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                      Air quality                                                                               

2.1                   Monitoring Requirements                                               

2.2                   Monitoring Equipment                                                       

2.3                   Monitoring Locations                                                       

2.4                   Monitoring Parameters & Frequency                       

2.5                   Monitoring methodology                                               

2.6                   Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month 

2.7                   Results and Observations                                             

3                      Water Quality Monitoring                                              

3.1                   Monitoring Requirements                                               

3.2                   Monitoring equipment                                                       

3.3                   Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration 

3.4                   Monitoring Locations                                                       

3.5                   Monitoring methodology                                               

3.6                   Action & Limit Levels                                                           

3.7                   Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month 

3.8                   Results and Observations                                             

4                      Dolphin monitoring                                                            

4.1                   Monitoring Requirements                                               

4.2                   Monitoring Equipment                                                       

4.3                   Monitoring Parameter, Frequencies & Duration

4.4                   Monitoring Location                                                          

4.5                   Action & Limit Levels                                                           

4.6                   Monitoring Schedule For The Reporting Month 

4.7                   Results & Observations                                                  

5                      Environmental site inspection and audit               

5.1                   Site Inspection                                                                       

5.2                   Waste Management Status                                             

5.3                   Environmental Licenses and Permits                        

5.4                   Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures  

5.5                   Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit                                                                                                       

5.6                   Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions                                                                         

6                      Future Key Issues                                                                

6.1                   Construction Programme for the Coming Months

6.2                   Key Issues for the Coming Month                                

6.3                   Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month        

7                      Conclusions and recommendations                         

7.1                   Conclusions                                                                           

7.2                   Recommendations                                                                

 

Appendix A          Project Organization

Appendix B          Three Months Programme

Appendix C          Environmental Mitigation And Enhancement Measure Implementation Schedules (EMIS)

Appendix D          Action And Limit Levels

Appendix E          Calibration Certificate

Appendix F           Monitoring Schedule

Appendix G          Air Quality Monitoring Results

Appendix H          Meteorological Data

Appendix I            Water Quality Monitoring Results

Appendix J           Impact Dolphin Monitoring

Appendix K          Event And Action Plan

Appendix L           Cumulative Statistics On Exceedance And Complaint

Appendix M          Waste Flow Table

 

 

 

Executive Summary

Under Contract No. HY/2012/08, Dragages ¡V Bouygues Joint Venture (DBJV) is commissioned by the Highways Department (HyD) to undertake the design and construction of the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section of the Tuen Mun ¡V 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) in accordance with Environmental Permit No. EP-354/2009/A.  ENVIRON Hong Kong Ltd. was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO).  

The construction phase of the Project under the EP-354/2009/A commenced on 1 November 2013 and will tentatively be completed by the end of 2018.  The impact monitoring of the EM&A programme, including air quality, noise, water quality, marine ecological monitoring and environmental site inspections, were commenced on 1 November 2013.

This is the first monthly EM&A report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 to 31 November 2013 for the Contract No. HY/2012/08 Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section (the ¡§Project¡¨) 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:

Marine-based Works

¡P       Removal of existing seawall;

¡P       Dredging;

¡P       Placement of rock grade 400; and,

¡P       Delivery of 149 seawall blocks.

Land-based Works

¡P      Sorting of rock material started at Tsing Yi (WA 23 area); and,

¡P      Completion of chain-link fence, site hoarding works, site formation works (Site WA 18).

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

24-hour TSP monitoring                       5 sessions

1-hour TSP monitoring                                   5 sessions

Impact Water Quality Monitoring                   14 sessions

Impact dolphin monitoring                    2 sessions

Joint Environmental site inspection      4 sessions

Daily marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was undertaken during the period of dredging activities undertaken.  No sighting of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis was recorded in November 2013 during the exclusion zone monitoring.

