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.119 (Aug 2022)

                                                                                    

14 September 2022

 

Revision 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Contractor                                                                                   Designer


 



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. 3

2....... Air Quality Monitoring. 4

2.1                      Monitoring Requirements. 4

2.2                      Monitoring Equipment 4

2.3                      Monitoring Locations. 4

2.4                      Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 5

2.5                      Monitoring Methodology. 5

2.6                      Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 7

2.7                      Monitoring Results. 7

3....... Noise Monitoring. 9

3.1                      Monitoring Requirements. 9

3.2                      Monitoring Equipment 9

3.3                      Monitoring Locations. 9

3.4                      Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 9

3.5                      Monitoring Methodology. 10

3.6                      Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 10

3.7                      Monitoring Results. 11

4....... Water Quality Monitoring. 12

4.1                      Monitoring Requirements. 12

4.2                      Monitoring Equipment 13

4.3                      Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 13

4.4                      Monitoring Locations. 14

4.5                      Monitoring Methodology. 15

4.6                      Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 16

4.7                      Monitoring Results. 16

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

5.1                      Monitoring Requirements. 17

5.2                      Monitoring Methodology. 17

5.3                      Monitoring Results. 19

5.4                      Conclusion. 21

5.5                      References. 21

6....... Environmental Site Inspection and Audit 22

6.1                      Site Inspection. 22

6.2                      Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status. 23

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 24

6.6                      Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution. 24

7....... Future Key Issues. 25

7.1                      Construction Programme for the Coming Months. 25

7.2                      Environmental Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month. 25

8....... Conclusions. 26

8.1                      Conclusions. 26

 

 

Figures

 

Figure 1.1       Location of the Site

Figure 2.1        Environmental Monitoring Stations

Figure 2.2     Transect Line Layout in Northwest and Northeast Lantau Survey Areas

 

 

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 Summons and Prosecutions¡¨

Appendix N     Location of Works Areas

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/D for HKLR and EP-353/2009/K for HKBCF were issued on 22 December 2014 and 11 April 2016, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012.

BMT Hong Kong Limited was 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 provided environmental team services to the Contract until 31 July 2020. 

Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment 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 provide environmental team services to the Contract with effective from 1 August 2020.

Ramboll Hong Kong Limited was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) for the Project.

This is the 119th Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 August 2022.

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 during this reporting month is listed below:

1-hr TSP Monitoring at AMS5

3, 9, 15, 19, 26 and 31 August 2022

24-hr TSP Monitoring at AMS5

2, 8, 12, 18, 24 and 30 August 2022

Noise Monitoring

3, 9, 15, 26, and 31 August 2022

Water Quality Monitoring

24, 26, 29 and 31 August 2022

Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

11, 12, 15, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29 and 30 August 2022

Site Inspection

2, 8, 15, 26 and 31 August 2022

 

 

The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended starting from 1 April 2021. A new alternative air quality monitoring location is still under processing. 

 

Due to adverse weather condition (hoisting of Strong Wind Signal, No.3 and heavy rain), 1-hr TSP monitoring at AMS5 and noise monitoring at NMS5 on 25 August 2022 was rescheduled to 26 August 2022.

 

As the Strong Wind Signal No.3 was in force at 12:40 on 24 August 2022, the water quality monitoring for mid-flood tide on 24 August 2022 was cancelled for safety reason.

 

The access to the WQM station SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) is blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Water quality monitoring was temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032) on 24, 26, 29 and 31 August 2022. Alternative monitoring station SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032) is proposed to replace the monitoring station SR4(N2). Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned station is in progress.

 

Due to weather condition, the dolphin monitoring on 9, 16 and 18 August 2022 were rescheduled on 12, 15 and 17 August 2022.

 

The dolphin monitoring for June 2022 was rescheduled in August 2022.

 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)

0

0

Water Quality

Suspended solids level (SS)

0

0

Turbidity level

0

0

Dissolved oxygen level (DO)

0

0

Complaint Log

There was no complaint received in relation to the environmental impacts during this reporting month.

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). 

The proposal for the change of Action Level and Limit Level for suspended solid and turbidity was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013.

