XN000022-1995-04-26 — Page 53

(c)

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whether the Planning Department will be able to complete the report of the study before the land lease of the clay mine situated at the above- mentioned site expires in 1996; if not, what actions the relevant departments will take to solve the noise and air pollution problems caused by the mine to residents in Cha Kwo Ling and Laguna City?

Reply:

Mr President,

The answers to the three-part question are -

(a)

The Planning Department commissioned the Central and East Kowloon Development Statement Consultancy study in December 1994. The objective of the study is to provide a broad planning framework to guide the planning and development of Central and East Kowloon up to 2011 having regard to Metroplan and the latest strategic planning, transport and infrastructure proposals relevant to the study area. The study area covers Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin and part of Kowloon City. The land use of Cha Kwo Ling, Kwun Tong is covered by this study.

(b)

Upon completion of the above-mentioned study, relevant district boards will be consulted on its findings and recommendations.

(c)

The study is scheduled for completion in February 1996 which is before The the expiry of the land lease of the clay mine in mid-1996. Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been and will be continuing its monitoring on the operation of the clay mine against any breaches of the statutory limits under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap.311) and the Noise Control Ordinance (Cap.400). Further legislative control, in the form of a licence control system under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance will be in place by August 1995. By then, EPD can impose licensing conditions on the operator to tighten the control over air emissions. The operator has commissioned a consultant to work out the necessary upgrading measures with a view to reducing air emissions to the minimum.

End/Wednesday, April 26, 1995