TABLE OF CONTENTS

                        Executive Summary                                                             

1                      Introduction                                                                          

1.1                   Background                                                                           

1.2                   Scope of Report                                                                   

1.3                   Organization Structure                                                 

1.4                   Summary of Construction Works                              

1.5                   Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements        

2                      EM&A RESULTS                                                                         

2.1                   Air Quality                                                                               

2.2                   Noise Monitoring                                                                  

2.3                   Water Quality Monitoring                                              

2.4                   Dolphin Monitoring                                                            

2.5                   EM&A Site Inspection                                                           

2.6                   Waste Management Status                                             

2.7                   Environmental Licenses and Permits                        

2.8                   Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures  

2.9                   Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit                                                                                                       

2.10                 Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions                                                                         

3                      Future Key Issues                                                                

3.1                   Construction Activities for the Coming Quarter   

3.2                   Key Issues for the Coming Quarter                           

3.3                   Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Quarter   

4                      Conclusions and recommendations                         

4.1                   Conclusions                                                                           

 

List of Appendices

Appendix A

Project Organization for Environmental Works

Appendix B

Three Month Rolling Construction Programmes

Appendix C

Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS)

Appendix D

Summary of Action and Limit Levels

Appendix E

EM&A Monitoring Schedules

Appendix F

Impact Air Quality Monitoring Results and Graphical Presentation

Appendix G

Impact Noise Monitoring Results and Graphical Presentation

Appendix H

Impact Water Quality Monitoring Results and Graphical Presentation

Appendix I

Impact Dolphin Monitoring Survey Results

Appendix J

Event Action Plan

Appendix K

Quarterly Summary of Waste Flow Table

Appendix L

Cumulative Statistics on Exceedances, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

 

 

Executive Summary

Under Contract No. HY/2012/07, Gammon Construction Limited (GCL) is commissioned by the Highways Department (HyD) to undertake the design and construction of the Southern Connection Viaduct Section of the Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link Project (TM-CLK Link Project) while AECOM Asia Company Limited was appointed by HyD as the Supervising Officer.  For implementation of the environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) programme under the Contract, ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) has been appointed as the Environmental Team (ET).  ENVIRON Hong Kong Ltd. was employed by the HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) in accordance with Environmental Permit No. EP-354/2009/A.  Further applications for variation of environmental permit (VEP), EP-354/2009/B and EP-354/2009/C were granted on 28 January 2014 and 10 December 2014 respectively.

The construction phase of the Contract commenced on 31 October 2013 and will be tentatively completed by 2018.  The impact monitoring of the EM&A programme, including air quality, noise, water quality and marine ecological monitoring as well as environmental site inspections, commenced on 31 October 2013.

This is the fifth quarterly EM&A report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 December 2014 to 28 February 2015 for the Southern Connection Viaduct Section in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual of the TM-CLK Link Project.  As informed by the Contractor, major activities in the reporting period included:

December 2014

Marine-based Works

·        Construction of Pile caps at Viaducts B & E;

·        Marine piling platform installation for Viaducts A, B, C, D & E;

·        Marine Piling at Viaducts B, C, D & E; and

·        Additional marine ground investigation (GI) and laboratory testing.

Land-based Works

·        Construction of pile cap superstructure of Viaduct B;

·        Channel re-construction at Area 1;

·        Land Piling at Viaducts B, C & D;

·        Pre-drilling works at Viaduct A;

·        Construction of pile cap at Viaducts B & D;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

January 2015

Marine-based Works

·        Construction of Pile caps at Viaducts B, C & E;

·        Marine piling platform installation for Viaducts A, B, C, D & E;

·        Marine Piling at Viaducts B, C, D & E; and

·        Additional marine ground investigation (GI) and laboratory testing.

Land-based Works

·        Construction of pile cap superstructure of Viaduct B & C;

·        Channel re-construction at Area 1;

·        Land Piling at Viaducts B, C & D;

·        Pre-drilling works at Viaduct A;

·        Construction of pile cap at Viaducts B & D;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

February 2015

Marine-based Works

·        Construction of Pile caps at Viaducts B, C & E;

·        Marine piling platform installation & uninstallation;

·        Marine Piling at Viaducts C & E; and

·        Additional marine ground investigation (GI) and laboratory testing.

Land-based Works

·        Construction of pile cap superstructure of Viaduct B & C;

·        Channel re-construction at Area 1;

·        Land Piling at Viaducts B, C & D;

·        Pre-drilling works at Viaduct A;

·        Construction of pile cap at Viaducts B & D;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

A summary of monitoring and audit activities conducted in the reporting period is listed below:

24-hour TSP monitoring                                 17 sessions at ASR9; 18 sessions at ASR8A

1-hour TSP monitoring                                   17 sessions at ASR9; 18 sessions at ASR8A

Noise monitoring                                   17 sessions

Water quality monitoring                       37 sessions

Dolphin monitoring                                 6 sessions

Joint Environmental site inspection      13 sessions

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for air quality monitoring in the reporting period.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise

No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for construction noise monitoring in the reporting period.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for impact water quality monitoring in the reporting period.

Impact Dolphin Monitoring

Whilst one (1) Limit Level exceedance was observed for the quarterly dolphin monitoring data between December 2014 and February 2015, no unacceptable impact from the construction activities of the TM-CLKL Southern Connection Viaduct Section on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations during the dolphin monitoring in this reporting quarter.  The exceedance is considered unlikely due to the works of this Project upon further investigation.

Daily marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was undertaken during the period of marine works under this Contract.  Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) was also implemented for the detection of marine mammal when marine works were carried out outside the daylight hours under this Contract.  No sighting of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis (i.e. Chinese White Dolphin) was recorded in the monitoring period during the exclusion zone monitoring.

Environmental Complaints, Non-compliance & Summons

No environmental complaint, notification of summons and successful prosecution was received in the reporting period.

Reporting Change

There was no reporting change required in the reporting period.

Upcoming Works for the Next Reporting Period

Works to be undertaken in the coming quarter include the following:

March 2015

Marine Works

·        Construction of Pile caps at Viaducts B, C, D & E;

·        Marine piling platform installation & uninstallation;

·        Marine Piling at Viaducts C & E; and

·        Additional marine ground investigation (GI) and laboratory testing.

