Process in Engaging Stakeholders on Reclamation Projects with Potential Ecological Consequences

116 Ms Valerie Lee asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the steps that the Ministry takes when engaging stakeholders on reclamation projects that may have potential ecological consequences; and (b) how are such stakeholder groups identified.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Under Singapore's Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) framework, reclamation projects with potential ecological or trans-boundary impacts are required to undergo detailed environmental studies to assess the potential impacts on our coastlines and marine environment, and to develop appropriate mitigating measures. These studies take into account surrounding habitats that may be affected by the works.

Developing agencies will engage stakeholders, such as nature groups, academics and researchers, for feedback on the environmental study's scope, findings and proposed mitigation measures. Interested members of the public can also view the environmental study report and share their feedback with developing agencies when EIA is publicly disclosed. Such studies and engagements are done early in the planning process, so that inputs can be incorporated in the reclamation and development plans before implementation.