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Contract No. HY/2011/03

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road

Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly EM&A Report No.2 (November 2012)

 

14 December 2012

 

Revision1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Contractor                                                                                                                     Designer

Atkins new logo
 

 


 

 


Contents

Executive Summary

1....... Introduction.. 1

1.1                          Basic Project Information. 1

1.2                          Project Organisation. 2

1.3                          Construction Programme. 2

1.4                          Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Month. 2

2....... Air Quality Monitoring.. 3

2.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 3

2.2                          Monitoring Equipment 3

2.3                          Monitoring Locations. 4

2.4                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 4

2.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 4

2.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 6

2.7                          Monitoring Results. 6

3....... Noise Monitoring.. 8

3.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 8

3.2                          Monitoring Equipment 8

3.3                          Monitoring Locations. 8

3.4                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 8

3.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 9

3.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 9

3.7                          Monitoring Results. 10

4....... Water Quality Monitoring.. 11

4.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 11

4.2                          Monitoring Equipment 11

4.3                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 11

4.4                          Monitoring Locations. 12

4.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 13

4.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 14

4.7                          Monitoring Results. 14

5....... Dolphin Monitoring.. 17

5.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 17

5.2                          Monitoring Methodology. 17

5.3                          Monitoring Results. 19

5.4                          Reference. 20

6....... ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT.. 21

6.1                          Site Inspection. 21

6.2                          Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status. 22

6.3                          Environmental Licenses and Permits. 23

6.4                          Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures. 23

6.5                          Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 23

6.6                          Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution. 23

7....... FUTURE KEY ISSUES.. 25

7.1                          Construction Programme for the Coming Months. 25

7.2                          Environmental Monitoring Scheme for the Coming Month. 25

8....... CONCLUSION.. 26

8.1                          Conclusions. 26

 

Figures

 

Figure 1.1         Location of the Site

Figure 2.1         Environmental Monitoring Stations     

 

Appendices

 

Appendix A       Environmental Management Structure

Appendix B       Construction Programme

Appendix C       Calibration Certificates

Appendix D       Monitoring Schedule

Appendix E       Monitoring Data and Graphical Plots

Appendix F       Event and Action Plan

Appendix G      Wind Data

Appendix H       Dolphin Monitoring Results

Appendix I         Waste Flow Table

Appendix J        Cumulative Statistics on Complaints

Appendix K       Environmental Licenses and Permits

Appendix L       Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures

Appendix M      Record of ¡§Notification of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances¡¨

 

 

 

 

 


Executive Summary

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) serves to connect the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Boundary and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) located at the north eastern waters of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

The HKLR project has been separated into two contracts.  They are Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (hereafter referred to as the Contract) and Contract No. HY/2011/09 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between HKSAR Boundary and Scenic Hill.

China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was awarded by Highways Department as the Contractor to undertake the construction works of Contract No. HY/2011/03.  The main works of the Contract include land tunnel at Scenic Hill, tunnel underneath Airport Road and Airport Express Line, reclamation and tunnel to the east coast of the Airport Island, at-grade road connecting to the HKBCF and highway works of the HKBCF within the Airport Island and in the vicinity of the HKLR reclamation.  The Contract is part of the HKLR Project and HKBCF Project, these projects are considered to be ¡§Designated Projects¡¨, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports (Register No. AEIAR-144/2009 and AEIAR-145/2009) were prepared for the Project.  The current Environmental Permit (EP) EP-352/2009/A for HKLR and EP-353/2009/E for HKBCF were issued on 31 October 2011 and 16 October 2012, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012.

BMT Asia Pacific 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 HKLR (Version 1.0) and will be providing environmental team services to the Contract.

This is the second Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summaries the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 November to 30 November 2012.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress

The monthly EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0).  A summary of the monitoring activities in this reporting month is listed below:

1-hr TSP Monitoring                           2, 5, 9, 15, 21 and 27 November 2012

24-hr TSP Monitoring                 2, 8, 14, 20, 21 and 26 November 2012

Noise Monitoring                               1, 5, 15, 21 and 27 November 2012

Water Quality Monitoring                   1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29 November 2012

Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring     2, 3, 12 and 13 November 2012

Site Inspection                                  6, 13, 20 and 30 November 2012

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels

A summary of environmental exceedances for this reporting month is as follows:


 

 

Environmental Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

Air Quality

1-hr TSP

0

0

24-hr TSP

0

0

Noise

Leq (30 min)

1

0

Water Quality

Suspended solids level (SS)

3

33

Turbidity level

9

38

Dissolved oxygen level (DO)

0

0

During the reporting month, there are three Action Level exceedances and thirty-three Limit Level exceedances of suspended solids level.  Nine Action Level exceedances and thirty-eight Limit Level exceedances of turbidity level were recorded. No major marine works were carried out near the monitoring stations. Geotextile installation work, rock filling and silt curtains maintenance work or vessel maintenance work were being carried out within silt curtains near the restricted area during the sampling period. These activities were unlikely to cause adverse water quality impact. Therefore, all exceendances were considered as non-project related.

There is one Action Level exceedance for noise.  A noise complaint regarding the noise generated from power generator, engines from barges used for marine operation, cranes from the barges, engine from boats used for transportation of site staff and strong noise of metallic parts being thrown on the ground was received on 24 November 2012.  According to the information provided by the Contractor, the construction works conducted on 24 November 2012 included removal of armour rock at zone 3C and rock filling at Zone 3B.  A noise barrier has been provided for the generator since 21 November 2012. Noise shield has been installed for the engine and breaking system of a derrick barge to minimize the noise nuisance since 25 Nov 2012. According the information provided by the Contractor, construction activities undertaken on site on 24 November included breaking work for extending drainage using electric breaker (completed on 26 Nov), cleaning near site entrances and filling of cable manhole with sandbags. No metallic works were carried out during the date of complaint (24 November 2012).  The Contractor has implemented mitigation measures to minimise the potential noise impacts.  In addition, the Contractor has been reminded to enhance the maintenance of barges to avoid the generation of abnormal noise and not to blow horns if unnecessary. 

All investigation reports for exceedances of the Contract have been submitted to ENPO/IEC for comments and/or follow up to identify whether the exceedances occurred related to other HZMB contracts.

