Environmental Complaint No.	Date of Complaint Received	Description of Environmental Complaints
COM-2013-027	29 June 2013	Noise

1 Introduction

1.1 Basic Project Information

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/F for HKBCF were issued on 31 October 2011 and 24 April 2013, 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. The works area are shown in Appendix O.

1.1.4 The Contract includes the following key aspects:

· New reclamation along the east coast of the approximately 23 hectares.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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 ninth 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 to 31 June 2013.

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 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 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	3465 2888	3465 2899
	Independent Environmental Checker	Antony Wong	3465 2888	3465 2899
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
24 hours complaint hotline	---	---	5699 5730	---

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

Description of Activities	Site Area
Removal of existing rock for existing seawall	Portion X
Stone column installation	Portion X
Sand filling behind stone platform in according to EP requirement	Portion X
Temporary stone platform construction	Portion X
Band drains Installation	Portion X
Site formation	West Portal
Tree felling	West Portal
Slope protection/ stabilization (soil nailing works)	West Portal
Boulder removal/ stabilization works	West Portal
Works for diversion of Airport Road and Kwo Lo Wan Road	Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road
Pre-grouting and pipe piling works for AEL access shafts	Airport Express Line
Utilities detection	Kwo Lo Wan/ Airport Road/ Airport Express Line
Establishment of site access	Kwo Lo Wan/ Airport Road/ Airport Express Line
Works for east access shaft	Kwo Lo Wan/ Airport Road/ Airport Express Line
Access shaft construction for SHT & HAT	Portion Y
Utility culvert excavation	Portion Y

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 two 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 – Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)	352	500
AMS 6 – Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)	360	500

Table 2.2 Action and Limit Levels for 24-hour TSP

Monitoring Station	Action Level, µg/m³	Limit Level, µg/m³
AMS 5 – Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)	164	260
AMS 6 – 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 Monitoring Locations

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 Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

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 Monitoring Methodology

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 ±2.5% 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 °C and not variable by more than ±3 °C; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ±5%. 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.

(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 hours, 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 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

2.6.1 The schedule for air quality monitoring in June 2013 is provided in Appendix D.

2.7 Monitoring Results

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	22	4 – 51	352	500
AMS6	19	6 – 42	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	20	7 – 31	164	260
AMS6	22	14 – 31	173	260

2.7.2 No Action and Limit Level 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 The wind data obtained from the on-site weather station during the reporting month is shown in Appendix G.

3 Noise Monitoring

3.1 Monitoring Requirements

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 hours on normal weekdays	When one documented complaint is received	75 dB(A)

3.2 Monitoring Equipment

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 Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

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). L_eq, L₁₀ and L₉₀ would be recorded.	At least once per week

3.5 Monitoring Methodology

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.

(i) frequency weighting: A

(ii) time weighting: Fast

(iii) time measurement: L_{eq(30-minutes)} during non-restricted hours i.e. 07:00 – 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 L_eq, 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.

3.6 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

3.6.1 The schedule for construction noise monitoring in June 2013 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 L_{eq (30 mins)}, dB(A)	Range of L_{eq (30 mins)}, dB(A)	Limit Level L_{eq (30 mins)}, dB(A)
NMS5	66	68 – 72	75

*+3dB(A) Facade correction included

3.7.2 There was one Action Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays.

3.7.3 A complaint was received on 29 June 2013 regarding noise generated from the works area near the site office (WA6) around 10:00 hrs on 29 June 2013. According to the site dairy provided by the Contractor, electric circular saw was used to cut plastic tubes for maintenance work at the works area near the site office (Work area WA6) from 09:45 to 10:15 hrs of 29 June 2013. A site inspection was undertaken on 2 July 2013, no construction works was undertaken at work area near the site office (Work area WA6). No significant noise was generated from the site. As the electric circular saw was used for maintenance work and there was no significant noise generated from the site, the complaint was considered invalid.

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

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

3.7.6 The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

4 Water Quality Monitoring

4.1 Monitoring Requirements

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. The ET proposed to amend the Acton Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid and EPD approved ET’s proposal on 25 March 2013. Therefore, Action Level and Limit Level for the Contract have been changed since 25 March 2013.

4.1.2 The original and revised Action Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid are shown in Table 4.1.

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
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) (surface, middle and bottom)	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; The action level has been amended to “27.5 *and* 120% of upstream control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day” since 25 March 2013.	47.0 or 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day; The limit level has been amended to “47.0 *and* 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day” since 25 March 2013.
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; The action level has been amended to “23.5 *and* 120% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day” since 25 March 2013.	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; The limit level has been amended to “34.4 *and* 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes” since 25 March 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 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) The change to the Action and limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring for the EM&A works was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013.

4.2 Monitoring Equipment

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 6820 V2-M, 650
Positioning Equipment	DGPS – KODEN : KGP913MkII, KBG3
Water Depth Detector	Layin Associates: SM-5 & SM5A
Water Sampler	Wildlife Supply Company : 5487-10

4.3 Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

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, IS7, IS8, IS(Mf)9 & IS10,

Control/Far Field Stations:
CS2 & CS(Mf)5,

Sensitive Receiver Stations:
SR3, SR4, SR5, SR10A & SR10B

· Depth, m

· Temperature, ^oC

· Salinity, ppt

· Dissolved Oxygen (DO), mg/L

· DO Saturation, %

· Turbidity, NTU

· pH

· Suspended Solids (SS), mg/L

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

(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 Monitoring Locations

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 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
Monitoring Stations	Description	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

4.5 Monitoring Methodology

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 4^oC 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 ALS Technichem (HK) Pty 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 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

4.6.1 The schedule for impact water quality monitoring in June 2013 is provided in Appendix D. Due to adverse weather condition, the water monitoring at stations CS2, IS5, IS(Mf)6, IS7, IS8, IS(Mf)9, IS10, SR3, SR4 and SR5 was cancelled for mid-flood tide on 24 June 2013.

