table of Contents
1.1 Background
1.2 Scope of Report
1.3 Organization Structure
1.4 Summary of Construction Works
2.1 Air quality
2.2 Water Quality Monitoring
2.3 Dolphin Monitoring
2.4 Post Translocation Coral
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
3.1 Construction Activities for
the Coming Quarter
3.2 Key Issues for the Coming
Quarter
3.3 Monitoring Schedule for the
Coming Quarter
Appendix A |
|
Appendix B |
|
Appendix C |
Environmental
Mitigation And Enhancement Measure Implementation Schedules (EMIS) |
Appendix D |
|
Appendix E |
|
Appendix F |
|
Appendix G |
|
Appendix H |
|
Appendix I |
|
Appendix J |
|
Appendix K |
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).
Another application for variation of environmental
permit (VEP) (EP-354/2009/B) was
granted on 28 January 2014.
The construction phase of the Project 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, water quality, marine
ecological monitoring and environmental site inspections, were commenced on 1
November 2013.
This is the Fourth Quarterly EM&A report
presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 September
2014 to 30 November 2014 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, the major activities in the reporting quarter included:
Marine-based
Works
¡P
Reclamation filling at Portion N-C;
¡P
Construction of Vertical Seawall and Sloping Seawall
at Portion N-C;
¡P
Marine Sheet Piling for Box Culvert extension at
Portion N-A;
¡P
Box Culvert extension ¡V Backfilling and Tie Rod
Installation at Portion N-A; and,
¡P
Predrilling for Box Culvert Foundation at Portion N-A.
Land-based Works
¡P
Excavation for North Launching Shaft ¡V Reclamation
Works Area ¡V Portion N-A;
¡P
Vibro-Compaction
at Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-B;
¡P
Land Bored Piling Works at Reclamation Works Area -
Portion N-A;
¡P
Surcharge set up at Reclamation Works Area ¡V Portion
N-C;
¡P
Construction of temporary access at Reclamation Works
Area ¡V Portion N-A; and,
¡P
Diaphragm Wall Construction at Reclamation Works Area
¡V Portion N-A.
A
summary of monitoring and audit activities conducted in the reporting period is
listed below:
24-hour
TSP Monitoring 23
sessions
1-hour
TSP Monitoring 23
sessions
Impact
Water Quality Monitoring 39
sessions
Impact
Dolphin Monitoring 6
sessions
Joint
Environmental Site Inspection 13
sessions
Post
Translocation Coral Monitoring 1
session
Implementation of Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone
Daily marine mammal exclusion zone was in effect
during the period of dredging, reclamation
or marine sheet piling works in open waters under this Contract.
Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) was also implemented for the detection
of marine mammal when dredging, reclamation
or marine sheet piling 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 during the exclusion zone monitoring.
On 10 November 2014, night time marine works for
first phase was completed. On 20
November 2014, seawall
(+2.5mPD) at Northern Landfall has been fully enclosed and marine sheet pile
has also been completed. There would be no dredging, reclamation or
marine sheet piling works in open waters at this stage. Thus, PAM and the
day-time monitoring of Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) by dolphin observers were
discontinued from 10 November 2014 and 20 November 2014 respectively.
Summary
of Breaches of Action/Limit Levels
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality
Two
Action Level and no Limit Level exceedances for 1-hr TSP; no Action Level or
Limit Level exceedances for 24-hr TSP were recorded from the air quality
monitoring in this reporting period.
The exceedances were considered to be due to the sporadic events from
cumulative anthropogenic activities in this area of Hong Kong.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality
No
exceedances were recorded from the water quality monitoring in this reporting
period.
Dolphin Monitoring
Whilst
two Action Level exceedances were observed for the quarterly dolphin monitoring
data between September 2014 and November 2014, no unacceptable impact from the
construction activities of the TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel
Section on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations
during the dolphin monitoring in this reporting quarter. The
exceedances are considered to be the natural variation of Chinese White Dolphin
ranging pattern.
Post Translocation Coral Monitoring
The Fourth quarterly Coral
Post-Translocation Monitoring was conducted on 23 October 2014 and the results
were provided in the Fourth Quarterly Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring
Report. No exceedances
were recorded from the fourth quarterly coral post-translocation monitoring in
this reporting period.
Environmental Complaints, Non-compliance & Summons
No non-compliance with
EIA recommendations, EP
conditions and other requirements associated with the construction of this
Contract was recorded in this reporting period.
