(HONG KONG, 11 August 2012) – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said it welcomes 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, which was issued by the Director of Environmental Protection, outlines the scope of environmental issues to be addressed in the EIA study and their related requirements, covering areas including air quality, water quality, noise, marine ecology, fisheries, hazards, etc.
Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said, "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."
To facilitate stakeholders' exchange of views on the EIA and related issues, AAHK has extended invitations to environmental experts, green NGOs, academia, district councillors, community leaders and other stakeholders to join technical briefing groups and community liaison groups. In addition, activities like exhibitions, talks, airport visits and roundtable briefings will be organised to foster better understanding of the airport development plans and the EIA.
AAHK has also launched a dedicated website (http://www.threerunwaysystem.com) to provide updated information about the airport’s plan to expand into a three-runway system, including the Study Brief and other information for public access. Meanwhile, newsletters will be issued to provide updates on the planning work related to the three-runway system.
In accordance with the requirements under the EIA Ordinance, AAHK will include all study findings and possible mitigation measures in the EIA report. AAHK has also pledged to undertake air quality studies under the EIA process by benchmarking against the proposed new Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) announced by the Government.