4.7 Monitoring Results

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 turbidity and 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
Station	Exceedance Level	Ebb	Flood	Ebb	Flood	Ebb	Flood	Ebb	Flood	Ebb	Flood
IS5	Action Level	--	--	--	10-06-2013	--	--	--	--	0	1
	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS(Mf)6	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS(Mf)6	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS7	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS7	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS8	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS8	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS(Mf)9	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS(Mf)9	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0

IS10	Action Level	--	--	10-06-2013	10-06-2013	--	--	--	--	1	1
IS10	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR3	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR3	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR4	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR4	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	24-06-2013	--	1	0
SR5	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR5	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR10A	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR10A	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR10B	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR10B	Limit Level	--	10-06-2013	--	10-06-2013	--	--	--	--	0	2
Total	Action	0	0	1	2	0	0	0	0	3**
Total	Limit	0	1	0	1	0	0	1	0	3**

Notes:

S: Surface;

M: Mid-depth;

** The total exceedances.

4.7.3 During the reporting month, there were three Action Level exceedances and two Limit Level exceedance of Dissolved oxygen level. One Limit Level exceedance of Suspended solid level was recorded. No marine works were undertaken and no leakage of turbid water or any abnormity or malpractice was observed during the sampling exercise. Therefore, all exceedances were considered as non-contract 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.

4.7.6

5 Dolphin Monitoring

5.1 Monitoring Requirements

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.

5.1.2 The Action Level and Limit Level for dolphin monitoring are shown in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Action and Limit Levels for 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)

Remarks:

1. STG means quarterly encounter rate of number of dolphin sightings.

2. ANI means quarterly encounter rate of total number of dolphins.

3. For North Lantau Social Cluster, AL will be trigger if either NEL or NWL fall below the criteria; LL will be triggered if both NEL and NWL fall below the criteria.

5.1.3 The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin Monitoring was approved by EPD in 23 May 2013. The revised Event and Action Plan is annexed in Appendix F.

5.2 Monitoring Methodology

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 5.2.

Table 5.2 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 Two experienced observers (a data recorder and a primary observer) made up the on-effort survey team, and the survey vessel transited different transect lines at a constant speed of 13-15 km per hour. The data recorder searched with unaided eyes and filled out the datasheets, while the primary observer searched for dolphins and porpoises continuously through 7 x 50 Steiner marine binoculars. Both observers searched the sea ahead of the vessel, between 270^o and 90^o (in relation to the bow, which is defined as 0^o). One to two additional experienced observers were available on the boat to work in shift (i.e. rotate every 30 minutes) in order to minimize fatigue of the survey team members. All observers were experienced in small cetacean survey techniques and identifying local cetacean species.

5.2.4 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).

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

5.2.6 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.

5.2.7 Survey effort being conducted along the parallel transect lines that were perpendicular to the coastlines (as indicated in Figure 1 of Appendix H) was labelled as “primary survey effort, while the survey effort conducted along the connecting lines between parallel lines was labelled 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.

5.2.8 Encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins (number of on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort and number of dolphins from all 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

5.2.9 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.

5.2.10 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.

5.2.11 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.

5.2.12 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).

5.2.13 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.

5.3 Monitoring Results

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.3.1 During the month of June 2013, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on the 7^th, 13^th, 18^th and 27^th, to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice. The survey routes of each survey day are presented in Figure 2-5 of Appendix H.

5.3.2 From these surveys, a total of 295.70 km of survey effort was collected, with 90.1% 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, 113.65 km and 182.05 km of survey effort were conducted in NEL and NWL survey areas respectively. In addition, the total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 219.95 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 75.75 km.

5.3.3 During the two sets of monitoring surveys in June 2013, a total of 11 groups of 29 Chinese White Dolphins were sighted (Annex II of Appendix H). Notably, only a single group of eight dolphins were sighted in NEL during the two sets of surveys in June. All sightings were made during on-effort search in NWL and NEL. Nine on-effort sightings were made on primary lines, while the other two on-effort sighting was made on secondary lines. None of the dolphin groups was associated with any operating fishing vessel.

5.3.4 Distribution of these dolphin sightings made in June was shown in Figure 6 of Appendix H. Most sightings were made within and around the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. The single dolphin group occurred in NEL was sighted at Yam O, which was about the same location of the single dolphin sighted in previous month of monitoring and very far away from the HKLR03 and HKBCF construction sites.

5.3.5 Notably, none of the dolphin groups was sighted near to the HKBCF construction site or the HKLR03 construction site (Figure 6 of Appendix H). However, one dolphin group was sighted close to the HKLR09 bridge alignment (Figure 6 of Appendix H).

5.3.6 During June’s surveys, encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) are shown in Table 5.3 and Table 5.4.

Table 5.3 Dolphin Encounter Rates (Sightings Per 100 km of Survey Effort) in June’s Surveys

		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)
		Primary Lines Only	Primary Lines Only
NEL	Set 1: June 7^th/13^th	2.6	20.8
NEL	Set 2: June 18^th/27^th	0.0	0.0
NWL	Set 1: June 7^th/13^th	5.9	29.3
NWL	Set 2: June 18^th/27^th	5.7	17.0

Table 5.4 Overall Dolphin Encounter Rates (Sightings Per 100 km of Survey Effort) in June’s Surveys on Primary Lines Only as well as Both Primary Lines and Secondary Lines

	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)
	Primary Lines Only	Both Primary and Secondary Lines	Primary Lines Only	Both Primary and Secondary Lines
Northeast Lantau	1.3	0.9	10.6	7.2
Northwest Lantau	5.8	6.4	23.9	26.3

5.3.7 The average group size of Chinese White Dolphins was 4.5 individuals per group. Most dolphin groups were composed of only 1-5 animals, but one large group with 11 dolphins was sighted near Lung Kwu Chau.