Summary of Breaches of Action/Limit Levels

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

Four exceedances of Action Level and one exceedance of Limit Level for air quality were recorded during the reporting month.  The exceedances were considered not related to the construction works of this Contract upon further investigation.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

No exceedances of Action and Limit Levels for water quality were recorded during the reporting month.

Dolphin Monitoring

During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the construction activities of the TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations. 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 the TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea Section in the quarterly EM&A reports, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period and baseline monitoring period will be made.

Environmental Complaints, Non-compliance & Summons

No non-compliance with EIA recommendations, EP conditions and other requirements associated with the construction of the Contract was recorded in this reporting period.

No environmental complaint was received in this reporting period.

No environmental summons was received in this 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 next monitoring period of December 2013 include the following:

Marine-based Works

¡P       Seawall construction;

¡P       Removal of existing seawall armour rock;

¡P       Temporary seawall;

¡P       Additional Ground investigation;

¡P       Reclamation; and,

¡P       Temporary pontoon installation at RTT.

Land-based Works

¡P       Presonstruction for site office (WA 18);

¡P       Hoarding erection & building demolition (Portion N6); and

¡P       CLP substation construction.

Future Key Issues

Potential environmental impacts arising from the above upcoming construction activities in the next reporting month of December 2013 are mainly associated with dust, marine water quality, marine ecology and waste management issues.


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 ¡V Zhuhai ¡V Macao Bridge (HZMB).  In order to cope with the anticipated traffic demand, two new road sections between NWNT and North Lantau ¡V Tuen Mun ¡V 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-145/2009), 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.

Under Contract No. HY/2012/08, Dragages ¡V Bouygues Joint Venture (DBJV) is commissioned by the Highways Department (HyD) to undertake the design and construction of the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel 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) in accordance with Environmental Permit No. EP-354/2009/A. ENVIRON Hong Kong Ltd. was employed by HYD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO).

Layout of the Contract components is presented in Figure 1.1.

The construction phase of the Contract commenced on 1 November 2013 and will tentatively be completed by 2018.  The impact monitoring phase of the EM&A programme, including air quality, water quality, marine ecological monitoring and environmental site inspections, were commenced on 1 November 2013.

1.2                                   Scope of Report

This is the first monthly EM&A Report under the Contract No. HY/2012/08 Tuen Mun ¡V Chek Lap Kok Link ¡V Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.  This report presents a summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works in November 2013.

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

Edwin Ching

 

Andrew Westmoreland

 

2450 3111

 

2450 3511

2450 3099

 

2450 3099

ENPO / IEC

(ENVIRON Hong Kong Ltd.)

ENPO Leader

 

Y.H. Hui

3465 2888

3465 2899

IEC

 

Tony Cheng

3465 2888

3465 2899

Contractor

(Dragages ¡V Bouygues Joint Venture)

Environmental Manager

 

C.F. Kwong

2293 7322

2670 2798

Environmental Officer

 

24hour complaint hotline

 

Bryan Lee

 

 

Rachel Lam

2293 7323

 

 

2293 7342

2670 2798

ET (ERM-HK)

ET Leader

Jovy Tam

2271 3113

2723 5660

1.4                                   Summary of Construction Works

The construction phase of this Contract was commenced on 1 November 2013.  The three-month rolling construction programme is shown in Appendix B.

As per DBJV¡¦s information, details of major construction works carried out in this reporting period are as follows:

Marine-based Works

¡P       Removal of existing seawall;
¡P       Dredging;
¡P       Placement of rock grade 400; and
¡P       Delivery of 149 seawall blocks.

Land-based Works

¡P      Sorting of rock material started at Tsing Yi (WA 23 area); and
¡P      Completion of chain-link fence, site hoarding works, site formation works (Site WA 18).

The general layout plan of the site showing the detailed works areas is shown in Figure 1.2.

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

1.5                                   Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The EM&A programme required environmental monitoring for air quality, water quality and marine ecology as well as environmental site inspections for air quality, 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, including:

¡P      Monitoring parameters;

¡P      Monitoring schedules for the reporting month and forthcoming month;

¡P      Action and Limit levels for all environmental parameters;

¡P      Event and Action Plan;

¡P      Results and observations;

¡P      Environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA reports; and,

¡P      Environmental requirement in contract documents.

