Post-implementation Environmental Audit for Pulau Tekong Polder, Publishing of Findings and Implications for Future Empoldering Projects

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for National Development following the completion of the Pulau Tekong polder (a) whether a post-implementation environmental audit will be conducted to compare actual environmental outcomes against the predictions in the project's Environmental Impact Assessment; (b) whether such findings will be published; and (c) how will they inform the assessment of the use of empoldering for future reclamations.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: An Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) was implemented for the Pulau Tekong polder project, which set out detailed mitigation measures and monitoring programmes to minimise the impact of construction works on the environment. The appointed EMMP consultant carried out regular monitoring of the project site in accordance with the measures put in place under the EMMP.

Surveys were also regularly carried out to monitor the intertidal habitats, which showed that there were no significant changes to these habitats before and after construction. In addition, the operation of the polder is expected to have negligible impact on the surrounding environment.

The insights drawn from the Pulau Tekong polder project will inform agencies' assessment of the use of the empoldering method for other land reclamation projects.