Verification by IEC

 

Certification by ET

 


Contract No. HY/2013/01

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities ¡V Passenger Clearance Building

 

 

 

 

 

Quarterly EM&A Report No. 15

(Covering the Period from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018)

 

20 May 2019

 

Revision 4

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                  

 

 

Main Contractor                                                                                                          Environmental Team 

 

 

 

 

Contents

Executive Summary

1...... Introduction. 6

1.1                          Basic Project Information. 6

1.2                          Project Organisation. 6

1.3                          Construction Programme. 7

1.4                          Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Period. 7

2....... EM&A Requirement 9

2.1                          Summary of EM&A Requirements. 9

2.2                          Monitoring Requirements. 13

2.3                          Action and Limit Levels. 13

2.4                          Event Action Plans. 15

2.5                          Mitigation Measures. 15

3....... Environmental Monitoring and Audit 16

3.1                          Air Quality Monitoring Results. 16

3.2                          Noise Monitoring Results. 18

3.3                          Water Quality Monitoring Results. 19

3.4                          Dolphins Monitoring Results. 20

3.5                          Implementation of Environmental Measures. 27

3.6                          Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status. 28

3.7                          Environmental Licenses and Permits. 28

4....... Summary of Exceedance, Complaint, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution. 29

4.1                          Summary of Exceedance of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 29

4.2                          Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution. 29

5....... Comments, Recommendations and Conclusion. 29

5.1                          Comments. 29

5.2                          Recommendations. 30

5.3                          Conclusions. 31

 


 

Figures

Figure 2.1      Location of Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Figure 2.2      Location of Noise Monitoring Stations

Figure 2.3     Location of Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Figure 2.4    Impact Dolphins Monitoring Line Transect Layout Map

 

Appendices

Appendix A       Location of Works Areas

Appendix B       Project Organization for Environmental Works

Appendix C       Construction Programme

Appendix D       Event and Action Plan Monitoring Data

Appendix E       Implementation Schedule for Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS)

Appendix F       Graphical Plot (Air Quality, Noise and Water Quality)

Appendix G       Site Audit Findings and Corrective Actions  

Appendix H       Waste Flow Table

Appendix I         Environmental Licenses and Permits  

Appendix J        Statistics on Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions  

Appendix K       Investigation Report

Appendix L        Dolphin Monitoring Results

 


Executive Summary

This Quarterly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Report is prepared for Contract HY/2013/01 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) ¡V Passenger Clearance Building (hereafter referred to as ¡§the Contract¡¨) (includes the construction works of Contract No. HY/2013/06 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities ¡V Automatic Vehicle Clearance Support System within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area) for the Highways Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Contract was awarded to Leighton ¡V Chun Wo Joint Venture (construction works of Contract No. HY/2013/06 was awarded to ATAL Technologies Limited within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area) (hereafter referred to as ¡§the Contractor¡¨) and Atkins China Limited was appointed as the Environmental Team (ET) by the Contractor

The Contract is part of Hong Kong ¡V Zhuhai ¡V Macao Bridge HKBCF which is a ¡§Designated Project¡¨, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (Register No. AEIAR-145/2009) was prepared for the Project. The current Environmental Permit (EP) No. EP-353/2009/K for HKBCF was issued on 11 April 2016. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. Site preparation works of the Contract started on 26 September 2014 and the construction works of the Contract commenced on 6 October 2014. The construction works of the Contract No. HY/2013/06 within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area commenced on 20 February 2018.

Atkins China Limited has been appointed by the Contractor to implement the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKBCF (Version1.0) and will be providing environmental team services to the Contract.

This is the fifteenth Quarterly EM&A Report for the Contract which summaries findings of the EM&A works during the reporting period from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018. (includes the construction works of Contract No. HY/2013/06 within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area)

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress

The EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKBCF (Version 1.0). The air quality, noise, water quality and dolphin monitoring works under Contract No. HY/2010/02 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge HKBCF ¡V Reclamation Works were suspended from 1 September 2017. The ET of Contract No. HY/2013/01 is required and continues the same implementation of environmental monitoring commencing on 1 September 2017. It should be noted that the air quality monitoring station (AMS6) is covered by Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road ¡V Section between Scenic Hill and HKBCF.

A summary of the monitoring activities during the reporting period are listed below:

Monitoring Items

Date

March 2018

April 2018

May 2018

1-hour TSP Monitoring

1, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13, 16, 19, 22, 23, 28 and 29

3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 13, 18, 19, 23, 24, 27 and 30

3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 16, 17, 21, 23, 25, 28, and 31

24-hour TSP Monitoring

2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 26, 28 and 29

3, 4, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, 23, 25, 27 and 30

3, 4, 9, 11, 15, 16, 19, 21, 24, 25, 30 and 31

Noise Monitoring

5, 9, 12, 14, 20, 22, 26 and 28

3, 4, 9, 12, 17 19, 26, and 30

2, 11, 14, 16, 21, 24, 29 and 31

Water Quality Monitoring

2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30

2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 and 30

2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30

Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

6, 9, 14 and 26

11, 18, 24 and 26

3, 15, 24 and 29

Environmental Site Inspection

7, 14, 23, and 28

4, 11, 18, and 25

2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

 

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels :

A summary of environmental exceedances for the reporting period are listed below:

 

Environmental Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

Mar 2018

Apr 2018

May 2018

Mar 2018

Apr 2018

May 2018

Air Quality

1-hr TSP

-

-

-

-

-

-

24-hr TSP

-

-

-

-

-

-

Noise

Leq (30 min)

-

-

-

-

-

-

Water Quality

Suspended solids level (SS)

4

5

-

-

-

-

Turbidity level

-

-

2

-

-

-

Dissolved oxygen level (DO)

-

-

2

-

-

-

Dolphin Monitoring

Quarterly Analysis

-

1

Based on the investigation results, all exceedances are found that not related to Contract No. HY/2013/01.

Implementation of Environmental Measures

Site inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of roper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. Potential environmental impacts due to the construction activities were monitored and reviewed.

Complaint Log

There was no complaint received in relation to the environmental impact during the reporting period.

Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

There was no notification of summon or prosecution received during this reporting period.

Reporting Change

There was no reporting change during the reporting period.

 

 

 

1          Introduction

1.1                Basic Project Information

1.1.1      This Quarterly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Report is prepared for Contract HY/2013/01 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities ¡V Passenger Clearance Building (hereafter referred to as ¡§the Contract¡¨) (includes the construction works of Contract No. HY/2013/06 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities ¡V Automatic Vehicle Clearance Support System within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area) for the Highways Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Contract was awarded to Leighton ¡V Chun Wo Joint Venture (construction works of Contract No. HY/2013/06 was awarded to ATAL Technologies Limited within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area) (hereafter referred to as ¡§the Contractor¡¨) and Atkins China Limited was appointed as the Environmental Team (ET) by the Contractor.

1.1.2      The Contract is part of Hong Kong ¡V Zhuhai ¡V Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) which is a ¡§Designated Project¡¨, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap 499). An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (Register No. AEIAR-145/2009) was prepared for the Project. The current Environmental Permit (EP) No. EP-353/2009/K for HKBCF was issued on 11 April 2016. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. Site preparation work of the Contract started on 26 September 2014 and the construction works of the Contract commenced on 6 October 2014. The construction works of the Contract No. HY/2013/06 within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area commenced on 20 February 2018. The works areas of the Contract are shown in Appendix A.

1.1.3      This is the fifteenth Quarterly EM&A Report for the Contract which summarizes the audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018.

