Contents
1.1 Background Information
1.2 Policy
1.3 EM&A Programme Objectives
1.4 Scope of the EM&A Programme
1.5 Project Organization
1.6 Terminology
2.1 Scope of the Project
2.2 Northern Section in Tuen Mun
2.3 Submarine Tunnel
2.4 Southern Section at HKBCF/
North Lantau
2.5 Works Area
2.6 Sewage & Drainage
2.7 Project Programme
2.8 Concurrent Projects
2.9 Traffic Data and Assumptions
3.1 Air Quality Parameters
3.2 Monitoring Equipment
3.3 Laboratory Measurement / Analysis
3.4 Monitoring Locations
3.5 Baseline Monitoring
3.6 Impact Monitoring
3.7 Event and Action Plan for Air Quality
3.8 Dust Mitigation Measures
4 Noise
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Noise Mitigation Measures
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Mitigation Measures
5.3 Water Quality Parameters
5.4 Monitoring Equipment
5.5 Laboratory Measurement /
Analysis
5.6 Monitoring Locations
5.7 Baseline Monitoring for Water
Quality
5.8 Efficiency of Silt Curtain
5.9 Impact Monitoring for Water
Quality
5.10 Post-construction Monitoring
5.11 Operational Phase Monitoring
5.12 Event and Action Plan
6 Ecology
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Ecology EM&A Procedures
6.3 Design Phase Audit
6.4 Baseline Monitoring
6.5 Construction and Operational
Phase EM&A
6.6 Mitigation and Enhancement
Measures
7 Landscape and
Visual Assessment
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Relevant Legislation
7.3 Methodology and Criteria
7.4 Baseline Monitoring
7.5 Event and Action Plan
7.6 Mitigation Measures
8 Waste Management and Contaminated Land
8.1 Waste Issues
8.2 Contaminated Land
8.3 Waste EM&A Requirements
9.1 Introduction
10 Landfill Gas
Hazard Assessment
10.1 Introduction
11.1 Site Inspections
11.2 Compliance with Legal and
Contractual Requirements
11.3 Environmental Complaints
11.4 Choice of Construction Method
12 Reporting
12.1 General
12.2 Documentation
12.3 Design Audit Report
12.4 Baseline Monitoring Reports
12.5 EM&A Reports
12.6 First EM&A Report
12.7 Subsequent EM&A Reports
12.8 Quarterly EM&A Summary
Reports
12.9 Annual / Final EM&A
Review Reports
12.10 Data Keeping
12.11 Interim Notifications of
Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances
1.1.1.1 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 (NLH) will be operating beyond capacity after 2016 due to the increase
in cross boundary traffic, developments in the NWNT, and possible developments
in North Lantau, including the Airport developments, the Lantau Logistics Park
(LLP) and the
1.1.1.2 The proposed TM-CLKL if combined with the TMWB will
provide a direct route
linking NWNT and North Lantau, from north to south, the Kong Sham Western Highway (KSWH), port
back-up areas in NWNT, Tuen
Mun River
Trade Terminal, the existing EcoPark in Tuen Mun Area 38, the Airport, the proposed
LLP,
HZMB
and
North Lantau
developments. The
new
connection will
significantly reduce the travelling time between the KSWH and the NWNT region at its northern side, and
1.1.1.3 In 2005, Highways Department
(HyD) commissioned
an engineering
feasibility study (FS), namely Tuen Mun Chek Lap
Kok Link and Tuen Mun Western Bypass – Feasibility Study (Agreement No. CE
28/2005 (HY)), to evaluate the technical
feasibility and
impacts of the Project. The FS recommended
that the
TM-CLKL should be a dual 2-lane road with a total length of about 9 km with about 4 km long submarine tunnel
and 5 km long elevated structure.
1.1.1.4 In order to progress this project, Maunsell Consultants Asia Ltd.
were appointed by HyD to carry out the Assignment on Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link –
Investigation under Agreement No. CE 52/2007 (HY). The
Assignment
commenced on 19 May 2008 and shall be completed within 24 months, i.e. by
mid-May 2010.
1.1.1.5 The Feasibility
Study initially proposed
an alignment
of the TM-CLKL
comprising a toll plaza island at Tai Mo To and this alignment formed the basis of
the EIA Study Brief (ESB 175/2007). However, subsequent to these documents being prepared and based upon
the proposed
schemes for the
1.1.1.6 The project is a designated project under Section A.1 of Schedule 2 of
the
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO). As such, the statutory procedures under the EIAO need to be followed and an environmental permit (EP) will be required prior to the commencement of construction.
Thus, as part of this
assignment, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken.
1.1.1.7 The EIA for
the
project has recommended
comprehensive
Environmental Monitoring and Audit
requirements to be undertaken
during the design,
construction and operational stages of
the project. This Report constitutes
the
Environmental
Monitoring
and Audit (EM&A)
Manual for the proposed Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) Project, providing details of the EM&A recommendations.
1.1.1.8 The
1.2.1.1
The Supervising Officer’s Representative (SOR) and the Contractor
shall adopt
Environmental
Policy Statements in accordance with the requirements of this Manual in order to
foster
a sound EM&A programme to protect the
environment.
The following
policy statements shall be adopted:
·
establish a commitment
to environmental excellence
in all activities
arising from the development project; ·
encourage the adoption
of environmental management
principles
to prevent potential impacts and minimise adverse impacts; and ·
commit to the recommendations in the EIA
study report and related EIA process requirements. |
1.3.1.1 The broad objective of this EM&A Manual is to define the procedures of the EM&A programme for monitoring the environmental
performance
of the TM-
CLKL project during design, construction and implementation.
1.3.1.2 The manual provides details of the environmental monitoring requirements arising
from the EIA including air, noise and water quality, as well
as audit recommendations for the noise, air, water quality, ecology, landscape and visual, waste and cultural heritage.
The purposes of the defined EM&A programme are as follows:
·
to ensure the specified
mitigation
recommendations
of the EIA are included in the design of the project; |
·
to clarify and identify sources of pollution, impact and nuisance
arising from the works; |
·
to
confirm compliance
with legal, contract specifications and EIA study
recommendations; |
·
to provide an early warning system for impact prevention; |
·
to provide a database of environmental
parameters against which to
determine any short term or long term environmental impacts; |
·
to
propose timely, cost-effective and viable
solutions to actual or potential environmental issues; |
·
to monitor
performance
of
the mitigation
measures
and
to assess
their
effectiveness and, whenever necessary, identify any further need for additional measures; |
·
to verify the EIA predicted impacts; |
·
to collate information and evidence for use in public, District Council and Government consultation; and |
·
to audit environmental performance. |
1.3.1.3 EM&A procedures
are required during the design, construction
and
operational
phases of the project implementation and a summary of the requirements for each of
the environmental parameters is detailed in Table 1.1 below.