The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin monitoring was approved by EPD on 6 May 2013.

The original monitoring station at IS(Mf)9 (Coordinate: 813273E, 818850N) was observed inside the perimeter silt curtain of Contract HY/2010/02 on 1 July 2013, as such the original impact water quality monitoring location at IS(Mf)9 was temporarily shifted outside the silt curtain.  As advised by the Contractor of HY/2010/02 in August 2013, the perimeter silt curtain was shifted to facilitate safe anchorage zone of construction barges/vessels until end of 2013 subject to construction progress.  Therefore, water quality monitoring station IS(Mf)9 was shifted to 813226E and 818708N since 1 July 2013.  According to the water quality monitoring team¡¦s observation on 24 March 2014, the original monitoring location of IS(Mf)9 was no longer enclosed by the perimeter silt curtain of Contract HY/2010/02. Thus, the impact water quality monitoring works at the original monitoring location of IS(Mf)9 has been resumed since 24 March 2014.

Transect lines 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 11 for dolphin monitoring have been revised due to the obstruction of the permanent structures associated with the construction works of HKLR and the southern viaduct of TM-CLKL, as well as provision of adequate buffer distance from the Airport Restricted Areas.  The EPD issued a memo and confirmed that they had no objection on the revised transect lines on 19 August 2015.

The water quality monitoring stations at IS10 (Coordinate: 812577E, 820670N) and SR5 (811489E, 820455N) are located inside Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Approach Restricted Areas. The previously granted Vessel's Entry Permit for accessing stations IS10 and SR5 were expired on 31 December 2016. During the permit renewing process, the water quality monitoring location was shifted to IS10(N) (Coordinate: 813060E, 820540N) and SR5(N) (Coordinate: 811430E, 820978N) on 2, 4 and 6 January 2017 temporarily. The permit has been granted by Marine Department on 6 January 2017. Thus, the impact water quality monitoring works at original monitoring location of IS10 and SR5 has been resumed since 9 January 2017.

Transect lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 for dolphin monitoring have been revised and transect line 24 has been added due to the presence of a work zone to the north of the airport platform with intense construction activities in association with the construction of the third runway expansion for the Hong Kong International Airport. The EPD issued a memo and confirmed that they had no objection on the revised transect lines on 28 July 2017. The alternative dolphin transect lines are adopted starting from August¡¦s dolphin monitoring.

A new water quality monitoring team has been employed for carrying out water quality monitoring work for the Contract starting from 23 August 2017. Due to marine work of the Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS Project), original locations of water quality monitoring stations CS2, SR5 and IS10 are enclosed by works boundary of 3RS Project. Alternative impact water quality monitoring stations, naming as CS2(A), SR5(N) and IS10(N) was approved on 28 July 2017 and were adopted starting from 23 August 2017 to replace the original locations of water quality monitoring for the Contract.

The role and responsibilities as the ET Leader of the Contract was temporarily taken up by Mr Willie Wong instead of Ms Claudine Lee from 25 September 2017 to 31 December 2017.

Water quality monitoring station SR10A(N) (Coordinate: 823644E, 823484N) was unreachable on 4 October 2017 during flood tide as fishing activities were observed. As such, the water monitoring at station SR10A(N) was conducted at Coordinate: 823484E, 823593N during flood tide on 4 October 2017 temporarily.

The topographical condition of the water monitoring stations SR3 (Coordinate: 810525E, 816456N), SR4 (Coordinate: 814760E, 817867N), SR10A (Coordinate: 823741E, 823495N) and SR10B (Coordinate: 823686E, 823213N) cannot be accessed safely for undertaking water quality monitoring. The water quality monitoring has been temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR3(N) (Coordinate 810689E, 816591N), SR4(N) (Coordinate: 814705E, 817859N) and SR10A(N) (Coordinate: 823644E, 823484N) since 1 September 2017. The water quality monitoring at station SR10B was temporarily conducted at Coordinate: 823683E, 823187N on 1, 4, 6, 8 September 2017 and has been temporarily fine-tuned to alternative station SR10B(N2) (Coordinate: 823689E, 823159N) since 11 September 2017. Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 8 January 2018.