Complaint Log

A summary of environmental complaints for this reporting month is as follows:

Environmental Complaint No. (1)

Date of Complaint Received

Description of Environmental Complaints

COM-2012-009

5 November 2012

Noise and Light

COM-2012-009(2)

11 November 2012

Noise, Water Quality and Air Quality

COM-2012-009(3)

14 November 2012

Noise

COM-2012-010(1)

6 November 2012

Noise

COM-2012-010(2)

15 November 2012

Noise and Air Quality

COM-2012-010(3)

15 November 2012

Noise Water Quality and Air Quality

COM-2012-010(4)

19 November 2012

Air Quality and Noise

COM-2012-010(5)

24 November 2012

Air Quality and Noise

COM-2012-012(1)

13 November 2012

Noise

Remarks:

(1) If a complainant makes complaint for the same environmental issue, only one complaint number will be assigned for the complaint. 

Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

There were no notifications of summons or prosecutions received during this reporting month.

Reporting Changes

This report has been developed in compliance with the reporting requirements for the subsequent EM&A reports as required by the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0).  There are no reporting changes. 

Future Key Issues

The future key issues include potential noise, air quality, water quality and ecological impacts and waste management arising from the following construction activities to be undertaken in the upcoming month:

¡P             Erection of Hoardings and Fencings at Site Boundaries (Portion Y);

¡P             Site clearing for road and drainage work at Portion Y;

¡P             Marine site investigation at Portion X;

¡P             Removal of armour rocks of existing seawall at Portion X;

¡P             Installation of silt curtain and geotextile laying at Portion X;

¡P             Formation of temporary stone platform at Portion X;

¡P             Installation of stone column at Portion X;

¡P             Reclamation at Portion X;

¡P             Relocation of Flag Poles at Kwo Lo Wan Road;

¡P             Site formation work for tunneling at West Portal; and

¡P             Installation of soil nails at West Portal; and

¡P             Access Shaft Construction for SHT & HAT at Portion Y.


1.1.1       The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) serves to connect the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Boundary and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) located at the north eastern waters of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

1.1.2       The HKLR project has been separated into two contracts.  They are Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (hereafter referred to as the Contract) and Contract No. HY/2011/09 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between HKSAR Boundary and Scenic Hill.

1.1.3       China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was awarded by Highways Department (HyD) as the Contractor to undertake the construction works of Contract No. HY/2011/03.  The Contract is part of the HKLR Project and HKBCF Project, these projects are considered to be ¡§Designated Projects¡¨, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports (Register No. AEIAR-144/2009 and AEIAR-145/2009) were prepared for the Project.  The current Environmental Permit (EP) EP-352/2009/A for HKLR and EP-353/2009/E for HKBCF were issued on 31 October 2011 and 16 October 2012, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012.  Figure 1.1 shows the project site boundary.. 

1.1.4       The Contract includes the following key aspects:

¡P                     New reclamation along the east coast of the approximately 23 hectares.

¡P                     Tunnel of Scenic Hill (Tunnel SHT) from Scenic Hill to the new reclamation, of approximately 1km in length with three (3) lanes for the east bound carriageway heading to the HKBCF and four (4) lanes for the westbound carriageway heading to the HZMB Main Bridge.

¡P                     An abutment of the viaduct portion of the HKLR at the west portal of Tunnel SHT and associated road works at the west portal of Tunnel SHT.

¡P                     An at grade road on the new reclamation along the east coast of the HKIA to connect with the HKBCF, of approximately 1.6 km along dual 3-lane carriageway with hard shoulder for each bound.

¡P                     Road links between the HKBCF and the HKIA including new roads and the modification of existing roads at the HKIA, involving viaducts, at grade roads and a Tunnel HAT.

¡P                     A highway operation and maintenance area (HMA) located on the new reclamation, south of the Dragonair Headquarters Building, including the construction of buildings, connection roads and other associated facilities.

¡P                     Associated civil, structural, building, geotechnical, marine, environmental protection, landscaping, drainage and sewerage, tunnel and highway electrical and mechanical works, together with the installation of street lightings, traffic aids and sign gantries, water mains and fire hydrants, provision of facilities for installation of traffic control and surveillance system (TCSS), reprovisioning works of affected existing facilities, implementation of transplanting, compensatory planting and protection of existing trees, and implementation of an environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) program.

1.1.5       This is the second Monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report for the Contract which summaries the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 November to 30 November 2012.

1.1.6       BMT Asia Pacific Limited has been appointed by the Contractor to implement the EM&A programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) for HKLR and will be providing environmental team services to the Contract.  ENVIRON Hong Kong Ltd. was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) for the Project.  The project organization with regard to the environmental works is as follows.

1.2.1       The project organization structure and lines of communication with respect to the on-site environmental management structure is shown in Appendix A.  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

Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative
(Ove Arup & Partners
Hong Kong Limited)

(Chief Resident Engineer, CRE)

Robert Antony Evans

3968 0801

2109 1882

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

Environmental Project Office Leader

Y. H Hui

3743 0788

3548 6988

Independent Environmental Checker

Antony Wong

3743 0788

3548 6988

Contractor
(China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd)

Project Manager

S. Y. Tse

3968 7002

2109 2588

Environmental Officer

Federick Wong

3968 7117

2109 2588

Environmental Team
(BMT Asia Pacific)

Environmental Team Leader

Claudine Lee

2241 9847

2815 3377

1.3                Construction Programme

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

1.4                Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Month

1.4.1       A summary of the construction activities undertaken during this reporting month is shown in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2          Construction Activities During Reporting Month

Site Area

Description of Activities

WA 6

Construction of site office

Portion Y

Ground Investigation Work

Site clearing for road and drainage work

Portion B

Site formation work for tunnelling at West Portal

Portion X

Marine Site investigation

Installation of silt curtain

Removal of armour rocks of existing seawall

Formation of temporary stone platform

2        Air Quality Monitoring

2.1                Monitoring Requirements

2.1.1       In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, baseline 1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels at 2 air quality monitoring stations were established. Impact 1-hour 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. The Action and Limit Level for 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP are provided in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2, respectively.

