S.16 Application for on Tam Kon Chau Road in DD101 and 104 ...
Transcript of S.16 Application for on Tam Kon Chau Road in DD101 and 104 ...
S.16 Application for
Proposed Underground Stormwater Drainage Pipe and
Excavation and Back-filling of Land on Government Land
on Tam Kon Chau Road in DD101 and 104,
Mai Po, Yuen Long
Planning Statement
World Wide Fund for Nature (Hong Kong)
PlanArch Consultants Limited
AECOM Asia Company Limited
China Hong Kong Ecology Consultants Limited
March 2021
Executive Summary
On behalf of The World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF-HK), this
planning statement is prepared in support of an S.16 application to the Town
Planning Board (TPB) for the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe in
the Government Land along Tam Kon Chau Road in DD101 and DD104, Mai Po,
in support of the rebuilding of the field studies centre.
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is an essential infrastructure
to support the new field studies centre and the on-going development of WWF-
HK’s education programme. The existing stormwater drainage system at the field
studies centre has an outfall to discharge surface run-off to a nearby fish pond and
it was approved by Buildings Department (BD) in 1989. However, since the fish
pond is under private ownership, Drainage Services Department (DSD) suggested
the applicant to design a more reliable and permanent proposal for proper drainage
discharge since the status of the nearby fish pond may change over time. Hence,
the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will connect the new surface
run-off drainage system within the field studies centre to a nearby natural stream
agreed by DSD to provide reliable and permanent outfall for the surface run-off
discharge from the site.
Based on the approved Mai Po and Fairview Park Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-
MP/6, the majority of the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe falls
within “Conservation Area” (“CA”) zone (about 128m in length) together with a
small portion in “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”) zone (about
14m in length). Since the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is
regarded as “Utility Installation for Private Project” and it is a Column 2 use under
“CA” zone and “G/IC” zone, it requires permission by the Town Planning Board
(TPB) under Section 16 (S.16) of the Town Planning Ordinance. Besides, it
involves excavation and back-filling of land in “CA” zone (about 147.2sq.m.) for
laying of pipes, which would require the permission from the Town Planning
Board.
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is a well-thought out
proposal in terms of the design, scale and extent of work, as well as the
construction method, to ensure that no adverse impact will be caused to the
Wetland Conservation Area and its biodiversity.
Since the construction works for the proposed use will be carried out on a concrete
paved road and the extent of works area and excavation has been minimized, it is
anticipated that neither wetland habitat area nor function of the wetlands in this
part of the Wetland Conservation Area will be adversely affected by the proposed
use. The proposed underground stormwater pipe will be installed underground
that it will not cause adverse impact to visual quality.
All relevant statutory requirements for the construction and implementation of the
proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will be complied with. In
addition, the Works Contractor shall follow good site practice and be responsible
for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of applicable mitigation
measures specified in ProPECC PN 1/94 for construction site drainage during
construction.
Since location, construction methods and approaches for the proposed use has
been carefully considered to prevent/minimize any potential impacts to wildlife
and the surrounding environment, no adverse impact on visual quality, drainage,
environment and ecology is envisaged.
Therefore, in support of the effort to upgrade the essential infrastructure of the
field studies centre and thereby enabling WWF-HK’s mission and commitment to
provide professional wetland management training, deliver education programmes
that empowers students and the general public to recognize the value of nature,
getting insights on how people and nature can thrive and the urgency needed to
restore biodiversity, members of the Town Planning Board are respectfully
requested to give favorable consideration to the application.
