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Within the airport implementation programme, there are potential constraints in addition to the construction and evaluation of the recommended test-fill. The financial feasibility of the airport programme must be established at the earliest opportunity. The Royal Observatory's oceanographic and meteorological studies should be continued and expanded. A series of environmental studies is recommended. The Master Planning, deve- lopment of definitive design criteria and preliminary design of the land reclamation should begin as early as the needed input can be made available.
The most critical activity involved in the airport's construction is probably the excavation of the islands of Chek Lap Kok and Lam Chau. This aspect of construction involves very large quantities of earth and rock, much of which will require drilling and blasting. This activity entails an equipment-intensive operation requiring large earthmoving equipment, large quantities of explosives, extensive drilling equipment, etc. The development schedule is predicated on an average production rate of 60,000 m3 each day (requiring a 24-hour operation) and a reasonable allowance of time for shutdown due to weather and/or equipment breakdown. The Consultants recognize that a 36-month period for this activity will be difficult to maintain and estimate that this will prove to be the most critical item pacing the construction schedule. It will, therefore, require very careful planning in the design phase.
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