Table 2.1          Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

AMS 5 ¡V Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

352

500

AMS 6 ¡V Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

360

 

Table 2.2         Action and Limit Levels for 24-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

AMS 5 ¡V Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

164

260

AMS 6 ¡V Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

173

260

2.2                Monitoring Equipment

2.2.1       24-hour TSP air quality monitoring was performed using High Volume Sampler (HVS) located at each designated monitoring station. The HVS meets all the requirements of the Contract Specific EM&A Manual.  Portable direct reading dust meters were used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring.  Brand and model of the equipment is given in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3          Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Portable direct reading dust meter (1-hour TSP)

Sibata Digital Dust Monitor (Model No. LD-3B)

High Volume Sampler
(24-hour TSP)

Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) High Volume Air Sampler (Model No. TE-5170)

 


 

2.3.1       Monitoring locations AMS5 and AMS6 were set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

2.3.2       Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 2.4 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

Table 2.4          Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

AMS5

Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

AMS6

Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

2.4.1       Table 2.5 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact TSP monitoring.

Table 2.5          Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

1-hour TSP

Three times every 6 days while the highest dust impact was expected

24-hour TSP

Once every 6 days

 

2.5.1       24-hour TSP Monitoring

(a)           The HVS was installed in the vicinity of the air sensitive receivers. The following criteria were considered in the installation of the HVS.

(i)         A horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.

(ii)         The distance between the HVS and any obstacles, such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the HVS.

(iii)        A minimum of 2 meters separation from walls, parapets and penthouse for rooftop sampler.

(iv)        No furnace or incinerator flues nearby.

(v)        Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.

(vi)        Permission was obtained to set up the samplers and access to the monitoring stations.

(vii)       A secured supply of electricity was obtained to operate the samplers.

(viii)      The sampler was located more than 20 meters from any dripline.

(ix)        Any wire fence and gate, required to protect the sampler, did not obstruct the monitoring process.

(x)        Flow control accuracy was kept within ¡Ó2.5% deviation over 24-hour sampling period.

(b)          Preparation of Filter Papers

(i)         Glass fibre filters, G810 were labelled and sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.

(ii)        All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment temperature was around 25 ¢XC and not variable by more than ¡Ó3 ¢XC; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ¡Ó5%.  A convenient working RH was 40%.

(iii)       All filter papers were prepared and analysed by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd., which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

(c)          Field Monitoring

(i)         The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.

(ii)        The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.

(iii)       The filter holder was removed by loosening the four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen was aligned carefully.

(iv)       The filter was properly aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.

(v)        The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter holder down to the frame.  The pressure applied was sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.

(vi)       Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminum strip.

(vii)      The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.

(viii)      A new flow rate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.

(ix)       On site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the flow rate of the HVS was checked and adjusted at around 1.1 m3/min, and complied with the range specified in the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) (i.e. 0.6-1.7 m3/min).

(x)        The programmable digital timer was set for a sampling period of 24 hrs, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were recorded.

(xi)       The initial elapsed time was recorded.

(xii)       At the end of sampling, on site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the final flow rate of the HVS was checked and recorded.

(xiii)      The final elapsed time was recorded.

(xiv)     The sampled filter was removed carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in contact.

(xv)      It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and sealed.

(xvi)      All monitoring information was recorded on a standard data sheet.

(xvii)     Filters were then sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for analysis.

(d)          Maintenance and Calibration

(i)         The HVS and its accessories were maintained in good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.

(ii)         5-point calibration of the HVS was conducted using TE-5025A Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. Bi-monthly 5-point calibration of the HVS will be carried out during impact monitoring.

(iii)        Calibration certificate of the HVSs are provided in Appendix C.

2.5.2       1-hour TSP Monitoring

(a)           Measuring Procedures

The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter were in accordance with the Manufacturer¡¦s Instruction Manual as follows:-

(i)         Turn the power on.

(ii)        Close the air collecting opening cover.

(iii)       Push the ¡§TIME SETTING¡¨ switch to [BG].

(iv)       Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to perform background measurement for 6 seconds.

(v)        Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to insert the light scattering plate.

(vi)       Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon ¡§SPAN CHECK¡¨ is indicated in the display.

(vii)      Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to perform automatic sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.

(viii)      Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE position.

(ix)       Push the ¡§TIME SETTING¡¨ switch the time set in the display to 3 hours.

(x)        Lower down the air collection opening cover.

(xi)       Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to start measurement.

(b)           Maintenance and Calibration

(i)         The 1-hour TSP meter was calibrated at 1-year intervals against a Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) High Volume Air Sampler. Calibration certificates of the Laser Dust Monitors are provided in Appendix C.

2.6.1       The schedule for air quality monitoring in November 2012 is provided in Appendix D.

2.7.1       The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarized in Tables 2.6 and 2.7 respectively. Detailed impact air quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are presented in Appendix E.

Table 2.6         Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AMS5

133

62 ¡V 296

352

500

AMS6

114

21 ¡V 242

360

500

 


 

Table 2.7         Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level  (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AMS5

77

51 ¡V 100

164

260

AMS6

70

21 ¡V 119

173

260

Note: The 24-hr TSP monitoring work at AMS6 was cancelled from 8 to 20 November 2012 due to the electricity supply problem.

 

2.7.2       No Action and Limit Levels exceedances were recorded at all monitoring stations during this reporting month.

2.7.3       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

2.7.4       Tthe wind data monitoring equipment has been set up to monitor wind data since 29 November 2012. The wind data from 1 November 2012 to 29 November 2012 were reference to Hong Kong Observatory wind data at Chek Lap Kok weather station. The wind data during the reporting monitoring is shown in Appendix G.


 

3.1.1       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 Project. The Action and Limit level of the noise monitoring is provided in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1          Action and Limit Levels for Noise during Construction Period

Monitoring Station

Time Period

Action Level

Limit Level

NMS5 - Ma Wan Chung Village (Ma Wan Chung Resident Association) (Tung Chung)

0700-1900 hrs on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received

75 dB(A)

 

3.2.1       Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meters at each designated monitoring station.  The sound level meters deployed comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications (IEC) 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications.  Acoustic calibrator was deployed to check the sound level meters at a known sound pressure level.  Brand and model of the equipment are given in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2         Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Integrated Sound Level Meter

B&K 2238

Acoustic Calibrator

B&K 4231

3.3                Monitoring Locations

3.3.1       Monitoring location NMS5 was set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

3.3.2       Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 3.3 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

Table 3.3          Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

NMS5

Ma Wan Chung Village (Ma Wan Chung Resident Association) (Tung Chung)

3.4.1       Table 3.4 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact noise monitoring.


 

Table 3.4         Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

30-mins measurement at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays (Monday to Saturday). Leq, L10 and L90 would be recorded.

At least once per week

 

3.5.1       Monitoring Procedure

(a)        The sound level meter was set on a tripod at a height of 1.2 m above the podium for free-field measurements at NMS5. A correction of +3 dB(A) shall be made to the free field measurements.

(b)        The battery condition was checked to ensure the correct functioning of the meter.