Land-based Works

·        Construction of pile cap superstructure of Viaduct B;

·        Channel re-construction at Area 1;

·        Land Piling at Viaducts B, C & D;

·        Pre-drilling works at Viaduct A;

·        Construction of pile cap at Viaducts B, C, D & E;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

April 2015

Marine Works

·        Construction and installation of pile caps;

·        Marine piling platform installation & uninstallation;

·        Pier construction;

·        Installation of launching gantry;

·        Marine piling; and,

·        Installation of pier head segment.

Land-based Works

·        Construction and installation of pile caps;

·        Pier construction;

·        Drainage works;

·        Land piling;

·        Pre-drilling works;

·        Installation of pier head segment;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Tree survey, felling and transplanting;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

May 2015

Marine Works

·        Construction and installation of pile caps;

·        Marine piling platform installation & uninstallation;

·        Pier construction;

·        Installation of launching gantry;

·        Marine piling and

·        Installation of pier head segment.

Land-based Works

·        Construction and installation of pile caps;

·        Pier construction;

·        Drainage works;

·        Land piling;

·        Pre-drilling works;

·        Installation of pier head segment;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Tree survey, felling and transplanting;

·        Relocation of MTRC fence; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

Future Key Issues

Potential environmental impacts arising from the above upcoming construction activities in the coming quarterly period are mainly associated with air quality, noise, marine water quality, marine ecology and waste management issue.

1                                             Introduction

1.1                                      Background

According to the findings of the Northwest New Territories (NWNT) Traffic and Infrastructure Review conducted by the Transport Department, Tuen Mun Road, Ting Kau Bridge, Lantau Link and North Lantau Highway would be operating beyond capacity after 2016.  This forecast has been based on the estimated increase in cross boundary traffic, developments in the Northwest New Territories (NWNT), and possible developments in North Lantau, including the Airport developments, the Lantau Logistics Park (LLP) and the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB).  In order to cope with the anticipated traffic demand, two new road sections between NWNT and North Lantau – Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) and Tuen Mun Western Bypass (TMWB) are proposed.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of TM-CLKL (the Project) was prepared in accordance with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-175/2007) and the Technical Memorandum of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM).  The EIA Report was submitted under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) in August 2009.  Subsequent to the approval of the EIA Report (EIAO Register Number: AEIAR-146/2009), an Environmental Permit (EP-354/2009) for TM-CLKL was granted by the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) on 4 November 2009, and EP variation (EP-354/2009A) was issued on 8 December 2010.  Further applications for variation of environmental permit (VEP), EP-354/2009/B and EP-354/2009/C were granted on 28 January 2014 and 10 December 2014 respectively.

Under Contract No. HY/2012/07, Gammon Construction Limited (GCL) is commissioned by the Highways Department (HyD) to undertake the design and construction of the Southern Connection Viaduct Section of TM-CLKL (“the Contract”) while AECOM Asia Company Limited was appointed by HyD as the Supervising Officer.  For implementation of the environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) programme under the Contract, ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) has been appointed as the Environmental Team (ET).  ENVIRON Hong Kong Ltd. was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) in accordance with Environmental Permit No. EP-354/2009/A.

The construction phase of the Contract commenced on 31 October 2013 and will be tentatively be completed by 2018.  The impact monitoring phase of the EM&A programme, including air quality, noise, water quality and marine ecological monitoring as well environmental site inspections, commenced on 31 October 2013.

The general layout plan of the Contract components is presented in Figures 1.1 & 1.2a to l.

1.2                                      Scope of Report

This is the Fifth Quarterly EM&A Report under the Contract No. HY/2012/07 Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link – Southern Connection Viaduct Section.  This report presents a summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works from 1 December 2014 to 28 February 2015.

1.3                                      Organization Structure

The organization structure of the Contract is shown in Appendix A.  The key personnel contact names and contact details are summarized in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1        Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Fax

SOR

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

 

Chief Resident Engineer

Daniel Ip

3553 3800

2492 2057

 

Resident Engineer

Kingman Chan

3691 2950

3691 2899

 

ENPO / IEC

(ENVIRON Hong Kong Ltd.)

ENPO Leader

 

Y.H. Hui

3547 2133 

3465 2899

IEC

 

Dr. F.C. Tsang

3547 2134

3465 2899

Contractor

(Gammon Construction Limited)

Environmental Manager

 

Brian Kam

3520 0387

3520 0486

Environmental Officer

 

Roy Leung

3520 0387

3520 0486

 

24-hour Complaint Hotline

 

 

9738 4332

 

ET (ERM-HK)

ET Leader

Jovy Tam

2271 3113

2723 5660

1.4                                      Summary of Construction Works

The construction phase of the Contract commenced on 31 October 2013.  The rolling construction programme for the period of December 2014 to February 2015 is shown in Appendix B.

As informed by the Contractor, details of the major works carried out in this reporting period are listed below:

December 2014

Marine-based Works

·        Construction of Pile caps at Viaducts B & E;

·        Marine piling platform installation for Viaducts A, B, C, D & E;

·        Marine Piling at Viaducts B, C, D & E; and

·        Additional marine ground investigation (GI) and laboratory testing.

Land-based Works

·        Construction of pile cap superstructure of Viaduct B;

·        Channel re-construction at Area 1;

·        Land Piling at Viaducts B, C & D;

·        Pre-drilling works at Viaduct A;

·        Construction of pile cap at Viaducts B & D;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

January 2015

Marine-based Works

·        Construction of Pile caps at Viaducts B, C & E;

·        Marine piling platform installation for Viaducts A, B, C, D & E;

·        Marine Piling at Viaducts B, C, D & E; and

·        Additional marine ground investigation (GI) and laboratory testing.

Land-based Works

·        Construction of pile cap superstructure of Viaduct B & C;

·        Channel re-construction at Area 1;

·        Land Piling at Viaducts B, C & D;

·        Pre-drilling works at Viaduct A;

·        Construction of pile cap at Viaducts B & D;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

February 2015

Marine-based Works

·        Construction of Pile caps at Viaducts B, C & E;

·        Marine piling platform installation & uninstallation;

·        Marine Piling at Viaducts C & E; and

·        Additional marine ground investigation (GI) and laboratory testing.

Land-based Works

·        Construction of pile cap superstructure of Viaduct B & C;

·        Channel re-construction at Area 1;

·        Land Piling at Viaducts B, C & D;

·        Pre-drilling works at Viaduct A;

·        Construction of pile cap at Viaducts B & D;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

The locations of the construction activities are shown in Figure 1.3.  The Environmental Sensitive Receivers in the vicinity of the Project are shown in Figure 1.4.

