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Ping Che and Ta Kwu Ling area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The amendments may cause some environmental and traffic impacts. Suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to mitigate the possible impacts if applicable.

REPORT PERIOD : February 2010

Approved Ting Kok Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 19 February 2010, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Ting Kok Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Ting Kok area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed spa resort hotel would add to the variety of recreational facilities in the area, and is in line with the sustainability principle of enhancing the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s recreational and leisure opportunities. It would enhance Hong Kong’s image as a tourist destination and lead to more economic activities. It is in line with the sustainability principle of assisting Hong Kong to achieve a more competitive economy. Implementation of the new spa resort hotel proposal would inevitably cause some environmental problems, such as waste, water quality, tree-felling and noise impacts. Suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to mitigate the potential impacts. Differing public concerns should be handled with care.

Sustainable Development Division