XCR(79)113
4 -
mixture with air. However, there would in that case be continued burning of the released gas until it is extinguished. The Director of Fire Services advises that the safety record of these water- sealed gasholders has been excellent both in Hong Kong and overseas.
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10
On the question of the safety distance from a fire risk point of view, the proposed site is rather secluded in that it is bounded by open sea to its south and west, by a sewage treatment plant to its east and by the Shek Pai Wan Road at a higher elevation to its north. The nearest permanent residential developments are the Wah Fu Estate which is at a distance of some 420 metres to its north-west and the Tin Wan Estate at a distance of some 520 metres to its north-east. Since the site is outside the west arm of the Aberdeen typhoon shelter, it is also a considerable distance from the floating population in the area. The Hong Kong Electric Power Station is about 800 metres from the proposed gasholder site, which is also well clear of the overhead transmission lines. According to the Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau Outline Zoning Plan No LH 15/36D and the Pokfulam Outline Development Plan No LH10/27, no new residential/industrial developments have been provided for within a radius of 450 metres from the proposed gasholder site. The Director of Fire Services is satisfied that the proposed site for the gasholder will not pose as a fire hazard to the nearby residential/industrial developments. In particular, he considers the possibility of the power station affecting the gasholder, or vice versa, is extremely remote.
11
As noted in paragraph 2 above, a number of other sites has been examined, including a few which have been suggested by the objectors, but they have been ruled out as not suitable for the purpose. In Hong Kong where land for development is at a premium, it is very difficult to find a site for a gasholder, which has to be reasonably isolated from built-up residential areas and at the same time not too far away from them. The present site which has to be formed by reclamation is virtually the only one which can meet all the different requirements. A few of the other sites may be farther away from residential buildings and do not encounter problems of supply of services, but are nearer to industrial development which is perhaps more undesirable and a greater fire risk.
12
HOT D.
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In order to alleviate the worries of the objectors and the local residents, the objectors and the local kai fong organisations were invited to a meeting held on 6th March 1979 at the City District Office (Southern); which representatives from the Company also attended. It has been explained to the objectors in detail that the proposed gasholder will not pose any environmental or safety threat to the surrounding areas along the lines stated in paragraphs 6 to 10 above, but certain misgivings still remain and they remain unwilling to withdraw their formal objections.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.