1.2                Project Organisation

1.2.1      The project organization structure and lines of communication with respect to the on-site environmental management structure is shown in Appendix B.  The key personnel contact names and numbers are summarized in Table 1.1. 

Table 1.1         Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Fax

For Contract No. HY/2013/01

Engineer or Engineer¡¦s Representative
(AECOM Asia Co. Ltd.)

Chief Resident Engineer

Malcolm Sage

3958 7330

3468 2076

Environmental Project Office / Independent Environmental Checker
(Ramboll Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Project Office Leader

Y. H. Hui

3465 2888

3465 2899

Independent Environmental Checker

Raymond Dai

3465 2888

3465 2899

Contractor
(Leighton ¡V Chun Wo Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Owen Leung

9232 5750

3621 0180

Environmental Officer

Stephen Tsang

9686 0787

3621 0180

Environmental Team
(Atkins China Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Keith Chau

2972 1721

2890 6343

24 hours complaint hotline

---

---

3958 7300

---

For Contract No. HY/2013/06 within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area

Engineer or Engineer¡¦s Representative
(AECOM Asia Co. Ltd.)

Chief Registered Architect

Malcolm Sage

3958 7330

3468 2076

Environmental Project Office / Independent Environmental Checker (Ramboll Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Project Office Leader

Y. H. Hui

3465 2888

3465 2899

Independent Environmental Checker

Raymond Dai

3465 2888

3465 2899

Contractor
(ATAL Technologies Limited)

Site Agent

Mr. Eric Yim

2565 3355

3162 5217

Environmental Officer

Mr. W. Li

2565 3137

3162 5217

Environmental Team
(Atkins China Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Keith Chau

2972 1721

2890 6343

24 hours complaint hotline

---

---

6509 0375

---

1.3                Construction Programme

1.3.1      A copy of the Contractor¡¦s construction programme is provided in Appendix C. 

 

1.4                Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Period

1.4.1      A summary of the construction activities undertaken during this reporting period is shown below:

For Contract No. HY/2013/01

Land-Based Work

¡P            Pipework and ductwork installation

¡P            Falsework stripping  

¡P            Wet trade works  

¡P            Dry trade works  

¡P            Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) High Level Containment  

¡P            Removal of temporary works

¡P            Hanging scaffolding removal

¡P            Southern toilet

¡P            MISC steelwork

¡P            Escalator installation

¡P            Glazed lift installation

¡P            Road and Kerbing

¡P            Testing and commissioning works

¡P            Water features and planters  

¡P            Kiosk/Booth installation

¡P            Paving

¡P            Planting Tree

¡P            Glazing Works

¡P            TPIDC Inspections

¡P            Lift/Escalator EMSD Inspection

¡P            Fit-out lift cars

¡P            Cleaning

 

Marine-based work

¡P         No marine based construction work to be undertaken during reporting period.

 

For Contract No. HY/2013/06 within Contractor No. HY/2013/01 works area

¡P         Conduit installation and Cabling at ELV & Sever Room and Zone E PCB

¡P         Equipment setup and system SAT at ELV & Server Room, Zone E PCB

 


 

2          EM&A Requirement

2.1                Summary of EM&A Requirements

2.1.1      The EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKBCF (Version 1). The air quality, noise, water quality and dolphin monitoring works under Contract No. HY/2010/02 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge HKBCF ¡V Reclamation Works were suspended from 1 September 2017. The ET of Contract No. HY/2013/01 is required and continues the same implementation of environmental monitoring commencing on 1 September 2017. It should be noted that the air quality monitoring station (AMS 6) is covered by Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road ¡V Section between Scenic Hill and HKBCF.

2.1.2      The permission to carry out impact air quality monitoring work at AMS7 (Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel) was not granted after 31 January 2015.  The impact air quality monitoring location (AMS7) was relocated to a nearby air sensitive receiver, Chu Kong Air-Sea Union Transportation Co. Ltd. (AMS7A), from 5 February 2015 to 30 December 2015. The alternative location at Chu Kong Air-Sea Union Transportation Co. Ltd. was approved by EPD on 5 February 2015. However, AMS7A was relocated back to its original location (AMS7-Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel) on 30 December 2015. The relocation of air quality monitoring location, AMS7A, back to AMS7 was approved by EPD on 21 December 2015. The baseline and action/limit level for air quality as derived from the baseline monitoring data recorded at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel (AMS7) was adopted for the air quality monitoring location. As the permission to carry out air quality monitoring at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel was not granted after the end of January 2018, as such, a proposal for the monitoring location relocated to 3RS Site Office(AMS7B) was justified by the ET Leader for Contract No. HY/2013/01 on 22 January 2018; verified by the IEC on 24 January 2018; and submitted to EPD on 30 January 2018, and the AQM has been carrying out at AMS7B with EPD¡¦s consent since 6 February 2018.

2.1.3      A summary of air and noise monitoring locations are presented in Table 2.1. The location of air quality and noise monitoring stations are shown as in Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2, respectively.

Table 2.1         Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements

Environmental Monitoring

ID

Location Description 

Air Quality

AMS2(1)

Tung Chung Development Pier

AMS3B(1)

Site Boundary of Site Office Area at Work Area WA2

AMS6(1)

Dragonair/CNAC (Group) Building

AMS7B(1)(2)

3RS Site Office

Noise

NMS2(3)

Seaview Crescent

NMS3B(3)(4)

Site Boundary of Site Office Area at Works Area WA2

Remarks:

(1)    The ET of this Contract should conduct impact air quality monitoring at the Air Monitoring Station listed in the table as part of EM&A programme according to the latest notification from ENPO when the monitoring station(s) is/are no longer covered by another ET of the HZMB project.

(2)    The original monitoring location was at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel (AMS7). As the permission to carry out air quality monitoring at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel was not granted after 31 January 2015, the monitoring location was relocated to Chu Kong Air-Sea Union Transportation Co. Ltd. (AMS7A) from 5 February 2015 to 30 December 2015. The alternative monitoring location at Chu Kong Air-Sea Union Transportation Co. Ltd. was approved by EPD on 5 February 2015. However, AMS7A was relocated back to its original location (AMS7-Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel) on 30 December 2015. The relocation of air quality monitoring location, AMS7A, back to AMS7 was approved by EPD on 21 December 2015. As the permission to carry out air quality monitoring at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel was not granted after the end of January 2018, as such, a proposal for the monitoring location relocated to 3RS Site Office(AMS7B) was justified by the ET Leader for Contract No. HY/2013/01 on 22 January 2018; verified by the IEC on 24 January 2018; and submitted to EPD on 30 January 2018, and the AQM has been carrying out at AMS7B with EPD¡¦s consent since 6 February 2018.

(3)    The ET of this Contract should conduct impact noise monitoring at the NMS listed in the table as part of EM&A programme according to the latest notification from ENPO when the monitoring station(s) is/are no longer covered by another ET of the HZMB project.

(4)    The Action and Limit Levels for schools will be applied for this alternative monitoring location.

 

2.1.4      The water quality works under Contract No. HY/2010/02 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge HKBCF ¡V Reclamation Works were suspended from 1 September 2017. The ET of Contract No. HY/2013/01 is required and continues the same implementation of environmental monitoring commencing on 1 September 2017. A total of twenty-one stations (nine Impact Stations (IS), seven Sensitive Receiver Stations (SR) and five Control/Far Field Stations (CS)) are covered by the current EM&A programme.

