What is the Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility? The Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility (PAFF) is a depot supplying fuel for the aircraft that use Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Located at Tuen Mun Area 38, an industrial area zoned for use as a fuel depot, the PAFF is a straightforward facility that is managed by one operator. The PAFF stores only one product — aviation fuel — which arrives by ship and is transported to HKIA by undersea pipelines. Why does Hong Kong need the PAFF? The PAFF is needed to provide a secure, reliable supply of fuel for the 800 flights that takeoff and land at HKIA each day. It will replace the temporary fuel facility at Sha Chau that will reach capacity in 2009. Without the PAFF, HKIA will not be able to meet future demand, a situation that would threaten Hong Kong’s position as a regional and international aviation centre. That is important because aviation accounts for HK$40 billion of Hong Kong’s gross domestic product, 60,000 direct jobs and tens of thousands of indirect employment opportunities. How did the PAFF come about? In 1989, the Government began planning the construction of HKIA and a permanent fuel facility as part of it. In 1991, a comprehensive site-selection process for the PAFF began. The Government, the Advisory Council on the Environment and Tuen Mun District Council were all consulted during this process, which included an exhaustive review of all potential sites. The PAFF will replace the existing temporary fuel facility at Sha Chau that will reach capacity in 2009. The PAFF site must: Have a water depth of 17 metres Include sufficient land Offer a viable route for pipelines to HKIA Be environmentally acceptable Be completed on a timely basis Tuen Mun Area 38 met all the criteria and is the most suitable site for the PAFF. How safe is the PAFF? The PAFF’s design and safety systems meet or exceed Hong Kong and international standards. The distance between the tanks and the PAFF boundary is 28.5 metres. This exceeds the Hong Kong standard (10 metres) and international requirements (7.25 – 15 metres). The bund wall is 4.8 metres high. This is sufficient to hold 150% of the largest tank's contents. The Hong Kong standard requires 110% of the largest tank’s capacity. The tanks will be surrounded by a b und wall, and by two additional security walls. The bund walls are recessed into the surrounding earth for added strength. The PAFF’s automated shutdown system will prevent fuel spillage outside the tanks. Regular safety drills and tests will be performed before and after commencement of operation. What is the Community Liaison Group? In July 2007, HKIA formed the Community Liaison Group (CLG) to enhance transparency and communication with nearby residents. The CLG includes representatives from Tuen Mun District Council, Tuen Mun Area Committees, business operator at Tuen Mun Area 38 and a university professor. CLG members will serve a two-year term. The CLG will hold regular meetings, make site visits to the PAFF and conduct safety drills. It will also discuss issues related to the facility, monitor its construction and ensure that safety measures are effective. Conclusion Safety is the first priority in all aspects of HKIA’s operations. This applies to the PAFF, which was designed and built to be one of the world’s safest fuel depots. The PAFF is an essential addition to HKIA’s infrastructure. It will provide a reliable fuel supply that will allow HKIA to meet future demand and maintain Hong Kong’s role as an aviation hub. Now under construction, the PAFF is scheduled for completion in 2009. For additional information on the PAFF, please visit http://www.paffhk.com.