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                              

2                      EM&A Results                                                                         

2.1                   Air quality                                                                               

2.2                   Water Quality Monitoring                                              

2.3                   Dolphin Monitoring                                                            

2.4                   EM&A Site Inspection                                                           

2.5                   Waste Management Status                                             

2.6                   Environmental Licenses and Permits                        

2.7                   Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures  

2.8                   Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit                                                                                                       

2.9                   Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions                                                                         

3                      Future Key Issues                                                                

3.1                   Construction Activities for the Coming Quarter   

3.2                   Key Issues for the Coming Quarter                           

3.3                   Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Quarter   

4                      Conclusions                                                                           

 

Appendix A

Project Organization

Appendix B

Construction Programme

Appendix C

Environmental Mitigation And Enhancement Measure Implementation Schedules (EMIS)

Appendix D

Action And Limit Levels

Appendix E

Monitoring Schedule

Appendix F

Air Quality Monitoring Results

Appendix G

Water Quality Monitoring Results

Appendix H

Impact Dolphin Monitoring

Appendix I

Event And Action Plan

Appendix J

Cumulative Statistics On Exceedance And Complaint

Appendix K

Waste Flow Table

 

 

Executive Summary

Under Contract No. HY/2012/08, Dragages – 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 MunChek 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).  Subsequent applications for variation of environmental permits (VEP), EP-354/2009/B and EP-354/2009/C, were granted on 28 January 2014 and 10 December 2014, respectively.  

The construction phase of the 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 Fifth Quarterly EM&A report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 December 2014 to 28 February 2015 for the 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

·         Reclamation filling at Portion N-C; and

·         Rock Bund Deposition for Marine Sheet Pile Remedial Works at Works Area – Portion N-A.

Land-based Works

·         Land Bored Piling Works at Works Area - Portion N-A;

·         Surcharge set up at Works Area - Portion N-C;

·         Set up of Slurry Treatment Plant at Works Area – Portion N-C.

·         Diaphragm Wall Construction at Works Area – Portion N-C;

·         TBM Platform Construction at Works Area – Portion N-A;

·         Formwork and Metal Scaffolding works at North Launching Shaft at Works Area – Portion N-A; and,

·         Delivery & Assembly of TBM at Works Area – Portion N-A.

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

24-hour TSP Monitoring                       29 sessions

1-hour TSP Monitoring                                  29 sessions

Impact Water Quality Monitoring                   37 sessions

Impact Dolphin Monitoring                             6 sessions

Joint Environmental Site Inspection     13 sessions

Implementation of Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone

There was no dredging or marine sheet piling works in open waters during this reporting period.  The day-time monitoring of Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) by dolphin observers was in effect throughout the period of rock bund deposition for marine sheet pile remedial works, in which no sighting of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis (i.e. Chinese White Dolphin) was recorded during the exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting month.  As informed by the Contractor, rock bund deposition for marine sheet pile remedial works was completed on 28 February 2015.  Thus, the day-time monitoring of Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) by dolphin observers was suspended from 28 February 2015.


Summary of Breaches of Action/Limit Levels

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

Two Action Level exceedances for 1-hr TSP were recorded from the air quality monitoring in this reporting period.  No Limit Level exceedances for 1-hr TSP were recorded.  No Action or Limit Level exceedances for 24-hr TSP were record.  The exceedances were considered to be due to the sporadic events from cumulative anthropogenic activities in this area of Hong Kong upon further investigation.

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 one Limit Level exceedance was observed for the quarterly dolphin monitoring data between December 2014 and February 2015, no unacceptable impact from the construction activities of the TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations during the dolphin monitoring in this reporting quarter.  The exceedance is considered to be the natural variation of Chinese White Dolphin ranging pattern.

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.

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 coming quarterly period include the following:

Land-based works

·         Diaphragm Wall Construction for Ventilation Shaft at Works Area – Portion N-C;

·         TBM Platform Construction at Works Area – Portion N-A;

·         Delivery & Assembly of TBM at Works Area – Portion N-A ;

·         Set up of Slurry Treatment Plant at Works Area – Portion N-C; and

·         Maintenance of armor rocks at Works Area – 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.