2.1.5      The water quality monitoring stations at CS(Mf)3 (Coordinate: 809989E, 821117N), IS10 (Coordinate: 812577E, 820670N) and SR5 (811489E, 820455N) have been occupied by the marine work of a designated project - Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS Project). The alternative water quality monitoring station at CS(Mf)3(N) (Coordinate: 808814E, 822355N), IS10(N) (Coordinate: 812942E, 820881N) and SR5(N) (812569E, 8201475N) were justified and verified by the ET Leader for Contract No. HY/2010/02 and the IEC respectively on 24 March 2017 and it was approved by EPD on 12 May 2017.

2.1.6      Table 2.2 and Figure 2.3 show the locations of water quality monitoring stations.

Table 2.2         Impact Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Station

Description

East

North

IS5

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

811579

817106

IS(Mf)6

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812101

817873

IS7

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812244

818777

IS8

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814251

818412

IS(Mf)9

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

813273

818850

IS10

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812577

820670

IS10(N)*

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812942

820881

IS(Mf)11

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

813562

820716

IS(Mf)16

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814328

819497

IS17

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814539

820391

SR3(N) ^

Sensitive receivers (San Tau SSSI)

810689

816591

SR4(N)

Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho)

814705

817859

SR5

Sensitive receivers (Artificial Reef in NE Airport)

811489

820455

SR5(N)*

Sensitive receiver (Artificial Reef in NE Airport)

812569

821475

SR6

Sensitive receivers (Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park)

805837

821818

SR7

Sensitive receivers (Tai Mo Do)

814293

821431

SR10A(N) ^

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan FCZ) 1

823644

823484

SR10B(N2) ^

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan FCZ) 2

823689

823159

CS(Mf)3

Control Station

809989

821117

CS(Mf)3(N)*

Control Station

808814

822355

CS(Mf)5#

Control Station

817990

821129

CS4

Control Station

810025

824004

CS6

Control Station

817028

823992

CSA

Control Station

818103

823064

Remarks:

* Alternative water quality monitoring stations at CS(Mf)3(N), SR5(N) and IS10(N) were justified and verified by the ET Leader for Contract No. HY/2010/02 and the IEC respectively on 24 March 2017 and it was approved by EPD on 12 May 2017.

^ Alternative water quality monitoring stations at SR3, SR10A and SR10B(N) were justified by the ET Leader on 8 November 2017 and verified by IEC on 13 November 2017; and submitted to EPD on 29 November 2017 and it was approved by EPD on 22 December 2017.

# Due to safety reason, the water quality monitoring at station CS(Mf)5 for flood tide on 30 May 2018 was temporarily conducted at coordinate: 817926E, 821199N.



2.1.7      The dolphin monitoring works under Contract No. HY/2010/02 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge HKBCF ¡V Reclamation Works were suspended from 1 September 2017. The ET of Contract No. HY/2013/01 is required and continues the same implementation of environmental monitoring commencing on 1 September 2017.  

2.1.8      The dolphin monitoring should adopt line-transect vessel survey method. The survey follows pre-set and fixed transect lines in the two areas defined by AFCD as: Northeast Lantau survey area; and Northwest Lantau survey area. The change of transect lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and new vessel-based transect line 24 for dolphin monitoring have been proposed due to the marine work of a designated project - Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS Project). It was justified and verified by the ET Leader for Contract No. HY/2010/02 and the IEC respectively on 24 March 2017 and it was approved by EPD on 12 May 2017.

2.1.9      The co-ordinates for the transect lines showing the transect lines are shown in Table 2.3 and Figure 2.4 shows the layout map.

 

Table 2.3          Impact Dolphin Monitoring Line Transect Co-ordinates

Transect ID

                       HK Grid System

 

East

North

 

1*

804671

815456

 

804671

831404

 

2

805476

820800

 

805476

826654

 

3

806464

821150

 

806464

822911

 

4

807518

821500

 

807518

829230

 

5

808504

821850

 

808504

828602

 

6

809490

822150

 

809490

825352

 

7

810499

822000

 

810499

824613

 

8*

811508

821123

 

811508

824254

 

9*

812516

821303

 

812516

824254

 

10*

813525

820827

 

813525

824657

 

11#

814556

818853

 

814556

820992

 

12

815542

818807

 

815542

824882

 

13

816506

819480

 

816506

824859

 

14

817537

820220

 

817537

824613

 

15

818568

820735

 

818568

824433

 

16

819532

821420

 

819532

824209

 

17

820451

822125

 

820451

823671

 

18

821504

822371

 

821504

823761

 

19

822513

823268

 

822513

824321

 

20

823477

823402

 

823477

824613

 

21

805476

827081

 

805476

830562

 

22

806464

824033

 

806464

829598

 

23

814559

821739

 

814559

824768

 

24

805476

815900

 

805476

819100

 

Remarks:

(a)       * Due to the presence of deployed silt curtain systems at the site boundaries of the Contract, some of the transect lines shown in Figure 5.1 could not be fully surveyed during the regular survey. Transect 10 is reduced from 6.4km to approximately 3.6km in length due to the HKBCF construction site. Therefore the total transect length for both NEL and NWL combined is reduced to approximately 108km

(b)       # Coordinates for transect lines 1, 8, 9 and 11 have been updated in respect to the Proposal for Alteration of Transect Line for Dolphin Monitoring approved by EPD on 19 August 2015.

(c)       The change of transect lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and new vessel-based transect line 24 for dolphin monitoring have been proposed due to the marine work of a designated project-Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS Project). It was justified and verified by the ET Leader for Contract No. HY/2010/02 and the IEC respectively on 24 March 2017 and it was approved by EPD on 12 May 2017.

(d)       Due to marine work ofthe Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS Project), original transect lines of dolphin monitoring 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are enclosed by works boundary of 3RS Project. Alternative dolphin monitoring transects lines 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7 and 24 are adopted starting from 17 May 2017 to replace the original transect lines.

 


 

2.2                Monitoring Requirements

2.2.1      The monitoring requirements, monitoring equipment, monitoring parameters, frequency and duration, monitoring methodology, monitoring schedule, meteorological information is detailed in the monthly EM&A report for Contract No. HY/2013/01.

2.3                Action and Limit Levels

2.3.1      The Action and Limit Level for 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP are provided in Table 2.4 and Table 2.5, respectively.

Table 2.4         Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

AMS2 ¡V Tung Chung Development Pier

374

500

AMS3B -
Site Boundary of Site Office at Work Area WA2

368

AMS6 ¡V Dragonair/CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

360

AMS7B ¡V 3RS Site Office

370


Table 2.5        Action and Limit Levels for 24-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

AMS2 ¡V Tung Chung Development Pier

176

260

AMS3B -
Site Boundary of Site Office at Work Area WA2

167

AMS6 ¡V Dragonair/CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

173

AMS7B ¡V 3RS Site Office

183

 

2.3.2      The Action and Limit Levels for construction noise are defined in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6         Action and Limit Level for Construction Noise

Parameter

Action Level

Limit Level

07:00 ¡V 19:00 hours on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received

75/70/65 dB(A)*

Notes :     

If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the construction noise permit issued by the Noise Control Authority have to be followed.

* Reduce to 70 dB(A) for schools and 65 dB(A) during school examination period. The Action and limit Levels for schools will be applied for NMS3B. Daytime noise Limit Level of 70 dB(A) applies to education institutions, while 65 dB(A) applies during the school examination period.