2                                          Air quality

2.1                                   Monitoring Requirements

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, baseline 1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels at five (5) air quality monitoring stations were established.  Impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted three (3) times every six (6) days while impact 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out once every six (6) days while the highest dust impact was expected.  The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring is provided in Appendix D.

2.2                                   Monitoring Equipment

High volume samplers (HVSs) were used to carry out the 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring on 2, 7, 13, 19, 25 and 29 November 2013 at each designated monitoring station in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the Updated EM&A Manual.  Details of the equipment deployed are provided in Table 2.1.  Copies of the calibration certificates for the equipment are presented in Appendix E.

Wind data monitoring equipment was installed at the rooftop of ASR5 (Pillar Point Fire Station) for logging wind speed and wind direction such that the wind sensors are clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by building.  The wind data monitoring equipment is recalibrated at least once every six months.

Table 2.1        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 Anemometer

MetPak, WindSonic

2.3                                   Monitoring Locations

Air quality monitoring stations ASR1 and ASR5 were set up at the proposed locations in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  Three additional monitoring stations, AQMS1, AQMS2 and ASR10 were also set up at the designated locations in accordance with the Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan ([1]).

AQMS2 is an alternative monitoring station for Butterfly Laundry which is an Air Sensitive Receiver (ASR) (ie ASR6) identified in the approved EIA Report.  AQMS2 is being proposed as a temporary alternative station for monitoring since access to Butterfly Laundry is not granted to the ET at the moment to undertake the air quality monitoring.  Should access be granted to the ET, air quality monitoring will be conducted at ASR6 (Butterfly Laundry) instead of AQMS2 in the impact phase of air quality monitoring.

Figure 2.1 presents the locations of all air quality monitoring stations.  Table 2.2 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

Table 2.2        Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Monitoring Dates

Description

ASR1

Tuen Mun Fireboat Station

2, 7, 13, 19, 25 and 29 November 2013

Office

ASR5

Pillar Point Fire Station

Office

AQMS1

Previous River Trade Golf

Bare ground

AQMS2

Bare ground at Ho Suen Street

Bare ground

ASR10

Butterfly Beach Park

Recreational uses

2.4                                   Monitoring Parameters & Frequency

Table 2.3 summarized the monitoring parameters and frequency of impact air quality monitoring.

Table 2.3        Parameters and Monitoring Frequency of Air Quality Monitoring

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

1-hour TSP

Three times per day every six days while the highest dust impact was expected

24-hour TSP

Daily every six days

 

2.5                                   Monitoring methodology

2.5.1                           High Volume Sampler

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

¡P           A horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.

¡P           The distance between the HVS and an obstacle, such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the sampler.

¡P           A minimum of 2m of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses was required for rooftop samples.

¡P           A minimum of 2m separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally was required.

¡P           No furnaces or incineration flues were nearby.

¡P           Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.

¡P           The samplers were more than 20m from the drip line.

¡P           Any wire fence and gate, to protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during monitoring.

¡P           Permission must be obtained to set up the samples and to obtain access to the monitoring stations.

¡P           A secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.

¡P           No two samplers should be placed less than 2 m apart.

(b)    Preparation of Filter Papers

¡P           Filter papers of size 8¡¨x 10¡¨ that were clean and without pinholes were selected. 

¡P           All filter papers were conditioned in a humidity controlled chamber for over 24-hour and be pre-weighed before use for sampling.

¡P           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

¡P           The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.

¡P           The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.

¡P           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.

¡P           The filter was properly aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.

¡P           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.

¡P           Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminum strip.

¡P           The HVS was warmed up for about 5 minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.

¡P           A new flow rate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.

¡P           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 (i.e. 0.6 ¡V 1.7 m3/min).