Three
potential environmental complaint cases were referred by EPD on 29 October 2014
and 12 November 2014. The interim
reports were submitted to EPD on 6 November 2014 and 21 November 2014,
respectively. The investigation
findings showed that the cases were considered not related to the works under
this Contract and is thus invalid.
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 coming quarterly period include the following:
Land-based works
¡P Land
Bored Piling Works at Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-A;
¡P Construction
of temporary access at Reclamation Works Area ¡V Portion N-A;
¡P Surcharge
set up at Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-C;
¡P Box
Culvert Foundation at Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-A;
¡P Bored
Piling Works at Works Area ¡V N6;
¡P Diaphragm
Wall Construction at Reclamation Works Area ¡V Portion N-A; and,
¡P Excavation
for North Launching Shaft at Reclamation Works Area ¡V Portion N-A.
Future
Key Issues
Potential
environmental impacts arising from the above upcoming construction activities
in the coming quarterly period are expected to be mainly associated with dust,
marine water quality, marine ecology and waste management.
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-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 (VEP)
(EP-354/2009A) was issued on 8 December 2010. Another application for VEP
(EP-354/2009/B) was granted on 28 January 2014.
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 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 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 |
Highways
Department |
Engr
16/HZMB |
Kenneth Lee |
2762
4996 |
3188
6614 |
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 |
F. C. Tsang |
3465 2828 |
3465 2899 |
|
Contractor (Dragages ¡V
Bouygues Joint Venture) |
Environmental
Manager |
C.F. Kwong |
2293
7322 |
2670
2798 |
Environmental
Officer 24-hour
complaint hotline |
Bryan Lee Rachel Lam |
2293
7323 2293
7342 |
2670
2798 |
|
ET (ERM-HK) |
ET Leader |
Jovy Tam |
2271 3113 |
2723 5660 |
The general layout plan of the site showing the
detailed works areas is shown in Figure 1.2.
The Environmental Sensitive Receivers in the vicinity of the Project are
shown in Figure 1.3.
Table 1.2 Summary
of Construction Activities Undertaken during the Reporting Period
Construction Activities Undertaken |
Marine-based Works |
Portion N-C ¡P
Reclamation filling |
¡P
Construction of Vertical Seawall and Sloping Seawall Portion N-A |
¡P
Marine Sheet Piling for Box Culvert extension |
¡P
Box Culvert extension ¡V Backfilling and Tie Rod
Installation ¡P
Predrilling for Box Culvert Foundation |
Land-based Works |
Reclamation
Works Area ¡V Portion N-A ¡P
Excavation for North Launching Shaft |
¡P
Land Bored Piling Works |
¡P
Construction of temporary access |
¡P
Diaphragm Wall Construction Reclamation
Works Area ¡V Portion N-B ¡P
Vibro-Compaction Reclamation
Works Area ¡V Portion N-C ¡P
Surcharge set up |
Figure 1.2 Locations
of Construction Activities ¡V September 2014 to November 2014
Contract no. HY/2013/12, Toll Plaza at Tuen Mun Area 46 |
||
|
||
|
The
EM&A programme required environmental monitoring
for air quality, 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
As per the requirements under Condition
2.4 of EP-354/2009/A and EP-354/2009/B, the Enhanced TSP
Monitoring Plan has been prepared under Contract
No. HY/2012/08. Details of the monitoring plan are
presented in the Enhanced TSP Monitoring
Plan ([1]).
In
accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan,
impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted three (3) times in every six (6)
days and impact 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out once in every six (6)
days when the highest dust impact was expected. 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring frequency
was increased to three times per day every three days and daily every three
days respectively as excavation works for launching shaft commenced on 24
October 2014.
High
volume samplers (HVSs) were used to carry out the 1-hour and 24-hour TSP
monitoring in the reporting quarter at the five (5) air quality monitoring
stations in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the Updated EM&A
Manual (Figure 2.1; Table 2.1). Wind anemometer was installed at the
rooftop of ASR5 for logging wind speed and wind direction. Details of the equipment deployed are
provided in Table 2.2.