Photo-identification Work

5.3.8 Twenty-five individual dolphins were identified during June’s surveys, and all except three individual (i.e. NL80, NL262 and NL284 were sighted twice) was only sighted once during the month (Annexes III and IV of Appendix H).

5.3.9 Three well-recognized female, including NL33, NL123 and NL202, were accompanied with their calves during their re-sightings. Notably, these mother-calf pairs were frequently seen during previous months of HKLR03 monitoring surveys.

Conclusion

5.3.10 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.

5.3.11 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 (June– August 2013) 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 – 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 Mudflat Monitoring

6.1 Sedimentation Rate Monitoring

Methodology

6.1.1 To avoid disturbance to the mudflat and nuisance to navigation, no fixed marker/monitoring rod was installed at the monitoring stations. A high precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) real time location fixing system (or equivalent technology) was used to locate the station in the precision of 1mm, which is reasonable under flat mudflat topography with uneven mudflat surface only at micro level. This method has been used on Agricultural Fisheries and Conservation Department’s (AFCD) project, namely Baseline Ecological Monitoring Programme for the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site for measurement of seabed levels.

6.1.2 Measurements were taken directly on the mudflat surface. The Real Time Kinematic GNSS (RTK GNSS) surveying technology was used to measure mudflat surface levels and 3D coordinates of a survey point. The RTK GNSS survey was calibrated against a reference station in the field before and after each survey. The reference station is a survey control point established by the Lands Department of the HKSAR Government or traditional land surveying methods using professional surveying instruments such as total station, level and/or geodetic GNSS. The coordinates system was in HK1980 GRID system. For this contract, the reference control station was surveyed and established by traditional land surveying methods using professional surveying instruments such as total station, level and RTK GNSS. The accuracy was down to mm level so that the reference control station has relatively higher accuracy. As the reference control station has higher accuracy, it was set as true evaluation relative to the RTK GNSS measurement. All position and height correction were adjusted and corrected to the reference control station. Reference station survey result and professional land surveying calibration is shown as Table 6.1:

Table 6.1 Reference Station Survey result and GNSS RTK calibration result of Round 1

Reference Station	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Baseline reference elevation (mPD) (A)	Round 1 Survey (mPD) (B)	Calibration Adjustment (B-A)
T1	811248.660mE	816393.173mN	3.840	3.817	-0.023
T2	810806.297mE	815691.822mN	4.625	4.653	+0.028
T3	810778.098mE	815689.918mN	4.651	4.660	+0.009
T4	810274.783mE	816689.068mN	2.637	2.709	+0.072

6.1.3 The precision of the measured mudflat surface level reading (vertical precision setting) was within 10 mm (standard deviation) after averaging the valid survey records of the XYZ HK1980 GRID coordinates. Each survey record at each station was computed by averaging at least three measurements that are within the above specified precision setting. Both digital data logging and written records were collected in the field. Field data on station fixing and mudflat surface measurement were recorded.

Monitoring Locations

6.1.4 Four monitoring stations were established based on the site conditions for the sedimentation monitoring and are shown in Figure 6.1.

Monitoring Results

6.1.5 The baseline sedimentation rate monitoring was in September 2012 and impact sedimentation rate monitoring was undertaken on 7 and 8 June 2013. The mudflat surface levels at the four established monitoring stations and the corresponding XYZ HK1980 GRID coordinates are presented in Table 6.2 and Table 6.3.

Table 6.2 Measured Mudflat Surface Level Results

	Baseline Monitoring (September 2012)			Impact Monitoring (June 2013)
Monitoring Station	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Surface Level (mPD)	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Surface Level (mPD)
S1	810291.160	816678.727	0.950	810291.159	816678.728	1.029
S2	810958.272	815831.531	0.864	810958.244	815831.531	0.970
S3	810716.585	815953.308	1.341	810716.579	815953.323	1.423
S4	811221.433	816151.381	0.931	811221.447	816151.404	0.989

Table 6.3 Comparison of measurement

	Comparison of measurement			Remarks and Recommendation
Monitoring Station	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Surface Level (mPD)	Remarks and Recommendation
S1	0.000	0.001	0.079	Level continuously increased
S2	-0.028	-0.001	0.106	Within tolerance, no significant change
S3	-0.007	0.015	0.082	Within tolerance, no significant change
S4	0.014	0.022	0.058	Within tolerance, no significant change

6.1.6 The measurement results for S2, S3 and S4 showed that the level has increased within tolerance and their sea bed depth would not be considered as significant change. For S1, the mudflat level has been continuously increased. The increased surface level for S1, S2, S3 and S4 is 0.079, 0.106, 0.082 and 0.058 mPD when compared to the baseline monitoring results.

6.2 Water Quality Monitoring

6.2.1 The mudflat monitoring covered water quality monitoring data. Reference was made to the water quality monitoring data of the representative water quality monitoring station (i.e. SR3) as in the EM&A Manual. The water quality monitoring location (SR3) is shown in Figure 2.1.

6.2.2 Impact water quality monitoring in San Tau (monitoring station SR3) was conducted in June 2013. The monitoring parameters included dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity and suspended solids (SS).