¡P           The programmable digital timer was set for a sampling period of 1 hour or 24 hours, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were recorded.

¡P           The initial elapsed time was recorded.

¡P           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.

¡P           The final elapsed time was recorded.

¡P           The sampled filter was removed carefully and folded in half-length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in contact.

¡P           It was then placed in a clean plastic envelop and sealed.

¡P           All monitoring information was recorded on a standard data sheet.

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

(d)     Maintenance and Calibration

¡P           The HVS and its accessories were maintained.  Appropriate maintenance such as routine motor brushes replacement and electrical wiring checking were made to ensure that the equipment and necessary power supply are in good working condition.

¡P           All HVS were calibrated (five point calibration) using Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of the baseline monitoring and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals.

2.6                                   Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

The schedule for air quality monitoring in November 2013 is provided in Appendix F.

2.7                                   Results and Observations

The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarized in Tables 2.4 and 2.5, respectively.  Detail impact air quality monitoring results and graphical presentations are presented in Appendix G.

Table 2.4        Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results in this Reporting Period

 

Average (µg/m3)

Range (µg/m3)

Action Level  (µg/m3)

Limit Level  (µg/m3)

ASR 1

180

69 ¡V 363

331

500

ASR 5

231

85 ¡V 413

340

500

AQMS1

161

81 - 431

335

500

AQMS2

189

69 - 332

338

500

ASR10

179

60 - 645

337

500

Table 2.5        Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results in this Reporting Period

 

Average (µg/m3)

Range (µg/m3)

Action Level  (µg/m3)

Limit Level  (µg/m3)

ASR 1

112

82 ¡V 143

213

260

ASR 5

145

100 ¡V 189

238

260

AQMS1

123

69 ¡V 197

213

260

AQMS2

141

99 ¡V 174

238

260

ASR10

80

53 ¡V 120

214

260

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

Exceedances of Action and Limit levels on 1-hr TSP were observed on 7 and 19 November 2013.  Upon further investigation, the exceedances were considered not related to the construction works of this Contract after further investigation.  Cumulative statistics of exceedances is presented in Appendix L.

The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix K.

Meteorological information collected at the ASR5, including wind speed and wind direction, is provided in Appendix H.

 

3                                          Water Quality Monitoring

3.1                                   Monitoring Requirements

Impact water quality monitoring was carried out three days per week during the construction period, and impact water quality monitoring measurements were taken according to the requirements stated in the Updated EM&A Manual of the Project.  The Action and Limit Levels of the water quality monitoring is provided in Appendix D.

3.2                                   Monitoring equipment

Table 3.1 summarises the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring programme.

Table 3.3.1     Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Model

Qty.

Water Sampler

Kahlsico Water-Bottle Model 135DW 150

4

Multi-parameter Water Quality System

YSI 6820-C-M/YSI 6920

6

Dissolved Oxygen Meter

YSI Pro 2030

1

pH Meter

HANNA HI 8314

1

Turbidity Meter

HACH 2100Q

1

Monitoring Position Equipment

¡§Magellan¡¨ Handheld GPS Model eXplorist GC

4

DGPS Koden KGP913MK2 (1)

1

3.3                                   Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Table 3.2 summarized the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact water quality monitoring.

Table 3.2        Water Quality Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

Monitoring Stations

Parameters, unit

Depth

Frequency

IS12

IS13

IS14

IS15

CS4

CS6

SR8

SR9

SR10A

Ÿ Temperature(¢XC)

Ÿ pH(pH unit)

Ÿ Turbidity (NTU)

Ÿ Water depth (m)

Ÿ Salinity (ppt)

Ÿ DO (mg/L and % of

saturation)

Ÿ 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.

 

In addition to the parameters presented in Table 3.3, monitoring location/position, time, water depth, sampling depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or works underway nearby were also recorded.