Table 2.1 Locations
of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations and Monitoring Dates in this
Reporting Period
Monitoring
Station |
Location |
Description |
Parameters & Frequency |
Monitoring Dates |
ASR1 |
Tuen Mun Fireboat Station |
Office |
TSP monitoring
1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (1-hour
TSP, µg/m3), 3 times in every 6 days
24-hour Total Suspended Particulates
(24-hour TSP, µg/m3), daily for 24-hour in every 6 days Enhanced TSP monitoring (commenced on 24 October 2014)
1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (1-hour
TSP, µg/m3), 3 times in every 3 days
24-hour Total Suspended Particulates
(24-hour TSP, µg/m3), daily for 24-hour in every 3 days |
1, 5, 11, 17, 23 and 27 September 2014; 3, 9, 15, 21, 24, 27 and 30 October 2014; 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 29 November 2014 |
ASR5 |
Pillar
Point Fire Station |
Office |
||
AQMS1 |
Previous
River Trade Golf |
Bare
ground |
||
ASR6 |
Butterfly
Beach Laundry |
Office |
||
ASR10 |
Butterfly
Beach Park |
Recreational
uses |
Table 2.2 Air
Quality Monitoring Equipment
Equipment |
Brand and Model |
High Volume Sampler |
Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP)
High Volume Sampler (Model No. TE-5170) |
Wind Meter |
Davis (Model: Weather Wizard III (S/N: WE90911A30) |
Wind Anemometer for calibration |
Lutron (Model No. AM-4201) |
The
Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring is provided in Appendix D.
The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix I.
The
schedules for air quality monitoring in the reporting quarter are provided in Appendix E.
Impact
air quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations in
the reporting period under favourable weather
conditions. The major dust sources
in the reporting period include construction activities under the Contract as
well as nearby traffic emissions.
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
and detailed impact air quality monitoring data were reported in the Eleventh to Thirteenth Monthly EM&A Report.
Table 2.3 Summary
of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results in this Reporting Period
Month/Year |
Station |
Average (µg/m3) |
Range (µg/m3) |
Action Level (µg/m3) |
Limit Level (µg/m3) |
September
2014 to November 2014 |
ASR 1 |
190 |
65
¡V 404 |
331 |
500 |
ASR 5 |
191 |
60
¡V 327 |
340 |
500 |
|
AQMS1 |
150 |
80
¡V 319 |
335 |
500 |
|
ASR6 |
159 |
63
¡V 313 |
338 |
500 |
|
ASR10 |
109 |
53
¡V 206 |
337 |
500 |
Table 2.4 Summary
of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results in this Reporting Period
Month/Year |
Station |
Average (µg/m3) |
Range (µg/m3) |
Action Level (µg/m3) |
Limit Level (µg/m3) |
September
2014 to November 2014 |
ASR 1 |
93 |
58
¡V 128 |
213 |
260 |
ASR 5 |
93 |
51
¡V 129 |
238 |
260 |
|
AQMS1 |
84 |
46
¡V 136 |
213 |
260 |
|
ASR6 |
84 |
49
¡V 136 |
238 |
260 |
|
ASR10 |
72 |
33
¡V 130 |
214 |
260 |
In
this reporting period, a total of twenty-three monitoring events were undertaken
in which two Action Level exceedances and no Limit Level exceedances for 1-hr
TSP; no Action Level exceedances or Limit Level exceedances for 24-hr TSP were
recorded. Summary of Exceedances
for Air Quality Impact Monitoring in this Reporting Quarter is detailed in Table 2.15.
The
baseline water quality monitoring undertaken by the Hong Kong ¡V Zhuhai ¡V Macao
Bridge Hong Kong Projects (HKZMB) between 6 and 31 October 2011 has included
all monitoring stations for the Project. Thus, the baseline monitoring
results and Action/Limit Levels presented in HKZMB Baseline Monitoring Report ([2]) are
adopted for this Project.
In
accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, impact water quality monitoring
was carried out three days per week during the construction period at nine (9)
water quality monitoring stations (Figure 2.2; Table 2.5).
Table 2.5 Locations
of Water Quality Monitoring Stations and the Corresponding Monitoring
Requirements
Station ID |
Type |
Coordinates |
*Parameters, unit |
Depth |
Frequency |
|
|
|
Easting |
Northing |
|
|
|
IS12 |
Impact
Station |
813218 |
823681 |
Temperature(¢XC)
pH(pH unit)
Turbidity (NTU)
Water depth (m)
Salinity (ppt)
DO (mg/L and % of saturation) ¡P
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. |
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 |
813601 |
825858 |
|||
SR10A |
Sensitive
receiver |
823741 |
823495 |
|||
*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 2.6 summarizes the equipment used in
the impact water quality monitoring programme.