Figure 1.3       Locations of Construction Activities in the Reporting Period

The environmental mitigation measures implementation schedule is presented in Appendix C.

1.5                                      Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The EM&A programme required environmental monitoring for air quality, noise, water quality and marine ecology as well as environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology and landscape and visual impacts.  The EM&A requirements and related findings for each component are described in the following sections, which include:

·         Monitoring parameters;

·         Monitoring schedules for the reporting months and forthcoming months;

·         Action and Limit levels for all environmental parameters;

·         Event Action Plan;

·         Results and observations;

·         Environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the approved EIA Report; and

·         Environmental requirement in contract documents.

2                                             EM&A RESULTS

The EM&A programme required environmental monitoring for air quality, noise, water quality and marine ecology as well as environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology and landscape and visual impacts.  The EM&A requirements and related findings for each component are summarized in the following sections.

2.1                                      Air Quality

The baseline air quality monitoring undertaken by the Hong Kong – Zhuhai –Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects (HKZMB) during October 2011 has included the two monitoring stations ASR9A and ASR9C for this project.  Thus, the baseline monitoring results and Action/ Limit Level presented in HKZMB Baseline Monitoring Report ([1]) are adopted for this Project.

2.1.1                               Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted three (3) times every six (6) days while the highest dust impact was expected.  Impact 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out once every six (6) days.  The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring is provided in Appendix D.

Air quality monitoring stations ASR9A and ASR9C in Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot were the proposed locations in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  However, authorization of getting access into Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot was not granted for the impact monitoring of the EM&A programme for the captioned Contract.  Air quality monitoring stations in Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot (ASR9A and ASR9C) were relocated to Area 4 (ASR8A) and rooftop of Pak Mong Village (ASR8) respectively since November 2013.  Due to the rejection of access to Pak Mong Village, monitoring results of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP at ASR 8 and meteorological data was not recorded on 2 December 2014.  The Proposal of Alternative Dust and Noise Monitoring Stations ([2]) was submitted to EPD on 2 December 2014, in which the HVS at ASR 8 was proposed to be relocated to Entrance of MTR Depot (ASR9) and the wind anemometer to be relocated to ASR 8A in accordance with the requirements of the Updated EM&A Manual.  Same baseline and Action/Limit Level for air quality, as derived from the baseline monitoring data recorded at Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot, were adopted for these temporary air quality monitoring locations (Figure 2.1; Table 2.1).

High Volume Samplers (HVSs) were used for carrying out 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring during the reporting period.  The HVS meets all requirements of the Updated EM&A Manual.  Brand and model of the equipment are given in Table 2.2.

Wind data monitoring equipment was installed at Area 4 during the reporting period for logging wind speed and wind direction.  The wind sensor was setup such that it was clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by building.  The wind data monitoring equipment is recalibrated at least once every six months.

Table 2.1        Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations and Monitoring Dates in this Reporting Period

Monitoring Station (1)

Monitoring Period

Location

Description

Parameters & Frequency

ASR8A

2, 8, 11, 17, 23 and 29 December 2014; 2, 7, 13, 19, 22 and 28 January 2015; 3, 9, 12, 17, 23 and 26 February 2015

Area 4

On ground at the Area 4

Ÿ  1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (1-hour TSP, µg/m3), 3 times per day every 6 days

Ÿ  24-hour Total Suspended Particulates (24-hour TSP, µg/m3), daily for 24-hour every 6 days

ASR9

8, 11, 17, 23 and 29 December 2014; 2, 7, 13, 19, 22 and 28 January 2015; 3, 9, 12, 17, 23 and 26 February 2015

MTR Depot

On the ground nearby MTR Depot Entrance

Note: 

(1)   Air Quality Monitoring Stations ASR9A and ASR9C at Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot proposed in accordance with the Updated EM&A were temporarily relocated to ASR9 and ASR8A respectively.

(2)   Due to the rejection of access to ASR8, the monitoring on 2 Dec 2014 at ASR8 was cancelled.

Table 2.2        Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

High Volume Sampler
(1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP)

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

 

Wind Sensor

Global Water (Wind Speed Sensor: WE550; Wind Direction Sensor: WE570)

 

Wind Anemometer for calibration

Lutron (Model No. AM-4201)

2.1.2                               Action & Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring are provided in Appendix D.  The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix J.

2.1.3                               Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Quarter

The schedules for air quality monitoring in the reporting quarter are provided in Appendix E.

2.1.4                               Results and Observations

The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarized in Tables 2.3 and 2.4, respectively.  Monitoring results are presented graphically in Appendix F.  Detailed impact air quality monitoring results and meteorological information were reported in the Fourteenth to Sixteenth Monthly EM&A Report.

Table 2.3        Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results in this Reporting Period

Month

Station

Average (µg/m3)

Range (µg/m3)

Action Level  (µg/m3)

Limit Level  (µg/m3)

December 2014

ASR 8A

122

63 - 298

394

500

ASR 9

137

96 - 232

393

500

January 2015

ASR 8A

109

73 - 176

394

500

ASR 9

148

77 - 217

393

500

February 2015

ASR 8A

118

68 - 211

394

500

ASR 9

132

68 - 241

393

500

Table 2.4        Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results in this Reporting Period

Month

Station

Average (µg/m3)

Range (µg/m3)

Action Level  (µg/m3)

Limit Level  (µg/m3)

December 2014

ASR 8A

75

63 - 99

178

260

ASR 9

98

68 - 133

178

260

January 2015

ASR 8A

76

57 - 99

178

260

 

ASR 9

97

64 - 123

178

260

February 2015

ASR 8A

72

54 – 104

178

260

 

ASR 9

89

51 – 117

178

260

The major dust sources in the reporting period include construction activities under the Contract as well as nearby traffic emissions.

In this reporting period, a total of seventeen (17) monitoring events at ASR9 and eighteen (18) monitoring event at ASR8A were undertaken within the reporting period, in which no Action or Limit Level exceedance for 1-hour and 24-hour TSP for air quality was recorded during the reporting period.

2.2                                      Noise Monitoring

The baseline noise monitoring undertaken by the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects (HKZMB) during the period of 18 October to 1 November 2011 has included the monitoring station NSR1 for this project.  Thus, the baseline monitoring results and Action/ Limit Level presented in HKZMB Baseline Monitoring Report ([3]) are adopted for this Project.