3.4                                   Monitoring Locations

The locations of the monitoring stations under the Contract are shown in Figure 3.1 and detailed in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3        Locations of Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Station ID

Type

Coordinates

 

 

Easting

Northing

IS12

Impact Station

813218

823681

IS13

Impact Station

813667

824325

IS14

Impact Station

812592

824172

IS15

Impact Station

813356

825008

CS4

Control / Far Field Station

810025

824004

CS6

Control / Far Field Station

817028

823992

SR8

Sensitive receiver (Gazettal beaches in Tuen Mun)

816306

825715

SR9

Sensitive receiver
(Butterfly Beach)

813601

825858

SR10A

Sensitive receiver
(Ma Wan FCZ)

823741

823495

 

3.5                                   Monitoring methodology

3.5.1                           Instrumentation

The in-situ water quality parameters, i.e. dissolved oxygen, temperature and salinity were measured by multi-parameter Water Quality System (Model YSI 6820-C-M/YSI 6920).

3.5.2                           Operating/ Analytical Procedures

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

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

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, for which the mid-depth station was omitted.  Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station was monitored.

At each measurement / sampling depth, two consecutive in-situ measurements (DO concentration and saturation, temperature, turbidity, pH and salinity) and water samples for SS were taken.  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.

Duplicate samples were collected at each sampling depth for SS measurement in the laboratory.  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.  Samples bottles were pre-rinsed with the same water samples.  The sample bottles were then packed in cool-boxes (cooled at 4¢XC) without being frozen) and delivered to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for the analysis of SS 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 QA/QC programme.  For QA/QC procedures, one sample of every batch of 20 samples was analyzed.

The analysis method and reporting and detection limit for SS is shown in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4        Laboratory Analysis for Suspended Solids

Parameters

Instrumentation

Analytical Method

Reporting Limit

Detection Limit

Suspended Solid (SS)

Weighing

APHA 2540-D

0.5 mg/L

0.5 mg/L

 

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.

3.5.3                           Maintenance and Calibration

 

All in situ monitoring instruments were checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or other international accreditation scheme before use, and subsequently re-calibrated at 3 monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring programme.  Responses of sensors and electrodes were checked with certified standard solutions before each use.  Wet bulb calibration for a DO meter was carried out before measurement at each monitoring event.

 

For the on-site calibration of field equipment (Multi-parameter Water Quality System), the BS 1427:2009, Guide to on-site test methods for the analysis of waters was observed.  Copies of the calibration certificates are attached in Appendix E.

3.6                                   Action & Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels for water quality monitoring are summarized in Table 3.5.

Table 3.5        Action Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

 

Parameter

Action Level#

Limit Level#

DO in mg/L (a)

Surface and Middle

Surface and Middle

 

5.0 mg/L

4.2 mg/L

 

 

Bottom

Bottom

 

4.7 mg/L

3.6 mg/L

 

Turbidity in NTU (Depth-averaged (b), (c))

120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day and 95%-ile of baseline data, i.e.,

27.5 NTU

 

130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day and 99%-ile of baseline data, i.e.,

47.0 NTU

SS in mg/L (Depth-averaged (b), (c))

120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day and 95%-ile of baseline data, i.e.,

23.5 mg/L

130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day and 10mg/L for WSD Seawater Intakes at Tuen Mun and 99%-ile of baseline data, i.e.,

34.4 mg/L

 

Notes:

 

 

# Baseline data: data from HKZMB Baseline Water Quality Monitoring between 6 and 31 October 2011.

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

(b)   ¡§Depth-averaged¡¨ is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths

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

(d)   All figures given in the table are used for reference only, and EPD may amend the figures whenever it is considered as necessary

(e)   The 1%-ile of baseline data for surface and middle DO is 4.2 mg/L, whilst for bottom DO is 3.6 mg/L.

Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the Event and Action Plan, as provided in Appendix K should be carried out.

3.7                                   Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

The schedule for water quality monitoring in November 2013 is provided in Appendix F.