6.2.3 Due to adverse weather condition, the water monitoring for mid-flood tide at station SR3 was cancelled on 24 June 2013. The Impact monitoring results for SR3 were extracted and summarised below:

Table 6.4 Impact Water Quality Monitoring Results (Depth Average)

Date	Mid Ebb Tide			Mid Flood Tide
Date	DO (mg/L)	Turbidity (NTU)	SS (mg/L)	DO (mg/L)	Turbidity (NTU)	SS (mg/L)
03-Jun-13	10.3	4.7	8.5	10.3	2.1	4.5
05-Jun-13	7.8	3.5	2.1	7.3	4.6	4.5
07-Jun-13	6.4	2.1	2.9	5.9	4.0	4.1
10-Jun-13	6.9	2.8	2.2	7.0	2.1	1.2
12-Jun-13	5.6	3.6	1.6	5.5	2.5	1.2
14-Jun-13	5.1	6.3	3.1	5.1	2.2	1.7
17-Jun-13	6.9	3.6	3.5	6.7	4.2	7.5
19-Jun-13	7.2	2.1	2.3	9.4	2.2	5.3
21-Jun-13	9.9	5.8	9.4	10.4	7.9	11.2
24-Jun-13	6.7	18.7	16.8	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
26-Jun-13	6.1	6.4	8.1	6.0	5.2	4.7
28-Jun-13	6.7	4.4	6.5	6.0	5.2	4.7
Average	7.1	5.3	5.6	7.2	3.8	4.6

6.3 Mudflat Ecology Monitoring Methodology

Sampling Zone

6.3.1 There are two survey areas specified under the updated EM&A Manual for the Contract, namely Tung Chung Bay and San Tau. Tung Chung Bay survey area is divided into three sampling zones (TC1, TC2 and TC3) and there is one sampling zone at San Tau (ST). Survey of horseshoe crabs, seagrass beds and intertidal communities were conducted in each sampling zone. The locations of sampling zones are shown in Annex I of Appendix I.

Horseshoe Crabs

6.3.2 An active search method was adopted for horseshoe crab survey at each sampling zone. The survey was undertaken by 2 specialists at each sampling zone. During the search period, any accessible and potential area would be investigated for any horseshoe crab individuals within 2-3 hours in low tide period (tidal level below 1.2 m above Chart Datum (C.D.)). Once a horseshoe crab was found, the species, size and inhabiting substrate, photographic record and respective GPS coordinate were recorded with reference to Li (2008). The horseshoe crab surveys were conducted on 11^th(for zones TC1 and TC2) and 10^th (for zones TC3 and ST) June 2013 with hot and cloudy weather with intermittent raining.

Seagrass Beds

6.3.3 An active search method was adopted for seagrass bed survey at each sampling zone. The survey was undertaken by 2 specialists each spending within 2-3 hours in low tide period. Once seagrass bed was observed, the species, the estimated area (m²), photographic record and respective GPS coordinate were recorded. The seagrass bed surveys were conducted on 11^th (for zones TC1 and TC2) and 10^th (for zones TC3 and ST) June 2013 with hot and cloudy weather with intermittent raining.

Intertidal Soft Shore Communities

6.3.4 The sandy shore of San Tau and Tung Chung Bay from the uppermost part of the shore and to the water edge was divided into three tidal zones – upper, middle and lower zones, at each sampling zone, TC1, TC2, TC3 and ST. A 100m transect was laid in each of the three tidal zones for fauna sampling.

6.3.5 At each sampling zone, three 100m horizontal transects were laid at 2.0m, 1.5m and 1.0m above C.D. Along each transect, ten random quadrats (0.5 m x 0.5m) were placed. In each quadrat, the epifauna and infauna (within the top 5cm sediment) in each quadrat were identified and their numbers/coverage percentages were recorded. One core of 10cm diameter x 20cm depth was also collected within each quadrat. The sediments of the cores were sieved with 2mm mesh-size sieve and the biota inside was identified and counted. All collected fauna were released after recording except some tiny individuals that in-situ identification was not feasible. These tiny individuals were collected and were identified in the laboratory. Species and abundance of biota in both cores and quadrats were reported. The intertidal soft shore community surveys were conducted in low tide period on 8^th (for TC3), 9^th (for TC1), 12^th (for TC2) and 22^nd June 2013 (for ST).

Data Analysis

6.3.6 Data collected from direct search and core sampling was pooled in every quadrat for data analysis. Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index (H’) and Pielou’s Species Evenness (J) were calculated for every quadrat using the formulae below,

H’= -Σ ( Ni / N ) ln ( Ni / N ) (Shannon and Weaver, 1963)

J = H’ / ln S, (Pielou, 1966)

where S is the total number of species in the sample, N is the total number of individuals, and Ni is the number of individuals of the i^th species.

6.4 Event and Action Plan for Mudflat Monitoring

6.4.1 In the event of the impact monitoring results indicating that the density or the distribution pattern of intertidal fauna and seagrass is found to be significant different to the baseline condition (taking into account natural fluctuation in the occurrence and distribution pattern such as due to seasonal change), appropriate actions should be taken and additional mitigation measures should be implemented as necessary. Data should then be re-assessed and the need for any further monitoring should be established. The action plan, as given in Table 6.5 should be undertaken within a period of 1 month after a significant difference has been determined.

Table 6.5 Event and Action Plan for Mudflat Monitoring

Event

ET Leader

IEC

Contractor

Density or the distribution pattern of horseshoe crab, seagrass or intertidal soft shore communities recorded in the impact or post-construction monitoring are significantly lower than or different from those recorded in the baseline monitoring.

Review historical data to ensure differences are as a result of natural variation or previously observed seasonal differences;

Identify source(s) of impact;

Inform the IEC, SO and Contractor;

Check monitoring data;

Discuss additional monitoring and any other measures, with the IEC and Contractor.

Discuss monitoring with the ET and the Contractor;

Review proposals for additional monitoring and any other measures submitted by the Contractor and advise the SO accordingly.

Discuss with the IEC additional monitoring requirements and any other measures proposed by the ET;

Make agreement on the measures to be implemented.

Inform the SO and in writing;

Discuss with the ET and the IEC and propose measures to the IEC and the ER;

Implement the agreed measures.

