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The Environmental Impact Assessment Appeal Board today (July 30) confirmed the decision of the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) not to approve the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and not to issue an Environmental Permit for the project.
The Appeal Board's determination was made after 27 days of hearing between April and June arising out of an appeal filed by the Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) against the decision of the DEP.
A Government spokesman said, "We note the determination of the Appeal Board."
"The Government is committed to the sustainable development of Hong Kong by integrating environmental concerns in the planning and implementation of capital works projects including infrastructure projects. We have also been looking into ways of improving coordination within the Government in reaching this goal," he added.
"DEP's decision is specifically related to the option proposed in the EIA report and not a decision about the need for the Spur Line to address the problem of congestion at Lo Wu and its benefits to the sustainable development of Hong Kong," the spokesman explained.
The spokesman also said, "The Government is committed to the Spur Line project. Transport Bureau will urgently discuss with KCRC the best way forward for the project having regard to the comments and observations in the judgement of the Appeal Board."
"The Environmental Protection Department will accord high priority to any further proposal from the KCRC as may be required," the spokesman added.
End/Monday, July 30, 2001
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