 

2.3.3      The Action and Limit Levels for water quality are provided in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7 Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameters

Action

Limit

DO in mg L-1

(Surface, Middle & Bottom)

Surface and Middle

5.0

Bottom

4.7

Surface and Middle

4 .2 (except 5 mg/L for FCZ)

Bottom

3.6

SS in mg L-1 (depth-averaged) at all monitoring stations and control stations

23.5 and 120% of upstream control station's SS at the same tide of the same day*

34.4 and 130% of upstream control station's SS at the same tide of the same day and 10mg/L for WSD Seawater intakes*

Turbidity in NTU

(depth-averaged)

27.5 and 120% of upstream control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day*

47.0 and 130% of upstream control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day*

* Remarks:  Reference is made to EPD approval of adjustment of water quality assessment criteria issued and became
            effective on 18 February 2013.
 
Notes:     1. ¡§depth-averaged¡¨ is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.

2.For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.

3.For turbidity, SS, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

4.All the figures given in the table are used for reference only and the EPD may amend the figures whenever it is considered as necessary.

5.The 1%-ile of baseline data for dissolved oxygen (surface and middle) and dissolved oxygen (bottom) are 4.2 mg/L and 3.6 mg/L respectively.

2.3.4      The Action and Limit Levels for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring are provided in Table 2.8 and Table 2.9, respectively.

Table 2.8 Action and Limit Levels for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring - Approach to Define Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL)

 

North Lantau Social Cluster

 

NEL

NWL

Action Level

(STG  < 70% of baseline) &

(ANI  < 70% of baseline)

(STG  < 70% of baseline) &

(ANI  < 70% of baseline)

Limit Level

[(STG  < 40% of baseline) & (ANI  < 40% of baseline)] AND

[ (STG  < 40% of baseline) & (ANI  < 40% of baseline)]

 


 

Table 2.9 Derived Value of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

 

North Lantau Social Cluster

 

NEL

NWL

Action Level

(STG < 4.2) & (ANI < 15.5)

(STG < 6.9) & (ANI < 31.3)

Limit Level

[(STG < 2.4) & (ANI <8.9)] AND [ (STG < 3.9) & (ANI < 17.9)]

 

 

2.4                Event Action Plans

2.4.1      The Event Actions Plans for air quality, noise, water quality and dolphin monitoring are provided in Appendix D.

2.5                Mitigation Measures

2.5.1      Environmental mitigation measures for the Contract were recommended in the approved EIA Report.  Appendix E lists the recommended mitigation measures and the implementation status.


3          Environmental Monitoring and Audit

3.1                Air Quality Monitoring Results

3.1.1      In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, impact 1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) monitoring was conducted for at least three times every 6 days, while impact 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out for at least once every 6 days at the 4 monitoring stations (AMS2, AMS3B, AMS6 and AMS7B).

3.1.2      The weather was warm and foggy with sunny periods were recorded in March 2018, the weather became cloudy with light rain patches in mid of March 2018, with slightly cooler weather until end of March 2018. The weather was generally fine and warm on the first few days of March 2018 then the weather turned cloudy with a few showers. From mid of March 2018, the weather gradually became mainly fine and hot towards the end of the month apart from isolated showers. Hot and dry in May 2018 with a 20-day fine spell that lasted till the end of May 2018. Construction works during the quarterly period are shown in Section 1.4.1. The major dust source in the reporting period included construction activities from the Project, as well as traffic emission.

3.1.3      The graphical plots of the monitoring results are presented in Appendix F. No specific trend of the monitoring results or existence of persistent pollution source was noted.

3.1.4      Summary of Action and Limit Level exceedance of 1-hr TSP level and 24-hr TSP level at AMS6 shall be referred to the monthly EM&A Reports (for March 2018 to May 2018) prepared by Contract No. HY/2011/03.

3.1.5      The number of exceedances recorded during the reporting period are presented in the Table 3.1. The monitoring results for 1-hour and 24-hour are summarized in Table 3.2 and Table 3.3 respectively.

Table 3.1         Summary of number of exceedances for 1-hr and 24-hr TSP Monitoring

Monitoring Station

March 2018

April 2018

May 2018

Action Level

Limit Level

Action Level

Limit Level

Action Level

Limit Level

AMS2

-

-

-

-

-

-

AMS3B

-

-

-

-

-

-

AMS7B

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3.2         Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Period

Reporting month

Monitoring Station

Average (£gg/m3)

Range (£gg/m3)

 

Action Level (£gg/m3)

Limit Level (£gg/m3)

March 2018

AMS2

46

13-139

374

500

AMS3B

40

16-137

368

AMS7B

36

21-54

370

April 2018

AMS2

71

28-116

374

500

AMS3B

26

6-42

368

AMS7B

63

10-226

370

May 2018

AMS2

51

24-141

374

500

AMS3B

18

4-54

368

AMS7B

34

8-88

370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3.3         Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Period

Reporting month

Monitoring Station

Average (£gg/m3)

Range (£gg/m3)

 

Action Level (£gg/m3)

Limit Level (£gg/m3)

March 2018

AMS2

67

47-103

176

260

AMS3B

66

41-107

167

AMS7B

111

92-129

183

April 2018

AMS2

55

23-107

176

260

AMS3B

50

26-89

167

AMS7B

86

44-114

183

May 2018

AMS2

39

17-84

176

260

AMS3B

37

22-64

167

AMS7B

70

40-97

183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.6      No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour TSP were recorded at AMS2, AMS3B and AMS7B during the reporting period.

3.1.7      No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 24-hour TSP were recorded at AMS2, AMS3B and AMS7B during the reporting period.

3.1.8      Summary of Action and Limit Level exceedance of 1-hr TSP level and 24-hr TSP level at AMS6 shall be referred to the monthly EM&A report prepared by Contract No. HY/2011/03. For detail of investigation, please refer to Appendix K.

3.2                Noise Monitoring Results

3.2.1      In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, impact noise monitoring was conducted for at least once per week during the construction phase of the Contract. 

3.2.2      The graphical plots of the monitoring results are presented in Appendix F. No specific trend of the monitoring results or existence of persistent pollution source was noted.

3.2.3      The number of exceedances recorded during the reporting period are presented in the Table 3.4. The monitoring results for construction noise are summarized in Table 3.5.

Table 3.4         Summary of number of exceedances for Impact Noise Monitoring

Monitoring Station

March 2018

April 2018

May 2018

Action Level

Limit Level

Action Level

Limit Level

Action Level

Limit Level

NMS2

-

-

-

-

-

-

NMS3B(*)

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remark: (*) The Limit Level for schools will be applied for NMS3B. Daytime noise Limit Level of 70 dB(A) applies to education institutions, while 65 dB(A) applies during the school examination period.

 

Table 3.5         Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results During the Reporting Peroid

Reporting

month

Monitoring Station

Average, dB(A)
Leq (30 mins)

Range, dB(A)
Leq (30 mins)

Limit Level, dB(A)
Leq (30 mins)

March 2018

NMS2

65

65 ¡V 66

75

NMS3B(*)

66

61 ¡V 68

70/65

April 2018

NMS2

65

64 ¡V 65

75

NMS3B(*)

63

59 -67

70/65

May 2018

NMS2

65

63 ¡V 66

75

NMS3B(*)

63

62 - 66

70/65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remark: (*) The Limit Level for schools will be applied for NMS3B. Daytime noise Limit Level of 70 dB(A) applies to education institutions, while 65 dB(A) applies during the school examination period.
On 9 April 2018, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination was conducted at Ho Yu College. The Limit Level of 65dB(A) was applied.

 

 

3.2.4      No Action and Limit Level exceedances of noise monitoring were recorded at NMS2 and NMS3B during the reporting period.