(c)        Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:-

(i)            frequency weighting: A

(ii)           time weighting: Fast

(iii)          time measurement: Leq(30-minutes) during non-restricted hours i.e. 07:00 ¡V 1900 on normal weekdays;

(e)        Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator for 94.0 dB(A) at 1000 Hz.  If the difference in the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1.0 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

(f)        During the monitoring period, the Leq, L10 and L90 were recorded.  In addition, site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.

(g)        Noise measurement was paused during periods of high intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) if possible. Observations were recorded when intrusive noise was unavoidable.

(h)        Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s. The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s.

3.5.2       Maintenance and Calibration

(a)          The microphone head of the sound level meter was cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.

(b)           The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.

(c)        Calibration certificates of the sound level meters and acoustic calibrators are provided in Appendix C.

3.6.1       The schedule for construction noise monitoring in November 2012 is provided in Appendix D.


 

3.7                Monitoring Results

3.7.1       The monitoring results for construction noise are summarized in Table 3.5 and the monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

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

Monitoring Station

Average Leq (30 mins), dB(A)

Range of Leq (30 mins), dB(A)

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

NMS5

60

54 ¡V 71

75

*+3dB(A) Façade correction included

 

3.7.2       There is one Action Level exceedances for noise.  A noise complaint regarding the noise generated from power generator, engines from barges used for marine operation, cranes from the barges, engine from boats used for transportation of site staff and strong noise of metallic parts being thrown on the ground was received on 24 November 2012.  According to the information provided by the Contractor, the construction works conducted on 24 November 2012 included removal of armour rock at zone 3C and rock filling at Zone 3B.  A noise barrier has been provided for the generator since 21 November 2012. Noise shield has been installed for the engine and breaking system of a derrick barge to minimize the noise nuisance since 25 November 2012. According to the information provided by the Contractor, construction activities undertaken on site on 24 November included breaking work for extending drainage using electric breaker (completed on 26 Nov), cleaning near site entrances and filling of cable manhole with sandbags. No metallic works were carried out during the date of complaint (24 November 2012).  The Contractor has implemented mitigation measures to minimise the potential noise impacts.  In addition, the Contractor has been reminded to enhance the maintenance of barges to avoid the generation of abnormal noise. 

3.7.3       No Limit Level exceedances were recorded at NMS5 during the reporting month.

3.7.4       Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included construction activities of the Contract and nearby traffic noise.

3.7.5       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.


4        Water Quality Monitoring

4.1.1       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, measurements were taken in accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual. Table 4.1 shows the established Action/Limit Levels for the environmental monitoring works.

Table 4.1          Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameter (unit)

Water Depth

Action Level

Limit Level

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) (surface, middle and bottom)

Surface and Middle

5.0

4.2 except 5 for Fish Culture Zone

Bottom

4.7

3.6

Turbidity (NTU)

Depth average

27.5 or 120% of upstream control station¡¦s turbidity at the same tide of the same day

47.0 or 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day

Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L)

Depth average

23.5 or 120% of upstream control station¡¦s SS at the same tide of the same day

34.4 or 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes

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 limit occurs when monitoring result is lower that the limit.

               (3)    For SS & turbidity non-compliance of the water quality limits occur when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

4.2.1       Table 4.2 summarises the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring programme.

Table 4.2          Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment      

Brand and Model

DO and Temperature Meter, Salinity Meter, Turbidimeter and pH Meter

YSI Model 6920 V2-M, 650

Positioning Equipment

DGPS ¡V KODEN : KGP913MkII, KBG3

Water Depth Detector

Layin Associates: SM-5 & SM5A

Water Sampler

Wildlife Supply Company : 5487-10

4.3.1       Table 4.3 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and monitoring depths of impact water quality monitoring as required in the Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

Table 4.3          Impact Water Quality Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

Monitoring Stations

Parameter, unit

Frequency

No. of depth

Impact Stations:
IS5, IS(Mf)6, IS
7, IS8, IS(Mf)9 & IS10,

 

Control/Far Field Stations:
CS
2 & CS(Mf)5,

 

Sensitive Receiver Stations:
SR3, SR4, SR
5, SR10A & SR10B

¡P    Depth, m

¡P    Temperature, oC

¡P    Salinity, ppt

¡P    Dissolved Oxygen (DO), mg/L

¡P    DO Saturation, %

¡P    Turbidity, NTU

¡P    pH

¡P   Suspended Solids (SS), mg/L

Three times per week during mid-ebb and mid-flood tides (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time)

3

(1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth is less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station may be omitted.  Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored).

 

4.4.1       In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, thirteen stations (6 Impact Stations, 5 Sensitive Receiver Stations and 2 Control Stations) were designated for impact water quality monitoring.  The six Impact Stations (IS) were chosen on the basis of their proximity to the reclamation and thus the greatest potential for water quality impacts, the five Sensitive Receiver Stations (SR) were chosen as they are close to the key sensitive receives and the two Control Stations (CS) were chosen to facilitate comparison of the water quality of the IS stations with less influence by the Project/ ambient water quality conditions.

4.4.2       Three water quality monitoring stations (SR5, IS10 and CS2) are located within Airport Approach (AA) Restricted Areas and permit is required to enter into these areas.  The permit was issued on 24 November 2012 and the water quality monitoring work within AA restricted areas under this contract commenced on 24 November 2012.  On 24 November 2012, the boat for sampling was broken after the mid-ebb tide sampling.  Thus, the mid-flood tide sampling could not be conducted.  The boat which is permitted to access AA restricted area was still under repair on 26 November 2012.  Therefore, the water quality monitoring works were only carried out at the 10 stations outside AA restricted area during this period.

4.4.3       The locations of these monitoring stations are summarized in Table 4.4 and shown in
Figure 2.
1.

Table 4.4         Impact Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Stations

Description

Coordinates

Easting

Northing

IS5

Impact Station (Close to HKLR construction site)

811579

817106

IS(Mf)6

Impact Station (Close to HKLR 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

SR3

Sensitive receivers (San Tau SSSI)

810525

816456

SR4

Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho Inlet)

814760

817867

SR5*

Sensitive receivers (Artificial Reef In NE Airport)

811489

820455

SR10A

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)

823741

823495

SR10B

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)

823686

823213

CS2*

Control Station (Mid-Ebb)

805849

818780

CS(Mf)5

Control Station (Mid-Flood)

817990

821129

Notes:
Monitoring Stations CS2, SR5 and IS10 are located within the Airport Approach Restricted Area. Therefore, a permit is required for entering into the area.  The Contractor applied the permit in October 2012 and started to monitor since 24 November 2012.

