Data in the Review and Update of the Railway Development Strategy 2000 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Executive Summary
In response to media enquiries regarding the data in the Review and Update of the Railway Development Strategy 2000 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Executive Summary, a spokesman for the Highways Department gave the following response today (September 19):
During the process of compiling the data in the Review and Update of the Railway Development Strategy 2000 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Executive Summary, the consultant printed incorrectly the figures of areas with high ecological value habitats that would be affected by the Northern Link and Kwu Tong Station, and the South Island Line (West) in Table 4.1; and the areas of natural woodland, wetlands, and natural watercourse in paragraph 5.3.2.
The consultant instantaneously reviewed the data and rectified the content of the document. The correct content is as follows:
Table 4.1 (P.10 of the Executive Summary)
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Northern Link and Kwu Tung Station: Areas with High Ecological Value Habitats ~ 4.4 ha
South Island Line (West): Areas with High Ecological Value Habitats ~ 1 ha
Paragraph 5.3.2 (P.19 of the Executive Summary)
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The assessments have so far determined that, of most significance, the currently proposed above ground alignments would affect some high ecological value habitats including a rough order of 4.1 hectures (ha) of natural woodland (<0.1% of Hong Kong's overall resource), 0.6 ha of wetlands (including marsh areas) (or <0.2%) and 0.9 ha of natural watercourse (or <0.2%).
The consultant expressed apologies to the public for any misunderstanding caused.
Ends/Friday, September 19, 2014