HK authority hails environmental permit for airport expansion

Hong Kong's Airport Authority (AA) said on Friday it welcomes the approval of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and issuance of an Environmental Permit ( EP) for the proposed expansion of Hong Kong International Airport.

Fred Lam, chief executive officer of the AA, said, "We are delighted to obtain the EP. It marks a major step in Hong Kong's pursuit of strengthening its long-term competitiveness and leading aviation hub status."

"The AA is committed to carrying out all the mitigation measures proposed in the three-runway system (3RS) EIA report, and fully complying with all the conditions listed by the Environmental Protection Department in a highly prudent, transparent and professional manner," added Lam. "Our aim is to achieve a balance between economic development and conservation."

Lam said, "The AA will kick-start the marine park proposal by developing a management plan for a 2,400-hectare marine park, as committed to in the EIA report."

It represents the largest of its kind in Hong Kong.

"To further enhance early protection for the Chinese White Dolphins (CWDs), the AA will also devise a Marine Traffic Routes and Management Plan for high-speed ferries operating out of the SkyPier, to minimize the chance of disturbance in western waters," Lam explained.

Stressing that the airport is currently operating very close to its maximum capacity, he said expanding the airport into a three- runway system will allow Hong Kong to meet its long-term air traffic demand, while generating local employment and facilitating economic development.

The AA is currently reviewing the cost estimate and associated funding arrangement, now that the scheme design for the 3RS project has been substantially completed. For the next stage, the AA will submit to the Hong Kong government its recommendation for how to take the project forward, and proceed to completing other necessary statutory procedures once it obtains approval.

"We target to obtain all the necessary approvals to expand the airport, with the aim of having the 3RS fully operational in 2023, " said Lam.