4.5.1       Instrumentation

(a)        The in-situ water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and turbidity, pH were measured by multi-parameter meters.

4.5.2       Operating/Analytical Procedures

(a)        Digital Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) were used to ensure that the correct location was selected prior to sample collection.

(b)        Portable, battery-operated echo sounders were used for the determination of water depth at each designated monitoring station.

(c)        All in-situ measurements were taken at 3 water depths, 1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth was less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station was omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station was monitored.

(d)        At each measurement/sampling depth, two consecutive in-situ monitoring (DO concentration and saturation, temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity) and water sample for SS. The probes were retrieved out of the water after the first measurement and then re-deployed for the second measurement. Where the difference in the value between the first and second readings of DO or turbidity parameters was more than 25% of the value of the first reading, the reading was discarded and further readings were taken.

(e)        Duplicate samples from each independent sampling event were collected for SS measurement. Water samples were collected using the water samplers and the samples were stored in high-density polythene bottles. Water samples collected were well-mixed in the water sampler prior to pre-rinsing and transferring to sample bottles. Sample bottles were pre-rinsed with the same water samples. The sample bottles were then be packed in cool-boxes (cooled at 4oC without being frozen), and delivered to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for the analysis of suspended solids concentrations. The laboratory determination work would be started within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

(f)        The analysis method and detection limit for SS is shown in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5    Laboratory Analysis for Suspended Solids

Parameters

Instrumentation

Analytical Method

Detection Limit

Suspended Solid (SS)

Weighting

APHA 2540-D

0.5mg/L

 

(g)        Other relevant data were recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site in the field log sheet for information.

4.5.3       Maintenance and Calibrations

(a)        All in situ monitoring instruments would be calibrated by FT Laboratories Ltd. before use and at 3-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring programme. The procedures of performance check of sonde and testing results are provided in Appendix C.

4.6.1       The schedule for impact water quality monitoring in November 2012 is provided in Appendix D.

4.7.1       Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations during the reporting month. Impact water quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

4.7.2       Exceedances were recorded for suspended solids during the reporting month. Number of exceedances recorded during the reporting month at each impact station are summarised in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6          Summary of Water Quality Exceedances

Station

Exceedance Level

DO

(S&M)

DO

(Bottom)

Turbidity

SS

Total number of exceedances

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

IS5

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

01/11/2012

--

--

0

1

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

24/11/2012

29/11/2012

05/11/2012

08/11/2012

26/11/2012

--

05/11/2012

08/11/2012

16/11/2012

22/11/2012

29/11/2012

2

8

IS(Mf)6

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

01/11/2012

29/11/2012

--

--

0

2

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

24/11/2012

29/11/2012

05/11/2012

08/11/2012

16/11/2012

26/11/2012

--

03/11/2012

08/11/2012

16/11/2012

26/11/2012

29/11/2012

2

9

IS7

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

29/11/2012

01/11/2012

08/11/2012

16/11/2012

19/11/2012

26/11/2012

--

16/11/2012

19/11/2012

26/11/2012

1

8

IS8

Action Level

--

--

--

--

29/11/2012

08/11/2012

--

1

1

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

01/11/2012

16/11/2012

29/11/2012

--

08/11/2012

01/11/2012

16/11/2012

29/11/2012

0

7

IS(Mf)9

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

01/11/2012

0

1

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

29/11/2012

01/11/2012

16/11/2012

26/11/2012

29/11/2012

--

16/11/2012

26/11/2012

29/11/2012

1

7

IS10

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

24/11/201229/11/2012

29/11/2012

--

29/11/2012

2

2

SR3

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

29/11/2012

05/11/2012

08/11/2012

26/11/2012

--

08/11/2012

10/11/2012

16/11/2012

26/11/2012

1

7

SR4

Action Level

--

--

--

--

29/11/2012

--

--

14/11/2012

29/11/2012

1

2

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

01/11/2012

08/11/2012

16/11/2012

19/11/2012

26/11/2012

--

01/11/2012

08/11/2012

16/11/2012

19/11/2012

26/11/2012

0

10

SR5

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

29/11/2012

--

--

0

1

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

29/11/2012

0

1

SR10A

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

16/11/2012

--

16/11/2012

0

2

SR10B

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

01/11/2012

16/11/2012

--

--

0

2

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

16/11/2012

0

1

Total

Action

0

0

0

0

2

7

0

3

12**

 

Limit

0

0

0

0

9

29

0

33

71**

 

Notes:

S: Surface;

M: Mid-depth;

**   The total exceedances. 

 

4.7.3       During the reporting month, there are three Action Level exceedances and thirty-three Limit Level exceedances of suspended solids level.  Nine Action Level exceedances and thirty-eight Limit Level exceedances of turbidity level were recorded.  The completed ¡§Notification of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances¡¨ forms for all water quality exceedances are provided in Appendix M. No major marine works were carried out near the monitoring stations. Geotextile installation work, rock filling, silt curtains maintenance work and vessel maintenance work were being carried out within silt curtains near the restricted area during the sampling period. These activities were unlikely to cause adverse water quality impact. Therefore, all exceedances were considered as non-project related.

4.7.4       Water quality impact sources during the water quality monitoring were the construction activities of the Contract, nearby construction activities by other parties and nearby operating vessels by other parties.

4.7.5       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

5.1.1       Impact dolphin monitoring is required to be conducted by a qualified dolphin specialist team to evaluate whether there have been any effects on the dolphins.

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.2.1       According to the requirements of the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0), dolphin monitoring programme should cover all transect lines in NEL and NWL survey areas (see Figure 1 of Appendix H) twice per month. The co-ordinates of all transect lines are shown in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1          Co-ordinates of transect lines

Line No.

Easting

Northing

Line No.

