Shanghai yesterday announced it is seeking public opinions on the environmental impact of two new ferry wharves to be built at Dishui Lake in Nanhui District.

 

The ferry wharves are a key part of the city's plan to build a large amusement complex around the country's biggest man-made lake, opened in 2003.

 

The Shanghai Branch of Yangtze River Water Resources Protection Institute was appointed by the district's lake managers to conduct an environmental assessment of the project. The assessment report, which includes public opinions, will decide whether the project can be implemented.

 

"We want to collect extensive public viewpoints for the sake of environmental protection," Qiu Xunping, an official of the institute's assessment group, said yesterday.

 

She said if there are obvious objection to the project, it will be adjusted or delayed for improvement. Locals can send letters to wuqiu@online.sh.cn no later than September 16.

 

According to a preliminary plan, the two wharves, one for sightseeing boats and the other for speed boats, will be built in the northwest of the lake, including a 2,000-square-meter viewing platform.

 

However, the construction may affect the ecological balance in the area. For instance, sewage produced from the project could pollute the lake, the noise of construction machines will disturb neighboring residents and the vibration of speed boats could scare fish, experts said.

 

The lake is located in the very eastern tip of the city as part of New Lingang City now being built, connected to Yangshan Deep-Water Port through the Donghai Bridge.

 

Dishui Lake, which means "Water Drop Lake" in Chinese, measures 5.56 kilometers, similar to the size of the famed West Lake of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. However, the latter is surrounded by scenic attractions and heritage sites.

 

As Shanghai is short of scenic attractions, the city governors plan to build an entertainment complex around the lake, containing two star-rated hotels, an amusement park and water sport clubs.

 

(Shanghai Daily September 7, 2007)