The works area WA5 was handed over to other party on 22 June 2013.

According to latest information received in July 2018, the works area WA7 was handed over to other party on 28 February 2018 instead of 31 January 2018.

Original WQM stations IS8 and SR4(N) are located within the active work area of TCNTE project and the access to the WQM stations IS8 (Coordinate: E814251, N818412) and SR4(N) (Coordinate: E814705, N817859) are blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Alternative monitoring stations IS8(N) (Coordinate: E814413, N818570) and SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) are proposed to replace the original monitoring stations IS8 and SR4(N). Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 20 August 2019. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations IS8(N) and SR4(N2) on 21 August 2019.

There were no marine works conducted by Contract No. HY/2011/03 since July 2019. A proposal for temporary suspension of marine related environmental monitoring (water quality monitoring and dolphin monitoring for the Contract No. HY/2011/03) was justified by the ET leader and verified by IEC in mid of September 2019 and it was approved by EPD on 24 September 2019. Water quality monitoring and dolphin monitoring for the Contract will not be conducted starting from 1 October 2019 until marine works (i.e. toe loading removal works) be resumed. As discussed with Contract No. HY/2012/08, they will take up the responsibility from Contract No. HY/2011/03 for the dolphin monitoring works starting from 1 October 2019.

According to information received in January 2020, the works area WA3 and WA4 were handed over to Highways Department on 23 December 2019 and 14 March 2019 respectively.

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Manson Yeung instead of Mr Ray Yan since 18 May 2020.

Mr. Leslie Leung was Environmental Team Leader of the Contract for July 2020. The role and responsibilities as the Environmental Team Leader of the Contract has been taken up by Ms. Claudine Lee with effective from 1 August 2020.

The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended starting from 1 April 2021. A new alternative air quality monitoring location is still under processing.  

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Brian Tam instead of Mr Manson Yeung since 12 April 2021.

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Adi Lee instead of Mr Brian Tam since 3 May 2022.

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Brian Tam instead of Mr Adi Lee since 25 July 2022.

 

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       Landscape maintenance works at SHT East Portal.

¡P       Installation of Slit Curtain at Portion X.

¡P       Removal of Temporary Toe Loading Platform at Portion X.


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 (Heed) 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/D for HKLR and EP-353/2009/K for HKBCF were issued on 22 December 2014 and 11 April 2016, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012. The works area WA5 and WA7 were handed over to other party on 22 June 2013 and 28 February 2018 respectively. The works area WA3 and WA4 were handed over to Highways Department on 23 December 2019 and 14 March 2019 respectively. Figure 1.1 shows the project site boundary. The works areas are shown in Appendix N.

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 119th Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 August 2022.

1.1.6       BMT Hong Kong Limited was 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) and provided environmental team services to the Contract until 31 July 2020.

1.1.7       Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment 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 provide environmental team services to the Contract with effective from 1 August 2020. Ramboll Hong Kong Limited 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)

(Senior Resident Engineer, SRE)

Eddie Tsang

3968 4802

2109 1882

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

Environmental Project Office Leader

Y. H. Hui

3465 2888

3465 2899

Independent Environmental Checker

Adi Lee

9700 6767

3465 2899

Independent Environmental Checker

Brian Tam

9700 6767

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

(Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Claudine Lee

2859 5409

2559 0738

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

Landscape maintenance works

SHT East Portal

Installation of Slit Curtains

Portion X



 

 

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 ¡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 Indicator (Model No. LD-5R)

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 was 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. The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1 hr and 24 hr air quality monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended starting from 1 April 2021. A new alternative air quality monitoring location is still under processing.

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 was provided.

(iv)       No furnace or incinerator flues are 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 aluminium 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 August 2022 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. The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended starting from 1 April 2021.

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

41

3-245

352

500

AMS6

/

/

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

30

17-50

164

260

AMS6

/

/

173

260

 

2.7.2       No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at station AMS5 during the reporting month. The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

2.7.3       On-site wind meter was irreparably damaged and the wind data could not be retrieved since August 2019. As the wind data could not be monitored, the wind data during this reporting month were reference to the wind data obtained from Hong Kong Observatory¡¦s Chek Lap Kok weather station. The wind data obtained from Chek Lap Kok weather station are 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 ¡V 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). Leq, 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.

