An Environmental Impact Assessment indicates up to minor impact on some terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Some coral and seagrass beds found near the work site may experience short-term and localised impact from the sediment plumes. However, the majority of coral and seagrass in the vicinity, including Sisters’ Island Marine Park, are largely unaffected.
The area that is used for preparatory works is not reflective of the future land profile of ‘Long Island’.
The area that is used for preparatory works is not reflective of the future land profile of ‘Long Island’.
This project will span a few decades, agencies will continue to engage Singaporeans and stakeholders to shape the plans and design for ‘Long Island’ at various stages of the planning process in the years ahead.
Share your feedback here https://form.gov.sg/675fc8ff28a3ca9ebd83c21b
Full EIA available on the HDB website here
Minister Chee Hong Tat speaks on Facebook.
Joint HDB-URA statement
Preparatory Works for 'Long Island' Project to Commence From End-2026; Measures to Be Implemented to Mitigate Impact on the Environment and Community
HDB website 30 June 2026
Preparatory works for ‘Long Island’, Singapore’s large-scale critical coastal protection strategy, will commence from end-2026. The Housing & Development Board (HDB), the appointed reclamation agent for ‘Long Island’, will implement measures to mitigate the impact of preparatory works on the environment and community, based on findings from an Environmental Study. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) also reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue engaging stakeholders on the planning and design of ‘Long Island’ before finalising reclamation plans.
Preparatory works to be carried out progressively, with measures to minimise disruption
2 ‘Long Island’ is a critical coastal protection measure to safeguard lives and livelihoods, as rising sea levels increasingly affect low-lying coastal areas, including Singapore’s East Coast. Given the scale of the project, preparatory works are essential to lay the groundwork for the future land reclamation for ‘Long Island’. This is to support the timely implementation of ‘Long Island’ to respond to climate risks and meet our national needs.
3 The preparatory works will take place in the waters off the East Coast, and primarily involve the removal of seabed obstructions, followed by the construction of temporary sand bunds and sand infilling. The works will be at least 130m away from the shoreline and will be clearly demarcated by silt screens and/or floating barriers.
4 The preparatory works will be conducted in phases. The first phase will start in end-2026 and will be carried out in the waters west of Bedok Jetty. The first phase will cover an area of approximately 570 ha, and it will span around 7km in length from east to west, and up to 1km wide from north to south.
5 The second phase of preparatory works will be carried out in the waters to the east of Bedok Jetty, and will cover an area of approximately 155 ha. To facilitate the continued use of part of the sea space fronting East Coast Park for water sports and the hosting of major international sporting events, including the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2029, the second phase will only commence after the completion of these events. More details on the commencement date of the second phase will be shared when ready.
6 Members of the public can continue to access the beaches along East Coast Park throughout the preparatory works. Beaches will remain open and accessible for near-shore swimming, while all exercise paths and tracks will remain accessible for jogging and cycling. However, sea users are advised to maintain a safe distance from the marine vessels deployed for the works and the designated work area which will be cordoned off to ensure public safety. Safety advisories will be put up at East Coast Park and on agencies’ websites(1).
Mitigation measures to guide sensitive implementation of preparatory works
7 HDB commissioned an Environmental Study for the preparatory works to study the potential impact of works on the environment and the community. The Environmental Study identified mitigation measures that should be adopted to address the potential environmental impact. As part of the Environmental Study process, HDB consulted the nature groups on the scope of study.
8 The Environmental Study identified the following key findings and mitigation measures for the preparatory works:
a) No significant changes to water quality, which will continue to meet the prevailing marine water quality criteria;
b) Slight localised changes to the currents and waves near Bedok Jetty, which are expected to have minimal impact on existing water-based activities. Near-shore activities such as swimming can continue along the entire stretch of the East Coast;
c) Up to minor visual and ambient air quality impact from sand infilling operations are expected, with intermittent sediment plumes and dust. To minimise impact, silt screens will be deployed to contain the sediment plumes and dust levels will be closely monitored;
d) Up to minor impact on some terrestrial and marine biodiversity as there are some coral and seagrass beds found near the site of the preparatory works that may experience short-term and localised impact from the sediment plumes. However, the majority of coral and seagrass in the vicinity, including Sisters’ Island Marine Park, are largely unaffected.
e) Some sea sports users will be displaced, due to reduction in sea space along East Coast. The impact will be mitigated by the phasing of preparatory works, with kiteboarding being the most affected, and minor to moderate impact on other sea sport users. Agencies will continue to work closely with affected sea sport users to explore alternative sites to continue their activities within the sea space to the east of Bedok Jetty in the interim, and elsewhere in Singapore.
