Oral Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Janil Puthucheary to Parliamentary Question on Cross Island Line Environmental Impact Assessment

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government will undertake a final environmental impact assessment study to consider the holistic impact of the Cross Island MRT Line before making a decision on which of the two existing alignment options to choose from.

Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Janil Puthucheary:

1.     In 2013, the Land Transport Authority, or LTA, engaged a global specialist consultant to embark on a comprehensive and extensive Environmental Impact Assessment, or EIA, for a segment of the Cross Island Line, or CRL, near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, or CCNR in short. The study was divided into two phases with the first phase focusing on the environmental impact of undertaking site investigation works on the CCNR. The second phase of the study focused on the potential environmental impact of the construction and operational phases of the CRL. Together, they would provide a complete assessment of the environmental impact of the project.

2.     Findings from Phase 1 of the EIA concluded that the site investigations works, with the implementation of mitigating measures and controlled access, could be carried out with moderate impact on the few parts of the nature reserve where these works were to take place. They were gazetted in February 2016 and were widely reported in the media. The Nature Groups were also invited to observe the actual conduct of the site investigation works in the CCNR.

3.     Phase 2 of the EIA took a further three years, and the findings were gazetted in September 2019. The Phase 2 EIA was conducted based on a robust set of engineering schemes, which were independently reviewed by an International Panel of Advisors. The report concluded that both underground alignment options are feasible with appropriate mitigating measures. LTA has posted a copy of the report on its website for public viewing and feedback.

4.     In undertaking Phase 2 of the EIA, LTA engaged with stakeholders for both alignments. These included discussions and site visits with the Nature Groups as well as local grassroots leaders and residents who may be affected. Their feedback has helped LTA develop a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate the potential impact during the construction and operation of CRL.

5.     There are no plans for a further EIA.