(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

(d)       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.

(e)       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.

(f)        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.

(g)       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           Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

3.6.1       The schedule for construction noise monitoring in August 2022 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

58

56-61

75

*A correction factor of +3dB(A) from free field to facade measurement was included. 

3.7.2       There were no Action and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting month.

3.7.3       Other noise sources during the noise monitoring included aircraft noise and construction activities by other parties.

3.7.4       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 is detected, and that timely action is 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. The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

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;

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 summarizes 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)

YSI Pro Quatro

Positioning Equipment

Garmin GPS72H

Water Depth Detector

Lowrance x-4

Water Sampler

Kahlsio Water Sampler (Vertical) 2.2 L with messenger

 

4.3          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

4.3.1       Table 4.3 summarizes 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(N), IS(Mf)9 & IS10(N)

 

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

 

Sensitive Receiver Stations:
SR3(N), SR4(N2), SR
5(N), SR10A(N) & SR10B(N2)

¡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).

Remark:

1) Original WQM stations IS8 and SR4(N) are located within the active work area of TCNTE project and the access to the WQM stations IS8 (Coordinate: E814251, N818412) and SR4(N) (Coordinate: E814705, N817859) are blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Alternative monitoring stations IS8(N) (Coordinate: E814413, N818570) and SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) were proposed to replace the original monitoring stations IS8 and SR4(N). Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 20 August 2019. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations IS8(N) and SR4(N2) since 21 August 2019.

2) The water quality monitoring programme was temporarily suspended during the reporting month since no marine works were scheduled or conducted, therefore no water quality monitoring was conducted.


 

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       A new water quality monitoring team has been employed for carrying out water quality monitoring work for the Contract starting from 23 August 2017. Due to marine work of the Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS Project), original locations of water quality monitoring stations CS2, SR5 and IS10 are enclosed by works boundary of 3RS Project. Alternative impact water quality monitoring stations, naming as CS2(A), SR5(N) and IS10(N) was approved on 28 July 2017 and were adopted starting from 23 August 2017 to replace the original locations of water quality monitoring for the Contract.

4.4.3       The topographical condition of the water monitoring stations SR3(N) (Coordinate: 810525E, 816456N), SR4(N) (Coordinate: 814760E, 817867N), SR10A(N) (Coordinate: 823741E, 823495N) and SR10B(N2) (Coordinate: 823686E, 823213N) cannot be accessed safely for undertaking water quality monitoring. The water quality monitoring has been temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR3(N) (Coordinate 810689E, 816591N), SR4(N) (Coordinate: 814705E, 817859N) and SR10A(N) (Coordinate: 823644E, 823484N) since 1 September 2017. The water quality monitoring at station SR10B was temporarily conducted at Coordinate: 823683E, 823187N on 1, 4, 6, 8 September 2017 and has been temporarily fine-tuned to alternative station SR10B(N2) (Coordinate: 823689E, 823159N) since 11 September 2017. Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 8 January 2018.

4.4.4       Original WQM stations IS8 and SR4(N) are located within the active work area of TCNTE project and the access to the WQM stations IS8 (Coordinate: E814251, N818412) and SR4(N) (Coordinate: E814705, N817859) are blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Alternative monitoring stations IS8(N) (Coordinate: E814413, N818570) and SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) were proposed to replace the original monitoring stations IS8 and SR4(N). Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 20 August 2019. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations IS8(N) and SR4(N2) since 21 August 2019.

4.4.5       The access to the WQM station SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) is blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Water quality monitoring was temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032) on 24, 26, 29 and 31 August 2022. Alternative monitoring station SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032) is proposed to replace the monitoring station SR4(N2). Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned station is in progress.