2.2.1                               Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, impact noise monitoring should be conducted once per week during the construction phase of the Contract at NSR1.

Monitoring location was set up at NSR1 in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual since project commencement.  Due to the rejection of access to Pak Mong Village, no noise monitoring at NSR1 was recorded on 2 December 2014.  The Proposal of Alternative Dust and Noise Monitoring Stations ([4]) was submitted to EPD on 2 December 2014, in which the noise monitoring station was proposed to be relocated to the Pak Mong Village Pavilion (NSR1A) in accordance with the requirements of the Updated EM&A Manual.

Figure 2.2 shows the location of the monitoring station.  Table 2.5 describes the details of the monitoring station.  

Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meter at the designated monitoring station in the reporting quarter.  The deployed sound level meter complies 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 meter at a known sound pressure level.  Brand and model of the equipment is given in Table 2.6.

Table 2.5        Location of Impact Noise Monitoring Station and Monitoring Dates in this Reporting Period

Monitoring Station

Monitoring Period

Location

Parameters & Frequency

NSR1A

December 2014 to February 2015

Pak Mong Village Pavilion

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

Ÿ   At least once a week

Note:

(1)   Noise Monitoring Station NSR1 at Pak Mong Village proposed in accordance with the Updated EM&A was temporarily relocated to NSR1A.

(2)   Due to the rejection of access to NSR1, the monitoring on 2 December at NSR1 was cancelled.

Table 2.6        Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Integrated Sound Level Meter

Rion NL-31

Acoustic Calibrator

Rion NC-73

2.2.2                               Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit levels of the noise monitoring are provided in Appendix D.  The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix J.

2.2.3                               Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Quarter

The schedules for noise monitoring in the reporting quarter are provided in Appendix E.

2.2.4                               Results and Observations

The monitoring results for noise monitoring are summarized in Table 2.7.  Monitoring results are presented graphically in Appendix G and detailed impact noise monitoring results are reported in the Fourteenth to Sixteenth Monthly EM&A Report.

Table 2.7        Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results at NSR1A in the Reporting Period

Month

Average , dB(A), Leq (30mins)

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

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

December2014

62

61 – 62

75

January 2015

61

59 – 62

75

February 2015

60

56 – 61

75

 

A total of seventeen (17) monitoring events were undertaken in the reporting period with no Action Level and Limit Level exceedance recorded at the monitoring station in the reporting period.  No action is thus required to be undertaken in accordance with the Event Action Plan presented in Appendix J.

Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included construction activities, nearby traffic noise and aircraft noise.


2.3                                      Water Quality Monitoring

The baseline water quality monitoring undertaken by the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects (HKZMB) between 6 and 31 October 2011 has included all monitoring stations except SR4a for the Project.  Thus, the baseline monitoring results except for station SR4a and Action/Limit Level presented in HKZMB Baseline Monitoring Report ([5]) are adopted for this Project.  Baseline water quality monitoring was conducted at station SR4a from 29 August to 24 September 2013. 

2.3.1                               Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

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.  Impact water quality monitoring was undertaken three days per week during the construction period at seven water quality monitoring stations in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual (Figure 2.3; Table 2.8).  

Table 2.8        Locations of Water Quality Monitoring Stations and the Corresponding Monitoring Requirements

Station ID

Type

Coordinates

*Parameters, unit

Depth

Frequency

 

 

Easting

Northing

 

 

 

IS(Mf)9

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

813273

818850

Ÿ Temperature(°C)

Ÿ pH(pH unit)

Ÿ Turbidity (NTU)

Ÿ Water depth (m)

Ÿ Salinity (ppt)

Ÿ DO (mg/L and % of

saturation)

·    SS (mg/L)

3 water depths: 1m

below sea surface,

mid-depth and 1m

above sea bed.  If the water depth is less than 3m, mid-depth sampling only.  If water depth less than 6m, mid-depth may be omitted.

 

 

Impact monitoring: 3 days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides during the construction period of the Contract.

IS(Mf)16

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814328

819497

IS8

Impact Station(Close to HKBCF construction site)

814251

818412

SR4

Sensitive receiver (Tai Ho Inlet)

814760

817867

SR4a

Sensitive receiver

815247

818067

CS(Mf)3

Control Station

809989

821117

CS(Mf)5

Control Station

817990

821129

Notes:

In addition to the parameters presented monitoring location/position, time, water depth, sampling depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or works underway nearby were also recorded.

Table 2.9 summarizes the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring programme.

Table 2.9        Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

DO, Temperature meter and Salinity

YSI Pro2030

 

 

Turbidimeter

HACH Model 2100Q

 

pH meter   

HANNA HI8314

 

Positioning Equipment

Koden913MK2 with KBG-3 DGPS antenna

 

Water Depth Detector

Speedtech Instrument SM-5

 

Water Sampler

Kemmerer 1520 (1520-C25) 2.2L with messenger

2.3.2                               Action & Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels of the water quality monitoring are provided in Appendix D.

2.3.3                               Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Quarter

The schedules for water quality monitoring in the reporting quarter are provided in Appendix E.  No impact water quality monitoring was conducted on 19 and 21 February 2015 due to suspension of marine works.

2.3.4                               Results and Observations

Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations in the reporting period.  Monitoring results are presented graphically in Appendix H and detailed impact water quality monitoring results were reported in the Fourteenth to Sixteenth Monthly EM&A Report.

In this reporting period, a total of thirty-seven (37) monitoring events were undertaken.  There were SS results on 10, 14, 17 and 28 February recorded higher than the value of Action Level but not exceeding 120% of upstream control station at the same tide of same day.  The results were considered as natural variation but not neither Action nor Limit Level exceedance.  No Action or Limit Level exceedance was recorded during the reporting quarter.

2.4                                      Dolphin Monitoring

2.4.1                               Monitoring Requirements

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.  In order to fulfil the EM&A requirements and make good use of available resources, the on-going impact line transect dolphin monitoring data collected by HyD’s Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Hong Kong Link Road - Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities on the monthly basis is adopted to avoid duplicates of survey effort.

2.4.2                               Monitoring Equipment

Table 2.10 summarises the equipment used for the impact dolphin monitoring.