Table 1.1 Summary
of EM&A Requirements
Parameter |
EM&A Phase |
||
Design |
Construction
Phase |
Operational Phase |
|
Air Quality |
|
Y |
|
Noise |
Not relevant to
the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section since there is no noise
sensitive receiver identified for the Project area at Tuen Mun. |
||
Ecology |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Water Quality |
|
Y |
Y |
Landscape and Visual |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Waste/ Contaminated Land |
|
Y |
|
Cultural Heritage |
Not relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel
Section since cultural heritage resource is not identified for the works area
of the Contract which is marine waters in nature. |
1.4.1.1
The scope of the
EM&A programme is to undertake the following, which follows the demarcation
of monitoring responsibilities set out in Environmental Project Office’s letter
dated 29.10.2013:
a)
Implement monitoring and audit activities
for each environmental parameter as follows: |
|
|||||
Dust: |
i)
Establish baseline
dust levels at specified locations and review these levels on a regular
basis. |
|
||||
|
ii)
Implement
construction dust impact monitoring programme. |
|
||||
Noise: |
i)
Establish
baseline noise, levels at specified locations and review these levels on a
regular basis (Not relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel
Section). |
|
||||
|
ii)
Implement
construction noise impact monitoring (Not relevant to
the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section). |
|
||||
Ecology: |
i)
Implement design
phase audit for ecological dolphin protection specifications, ecological
translocation specifications and design integrated ecological mitigation
measures. |
|
||||
|
ii)
Implement baseline
survey to establish existing ecological conditions. |
|
||||
|
iii)
Implement
construction phase monitoring and audit requirements for ecology resources. |
|
||||
|
iv)
Implement operational
phase monitoring. |
|
||||
Water Quality: |
i)
Establish baseline
water quality levels at specified locations and review these levels on a
regular basis. |
|
||||
|
ii)
Implement
construction water quality impact monitoring programme. |
|
||||
|
iii)
Implement operational
phase water quality impact monitoring programme. |
|
||||
|
iv)
Implement silt
curtain efficiency test. |
|
||||
Landscape and Visual: |
i)
Design
detailed landscape specifications. |
|
||||
|
ii)
Implement baseline survey
to establish/confirm existing landscape and visual conditions. |
|
||||
|
iii)
Implement
construction phase audit requirements for landscape and visual resources. |
|
||||
|
iv)
Implement operational
phase audit requirements for landscape and visual aspects. |
|
||||
Waste: |
i)
Implement
construction phase audit requirements for waste aspects. |
|
||||
Heritage: |
i)
Implement design phase
audit for toll plaza design to ensure set back from grave has been integrated
(Not relevant to the
Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section). ii)
Implement walkover
survey to confirm existing conditions (Not relevant to the Northern
Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section). iii)
Implement
construction phase audit requirements for historical resources (Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section). |
|
||||
b)
Liaison and provision of advice to construction site staff on the purposes and implementation of the EM&A programme. |
|
|||||
c)
Identify and resolve environmental issues that may arise from the project. |
|
|||||
d)
Check and quantify the Contractor’s
overall performance, implement Event/Action Plans and recommend and implement remedial actions to
mitigate adverse environmental
effects as identified by
the EM&A programme and EIA. |
|
|||||
e)
Conduct monthly reviews of
monitored impact
data during the construction phase and bi-monthly reviews during the operational phase as
the basis for assessing compliance with defined criteria and ensuring that necessary mitigation
measures
are identified, designed and implemented and to undertake additional ad hoc monitoring and audit as required by
particular circumstances. |
|
|||||
f)
Evaluate and interpret
all environmental
monitoring data
to provide an early indication should any of the environmental
control measures or
practices fail to achieve the acceptable standards and to verify the environmental impacts predicted in the EIA. |
|
|||||
g)
Manage and liaise with
other individuals or parties concerning
any
relevant environmental issues. |
|
|||||
h)
Audit the effectiveness of the Environmental Management System (EMS)
practices and procedures and implement any changes as appropriate. |
|
|||||
i)
Conduct regular site audits of formal or informal nature to assess: |
|
|||||
|
·
the level of the Contractor’s general environmental awareness; |
|
||||
|
·
the Contractor’s implementation of
the recommendations in the EIA; |
|
||||
|
·
the Contractor’s performance as measured by the EM&A; |
|
||||
|
·
the need for specific mitigation measures to be implemented or the
continued
usage of those previously agreed;
and |
|
||||
|
·
to advise the
site
staff of any identified
potential
environmental issues. |
|
||||
j)
Submit EM&A reports which summarise project monitoring and auditing data, with full interpretation, illustrating the acceptability or otherwise
of any environmental impacts
and identification or assessment of
the
implementation status of agreed mitigation measures. |
||||||
1.4.1.2 Thus, this EM&A
Manual provides the following information:
a)
Description of the project. |
|
|
b)
Identification
and recommendations for monitoring requirements for all phases of
development, including: |
|
|
|
-
identification of sensitive receivers; |
|
|
-
monitoring locations; |
|
|
-
monitoring parameters and frequencies; |
|
|
-
monitoring equipment to be used; |
|
|
-
programmes for baseline monitoring and impact monitoring; and |
|
|
-
data management of monitoring results. |
|
c) The organisation management structure, and procedures for auditing of the Project and implementation of mitigation measures that are recommended
for the Project. |
|
|
d)
The environmental quality performance limits for compliance auditing for each of the recommended monitoring
parameters to ensure compliance with relevant environmental quality objectives, statutory or planning
standards. |
|
|
e) Organisation and management structure, and procedures
for reviewing
the design submissions, monitoring results and auditing the compliance of the monitoring data with the environmental quality performance limits,
contractual and regulatory requirements, and environmental
policies and
standards. |
|
|
f) Event and Action plans for impact and compliance procedures. |
|
|
g) Complaints handling, liaison and consultation procedures. |
|
|
h) Interim notification of exceedances,
reporting procedures,
report formats
and reporting frequency
including periodical
quarterly summary reports and annual
reviews to cover all construction, post-Project and operational phases of the development. |
|
|
i) Implementation
schedules, summarising
all
recommended mitigation measures. |
|
|
1.4.1.3 This
Manual is considered to be a working document and should be reviewed periodically and revised once substantial changes have been made.
1.5.1.1 For the purpose of this EM&A Manual, the Highways Department of the Hong
Kong SAR Government is
referred
to as the “Employer”
and the Project “Supervising Officer” defined
as the Supervising Officer’s Representative (SOR),
who
will
be responsible for the supervision of
the construction of the Project.
1.5.1.2 The mitigation/enhancement measures recommended by the TM-CLKL EIA that will require
a design audit or preparation
of
specifications
during the detailed
design phase of
the project will include:
-
bored piling monitoring programme (Not relevant to the Northern
Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section); -
pre, during and post construction dolphin monitoring; -
250m dolphin exclusion zone for use during dredging, reclamation,
sheet and bored piling works; -
acoustic decoupling methods for use during reclamation and dredging
works; -
marine vessel control specifications; -
deployment of an artificial reef (Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section); -
installation of hoarding for the protection of the pitcher plants and
surrounding habitat (Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section); -
coral translocation; -
design of toll plaza for grave G1 set back and protection (Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section); and -
landscape design drawings. |
1.5.1.3 In respect of the design phase EM&A, the
Consultant commissioned to undertake the Detailed Design contract will be
required to designate an auditor(s) to undertake the preparation of the design specifications
as detailed above, in addition to an environmental audit of the design of the
specified landscape measures in order to ensure that the recommendations of the
EIA have been fully and properly specified.
The Consultant shall use suitably qualified staff to undertake the audit
requirements to the satisfaction of the EPD and the AFCD as appropriate. A flow chart of the design phase EM&A
procedures is shown in Figure 1.1.
1.5.1.4 During the construction and operational phases of the project, an Environmental
Team (ET) is to be employed by the Contractor. The ET will be headed by an Environmental
Team Leader (ETL). He shall
ensure
the Contractor’s compliance with the project’s
environmental
performance requirements
during construction and undertake the post construction EM&A works and his responsibilities will
include field
measurements, sampling, analysis
of monitoring results, reporting and auditing.
The ETL shall be approved by the SOR
and
the Director of Environmental
Protection (DEP) and shall be competent and shall have at least 7
years relevant
environmental monitoring and audit experience
on
projects of a
similar scale and nature.
1.5.1.5 The ET will comprise suitably qualified support staff to carrying out the EM&A
programme. The ET shall be independent and shall not be in any way connected to the Contractor’s company. Due to the specialist nature of some of the EM&A
works
required for this project,
the ET should comprise professionals proficient to undertake the tasks involved.
Thus, the ET should include personnel experienced in noise, dust and water quality monitoring and mitigation, supervision of waste
management,
compensatory tree planting, coral relocation and dolphin monitoring
and
supervision.