4.4.6       The locations of water quality 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(N)

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814413

818570

IS(Mf)9

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

813273

818850

IS10(N)

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812942

820881

SR3(N)

Sensitive receivers (San Tau SSSI)

810689

816591

SR4(N2)

Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho Inlet)

814688

817996

SR4(N3)*

Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho Inlet)

814779

818032

SR5(N)

Sensitive Receivers (Artificial Reef in NE Airport)

812569

821475

SR10A(N)

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)

823644

823484

SR10B(N2)

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)

823689

823159

CS2(A)

Control Station (Mid-Ebb)

805232

818606

CS(Mf)5

Control Station (Mid-Flood)

817990

821129

Remark:

* The access to the WQM station SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) is blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Water quality monitoring was temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032) on 24, 26, 29 and 31 August 2022.   

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 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 ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. before use and at 3-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring programme.

4.6           Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

4.6.1       The schedule for impact water quality monitoring in August 2022 is provided in Appendix D.

4.7           Monitoring Results

4.7.1       Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations on 24, 26, 29 and 31 August 2022 during the reporting month. Impact water quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

4.7.2       Water quality impact sources during water quality monitoring were nearby construction activities by other parties and nearby operating vessels by other parties.

4.7.3       For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level, turbidity level and suspended solid level were recorded during the reporting month.

4.7.4       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 


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 6 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 requirement of the updated EM&A manual, dolphin monitoring programme should cover all transect lines in NEL and NWL survey areas (see Figure 2.2) twice per month throughout the entire construction period. The co-ordinates of all transect lines are shown in Table 5.2. The coordinates of several starting and ending points have been revised due to the presence of a work zone to the north of the airport platform with intense construction activities in association with the construction of the third runway expansion for the Hong Kong International Airport. The EPD issued a memo and confirmed that they had no objection on the revised transect lines on 28 July 2017, and the revised coordinates are in red and marked with an asterisk in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2        Co-ordinates of Transect Lines

Line No.

Easting

Northing

 

Line No.

Easting

Northing

1

Start Point

804671

815456

 

13

Start Point

816506

819480

1

End Point

804671

831404

 

13

End Point

816506

824859

2

Start Point

805476

820800*

 

14

Start Point

817537

820220

2

End Point

805476

826654

 

14

End Point

817537

824613

3

Start Point

806464

821150*

 

15

Start Point

818568

820735

3

End Point

806464

822911

 

15

End Point

818568

824433

4

Start Point

807518

821500*

 

16

Start Point

819532

821420

4

End Point

807518

829230

 

16

End Point

819532

824209

5

Start Point

808504

821850*

 

17

Start Point

820451

822125

5

End Point

808504

828602

 

17

End Point

820451

823671

6

Start Point

809490

822150*

 

18

Start Point

821504

822371

6

End Point

809490

825352

 

18

End Point

821504

823761

7

Start Point

810499

822000*

 

19

Start Point

822513

823268

7

End Point

810499

824613

 

19

End Point

822513

824321

8

Start Point

811508

821123

 

20

Start Point

823477

823402

8

End Point

811508

824254

 

20

End Point

823477

824613

9

Start Point

812516

821303

 

21

Start Point

805476

827081

9

End Point

812516

824254

 

21

End Point

805476

830562

10

Start Point

813525

821176

 

22

Start Point

806464

824033

10

End Point

813525

824657

 

22

End Point

806464

829598

11

Start Point

814556

818853

 

23

Start Point

814559

821739

11

End Point

814556

820992

 

23

End Point

814559

824768

12

Start Point

815542

818807

 

24*

Start Point

805476*

815900*

12

End Point

815542

824882

 

24*

End Point

805476*

819100*

Note:
Co-ordinates in red and marked with asterisk are revised co-ordinates of transect line. 

 

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 20 years of marine mammal monitoring surveys in Hong Kong developed by HKCRP (see Hung 2017). For each monitoring vessel survey, a 15-m inboard vessel 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 Fujinon marine binoculars. Both observers searched the sea ahead of the vessel, between 270o and 90o (in relation to the bow, which is defined as 0o).  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 traveled 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 2.2) 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 lines 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    A professional digital camera (Canon EOS 7D model), 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. 

5.3            Monitoring Results

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.3.1       During the month of August 2022, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice. The survey routes of each survey day area presented in Figures 2-5 of Appendix H. Another two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on 22nd, 23rd and 24th (first set), and 29th and 30th (second set), to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice. The survey routes of each survey day area presented in Figures 6-10 of Appendix H.   