3.2.5      School calendar of Ho Yu College and calendar of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) were checked. On 9 April 2018, the examination of HKDSE was conducted at Ho Yu College. The measured noise level at NMS3B on 9 April 2018 was 62 dB(A), which was not exceeded the noise level of 65dB(A) during examination. As such the Event and Action Plan was not triggered.

3.2.6      The event and action plan is provided in Appendix D.

 

3.3                Water Quality Monitoring Results

3.3.1      Impact water quality monitoring was carried out to ensure that any deterioration of water quality was detected, and that timely action was taken to rectify the situation. For impact water quality monitoring, measurement were taken in accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

3.3.2      The graphical plots of the monitoring results are presented in Appendix F.

3.3.3      For impact water quality monitoring, number of exceedances recorded for reporting period at each impact station are summarised in Table 3.6.

Table 3.6         Summary of Water Quality Exceedances

Station

Exceedance Level

DO (S&M)

DO (Bottom)

Turbidity

SS

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

IS5

Action Level

 

 

 2018-05-28

 

 

 

2018-04-02

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS(Mf)6

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS7

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2018-03-21

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS8

Action Level

 

 

2018-05-25

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS(Mf)9

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS10(N)

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2018-04-20

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS(Mf)11

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

2018-05-13

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS(Mf)16

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS17

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR3(N)

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR4(N)

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR5(N)

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

2018-05-13

 

2018-03-16;

2018-03-30

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR6

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018-03-02;

2018-04-18

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR7

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018-04-18;

2018-04-25

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR10A(N)

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR10B(N2)

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

Action Level

0

0

2

0

0

2

1

8

13

Limit Level

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

3.3.4      2 Action Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen were recorded at mid-ebb tide on 25 and
28 May 2018 while no Action Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen at mid-flood tide. No Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen during the reporting period.

3.3.5      2 Action Level exceedances of turbidity were recorded at mid-flood tide on 13 May 2018
while no Action Level exceedances of turbidity at mid-ebb tide. No Limit Level exceedances of
turbidity during the reporting period.

3.3.6      8 Action Level exceedances of suspended solid were recorded at mid-flood tide on 2, 16,
21 and 30 March 2018, 18, 20 and 25 April 2018 while 1 Action Level exceedance of suspended solid was recorded at mid-ebb tide on 2 April 2018. No Limit Level exceedances of
suspended solid during the reporting period.

3.3.7      As confirmed by the Contractor, no marine transportation and marine-based work was conducted when water quality monitoring was conducted in March, April and May 2018. Therefore, it is concluded that the exceedances were not related the Contract. The detailed investigation results of these exceedances recorded are shown in Appendix K.

3.4                Dolphins Monitoring Results

Data Analysis

3.4.1      Distribution Analysis ¡V The line-transect survey data was integrated with the Geographic Information System (GIS) in order to visualize and interpret different spatial and temporal patterns of dolphin distribution using sighting positions.  Location data of dolphin groups were plotted on map layers of Hong Kong using a desktop GIS (ArcViewý 3.1) to examine their distribution patterns in details.  The dataset was also stratified into different subsets to examine distribution patterns of dolphin groups with different categories of group sizes, young calves and activities.

3.4.2      Encounter rate analysis ¡V Encounter rates of Chinese white dolphins (number of on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort, and total number of dolphins sighted on-effort per 100 km of survey effort) were calculated in NEL and NWL survey areas in relation to the amount of survey effort conducted during each month of monitoring survey.  Dolphin encounter rates were calculated in two ways for comparisons with the HZMB baseline monitoring results as well as to AFCD long-term marine mammal monitoring results. 

3.4.3      Firstly, for the comparison with the HZMB baseline monitoring results, the encounter rates were calculated using primary survey effort alone, and only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition would be used for encounter rate analysis.  The average encounter rate of sightings (STG) and average encounter rate of dolphins (ANI) were deduced based on the encounter rates from six events during the present quarter (i.e. six sets of line-transect surveys in North Lantau), which was also compared with the one deduced from the six events during the baseline period (i.e. six sets of line-transect surveys in North Lantau). 

3.4.4      Secondly, the encounter rates were calculated using both primary and secondary survey effort collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition as in AFCD long-term monitoring study.  The encounter rate of sightings and dolphins were deduced by dividing the total number of on-effort sightings (STG) and total number of dolphins (ANI) by the amount of survey effort for the present quarterly period.

3.4.5      Quantitative grid analysis on habitat use ¡V To conduct quantitative grid analysis of habitat use, positions of on-effort sightings of Chinese White Dolphins collected during the quarterly impact phase monitoring period were plotted onto 1-km2 grids among NWL and NEL survey areas on GIS.  Sighting densities (number of on-effort sightings per km2) and dolphin densities (total number of dolphins from on-effort sightings per km2) were then calculated for each 1 km by 1 km grid with the aid of GIS. Sighting density grids and dolphin density grids were then further normalized with the amount of survey effort conducted within each grid.  The total amount of survey effort spent on each grid was calculated by examining the survey coverage on each line-transect survey to determine how many times the grid was surveyed during the study period.  For example, when the survey boat traversed through a specific grid 50 times, 50 units of survey effort were counted for that grid.  With the amount of survey effort calculated for each grid, the sighting density and dolphin density of each grid were then normalized (i.e. divided by the unit of survey effort). 

3.4.6      The newly-derived unit for sighting density was termed SPSE, representing the number of on-effort sightings per 100 units of survey effort.  In addition, the derived unit for actual dolphin density was termed DPSE, representing the number of dolphins per 100 units of survey effort.  Among the 1-km2 grids that were partially covered by land, the percentage of sea area was calculated using GIS tools, and their SPSE and DPSE values were adjusted accordingly.  The following formulae were used to estimate SPSE and DPSE in each 1-km2 grid within the study area:

SPSE = ((S / E) x 100) / SA%

DPSE = ((D / E) x 100) / SA%

 

where       S = total number of on-effort sightings

D = total number of dolphins from on-effort sightings

E = total number of units of survey effort

SA% = percentage of sea area

3.4.7      Behavioural analysis ¡V When dolphins were sighted during vessel surveys, their behaviour was observed.  Different activities were categorized (i.e. feeding, milling/resting, traveling, socializing) and recorded on sighting datasheets.  This data was then input into a separate database with sighting information, which can be used to determine the distribution of behavioural data with a desktop GIS.  Distribution of sightings of dolphins engaged in different activities and behaviours would then be plotted on GIS and carefully examined to identify important areas for different activities of the dolphins. 

3.4.8      Ranging pattern analysis ¡V Location data of individual dolphins that occurred during the 3-month impact phase monitoring period were obtained from the dolphin sighting database and photo-identification catalogue.  To deduce home ranges for individual dolphins using the fixed kernel methods, the program Animal Movement Analyst Extension, was loaded as an extension with ArcViewý 3.1 along with another extension Spatial Analyst 2.0.  Using the fixed kernel method, the program calculated kernel density estimates based on all sighting positions, and provided an active interface to display kernel density plots.  The kernel estimator then calculated and displayed the overall ranging area at 95% UD level.

Summary of Survey Effort and Dolphin Sightings

3.4.9      During the period of March 2018 to May 2018, six sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted for the HKBCF project to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice per month.

3.4.10    From these surveys, a total of 803.0 km of survey effort was collected, with 88.5% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility). Among the two areas, 302.3 km and 500.7 km of survey effort were conducted in NEL and NWL survey areas respectively. 

3.4.11    The total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 577.0 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 226.0 km. Survey effort conducted on both primary and secondary lines were considered as on-effort survey data. A summary table of the survey effort is shown in Annex I of Appendix L.