Easting

Northing

1

Start Point

804671

814577

13

Start Point

816506

819480

1

End Point

804671

831404

13

End Point

816506

824859

2

Start Point

805475

815457

14

Start Point

817537

820220

2

End Point

805477

826654

14

End Point

817537

824613

3

Start Point

806464

819435

15

Start Point

818568

820735

3

End Point

806464

822911

15

End Point

818568

824433

4

Start Point

807518

819771

16

Start Point

819532

821420

4

End Point

807518

829230

16

End Point

819532

824209

5

Start Point

808504

820220

17

Start Point

820451

822125

5

End Point

808504

828602

17

End Point

820451

823671

6

Start Point

809490

820466

18

Start Point

821504

822371

6

End Point

809490

825352

18

End Point

821504

823761

7

Start Point

810499

820690

19

Start Point

822513

823268

7

End Point

810499

824613

19

End Point

822513

824321

8

Start Point

811508

820847

20

Start Point

823477

823402

8

End Point

811508

824254

20

End Point

823477

824613

9

Start Point

812516

820892

21

Start Point

805476

827081

9

End Point

812516

824254

21

End Point

805476

830562

10

Start Point

813525

820872

22

Start Point

806464

824033

10

End Point

813525

824657

22

End Point

806464

829598

11

Start Point

814556

818449

23

Start Point

814559

821739

11

End Point

814556

820992

23

End Point

814559

824768

12

Start Point

815542

818807

 

 

 

 

12

End Point

815542

824882

 

 

 

 

 

5.2.2       The survey team used standard line-transect methods (Buckland et al. 2001) to conduct the systematic vessel surveys, and followed the same technique of data collection that has been adopted over the last 16 years of marine mammal monitoring surveys in Hong Kong developed by HKCRP (see Hung 2012).  For each monitoring vessel survey, a 15-m inboard vessel (Standard 31516) with an open upper deck (about 4.5 m above water surface) was used to make observations from the flying bridge area.

5.2.3       During on-effort survey periods, the survey team recorded effort data including time, position (latitude and longitude), weather conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility), and distance travelled in each series (a continuous period of search effort) with the assistance of a handheld GPS (Garmin eTrex Legend).

5.2.4       Data including time, position and vessel speed were also automatically and continuously logged by handheld GPS throughout the entire survey for subsequent review.

5.2.5       When dolphins were sighted, the survey team would end the survey effort, and immediately record the initial sighting distance and angle of the dolphin group from the survey vessel, as well as the sighting time and position.  Then the research vessel was diverted from its course to approach the animals for species identification, group size estimation, assessment of group composition, and behavioural observations.  The perpendicular distance (PSD) of the dolphin group to the transect line was later calculated from the initial sighting distance and angle.

5.2.6       Survey effort being conducted along the parallel transect lines that were perpendicular to the coastlines (as indicated in Figure 1 of Appendix H) was labeled as ¡§primary survey effort, while the survey effort conducted along the connecting lines between parallel lines was labeled as ¡§secondary¡¨ survey effort.  According to HKCRP long-term dolphin monitoring data, encounter rates of Chinese white dolphins deduced from effort and sighting data collected along primary and secondary liens were similar in NEL and NWL survey areas.  Therefore, both primary and secondary survey effort were presented as on-effort survey effort in this report.

5.2.7       Encounter rates of Chinese white dolphins (number of on-effort sightings 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.  Only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition would be used for encounter rate analysis.  Dolphin encounter rates were calculated using primary survey effort alone, as well as the combined survey effort from both primary and secondary lines.

Photo-identification Work

5.2.8       When a group of Chinese White Dolphins were sighted during the line-transect survey, the survey team would end effort and approach the group slowly from the side and behind to take photographs of them.  Every attempt was made to photograph every dolphin in the group, and even photograph both sides of the dolphins, since the colouration and markings on both sides may not be symmetrical.

5.2.9       Two professional digital cameras (Canon EOS 7D and 60D models), each equipped with long telephoto lenses (100-400 mm zoom), were available on board for researchers to take sharp, close-up photographs of dolphins as they surfaced.  The images were shot at the highest available resolution and stored on Compact Flash memory cards for downloading onto a computer.

5.2.10    All digital images taken in the field were first examined, and those containing potentially identifiable individuals were sorted out.  These photographs would then be examined in greater detail, and were carefully compared to the existing Chinese White Dolphin photo-identification catalogue maintained by HKCRP since 1995.

5.2.11    Chinese White Dolphins can be identified by their natural markings, such as nicks, cuts, scars and deformities on their dorsal fin and body, and their unique spotting patterns were also used as secondary identifying features (Jefferson 2000).

5.2.12    All photographs of each individual were then compiled and arranged in chronological order, with data including the date and location first identified (initial sighting), re-sightings, associated dolphins, distinctive features, and age classes entered into a computer database.  Detailed information on all identified individuals will be further presented as appendix in the quarterly EM&A report.

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.3.1       During the month of November 2012, four systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on the 2nd, 3rd, 12th and 13th to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice.  The survey routes of each survey day were presented in Figures 2-6 of Appendix H.

5.3.2       From these surveys, a total of 296.6 km of survey effort was collected, with 93.2% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility) (Annex I of Appendix H).  Among the two areas, 114.5 km and 182.1 km of survey effort were conducted in NEL and NWL survey areas respectively.  In addition, the total survey effort conducted on primary lines (the vertical lines perpendicular to the coastlines) was 217.0 km, while the effort on secondary lines (the lines connecting the primary lines) was 79.6 km.  Survey effort conducted on primary and secondary lines were both considered as on-effort survey data.

5.3.3       During the the two sets of monitoring surveys in November 2012, a total of 27 groups of 68 Chinese White Dolphins were sighted (Annex II of Appendix H).  All except four of these sightings were made during on-effort search.  Twenty-one on-effort sightings were made on primary lines, while another two on-effort sightings were made on secondary lines.  All dolphin groups were not associated with any operating fishing vessel during the November¡¦s surveys. 

5.3.4       Distribution of these dolphin sightings made during November¡¦s survey was shown in Figure 6 of Appendix H.  These sightings were mainly concentrated in the northwestern end of North Lantau waters (i.e. near Lung Kwu Chau, Sha Chau and Pillar Point), while the rest were scattered to the northeast corner of airport platform, near Siu Mo To, Yam O and Sham Wat (Figure 6 of Appendix H).

5.3.5       Notably, no dolphin sighting was made near the HKLR03 construction site during this month¡¦s monitoring surveys (Figure 6 of Appendix H).

5.3.6       During November¡¦s surveys, dolphin encounter rates deduced from survey effort and sighting data from primary lines only were 13.4 and 4.1 sightings per 100 km of survey effort in NWL and NEL survey areas respectively.  On the other hand, dolphin encounter rates deduced from survey effort and sighting data collected from both primary and secondary lines were 10.5 and 4.4 sightings per 100 km of survey effort in NWL and NEL survey areas respectively.