1                                            Introduction

1.1                                      Background

According to the findings of the Northwest New Territories (NWNT) Traffic and Infrastructure Review conducted by the Transport Department, Tuen Mun Road, Ting Kau Bridge, Lantau Link and North Lantau Highway would be operating beyond capacity after 2016.  This forecast has been based on the estimated increase in cross boundary traffic, developments in the Northwest New Territories (NWNT), and possible developments in North Lantau, including the Airport developments, the Lantau Logistics Park (LLP) and the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB).  In order to cope with the anticipated traffic demand, two new road sections between NWNT and North Lantau – Tuen MunChek 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.  Subsequent applications for variation of environmental permits (VEP), EP-354/2009/B and EP-354/2009/C, were granted on 28 January 2014 and 10 December 2014, respectively.

Under Contract No. HY/2012/08, Dragages – 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 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 Fifth Quarterly EM&A Report under the Contract No. HY/2012/08 Tuen MunChek Lap Kok Link – Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.  This report presents a summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works from 1 December 2014 to 28 February 2015.

1.3                                      Organization Structure

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

Table 1.1        Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Fax

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

3547 2133

3465 2899

IEC

 

F. C. Tsang

3547 2134

3465 2899

Contractor

(Dragages – 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

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.

With reference to DBJV’s information, details of major construction works carried out in this reporting period are summarized in Table 1.2.

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.

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

Table 1.2        Summary of Construction Activities Undertaken during the Reporting Period

Construction Activities Undertaken

Marine-based Works

Portion N-C

·         Reclamation filling

Portion N-A

·         Rock Bund Deposition for Marine Sheet Pile Remedial Works

Land-based Works

Portion N-A

·         Land Bored Piling Works

·         TBM Platform Construction

·         Formwork and Metal Scaffolding works at North Launching Shaft

·         Delivery & Assembly of TBM

Portion N-C

·         Surcharge set up

·         Set up of Slurry Treatment Plant

·         Diaphragm Wall Construction

 

 

Figure 1.2       Locations of Construction Activities – December 2014 to February 2015

Contract no. HY/2013/12, Toll Plaza at Tuen Mun Area 46

 

  1. Tuen Mun – Land-based and Marine-based Works Area

 

 

2                                            EM&A Results

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

2.1                                      Air quality

As per the requirements under Condition 2.4 of EP-354/2009/C, 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]).  

2.1.1                                Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

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

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

Ÿ  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)

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

Ÿ  24-hour Total Suspended Particulates (24-hour TSP, µg/m3), daily for 24-hour in every 3 days

2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 29 December 2014;

1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 January 2015;

3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, 23 and 26 February 2015

 

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
(1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP)

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)

2.1.2                                Action & Limit Levels

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.

2.1.3                                Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Quarter

The schedules for air quality monitoring in the reporting quarter are provided in Appendix E.  No construction works was carried out from 19 February 2015 to 21 February 2015, thus Impact Air Quality Monitoring was postponed to 23 February 2015.

2.1.4                                Results and Observations

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 Fourteenth to Sixteenth 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)

December 2014 to February 2015

ASR 1

196

53 – 329

331

500

ASR 5

199

95 – 346

340

500

AQMS1

162

56 – 348

335

500

ASR6

151

53 – 309

338

500

ASR10

116

55 – 251

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)

December 2014 to February 2015

ASR 1

114

64 – 162

213

260

ASR 5

112

76 – 151

238

260

AQMS1

100

58 – 155

213

260

ASR6

93

56 – 125

238

260

ASR10

80

52 – 121

214

260

Two Action Level exceedances for 1-hr TSP were recorded from the air quality monitoring in this reporting period.  No Limit Level exceedances for 1-hr TSP were recorded.  No Action 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.


2.2                                      Water Quality Monitoring

The baseline water quality monitoring undertaken by the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects (HKZMB) between 6 and 31 October 2011 has included all monitoring stations for the Project.   Thus, the baseline monitoring results and Action/Limit Levels presented in HKZMB Baseline Monitoring Report ([2]) are adopted for this Project. 

