The Drainage Master Plan Studies for the Yuen Long, Kam Tin, Ngau Tam Mei and Tin Shui Wai Drainage Basin (YLDMP) were completed in 1998.  The majority of the improvement works in Yuen Long and Kam Tin recommended under the YLDMP Study have been completed.  Since completion of the DMP Studies, there were changes in developments within the areas and new development proposals and town planning studies were commissioned. In addition, some new flooding complaints were received at the upstream areas of the drainage basins, indicating that further improvement to the drainage systems was required.

Currently, the four villages are susceptible to flooding in the existing drainage system.  The Drainage Services Department (DSD) commissioned the “Review of Drainage Master Plans in Yuen Long and North Districts – Feasibility Study” (DMP Review Study) in 2008 so that the new development scenarios could be incorporated and the effectiveness of the previously recommended works could also be assessed. The DMP Review Study completed in end of 2011 identified that some areas in Yuen Long District could not meet the required flood protection level according to the latest land use changes and future developments taking into account various factors, including sedimentation at the downstream main channels, mangrove growth at river estuaries, updated extreme sea level statistics at Tsim Bei Tsui and projected climate change impacts, in the hydraulic analysis.  To account for the severity and extent of possible flooding and the works implementation time, the DMP Review Study proposed drainage improvement works in Yuen Long District.  The DSD carried out a further review on the proposed works under the Project and it was considered feasible to improve the existing drainage condition for the four villages in Yuen Long. The proposed drainage improvement works aims to alleviate the flooding spots in the villages.

The Project is a designated project under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap. 499) for which Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual were prepared by Atkins Hong Kong Limited and approved by the EPD (Register No.: AEIAR-229/2021) on 3 June 2021.  The Environmental Permit (EP) (No. EP-596/2021) was issued by the EPD on 28 September 2021.

The Project is located at four villages namely Sung Shan New Village, Tai Wo, Lin Fa Tei and Ha Che.

The Project includes:

Sung Shan New Village

• Upgrading of a 610 m (approx.) long existing stream to a rectangular channel.

Tai Wo

• Construction of a 290 m (approx.) long rectangular channel.

Lin Fa Tei

• Construction of a 150 m (approx.) long rectangular channel connecting to the Shui Tsan Tin stream;
• Upgrading of a 780 m (approx.) long existing stream to a rectangular channel;
• Deepening of a 240 m (approx.) long existing rectangular channel; and
• Construction of a 1650 mm (approx.) diameter drainage pipe along a section of the Kam Sheung Road.

Ha Che

• Upgrading of 600 m (approx.) existing stream to a rectangular channel;
• Construction of an additional twin 1500 mm (approx.) diameter drains underneath the Fan Kam Road; and
• Upgrading of a 170 m (approx.) existing stream to rectangular channel.

Upon completion of the proposed channel widening and new drainage culvert works, there will be reduction of flood risk around Sung Shan New Village, Tai Wo, Lin Fa Tei and Ha Che.  In addition to improving the flood situation in the villages, the proposed landscaping works of the channels will revitalize the channels in terms of visual and landscape treatment for public enjoyment and blending into the environment.