Table 2.6 Water
Quality Monitoring Equipment
Equipment |
Model |
Qty. |
Water Sampler |
Kahlsico Water-Bottle Model 135DW 150 |
1 |
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 |
The
Action and Limit Levels of the water quality monitoring is provided in Appendix D.
The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix I.
The
schedules for water quality monitoring in the reporting period are provided in Appendix E.
During
this reporting period, major marine works included reclamation filling at
Portion N-C. Reclamation filling
was undertaken between the 200 m of leading seawalls using filling materials
specified in the EP and the approved EIA Report with a single layer silt
curtain being deployed as a precautionary measure to reduce dispersion of
suspended solids. It is useful to
note that heavy marine traffic (not associated with the Project) was commonly
observed nearby the Project site and its vicinity. On 20
November 2014, seawall
(+2.5mPD) at Northern Landfall has been fully enclosed and marine sheet pile
has also been completed. There will be no dredging, reclamation or marine
sheet piling works in open waters at this stage.
Impact
water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations in
the reporting period under favourable weather
conditions. Monitoring results are
presented graphically in Appendix G and
detailed impact water quality monitoring data were reported in the Eleventh to Thirteen Monthly EM&A Report.
In
this reporting period, a total of thirty-nine monitoring events were undertaken
in which no exceedances were recorded.
Summary of
Exceedances for Water Quality Impact Monitoring in this Reporting Quarter is
detailed in Table 2.17.
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.
Table 2.7 summarises
the equipment used for the impact dolphin monitoring.
Table 2.7 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 |
|
|
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.
The
impact dolphin monitoring was carried out in the NEL and NWL along the line
transect as depicted in Figure 2.3. The co-ordinates of all transect lines
are shown in Table 2.8 below.
Table 2.8 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 |
|
|
|
|
The
Action and Limit levels of dolphin impact monitoring are shown in Appendix D.
The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix I.
The
dolphin monitoring schedules for the reporting period are shown in Appendix E.
A
total of 892.88 km of survey effort was collected, with 97.1% of the total
survey effort being conducted under favourable
weather conditions (ie Beaufort Sea State 3 or below
with good visibility) in this reporting quarter. Amongst the two areas, 343.71 km and
549.17 km of survey effort were collected from NEL and NWL survey areas,
respectively. The total survey
effort conducted on primary and secondary lines were 644.60 km and 248.28 km,
respectively. The survey efforts
are summarized in Appendix H.
A
total of 24 groups
of 93 Chinese White Dolphin sightings were recorded
during the six sets
of surveys in this reporting quarter.
All except four sightings were made on primary lines during on-effort
search, and none of the dolphin groups was associated with operating fishing
vessel. During this reporting
quarter, all dolphin
groups were sighted in NWL, while none of the dolphin groups were sighted in NEL.
For
the detailed comparison of dolphin occurrence and usage of NEL and NWL survey
area between the impact phase and baseline phase monitoring, only the quarterly
data of September 2014 to November 2014 from the impact phase monitoring was
used in the present report to tally with the three-month period of baseline
monitoring (September 2011 to November 2011).
Another
comparison in dolphin distribution was made between the two quarterly periods
of autumn months in 2013 and 2014 was also made
Between
the two autumn periods, none of the dolphin sightings was made in NEL in autumn
2014, while there were two sightings made in autumn 2013. Moreover, more dolphin sightings were
made in the middle and western portions of North Lantau waters and to the north
of the airport platform in summer 2013 than in summer 2014.
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 with good visibility) in the reporting quarter
with the results and comparison with baseline results present in Tables 2.9 and 2.10.
Table 2.9 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: Sep
2nd/11th |
0.0 |
0.0 |
Set 2: Sep
19th/22nd |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Set 3: Oct
7th/13th |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Set 4: Oct
16th /23th |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Set 5: Nov
4th/10th |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Set 6: Nov
12th/18th |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
NWL |
Set 1: Sep
2nd/11th |
5.72 |
28.58 |
Set 2: Sep
19th/22nd |
4.34 |
18.8 |
|
Set 3: Oct
7th/13th |
13.13 |
42.67 |
|
Set 4: Oct
16th /23th |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Set 5: Nov
4th/10th |
4.6 |
24.54 |
|
Set 6: Nov
12th/18th |
2.84 |
8.53 |
Note: Dolphin Encounter Rates are deduced from the Two
Sets of Surveys (Two Surveys in Each Set) in the reporting quarter in Northeast
(NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL)
Table 2.10 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) |
||
September 2014 ¡V November 2014 |
September 2011 ¡V November 2011 |
September 2014 ¡V November 2014 |
September 2011 ¡V November 2011 |
|
Northeast Lantau |
0.0 |
6.00 ¡Ó 5.05 |
0.0 |
22.19 ¡Ó 26.81 |
Northwest Lantau |
5.10
¡Ó 4.40 |
9.85 ¡Ó 5.85 |
20.52
¡Ó 15.10 |
44.66 ¡Ó 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 1 - 13 individuals per group in North Lantau region during
September 2014 to November 2014.