1.5.1.6 Accordingly, a qualified dolphin specialist(s), together with a suitably experienced team of dolphin spotters, and a coral specialist, to the satisfaction of AFCD, will be required as part of
the ET to undertake the dolphin abundance monitoring, implement the dolphin exclusion zones and undertake the coral relocation process. In addition,
a Registered Landscape Architect, as defined by the Landscape Architect’s Registration Board, will be required on the ET to monitor and audit
the landscaping installation works and assist in the audit of the ecological transplantation and restoration works.
1.5.1.7 The overall duties of ETL and the team are as follows:
-
Sampling, analysis and statistical
evaluation
of monitoring
parameters
with reference to the EIA study recommendations
and requirements in respect of
noise, dust and water quality. -
Environmental site surveillance -
Audit of compliance with environmental protection and pollution
prevention and control regulations. -
Monitor the implementation of
environmental mitigation measures. -
Monitor compliance
with the environmental
protection
clauses/specifications in the Contract. -
Review construction programme and comment as necessary. -
Review construction methodology and comment as necessary. -
Complaint investigation,
evaluation and
identification of
corrective measures. -
Audit of the
-
Liaison with the
Independent Environmental Checker IEC)
on all environmental performance
matters. -
Advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement,
awareness, enhancement matter, etc., on site. -
Timely submission of the designated EM&A
reports to the SOR, the IEC, the DEP, the AFCD and the AMO as appropriate. |
1.5.1.8 In addition to the ETL and ET, an Independent Environmental
Checker (IEC) shall be employed to advise the SOR on environmental
issues related to the project. The role of the IEC shall be independent from the management
of
construction
works, but the IEC shall be empowered to audit the environmental performance of
the construction activities and operational mitigation.
The IEC shall have project management experience in addition to the requirements of the ET specified above and the appointment of the IEC will be subject to the approval
of the SOR and the
DEP. The IEC may require specialist support staff in order to properly carry out
his
duties, which shall include the following:
-
Review and audit all aspects of the EM&A
programme. -
Validate and confirm the accuracy of monitoring results,
monitoring equipment, monitoring locations, monitoring procedures and
locations of sensitive receivers. -
Carry out random sample check and audit on
monitoring data and sampling procedures, etc. -
Conduct random site inspection. -
Audit the EIA recommendations and requirements
against the status of implementation of environmental protection measures on
site. -
Review the effectiveness of environmental mitigation
measures and project environmental performance. -
Audit the Contractor’s construction methodology and
agree the least impact alternative in consultation with the ET and the
Contractor. -
Check complaint cases and the effectiveness of
corrective measures. -
Review EM&A report submitted by the ET. -
Feedback audit results to ET by signing off relevant
EM&A proformas. |
1.5.1.9 An
organisation chart showing the lines of communication
between
the
key parties with respect to the EM&A
works is provided on Figure 1.2. Both the ET
and IEC shall be retained for the duration of the EM&A works which will span both the construction phase and one year into the operational phase of the project. The operational EM&A works will be the responsibility of the Contractor and will
be
undertaken in parallel to the maintenance period after the completion of
construction.
1.5.1.10 Notwithstanding the above, given that the TM-CLKL, HKBCF and HKLR will be
constructed concurrently, an
Environmental Project Office (ENPO)
or equivalent to oversee the cumulative construction projects in North Lantau area will be established by the Project Proponent. The responsibility of the ENPO would be similar to that of
the IEC but should also include:
-
coordination of the monitoring and auditing works
for all the on-going projects in the area in order to identify possible sources/causes
of exceedances and recommend suitable remedial actions where appropriate; -
identify and assess cumulative impacts including
possible sources/causes of exceedance and recommending suitable remedial
actions; -
undertake liaison with the mainland project teams
counterparts to identify and assess any cross-boundary cumulative impacts;
and -
coordinate the assessment and response to
complaints/enquires from locals, green groups, district councils or the
public at large. |
1.5.1.11 The exact responsibilities and organisation of the ENPO will be defined during the
detailed design stage.
1.6.1.1 To clarify the terminology for
impact monitoring and audit, key definitions are specified below and are used
throughout this Manual.
1.6.1.2 Monitoring refers to the systematic
collection of data through a series of repetitive measurements. The stages of monitoring are defined in this
document as follows:
a) Baseline Monitoring refers to the measurement of parameters, such
as noise and air quality impact parameters, during a representative
pre-project period for the purpose of determining the nature and ranges of
natural variation and to establish, where appropriate, the nature of change. b) Impact Monitoring involves the measurement of environmental
impact parameters, such as noise and air quality, during Project construction
and implementation so as to detect changes in these parameters which can be
attributed to the Project. |
1.6.1.3 Audit is a term that infers the verification
of a practice and certification of data.
The types of audit are defined below:
a) Compliance audit is defined as follows: · the
process of verification that all or selected parameters measured by a noise or
air quality impact monitoring programme or levels of an operation are in
compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies and standards;
and · the
determination of the degree and scope of any necessary remediation in the
event of exceedance of compliance. b) Post Project Audit is carried out after the implementation and
commissioning of a Project. |
1.6.1.4 For the purpose of noise, air and
water quality impact monitoring and audit, the Action and Limit Levels are
defined as follows:
a) The Action Level is the level defined in which there is an
indication of a deteriorating ambient level for which a typical response could
be an increase in the monitoring frequency.
b) The Limit Level is the level beyond the appropriate remedial
pollution control ordinances, noise and air quality impact objectives or Hong
Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines established by the EPD for a particular
project, such that the works should not proceed without appropriate remedial
action, including a critical review of plant and work methods.
2.1.1.1 Further to the recommendations
of the Option
Assessment and
subsequent alignment developments detailed in Section 2 of the EIA report, the preferred TM-CLKL
scheme comprises
Northern Connection
Option
N1b,
Main Connection
Option M3 and
Southern
Connection
Option S1. This preferred alignment
is shown in Figure 2.1 and will comprise:
(a) construction of approximately 5.0 km long dual 2-lane road tunnel between Tuen Mun Area 40 and the HZMB HKBCF at north-east of HKIA;
(b) construction of approximately 4.2km seawalls and approximately 35.6 ha of reclamation
to
the Government foreshore and
sea-bed
at Tuen Mun
Area 40 and Lantau for the tunnel portals
and
the associated roads,
as shown in Figures 2.2a and 2.2b;
(c) construction of approximately 1.6km
long dual 2-lane viaduct between HZMB HKBCF and NLH and the associated roads at Tai Ho;
(d) construction of a toll plaza at Tuen Mun Area 46 and the associated roads at
Tuen Mun;
(e) construction of footpaths areas;
(f) construction
of administration
building, ventilation
buildings and other
ancillary buildings to facilitate ventilation and tunnel control
operation serving the proposed road tunnel in (a) above and toll plaza in (d) above;
(g) modification and realignment of sections of
(h) modification
and realignment
of
sections of
(i) permanent closure
and demolition of
sections
of
existing at-grade
carriageways, footpaths and central median/refuge islands;
(j) temporary closure and reconstruction/modifications of sections of existing at-grade carriageways, footpaths and central median/refuge islands; and
(k) ancillary
works including site formation,
slope, drainage,
utilities, footbridge, noise barriers, retaining walls, berths and temporary pontoon.
2.1.1.2 Details of the various elements of the selected TM-CLKL alignment are detailed
in
the sections below.
2.2.1.1 At the northern landfall in Tuen Mun, adjacent to the River Trade Terminal at
Pillar Point, the construction of TM-CLKL requires a reclamation of about 16.5
ha of land area when calculated to the cope line, or 21.1
ha of land for the footprint
area to the bottom of the seawall where
it intersects the seabed.
The general layout and typical sections of the proposed reclamation scheme in this location are shown in Figures 2.3a to 2.3c.
