An Environmental Permit has been granted to the Airport Authority for the construction and operation of the proposed permanent aviation fuel facility in Tuen Mun Area 38.

The Environmental Protection Department said today the move has been approved with conditions outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment report submitted by the authority.

With the implementation of the report's recommended mitigation measures, the department believes the project will not cause unacceptable environmental impact. It has set out a full package of stringent environmental requirements and measures.

The authority must form a Community Liaison Group to enhance communication with the public. It also needs to conduct a design audit to ensure the proper implementation of all necessary design measures.

To ensure a high degree of transparency, the authority should form a dedicated website for the project and install web cameras on site during construction to provide 24-hour monitoring.

Noting the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance only deals with the project's environmental acceptability, the department said the project proponent still needs to comply with other legislation.