3.8                                   Results and Observations

Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations in the reporting month.  Detailed impact water quality monitoring results are presented in Appendix G.

No exceedances of Action and Limit levels were recorded for water quality monitoring in the reporting month.

 

4                                          Dolphin monitoring

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.  Dolphin monitoring works by line transect methodology is required to carry out in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual of the TM-CLK Link Project.  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.

4.2                                   Monitoring Equipment

Table 4.1 summarises the equipment used for the impact dolphin monitoring.

Table 4.1        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

 

 

 

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.

4.4                                   Monitoring Location

The impact dolphin monitoring was carried out in the NEL and NWL along the line transect as depicted in Figure 4.1.  The co-ordinates of all transect lines are shown in Table 4.2 below.

Table 4.2        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

 

 

 

 

4.5                                   Action & Limit Levels

The action and limit levels of dolphin impact monitoring are shown in Tables 4.3 & 4.4.

Table 4.3        Action Level and Limit Level for Dolphin Impact Monitoring

 

North Lantau Social Cluster

 

NEL

NWL

Action Level

STG < 70% of baseline &
ANI < 70% of baseline

STG < 70% of baseline &
ANI < 70% of baseline

Limit Level

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

and

STG < 40% of baseline & ANI < 40% of baseline

Notes:

1.            STG means quarterly encounter rate of number of dolphin sightings, which is 6.00 in NEL and 9.85 in NWL during the baseline monitoring period

2.            ANI means quarterly encounter rate of total number of dolphins, which is 22.19 in NEL and 44.66 in NWL during the baseline monitoring period

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

Table 4.4        Derived Value of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level(LL)

 

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]

4.6                                   Monitoring Schedule For The Reporting Month

Dolphin monitoring was carried out on 1, 5, 8 and 13 November 2013.  The dolphin monitoring schedule for the reporting period is shown in Appendix F.

4.7                                   Results & Observations

A total of 268.17 km of survey effort was collected, with 100% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (ie Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility) in November 2013.  Amongst the two areas, 98.97 km and 169.20 km of survey effort were collected from NEL and NWL survey areas, respectively.  The total survey effort conducted on primary and secondary lines were 211.85 km and 56.32 km, respectively.  The survey efforts are summarized in Appendix J.

A total of twenty-one dolphin sightings were recorded during the two surveys.  All sightings were made in NWL during the two sets of surveys in November, with no sightings made at all in NEL.

None of the 21 sightings was made in the proximity of this Project.  The distribution of dolphin sightings during the reporting month is shown in Figure 4.2.

Encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins are deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) in November 2013 with the results present in Tables 4.5 and 4.6.

Table 4.5        Individual Survey Event Encounter Rates

 

 

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: Nov 1st/5th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: Nov 8th/13th

0.0

0.0

NWL

Set 1: Nov 1st/5th

10.3

50.0

Set 2: Nov 8th/13th

16.1

76.1

Note: Dolphin Encounter Rates are deduced from the Two Sets of Surveys (Two Surveys in Each Set) in November 2013 in Northeast (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL)

Table 4.6        Monthly Average Encounter Rates

 

 

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

13.2

11.2

63.1

53.2

Note: Overall dolphin encounter rates (sightings per 100km of survey effort) from all four surveys are conducted in November 2013 on primary lines only as well as both primary lines and secondary lines in Northeast and Northwest Lantau.

Table d 4.6

nd limit levels of dolphin impact monitoring are shown in Table  The average group size of Chinese White Dolphins in November 2013 was 4.86 individuals per group.  Twelve dolphin groups were composed of only 1-4 animals, while the other nine were larger groups with 5-11 animals per group.

During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the construction activities of this Project was recorded from the general observations.

Due to monthly variation in dolphin occurrence within the survey 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 reports, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period and baseline monitoring period will be made.

Taking into account of natural seasonal change in distribution patterns, which is also observed in baseline monitoring, it is suggested that a longer period of impact monitoring data should be obtained for comparison.

The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix K.