2.2.1.2 Unlike the southern landfall
reclamation where sand
fill is proposed below +2.5mPD, public fill will be used for the entire reclamation to maximize the use of public fill. Though
this may result in
worse
impact to water quality
during
construction,
in view of
its
relatively smaller scale in
comparison with
the
HKBCF
reclamation, the type of fill material
is
adopted to achieve
an
overall
balance among environmental, technical and other aspects.
2.2.1.3 The northern landfall
reclamation is essentially required to provide a land area for construction of the launching shaft for the tunnel
boring machine
(TBM) and ultimately, protection to the tunnel structure when constructed.
2.2.1.4 During the detailed
design phase of the Contract, the latest development of the tunnels’ design
requires Portion N-a of the reclamation to be ready first in order to reduce
the construction risks. The latest
construction sequence is presented in Annex C. Under the latest sequence, it is proposed to
commence reclamation at Portion N-a, followed by reclamation at Portions N-b
and N-c, which is a reverse of the original sequence of the EIA Report and
EP-354/2009A. The latest construction sequence has been
proposed and a Notification of Changes in
Construction Sequence (the “Notification”) was submitted to EPD on 25
September 2013. Summary of the
Notification is presented in Annex C. Sand Compaction Piles (SCP), in association with a non-dredged seawall foundation, have been considered
for
the
construction
in order
to minimise the amount of
marine
sediment to
be dredged, as described
in
Section 2. However, these techniques require a much longer
construction time for the seawall
which would
not be quick enough to
allow the land to be formed on time to allow the TBM to commence tunnel
construction. Therefore, a fully
dredged method is required for the seawall foundation construction. The southern tip of the reclamation will
house the TBM tunnel shaft and the deeper portion of the cut-and-cover tunnel
section. The marine deposits located
above these deep structures would inevitably have been removed during
excavation for the construction of these structures. Fully dredged method is therefore also
proposed for this section of the reclamation in conjunction with the seawall
construction.
2.2.1.5 Notwithstanding, a non-dredged reclamation is proposed for the inner portions of
the
reclamation
denoted
by N-a and N-b
(Figures 2.3a and
2.3b). In
these
sections of the alignment, the cut-and-cover tunnel and open ramp will lie above the marine
deposits layer and, in order to minimise the sediment
removal and disposal quantities, it is proposed that the marine deposits underneath the cut-and-
cover tunnel and ramp be left in place, with the tunnel structures supported by deep
foundation and diaphragm walls, where necessary.
Band drains and sand blankets will be installed and surcharging will be applied to reduce the residual
ground settlement associated with the non-dredged reclamation.
2.2.1.6 Construction of the northern reclamation, which partly abuts the existing seawall at Pillar Point, will affect the marine operations of the Government Berths at Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal, including Customs and
Excise (C&E) and Immigration (ImmD)
Departments
and
Fire Services Department’s
(FSD)
Fire Boat Station. Provisions have been made to relocate these facilities to the new
reclamation alongside the eastern seawall (see Figure 2.2a).
2.2.2.1 An elevated viaduct at the northern section of
TM-CLKL connects the submarine tunnel as it emerges on the northern landfall to the south of the TMWB alignment at
the
north.
Commencing
from
the
reclamation
for
the
tunnel landfall,
the
viaduct curves up and over Lung Mun Road, crossing above a sawmill factory and
then abuts to the retaining wall structures at the western side of
the proposed toll plaza in Area 46, as described in Section 2.2.3 below. Layout of the viaduct is shown in Figure 2.4.
2.2.2.2 The structural form of the viaduct will consist of a pair of pre-stressed concrete
box girders supported on reinforced concrete piers. Each box girder commences
at around 14.6 m
wide at the reclamation to accommodate a 2-lane carriageway, before widening out to accommodate additional lanes for connection with
the toll plaza.
Span lengths will typically be 60m using a constant structural deck depth of 3.2 m.
In order to cross over the
2.2.3.1 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.2 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.3 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.4 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.5 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.6 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.7 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.8 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.9 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.10 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.11 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.3.12 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
2.2.4.1 Site formation and associated slopes
and retaining walls will be required to form the toll plaza and associated road
carriageways. In general, soil and
rock cut slopes would be involved. All
slopes will be formed in a stable slope angle with proper maintenance access
and drainage surface channels. If
necessary, soil nails will be installed to ensure adequate current safety
standard. Fill slope formation will
unlikely be required according to the current road alignment. The feasible retaining wall structures could
be mass concrete, reinforced concrete L-shape or crib walls and reinforced
earth for road embankment.
2.3.1.1 The preferred horizontal alignment of the proposed submarine tunnel, shown in
Figure 2.1, is 5km long and crosses the
2.3.1.2 The tunnel begins at the
northern portal
situated at the northern landfall where the ground level will be approximately +6.0mPD.
The submarine tunnel then runs southward under Urmston Road, where the lowest tunnel bottom level
will reach
approximately -49mPD,
towards
the
reclamation attached
to the
east of the proposed HKBCF
where it ends at
the southern
portal. Reclamation works for the TM-CLKL southern landfall will bring the new ground level to around +6mPD.
The vertical alignment of the tunnel is shown in Figures 2.5a to 2.5c. As shown in these figures, as the tunnel rises up to the portals, any seabed disturbance will
be contained within the reclamation
areas
at either end of the tunnel and, as such, further
seabed loss
and
disturbance with
not
occur
from
the
tunnel itself. Construction
of the TBM tunnel
will commence
at the northern
landfall
reclamation where a land area is required for construction of the launching shaft
for the TBM. The TBM will start boring from the launching shaft towards the southern reclamation adjacent to HKBCF
where a
TBM
retrieval shaft will be
constructed for the removal of the TBM.
2.3.2.1 Two
ventilation buildings have been proposed
at either end of the submarine
tunnel to discharge the polluted tunnel air. Location of the north ventilation buildings is shown in Figure 2.2a and described below.
2.3.2.2 The North Ventilation Building (NVB) will be located at the
southern end of the northern landfall reclamation of the TM-CLKL tunnel, and
will be used to extract polluted tunnel air from the northbound tunnel. The cross-sectional area of stack will be
about 94m2, and the exit velocity of the emissions will be about
4m/s. The building has three storeys above ground
and two levels of basement. The
mid-discharge height from the stack is 16.15m above ground, which equates to
between 14.15m and 18.15m high. The
exhaust direction will be towards the sea and is proposed to be inclined at 45
degree upward.
2.3.2.3 Not relevant to the
Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.4.1.1 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.4.1.2 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.4.1.3 Not relevant to the
Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.4.1.4 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.4.1.5 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.5.1.1 Six works areas
have been identified
for use during the construction period of
TM-CLKL, and will be used for locating site offices and for storage of materials
and viaduct segments, etc. The locations of the works areas are shown in Figure 2.8a and described in Table
2.1 below.
Table 2.1 Details
of TM-CLK Proposed Works Area
Works Area |
Location |
Proposed Use |
Lantau* |
||
Tuen Mun |
||
WA18 |
At the existing
River Trade Golf at Pillar Point in Tuen Mun |
Works area for storage
of materials and viaduct segment and site office |
WA19 |
At the existing
closed Pillar Point Valley Landfill at Pillar Point in Tuen Mun |
Works area for
storage of materials and viaduct segment and site office |
* Not relevant
to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.5.1.2 All the works areas are currently formed on developed land, with some already being used as works areas
for on-going construction projects. The
exception to
this is WA19 which is within the Pillar Point landfill area, and the site as a whole
is
largely
covered with vegetation with only a relatively small
portion formed and utilised. However, the terms for use of
this site during
the
TM-CLKL construction requires that no trees will be removed and therefore, only the already
formed areas will be utilised. In addition, all the sites are located away from any residential areas.
2.6.1.1 Stormwater drainage systems will be provided to collect stormwater from the carriageway surfaces.
The stormwater will enter into gullies along the kerb lines.
The gullies will be fitted with sumps to trap silt and grit prior to discharging the stormwater
into the stormwater
drainage systems. The drainage systems
will eventually discharge the stormwater
into the
sea at discrete
locations.
