Airport News

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has submitted a project profile to the Director of Environmental Protection to move ahead with the new HK$136.2bn ($17.5bn) third runway after the proposal was passed by the government.

AAHK Projects deputy director Kevin Poole said: "What we submitted today outlines the basic information about the project, as well as the potential impacts on the environment which shall be addressed in the EIA study covering air quality, water quality, noise, marine ecology, fisheries, waste management, landscape, visual and cultural heritage."

According to AAHK, the project submission marks the beginning of a statutory environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, which is part of an environmental impact assessment ordinance (EIAO).

AAHK chief executive officer Stanley Hui Hon-chung said the expansion of HKIA will enhance Hong Kong's long-term development and overall competitiveness.

"The EIA study is a critical element of the planning phase to develop HKIA into a three-runway system and we will conduct it in a highly engaging, transparent and professional manner," Hon-chung said.

The EIAO will allow the public to submit their comments on the project profile prior to the issue of an EIA study brief, which will detail the scope of environmental issues to be met and the requirements it needs to fulfil.

After receiving the brief, AAHK and its consultants will conduct a series of studies to evaluate potential environmental impact and further begin a series of stakeholder engagement activities to share the views of the public.

The study brief process will be followed by the EIA study, which is expected to be completed in two years, during which AAHK will organise exhibitions, talks, airport visits, roundtable briefings and meetings to develop understanding and share views among stakeholders.