2.2.1                                Monitoring Requirements & Equipment

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

Ÿ Temperature(°C)

Ÿ pH(pH unit)

Ÿ Turbidity (NTU)

Ÿ Water depth (m)

Ÿ Salinity (ppt)

Ÿ DO (mg/L and % of

saturation)

·    SS (mg/L)

3 water depths: 1m

below sea surface,

mid-depth and 1m

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

 

 

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

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

*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

2.2.2                                Action & Limit Levels

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.

2.2.3                                Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

The schedules for water quality monitoring in the reporting period are provided in Appendix E.  The water quality monitoring on 26 December 2014 was postponed to 29 December 2014 since no marine works was conducted between 25 and 26 December 2014.  No construction works was carried out from 19 February 2015 to 21 February 2015, thus Impact Water Quality Monitoring was postponed to 23 February 2015.

2.2.4                                Results and Observations

During this reporting period, only minor marine works included rock bund deposition for marine sheet pile remedial works was carried out at Portion N-A.  According to the Contractor, rock bund deposition for marine sheet pile remedial works was completed on 28 February 2015.

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 Fourteenth to Sixteenth Monthly EM&A Report.

In this reporting period, a total of thirty-seven 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.

2.3                                      Dolphin Monitoring

2.3.1                                Monitoring Requirements

Impact dolphin monitoring is required to be conducted by a qualified dolphin specialist team to evaluate whether there have been any effects on the dolphins.  In order to fulfil the EM&A requirements and make good use of available resources, the on-going impact line transect dolphin monitoring data collected by HyD’s Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Hong Kong Link Road - Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities on the monthly basis is adopted to avoid duplicates of survey effort.

2.3.2                                Monitoring Equipment

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

 

 

 

2.3.3                                Monitoring Parameter, Frequencies & Duration

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

2.3.4                                Monitoring Location

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

 

 

 

 

2.3.5                                Action & Limit Levels

The Action and Limit levels of dolphin impact monitoring are shown in Appendix D.  The Event and Action plan is presented in Appendix I.


2.3.6                                Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

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

2.3.7                                Results & Observations

A total of 891.50 km of survey effort was conducted, with 99.6% 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, 347.05 km and 544.45 km of survey effort were conducted from NEL and NWL survey areas, respectively.  The total survey effort conducted on primary and secondary lines were 645.44 km and 246.06 km, respectively.  The survey efforts are summarized in Appendix H.

A total of 15 groups of 52 Chinese White Dolphin sightings were recorded during the six sets of surveys in this reporting quarter.  All except three 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.

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: Dec 2nd/9th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: Dec 15th/23rd[JY1] 

0.0

0.0

Set 3: Jan 8th/15th

0.0

0.0

Set 4: Jan 27th /29th

0.0

0.0

Set 5: Feb 5th/13th

0.0

0.0

Set 6: Feb 16th/25th

0.0

0.0

NWL

Set 1: Dec 2nd/9th

2.79

5.58

Set 2: Dec 15th/23rd[JY2] 

1.41

1.41

Set 3: Jan 8th/15th

4.33

21.64

Set 4: Jan 27th /29th

7.52

37.59

Set 5: Feb 5th/13th

1.40

1.40

Set 6: Feb 16th/25th

0.0

0.0

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      Quarterly 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)

December 2014 – February 2015

September 2011 – November 2011

December 2014 – February 2015

September 2011 – November 2011

Northeast Lantau

0.0

6.00 ± 5.05

0.0

22.19 ± 26.81

Northwest Lantau

2.91 ± 2.69

9.85 ± 5.85

11.27 ± 15.19

44.66 ± 29.85

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

Table d 4.6 nd limit levels of dolphin impact monitoring are shown in Table  

Group size of Chinese White Dolphins ranged from 1 - 8 individuals per group in North Lantau region during December 2014 to February 2015.  The average dolphin group sizes from these three months were compared with the ones deduced from the baseline period in September to November 2011, as shown in Table 2.11.


Table 2.11      Average Dolphin Group Size

 

Average Dolphin Group Size

December 2014 – February 2015

September 2011 – November 2011

Overall

3.47 ± 2.29

3.72 ± 3.13

Northeast Lantau

0.0

3.18 ± 2.16

Northwest Lantau

3.47 ± 2.29

3.92 ± 3.40

Whilst one Limit Level exceedance was observed for the quarterly dolphin monitoring data between December 2014 and February 2015, no unacceptable impact from the construction activities of 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.