5.3.7       The average group size of Chinese white dolphins was 2.5 individuals per group during November¡¦s surveys.  Moreover, the average group sizes of dolphins in NWL and NEL were 2.5 and 2.6 individuals per group respectively.

Photo-identification Work

5.3.8       A total of 44 re-sightings of known individual Chinese White Dolphins were made during the November¡¦s surveys (Annexes III and IV, and Photo Identified Record of Appendix H).  Among these 44 re-sightings, 33 individuals were identified, with nine individuals being re-sighted twice and one individual (NL220) being re-sighted three times during the month.

5.3.9       Notably, both CH34 and NL220 were re-sighted twice on the same day (i.e. November 2nd) together with another unknown juvenile.  Therefore, for encounter rate analysis and abundance estimation, the second sighting with these individuals on November 2nd will be adjusted in order to avoid double-counting issue. 

5.3.10    During November¡¦s surveys, five well-recognized females, NL93, NL98, NL188, NL202 and NL242, were accompanied with their calves during their re-sightings.

Conclusion

5.3.11    During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese white dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

5.3.12    Due to monthly variation in dolphin occurrence within the study area, it would be more appropriate to draw conclusion on whether any impacts on dolphins have been detected related to the construction activities of this project in the quarterly EM&A report, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period (October-December 2012) and baseline monitoring period (3-month period) will be made.

5.4               Reference

5.4.1       Buckland, S. T., Anderson, D. R., Burnham, K. P., Laake, J. L., Borchers, D. L., and Thomas, L.  2001.  Introduction to distance sampling: estimating abundance of biological populations.  Oxford University Press, London.

5.4.2       Hung, S. K.  2012.  Monitoring of marine mammals in Hong Kong waters ¡V data collection: final report (2011-12).  An unpublished report submitted to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong SAR Government, 120 pp.

5.4.3       Jefferson, T. A.  2000.  Population biology of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin in Hong Kong waters.  Wildlife Monographs 144:1-65.


 

6.1.1       Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project.  During the reporting month, 4 site inspections were carried out on 6, 13, 20 and 30 November 2012. 

6.1.2       Particular observations during the site inspections are described below.

6 November 2012

(a)   Debris was removed from the deck of the barge in Portion X. (This observation was found on 30 October 2012 and was closed on 6 November 2012.)

(b)   Bare soils were found in dry condition at West Portal. The Contractor should spray dry bare soils with water frequently (This observation was closed on 13 November 2012.)

(c)   Stockpiles of excavated materials were found uncovered at Airport Road. The Contractor was reminded to cover or water the excavated materials at Airport Road in the dry season. According to the Contractor, using impervious sheeting to cover such materials or spraying the materials with water are not appropriate at this site.  This is because the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) concerns about the safety issue of blowing away of impervious sheeting to cause accidents and there is no valid water use permit for this site. In this case, sand bags will be provided and placed as a cover to such materials to minimise the dust impact. (This observation was closed on 13 November 2012.)

(d)   Silt was found on the site access road at Airport Road. The Contractor should remove the silt.  (This observation was closed at on 13 November 2012)

(e)   Dust was generated during filling of rock materials into sea in Portion X. The Contractor should spray the rock fill materials with water to suppress dust emission. (This observation was closed on 13 November 2012.)

(f)    Stock of cement bags were found improperly covered at Kwo Lo Wan Road. The Contractor was reminded to cover the stock of cement bags properly. According to the Contractor, use of impervious sheeting as a cover for cement bags is not appropriate at this site as the AAHK concerns about the safety issue of blowing away of impervious sheeting to cause accidents. In this case, sand bags will be provided and placed as a cover to the stock of cement bags to minimise the dust impact. (This observation was closed on 13 November 2012.)

(g)   Storage area with inadequate capacity was found at Kwo Lo Wan Road. The Contractor was reminded to provide a larger drip tray for storage of oil barrels as possible. (This observation was closed on 13 November 2012.)

(h)   A stagnant pool was found at Kwo Lo Wan Road. The Contractor was suggested to apply larvicide sand to prevent mosquito breeding. (This observation was closed on 13 November 2012.)

(i)     Leaking of water from damaged drain was found on the vegetation of Airport Road works area, and stagnant pools were found on the affected vegetation. (This observation was closed on 13 November 2012.)

13 November 2012

(a)   The unpaved roads were found in dry condition at Works Area 03. The Contractor should spray unpaved roads with water frequently. (This observation was closed on 20 November 2012.)

(b)   The unpaved roads were found in dry condition at West Portal. The Contractor should spray unpaved roads with water frequently. (This observation was closed on 20 November 2012.)

(c)   The compressor was found to be without a drip tray at Kwo Lo Wan Road.  The Contractor was reminded to provide a drip tray for the compressor.

(d)   The oil drum was found to be with a drip tray at West Portal. The Contractor was reminded to provide a drip tray for the oil drum. (This observation was closed on 20 November 2012.)

(e)   Dusty materials were found at Works Area 04. The Contractor was reminded to keep works area clean and tidy. (This observation was closed on 20 November 2012.)

20 November 2012

(a)   No cover was provided for the excavated materials at Kwo Lo Wan Road. The Contractor should provide covers for excavated materials to prevent fugitive dust impact. (This observation was closed on 30 November 2012.)

(b)   The sound abosbing materials for noise reduction and tarpaulin sheets for dust prevention provided for the mounted excavated breaker were found to be in poor condition at West Portal. The Contractor should provide proper noise reduction materials and tarpaulin sheets for the mounted excavated breaker. (This observation was closed on 30 November 2012.)

(c)   Lids were not provided for the Barrels on the 2001 Chang Sing Vessel. The Contractor was reminded to provide lids for the Barrels. (This observation was closed on 30 November 2012.)

(d)   The lubricative container did not have a drip tray at Airport Road. The Contractor was reminded to provide a drip tray for the lubricative container. (This observation was closed on 30 November 2012.)

(e)   The drip tray was found to be filled with water and other soil materials at West Portal. The Contractor was reminded to clear soil and water inside the drip tray. (This observation was closed on 30 November 2012.)

(f)    The U- drainage was found to be filled with excavated materials and leaves at Kwo Lo Wan Road. The Contractor was reminded to clear excavated materials and leaves inside the U- drainage. (This observation was closed on 30 November 2012.)

(g)   Rubbish was found in Portion X at Kwo Lo Wan Road. The Contractor was reminded to clear rubbish from the site area. (This observation was closed on 30 November 2012.)