行政摘要
此計劃書乃為支持世界自然(香港)基金會(下稱「基金會」) 就配合有關野外研習中心重建項目而於元朗米埔丈量約份 101 及 104、担竿洲路的政府土地設置的擬議地下雨水渠,而根據城市規劃條例第 16 條遞交的規劃許可申請。
擬議地下雨水渠是配合新野外研習中心及基金會於米埔自然保護區內發展公衆教育的必須進行基礎設施。野外研習中心内的現有雨水渠系統的排水口與附近的魚塘連接,而此渠務安排已由屋宇署於 1989 年核准。然而,即使該魚塘屬於私人業權而申請人亦可以取得業主的同意,渠務署建議申請人提供一個更可靠及能永久使用的設計,使雨水能夠妥善排放,不會因爲業權變更而受到影響。擬議地下雨水渠將與野外研習中心内的新雨水渠系統連接,並會於附近的溪澗排出。渠務署對此渠務安排亦表示同意。
根據米埔及錦綉花園分區計劃大綱核准圖(編號 S/YL-MP/6),擬議的地下雨水渠的地點大部分位於「自然保育區」(約 128 米長)及小部分為於「政府、機構或社區」(約 14米長)地帶。擬議地下雨水渠為「私人發展計劃的公用設施裝備」用途,屬於相關分區計劃大綱核准圖的「自然保育區」及「政府、機構或社區」地帶的第二欄用途,需要根據城市規劃條例第 16 條獲得城市規劃委員會的批准。此外,擬議用途於「自然保育區」的相關挖掘及回填泥土工序(範圍約 147.2平方米)亦需要獲得城市規劃委員會的批准。
擬議的地下雨水渠就工程的設計、規模、範圍都已作出嚴謹及適切的考慮。有關的施工方法都經細心考慮,不會為濕地保育區的環境及生物多樣性帶來不良影響。 由於擬議地下雨水渠的施工位置處於現時混凝土鋪設的道路上,同時已縮小施工及挖土範圍,預期不會影響濕地保育區濕地的「功能」和「面積」。擬議地下雨水渠將會設於地底,不會構成不良的視覺影響。
所有有關擬議地下雨水渠的施工及運作的法定要求都會遵守。此外,施工時建造承辦商會遵循良好的工地守則,並為《建築工地的排水渠(專業守則1/94)》中列明針對建築地盤排水的緩解措拖的工程設計、運作和維修負責。
擬議地下雨水渠的地點、施工方法及形式已審慎考慮預防/減低任何對自然生態及周邊環境的影響,故此不會引致景觀、渠務、環境及生態帶來不良影響。
擬議地下雨水渠為配合野外研習中心及基金會於米埔自然保護區內發展公衆教育的必須進行基礎設施,讓基金會可以繼續其使命及承諾,提供濕地管理訓練,並為學生及市民提供教育活動來認識大自然的重要性,以及明白人類與大自然共融的方法和修復生物多樣性的逼切需要。就以上理據,敬希城市規劃委員會通過此申請。
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 On behalf of The World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF-HK),
PlanArch Consultants Ltd. submits a S.16 application to the Town Planning
Board (TPB) for the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe in
DD101 and DD104 in Mai Po, in support of the rebuilding of the field studies
centre in “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”) zone according to
the approved Mai Po & Fairview Park Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-MP/6.
Existing use of “Field Study / Education / Visitor Centre” at the field studies
centre will remain unchanged as specified in the Short Term Tenancy no.1159
Government Land in D.D.101 signed 27th
December 2019 and it is an
always-permitted use which does not require planning permission to the Town
Planning Board (TPB).
1.2 Since there is no public stormwater drainage system in the vicinity of the new
field studies centre for connection or discharge, upgrading of new field studies
centre would require a new drainage system to replace existing arrangement
for proper and permanent discharge of surface run-off from the new field
studies centre.
1.3 Based on the concerned Outline Zoning Plan, the majority of the proposed
underground stormwater drainage pipe falls within “Conservation Area”
(“CA”) zone, together with a small portion in “Government, Institution or
Community” (“G/IC”) zone. Since the proposed underground stormwater
drainage pipe is regarded as “Utility Installation for Private Project” and it is a
Column 2 use under “CA” zone and “G/IC” zone, it requires permission by the
Town Planning Board (TPB) under Section 16 (S.16) of the Town Planning
Ordinance. Besides, excavation and back-filling of land for laying of pipes
within “CA” zone would require permission by the Town Planning Board.
1.4 In support of the application, this planning statement sets out the site
background, outlines the development proposal and gives justifications for the
proposed infrastructure upgrade project. The structure of the planning
statement is as follow:
Section 2: introduces the site context of the proposed underground
stormwater drainage pipe as “Utility Installation for Private
Project” (the “proposed use”);
Section 3: describes the background and details of the proposal;
Section 4: lays out the technical justifications;
Section 5: Provides the planning justifications and planning gains for the
proposed use; and
Section 6: concludes the above discussion and requests for the approval
of proposed use.
