Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. SCI508-T1/2025G
Project Title: Development of a Geological Heritage Trail on Lamma Island (hereinafter known as the “Project”)
1. BACKGROUND
The Applicant will conduct a feasibility study for the development of a Geological Heritage Trail on Lamma Island to promote geotourism and geological education. The trail will connect key geological sites, including Kamikaze Cave (神風洞), Sok Kwu Wan abandoned quarries, and granite tors near Mount Stenhouse. The proposed trail route spans ~4–5 km and covers an area of~50 hectares, integrating existing footpaths to minimize habitat disruption. Infrastructure will include interpretive signage with QR codes linking to geological explanations, boardwalks over sensitive coastal zones, and viewing platforms at strategic points. Facilities such as rest areas, waste bins, and an information kiosk will also be established. The proposed trail alignment and conservation zones are shown in Appendix A.
2. OBJECTIVES OFTHE EIA STUDY
To identify, evaluate and address any potential geological impacts arising from the Project and to propose measures to mitigate these impacts.
3. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EIA STUDY
3.1The Scope
This EIA study shall address key issues on potential geological impact arising from the construction and operation of the Project. Related issues may include coastal landscape preservation, technical viability, environmental impacts on coastal ecosystems, etc.
3.2Technical Requirements
3.2.1 The Applicant shall conduct the EIA study to address the environmental aspects of the activities as described in the scope as set out above. The assessment shall be based on the best and latest information available during the course of the EIA study.
3.2.2 Geological Impact
3.2.2.1 The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing landscape impact as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM respectively.
3.2.2.2 The assessment area for the purpose of the geological impact assessment shall include a reasonable area, and any other areas likely to be impacted by the Project.
3.2.2.3 The geological surveys at the Project area shall be carefully planned and carried out so as to avoid potential impacts on geological features or any species of conservation importance.
3.2.2.4 The geological impact assessment for the construction and operation of the Project shall follow the detailed technical requirements given in Appendix B of this EIA study brief.
Appendix A
Map of the proposed Geological Heritage Trail
Appendix B
Requirements for Landscape Impact Assessment
General Requirements
1. Landscape assessment shall cover the followings:
(i) a baseline study to provide for a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape;
(ii) a review of the relevant planning and development control framework; and
(iii) recommendations on the required mitigation measures and implementation programme.
2. The Applicant shall appraise and analyse the existing landscape resource and character of the study area. The assessment shall focus particularly on the sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change.
3. The Applicant shall review relevant plans and studies so as to have an insight to the future outlook of the area affected and the means by which the project can fit into the environment.
4. The Applicant shall recommend mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified in above. The mitigation measures shall include the retention of vegetation, transplanting of mature trees, provision of screen planting, revegetation of disturbed land, reprovisioning of amenity areas, design of structures, provision of finishes to structures, and any measures to mitigate the disturbance to the existing land use.
5. The Applicant shall follow the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing landscape as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM respectively.
Specific Requirements
1. Geological Field Measurements
(i) to record the dimensions of granite joints, fractures, or tors (e.g., width, spacing);
(ii) to test rock hardness using a simplified Mohs scale kit (e.g., scratching granite with steel nails, glass); and
2. Trail Route Mapping
(i) Map the proposed trail route with a suitable scale (1:5000 to 1:10000), marking waypoints for geological sites by showing the types and locations of geological features in the assessment area;
(ii) description of the physical environment, including all recognized sites of conservation importance and geological sensitive areas, and assessment of whether these sites/areas will be affected by the Project; and
(iii) Conduct a “walkability” assessment of existing paths along the proposed trail (e.g., measuring path width, surface stability).