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 2.11.
Table 2.11 Average
Dolphin Group Size
|
Average Dolphin Group Size |
|
September 2014 ¡V November 2014 |
September 2011 ¡V November 2011 |
|
Overall |
3.88
¡Ó 2.69 |
3.72 ¡Ó 3.13 |
Northeast Lantau |
0.0 |
3.18 ¡Ó 2.16 |
Northwest Lantau |
3.88 ¡Ó 2.69 |
3.92 ¡Ó 3.40 |
Whilst
two Action Level exceedances were observed for the quarterly dolphin monitoring
data between September 2014 and November 2014, no unacceptable impact from the
construction activities of this Contract was recorded from the general
observations.
Although
the dolphins infrequently occurred along the alignment of TM-CLKL Northern
Connection Sub-Sea Tunnel 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.
Daily marine mammal exclusion zone was in effect
during the period of dredging, reclamation
or marine sheet piling works in open waters under this Contract. Passive
Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) was also implemented for the detection of marine
mammal when dredging, reclamation
or marine sheet piling 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 during the exclusion zone
monitoring.
On 10 November 2014, night time marine works was
completed. On 20 November 2014, seawall (+2.5mPD) at Northern Landfall
has been fully enclosed and marine sheet pile has also been completed.
There would be no dredging, reclamation or marine sheet piling works in open
waters at this stage. Thus, PAM and the day-time monitoring of Dolphin
Exclusion Zone (DEZ) by dolphin observers were discontinued from 10 November
2014 and 20 November 2014, respectively.
The
Fourth quarterly Coral Post-Translocation Monitoring was conducted on 23 October 2014
and the results were provided in the Fourth
Quarterly Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring Report under a separate
cover. The findings indicated that
the Action or Limit Levels for coral monitoring were not exceeded as increase
in percentage of partial mortality was not detected for both the tagged translocated
and natural coral colonies when comparing to the pre-translocation dataset.
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
September; 8, 15, 22 and 29 October; 5, 12, 19 and 26 November 2014.
Key
observations during the site inspections in this reporting period are
summarized in Table 2.12.
Table 2.12 Specific
Observations and Recommendations during the Weekly Site Inspection in this
Reporting Period
Inspection Date |
Environmental Observations |
Recommendations/ Remarks |
||
3 September 2014 |
Marine
Works Area Portion N-A - Barge ST88 Site
should be kept litter free. Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to maintain the bunded
areas to prevent runoff. |
Marine
Works Area Portion N-A - Barge ST88 The
Contractor was reminded to clear the litter regularly. Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to check the bunded areas
and provide measures to prevent runoff. |
||
10
September 2014 |
Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-A
Proper chemical labels should be placed on the chemical containers.
Water spraying on haul road should be applied more often.
Ponding of muddy water was observed. |
Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-A
The Contractor was reminded to provide chemical labels on the chemical
containers.
The Contractor was reminded to provide adequate water spraying on
exposed surface in dry conditions.
The Contractor was reminded to clear the muddy water to avoid runoff. |
||
17 September
2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A Sedimentation
tank should be maintained more regularly after rainstorm. Accumulated
refuse should be cleared. |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to regularly check the capacity of sedimentation
tank. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the accumulated refuse. |
||
24
September 2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A Water
spraying should be applied more often in dry conditions. Site and
surroundings should be kept tidy. |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to apply spraying water more often in dry conditions. The
Contractor was reminded to check for site tidiness more often. |
||
30
September 2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area ¡V Portion N-A General
refuse was observed on the ground. Excess
muddy water was observed. |
Reclamation
Works Area ¡V Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to provide sufficient enclosed bins for general
refuse. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the excess muddy water to avoid runoff. |
||
8 October
2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A Excess
sandy materials were observed on the seawall. Accumulated
general refuse was observed. |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to clear the excess sandy materials to avoid runoff. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the general refuse regularly. |
||
15
October 2014 |
Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-A
Excess sandy materials were observed near the seawall. Reclamation Works Area ¡V Portion N-B
Ponding of water was observed near GI works.