4.7.2                           Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

Daily 250 m marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was undertaken during the period of dredging activities being undertaken.  No sighting of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis were recorded in November 2013 during the exclusion zone monitoring.

 

5                                          Environmental site inspection and audit

5.1                                   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.  In the reporting month, four (4) site inspections were carried out on 5, 12, 20 and 27 November 2013.

Particular observations during the site inspections are described below:

Air Quality

The Contractor was reminded to cover the temporary stockpiles at site WA 23 properly when piling is completed.

Noise

No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Water Quality

At site WA 23, residual sandy materials was found leaving at the edge of loading area which may lead to surface runoff in the vicinity.

At site WA 18, sandy materials were observed near the drainage area.

Sediment flow was observed outside the cage-type silt curtain in the dredging site of barge GD1. 

Marine Ecology

Pre-translocation survey at Yam Tsai Wan was conducted on 19 October 2013 and the subsequent coral translocation and audit survey was carried out at Pillar Point and Yam Tsai Wan between 21 and 23 October 2013.  The post-translocation monitoring is scheduled in January 2014.  

Daily 250 m marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was undertaken during the period of dredging activities being undertaken.  No sighting of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis were recorded in November 2013 during the exclusion zone monitoring.  In addition, acoustic decoupling monitoring and marine vessel control for dredging works were implemented in this reporting month.    

Chemical and Waste Management

At site WA 18, drip tray stopper was found missing and stagnant of water was found in the drip tray. 

At site WA 18, several oil drums were observed without chemical labels. 

Oil stain was observed on the barge (Dredging barge GD-1). 

Drip tray should be provided for the chemical containers (Dredging barge GD-1) 

Landscape and Visual Impact

No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Miscellaneous

The Environmental Permit should be displayed conspicuously in the site entrance (Site WA 23).

The Contractor has rectified most of the observations as identified during environmental site inspection in the reporting month.  Rectifications of remaining identified items are undertaken by the Contractor.  Follow-up inspections on the status on provision of mitigation measures will be conducted to ensure all identified items are mitigated properly.

5.2                                   Waste Management Status

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

As advised by the Contractor, 2,835 tonnes of inert C&D Materials are generated and disposed of as public fill in the reporting period.  21,100m3 of marine sediment (Catergory L) and 13,200m3 of marine sediment (Catergory M) are generated and disposed of at designated sites.  Monthly summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix M.

The Contractor is 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 is reminded to properly maintain the site tidiness and dispose of the wastes accumulated on site regularly and properly.

The Contractor is 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.

5.3                                   Environmental Licenses and Permits

The status of environmental licensing and permit is summarized in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1        Summary of Environmental Licensing and Permit Status

Statutory Reference

License/ Permit

License or Permit No.

Date of Issue

Date of Expiry

License/ Permit Holder

Remarks

EIAO

Environmental Permit

EP-354/2009/A

8 Dec 2010

NA

HyD

Tuen Mun- Chek Lap Kok Link

 

NCO

Construction Dust Notification

363510

19 Aug 2013

NA

DBJV

-

WDO

Chemical Waste Registration

5213-422-D2516-01

10 Sep 2013

NA

DBJV

 

 

WDO

Construction Waste Disposal Account

7018108

19 Aug 2013

NA

DBJV

Waste disposal in Contract HY/2012/08

WPCO

Waste Water Discharge License

Nil

18 Nov 2013

30 Nov 2018

DBJV

Discharge of Construction Runoff

NCO

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RW0691-13

15 Oct 2013

14 Apr 2014

DBJV

For Dredging and Reclamation Works

NCO

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RW0822-13

14 Nov 2013

10 May 2014

DBJV

For works in site WA18

 

NCO

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RS0814-13

15 Nov 2013

10 May 2014

DBJV

For works in site WA23

 

DASO

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/14-072

1 Nov 2013

30 Apr 2014

DBJV

For Type 1

 

DASO

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/14-071

1 Dec 2013

31 Dec 2013

DBJV

For Type 1 (Dedicated site) and Type 2

5.4                                   Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

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

A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix C.  The necessary mitigation measures relevant to this Project were implemented properly.