5.3.2       From the surveys conducted on 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th August 2022, a total of 260.76 km of survey effort was collected. With 100% 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). From the surveys conducted on 22nd, 23rd,24th, 29th and 30th August 2022, a total of 268.60 km of survey effort was collected. With 100% 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).

 

5.3.3       Among the two survey areas, 94.30 km and 166.46 km of survey effort were collected from NEL and NWL survey areas on 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th August 2022 respectively. Moreover, the total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 189.39 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 71.37 km.  Among the two survey areas, 97.70 km and 170.90 km of survey effort were collected from NEL and NWL survey areas on 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th and 30th August 2022 respectively. Moreover, the total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 188.09 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 80.51 km.

5.3.4       During the two sets of monitoring surveys on 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th August 2022, no Chinese White Dolphin was sighted at all. During the two sets of monitoring surveys on 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th and 30th August 2022, no Chinese White Dolphin was sighted at all.

5.3.5       During the August¡¦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 Tables 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6.

Table 5.3     Dolphin encounter rates deduced from the two sets of surveys (two surveys in each set) on 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th August 2022 in Northeast (NEL) and Northwest Lautau (NWL)

 

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: August 11th / 12th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: August 15th / 17th

0.0

0.0

NWL

Set 1: August 11th / 12th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: August 15th / 17th

0.0

0.0

 

Table 5.4     Dolphin encounter rates deduced from the two sets of surveys (two surveys in each set) on 22nd, 23rd,24th, 29th and 30th August 2022 in Northeast (NEL) and Northwest Lautau (NWL)

 

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: August 22nd/ 23rd/ 24th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: August 29th / 30th

0.0

0.0

NWL

Set 1: August 22nd/ 23rd/ 24th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: August 29th / 30th

0.0

0.0

 

Table 5.5 Overall dolphin encounter rates (sighting per 100 km of survey effort) from all four surveys conducted on 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th August 2022 on primary lines only as well as both primary lines and secondary lines in Northeast and Northwest Lantau

 

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

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Northwest Lantau

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

 

Table 5.6 Overall dolphin encounter rates (sighting per 100 km of survey effort) from all four surveys conducted on 22nd, 23rd,24th, 29th and 30th August 2022 on primary lines only as well as both primary lines and secondary lines in Northeast and Northwest Lantau

 

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

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Northwest Lantau

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

 

5.4           Conclusion

5.4.1       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.

5.4.2       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 2022) and the 3-month baseline monitoring period will be made.

5.5           References

-    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.

-    Hung, S. K.  2021.  Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong waters: final report (2020-21).  An unpublished report submitted to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, 154 pp.

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


 

6               Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

6.1           Site Inspection

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, five site inspections were carried out on 2, 8, 15, 26 and 31 August 2022.

6.1.2       A summary of observations found during the site inspections and the follow up actions taken by the Contractor/ recommendation are described in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1        Summary of Environmental Site Inspections

Date of Audit

Observations

Actions Taken by Contractor / Recommendation

Date of Observations Closed

 

18, 27 Mar 2020; 1, 8, 15, 22, 28 Apr 2020; 6, 13, 20, 29 May 2020; 3, 10, 17, 26 Jun 2020; 2, 8, 15, 22, 31 Jul 2020; 5, 12, 21, 28 Aug 2020; 2, 9, 16, 23, 29 Sep 2020; 7, 14, 21, 30 Oct 2020; 4, 11, 18, 27 Nov 2020; 2, 9, 16, 23, 29 Dec 2020; 6, 13, 20, 29 Jan 2021; 3, 10, 17, 26 Feb; 3, 11, 17, 26 Mar; 1, 7, 15, 21, 29 Apr 2021, 6, 12, 20, 28 May 2021; 2, 9, 16, 25 Jun 2021; 2, 7, 14, 21, 30 Jul 2021; 4, 11, 18, 27 Aug 2021; 1, 8, 15, 24, 30 Sep 2021; 6, 12, 20, 29 Oct 2021; 3, 10, 17, 24, 30 Nov 2021; 8, 16, 22, 31 Dec 2021; 5, 12, 19, 28, 31 Jan 2022; 9, 16, 25 Feb; 2, 9, 16, 25, 31 Mar; 6, 14, 21, 29 Apr 2022; 4, 11, 17, 25, 31 May 2022; 8, 14, 22, 28 June 2022; 7, 12, 21, 28 July 2022;

1.   Gaps of silt curtains were observed at Portion X.

 

1.   The silt curtains maintenance work is in progress at Portion X. The Contractor was reminded to maintain the silt curtains at Portion X.