3.4.12    During the six sets of monitoring surveys in March to May 2018, eight groups of 20 Chinese White Dolphins were sighted, with the summary table of the dolphin sightings shown in Annex II of Appendix L. All dolphin sightings were made during on-effort search, while seven of the eight on-effort dolphin sightings were made on primary lines. In addition, all dolphin groups were sighted in NWL, while none was sighted in NEL.

Distribution

3.4.13    Distribution of dolphin sightings made during monitoring surveys in March to May 2018 is shown in Figure 1 of Appendix L. All sightings were made at the northwestern end of the North Lantau Region, mainly within and around the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (Figure 1 of Appendix L). One dolphin group was also sighted at the mouth of Deep Bay.  On the contrary, they were completely absent from the central and eastern portions of North Lantau waters, similar to the consistent findings of HKLR03 surveys in recent years (Figure 1 of Appendix L).

3.4.14    Notably, all dolphin sighting were made far away from the HKBCF and HKLR03 reclamation sites, as well as the alignments of HKLR09 and Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TMCLKL) (Figure 1 of Appendix L).

3.4.15    Sighting distribution of dolphins during the present impact phase monitoring period (March to May 2018) was very different from the one during the baseline monitoring period (Figure 1 of Appendix L). In the present quarter, dolphins have disappeared from the NEL region, which was in stark contrast to their frequent occurrence around the Brothers Islands, near Shum Shui Kok and in the vicinity of HKBCF reclamation site during the baseline period (Figure 1 of Appendix L).

3.4.16    On the other hand, dolphin occurrence in NWL waters was also noticeably different between the baseline and impact phase periods. During the present impact monitoring period, dolphins were infrequently sighted there, and mainly at the northwestern end of the survey area, which was also in stark contrast with their frequent occurrences throughout the entire survey area during the baseline period (Figure 1 of Appendix L). Seasonal distributions of dolphins during baseline and impact periods can be referred to those presented in the corresponding quarterly EM&A summary report prepared under Contract No. HY/2011/03.

Encounter Rate

3.4.17    During the present three-month study period, the encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data from the primary transect lines under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) for each set of the surveys in NEL and NWL are shown in Table 3.7. The average encounter rates deduced from the six sets of surveys were also compared with the ones deduced from the baseline monitoring period (September ¡V November 2011) (Table 3.8).

3.4.18    To facilitate the comparison with the AFCD long-term monitoring results, the encounter rates were also calculated for the present quarter using both primary and secondary survey effort.  The encounter rates of sightings (STG) and dolphins (ANI) in NWL were 1.7 sightings and 4.4 dolphins per 100 km of survey effort respectively, while the encounter rates of sightings (STG) and dolphins (ANI) in NEL were both nil for this quarter.

Table 3.7         Dolphin Encounter Rates (Sightings Per 100 km of Survey Effort) During Reporting Period (March to May 2018) 

Survey Area

Dolphin Monitoring

Encounter rate (STG)
(no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Encounter rate (ANI)
(no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of surve
y effort)

Primary Lines Only

Primary Lines Only

Northeast Lantau

Set 1 (6 & 9 Mar 2018)

0.0

0.0

Set 2 (14 & 26 Mar 2018)

0.0

0.0

Set 3 (11 & 18 Apr 2018)

0.0

0.0

Set 4 (24 & 26 Apr 2018)

0.0

0.0

Set 5 (3 & 15 May 2018)

0.0

0.0

Set 6 (24 & 29 May 2018)

0.0

0.0

Northwest Lantau

Set 1 (6 & 9 Mar 2018)

0.0

0.0

Set 2 (14 & 26 Mar 2018)

1.7

6.7

Set 3 (11 & 18 Apr 2018)

1.7

5.2

Set 4 (24 & 26 Apr 2018)

3.4

8.6

Set 5 (3 & 15 May 2018)

1.8

3.5

Set 6 (24 & 29 May 2018)

3.3

4.9

 

Table 3.8         Comparison of Average Dolphin Encounter Rates From Impact Monitoring Period (March to May 2018) and Baseline Monitoring Period (September to November 2011)

Survey Area

Encounter rate (STG)
(no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Encounter rate (ANI)
(no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Reporting Period

Baseline Monitoring Period

Reporting Period

Baseline Monitoring Period

Northeast Lantau

0.0

6.0 ¡Ó 5.1

0.0

22.2 ¡Ó 26.8

Northwest Lantau

2.0 ¡Ó 1.3

9.9 ¡Ó 5.9

4.8 ¡Ó 2.9

44.7 ¡Ó 29.9

Notes:
1) The encounter rates deduced from the baseline monitoring period have been recalculated based only on the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made along the primary transect lines under favourable conditions.

2) ¡Ó denotes the standard deviation of the average encounter rates.

 

3.4.19    In NEL, the average dolphin encounter rates (both STG and ANI) in the present three-month impact monitoring period were both zero with no on-effort sighting being made, and such extremely low occurrence of dolphins in NEL have also been consistently recorded in recent years of HZMB monitoring (Table 3.9)

Table 3.9     Comparison of Average Dolphin Encounter Rates in Northeast Lantau Survey Area from All Quarters of Impact Monitoring Period and Baseline Monitoring Period (September to November 2011)

 

Encounter rate (STG)          (no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Encounter rate (ANI)             (no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

September-November 2011 (Baseline)

6.0 ¡Ó 5.1

22.2 ¡Ó 26.8

March-May 2013 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

0.4 ¡Ó 1.0

0.4 ¡Ó 1.0

March-May 2014 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

0.0

0.0

March-May 2015 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

0.0

0.0

March-May 2016 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

0.0

0.0

March-May 2017 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

0.0

0.0

March-May 2018 (HKBCF Impact)

0.0

0.0

Notes:
1) The encounter rates deduced from the baseline monitoring period have been recalculated based only on survey effort and on-effort sighting data made along the primary transect lines under favourable conditions.

2) ¡Ó denotes the standard deviation of the average encounter rates.

(*) As explained in Section 1.5 of Appendix L, the previous monitoring data from Contract No. HY/2011/03 (i.e. HKLR03) were adopted for comparison with the baseline and present HKBCF impact monitoring period.

 

3.4.20    On the other hand, the average dolphin encounter rates (STG and ANI) in NWL during the present impact phase monitoring period (reductions of 80.0% and 89.2% respectively) were tiny fractions of the ones recorded during the three-month baseline period, indicating a noticeable decline in dolphin usage of this survey area during the present impact phase period (Table 3.10).

3.4.21    During the same spring quarters (with comparison to past HKLR03 monitoring data), dolphin encounter rates in NWL during spring 2018 was similar to the previous spring periods in 2016 and 2017, slightly higher than the one in 2015, but much lower than the ones in 2013 and 2014 (Table 3.10). Such temporal trend should be closely monitored in the upcoming monitoring quarters whether the dolphin occurrence would slowly recover as almost all marine construction activities of HKBCF works have been completed in coming months.

