As there has been a change in the development concept for the mega-land reclamation off the southern coast of Penang – both in the design and the statement of need – our view is that a new environmental impact assessment is required.
In fact, one of the 71 conditions imposed on the state in respect of the environmental impact assessment, which was approved on 11 April, is that, if there is any change in the development concept, a fresh approval from the director general of the Department of Environment (DoE) is required. Hence, the department’s approval must be sought again.
It is our view that, since the project involves only one island now [instead of the previous three islands], there must be a new environmental impact assessment done.
For example, there needs to be a new hydraulic and hydrology impact assessment which covers current flows, water levels, wave conditions, sedimentation and erosion. All this will change as a result of having one island now instead of three islands, as was the case earlier.
In addition, the shrimp migration study, which was required to be done earlier under the just-approved environmental impact assessment, has not yet been completed. This is a vital component to be assessed since the reclamation of island A involves 2,300 acres, which is still very significant in terms of the impacts to marine life, shrimp migration, food security and so on.
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Moreover, the statement of need for the project has also changed, now that the federal government is providing the funds needed to address the transport woes of the state.
The state cannot rely on the DoE’s approval [of the environmental assessment] of April and proceed with the environmental management plan in view of the change that has occurred.
Meena Raman is president of Sahabat Alam Malaysia
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