9 An Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) (2) will be put in place to closely monitor environmental conditions throughout the preparatory works, including water quality, suspended sediment levels, noise and dust.
10 The Environmental Study report is available for public feedback for four weeks from 30 June 2026. Agencies will thoroughly evaluate the feedback received and incorporate suitable suggestions, before finalising the mitigation measures that will be adopted.
Detailed plans and design for ‘Long Island’ to be further developed through subsequent technical studies and continued public engagement before the start of reclamation works
11 The area that is used for preparatory works is not reflective of the future land profile of ‘Long Island’. Agencies will continue to develop detailed plans for ‘Long Island’, including its final reclamation profile which will continue to be refined through ongoing technical studies and upcoming public engagements.
12 The main reclamation works for ‘Long Island’ will be undertaken later, and will only commence after agencies have completed the relevant technical studies, determined mitigation measures, and reviewed and incorporated feedback from further public engagements. The technical studies will cover further environmental and engineering assessments for the actual reclamation profile and works, and are expected to be completed over the next few years.
13 As this project will span a few decades, agencies will continue to engage Singaporeans and stakeholders to shape the plans and design for ‘Long Island’ at various stages of the planning process in the years ahead. Drawing on ideas gathered from more than 14,000 people to date, agencies will begin the next phase of public engagement from end-2026. This phase will build on collective aspirations for ‘Long Island’ to strengthen Singapore’s flood resilience, support sensitive and sustainable development, and preserve flexibility to meet the evolving needs of current and future generations. To shape a shared vision for ‘Long Island’, agencies will invite Singaporeans and stakeholders to explore key topics, including potential recreational activities along the new coastline and within the future reservoir.
14 More information on ‘Long Island’ and the upcoming preparatory works can be found at go.gov.sg/long-island.
(1)Safety advisories can also be found on go.gov.sg/long-island and www.nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/east-coast-park.
(2)The EMMP outlines the mitigation measures, monitoring requirements, roles, and responsibilities required to manage and mitigate environmental impact, ensuring that the project's environmental impact remains within the levels predicted in the environmental assessment.
Preparatory works for 'Long Island' to start from end-2026
An environmental study found that the preparatory works are predicted to have an “overall minor impact” on the surrounding environment.
Erin Liam Channel NewsAsia 30 Jun 2026 12:00PM
SINGAPORE: Preparatory works for “Long Island”, Singapore’s large-scale coastal protection strategy, will start from the end of 2026.
It follows the completion of an environmental study commissioned by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), which found that the preparatory works are predicted to have an “overall minor impact” on the surrounding environment, HDB and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said in a joint press release on Tuesday (Jun 30).
The preparatory works, to be carried out in two phases, will primarily involve removing seabed obstructions and constructing temporary sand bunds and sand infilling.
The works will be at least 130m away from the shoreline, in the waters off East Coast, and will be demarcated by silt screens and/or floating barriers.
They will lay the groundwork for future land reclamation of the decades-long, 800 ha project – dubbed "Long Island" for now – that is aimed at protecting Singapore from sea-level rise.
As a low-lying city state, Singapore needs to “plan early and act decisively” to mitigate the impact of climate change, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat in a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday.
Long Island would also strengthen water resilience with an additional reservoir and create new land for future needs, he added.
“It is a complex project that requires many years of careful planning and implementation. This is why we are starting preparatory works in the waters off East Coast later this year,” he said.
IMPACT ON BEACH, SEASPORTS COMMUNITY
The preparatory works will be conducted in phases to facilitate the continued use of part of the sea space fronting East Coast Park.
The first phase will start at the end of 2026 and be carried out in the waters west of Bedok Jetty. It will cover an area of about 570 ha – the size of about 800 football fields – and will span around 7km in length from east to west, and up to 1km wide from north to south.
Works for the second phase, which spans about 155 ha, will only start after the 2029 Southeast Asian Games.
HDB, as the appointed reclamation agent for Long Island, will implement measures to mitigate the impact of preparatory works on the environment and community, HDB and URA said.
The study, conducted by DHI Water and Environment, identified that there would be no significant changes to water quality, which will “continue to meet the prevailing marine water quality criteria”, the agencies said.
