The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) is planning to extend Woodlands Checkpoint (WCP) to Old Woodlands Checkpoint (OWC) and Old Woodlands Town Centre (OWTC) to meet projected cross border demand as well as enhance safety and security at the checkpoint. Given that this development lies close to several sensitive human residential sites and ecologically sensitive sites, two Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies have been conducted to assess the potential environmental impact and mitigation measures for the construction and operation of (i) WCP extension to OWC and OWTC; and (ii) External infrastructure works for WCP extension. 

WCP extension to OWC and OWTC

The EIA report has assessed that no significant impacts are predicted for this project in terms of biodiversity, hydrology, water quality and air quality after the implementation of mitigation measures during the construction and operational phases of the project. While major noise impact during the construction phase is expected due to low ambient noise levels in forested and undisturbed area, mitigation measures were adopted to reduce the impacts to as low as reasonably practicable, and the noise impact area and duration have been reduced as much as possible. 

External Infrastructure Works for WCP extension 

The EIA report has assessed that no significant impacts are predicted for this project in terms of biodiversity and ecology, airborne noise, surface hydrology and water quality, ground vibration, and air quality after the implementation of mitigation measures during the project’s construction and operational phases. Notable predicted impacts on ecological and biodiversity receptors include a limited loss of terrestrial habitats, flora, and ecological connectivity. Given the spatially limited extent of habitat loss and fragmentation, and the proposed mitigation measures which include the establishment of green buffers, enhancement plantings with native flora species, and incorporation of vertical greenery, the residual impact significance is reduced. Predicted impacts arising from this project to human receptors are generally of low concern.

Mitigation measures, including ecological and environmental monitoring, wildlife shepherding, and pre-felling fauna inspections, have also been developed as part of the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) in the EIA reports to address potential environmental impacts. The EMMP will be implemented during the construction period for both (i) WCP extension to OWC and OWTC; and (ii) External infrastructure works for WCP extension.

The EIA reports will be available for public viewing by appointment only at CPG Consultants Pte Ltd, Level 25, 1 Gateway Drive, Westgate Tower from 03 Aug 2023 to 30 Aug 2023. To view the reports, please contact Ms Tabitha Isaac Benjamin at Tabitha_Isaac_Benjamin@ica.gov.sg and Ms Yap Hui Pei at Yap_Hui_Pei@ica.gov.sg. 

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
03 AUGUST 2023