(h)   The fencing for retained trees was broken. The Contractor was reminded to provide fencing for the retained trees. (This observation was closed on 30 November 2012.)

30 November 2012

(a)    Environmental Permits/ Licences were not provided at the site entrance at Kwo Lo Wan Road. The contractor was reminded to provide Environmental Permits/ Licences at all site entrance for readily inspection.

6.1.3       The Contractor has rectified most of the observations as identified during environmental site inspections during the reporting month. Follow-up actions for outstanding observations will be inspected during the next site inspections. 

6.2.1       The Contractor had submitted application form for registration as a chemical waste producer for the Project. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

6.2.2       Monthly summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix I.

6.2.3       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 Practise on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes.

6.3.1       The valid environmental licenses and permits during the reporting month are summarized in Appendix K.

6.4.1       In response to the site audit findings, the Contractors carried out corrective actions.

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

6.4.3       Regular marine travel route for marine vessels were implemented properly in accordance to the submitted plan and relevant records were kept properly.

6.4.4       Dolphin Watching Plan was implemented during the reporting month.  No dolphins were observed.  The relevant records were kept properly. 

6.4.5       A dolphin exclusion zone of 250m was implemented during the installation of silt curtains on 21 and 22 November 2012.  No dolphins were observed. The relevant records were kept properly. 

6.5.1       For 1-hour TSP and 24- hour TSP, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at AMS 5 and AMS 6 during the reporting month. 

6.5.2       For construction noise, there is one Action Limit exceedance. No Limit Level exceedances were recorded at the monitoring station during the reporting month.

6.5.3       During the reporting month, there are three Action Level exceedances and thirty-three Limit Level exceedances of suspended solids level.  Nine Action Level exceedances and thirty-eight Limit Level exceedances of turbidity level were recorded.  No major marine works were carried out near the monitoring stations. Geotextile installation work, rock filling, silt curtains maintenance work and vessel maintenance work were being carried out within silt curtains near the restricted area during the sampling period. These activities were unlikely to cause adverse water quality impact. Therefore, all exceedances were considered as non-project related.

6.6               Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

6.6.1       There were three environmental complaints received during this reporting month.  All investigation reports for exceedances of the Contract have been submitted to ENPO/IEC for comments and/or follow up to identify whether the exceedances occurred related to other HZMB contracts.  The summary of environmental complaints is presented in Table 6.1.  The details of Environmental Complaints are provided in Appendix J.


 

Table 6.1 A Summary of Environmental Complaints for the Reporting Month

Environmental Complaint No. (1)

Date of Complaint Received

Description of Environmental Complaints

COM-2012-009

5 November 2012

Noise and Light

COM-2012-009(2)

11 November 2012

Noise, Water Quality and Air Quality

COM-2012-009(3)

14 November 2012

Noise

COM-2012-010(1)

6 November 2012

Noise

COM-2012-010(2)

15 November 2012

Noise and Air Quality

COM-2012-010(3)

15 November 2012

Noise Water Quality and Air Quality

COM-2012-010(4)

19 November 2012

Air Quality and Noise

COM-2012-010(5)

24 November 2012

Air Quality and Noise

COM-2012-012(1)

13 November 2012

Noise

Remarks:

(1) If a complainant makes complaint for the same environmental issue, only one complaint number will be assigned for the complaint. 

 

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

6.6.3       Statistics on notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix M.


 

7.1.1       As informed by the Contractor, the major construction for December 2012 and January 2013 are summarized in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1          Construction Activities for December 2012 and January 2012

Site Area

Description of Activities

Portion Y

Erection of Hoardings and Fencings at Site Boundaries

Portion Y

Site clearing for road and drainage work

Portion X

Marine Site investigation

Portion X

Removal of armour rocks  of existing seawall

Portion X

Installation of silt curtain and geotextile laying

Portion X

Formation of temporary stone platform

Portion X

Installation of stone column

Portion X

Reclamation

Kwo Lo Wan Road

Relocation of Flag Poles

West Portal

Site formation work for tunnelling

West Portal

Installation of Soil Nails

Portion Y

Access Shaft Construction for SHT & HAT

 

7.2.1       The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring in December 2012 is provided in Appendix D.


 

8.1.1       The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Contract commenced on 17 October 2012.

8.1.2       For 1-hour TSP and 24- hour TSP, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at AMS 5 and AMS 6 during the reporting month. 

8.1.3       For construction noise, there is one Action Limit exceedance. No Limit Level exceedances were recorded at the monitoring station during the reporting month.

8.1.4       During the reporting month, there are three Action Level exceedances and thirty-three Limit Level exceedances of suspended solids level.  Nine Action Level exceedances and thirty-eight Limit Level exceedances of turbidity level were recorded. No major marine works were carried out near the monitoring stations. Geotextile installation work, rock filling and silt curtains maintenance work and vessel maintenance work were being carried out within silt curtains near the restricted area during the sampling period. These activities were unlikely to cause adverse water quality impact. Therefore, all exceendances were considered as non-project related.

8.1.5       A total of 44 re-sightings of known individual Chinese White Dolphins were made during the November¡¦s surveys.  Among these 44 re-sightings, 33 individuals were identified, with nine individuals being re-sighted twice and one individual (NL220) being re-sighted three times during the month.

8.1.6       Notably, both CH34 and NL220 were re-sighted twice on the same day (i.e. November 2nd) together with another unknown juvenile.  Therefore, for encounter rate analysis and abundance estimation, the second sighting with these individuals on November 2nd will be adjusted in order to avoid double-counting issue. 

8.1.7       During November¡¦s surveys, five well-recognized females, NL93, NL98, NL188, NL202 and NL242, were accompanied with their calves during their re-sightings.

8.1.8       During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese white dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

8.1.9       Environmental site inspection was carried out on 6, 13, 20 and 30 November 2012.  Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

8.1.10    There were three environmental complaints received during this reporting month.

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


Figures

 


 

Appendix A

Environmental Management Structure

Appendix B

Construction Programme


 

Appendix C

Calibration Certificates


 

Appendix D

Monitoring Schedule


 

Appendix E

Monitoring Data


 

Appendix F

Event and Action Plan


 

Appendix G

Wind Data


 

Appendix H

Dolphin Monitoring Results


 

Appendix I

Waste Flow Table


 

Appendix J

Cumulative Statistic on Complaints


 

Appendix K

Environmental Licenses and Permits


 

Appendix L

Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures


 

Appendix M

Record of ¡§Notification of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances¡¨