It started in February 2025. As part of the process, agencies engaged nature groups the following month and they provided input and feedback to refine the scope of the study.
While nearshore swimming conditions are expected to remain unaffected, sea users are advised to maintain a safe distance from the marine vessels deployed for the works and the designated work area, which will be cordoned off to ensure public safety, HDB and URA said.
Beaches along East Coast Park will remain open and accessible for near-shore swimming, while all exercise paths and tracks will stay accessible for jogging and cycling.
However, the preparatory works may cause “slight localised changes” to the currents and waves near Bedok Jetty, which will have a minimal impact on existing water-based activities, HDB and URA said.
Some sea sport users will be displaced due to a reduction in sea space along East Coast.
“The impact will be mitigated by the phasing of preparatory works, with kiteboarding being the most affected, and minor to moderate impact on other sea sport users,” the agencies added.
In response to queries from CNA, Sport Singapore (SportSG) said it recognises that East Coast Park is an "important recreational space with shared memories".
"Agencies have been engaging the affected groups and will continue to work closely with them to explore alternative sites to continue their activities. This includes the sea space to the east of Bedok Jetty, as well as other locations such as Changi, Pasir Ris, Sembawang and Sentosa," SportSG said.
The agency added that in the longer term, the new reservoir and Long Island coastline could potentially support a range of water-based activities and sports. This is being assessed as part of the ongoing technical studies, it said.
IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT, BIODIVERSITY
The agencies said that minor visual and ambient air quality impact from sand infilling operations is expected, with intermittent sediment plumes and dust.
HDB and URA said this will be minimised through the use of silt screens to contain the sediment plumes, in addition to close monitoring of dust levels.
The agencies added that the impacts on the natural environment are “generally slight and localised”.
In response to queries from CNA, HDB said that seagrass habitats are generally resilient to periodic turbidity - the cloudiness or haziness of the waters - and are expected to recover without long-term degradation.
It added that there are no sensitive coral communities or intertidal habitats within the project footprint of the preparatory works, and mobile species such as fish are expected to move away from the area where works are conducted.
Macrobenthic communities within the infilling area, including small organisms such as worms, marine snails and clams on the seabed, will be displaced.
“However, the affected area is small relative to similar habitats in surrounding waters, and recovery is expected outside the work footprint,” HDB and URA said, adding that there are no corals and seagrasses within the work footprint.
While the majority of coral and seagrass beds found outside the preparatory work are largely unaffected, those in specific locations such as Marina East and the eastern parts of East Coast may be “slightly affected” by suspended sediments.
Mangroves, intertidal fauna and most marine fauna are “largely unaffected”, the agencies added.
Additionally, while offshore-feeding birds may temporarily be affected due to reduced water space and increased turbidity, they are able to move away from the area, HDB and URA said.
The agencies added that turtle nesting at East Coast Park may be affected, although nesting areas to the east of Bedok Jetty remain accessible during the first phase of preparatory works.
The National Parks Board (NParks) ongoing turtle egg relocation efforts to Sisters’ Island will also support hatching survival over the longer term.
HDB and URA said that no harmful algal blooms or release of heavy metals are expected, and that the risk of oil spills is low given the small number of vessels involved and the mitigation measures in place.
HDB and URA said an environmental monitoring and management plan will be put in place throughout the preparatory works to monitor environmental conditions such as water quality, suspended sediment levels, noise and dust.
This ensures that the project’s environmental impact remains within the levels predicted in the environmental assessment, HDB and URA said.
The environmental study report is available for public feedback for four weeks from Jun 30.
“Agencies will thoroughly evaluate the feedback received and incorporate suitable suggestions, before finalising the mitigation measures that will be adopted,” HDB and URA said.
FURTHER STUDIES, ENGAGEMENT
The agencies said the first stage of the environmental study assessed the potential impact of preparatory works. The second stage, which is ongoing, will assess the potential impact of reclamation and is expected to be completed over the next few years.
The area that is used for preparatory works is not reflective of the future land profile of Long Island, HDB and URA said.
The main reclamation works for Long Island will only commence after agencies have completed the relevant technical studies, determined mitigation measures, and reviewed and incorporated feedback from further public engagements.
When completed, around 20km of new waterfront parks could be added to East Coast Park, which will triple the length of waterfront parks in the area and could add waterfront living concepts, according to URA’s website.