 

Follow-up actions for the observations will be inspected during site inspection in Sep 2022.

2 August 2022

 

1. Gaps of silt curtains were observed/ part of silt curtains were missing at Portion X.

1.   The Contractor was reminded to maintain the silt curtains at Portion X.

Follow-up actions for the observations issued for the last weekly site inspection of the reporting month will be inspected during the next site inspection.

8 August 2022

 

1. Gaps of silt curtains were observed/ part of silt curtains were missing at Portion X.

 

1.    The Contractor was reminded to maintain the silt curtains at Portion X.

Follow-up actions for the observations issued for the last weekly site inspection of the reporting month will be inspected during the next site inspection.

15 August 2022

 

1. Gaps of silt curtains were observed/ part of silt curtains were missing at Portion X.

 

1.     The Contractor was reminded to maintain the silt curtains at Portion X.

Follow-up actions for the observations issued for the last weekly site inspection of the reporting month will be inspected during the next site inspection.

26 August 2022

1. Gaps of silt curtains were observed/ part of silt curtains were missing at Portion X.

 

1.    The Contractor was reminded to maintain the silt curtains at Portion X.

Follow-up actions for the observations issued for the last weekly site inspection of the reporting month will be inspected during the next site inspection.

31 August 2022

 

1.  Gaps of silt curtains were observed/ part of silt curtains were missing at Portion X

1.    The Contractor was reminded to maintain the silt curtains at Portion X.

Follow-up actions for the observations will be inspected during site inspection in September 2022.

 

6.1.3       Follow-up actions for outstanding observations will be inspected during the next site inspection.

6.2          Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

6.2.1       The Contractor registered as a chemical waste producer for the Contract. 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 Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes.

6.3          Environmental Licenses and Permits

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

6.4          Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

6.4.1       In response to the site audit findings, follow-up actions for outstanding observations will be inspected during the next site inspections.

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 inside the silt curtain were observed. The relevant records were kept properly. 

6.5          Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

6.5.1       For air quality, no Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at station AMS5 during the reporting month. 

6.5.2       For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at station NMS5 during the reporting month.

6.5.3       For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level, turbidity level and suspended solid level were recorded during the reporting month

6.6          Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

6.6.1       There was no complaint received in relation to the environmental impacts during this reporting month.

6.6.2       The details of cumulative statistics of Environmental Complaints are provided in Appendix J.

6.6.3       No notification of summons and prosecution was received during the reporting period. Statistics on notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix M.


 

7               Future Key Issues

7.1          Construction Programme for the Coming Months

7.1.1       As informed by the Contractor, the major construction activities for September 2022 are summarized in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1        Construction Activities for September 2022

Site Area

Description of Activities

SHT East Portal

Landscape maintenance works

Portion X

Installation of Slit Curtains

Portion X

Removal of Temporary Toe Loading Platform

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.2          Environmental Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month

7.2.1       The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring for September 2022 is provided in Appendix D.


 

8               Conclusions

8.1          Conclusions

8.1.1       The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Contract commenced on 17 October 2012. This is the 119th Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 August 2022.

Air Quality

8.1.2       For air quality, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at station AMS5 during the reporting month.

Noise

8.1.3       For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at station NMS5 during the reporting month.

Water Quality

8.1.4       For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level, turbidity level and suspended solid level were recorded during the reporting month.

Dolphin

8.1.5       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.

8.1.6       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 2022) and the 3-month baseline monitoring period will be made.

Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

8.1.7       Environmental site inspections were carried out on 2, 8, 15, 26 and 31 August 2022.   Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

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

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