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2 SITE CONTEXT
2.1 The Application Site
The proposed location for the underground stormwater drainage pipe is located
in the Government Land in D.D. 101 and D.D.104 in Mai Po, which extends
from the new field studies centre to a nearby stream (Photos 1, 2 & 3). The
alignment of the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipeline is about
142m long (Plan 1).
2.2 Land Use Zoning
According to the concerned OZP, majority of the proposed underground
stormwater drainage pipe falls within “Conservation Area” (“CA”) zone
(about 128m in length and 147.2sq.m. in area), together with a very small
portion in “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”) zone (about 14m
in length and 16.1sq.m. in area). The proposed use is regarded as “Utility
Installation for Private Project”, which is a Column 2 use under the “CA” zone
and “G/IC” zone. In addition, excavation and back-filling of land in “CA”
zone would require permission by the TPB.
Planning intention of “CA” zone is to “conserve the ecological value of
wetland and fish ponds which form an integral part of the wetland ecosystem
in the Deep Bay Area. The “no-net-loss in wetland” principle is adopted for
any change in use within this zone. The primary intention is to discourage
new development unless it is required to support the conservation of
ecological integrity of the wetland ecosystem or the development is an
essential infrastructure project with overriding public interest.”
The “G/IC” zone is “intended primarily for the provision of Government,
institution or community facilities serving the needs of the local residents and
the district population.”
2.3 Town Planning Board Guidelines No.12C - Wetland Conservation Area
According to the Town Planning Board Guideline No. 12C (TPB PG-No. 12C),
the application sites fall within the Wetland Conservation Area (WCA). The
principle of “no-net-loss in wetland” applies and it can be referred to both loss
in “area” and “function”. Land uses in WCA should be related to
conservation management of the wetland area, environmental education, and
essential infrastructure projects.
In addition, it is noted that “new development within the WCA would not be
allowed unless it is required to support the conservation of the ecological
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value of the area or the development is an essential infrastructural project with
overriding public interest.”
Although the application site falls within the WCA, the implementation of the
stormwater drainage pipe will be located on dry land, which will not lead to
loss of function and area of the wetland.
Legend:
Plan Based on
Mai Po
Outline Zoning Plan
No. S/YL-MP/6
Published on 18.2.2005
Location Plan
S16 Application for
Proposed Underground Stormwater Drainage Pipe
Government Land in D.D. 101 and 104
Mai Po, Yuen Long
Plan 1
PlanArch Consultants Ltd.
Revision: Date: 19.10.2020
CA
Proposed Underground Stormwater Drainage Pipe
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Photo 1: The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will connect to the drainage system within the new field studies centre in the GIC site on the concerned OZP.
Photo 2: The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will be located on the Government Land at the existing concrete road (Tam Kon Chau Road)
Photo 3: The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will be connected to a stream in the Conservation Area.
Field Studies
Centre in the
GIC site
3
2
1
From new field studies
centre to Tam Kong Chau
Road
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3 PROPOSED UNDERGROUND STORMWATER DRAINAGE PIPE ON
GOVERNMENT LAND IN D.D. 101 AND D.D. 104 FOR THE FIELD
STUDIES CENTRE
3.1 Background
The new field studies centre located at the end of Tam Kon Chau Road near
the Hong Kong Police Force Pak Hok Chau Operational Base, Yuen Long. It
falls within “G/IC” zone on the concerned OZP. The site has been in
operation as a field studies centre since the 1980s and many facilities are
unable meet modern standard and present community needs.
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is an essential
infrastructure to support the upgrading. Since the length of the total alignment
is about 142m, and the width of excavation for laying the pipes and necessary
buffer area is about 1.15m, the application site area is about 163.3sq.m.
The existing stormwater drainage system at the field studies centre has an
outfall to discharge surface run-off to a nearby fish pond and it was approved
by Buildings Department (BD) in 1989. However, since the fish pond is
under private ownership, Drainage Services Department (DSD) suggested the
applicant to design a more reliable and permanent proposal for proper drainage
discharge since the status of the nearby fish pond may change over time.