To date, more than 14,000 people have shared ideas on the project. The next phase of engagement will start from end-2026, where the public and stakeholders will be invited to explore key topics, including potential recreational activities along the new coastline and within the future reservoir.
Further technical studies will cover environmental engineering assessments for the actual reclamation profile and works, and are expected to be completed over the next few years.
Works for Long Island to begin off East Coast Park end-2026
Ang Qing and Ng Keng Gene Straits Times Published Jun 30, 2026, 12:00 PM
SINGAPORE – Works to prepare for the reclamation of land off East Coast Park will start end-2026, after which sea sports will only be allowed east of Bedok Jetty.
Some impact on biodiversity, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle that nests at the park, is expected from the works, said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Housing Board (HDB).
Further details about the reclamation project, tentatively dubbed Long Island, were revealed by both agencies on June 30, when a report detailing the environmental impact of the works was released.
The preparatory works will take place in two phases around fishing hot spot Bedok Jetty, said the agencies.
The first phase to the west of the jetty will begin from end-2026, covering an area of about 570ha and spanning some 7km in length.
The second phase to the east of the jetty will start after the completion of major international sporting events hosted by Singapore, including the South-east Asian (SEA) Games in 2029, to allow for water sports off East Coast Park.
Sport Singapore (SportSG) said in a statement the waters to the east of Bedok Jetty will remain available for sea sports activities until at least 2029.
The government agencies did not reveal when the works will end.
Altogether, the sea space covered by the works amounts to about 725ha, or roughly twice the size of Marina Bay.
A HDB spokesperson told The Straits Times that these works had to be undertaken progressively near the reclamation site to ensure the timely completion of Long Island that is expected to take decades to plan, design and implement.
“We are phasing the preparatory works to reduce the impact on existing water-based activities off East Coast Park while the works are carried out,” she added.
Unveiled as part of the long-term plan for Singapore’s development in 1991, Long Island has evolved into a large-scale coastal defence against rising sea levels, which will also create an additional reservoir and land for future needs.
The preparatory works include clearing seabed obstructions, constructing temporary sand bunds, and transporting sand for infilling at the site.
The agencies said the date for the second phase, which covers about 155ha, will be shared once the timeline is firmed up.
“There are currently no plans to carry out preparatory works in a third area,” the agencies told ST.
Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said on social media that people can keep using beaches, exercise paths and tracks along East Coast Park while works are ongoing.
Some sea sports users, however, will be displaced due to the reduction in sea space along the East Coast, with kiteboarding being the most affected, according to URA and HDB.
According to the Kitesurfing Association of Singapore, the sport is allowed at East Coast Park from Bedok Jetty up to Marina South – the area that will be impacted by works during phase one – during the south-west monsoon season.
SportSG said the agencies will work with affected groups to continue their activities at alternative sites. This includes the sea space to the east of Bedok Jetty, as well as other locations like Changi, Pasir Ris, Sembawang and Sentosa.
The agency said it recognises that East Coast Park is an important recreational space with shared memories, noting that ongoing technical studies are assessing if ‘Long Island’ and the new reservoir can support a range of water-based activities and sports.
Meanwhile, anglers will still be allowed to use nearshore fishing areas and Bedok Jetty, although the works could impact fish and reduce catch rates.
Those who swim near the shore of East Coast Park will also be allowed to do so, as the works will take place at least 130m away from the shoreline.
The agencies said land-based park users will experience minimal impact, apart from the potential rise in visible wind-blown dust. This is unlikely to cause significant discomfort or require protective measures.
These findings were based on the first stage of an environmental study by consultancy DHI Water and Environment that commenced in February 2025.
Nature groups were consulted in March 2025 to refine the scope of the study, including suggestions on where and when to survey the presence of seasonal migratory birds, said the HDB and URA.
The study anticipated minor impact on some terrestrial and marine biodiversity from the works, as some coral and seagrass beds closer to the site at locations like Marina East and eastern East Coast Park could experience short-term and localised impact from suspended sediments.
However, most of coral and seagrass in the vicinity, including Sisters’ Island Marine Park, the likely source of Singapore’s coral diversity, will be largely unaffected, according to the report.
The URA and HDB said: “Infilling will be carefully monitored to contain sediment plumes within the work area and away from the shoreline.”
They added that nesting areas to the east of Bedok Jetty will remain accessible to turtles during the first phase of the preparatory works. Ongoing egg relocation efforts to Sisters’ Island will also support the survival of hatchlings.