Similar systems will be provided along the marine viaduct.
Sump traps will be built into the deck
structure, and
the
collected stormwater will discharge into the sea
at the
column locations.
2.6.1.2 Operational sewage will be generated but, again, in relatively small quantities as summarised in Table
2.2 below, based upon the staffing estimates required for the
TM-CLKL project.
Table 2.2 Estimated
Sewage Generation
Location |
Staff |
Average Dry Weather Flow (m3/day) |
Northern Landfall |
400 |
140 |
2.6.1.3 In Tuen Mun, the sewage
(Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF)) from the toll
plaza and northern ventilation building is estimated to be about 178m3 per day and with about 510 personnel on site in total.
The sewage will be discharged to the existing sewerage system and it and it is expected that that adequate capacity
in the local system to accommodate this amount is available
2.6.1.4 Not relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea
Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.7.1.1 It is anticipated that construction for the TM-CLKL Northern Connection Sub-sea
Tunnel Section will commence in November
2013, with a target opening date
for
the
entire road
link at the end of 2018.
An indicative construction programme showing the key activities in different major
construction areas
is shown in
Figure 2.9a. Locations
of the construction areas referenced in the construction programme are shown in Figure 5.1. This is based upon working 12 hours per day for all land works and 16 hours per day for the marine works, although piling works for the marine sheet piled wall
will, also, be restricted to 12 hours per day.
2.7.1.2 Not relevant to the
Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme
2.7.1.3 A Notification of Changes in Construction
Sequence (the “Notification”) was submitted to EPD on 25 September
2013. Summary of the Notification is
presented in Annex C.
2.7.1.4 Not
used.
2.7.1.5 Not used.
2.8.1.1 Not used.
2.8.1.2 As the HKBCF, HKLR and TM-CLKL projects are proposed
to be constructed concurrently and
will be operational at
the
same time,
cumulative impacts
are
possible
and
have
been assessed.
2.8.2.1 As the TMWB
and TM-CLKL projects are proposed to be constructed
concurrently and will be
operational at the same
time,
cumulative impacts are possible and have been assessed.
2.8.3.1 In addition to the interface with the major concurrent
projects described above, details of other concurrent projects during either the construction and/or the
operational phases, together with details of how these are assessed
in the EIA, are described in the summary table of concurrent projects included as Appendix A2 of the EIA report.
2.9.1.1 A Local Area Model was developed to provide traffic
forecasts for EIA purposes. The EIA requires cumulative traffic forecasts and,
hence, EIA flows
were produced assuming the HZMB, HKLR, HKBCF, TMWB and TM-CLKL were all
in place.
In order to achieve
consistency, a consistent set of
model input assumptions have been adopted for the interfacing studies of TM-CLKL, HKBCF, HKLR and TMWB.
2.9.1.2 The TMWB was assumed to be “non tolled” for the purposes of the TM-CLKL
EIA forecasts. This
would make
a marginal difference to the
predicted TM- CLKL traffic forecasts, increasing the traffic flows slightly
and, therefore, would represent a potentially worst case for assessing the environmental impacts. The
traffic flows have been divided into the 16 vehicle classes required to determine
the emissions of
the traffic.
2.9.1.3 The
opening
year
for
the
whole
TM-CLKL, i.e.
both
northern and southern
sections, was
assumed to be 2016. Design year peak hour
traffic forecasts have, therefore, been prepared for the years 2016, 2021 and 2031 which reflect the full
operation of
the
TM-CLKL. In addition, to assess the environmental impacts at the interim year of 2014, when the southern
section will be opened to form part of the new road network servicing the HKBCF Phase 1 commissioning, the relevant
traffic forecasts for this year have also been prepared. A summary of the traffic data for the prevailing year of 2007 and the future years of
2014, 2016, 2021 and 2031 and
the road links are included in the EIA Report.
As per Condition 2.4 of the EP of TM-CLKL, an enhanced
monitoring plan on TSP level at Tuen Mun (“the Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan”)
is required to be submitted to the DEP for approval at least 1 month before the
commencement of construction of the Project.
Details of the Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan are provided in this
Contract specific EM&A Manual.
3.1.1.1 Monitoring of the Total Suspended
Particulates (TSP) levels shall be carried out by the Environmental Specialist (ET)
(see Section 1) to ensure that construction works are not generating dust which
exceeds the acceptable level. Timely
action should be taken to rectify the situation if an exceedance is detected.
3.1.1.2
1-hour and 24-hour
TSP levels shall
be measured to
indicate the impacts
of construction dust on air quality. The TSP levels shall be measured by
following the standard high volume sampling method as set out in the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B.
Upon approval by the SOR and the DEP, 1-hour TSP levels may be measured
by direct reading methods for ad hoc measurements.
3.1.1.3
All relevant data including
temperature, pressure, weather
conditions, elapsed- time meter
reading for the start and stop of the sampler, identification and weight
of the
filter paper, any
other special phenomena
and work progress
of the concerned site shall be
recorded in detail by the ET. A sample
data sheet is shown in Figure 3.1.
3.2.1.1 A
high volume sampler in compliance with the following specifications shall be
used for carrying out the 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring:
(i) 0.6-1.7
m3/min (20-60 SCFM) adjustable flow range;
(ii) equipped
with a timing/control device with +/- 5 minutes accuracy for 24 hours
operation;
(iii) installed
with elapsed-time meter with +/- 2 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;
(iv) capable
of providing a minimum exposed area of 406 cm2 (63 in2);
(v) flow
control accuracy: +/- 2.5% deviation over 24-hr sampling period;
(vi) equipped
with a shelter to protect the filter and sampler;
(vii) incorporated with an electronic mass
flow rate controller or other equivalent devices;
(viii) equipped
with a flow recorder for continuous monitoring; (ix) provided with a peaked
roof inlet;
(x) equipped
with a manometer;
(xi) able
to hold and seal the filter paper to the sampler housing in a horizontal
position;
(xii) easy
to change the filter; and
(xiii) capable
of operating continuously for 24-hr period.
3.2.1.2 The
Contractor is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment and shall
ensure that sufficient number of high volume samplers with an appropriate
calibration kit are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, impact
monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. The high volume samplers shall be equipped
with an electronic mass flow controller and be calibrated against a traceable
standard at regular intervals. All the equipment, calibration kit, filter
papers, etc. shall be clearly labelled by the ET.
3.2.1.3 Calibration of dust monitoring
equipment shall be conducted by the ET upon installation and thereafter at
bi-monthly intervals. The transfer
standard shall be traceable to the internationally recognised primary standard
and be calibrated annually. The calibration data shall be properly documented
for future reference by concerned parties, such as the IEC. All the data shall
be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.
3.2.1.4 The
flow-rate of the sampler before and after the sampling exercise with the filter
in position shall be verified to be constant and recorded in the data sheet as
described in Section 3.1.
3.2.1.5 If
the ET proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure 1-hr TSP levels
on an ad hoc basis, he shall submit sufficient information to the IEC to prove
that the instrument is capable of achieving a comparable result as that the
High Volume Sampler (HVS) and may be used for the 1-hr sampling. The instrument
should also be calibrated regularly and the 1-hr sampling shall be checked
periodically by the HVS to check the validity and accuracy of the results
measured by the direct reading method.
3.2.1.6 Wind
data monitoring equipment shall also be provided and set up at suitable
locations for logging wind speed and wind direction near to the dust monitoring
locations. The equipment installation location shall be proposed by the ET and
agreed with the SOR, in consultation with the IEC.
3.2.1.7 For installation and operation of
wind data monitoring equipment, the following points shall be observed:
(i) the
wind sensors should be installed on masts at an elevated level 10 m above
ground so that they are clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by the
buildings;
(ii) the
wind data should be captured by a data logger to be down-loaded for processing
at least once a month;
(iii)
the wind data monitoring
equipment should be re-calibrated at least once every six months; and
(iv) wind
direction should be divided into 16 sectors of 22.5 degrees each.