Notes:

ET – Environmental Team

IEC – Independent Environmental Checker

SO – Supervising Officer

6.5 Mudflat Ecology Monitoring Results and Conclusion

Horseshoe Crabs

6.5.1 Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1 of Appendix I show the records of horseshoe crab survey at every sampling zone. In general, horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus was found at TC1 (7 individuals), TC3 (16 individuals) and ST (59 individuals). All individuals were found on either soft mud, sandy substratum or sandy substratum surrounded by small gravels. Grouping was observed while each group consisted of 2-7 individuals only. One individual was found with lost tail at ST that might be caused by human trampling. Since the commencement of the survey (Sep. 2012), no individual was found at TC2. It showed that TC2 was not a suitable nursery ground for horseshoes crab.

6.5.2 According to Table 3.2 of Appendix I, the search records of Tachypleus tridentatus were
1.75 individuals hr^-1 person^-1 (mean prosomal widths: 42.94 mm) and 4.00 individuals hr^-1 person^-1 (34.54 mm) at TC1 and TC3, respectively. Similar to previous surveys, the highest search record of 9.83 individuals hr^-1 person^-1 (40.25 mm) was reported at ST. According to Li (2008), the prosomal width of Tachypleus tridentatus recorded ranged 11.02－57.62 mm that corresponded to an estimated age of 1.7–6.8 years old. Summary of prosomal width of horseshoe crab is shown in Table 6.6.

Table 6.6 Summary of Prosomal Width of Horseshoe Crab Survey

	Sampling Zone
	TC1	TC2	TC3	ST
Search duration (hr)	2	2	2	3
Tachypleus tridentatus
No. of individuals	7	N.A.	16	59
Mean prosomal width (mm)	42.94	N.A.	34.54	40.25
Range of prosomal width (mm)	21.44-57.62	N.A.	11.07-54.56	12.54-55.51
Search record (individual hr^-1 person^-1)	1.75	N.A.	4.00	9.83

6.5.3 The mean prosomal widths of Tachypleus tridentatus were similar among TC1, TC3 and ST. However, ST was usually inhabited by more individuals of smaller size. Larger individuals were usually found at TC1 and TC3 at lower abundance. ST was believed a more important nursery ground for horseshoe crab especially newly hatched individuals. When reaching larger size of higher mobility, few individuals might migrate to nearby sampling zones TC1 and TC3 for foraging.

6.5.4 Figure 3.2 of Appendix I shows the changes of number of individuals, mean prosomal width and search record of horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus at the every sampling zones along the sampling months. Both number of individuals and search records declined generally at the three sampling zones during dry season (Sep. to Dec. 2012). The horseshoe crabs were inactive and burrowed in the sediments during cold weather (<15 ºC). Similar results of low search record in dry seasons were reported in a previous territory-wide survey of horseshoe crab. For example, the search records at Tung Chung Wan were 0.17 individual hr^-1 person^-1 and 0 individual. hr^-1 person^-1 in wet season and dry season respectively (details see Li, 2008). From December 2012 to June 2013 (present survey), both values increased with the warmer climate at the sampling zones.

6.5.5 Figure 3.3 of Appendix I shows the changes of prosomal width of horseshoe crab population at ST. It was believed that most of individuals (50% records between upper and lower quartile), recorded in the dry season, had grown to a size of double in the present survey (prosomal width increase from 10-20 mm to 30-50 mm). At the same time, tiny individuals (10-15 mm) were found (outliers of low value) that seasonal spawning was believed occurring at ST.

6.5.6 Another less common species Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda was not found during the whole survey period except the survey conducted in December 2012 at ST (4 individuals). This species was believed present in ST at very low number while encounter was very rare.

6.5.7 The present survey was the third time of sampling of the EM&A programme during the construction period. Based on the results, impacts of the HKLR project could not be detected on horseshoe crabs considering the factor of natural, seasonal variation, In case, abnormal phenomenon (e.g. very few numbers of horseshoe individuals in warm weather) is observed, it would be reported as soon as possible.

Seagrass Beds

6.5.8 Table 3.3 and Figure 3.4 of Appendix I show the records of seagrass beds survey at every sampling zone. Two patches of Halophila ovalis were recorded nearby the mangrove vegetation at tidal level 2 m above C.D. at ST. The estimated total area and mean area were 299.9 m² and 463.7 m² respectively while the estimated coverage ranged 90-100%. Both patches were so close and formed a long seagrass strand with estimated total area 763.6 m². One patch of Zostera japonica was found within the long strand of Halophila ovalis. The estimated area was 14.6 m² while the estimated coverage ranged 70-90%.

6.5.9 Figure 3.5 of Appendix I shows the changes of estimated total area of seagrass beds at ST along the sampling months. For seagrass Halophila ovalis, the total area and estimated coverage increased gradually. It showed that the seagrass was in scattered patches during dry season then grew and merged into single patch during wet season. For seagrass Zostera japonica, it was not reported in the surveys of September and December 2012. Seasonal recruitment of few patches was reported between December and March. Then the patch size increased and merged gradually during wet season.

6.5.10 The present survey was the third time of sampling of the EM&A programme during the construction period. Based on the results, impacts of the HKLR project could not be detected on seagrass. In case, abnormal phenomenon (e.g. rapid reduction of seagrass patch size) was observed, it would be reported as soon as possible.

Intertidal Soft Shore Communities

6.5.11 Table 3.4 and Figure 3.6 of Appendix I show the types of substratum along the horizontal transect at every tidal level of every sampling zone. The relative distribution of different substrata was estimated by investigating the substratum types (Gravels & Boulders / Sands / Soft mud) of the ten random quadrats along the horizontal transect.

