Oral answer by Ministry of National Development on the environmental impact from and developmental planning for the Long Island reclamation project
Jan 9, 2024
*5468. Dr Lim Wee Kiak: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what is the projected environmental impact, specifically concerning marine life and habitats, from the Long Island reclamation project; and (b) whether the Government will involve environmental groups and nature researchers in stakeholder consultations to assess and mitigate potential ecological consequences before commencing the project.
*5485. Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what steps will be taken to ensure that construction on the Long Island reclaimed site will not significantly impact sensitive marine habitats like coral reefs; (b) whether a public consultation will be carried out; and (c) whether the nature groups have been or will be consulted from an early stage on this process.
*5536. Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling: To ask the Minister for National Development in relation to the "Long Island" project (a) what have been the considerations for population and developmental planning along East Coast Parkway; (b) what is the longer-term impact on property prices in the area; and (c) whether significant traffic infrastructures will be required to facilitate smooth traffic flow adjoining the areas.
*5539. Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) where will the sand for the land reclamation works as part of the “Long Island” project be sourced from; and (b) whether the Government will conduct a study to evaluate the social and ecological impact that any sand-dredging works will have on the surrounding ecosystem and communities.
Answer:
Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to give a combined reply to PQs number 5, 6, and 7, in today’s Order Paper?
2 Sir, my response will also cover matters raised in the question by Associate Professor Jamus Lim, scheduled for the subsequent sitting on 10 January. I invite the Member to seek clarifications if need be. If the question has been addressed, it may not be necessary to proceed with the question for future sittings.
Environmental Considerations and Mitigation Measures
3 Sir, Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Mr Louis Ng have asked about the environmental impact of the ‘Long Island’ reclamation.
4 As with all other land reclamation projects, before we proceed with the ‘Long Island’ reclamation, detailed environmental studies will be conducted to assess the environmental impacts, and to develop appropriate mitigating measures. These studies will take into account surrounding marine habitats, including intertidal flats and coral communities. We will also explore ways to incorporate nature-based solutions into the design of Long Island to minimise the environmental impact of the reclamation, as we seek to tackle the effects of sea-level rise. We will engage the nature community, academics and researchers, and the public for feedback on the environmental studies and mitigation measures, before commencing reclamation work.
Planning of developments in East Coast Parkway and Long Island
5 Miss Cheryl Chan asked about the considerations for and the impact of the planned developments at East Coast Parkway and ‘Long Island’.
6 Our key considerations are the need for coastal protection for the low-lying East Coast area due to future sea-level rise, and the need to create land to meet Singapore’s longer-term developmental needs. ‘Long Island’ will integrate coastal protection measures with our reclamation plans, while strengthening our flood resilience and our water supply. It offers an integrated solution to meet the multiple needs of future generations, including the building of new homes with a quality living environment comprising coastal and reservoir parks, and amenities, as well as creating new jobs. By reclaiming ‘Long Island’ away from the current coastline, we can achieve coastal protection, the strengthening of our water supply, and creation of new tracts of land, while retaining the existing East Coast Park largely as it is.
7 Given its scale, planning and implementing of ‘Long Island’ will take a few decades. We are only at the very beginning of the process – kickstarting environmental and engineering studies to determine feasibility, as well as the shape and form of ‘Long Island’. At a later stage, agencies will undertake further studies to ensure that the area is well developed, with quality housing, network of new green spaces integrated with East Coast Park, and good transport connectivity. We recognise that many people and stakeholders will be keen to understand and know more about the project and how it may potentially impact them; residents, businesses, nature and heritage groups, the sporting and water sports community, park users, maritime industry and many more groups. That is why we are starting our planning and engagement early.
8 Associate Professor Jamus Lim asked about the source of reclamation sand.
9 The import of reclamation sand to Singapore is conducted on a commercial basis, and sand is imported from a variety of sources.
10 Importers must abide by the laws and regulations of source countries. These include sourcing from legally permissible areas, obtaining the proper export documentation and permits from the relevant authorities, as well as complying with local environmental regulations governing proper extraction and transport within source countries. Where applicable, our agencies will check that the necessary environmental related approvals from source countries are in order before contractors are allowed to commence sand imports.