3.2.1.8 In exceptional situations, the ET may
propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon approval
from the SOR and agreement from the IEC.
3.3.1.1 A
clean laboratory with constant temperature and humidity control and equipped
with necessary measuring and conditioning instruments shall be used for sample
analysis and equipment calibration and maintenance. The laboratory shall be
HOKLAS accredited.
3.3.1.2 If a site laboratory is set up or a
non-HOKLAS accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory
analysis, the laboratory equipment shall be approved by the SOR, in
consultation with the IEC. Measurement
performed by the laboratory shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the
SOR and the IEC. The IEC shall conduct regular audits of the measurements
performed by the laboratory to ensure the accuracy of the results. The ES shall provide the SOR and the IEC with
one copy each of the Title 40 of the Code
of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B for reference.
3.3.1.3 Filter paper of size 8"x10"
shall be labelled before sampling. It shall be a clean filter paper with no pin
holes and shall be conditioned in a humidity controlled chamber for over 24-hr
and be pre-weighed before use for the sampling.
3.3.1.4 After sampling, the filter paper
loaded with dust shall be kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag. The
filter paper shall then be returned to the laboratory for reconditioning in the
humidity controlled chamber followed by accurate weighing by an electronic
balance with a readout down to 0.1 mg. The balance shall be regularly
calibrated against a traceable standard.
3.3.1.5 All the collected samples shall be kept
in a good condition for 6 months before disposal.
3.4.1.1 The
air quality sensitive receivers and air quality monitoring stations, as
proposed in the Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan, are shown in Figure 3.2a and
listed in Table 3.1. The
status and locations of dust sensitive receivers may change after issue of this
Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan. If this
happens, the ET shall agree with the SOR, in consultation with the IEC, to
propose the alternative/updated air quality monitoring station(s).
Table 3.1 Enhanced
TSP Monitoring Plan – Monitoring Stations
Air quality
monitoring station |
Location |
Landuse |
No. of Storey |
Horizontal Distance to the Major
Construction Area (m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASR1 |
Tuen Mun Fireboat Station |
Office |
1 |
< 50 |
< 50 |
ASR5 |
Pillar Point Fire Station |
Office |
5 |
< 50 |
> 500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
AQMS1 |
Previous River Trade Golf |
Bare ground |
0 |
270 |
60 |
AQMS2 |
Bare ground at |
Bare ground |
0 |
350 |
< 50 |
ASR10 |
|
Recreational uses |
0 |
> 1000 |
170 |
3.4.1.2 When alternative monitoring locations
are proposed, the following preferred locations and factors shall be
considered:
(i) the
site boundary or locations close to the major dust emission source;
(ii) close
to the sensitive receptors; and
(iii)
the prevailing
meteorological conditions.
3.4.1.3 The ET shall agree with the SOR, in
consultation with the IEC, the position of the high volume samplers. When
positioning the samplers, the following points shall be noted:
(i) a
horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the samplers against
gusty wind shall be provided;
(ii) the
distance between the sampler and an obstacle, such as buildings, shall be at
least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the sampler;
(iii) a
minimum of 2 metres of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is
required for rooftop samplers;
(iv) a
minimum of 2 metres separation
from any supporting structure,
measured horizontally is required;
(v) no
furnace or incinerator flue is nearby;
(vi) airflow
around the sampler is unrestricted;
(vii) the
sampler is more than 20 metres from the dripline;
(viii) any
wire fence and gate, to protect the sampler, shall not cause any obstruction
during monitoring;
(ix) permission
must be obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring
stations;
(x) a
secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers; and
(xi) no
two samplers should be placed less than 2 metres apart.
3.4.1.4 Prior to construction, the dust
monitoring schedule shall be developed by the ET based upon the construction
schedule supplied by the Contractor.
The ET shall inform the IEC of the impact monitoring programme such that
he can conduct on- site audits to ensure accuracy of the impact monitoring results.
The environmental monitoring schedule shall be approved by the SOR.
Baseline monitoring will be conducted to collect
representative TSP data from the five monitoring stations. This baseline monitoring will provide data
for comparison with TSP data collected during the construction phase.
The baseline monitoring will be conducted at the air
quality monitoring stations showed in Figure 3.2a for 14 consecutive days prior to the
start of the construction works to obtain daily 24-hour TSP samples. 1-hour sampling shall also be undertaken at
least 3 times per day during the same period.
Monitoring shall take place prior to the commencement of any
construction works of the Northern Connection, toll plaza, tunnel buildings and
traffic control surveillance system (TCSS).
The proposed monitoring frequency is detailed in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2 Monitoring
Frequency of Baseline Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan
Monitoring Parameter |
Monitoring Location |
Frequency |
Monitoring Condition |
1-hour
TSP |
ASR1,
ASR5, ASR10, AQMS1, AQMS2 ([1]) |
3
times per day for 14 consecutive days |
Before
commencement of any construction works of the Northern Connection, toll
plaza, tunnel buildings and TCSS |
24-hour
TSP |
ASR1,
ASR5, ASR10, AQMS1, AQMS2 |
Daily
for 14 consecutive days |
Before
commencement of any construction works of the Northern Connection, toll
plaza, tunnel buildings and TCSS |
The monitoring schedule for baseline monitoring shall
be developed by the ET and provided to the SOR and IEC for agreement prior to
the monitoring works.
In the event that insufficient baseline monitoring
data or questionable results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with the DEP to
agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and
submit this data to the SOR and IEC for approval.
Ambient conditions may vary seasonally and shall be
reviewed at three monthly intervals. If
the ET considers that the ambient conditions have changed and a repeat of the
baseline monitoring is required to be carried out for obtaining updated
baseline levels, the monitoring should be at times when the Contractor's
activities are not generating dust, at least in the proximity of the monitoring
stations. Should a change in ambient
conditions be determined, the baseline levels and, in turn, the TSP Action and
Limit Levels criteria, shall be revised.
The revised baseline levels and TSP Action and Limit Levels shall be
agreed with the DEP and supplied to the IEC.
The Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan will be implemented
simultaneously with the air quality impact monitoring in the EM&A
programme. In addition to the TSP
monitoring at ASR1 and ASR5, monitoring will also be undertaken at the additional
monitoring stations AQMS1, AQMS2 and ASR10 following the frequency of air
quality impact monitoring stated in the EM&A Manual. The data collected will be used to provide an
indication of whether there is any significant increase in TSP levels upon
commencement of construction activities of the Northern Connection, toll plaza
and tunnel buildings. TSP monitoring,
including those required under the approved EM&A Manual (ie for ASR1 and
ASR5 only) and this Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan, will not be implemented
during the TCSS installation works which will not involve any civil works.
The major sources of dust nuisance arising from the
Northern Connection, toll plaza and tunnel buildings are related to excavation,
slope works, foundation works, construction of road and superstructures, wind
erosion from reclaimed areas, open sites and stockpiling areas. Therefore during these construction
activities, the TSP monitoring frequency will be increased at all air quality
monitoring stations such that any deteriorating air quality can be readily
detected and timely action taken to rectify the situation. The Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan during
construction phase is summarized in Table
3.3.