6.5.12 The distribution of substratum types varied among tidal levels and sampling zones. At TC1, high percentage of ‘Sands’ was recorded (70%) while the rest was ‘Gravels and Boulders’ (30%) at high tidal level. High percentage of ‘Gravels and Boulders’ (80%) was recorded at mid tidal level. Even distribution of ‘Gravels and Boulders’ (50%) and ‘Sands’ (40%) was recorded at low tidal level. At TC2, high percentage of ‘Sands’ (60-80%) was recorded at high and mid tidal levels while ‘Soft mud’ was the major substratum (80%) at low tidal level. At TC3, high percentage of ‘Sands’ (60-90%) was recorded at high and mid tidal levels followed by ‘Soft mud’ (10-30%). ‘Gravels and Boulders’ was the major substratum (70%) at low tidal level. At ST, ‘Gravels and Boulders’ (100%) was recorded only at high tidal level. High percentage of ‘Gravels and Boulders’ (70%) was recorded while the rest was ‘Sands’ (30%) at mid tidal level. Even distribution of ‘Sands’ (40%) and ‘Soft mud’ (40%) was recorded at low tidal level.

6.5.13 There was neither consistent vertical nor horizontal zonation pattern of substratum type in the study site. Such heterogeneous variation should be caused by different hydrology (e.g. wave in different direction and intensity) received by the four sampling zones.

6.5.14 Table 3.5 of Appendix I lists the total abundance, density and number of taxon of every phylum in the present survey. A total of 17329 individuals were recorded. Mollusks were significantly the most abundant phylum (total individuals 16751, density 558 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 96.7%). The second abundant group was arthropod (total individuals: 416, density 14 individuals m^-2, 2.4%) respectively. Relatively other phyla were very low in abundance (0.5%). Similarly, the most diverse phylum were mollusks (43 taxa) followed by arthropods (17 taxa) and annelids (14 taxa). The taxa of other phyla were relatively less (2 taxa). The complete list of collected specimens is provided in Annex III of Appendix I.

6.5.15 Table 3.6 of Appendix I shows the number of individual, relative abundance and density of each phylum at every sampling zone. The results were similar among the four sampling zones. In general, mollusks were the most dominant phylum (no. of individuals: 2608-5464 individual, relative abundance 95.9-97.9%). Arthropods were the second abundant phylum (no. of individuals: 51-164 individual, 1.4-3.2%) although the number of individuals was significantly lower than that of mollusks. Relatively, other phyla were very low in abundance across the four sampling zones (< 1%).

6.5.16 Table 3.7 of Appendix I lists the abundant species (relative abundance >10%) at every sampling zone. At TC1, gastropod Batillaria multiformis was clearly the dominant species (379-450 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 41-56%) at high and mid tidal levels. Gastropod Cerithidea djadjariensis (105-208 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 11-26%) was also abundant at high and mid tidal levels. Moreover, gastropod Monodonta labio (164 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 18%) and rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (143 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 16%) were abundant at mid tidal level. At low tidal level, total abundance was lower and the species distribution was more even relatively. Rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (66 individuals m^-2, 19%), gastropods Cerithidea djadjariensis (45 individuals m^-2, 13%) and Lunella coronata (44 individuals m^-2, 12%) were common occurring species at low tidal level.

6.5.17 At TC2, all three tidal levels were dominated by gastropod Cerithidea djadjariensis (92-164 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 31-55%). At high tidal level, gastropod Batillaria multiformis was the second abundant species (84 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 21%) followed by rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (56 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 14%). At mid tidal level, rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata was the second abundant species (84 individuals m^-2, 16%) followed by gastropod Monodonta labio (76 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 14%). At low tidal level, the common occurring species were gastropods Cerithidea cingulata (20 individuals m^-2, 12%), Batillaria multiformis (19 individuals m^-2, 11%) and Batillaria zonalis (19 individuals m^-2, 11%) while its abundances were much less than the most dominant gastropod Cerithidea djadjariensis.

6.5.18 At TC3, the high and mid tidal levels were mainly dominated by gastropods Batillaria multiformis (391-438 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 47-52%) and Cerithidea djadjariensis (212-294 individuals m^-2, 25-35%). Gastropod Cerithidea cingulata was the third abundant species (96 individuals m^-2, 11%). At low tidal level, the abundant species were rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (164 individuals m^-2, 28%) followed by gastropods Monodonta labio (92 individuals m^-2, 16%) and Lunella coronata (64 individuals m^-2, 11%).

6.5.19 At ST, gastropod Batillaria multiformis was highly abundant (392 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 63%) at high tidal level followed by gastropod Monodonta labio (127 individuals m^-2, 20%). At mid tidal level, gastropod Batillaria multiformis (136 individuals m^-2, relative abundance 21%) and rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (120 individuals m^-2, 19%) were most abundant of similar densities. Other less abundant species are gastropods Monodonta labio (66 individuals m^-2, 10%) and Cerithidea djadjariensis (65 individuals m^-2, 10%). Relatively, the abundant species gastropod Cerithidea djadjariensis (89 individuals m^-2, 38%), rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (30 individuals m^-2, 13%) and gastropod Batillaria zonalis (26 individuals m^-2, 11%) were lower in density at low tidal level.

6.5.20 There was no consistent zonation pattern of species distribution observed across sampling zones and tidal levels in Tung Chung Wan and San Tau. The species distribution should be determined by the type of substratum primarily. In general, gastropods Batillaria multiformis (6055 individuals, 35%), Cerithidea djadjariensis (3721 individuals, 21%), rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (1829 individuals, 11%), gastropods Monodonta labio (1489 individuals, 9%) and Cerithidea cingulata (1031 individuals, 6%) were the most common occurring species among the four sampling zones.

6.5.21 Table 3.8 of Appendix shows the mean values of number of species, density, H’ and J of soft shore communities at every tidal level and sampling zone. Among the sampling zones, the mean number of species was generally similar and ranged 6-15 spp. 0.25 m^-2. The mean densities of TC1 (349-810 individuals m^-2) and TC3 (580-838 individuals m^-2) were generally higher than that of ST (236-648 individuals m^-2) followed by TC2 (166-525 individuals m-2). The mean biodiversity index and species evenness were similar that ranged 1.39-1.54 and 0.60-0.65 respectively.

6.5.22 Across the tidal levels, there was no difference of the mean number of species. Higher mean densities were observed at high and mid tidal levels. Usually higher mean biodiversity index and species evenness were observed at mid and low tidal levels except that at TC2.