Table 2.10      Dolphin Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Model

Global Positioning System (GPS)

 

Camera

 

Laser Binoculars

Marine Binocular

Vessel for Monitoring

 

Garmin 18X-PC

Geo One Phottix

Nikon D90 300m 2.8D fixed focus

Nikon D90 20-300m zoom lens

Infinitor LRF 1000

Bushell 7 x 50 marine binocular with compass and reticules

65 foot single engine motor vessel with viewing platform 4.5m above water level

2.4.3                               Monitoring Parameter, Frequencies & Duration

Dolphin monitoring should cover all transect lines in Northeast Lantau (NEL) and the Northwest Lantau (NWL) survey areas twice per month throughout the entire construction period.  The monitoring data should be compatible with, and should be made available for, long-term studies of small cetacean ecology in Hong Kong.  In order to provide a suitable long-term dataset for comparison, identical methodology and line transects employed in baseline dolphin monitoring was followed in the impact dolphin monitoring.

2.4.4                               Monitoring Location

The impact dolphin monitoring was carried out in the NEL and NWL along the line transect as depicted in Figure 2.4.  The co-ordinates of all transect lines are shown in Table 2.11 below.

Table 2.11      Impact Dolphin Monitoring Line Transect Co-ordinates

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

 

 

 

 

2.4.5                               Action & Limit Levels

The action and limit levels of dolphin impact monitoring are shown in Appendix D.  The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix J.

2.4.6                               Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

The dolphin monitoring schedules for the reporting period are shown in Appendix E.

2.4.7                               Results & Observations

A total of 891.50 km of survey effort was collected, with 99.6% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility).  Among the two areas, 347.05 km and 544.45 km of survey effort were conducted in NEL and NWL survey areas respectively.  The total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 645.44 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 246.06 km.  Both survey efforts conducted on primary and secondary lines were considered as on-effort survey data.  The survey efforts are summarized in Appendix I.

During the six sets of monitoring surveys in December 2014 to February 2015, a total of fifteen (15) groups of fifty-two (52) Chinese White Dolphins were sighted.  All dolphin sightings were made during on-effort search.  Twelve (12) of the fifteen (15) on-effort sightings were made on primary lines, while the other three (3) were made on secondary lines.  No sighting was made in the proximity of the Project’s alignment.  In this quarterly period, all dolphin groups were sighted in NWL, while none of them were sighted in NEL.  Summary table of the dolphin sightings is shown in Appendix I.

Encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data from the primary transect lines under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) in the reporting period with the results presented in Tables 2.12 and 2.13.

Table 2.12      Individual Survey Event Encounter Rates

Survey Area

Survey period

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

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

Primary Lines Only

Primary Lines Only

NEL

Set 1: Dec 2nd/9th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: Dec 15th/23rd

0.0

0.0

Set 3: Jan 8th / 15th

0.0

0.0

Set 4: Jan 27th / 29th

0.0

0.0

Set 5: Feb 5th / 13th

0.0

0.0

Set 6: Feb 16th / 25th

0.0

0.0

NWL

Set 1: Dec 2nd/9th

2.8

5.6

Set 2: Dec 15th/23rd

1.4

1.4

Set 3: Jan 8th / 15th

4.3

21.6

Set 4: Jan 27th / 29th

7.5

37.6

Set 5: Feb 5th / 13th

1.4

1.4

Set 6: Feb 16th / 25th

0.0

0.0

Note:  Dolphin Encounter Rates are deduced from the six sets of surveys (two surveys in each set) in the reporting period in Northeast (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL)

 

Table 2.13      Quarterly Average Encounter Rates

Survey Area

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

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

December 2014 – February 2015

September -November 2011

December 2014 – February 2015

September -November 2011

Northeast Lantau

0.00

6.00 ± 5.05

0.00

22.19 ± 26.81

Northwest Lantau

2.91 ± 2.69

9.85 ± 5.85

11.27 ± 15.19

44.66 ± 29.85

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

Group size of Chinese White Dolphins ranged from one (1) to eight (8) individuals per group in North Lantau region during December 2014 to February 2015.  The average dolphin group sizes from these three months were compared with the ones deduced from the baseline period in September to November 2011, as shown in Table 2.14.

Table 2.14      Comparison of Quarterly Average Encounter Rates

 

Average Dolphin Group Size

December 2014 – February 2015

September -November 2011

Overall

3.47 ± 2.29 (n = 15)

3.72 ± 3.13 (n = 66)

Northeast Lantau

0.00

3.18 ± 2.16 (n = 17)

Northwest Lantau

3.47 ± 2.29 (n = 15)

3.92 ± 3.40 (n = 49)

Whilst one (1) Limit Level exceedance was observed for the quarterly dolphin monitoring data between December 2014 and February 2015, no unacceptable impact from the activities of this Contract on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from the general observations in this quarter.

Although the dolphins infrequently occurred along the alignment of TM-CLKL Southern Connection Viaduct Section in the past and during the baseline monitoring period, it is apparent that dolphin usage has been significantly reduced in NEL.
It is critical to monitor the dolphin usage in North Lantau region in the upcoming quarters, to determine whether the dolphins are continuously affected by the various construction activities in relation to the HZMB-related works, and whether suitable mitigation measure can be applied to revert the situation.

2.4.8                               Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

Daily marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was undertaken during the period of marine works under this Contract.  Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) was also implemented for the detection of marine mammal when marine works were carried out outside the daylight hours under this Contract.  No sighting of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis (i.e. Chinese White Dolphin) was recorded in the monitoring period during the exclusion zone monitoring.

2.5                                      EM&A Site Inspection

Site inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures under the Contract.  Thirteen (13) site inspections were carried out in the reporting quarter on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 30 December 2014; 8, 14, 21 and 29 January 2015; 4, 13, 17 and 26 February 2015.

Key observations during the site inspections in this reporting period are summarized in Table 2.15.

Table 2.15      Specific Observations Identified during the Weekly Site Inspection in this Reporting Period

Inspection Date

Location & Environmental Observations

Recommendations/ Remarks

3 December 2014

Seafront

·         Some chemical containers were not placed in drip tray.

·         Oil stain was found nearby a drip tray for generator.

·         A skip for waste was nearly full.

·         A sediment tank was under maintenance.

Pier B7

·         Gutter was found not well installed for waste water collection.

·         Oil stain was found nearby a drip tray for generator.

Pier E12

·         A chemical container was found not placed in drip tray.

Seafront

·         Chemical containers should be placed in drip tray

·         Oil stain should be removed to avoid run-off.

·         The contractor should clean up the waste on site regularly.

·         The contractor should ensure the sedimentation tank is available for site operation.

Pier B7

·         Gutter should be properly installed for waste water collection.