2.3.8                                Implementation of Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone

There was no dredging or marine sheet piling works in open waters during this reporting period.  The day-time monitoring of Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) by dolphin observers was in effect throughout the period of rock bund deposition for marine sheet pile remedial works, in which no sighting of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis (i.e. Chinese White Dolphin) was recorded during the exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting month.  According to the Contractor, rock bund deposition for marine sheet pile remedial works was completed on 28 February 2015.  Thus, the day-time monitoring of Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) by dolphin observers was suspended from 28 February 2015.

2.4                                      EM&A Site Inspection

Site inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures under the Contract.  Thirteen (13) site inspections were carried out in the reporting quarter on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 December 2014; 7, 14, 21 and 28 January 2015; 4, 11, 18 and 25 February 2015.

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 December 2014

Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  Accumulated general refuse was observed.

Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  Drip tray should be cleaned more frequently.

Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the accumulated general refuse.

Reclamation Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear oily water in the drip tray.

10 December 2014

Works Area - Portion N6

Ÿ  Drip tray should be cleaned more frequently.

Works Area - Portion N6

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the oily water in the drip tray.

17 December 2014

Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  Stockpile of fill material was observed near the seawall.

Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to remove the fill material close to the seawall.

24 December 2014

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Chemical container was observed without drip tray.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to remove the chemical container.

31 December 2014

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Excess muddy water was observed.

Works Area – Portion N-B

Ÿ  Accumulated general refuse was observed.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the excess muddy water.

Works Area – Portion N-B

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the accumulated general refuse.

7 January 2015

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Oil drum without drip tray was observed.

Ÿ  Chemical container should be removed and place in chemical storage area.

Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  Oil drum without drip tray was observed.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray for the oil drum.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to place the chemical container in chemical storage area.

Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray for the oil drum.

14 January 2015

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Excess muddy water was observed.

Ÿ  General refuse was observed on the ground.

Ÿ  Chemical containers should be removed and place in chemical storage area.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the excess muddy water.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the general refuse on the ground.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to remove the chemical containers.

21 January 2015

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Cement bags should be covered.

Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  Oil drum without chemical labels was observed.

Ÿ  Chemical containers were observed on the ground.

Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  Excess muddy water was observed.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to fully cover the cement bags.

Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to provide chemical labels for the oil drum.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to remove the chemical containers.

Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the excess muddy water.

28 January 2015

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Water spraying should be applied more frequently during windy condition.

Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  Excess muddy water was observed.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to apply water spraying more frequently during windy condition.

Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the excess muddy water.

4 February 2015

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Oil drums without drip tray were observed.

Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  Accumulated general refuse should be cleared more frequently.

Ÿ  Chemical containers without drip tray were observed.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray for the oil drums.

Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the general refuse more frequently.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray for the chemical containers.

11 February 2015

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Used cement bags should be removed or stored properly.

Ÿ  Idle stockpile should be covered.

Ÿ  Cement bags should be covered.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to remove the used cement bags.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to cover the idle stockpile.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to cover the cement bags.

18 February 2015

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Drip tray should be cleaned up more frequently.

Ÿ  Cement bags were observed without cover.

Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  Oil leakage was observed under the machine.

Ÿ  Chemical containers should be stored in chemical storage area.

Ÿ  Accumulated general refuse should be cleared more frequently.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clean up the drip tray more frequently.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to cover the cement bags.

Works Area - Portion N-C

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to fix the oil leakage problem and clean up the stained soil as chemical waste.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to store the chemical containers in proper storage area.

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear the accumulated general refuse more frequently.

25 February 2015

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  Idle stockpile should be covered by tarpaulin.

Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  Accumulated general refuse should be cleared.

Works Area - Portion N-A

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to cover the idle stockpile.

Works Area - Portion N-B

Ÿ  The Contractor was reminded to clear accumulated general refuse.

The Contractor has rectified all of the observations as identified during environmental site inspections in the reporting quarter.

2.5                                      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.

