The Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD) today submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for the reclamation work required by the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI) project.

The proposed KYCAI is currently at its study and planning stage, and would involve the reclamation of 1,000 hectares of land.

The CEDD prepared the EIA Report for the reclamation work in accordance with provisions in the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO), the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process, and the EIA Study Brief.

The CEDD said that a comprehensive ecological survey had been carried out, and that an advanced simulation model was adopted with respect to hydrodynamics and water quality in order to assess potential environmental impacts in accordance with requirements under the EIAO. Appropriate mitigation and precautionary measures were also formulated.

The CEDD engaged local, overseas and Mainland experts specialised in environmental and ecological matters to make assessments relating to hydrodynamics, water quality, ecology, fisheries and more.

In addition to the EIA Report submitted today, the CEDD is required to complete EIAs on other aspects of the project including strategic roads and land development. It will commence detailed engineering designs in a progressive manner.

In accordance with statutory procedures and requirements under the EIAO, the EPD will review the relevant EIA Report within 60 days of receiving it. It will then determine whether it is suitable for public inspection, in which case the statutory EIA process can begin.

The Government said it will take into consideration relevant studies and overall planning with regard to land creation and infrastructure, in mapping out an implementation strategy for the project in a steady and prudent manner.