HK pioneers 3D tools in environmental impact assessment

Hong Kong has become the first place in the world to introduce three-dimensional (3D) environmental impact assessment 'public engagement tools'.

The concept has taken the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process to the next level, and the Environmental Protection Department is encouraging adoption of the tools by proponents of large-scale projects.

Assistant Director of Environmental Protection Elvis Au said today (October 17) the 3D process would make it easier for people to understand complex projects and issues and thus promote continuous public involvement and stakeholder engagement.

He said this was in line with recent Government policy to promote public dialogue on major development projects and involve people throughout project planning and implementation.

The first project adopting the tools in the EIA process will be the department's Northeast New Territories Landfill Extension.

Traditionally, graphic output is used to illustrate the various development scenarios. Likely impact and mitigation options submitted as part of the EIA process are in the form of two-dimensional hardcopy plans or described in text.

This type of presentation, while sufficient to communicate information to a technical audience, is not easily understood by the public at large who often find it difficult to understand a project, give comments or offer suggestions.

With 3D public engagement tools, baseline environmental conditions can be illustrated by digital 3D models with easy-to-understand visualisations.

As different options and their environmental performance can be presented in 3D models through various coloured illustrations, graphics or multi-media images or videos, people can easily visualise and compare their advantages and disadvantages.

Mitigation measures can also be visualised prior to their construction and implementation, giving people a better understanding of a project. They can make use of the tools to offer suggestions and alternative options.

"Consensus can be developed through such information exchange, engagement and informed dialogue process offered by the tools," Mr Au said.

"Such an interactive process not only increases the transparency of the EIA process, but also facilitates scenario testing and more efficient problem-solving."

To promote the application of the 3D EIA public engagement process and to disseminate the tools, the department, in conjunction with various professional bodies and other Government departments, organised seminars in May and June this year for more than 400 professionals, officials, academics, consultants, community group members and interested individuals. The responses were positive and encouraging.

In a further effort to increase public awareness of the 3D EIA public engagement tools, demonstrations of two fictitious projects have been uploaded on the EIA Ordinance website at www.epd.gov.hk/eia/3deia/index.html

People are welcome to try the 3D tools to experience the essential phases of the EIA process, including baseline condition studies, alternative option studies, impact assessment and mitigation measures.

In addition to the 3D EIA public engagement tools, Hong Kong is among the first places in the world to provide web-based information on environmental performance and EIA of major projects for access by the public.

The use of real-time web cameras for EIA follow-up is also a world first. Real-time cameras have been installed at selected major construction sites since April 2002 so the general public, the project proponents, Government departments and net surfers can monitor construction progress and compliance with the EIA Ordinance.

Ends/Sunday, October 17, 2004