6.5.23 Figure 3.7 of Appendix I shows the temporal changes of number of species, density, H’ and J at every tidal level and sampling zone since the baseline monitoring survey (Sep 2012). No significant temporal change of any biological parameters was observed at all sampling zones. Although declined densities were reported at sampling zones TC2 (mid and low tidal levels) and TC3 (high and mid tidal levels) in dry season (Dec 2012), it was believed a natural, seasonal variation due to higher mortality and lower activity rate of intertidal fauna during cold, dry season. The densities of both sampling zones had increased along with the hot, wet season. At the same time, steady increases of number of species and biodiversity index were observed at ST (mid and low tidal levels).

6.5.24 The present survey was the third time of sampling of the EM&A programme during the construction period. Based on the results, impacts of the HKLR project could not be detected on intertidal soft shore community.

6.6 Reference

6.6.1 Chan, K.K., Caley, K.J., 2003. Sandy Shores, Hong Kong Field Guides 4. The Department of Ecology & Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong. pp 117.

6.6.2 Dai, A.Y., Yang, S.L., 1991. Crabs of the China Seas. China Ocean Press. Beijing.

6.6.3 Dong, Y.M., 1991. Fauna of ZheJiang Crustacea. Zhejiang Science and Technology Publishing House. ZheJiang.

6.6.4 EPD, 1997. Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (1st edition). Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR Government.

6.6.5 Fauchald, K., 1977. The polychaete worms. Definitions and keys to the orders, families and genera. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Science Series 28. Los Angeles, U.S.A.

6.6.6 Li, H.Y., 2008. The Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs in Hong Kong. MPhil Thesis, City University of Hong Kong, pp 277.

6.6.7 Pielou, E.C., 1966. Shannon’s formula as a measure of species diversity: its use and misuse. American Naturalist 100, 463-465.

6.6.8 Qi, Z.Y., 2004. Seashells of China. China Ocean Press. Beijing, China.

6.6.9 Shannon, C.E., Weaver, W., 1963. The Mathematical Theory of Communication. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, USA.

6.6.10 Shin, P.K.S., Li, H.Y., Cheung, S.G., 2009. Horseshoe Crabs in Hong Kong: Current Population Status and Human Exploitation. Biology and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs (part 2), 347-360.

6.6.11 Yang, D.J, Sun, R.P., 1988. Polychaetous annelids commonly seen from the Chinese waters (Chinese version). China Agriculture Press, China.

7 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT

7.1 Site Inspection

7.1.1 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, five site inspections were carried out on 4, 11, 18 and 28 June 2013.

7.1.2 Particular observations during the site inspections are described below.

4 June 2013

(a) There were gaps on metal cover of the cement mixing plant at Site Access S5. The Contactor enclosed the cement mixing plant fully at Site Access S5. (This observation was found on 31 May 2013 and closed on 4 June 2013)

(b) Stagnant water was found inside the recesses for lifting eyes of concrete blocks at S16. The Contractor filled the recesses for lifting eyes of concrete blocks by sand to avoid the stagnant water accumulation at S16. (This observation was closed on 11 June 2013.)

(c) The chemical container was found to be without a drip tray at West Portal. The Contractor removed the chemical container at West Portal. (This observation was closed on 11 June 2013.)

(d) Stagnant water was found inside the chemical waste storage box at West Portal. The Contractor cleaned up the stagnant water inside the chemical waste storage box at West Portal. (This observation was closed on 11 June 2013.)

11 June 2013

(a) Oil containers were found without drip trays at S5. The Contractor removed the oil containers at S5. (This observation was closed on 18 June 2013.)

(b) The chemical containers were found to be without drip trays at West Portal. The Contractor removed the chemical containers at West Portal. (This observation was closed on 18 June 2013.)

(c) The chemical containers were found to be without drip trays at West Portal. The Contractor removed the chemical containers at West Portal. (This observation was closed on 18 June 2013.)

18 June 2013

(a) The unpaved area was dry at WA04. The Contractor kept the unpaved area wet. (This observation was closed on 28 June 2013.)

(b) The chemical containers were found to be without drip trays at WA03. The Contractor provided drip trays for chemical containers. (This observation was closed on 28 June 2013.)

(c) The unpaved road was dry at S7. The Contractor kept the unpaved area wet. (This observation was closed on 28 June 2013.)

(d) The stagnant water was found inside the rubbish container at West Portal. The Contractor cleared up stagnant water. (This observation was closed on 28 June 2013.)

28 June 2013

(a) Bags of cement were not entirely covered with impervious sheeting at West Portal.The Contractor was reminded to cover bags of cement entirely with impervious sheeting.

(b) Empty chemical containers were not stored at chemical waste store at West Portal. The Contractor was reminded to remove empty chemical containers or properly store empty chemical containers at chemical waste store.

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.

7.2 Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

7.2.1 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.

7.2.2 Monthly summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix J.

7.2.3 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.

7.3 Environmental Licenses and Permits

7.3.1 The valid environmental licenses and permits during the reporting month are summarized in Appendix L.

7.4 Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

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

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

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

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

7.5 Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

7.5.1 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.

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

7.5.3 During the reporting month, there were three Action Level exceedances and two Limit Level exceedance of Dissolved oxygen level. One Limit Level exceedance of suspended solid level was recorded. No marine works were undertaken and no leakage of turbid water or any abnormity or malpractice was observed during the sampling exercise. Therefore, all exceedances were considered as non-contract related.

7.6 Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

7.6.1 There was one complaint received during this reporting month. The summary of environmental complaints is presented in Table 6.1. The details of Environmental Complaints are provided in Appendix K.