 

Table 3.10 Comparison of Average Dolphin Encounter Rates in Northwest Lantau Survey Area from all winter quarters of Impact Monitoring Period and Baseline Monitoring Period (September to November 2011)

Monitoring Period

Encounter rate (STG)            (no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Encounter rate (ANI)              (no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

September-November 2011 (Baseline)

9.9 ¡Ó 5.9

44.7 ¡Ó 29.9

March-May 2013 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

7.8 ¡Ó 4.0

24.2 ¡Ó 18.1

March-May 2014 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

6.5 ¡Ó 3.3

19.1 ¡Ó 7.2

March-May 2015 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

0.5 ¡Ó 0.7

2.4 ¡Ó 4.1

March-May 2016 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

1.0 ¡Ó 1.1

4.8 ¡Ó 6.9

March-May 2017 (HKLR03 Impact (*))

0.9 ¡Ó 1.0

5.3 ¡Ó 9.5

March-May 2018 (HKBCF Impact)

2.0 ¡Ó 1.3

4.8 ¡Ó 2.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

1) The encounter rates deduced from the baseline monitoring period have been recalculated based only on survey effort and on-effort sighting data made along the primary transect lines under favourable conditions.

2) ¡Ó denotes the standard deviation of the average encounter rates.

(*) As explained in Section 1.5 of Appendix L, the previous monitoring data from Contract No. HY/2011/03 (i.e. HKLR03) were adopted for comparison with the baseline and present HKBCF impact monitoring period.

 

3.4.22    A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and unequal sample size was conducted to examine whether there were any significant differences in the average encounter rates between the baseline and impact monitoring periods. The two variables that were examined included the two periods (baseline and impact phases) and two locations (NEL and NWL).    

3.4.23    For the comparison between the baseline period and the present quarter, the p-values for the differences in average dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI were 0.0031 and 0.0168 respectively.  If the alpha value is set at 0.05, significant differences were detected between the baseline and present quarter in both the average dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI.

3.4.24    As indicated in both dolphin distribution patterns and encounter rates, dolphin usage has been significantly reduced in both NEL and NWL survey areas during the present quarterly period, and such low occurrence of dolphins has also been consistently documented in past HZMB dolphin monitoring studies. 

3.4.25    The decline in dolphin usage of North Lantau region raises serious concern, as the timing of the decline in dolphin usage in North Lantau waters coincided well with the construction schedule of the HZMB-related projects (Hung 2017). Apparently, there was very little sign of recovery of dolphin usage even though most of the marine works associated with the HZMB construction have been completed, and therefore continuous dolphin monitoring would remain critical in coming months.

Group Size

3.4.26    Group size of Chinese White Dolphins ranged from one to four individuals per group in North Lantau region during March to May 2018.  The average dolphin group sizes from these three months were compared with the ones deduced from the baseline period in September to November 2011, as shown in Table 3.11.

Table 3.11      Comparison of average dolphin group sizes from impact monitoring period (March-May 2018) and baseline monitoring period (September-November 2011)

Survey Area

Average Dolphin Group Size

Reporting Period

Baseline Monitoring Period

Overall

2.5 ¡Ó 0.9 (n = 8)

3.7 ¡Ó 3.1 (n = 66)

Northeast Lantau

---

3.2 ¡Ó 2.2 (n = 17)

Northwest Lantau

2.5 ¡Ó 0.9 (n = 8)

3.9 ¡Ó 3.4 (n = 49)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

1)     ¡Ó denotes the standard deviation of the average group size.

 

3.4.27    The average dolphin group size in NWL waters during March to May 2018 was lower than the one recorded during the three-month baseline period, but it should also be noted that the sample size of eight dolphin groups in the present quarter was much smaller when compared to the 66 groups sighted during the baseline period (Table 3.11).

3.4.28    Notably, all eight dolphin groups were composed of 1-4 individuals only, while none of the groups were larger than five animals (Annex II of Appendix L). This is in contrary to the baseline period, when the larger dolphin groups (5 animals or more per group) were frequently sighted and evenly distributed in NWL waters, with a few also sighted in NEL waters.

Habitat Use

3.4.29    From March to May 2018, the grids that recorded higher dolphin densities were located to the west of Sha Chau, while the grids around Lung Kwu Chau recorded relatively low dolphin densities (Figures 2a and 2b of Appendix L).

3.4.30    However, it should be emphasized that the amount of survey effort collected in each grid during the three-month period was fairly low (6-12 units of survey effort for most grids), and therefore the habitat use pattern derived from the three-month dataset should be treated with caution. A more complete picture of dolphin habitat use pattern should be examined when more survey effort for each grid will be collected throughout the impact phase monitoring programme.

3.4.31    When compared with the habitat use patterns during the baseline period, dolphin usage in NEL and NWL has drastically diminished in both areas during the present impact monitoring period (Figure 3 of Appendix L).  During the baseline period, many grids between Siu Mo To and Shum Shui Kok in NEL recorded moderately high to high dolphin densities, which was in stark contrast to the complete absence of dolphins there during the present impact phase period (Figure 3 of Appendix L).

3.4.32    The density patterns were also very different in NWL between the baseline and impact phase monitoring periods, with high dolphin usage throughout the area during the baseline period.  In contrast, only a few grids with moderate to high dolphin densities were located near Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau during the present impact phase period (Figure 3 of Appendix L).

 

Mother-calf Pairs

3.4.33    During the present quarterly period, no mother-calf was spotted among the eight groups of dolphins.

Activities and Associations with Fishing Boats

3.4.34    During the present quarterly period, none of the eight dolphin groups were engaged in feeding, socializing, traveling or milling/resting activity.

Summary Photo-identification works

3.4.35    From March to May 2018, over 1,000 digital photographs of Chinese White Dolphins were taken during the impact phase monitoring surveys for the photo-identification work.

3.4.36    In total, 12 individuals sighted 16 times altogether were identified (see summary table in Annex III of Appendix L and photographs of identified individuals in Annex IV of Appendix L). All re-sightings of individual dolphins were made in NWL, while none was re-sighted in NEL during the quarterly period.

3.4.37    Among the 12 individuals, eight of them were re-sighted only once, while the other four individuals were re-sighted twice during the three-month period (Annex III of Appendix L).

3.4.38    Notably, five of these 12 individuals (i.e. CH34, NL136, NL182, NL261 and NL286) were also sighted in NWL survey area during the HKLR03 monitoring surveys conducted concurrently in the same three-month period.  Moreover, one individual (NL46) was also sighted in West Lantau waters during the HKLR09 monitoring surveys from the same quarterly period.

 

Individual range use

3.4.39    Ranging patterns of the 12 individuals identified during the three-month study period were determined by fixed kernel method, and are shown in Annex V of Appendix L.

3.4.40    All identified dolphins sighted in the present quarter were utilizing NWL waters only, while none of them occurred in NEL waters (Annex V of Appendix L). This is in contrary to the extensive movements of many individual dolphins between NEL and NWL survey areas as observed in the earlier impact monitoring quarters as well as the baseline period. On the other hand, only one individual (NL46) has extended its range use to WL waters during the present quarter. 

3.4.41    In the upcoming quarters, individual range use and movements should be continuously monitored to examine whether there has been any consistent shifts of individual home ranges from North Lantau to West or Southwest Lantau.

Action Level / Limit Level Exceedance

3.4.42    There was 1 Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring for the quarterly monitoring data (between March 2018 ¡V May 2018). For detail of investigation, please refer to Appendix K.

3.4.43    During the present quarter of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

3.4.44    Although dolphins seldom occurred in the area of HKBCF construction in the past and during the baseline monitoring period, it is apparent that dolphin usage has been dramatically reduced in North Lantau waters in recent years, and many individuals have shifted away from this once-important habitat for the dolphins.

3.4.45    It is critical to continuously monitor the dolphin usage in North Lantau region in the upcoming quarters, to determine whether the dolphins are continuously affected by the various construction activities in relation to the HZMB-related works, and whether there is any sign of recovery when the construction works have been completed.