Wastes generated during this reporting period include mainly construction wastes (inert and non-inert) and imported fill.  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

December

2014

10,151

108,279

0

49

0

0

0

0

January 2015

30,877

0

0

80

0

0

0

0

February 2015

4,152

0

0

74

0

0

0

0

Total

45,180

108,279

0

203

0

0

0

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.

2.6                                      Environmental Licenses and Permits

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/D

13 March 2015

Throughout the Contract

HyD

Application for VEP on 3 March 2015 to supersede EP-354/2009/C

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-RW0706-14

29 September 2014

28 March 2015

DBJV

For works in site Portion N6

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RW0970-14

17 December 2014

14 May 2015

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-RS0847-14

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/15-142

7 November 2014

31 January 2015

DBJV

For Type 1 (Open Sea Disposal)

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 – Bouygues Joint Venture

VEP = Variation of Environmental Permit


2.7                                      Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

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.

2.8                                      Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

For air quality impact monitoring, a total of twenty-nine 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 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.  Detailed investigation findings were presented in Appendix L of the Fourteenth to Sixteenth Monthly EM&A Report.

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

20141217

-

1

0

Limit Level

-

-

0

0

ASR1

Action Level

-

-

0

0

Limit Level

-

-

0

0

ASR5

Action Level

20141202

-

1

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-seven 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 (December 2014 to February 2015)

Mid-ebb

Mid-flood

Mid-ebb

Mid-flood

Mid-ebb

Mid-flood

CS4

10.2

9.0

13.3

11.7

7.5

7.5

CS6

10.9

11.7

14.1

15.2

7.6

7.5

IS12

9.2

9.5

12.0

12.3

7.5

7.5

IS13

10.0

10.5

13.0

13.7

7.5

7.4

IS14

10.4

9.7

13.5

12.6

7.5

7.5

IS15

9.6

11.0

12.5

14.2

7.5

7.4

SR10A

10.3

10.2

13.3

13.3

7.4

7.4

SR8

10.1

11.3

13.1

14.7

7.4

7.3

SR9

8.8

9.9

11.4

12.8

7.4

7.4

Mean value

10.0

10.3

13.0

13.4

7.5

7.4

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


One Limit Level exceedance of impact dolphin monitoring was 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.

2.9                                      Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

The Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure is provided in Figure 2.4.

No non-compliance event was recorded during the reporting period.

No environmental complaint was received in the reporting period.

No summons/ prosecution was received during the reporting period.

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

 

 

3                                            Future Key Issues

3.1                                      Construction Activities for the Coming Quarter

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

·         Diaphragm Wall Construction for Ventilation Shaft at Works Area – Portion N-C;

·         TBM Platform Construction at Works Area – Portion N-A;

·         Maintenance of armor rocks at Works Area – Portion N-A;

·         Delivery & Assembly of TBM at Works Area – Portion N-A and,

·         Set up of Slurry Treatment Plant at Works Area – Portion N-C.

 

3.2                                      Key Issues for the Coming Quarter

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

3.3                                      Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Quarter

Impact monitoring for air quality, marine water quality and marine ecology (include dolphin monitoring) are scheduled to continue for the next reporting period.

The monitoring programme has been reviewed and was considered as adequate to cater for the nature of works in progress.  Change to the monitoring programme was thus not considered to be necessary at this stage.  The monitoring programme will be evaluated as appropriate in the next reporting period. 

 

4                                            Conclusions

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

Air quality (including 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP), marine water quality and dolphin monitoring were carried out in the reporting period.  Two Action Level exceedances for 1-hr TSP were recorded from the air quality monitoring in this reporting period.  No Limit Level exceedances for 1-hr TSP were recorded.  No Action or Limit Level exceedances for 24-hr TSP were record.  No Action Level or Limit Level exceedances were recorded in marine water quality impact monitoring during 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 15 groups of 52 Chinese White Dolphin sightings were recorded during the six sets of surveys from December 2014 to February 2015.  Whilst one Limit Level exceedance was recorded for the quarterly dolphin monitoring data between December 2014 and February 2015, 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.

No environmental complaint was received during the reporting period.

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.    



 



([1])        ERM (2013) Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan.  Submitted on 28 October 2013 and subsequently approved by EPD on 1 November 2013.

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


 [JY1]Different from the dates in Appendix I of Samuel’s report

 [JY2]Ditto