After discussing with DSD on several alignments for stormwater drainage pipe,
it was accepted at the discharge to a nearby stream which is in Government
Land. With stormwater drainage pipe underneath Government Land, it will
ensure proper discharge permanently.
A Drainage Impact Assessment Report prepared to facilitate the General
Building Plans submission for the field studies centre was submitted to DSD
previously, and DSD has no comment (please refer to Appendix 1 for this
Drainage Impact Assessment Report).
3.2 Development Proposal
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will connect the new
surface run-off drainage system within the field studies centre in the GIC site
to a nearby natural stream agreed by DSD to provide reliable and permanent
outfall for the surface run-off discharge from the site. Such drainage
arrangement will ensure no adverse drainage impact causing to the
surrounding areas. The alignment and the related works area of the
underground stormwater drainage pipe is shown is Plan 2 (Application Site).
The diameter of the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will be
450mm (0.45m) and the proposed alignment is about 142m. The application
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site area is about 163.3sq.m. The excavation area will be 1.15m wide and
128m long, with excavation of about 1 to 2.1m deep. Upon the installation of
the proposed facilities, the underground stormwater pipe will be covered with
the original material type.
During construction phase of the proposed use, relevant mitigation measures
will be carried out to ensure no adverse impact will be caused to the
surrounding environment.
Please refer to Plan 2 for the proposed site location of the underground
stormwater drainage pipe, and Plan 3a for the DSD’s specification drawing
(drawing no. DS 1049B) for reference on the design of the proposed
underground stormwater drainage pipe and Plan 3b for the drawing showing
the indicative design of the new outfall for stormwater discharge.
Table 3.1: Development Parameters of the Proposed Underground Stormwater
Drainage Pipe
Current Application
Proposed Application Site Area : Works Area : about 163.3 sq.m.
Dimension of Proposed
Underground Stormwater
Drainage Pipe
: Diameter: 450mm (0.45m)
Length: about 142m
(128m in “CA” zone and 14m in “G/IC” zone)
Excavation Area (for “CA” zone
only)
: About 147.2sq.m.
Width of excavation : About 1.15m
Length of excavation : About 128m
Depth of Excavation : About 1 to 2.1m
3.3 Proposed Construction & Mitigation Measures
Comprehensive mitigation measures are proposed from design and
construction aspects. For instance, the works area of the proposed use is
based on the DSD’s technical specifications and the extent of excavation has
been set to be minimal. Since the excavation will take place along a paved
area, there will be no impact on vegetation and floral species. To minimize
the impact to the ecology and the environment, the construction of the
stormwater drainage pipeline will follow stringent protocols and mitigations.
All construction will be completed within 6 weeks, and most excavation done
in about 2 weeks.
To ensure that there will be no adverse impacts to the wild life, their habitats
as well as the residents in the surrounding areas, careful considerations have
been given when devising the design, scale and extent of work involved to
ensure that the proposed works is minimal and it will be compatible with the
surrounding environment.
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All relevant statutory requirements for the construction and implementation of
the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will be complied with.
The construction works for the proposed use will be carried out on a concrete
paved road and the extent of works area and excavation will be kept minimal.
The works area will remain in the concrete paved and verge areas and would
not affect the bund areas. Hence, neither wetland habit area nor function of
the wetlands in this part of the WCA will be adversely affected by the
proposed use.
Good site practice will be implemented during construction. During the
operational phase, with the provision of new drainage facilities in the field
studies centre in the GIC site (e.g., sand trap and catch pit etc.), waste, such as
fallen leaves and soil etc., collected in the U-channels within the field studies
centre will be filtered out before directing into the underground pipes.
Since the proposed stormwater pipe will be installed underground that it will
not cause adverse impact to visual quality.
Hence, it is anticipated that neither wetland habitat area nor function of the
wetlands in the Wetland Conservation Area will be adversely affected by the
proposed use.
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4 Technical Justifications
4.1 Drainage System
Drainage Impact Assessment (DIA) and review on potential drainage impact
due to the upgrading of the new field studies centre in the GIC site was carried
out, and proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is a proper and
permanent arrangement which can ensure no adverse drainage impact to the
surrounding areas (please refer to Appendix 1 for the DIA report). The same
report was submitted to DSD and BD for their comment. Both departments
have no comment on the proposal.