·         Oil stain should be removed to avoid run-off.

Pier E12

·         Chemical containers should be placed in drip tray.

10 December 2014

Site Access 9B

·         Checking record for wetsep was missing.

·         Grouting material was accumulated at grouting station.

·         The slope under works may generate dust.

Viaduct B (land)

·         A chemical container was found dripping and not placed in drip tray.

·         Some drip trays for generator were not plugged or plugged properly.

·         Oil stain was found under an excavator.

Site Access 9B

·         Wetsep should be checked regularly and the record should be filled.

·         Grouting material should be cleaned up regularly to avoid runoff.

·         The contractor was reminded to water the slope regularly.

Viaduct B (land)

·         Drip tray should be provided to the chemical container.

·         Drip tray should be plugged properly.

·         Drip tray was recommended for the excavator.

17 December 2014

Pier D7 (Barge Tung Shun 8)

·          A drip tray was not plugged.

·          A chemical container was not placed in drip tray.

Pier D4 (Barge Kam Shun)

·          A generator was not placed on decoupling pad.

·          A label for coagulant was missing.

Pier D7 (Barge Tung Shun 8)

·          The drip tray should be plugged.

·          The chemical container should be placed in drip tray.

Pier D4 (Barge Kam Shun)

·          The generator should be placed on decoupling pad.

·          Coagulant container should be labelled properly..

24 December 2014

Pier D13B

·          A drip tray for generator was no plugged.

Pier C8

·          Some chemical containers were not placed in drip tray.

Abutment D

·          The area was partially dry and unpaved.

Pier D13B

·          The drip tray for generator should be plugged.

Pier C8

·          Chemical containers should be placed in drip tray.

Abutment D

·          The contractor was reminded to water the unpaved area 8 times a day.

30 December 2014

Pier E12

·          A dumping permit for Category L sediment was not displayed.

·          A generator was placed without decoupling pad.

Pier E13

·          Stagnant water was accumulated in a drip tray.

·          A generator was placed without acoustic decoupling pad.

·          Excessive soil was accumulated in the gutter.

Area 1

·          Stagnant water was accumulated in a drip tray.

·          Placement of material stack was too close to natural habitat.

Pier E12

·          The updated permit should be placed at the corresponding platform.

·          Generator on marine platform should be placed on acoustic decoupling pad.

Pier E13

·          Drip tray should have enough volume to avoid overflowing, so stagnant water should be removed.

·          Generator on marine platform should be placed on acoustic decoupling pad.

·          Gutter should be cleaned up regularly.

Area 1

·          Drip tray should have enough volume to avoid overflowing, so stagnant water should be removed.

·          The contractor should place the material stacks in the designated area within the existing disturbed land.

8 January 2015

Pier B2

·         A generator was not placed on decoupling pad properly

Pier D6.

·         The updated dumping permit was not displayed.

·         A power pack was not placed on decoupling pad properly.

·         The door of an operating air compressor was not closed.

·         Some refuse was found on sea nearby platform.

Barge M027 (next to pier E13)

·         A chemical container was not placed in drip trip.

Pier E12

·         A part of gutter was not installed properly.

Pier B2 and D6

·         Generators or power packs should be placed on decoupling properly.

·         The updated dumping permit should be displayed.

·         Door of operating machine on marine platform should be closed.

·         The contractor should clean up the site and surrounding area regularly to keep tidy and litter free.

Barge M027 (next to pier E13)

·         Chemical container should be placed in drip tray.

Pier E12

·         Gutter on platform should be installed properly.

14 January 2015

Pak Mong

·         Stagnant water was accumulated in a drip tray.

Slope B/C9

·         Refuse was accumulated in the drainage.

Site Access 5D

·         Wheel washing facility was incomplete.

Pak Mong

·         Drip tray should have enough capacity to avoid overflowing.

Slope B/C9

·         Drainage should be cleaned up regularly to avoid blockage.

Site Access 5D

·         The contractor was reminded to ensure waste water from wheel washing will be treated before discharge.

21 January 2015

Barge Chang Sheung 307 (near platform E4)

·          A chemical container was not placed in drip tray.

Pier A1

·          A drip tray for generator was not plugged.

Barge Chang Sheung 307 (near platform E4)

·          Chemical container should be placed in drip tray.

Pier A1

·          Drip tray should be plugged properly.

29 January 2015

Pier E13 AB

·          A drip tray for generator was not plugged.

Seafront

·          Some chemical containers on pontoon were not placed in drip tray.

Pier D14

·          The ground was unpaved and dry.

Pier E13 AB and Seafront

·          Chemical containers and generators should be placed in plugged drip tray.

Pier D14

·          The contractor was reminded to implement the watering programme for effective dust suppression.

4 February 2015

Area 1

·         The ground was dry.

·         Washing facility at the entrance was incomplete.

·         Soil stockpile was not covered.

·         Refuse was accumulated in drainage.

·         A drip tray for generator was not plugged.

Area 1

·         The contractor was reminded to implement the watering programme for dust suppression.

·         Wheel washing should be provided at the entrance.

·         Soil stockpile should be covered by tarpaulin sheet or wet to avoid dust emission.

·         Drainage should be cleaned up regularly.

·         Drip trays should be plugged.

13 February 2015

Pier D5

·         A generator was not well placed on acoustic decoupling pad.

Pier B1

·         Sediment was accumulated in the gutter.

Barge Tung Shun 88 (next to Pier D2)

·         Label for marine sediment was not displayed.

Pier B2

·         A part of gutter was not properly installed.

Pier D5

·         Machine on marine platform should be well placed on decoupling pad.

Pier B1

·         Gutter should be cleaned regularly.

Barge Tung Shun 88 (next to Pier D2)

·         Label for marine sediment should be displayed.

Pier B2

·         Gutter should be properly installed.

17 February 2015

Seafront near Pier B8

·          A drip tray for generator was not plugged.

Pier D12A

·          Some chemical containers were not placed in drip tray.

·          Grouting material was found not covered.

Pier D10

·          Sandbags were found insufficient to avoid waste water discharging offsite.

 Seafront near Pier B8

·          Drip trays should be plugged.

Pier D12A

·          Chemical containers should be covered and placed in drip tray.

·          Stockpile of grouting material should be covered.

Pier D10

·          Sufficient sandbags should be provided to avoid any runoff of waste water.

26 February 2015

Pier C1

·          Gutter was not properly installed.