5.5                                   Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

Results for water quality monitoring complied with the Action/ Limit levels in the reporting period.  No exceedances of Action and Limit levels were recorded for water quality monitoring during the reporting month.  Four exceedances of Action level and one exceedance of Limit Level for 1-hour TSP of air quality were recorded during the reporting month.  The exceedances were considered not related to the construction works of this Contract after further investigation.

Cumulative statistics on exceedances is provided in Appendix L.

5.6                                   Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

The Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure is provided in Figure 5.1.

No complaints, notification of summons and prosecution were received in the reporting period.

Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix L.

6                                          Future Key Issues

6.1                                   Construction Programme for the Coming Months

As informed by the Contractor, the major works for the Project in December 2013 will be:

Marine-based Works

¡P       Seawall construction;

¡P       Removal of existing seawall armour rock;

¡P       Temporary seawall;

¡P       Additional Ground investigation;

¡P       Reclamation; and

¡P       Temporary pontoon installation at RTT.

Land-based Works

¡P      Pre-csonstruction for site office (WA 18);

¡P      Hoarding erection & building demolition (Portion N6); and

¡P      CLP substation construction.

6.2                                   Key Issues for the Coming Month

Potential environmental impacts arising from the above upcoming construction activities in the next reporting month of December 2013 are mainly associated with dust, marine water quality, marine ecology and waste management issues.

6.3                                   Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month

The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring in December 2013 is provided in Appendix F.

 

7                                          Conclusions and recommendations

7.1                                   Conclusions

The construction phase of the TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section and the associated impact phase EM&A programme commenced on 1 November 2013.

1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP, water quality and dolphin monitoring were carried out in the reporting period.

The monitoring results generally complied with the Action/ Limit levels in the reporting period, except that four exceedances of Action level and one exceedance of Limit Level for air quality were recorded.  The exceedances were considered not related to the construction works of this Contract after further investigation.

A total of twenty-one dolphin s sighting were recorded during the two surveys.  All sightings were made in NWL during the two sets of surveys with no sightings made at all in NEL in November 2013.  None of the 21 sightings was made in the proximity of the TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.  During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the construction activities of the TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

Environmental site inspection was carried out four (4) times in November 2013.  Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor for the deficiencies identified during the site audits.

Four (4) Action Level and one (1) Limit Level exceedances for 1-hour TSP of during air quality monitoring were recorded in the reporting month.  Investigation works show that the exceedance was not due to the Project works.  Nevertheless, the Contractor was reminded to ensure all dust mitigation measures are provided at the construction site.

7.2                                   Recommendations

According to the environmental site inspections performed in the reporting month, the following recommendations were provided:

Air Quality

Temporary stockpiles at the works area should be properly covered by the Contactor when piling is completed.

Water Quality

Measures should be undertaken by the Contractor to avoid residual sandy materials leaving from at the edge of loading area which may lead to surface runoff in the vicinity.

The Contractor should avoid sandy materials from entering the drainage area.

The Contractor should ensure that the dredging is undertaken properly to avoid spillage outside the cage-type silt curtain in the dredging site of barge GD1. 

Chemical and Waste Management

The Contractor should install drip tray stopper and clear water stagnant in the drip tray. 

The Contractor should proper label the oil drums. 

The Contractor should clear oil stain on the barge. 

Drip tray should be provided by the Contractor for the chemical containers

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

Daily 250 m marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was undertaken during the period of dredging activities being undertaken.  No sighting of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis were recorded in November 2013 during the exclusion zone monitoring.

Miscellaneous

The Environmental Permit should be displayed conspicuously in the site entrance by the Contractor.


 



([1])        Enhanced TSP was submitted to EPD and subsequently confirmed on 1 Nov 2013