The side boards of the transportation trucks should be covered during
the delivery of sandy materials. |
Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-A
The Contractor was reminded to clear the excess sandy materials to
avoid sediment runoff. Reclamation Works Area ¡V Portion N-B
The Contractor was reminded to clear the ponding water.
The Contractor was reminded to ensure side boards of the
transportation trucks are covered before and during transport. |
||
22 October
2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A Leakage
of water was observed at the hose. Sandy
materials were observed near the drainage area. Filling
materials were observed above the steel platform. |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to fix the host to avoid water leakage. The
Contractor was reminded to clean up the gully and provide sand bags to avoid
washout of sandy materials into drainage system. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the filling materials above the steel
platform. |
||
29
October 2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A Muddy
water was observed on seawall blocks. Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-B Accumulated
general refuse was observed. Dusty
materials were observed partly covered. |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to clear the muddy water to avoid runoff. Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-B The
Contractor was reminded to clear the accumulated general refuse. The
Contractor was reminded to fully cover the dusty materials. |
||
5 November
2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A Accumulated
general refuse was observed. Oil
drum without chemical labels was observed. Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-C Inappropriate
chemical container for oil was observed. |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to clear general refuse regularly. The
Contractor was reminded to provide chemical labels to the oil drum. Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-C The
Contractor was reminded to provide proper chemical containers. |
||
12
November 2014 |
Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-C
Excess muddy water was observed. |
Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-C
The Contractor was reminded to remove the excess muddy water. |
||
19 November
2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-C Chemical
containers without drip tray were observed. Chemical
containers should be placed inside the drip tray. |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-C The
Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray for the chemical containers. The
Contractor was reminded to place the Chemical container inside the drip tray. |
||
26
November 2014 |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A General
refuse was observed near the seawall. |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A The
Contractor was reminded to clear the general refuse. |
||
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.
Wastes
generated during this reporting period include mainly construction wastes
(inert and non-inert), imported fill, recyclable materials, chemical wastes and
marine sediments. 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 2.13.
Table 2.13 Quantities
of Different Waste Generated in the Reporting Period
Month/Year |
Inert Construction Waste (a)
(tonnes) |
Imported Fill (tonnes) |
Inert Construction Waste
Re-used (tonnes) |
Non-inert Construction Waste (b)
(tonnes) |
Recyclable Materials (c) (kg) |
Chemical Wastes (kg) |
Marine Sediment (m3) |
|
Category L |
Category M |
|||||||
September
2014 |
6,843 |
676,219 |
0 |
39 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
October 2014 |
1,228 |
527,237 |
0 |
33 |
80 |
60 |
0 |
0 |
November
2014 |
595 |
240,167 |
0 |
50 |
0 |
0 |
2,320 |
0 |
Total |
8,666 |
1,443,623 |
0 |
122 |
80 |
60 |
2,320 |
0 |
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.
The
status of environmental licensing and permit is summarized in Table 2.14 below.
Table 2.14 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/B |
28
January 2014 |
Throughout
the Contract |
HyD |
Application for VEP
on 20 January 2014 to replace EP-354/2009/A |
Construction Dust Notification |
363510 |
19 August
2013 |
Throughout
the Contract |
DBJV |
- |
Chemical Waste Registration |
5213-422-D2516-01 |
10
September 2013 |
Throughout the
Contract |
DBJV |
- |
Construction Waste Disposal Account |
7018108 |
19 August
2013 |
Throughout
the Contract |
DBJV |
Waste disposal in Contract HY/2012/08 |
Waste Water Discharge License |
WT00017707-2013 |
18 November
2013 |
30 November
2018 |
DBJV |
For works in site WA18 |
Waste Water Discharge License |
WT00018433-2014 |
6 March
2014 |
31 March
2019 |
DBJV |
For works in site Portion N6 |
Construction Noise Permit |
GW-RW0223-14 |
29 March 2014 |
28 September 2014 |
DBJV |
For works in site Portion N6 |
Construction Noise Permit |
GW-RW0223-14 |
29 September 2014 |
28 March 2015 |
DBJV |
For works in site Portion N6 |
Construction Noise Permit |
GW-RW0234-14 |
29 March 2014 |
28 September 2014 |
DBJV |
For Dredging and Reclamation Works |
Construction Noise Permit |
GW-RW0550-14 |
25 July 2014 |
24 January 2015 |
DBJV |
For Dredging and Reclamation Works |
Construction Noise Permit |
GW-RS0362-14 |
11
May 2014 |
10 May 2015 |
DBJV |
For works in site WA23 |
Construction Noise Permit |
GW-RS0674-14 |
18
September 2014 |
17 March 2015 |
DBJV |
For GI works at Southern Landfall |
Marine Dumping Permit |
EP/MD/15-006 |
1 May 2014 |
31 October
2014 |
DBJV |
For Type 1 |
Marine Dumping Permit |
EP/MD/15-007 |
20 October
2014 |
19 November
2015 |
DBJV |
For Type 1 (dedicated site) and Type
2 (Confined Marine Disposal) |
Notes: |
|
|
|
|
|
HyD = Highways
Department DBJV = Dragages
¡V Bouygues Joint Venture VEP = Variation of Environmental
Permit |
In
response to the site audit findings, the Contractors carried out all 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 Contract were implemented properly.