Pier C1

·          Gutter should be properly installed to ensure no waste water runoff from platform.

2.6                                      Waste Management Status

The Contractor has submitted application form for registration as chemical waste producer under the Contract.  Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

Wastes generated during this reporting period include mainly construction wastes (inert and non-inert), imported fill, recyclable materials, chemical waste and marine sediments (Categories L & M).  Reference has been made to the waste flow table prepared by the Contractor (Appendix K).  The quantities of different types of wastes are summarized in Table 2.16. 

Table 2.16      Quantities of Different Waste Generated in the Reporting Period

Month / Year

Inert Construction Waste (a) (m3)

Imported Fill (m3)

Inert Construction Waste Re-used

(m3)

Non-inert Construction Waste (b) (tonnes)

Recyclable Materials (c)  (kg)

Chemical Wastes (kg)

Marine Sediment (m3)

Category L

Category M

December 2014

15,987

0

3,020

130,970

147

0

337

275

January 2015

12,474

115

990

132,170

91

0

178

487

February 2015

5,759

0

436

141,020

112

400

 801

333

Total

34,220

115

4,446

404,160

350

400

1,316

1,095

Notes:

(a)   Inert construction wastes include hard rock and large broken concrete, and materials disposed as public fill.

(b)   Non-inert construction wastes include general refuse disposed at landfill.

(c)    Recyclable materials include metals, paper, cardboard, plastics, timber and others.

The Contractor was advised to properly maintain on site C&D materials and waste collection, sorting and recording system, dispose of C&D materials and wastes at designated ground and maximize reuse/ recycle of C&D materials and wastes.  The Contractor was also reminded to properly maintain the site tidiness and dispose of the wastes accumulated on site regularly and properly.

For chemical waste containers, the Contractor was reminded to treat properly and store 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.

2.7                                      Environmental Licenses and Permits

The status of environmental licensing and permit is summarized in Table 2.17 below.

Table 2.17      Summary of Environmental Licensing and Permit Status

License/ Permit

License or Permit No.

Date of Issue

Date of Expiry

License/ Permit Holder

Remarks

Environmental Permit

EP-354/2009/C

10-Dec-14

N/A

HyD

Tuen Mun- Chek Lap Kok Link

Chemical Waste Producer Registration

5213-951-G2380-17

12-Jun-14

NA

GCL

Viaducts A, B, C, D & E

Chemical Waste Producer Registration

5213-961-G2380-13

10-Oct-13

NA

GCL

Area1 adjacent to Cheung Ting Road, Siu Ho Wan

Chemical Waste Producer Registration

5213-961-G2380-14

10-Oct-13

NA

GCL

Area 2 adjacent to Cheung Tung Road, Pak Mong Village

Chemical Waste Producer Registration

5213-974-G2588-03

04-Nov-13

NA

GCL

WA5 adjacent to Cheung Tung Road, Yan O

Construction Dust Notification

361571

05-Jul-13

NA

GCL

NA

Construction Dust Notification

362093 (for WA23)

17-Jul-13

NA

GCL

NA

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS0078-15

28-Jan-15

29-Jul-15

GCL

For Plant mobilization using tractor

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS0137-15

12-Feb-14

15-Aug-15

GCL

Pre-casted pile cap shell installation at E10-E13

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS0206-15

24-Feb-15

30-Apr-15

GCL

B9-B16 Pier Head Segments Erection

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS0700-14

21-Jul-14

31-Dec-14

GCL

For loading & unloading on NLH near Viaduct A & B (renewed to GW-RS1386-14)

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1032-14

25-Sep-14

28-Mar-15

GCL

For Load unload at NLH near Viaduct D

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1129-14

17-Oct-14

31-Dec-14

GCL

For Safety Fences at Pier D9

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1130-14

20-Oct-14

22-Apr-15

GCL

For Plant mobilization using tractor

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1135-14

17-Oct-14

15-Dec-14

GCL

For TTA Case 60-2 Ch.1.3E-3.6E (updated to GW-RS1383-14)

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1188-14

30-Oct-14

31-Dec-14

GCL

For TTA Cases 50 Airport Road-5.3 (updated to GW-RS1403-14)

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1225-14

31-Oct-14

02-May-15

GCL

For Broad Permit

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1383-14

15-Dec-14

28-Feb-15

GCL

TTA Case 060-12 Ch.1.0-4.2

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1386-14

15-Dec-14

15-Mar-15

GCL

TTA Case 009 Ch.2.3E-4.2E

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RS1403-14

15-Dec-14

28-Feb-15

GCL

TTA Case 050 Series Airport Rd to NLH Ch.5.3

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RW0093-15

26-Feb-15

26-Aug-15

GCL

General works at WA5

Construction Noise Permit for night works and works in general holidays

GW-RW0640-14

28-Aug-14

27-Feb-15

GCL

General works at WA5

Construction Noise Permit for Piling Works

Nil

NA

NA

GCL

NA

Construction Waste Disposal Account

7017735

10-Jul-13

NA

GCL

NA

Construction Waste Disposal Account

7019470

03-Mar-14

NA

GCL

Vessel CHIT Account

Effluent Discharge License

WT00019017-2014

13-May-14

31-May-19

GCL

Marine Portion

Effluent Discharge License

WT00019018-2014

13-May-14

31-May-19

GCL

Land Portion

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/15-066

28-Jul-14

27-Jan-15

GCL

For dumping Type I sediment

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/15-161

25-Nov-14

31-Dec-14

GCL

For dumping Type I (Dedicated Site) and Type II sediment

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/15-186

01-Jan-15

31-Jan-15

GCL

For dumping Type I (Dedicated Site) and Type II sediment

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/15-203

28-Jan-15

27-Jul-15

GCL

For dumping Type I sediment

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/15-234

27-Feb-15

31-Mar-15

GCL

For dumping Type I (Dedicated Site) and Type II sediment

2.8                                      Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

In response to the site audit findings, the Contractor has carried out corrective actions.

A summary of the Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Measure Implementation Schedules (EMIS) is presented in Appendix C.  The necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly for this Contract.