 

3.5                Implementation of Environmental Measures

3.5.1      In response to the site audit findings, the Contractor carried out corrective actions. Details of site audit findings and the corrective actions during the reporting period are presented in Appendix G.

3.5.2      The Contractor waters 8 times per day on all exposed soil within the Contract site and associated works areas when construction activities are being undertaken.

3.5.3      The marine traffic records and geographical plots of all the vessels tracks for the reporting month will be submitted by the Contractor to Engineer¡¦s Representative (ER), Environmental Team Leader (ETL) and Independent Environmental Checker / Environmental Project Office (IEC/ENPO) within 3 weeks after the reporting month. As informed by Contractor, there was no marine traffic since 30 January 2018.

3.5.4      Regarding the implementation of dolphin monitoring and protection measures (i.e. implementation of Dolphin Watching Plan, Dolphin Exclusion Zone and Silt Curtain integrity check), regular checking were conducted by the dolphin watcher(s) / dolphin observer(s) within the works area to ensure no dolphin was trapped by the enclosed silt curtain systems. No dolphin spotted within the enclosed silt curtain systems was reported and recorded during the reporting period. Silt curtain systems were also inspected timely in accordance to the submitted plan. All inspection records were kept properly.

3.5.5      Training was provided for barge operators in accordance with the Regular Marine Travel Routes Plan and relevant records were kept properly.

3.5.6      A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix E. Most of the necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly.

3.6               Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

3.6.1      The Contractor registered as a chemical waste producer for the Contract. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

3.6.2      No marine sediment was generated/treated and no treated marine sediment was reused in the reporting period. As informed by the Contractor in May 2016, the transfer of treated marine sediment to Contract no. HY/2010/02 has been discontinued since July 2015.

3.6.3      The summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix H.

3.6.4      The Contractor was reminded that chemical waste containers should be properly treated and stored temporarily in designated chemical waste storage area on site in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes.

3.7               Environmental Licenses and Permits

3.7.1      The valid environmental licenses and permits during the reporting period are summarized in Appendix I.


4          Summary of Exceedance, Complaint, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

4.1               Summary of Exceedance of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

4.1.1      For air quality monitoring, No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour TSP were recorded at AMS2, AMS3B and AMS7B during the reporting period. No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 24-hour TSP were recorded at AMS2, AMS3B and AMS7B during the reporting period.

4.1.2      Summary of Action and Limit Level exceedance of 1-hr TSP level and 24-hr TSP level at AMS6 shall be referred to the monthly EM&A Reports (for March to May 2018) prepared by Contract No. HY/2011/03.

4.1.3      There were no Action and Limit Level exceedance for noise recorded at NMS2 and NMS3B during the reporting period.

4.1.4      For water quality monitoring during the reporting period, 2 Action Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen were recorded at mid-ebb tide on 25 and 28 May 2018 while no Action Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen at mid-flood tide. No Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen during the reporting period.

4.1.5      2 Action Level exceedances of turbidity were recorded at mid-flood tide on 13 May 2018 while no Action Level exceedances of turbidity at mid-ebb tide. No Limit Level exceedances of turbidity during the reporting period.

4.1.6      8 Action Level exceedances of suspended solid were recorded at mid-flood tide on 2, 16, 21, 30 March 2018, 18, 20, 25 April 2018. 1 Action Level exceedances of suspended solid was recorded at mid-ebb tide on 2 April 2018. No Limit Level exceedances of suspended solid were recorded at mid-ebb tide and mid-flood tide during the reporting period.

4.1.7      After investigation, the exceedance was considered not likely to be caused by this Contract¡¦s activities. No follow-up action is required.

4.1.8      Impact dolphin monitoring results at all transects are reported in the EM&A Reports prepared for Contract No. HY/2013/01. One Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring was recorded in the reporting quarter.

4.2               Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

4.2.1      There was no complaint received in relation to the environmental impact during the reporting period. The details of cumulative statistics of Environmental Complaints are provided in Appendix J.

4.2.2      Statistics on notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix J.

 

5           Comments, Recommendations and Conclusion

5.1               Comments

5.1.1      According to the environmental site inspections undertaken during the reporting period, the following recommendations were provided:

¡P                The Contractor was reminded to provide drip trays for chemical containers.

¡P                The Contractor was reminded to clear the general refuse.

¡P                The Contractor was reminded to cover the bags of cement properly.

¡P                The Contractor was reminded to display NRMM label for the air compressor.

¡P                The Contractor was reminded to clean the oil stain.

¡P                The Contractor was reminded to keep site tidiness and clear the rubbish.

 

5.1.2      A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix E.  Most of the necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly.

5.2               Recommendations

5.2.1      With implementation of the recommended environmental mitigation measures, the contract¡¦s environmental impacts were considered environmentally acceptable. The weekly environmental site inspections ensured that all the environmental mitigation measures recommended were effectively implemented.

5.2.2      The recommended environmental mitigation measures, as included in the EM&A programme, effectively minimize the potential environmental impacts from the contract. Also, the EM&A programme effectively monitored the environmental impacts from the construction activities and ensure the proper implementation of mitigation measures. No particular recommendation was advised for the improvement of the programme.


 

5.3               Conclusions

5.3.1      The site preparation work of the Contract started on 26 September 2014 and the construction works of the Contract commenced on 6 October 2014. The construction works of the Contract No. HY/2013/06 within Contractor No. HY/2013/01 works area commenced on 20 February 2018. This is the fifteen Quarterly EM&A Report summaries findings of the EM&A works during the reporting period from 1 March to 31 May 2018(included the construction works of Contract No. HY/2013/06 within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area).

5.3.2      For air quality monitoring, no Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour and 24-hour TSP level were recorded at AMS2, AMS3B and AMS7B during the reporting period.

5.3.3      Summary of Action and Limit Level exceedance of 1-hr TSP level and 24-hr TSP level at AMS6 shall be referred to the monthly EM&A Reports (for March to May 2018) prepared by Contract No. HY/2011/03.

5.3.4      There were no Action and Limit Level exceedance for noise recorded at NMS2 and NMS3B during the reporting period.

5.3.5      For water quality monitoring during the reporting period, 2 Action Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen were recorded at mid-ebb tide on 25 and 28 May 2018 while no Action Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen at mid-flood tide. No Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen during the reporting period.

5.3.6      2 Action Level exceedances of turbidity were recorded at mid-flood tide on 13 May 2018 while no Action Level exceedances of turbidity at mid-ebb tide. No Limit Level exceedances of turbidity during the reporting period.

5.3.7      8 Action Level exceedances of suspended solid were recorded at mid-flood tide on 2, 16, 21, 30 March 2018, 18, 20, 25 April 2018. 1 Action Level exceedances of suspended solid was recorded at mid-ebb tide on 2 April 2018. No Limit Level exceedances of suspended solid were recorded at mid-ebb tide and mid-flood tide during the reporting period.

5.3.8      After investigation, the exceedance was considered not likely to be caused by this Contract¡¦s activities. No follow-up action is required.

5.3.9      Impact dolphin monitoring results at all transects are reported in the EM&A Reports prepared for Contract No. HY/2013/01. One Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring was recorded during the monitoring period (between March ¡V May 2018).

5.3.10    Environmental site inspections were carried out on 7, 14, 23 and 28 March, 4, 11, 18, and 25 April and 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 May 2018, for the Contract No. HY/2013/01 (includes the construction works of Contract No. HY/2013/06 within Contract No. HY/2013/01 works area). Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

5.3.11    There was no complaint received in relation to the environmental impact during the reporting period.

5.3.12    No notification of summons and successful prosecution was received during the reporting period.