For
air quality impact monitoring, a total of twenty-three monitoring events were
undertaken in which two Action Level exceedances and no Limit Level exceedances
for 1-hr TSP; no Action Level exceedances or Limit Level exceedances for 24-hr
TSP were recorded. (Table
2.15). Further to the
investigation, the recorded exceedance for air quality monitoring was
considered to be sporadic event from the cumulative anthropogenic activities (eg traffic emissions from River Trade Terminal) in this
area of Hong Kong. Detailed
investigation findings were presented in Appendix
L of the Eleventh to Thirteenth Monthly EM&A Report.[JY1]
Table 2.15 Summary
of Exceedances for Air Quality Impact Monitoring in this Reporting Quarter
Station |
Exceedance
Level |
Date of
Exceedances |
Number of
Exceedances |
||
1-hr TSP |
24-hr TSP |
1-hr TSP |
24-hr TSP |
||
AQMS1 |
Action Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
Limit Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
|
ASR1 |
Action Level |
2014/11/14 |
- |
2 |
0 |
Limit Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
|
ASR5 |
Action Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
Limit Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
|
ASR6 |
Action Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
Limit Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
|
ASR10 |
Action Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
Limit Level |
- |
- |
0 |
0 |
|
Total number
of Action level Exceedances: |
2 |
0 |
|||
Total number
of Limit level Exceedances: |
0 |
0 |
For
marine water quality impact monitoring, a total of thirty-nine monitoring
events were undertaken in which no exceedances were recorded (Table 2.17).
In
addition, the construction impact on depth-averaged SS was assessed to compare
the quarterly mean values of depth-averaged SS with the relevant ambient mean
values. Results showed that the
quarterly mean values of depth-averaged SS at all monitoring stations are well
below the ambient mean values (Table 2.16),
thus no further action is required in accordance with the Updated EM&A
Manual.
Table 2.16 Comparison
between Quarterly Mean and Ambient Mean Values of Depth-averaged Suspended
Solids (mg/L)
Station |
Baseline Mean |
Ambient Mean (a) |
Quarterly Mean (September 2014 to November 2014) |
|||
Mid-ebb |
Mid-flood |
Mid-ebb |
Mid-flood |
Mid-ebb |
Mid-flood |
|
CS4 |
10.2 |
9.0 |
13.3 |
11.7 |
8.3 |
8.0 |
CS6 |
10.9 |
11.7 |
14.1 |
15.2 |
7.7 |
7.5 |
IS12 |
9.2 |
9.5 |
12.0 |
12.3 |
8.2 |
8.1 |
IS13 |
10.0 |
10.5 |
13.0 |
13.7 |
8.0 |
8.0 |
IS14 |
10.4 |
9.7 |
13.5 |
12.6 |
8.0 |
7.9 |
IS15 |
9.6 |
11.0 |
12.5 |
14.2 |
7.9 |
7.9 |
SR10A |
10.3 |
10.2 |
13.3 |
13.3 |
7.9 |
7.7 |
SR8 |
10.1 |
11.3 |
13.1 |
14.7 |
7.7 |
7.7 |
SR9 |
8.8 |
9.9 |
11.4 |
12.8 |
7.5 |
7.5 |
Mean value |
10.0 |
10.3 |
13.0 |
13.4 |
7.9 |
7.8 |
Notes: |
||||||
(a) Ambient mean value is defined as a 30%
increase of the baseline mean value |
Table 2.17 Summary
of Exceedances for Marine Water Quality Impact Monitoring in this Reporting
Quarter
Station |
Exceedance
Level (a) |
DO (Surface
and Middle) |
DO (Bottom) |
Turbidity
(depth-averaged) |
SS
(depth-averaged) |
||||
Mid-ebb |
Mid-flood |
Mid-ebb |
Mid-flood |
Mid-ebb |
Mid-flood |
Mid-ebb |
Mid-flood |
||
CS4 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
CS6 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
IS12 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
IS13 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
IS14 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
IS15 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
SR8 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
SR9 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
SR10 |
AL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Total AL
Exceedances: |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total LL
Exceedances: |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Notes: |
|||||||||
(a) AL = Action Level; LL = Limit Level |
Two
Action Level exceedances of impact dolphin monitoring were recorded in this reporting
quarter. Following the review of
monitoring data and marine works details in accordance with the procedures
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. Detailed
investigation findings are presented in Appendix J.