2.9                                      Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

Results for 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP, construction noise and impact water quality monitoring complied with the Action/ Limit levels in the reporting period.
The construction impact on depth-averaged SS was assessed by comparing the quarterly mean values of depth-averaged SS with the relevant ambient mean values.  Results showed that the quarterly mean of depth-averaged SS at SR4a, CS(Mf)3 and CS(Mf)5 during mid-ebb tide was slightly higher than the ambient mean (Table 2.18).  Statistical analyses showed that the increase of quarterly depth-averaged SS level at SR4a (F 1, 47 = 0.049; p = 0.83), CS(Mf)3 (F 1, 71 = 1.84; p = 0.18) and CS(Mf)5 (F 1, 71 = 0.41; p = 0.53) are statistically insignificant, and thus considered as natural fluctuation in the western waters of Hong Kong.  No further mitigation measures is recommended at this stage.

Table 2.18      Comparison between Quarterly Mean and Ambient Mean Values of Depth-averaged Suspended Solids

Station

Baseline Mean

Ambient Mean (a)

Quarterly Mean (December 2014 to February 2015)

Mid-ebb

Mid-flood

Mid-ebb

Mid-flood

Mid-ebb

Mid-flood

CS(Mf)3

9.2

12.8

12.0

16.6

12.8

12.8

CS(Mf)5

9.2

11.5

11.9

14.9

12.8

12.7

SR4

10.3

12.3

13.4

16.0

12.5

12.4

SR4a

9.1

9.8

11.9

12.7

12.4

12.4

IS8

11.3

13.5

14.6

17.6

12.5

12.2

IS(Mf)9

10.9

14.3

14.2

18.5

12.3

12.1

IS(Mf)16

11.4

10.3

14.8

13.4

12.3

12.3

Notes:

(a) Ambient mean value is defined as a 30% increase of the baseline mean value

One (1) Limit Level exceedance was recorded for impact dolphin monitoring in this reporting quarter.  Following the review of the monitoring data and marine works details as per the procedure stipulated in the Event and Action Plan of the Updated EM&A Manual, there is no evidence showing that the sources of impact directly related to the construction works under this Contract that may have affected the dolphin usage in the NEL region.  Investigation findings were detailed in Appendix L.

2.10                                   Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

The Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure is provided in Figure 2.5.
There was no complaint, notification of summons or successful prosecution recorded in the reporting period.  Statistics on complaint, notification of summons of successful prosecution are summarized in Appendix L.

3                                             Future Key Issues

3.1                                      Construction Activities for the Coming Quarter

As informed by the Contractor, the major works for the Contract in the coming quarter are summarized below:

March 2015

Marine Works

·        Construction of Pile caps at Viaducts B, C, D & E;

·        Marine piling platform installation & uninstallation;

·        Marine Piling at Viaducts C & E; and

·        Additional marine ground investigation (GI) and laboratory testing.

Land-based Works

·        Construction of pile cap superstructure of Viaduct B;

·        Channel re-construction at Area 1;

·        Land Piling at Viaducts B, C & D;

·        Pre-drilling works at Viaduct A;

·        Construction of pile cap at Viaducts B, C, D & E;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

April 2015

Marine Works

·        Construction and installation of pile caps;

·        Marine piling platform installation & uninstallation;

·        Pier construction;

·        Installation of launching gantry;

·        Marine piling; and,

·        Installation of pier head segment.

Land-based Works

·        Construction and installation of pile caps;

·        Pier construction;

·        Drainage works;

·        Land piling;

·        Pre-drilling works;

·        Installation of pier head segment;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Tree survey, felling and transplanting;

·        Utility surveys; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

May 2015

Marine Works

·        Construction and installation of pile caps;

·        Marine piling platform installation & uninstallation;

·        Pier construction;

·        Installation of launching gantry;

·        Marine piling and

·        Installation of pier head segment.

Land-based Works

·        Construction and installation of pile caps;

·        Pier construction;

·        Drainage works;

·        Land piling;

·        Pre-drilling works;

·        Installation of pier head segment;

·        Additional land GI, trial pits & lab testing;

·        Tree survey, felling and transplanting;

·        Relocation of MTRC fence; and

·        Slope work of Slopes 9SE-B/C8, 9SE-B/C9 & 9SE-B/F9.

 

3.2                                      Key Issues for the Coming Quarter

Potential environmental impacts arising from the above upcoming construction activities are mainly associated with air quality, noise, marine water quality, marine ecology and waste management issues.

3.3                                      Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Quarter

Impact monitoring for air quality, noise, marine water quality and dolphin monitoring are scheduled to continue for the next reporting period.

The monitoring programme has been reviewed and was considered as adequate to cater for the nature of works in progress.

4                                             Conclusions and recommendations

4.1                                      Conclusions

This Fifth Quarterly EM&A Report presents the findings of the EM&A activities undertaken during the period from 1 December 2014 to 28 February 2015, in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of the Environmental Permit (EP-354/2009/C).

Neither Action Level nor Limit Level exceedances were observed for air quality, noise and water quality impact monitoring in this reporting period.

A total of fifteen (15) groups of fifty-two (52) Chinese White Dolphins were sighted during the six sets of surveys from December 2014 to February 2015.  Whilst one (1) Limit Level exceedance was recorded for the quarterly dolphin monitoring data between December 2014 and February 2015, no unacceptable impact from the activities of this Contract on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from the general observations.  It is critical to monitor the dolphin usage in North Lantau region in the upcoming quarters, to determine whether the dolphins are continuously affected by the various construction activities in relation to the HZMB-related works, and whether suitable mitigation measure can be applied to revert the situation.

Environmental site inspection was carried out thirteen (13) times in the reporting period.  Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor for the deficiencies identified during the site audits.

No environmental complaint, summons/ prosecution were received during the reporting period.

The monitoring programme has been reviewed and was considered as adequate to cater for the nature of works in progress.  Change to the monitoring programme was thus not recommended at this stage.  The monitoring programme will be evaluated as appropriate in the next reporting period.  The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.
 

([1]) Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP) Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects - Investigation.  Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report (Version C).  Submitted on 8 March 2012 and subsequently approved by EPD.

([2])       The Proposal of Alternative Dust and Noise Monitoring Stations with the agreement letter from IEC and SOR was submitted to EPD on 2 December 2014, and subsequently replied with no objection on 4 December 2014.

(1) Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP) Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects - Investigation.  Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report (Version C).  Submitted on 8 March 2012 and subsequently approved by EPD.

(2) The Proposal of Alternative Dust and Noise Monitoring Stations with the agreement letter from IEC and SOR was submitted to EPD on 2 December 2014, and subsequently replied with no objection on 4 December 2014.

([5]) Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP) Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects - Investigation.  Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report (Version C).  Submitted on 8 March 2012 and subsequently approved by EPD.