According to the DIA report, the proposed underground stormwater pipeline
can divert all stormwater intercepted via the new drainage facilities within the
field studies centre to the designated outfall to a nearby natural stream.
Proper maintenance of the proposed underground pipes will be undertaken by
the applicant to ensure no adverse drainage impact will be caused to the
surrounding areas.
Please refer to Appendix 1 for the Drainage Impact Assessment (DIA) report.
4.2 Ecological Impact
To ensure that there will be no adverse impacts to the wild life, their habitats
as well as the residents in the surrounding areas, careful considerations have
been given when devising the design, scale and extent of work involved to
ensure that the proposed works will be compatible with the surrounding
environment.
All relevant statutory requirements for the construction and implementation of
the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will be complied with.
Since the construction works for the proposed use will be carried out on a
concrete paved road and the extent of works area and excavation has been
minimized, it is anticipated that neither wetland habitat area nor function of the
wetlands in this part of the Wetland Conservation Area will be adversely
affected by the proposed use.
Please refer to Appendix 2 for the Ecological Impact Assessment report.
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5 Planning Justifications
5.1 Proposed Underground Stormwater Drainage Pipe with excavation and
backfilling of land is essential to the upgrading of the field studies centre
in the GIC site and WWF-HK’s public education programme
WWF-HK has been operating education programme for students and the
general public for 40 years. The proposed underground stormwater drainage
pipe is essential to facilitate the upgrade of the new field studies centre in the
GIC site. It provides reliable and permanent drainage arrangement to
discharge the surface run-off intercepted via the new drainage system within
the field studies centre in support of the new public education programme.
In other words, the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will
contribute to comprehensive upgrade of the new field studies centre for better
opportunities to students and the general public from different backgrounds
and sectors of the society to experience the wetlands, to appreciate water birds
and other wildlife.
5.2 Nature of Use and Scale of the Proposed Underground Stormwater
Drainage Pipe are in line with the planning intention of “CA” and “G/IC”
zones
WWF-HK has been conserving with the AFCD to actively conserve the
wetlands and its biodiversity and with Education bureau to develop and run
education programme for students for over 30 years, and the new field studies
centre in the GIC site is an integral component of its education programme.
Monitoring and research are also conducted in the reserve by various
institutions and experts. WWF-HK also uses the field studies centre as a base
to run wetland management training to build up the capacity of reserve
managers in the region, as well as for citizen science-based experience and
projects with youth and other community and volunteer groups. WWF-HK
provides community appreciation /awareness of nature and biodiversity with
nature interpreted guided visits.
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is in-line with the
planning intention of “CA” zone since the proposed use “is an essential
infrastructure project with overriding public interest.” It will support the
field studies centre, which is a GIC facility serving the need of the visitors
through the education programme of the MPNR, which meets the planning
intention of “G/IC” zone.
Besides, the nature of use, design, scale and extent of the proposed
underground stormwater drainage pipe has been carefully considered in order
to minimize any potential impact to the surrounding environment and the flora
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and fauna. Liaison with Drainage Services Department (DSD) has also been
carried out in 2020, and the current proposal is in line with DSD’s suggestion
to facilitate proper and permanent arrangement to discharge of the surface
run-off from the field studies centre.
5.3 No Adverse Environmental Impact
TPB PG-No.12C requires no-net-loss of wetland resulted from any
developments that fall within the boundary of Wetland Conservation Area
(WCA). Since the construction works of the proposed underground
stormwater drainage pipe will only be carried out along an existing pave
concrete road on Tam Kon Chau Road in D.D. 101 and D.D 104 in Mai Po,
and the extent of the works area will be kept minimal, no-net-loss of wetland is
anticipated as the proposed use will not be affecting the bunds and wetland in
the Wetland Conservation Area, and neither area nor function of the wetlands
within MPNR will be adversely affected.
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will be connected to the
new surface run-off drainage system within the field studies centre in GIC site,
and will provide reliable and permanent outfall for the surface run-off
discharge from the PSFSC. Such drainage arrangement will ensure no
adverse drainage impact causing to the surrounding areas.
During construction phase of the proposed use, relevant statutory requirements
will be followed and mitigation measures will be carried out to ensure no
adverse impact will cause to the surrounding environment.