Table 3.3 Enhanced
TSP Monitoring Plan – Construction Phase
Monitoring Parameter |
Monitoring Location |
Frequency |
Monitoring Condition (1) |
1-hour TSP |
ASR1, ASR5, ASR10, AQMS1, AQMS2 |
3 times per day every six days |
Throughout the Northern
Connection, toll plaza and tunnel buildings construction works |
24-hour TSP |
ASR1, ASR5, ASR10, AQMS1, AQMS2 |
Daily every six days |
Throughout the Northern
Connection, toll plaza and tunnel buildings construction works |
1-hour TSP |
ASR1, ASR5, ASR10, AQMS1, AQMS2 |
3 times per day every three
days |
Northern Connection During excavation works for
launching shaft, excavation work for Cut and Cover Tunnel and Cut and Cover
Tunnel Construction During excavation, slope works,
construction of road and superstructures and wind erosion from open sites
and stockpiling areas Tunnel Buildings During excavation, foundation
works, construction of superstructures and wind erosion from open sites and
stockpiling areas |
Monitoring Parameter |
Monitoring Location |
Frequency |
Monitoring Condition (1) |
24-hour TSP |
ASR1, ASR5, ASR10, AQMS1, AQMS2 |
Daily every three days |
Northern Connection During excavation works for
launching shaft, excavation work for Cut and Cover Tunnel and Cut and Cover
Tunnel Construction During excavation, slope works,
construction of road and superstructures and wind erosion from open sites
and stockpiling areas Tunnel Buildings During excavation, foundation
works, construction of superstructures and wind erosion from open sites and
stockpiling areas |
Note:
(1) The Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan will
be undertaken when any of the monitoring condition(s) is triggered.
The ET will notify the SOR and IEC at
least one month before the monitoring frequency will be increased according to
the Enhanced TSP Monitoring Plan (ie at least one month before commencement of
relevant works for which increased monitoring frequency is required in accordance
with Table 3.3).
The baseline monitoring results will form
the basis for determining the Action and Limit Levels (A/L Levels) for the
impact monitoring of the 24-hour TSP and 1-hour TSP levels. According to the Supplementary Information on Construction Air Quality in Tuen Mun ([2])
(“the Supplementary Information”) submitted under Section 8.(1) of the EIAO
for the Project, the annual average TSP results from EPD monitoring station in
Yuen Long is ranged from 100 to 103 mg/m3 between 2003 to 2008 which
exceeded the AQO criterion of annual TSP (80 mg/m3). More recent information on annual average TSP
levels, however, showed that exceedance of the AQO criterion was only recorded
in 2011 during the period of 2009 to 2012 (2009: 77 mg/m3;
2010: 78 mg/m3; 2011: 86mg/m3; 2012: 68 mg/m3). This annual AQO TSP criterion of 80 mg/m3 will also be adopted as the A/L Level
of the Enhanced TSP Monitoring. The
method of derivation and the proposed Action and Limit Levels are shown in Tables 3.4a-b, respectively.
Table 3.4a Method
of Derivation of TSP Action and Limit Levels
Parameter |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
24-hour
TSP Level in mg/m3 |
For
baseline level ≤ 200 mg/m³
Action
level = (Baseline*1.3+ Limit level )/2 |
260 |
|
For
baseline level >200 mg/m³ Action
level = Limit level |
|
1-hour
TSP Level in mg/m3 |
For
baseline level ≤ 384 mg/m³
Action
level = (Baseline*1.3+ Limit level )/2 |
500 |
|
For baseline level > 384 mg/m³ Action level = Limit level |
|
Annual Average 24-hour TSP Level in mg/m3 |
Action level = Limit level |
80 |
Table 3.4b TSP
Action and Limit Levels for Impact Air Quality Monitoring
Parameter |
Air Quality Monitoring Stations |
Action Level (mg/m³) |
Limit Level (mg/m³) |
24-hour
TSP (mg/m3) |
ASR1 |
213 |
260 |
|
ASR5 |
238 |
260 |
|
AQMS1 |
213 |
260 |
|
AQMS2 |
238 |
260 |
|
ASR10 |
214 |
|
1-hour
TSP ((mg/m3) |
ASR1 |
331 |
500 |
|
ASR5 |
340 |
500 |
|
AQMS1 |
335 |
500 |
|
AQMS2 |
338 |
500 |
|
ASR10 |
337 |
500 |
The above A/L Levels are used to determine whether
operational modifications are necessary to mitigate construction dust impacts,
particularly in relation to reducing the TSP levels. The impact monitoring results will be
evaluated against the A/L Levels. In the
event that the A/L Levels are exceeded, appropriate actions in Event and Action
plan (Table 3.5) should be
undertaken and a review of works should be carried out by the
Contractor(s).
Any noticeable change to air quality will
be recorded in the monitoring reports and will be investigated and remedial
actions will be undertaken to reduce impacts.
Should exceedance be confirmed to be related to the works of the TM-CLKL
Project, additional mitigation measures recommended in the Supplementary Information should be considered for implementation,
including but not limited to the following:
·
More frequent watering at the areas of exposed soil ([3]) ; ·
Requiring that temporary hydroseeding of exposed surfaces which are
not proposed to be touched for a period of time be undertaken; ·
Implementing further dust suppression or screening measures at the
concerned ASRs; ·
Scheduling the works to avoid key dusty construction activities of
concurrent contracts where possible; and ·
Stoppage of construction works would be taken if deemed necessary to
mitigate any project-related upsurge of TSP level |
Particular attention will be paid to the
Contractor(s)’s implementation of the recommended dust-reducing mitigation
measures.
3.8.1.1
The
EIA report has recommended dust control and mitigation measures. The Contractor
shall be responsible for the design and implementation of the following
measures. The recommended construction dust mitigation measures are summarised
in the Air Quality Environmental
Mitigation Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix A.
a.
All unpaved roads/exposed area shall be
watered which results in dust suppression by forming moist cohesive films
among the discrete grains of road surface material. An effective watering programme of twice
daily watering with complete coverage, is estimated to reduce by 50%. This is
recommended for all areas in order to reduce dust levels to a minimum; b.
Watering on all exposed soil within the
Project site and associated work areas in Tuen Mun area throughout the
construction phase for at least 12 times per day; c.
The Contractor shall, to the satisfaction
of the Engineer, install effective dust
suppression measures and
take such other
measures as may
be necessary to ensure that at the Site boundary and any nearby
sensitive receiver, dust levels are kept to acceptable levels; d.
The Contractor shall not burn debris or
other materials on the works areas; e.
In hot, dry or windy weather, the
watering programme shall maintain all exposed road surfaces and dust sources
wet; f.
Where breaking of oversize rock/concrete
is required, watering shall be implemented to control dust. Water spray shall
be used during the handling of fill material at the site and at active cuts,
excavation and fill sites where dust is likely to be created; g.
Open
dropping heights for
excavated materials shall
be controlled to a
maximum height of
2m to minimise
the fugitive dust
arising from unloading; h.
During
transportation by truck, materials
shall not be
loaded to a level higher than
the side and tail boards, and shall be dampened or covered before transport. Materials having the potential to create
dust shall not be loaded to a level higher than the side and tail boards, and
shall be covered by a clean tarpaulin.
The tarpaulin shall be properly
secured and shall extend at least 300mm over the edges of the side and tail
boards; i.
No earth, mud, debris, dust and the like
shall be deposited on public roads.
Wheel washing facility shall be usable prior to any earthworks
excavation activity on the site; j.
Areas of exposed soil shall be minimised to areas
in which works have been completed shall be restored as soon as is
practicable; and k.
All stockpiles of aggregate or spoil
shall be enclosed or covered and water applied in dry or windy condition. |
3.8.1.2 If the above measures are not sufficient
to restore the air quality to acceptable levels upon the advice of the ET, the
Contractor shall liaise with the ET regarding other mitigation measures and
consult the IEC for their effectiveness, and then propose these measures to the
SOR for approval prior to the implementation of the measures.
Table 3.5 Enhanced
TSP Monitoring Plan – Event and Action Plan
Event |
Action |
|||
|
ET (a) |
IEC
(a) |
SOR
(a) |
Contractor(s) |
Action Level |
|
|
|
|
Exceedance recorded |
1.
Identify the source. 2.
Repeat measurement to confirm
finding. If two consecutive
measurements exceed Action Level, the exceedance is then confirmed. 3.
Inform the IEC and the
SOR. 4.