Cumulative
statistics are provided in Appendix J.
The
Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure is provided in Figure 2.4.
No
non-compliance event was recorded during the reporting period.
Three potential environmental
complaint cases were referred by EPD on 29 October 2014 and 12 November
2014. The interim reports were
submitted to EPD on 6 November 2014 and 21 November 2014, respectively. The investigation findings showed that
the cases were considered not related to the works under this Contract and is
thus invalid. Detailed
investigation findings were presented in Appendix
L of the Eleventh to Thirteenth Monthly EM&A Report..[JY2]
No
summons/ prosecution was received during the reporting
period.
Statistics
on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are
summarized in Appendix J.
As
informed by the Contractor, the major works for the Project in the coming
quarter are summarized in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 Construction
Works to Be Undertaken in the Coming Quarter
Works to be undertaken |
Land-based Works |
Reclamation
Works Area - Portion N-A ¡P
Land Bored Piling Works ¡P
Construction of temporary access ¡P
Box Culvert Foundation Works ¡P
Diaphragm Wall Construction ¡P
Excavation for North Launching Shaft Reclamation
Works Area ¡V Portion N-C ¡P
Surcharge set up Works Area ¡V
N6 ¡P
Bored Piling Works |
Potential
environmental impacts arising from the above upcoming construction activities
are mainly associated with dust, marine ecology and waste management issues.
Impact
monitoring for air quality, marine water quality and marine ecology (include
dolphin monitoring) are scheduled to continue for the next reporting
period.
This
Fourth Quarterly EM&A Report presents the findings of the EM&A
activities undertaken during the period from 1 September 2014 to 30 November
2014, in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of EP-354/2009/B.
Air
quality (including 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP), marine water quality, coral and
dolphin monitoring were carried out in the reporting period. Two Action Level
and no Limit Level exceedances for 1-hr TSP, and no Action Level or Limit Level
exceedances for 24-hr TSP were recorded during the reporting period. No Action Level or Limit Level
exceedances were recorded in marine water quality impact monitoring during the
reporting period. No Action Level
or Limit Level exceedances were recorded in the post-translocation coral
monitoring in the reporting period.
Investigation findings suggested that the observed exceedances for
air quality monitoring were considered to be sporadic event from the cumulative
anthropogenic activities (eg traffic emissions from
River Trade Terminal) in this area of Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the Contractor was
reminded to ensure that all dust mitigation measures are provided at the
construction sites.
A
total of 24 groups
of 93 Chinese White Dolphin sightings were recorded
during the six sets
of surveys from September 2014 to November 2014. Whilst two Action Level exceedances were
recorded for the quarterly dolphin monitoring data between September and
November 2014, no unacceptable impact from the construction activities of the
TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section on Chinese White Dolphins
was noticeable from general observations.
Although the dolphins infrequently occurred along the alignment of TM-CLKL
Northern Connection Sub-Sea Tunnel 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 construction works of the Contract,
and whether suitable mitigation measure can be applied to improve the
situation.
Thirteen
weekly environmental site inspections were carried out in the reporting
period. Recommendations on remedial
actions provided for the deficiencies identified during the site audits were
properly implemented by the Contractor. No non-compliance event was
recorded during the reporting period.
Three potential environmental
complaint cases were referred by EPD on 29 October 2014 and 12 November
2014. The interim reports were
submitted to EPD on 6 November 2014 and 21 November 2014, respectively. The investigation findings showed that
the cases were considered not related to the works under this Contract and is
thus invalid.
No
summons/ prosecution was 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.