The agencies said the area used for preparatory works is not reflective of the future land profile for Long Island, and will be clearly demarcated with silt screens or floating barriers.
They added that the second stage of the environmental study, which assesses the potential impact of reclamation works, is ongoing.
The agencies said: “Detailed plans for ‘Long Island’, including its development footprint and final reclamation profile, will continue to be refined through ongoing technical studies, including the environmental study for reclamation works, and the next phase of public engagements.”
In November 2023, then National Development Minister Desmond Lee had said that government agencies will carry out technical studies for the Long Island project over five years, starting early 2024.
The current plan is for three elongated tracts of land to be reclaimed in the area, extending from Marina East to Tanah Merah, with a large tidal gate and pumping station built between each new land mass.
Civil and environmental engineering assistant professor Chew Soon Hoe said the first phase will likely take at least three to four years, while the second phase could last for up to three years.
“These timelines are indicative and could vary depending on the final construction methodology, resource allocation, and the rate at which reclamation materials can be sourced and delivered,” added Chew, who teaches at the National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering.
Actual reclamation works involve much more than the placement of sand, he said, noting that sand infilling alone does not produce land that is structurally ready for development. Reclamation works include seabed improvement, ground treatment and other measures necessary to create land that is stable and suitable for long-term development.
He added: “Given the scale and long-term nature of the Long Island project, which is expected to be implemented progressively over several decades, it is likely that further quantities of additional sand will still be required during the subsequent reclamation phases.
“The preparatory works should therefore be viewed as an enabling step that facilitates and accelerates future reclamation works.”
The URA and HDB said the next phase of public engagement for Long Island will begin from end-2026, building on ideas gathered from more than 14,000 people in the first phase.
Topics to be discussed include potential recreational activities along the new coastline and within the future reservoir.
The URA told ST that government agencies have been offering shorter tenancy extensions to businesses at East Coast Park to provide greater flexibility during the works. It did not share how many tenants took up shorter leases.
“We will continue to engage tenants closely and support their transition plans, where necessary,” it said.
How East Coast Park will be affected by Long Island works from end-2026
Ang Qing and Ng Keng Gene Straits Times Jun 30, 2026, 12:20 PM
SINGAPORE - From end-2026, preparatory works for the reclamation of Long Island will start in two phases in the waters off East Coast Park.
The works involve the clearing of seabed obstructions and movement of materials like sand.
Altogether, the sea space covered by the works amounts to about 725ha, or nearly twice the size of Marina Bay.
The Straits Times unpacks how the park’s users and businesses will be affected.
Sea sports
Sea sports are not allowed within the Phase 1 work area. These include sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.
Sport Singapore said that government agencies will work with affected groups to continue their activities at alternative sites. This includes the sea space to the east of Bedok Jetty, as well as other locations like Changi, Pasir Ris, Sembawang and Sentosa.
The statutory board said waters to the east of Bedok Jetty will remain available for sea sports activities until at least 2029.
According to the Kitesurfing Association of Singapore, the sport is allowed at East Coast Park from Bedok Jetty up to Marina South – the area that will be impacted by works during phase one – during the south-west monsoon season.
The second phase of preparatory works off the east of Bedok Jetty is slated to start after the completion of major international sporting events, including the South-east Asian (SEA) Games in 2029. More details will be shared when the agencies are ready.
Fishing
Fishing near the shore and at Bedok Jetty can continue.
However, the works could displace fish and reduce catch rates in the area.
Agencies will put up early communication and signs to keep anglers informed.
Swimming
The preparatory works will be clearly demarcated by silt screens and floating barriers.
Swimming near the shore will be allowed, as works will take place at least 130m away from the East Coast shoreline.
Users of the sea are advised to maintain a safe distance from marine vessels deployed for work. The designated work area that will be cordoned off to ensure public safety.
Land-based activities and businesses
Beaches, exercise paths and tracks will remain open and accessible.
An increase in visible wind-blown dust is anticipated near the project. This is not expected to cause significant discomfort or require protective measures.
The URA told ST it does not expect land-based activities to be affected by the works, but the government agencies have been offering shorter tenancy extensions to businesses at East Coast Park to provide greater flexibility during this period of works for Long Island.
It did not share how many tenants took up shorter leases.
“We will continue to engage tenants closely and support their transition plans, where necessary,” the agency added.