Table 6.1 A Summary of Environmental Complaints for the Reporting Month

Environmental Complaint No.	Date of Complaint Received	Description of Environmental Complaints
COM-2013-027	29 June 2013	Noise

7.6.2 A site inspection was undertaken by EPD on 7 June 2013 and a record of inspection was issued to the Contractor. The Contractor was advised to repair the silt curtain provided at Portion A immediately before continuation of any filling activities and to ensure the silt curtain is fully maintained throughout the works. The Contractor has modified the silt curtain arrangement to minimise the potential water quality impacts and provided regular maintenance for the silt curtain.

Site Area	Description of Activities
Portion X	Removal of Existing Rock for Existing Seawall
Portion X	Stone Column Installation
Portion X	Sand Filling behind Stone Platform in according to EP requirements
Portion X	Band Drains Installation
Portion X	Temporary Stone Platform Construction
West Portal	Site Formation
West Portal	Tree Felling
West Portal	Slope Protection / Stabilization (Soil Nailing Works)
Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road	Works for Diversion of Airport Road and Kwo Lo Wan Road
Airport Express Line	Pre-grouting and pipe piling works for AEL Access Shafts
Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road / Airport Express Line	Utilities Detection
Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road / Airport Express Line	Establishment of Site Access
Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road / Airport Express Line	Works for East Access Shaft
Portion Y	Access Shaft Construction for SHT and HAT
Portion Y	Utility Culvert Excavation

Environmental Monitoring	Parameters	Action Level (AL)	Limit Level (LL)
Air Quality	1-hr TSP	0	0
Air Quality	24-hr TSP	0	0
Noise	L_{eq (30 min)}	1	0
Water Quality	Suspended solids level (SS)	0	1
	Turbidity level	0	0
	Dissolved oxygen level (DO)	3	2

1.1.4 The Contract includes the following key aspects:

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.

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.

2 Air Quality Monitoring

2.1 Monitoring Requirements

2.2 Monitoring Equipment

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.

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

2.5.1 24-hour TSP Monitoring

2.5.2 1-hour TSP Monitoring

2.6.1 The schedule for air quality monitoring in June 2013 is provided in Appendix D.

2.7 Monitoring Results

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.

2.7.2 No Action and Limit Level 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 The wind data obtained from the on-site weather station during the reporting month 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.

3.2 Monitoring Equipment

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.

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

3.5.1 Monitoring Procedure

3.5.2 Maintenance and Calibration

3.6.1 The schedule for construction noise monitoring in June 2013 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.

3.7.2 There was one Action Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays.

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

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

3.7.6 The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

4 Water Quality Monitoring

4.1.2 The original and revised Action Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid are shown in Table 4.1.

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

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.

4.4.2 The locations of these monitoring stations are summarized in Table 4.4 and shown in Figure 2.1.

4.5.1 Instrumentation

4.5.2 Operating/Analytical Procedures

4.5.3 Maintenance and Calibrations

4.6.1 The schedule for impact water quality monitoring in June 2013 is provided in Appendix D. Due to adverse weather condition, the water monitoring at stations CS2, IS5, IS(Mf)6, IS7, IS8, IS(Mf)9, IS10, SR3, SR4 and SR5 was cancelled for mid-flood tide on 24 June 2013.

4.7 Monitoring Results

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 turbidity and suspended solids during the reporting month. Number of exceedances recorded during the reporting month at each impact station are summarised in Table 4.6.

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.

4.7.6

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.

5.1.2 The Action Level and Limit Level for dolphin monitoring are shown in Table 5.1.

5.1.3 The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin Monitoring was approved by EPD in 23 May 2013. The revised Event and Action Plan is annexed in Appendix F.

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 5.2.

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

Photo-identification Work

5.2.12 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).

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.3.1 During the month of June 2013, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on the 7th, 13th, 18th and 27th, to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice. The survey routes of each survey day are presented in Figure 2-5 of Appendix H.

5.3.5 Notably, none of the dolphin groups was sighted near to the HKBCF construction site or the HKLR03 construction site (Figure 6 of Appendix H). However, one dolphin group was sighted close to the HKLR09 bridge alignment (Figure 6 of Appendix H).

5.3.6 During June’s surveys, encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) are shown in Table 5.3 and Table 5.4.

5.3.7 The average group size of Chinese White Dolphins was 4.5 individuals per group. Most dolphin groups were composed of only 1-5 animals, but one large group with 11 dolphins was sighted near Lung Kwu Chau.

Photo-identification Work

5.3.8 Twenty-five individual dolphins were identified during June’s surveys, and all except three individual (i.e. NL80, NL262 and NL284 were sighted twice) was only sighted once during the month (Annexes III and IV of Appendix H).

5.3.9 Three well-recognized female, including NL33, NL123 and NL202, were accompanied with their calves during their re-sightings. Notably, these mother-calf pairs were frequently seen during previous months of HKLR03 monitoring surveys.

Conclusion

5.3.10 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.

5.4 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 – 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.

Methodology

Monitoring Locations

6.1.4 Four monitoring stations were established based on the site conditions for the sedimentation monitoring and are shown in Figure 6.1.

Monitoring Results

6.2.1 The mudflat monitoring covered water quality monitoring data. Reference was made to the water quality monitoring data of the representative water quality monitoring station (i.e. SR3) as in the EM&A Manual. The water quality monitoring location (SR3) is shown in Figure 2.1.

6.2.2 Impact water quality monitoring in San Tau (monitoring station SR3) was conducted in June 2013. The monitoring parameters included dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity and suspended solids (SS).

6.2.3 Due to adverse weather condition, the water monitoring for mid-flood tide at station SR3 was cancelled on 24 June 2013. The Impact monitoring results for SR3 were extracted and summarised below:

Sampling Zone

4.4.2 The locations of these monitoring stations are summarized in Table 4.4 and shown in
Figure 2.1.

5.3.1 During the month of June 2013, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on the 7^th, 13^th, 18^th and 27^th, to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice. The survey routes of each survey day are presented in Figure 2-5 of Appendix H.