Good site practice will be implemented during construction. Contractors will
be responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of
applicable mitigation measures specified in ProPECC PN 1/94 for construction
site drainage during construction. During the operational phase, with the
provision of new drainage facilities in the field studies centre in the GIC site
(e.g., sand trap and catch pit etc.), waste, such as fallen leaves and soil,
collected in the U-channels will be filtered out before directing into the
underground pipes.
5.4 Reliable and Permanent Stormwater Discharge to Ensure No Adverse
Drainage Impact to the Surrounding Areas
Drainage Impact Assessment (DIA) and review on potential drainage impact
due to the upgrading of the new field studies centre in the GIC site was carried
out, and proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is a reliable and
permanent arrangement which can ensure no adverse drainage impact to the
surrounding areas.
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According to the DIA report, the proposed underground stormwater pipeline
can divert all stormwater intercepted via the new drainage facilities within the
field studies centre in GIC site to the designated outfall to a nearby natural
stream. Proper maintenance of the proposed underground pipes will be
undertaken by the applicant to ensure no adverse drainage impact will be
caused to the surrounding areas.
Please refer to Appendix 1 for the Drainage Impact Assessment (DIA) report.
5.5 No Adverse Ecological Impact
To ensure that there will be no adverse impacts to the wild life, their habitats
as well as the residents in the surrounding areas, careful considerations have
been given when devising the design, scale and extent of work involved to
ensure that the proposed works will be compatible with the surrounding
environment.
All relevant statutory requirements for the construction and implementation of
the proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe will be complied with.
Since the construction works for the proposed use will be carried out on a
concrete paved road and the extent of works area and excavation has been
minimized, it is anticipated that neither wetland habitat area nor function of the
wetlands in this part of the Wetland Conservation Area will be adversely
affected by the proposed use.
5.6 The approval of the application will not set an undesirable precedent
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is a well-thought out
proposal in terms of the design, scale and extent of work, as well as the
construction method, have been carefully considered to ensure that no adverse
impact will be caused to the Wetland Conservation Area and its biodiversity.
The works area of the proposed use is based on the DSD’s technical
specifications and the extent of excavation will be minimal. The proposed
underground stormwater pipe will be installed underground that it will not
cause adverse impact to visual quality.
Besides, the proposed infrastructure upgrading works are in line with the
planning intention of “CA” zone and “G/IC” zone.
The proposed use will support WWF-HK’s public education and conservation
programme at the field studies centre. It will provide more opportunities for
the general public to learn about wetland conservation and sustainable
development. Therefore, the approval of this application will support
WWF-HK’s on-going effort in wetland conservation and public education, and
it will not set an undesirable precedent.
S16 Application for Proposed Underground Stormwater Drainage Pipe and
Excavation and Back-filling of Land on Government Land in DD101 and DD104,
Mai Po PlanArch Consultants Ltd.
\\PLANARCH\Project\Pjt552\App-16 Page 16 of 16 March 2021
6 Conclusion
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is essential to the
upgrading of the new field studies centre in the GIC site and the on-going
development of WWF-Hong Kong’s education programme. It will provide
proper and permanent drainage connection to discharge the surface run-off
intercepted in the field studies centre.
The proposed underground stormwater drainage pipe is a well-thought out
proposal in terms of the design, scale and extent of work, as well as the
construction method, have been carefully considered to ensure that no adverse
impact will be caused to the Wetland Conservation Area and its biodiversity.
The works area of the proposed use is based on the DSD’s technical
specifications and the extent of excavation will be minimal. The proposed
underground stormwater pipe will be installed underground that it will not
cause adverse impact to visual quality. Location, construction methods and
approaches for the upgrading proposals have been carefully considered to
prevent/minimize any potential impacts to wildlife and the surrounding
environment. Hence, no adverse impact on visual, drainage, environment
and ecology is envisaged.
Therefore, in support of the effort to upgrade the essential infrastructure of the
field studies centre and thereby enabling WWF-HK’s mission and commitment
to provide professional wetland management training, deliver education
programmes that empowers students and the general public to recognize the
value of nature, getting insights on how people and nature can thrive and the
urgency needed to restore biodiversity, members of the Town Planning Board
are respectfully requested to give favorable consideration to the application.