Investigate the cause
of exceedance and check Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible
mitigation to be implemented. 5.
If the exceedance is
confirmed to be Project related after investigation, increase monitoring
frequency to daily. 6.
Discuss with the IEC
and the Contractor on remedial actions required. 7.
If exceedance
continues, arrange meeting with the IEC and the SOR. 8.
If exceedance stops,
cease additional monitoring. |
1.
Check monitoring data
submitted by the ET. 2.
Check the Contractor’s
working method. 3.
If the exceedance is confirmed to be Project
related after investigation, discuss with the ET and the
Contractor on
possible
remedial measures. 4.
Advise the SOR on
the
effectiveness of the proposed
remedial measures. 5. Supervisor implementation of
remedial measures. |
1.
Confirm
receipt of notification of failure in writing. 2.
Notify
the Contractor. 3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented. |
1.
Rectify any unacceptable practice 2.
Amend
working methods if appropriate 3.
If
the exceedance is confirmed to be Project related, submit proposals for remedial
actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification 4.
Implement
the agreed proposals 5. Amend proposal if appropriate |
|
Action |
|||
|
ET (a) |
IEC (a) |
SOR
(a) |
Contractor(s) |
Limit Level |
|
|
|
|
Exceedance
recorded |
1.
Identify the source. 2.
Repeat measurement to confirm finding. If
two consecutive measurements exceed Limit Level, the exceedance is then
confirmed. 3.
Inform the IEC, the SOR, the DEP and the
Contractor. 4.
Investigate the cause of exceedance and check
Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be
implemented. 5.
If the exceedance is confirmed to be Project
related after investigation, increase monitoring frequency to daily. 6.
Carry out analysis of the Contractor’s working
procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented. 7.
Arrange meeting with the IEC and the SOR to
discuss the remedial actions to be taken. 8.
Assess effectiveness of the Contractor’s
remedial actions and keep the IEC, the DEP and the SOR informed of the
results. 9. If
exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring. |
1.
Check monitoring data
submitted by the ET. 2.
Check Contractor’s working
method. 3.
If the exceedance is confirmed to be Project
related after investigation, discuss with the ET and the
Contractor on
possible
remedial measures. 4.
Advise the SOR on
the
effectiveness of the proposed
remedial measures. 5.
Supervisor implementation of
remedial measures. |
1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing. 2. Notify the Contractor. 3. If the
exceedance is confirmed to be Project related after investigation, in consultation with the IEC, agree with the
Contractor on the remedial measures to be implemented. 4. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented. 5. If exceedance continues, consider what activity of the work is
responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that activity of work until
the exceedance is abated. |
1.
Take immediate action to
avoid further exceedance. 2.
If the exceedance is confirmed to be Project
related after investigation, submit proposals for
remedial actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification. 3.
Implement the agreed proposals. 4.
Amend proposal if appropriate. 5. Stop the relevant activity of works as determined by the
SOR until the exceedance is abated. |
Note: (a) ET –
Environmental Team; IEC – Independent Environmental Checker; SOR – Supervising
Officer’s Representative
The TM-CLKL EIA study concluded that no existing
noise sensitive receiver (NSR) has been identified within the Study Area, and
no planned NSR has been identified from the Project Site. Based upon this, no
noise monitoring is necessary for either the construction or operation phases.
Regular site inspections and audits will be carried
out during the construction phase in order to confirm compliance with the
regulatory requirements and conformity of the Contractor with regard to noise
control and contract conditions.
4.2.1.1 As no impacts are predicted during the construction stage at the existing NSRs in Tuen
Mun, no specific mitigation
measures have
been recommended. However,
the Contractor
will be responsible
for
ensuring noise
levels are
minimized
as far as possible through
the
application of good site practices, including maintenance of equipment.
During the operational phase, no mitigation
is required.
5.1.1.1 Since the marine works of TM-CLKL will be concurrent with HKBCF and HKLR
and
the southern landfall of TM-CLKL is indeed an integrated part of the HKBCF,
the potential water quality impacts of TM-CLKL has been assessed
jointly with HKBCF and HKLR. The EIA has, therefore, recommended that the water quality
monitoring works of the three concurrent projects, also by
the same project
proponent, be conducted
as a whole to enhance the efficiency and
cost- effectiveness of the monitoring programme.
Based on this, the
water quality
monitoring scheme designed assuming
the monitoring will be implemented jointly
and
be coordinated with a project ENPO office.
5.2.1.1
The reclamation layout of TM-CLKL is
presented in Figure 5.1. The EIA Report and the Notification have
assessed the water quality impacts caused by the construction and operation
stages. Mitigation measures have been recommended in the EIA, and subsequently
adopted in the Notification, to ensure compliance with the relevant legislative
requirements. These mitigation measures are summarised below.
·
Closed
grabs should be used for sediment dredging to reduce sediment loss when
lifting the grabs to the barges. ·
No
more than one grab dredger with a maximum daily dredging rate of 7,200m3
shall be employed for the dredging operation. ·
The
decks of dredging barges should be clean and tidy to avoid any sediment to be
washed into the sea. ·
Loading
of the dredged sediments to the barges should be carried out carefully to
minimise splashing of sediments. ·
Overloading
of barge is not allowed and sufficient freeboard should be maintained to
ensure no spill over of the dredged sediments during lifting and transport. ·
The
moving speed of construction vessels in the dredging area should be reduced
to prevent disturbance to the seabed generating sediment plume. ·
A
cage type silt curtain is proposed to be installed to enclose local pollution
caused by the grab dredging. The grab dredging work should be carried out
within the cage type silt curtain. Apart from the cage type silt curtain, it
is recommended to deploy a floating type silt curtain around the site. Silt
curtains can be effectively applied when the current speeds are lower than
0.5 m/s. The velocity of current near
the northern edge of reclamation site of HKBCF Phase 2 / TM-CLKL southern
landfall is higher than 0.5 m/s, thus a sheet pile wall is proposed to
protect the silt curtain along the northern edge. The proposed floating type silt
curtain would be installed within the site area of TM-CLKL southern landfall,
near shore section of TM-CLKL northern landfall (portion N-a), HKBCF and HKLR
as far as practicable. Specially designed cage type silt curtain (with steel
enclosure) is also proposed for the grab dredging at HKBCF and TM-CLKL
southern landfall where localised flow can reach 0.5 m/s. The typical
arrangement of the silt curtains are shown in Annex A. ·
Pilot
tests should be carried out during the early stage of seawall construction to
confirm whether the silt removal efficiency of the cage type silt curtain and
the floating type silt curtain can respectively achieve 80% and 45% silt
removal efficiency for dredging and filling activities when deployed
separately, and a combined reduction of 95% and 61% when the two type of silt
curtains are used jointly. Pilot tests for cage type silt curtain (with steel
enclosure) should be carried out in a similar time frame to see if the cage
type silt curtain (with steel enclosure) can achieve 80% reduction when
applied singly under current above 0.5 m/s. ·
The
pilot tests shall be conducted during the initial months of dredging and
filling works of either TM-CLKL, HKBCF or HKLR. The silt-removal efficiency
of the silt curtains shall be verified by examining the results of water
quality monitoring points. The water quality monitoring points to be selected
for the above shall be those close to the locations of the initial period of
dredging work. Details of this pilot study shall be determined by the ENPO
and agreed by EPD before the commencement of the monitoring, taking account
of the Contractor’s proposed actual locations of his initial period of
dredging work. ET shall submit the pilot test proposal detailing the layout
of silt curtains, monitoring location and testing arrangement for EPD’s
agreement before conducting the pilot tests. ·
Reclamation
filling for the northern landfall shall not proceed until at least 200m of
leading seawall at the reclamation are formed above +2.5mPD unless otherwise
agreed with the DEP, except for the 100m gaps for marine access. ·
No
more than 50% of public fill shall be used for filling of seawall below
+2.5mPD, unless otherwise agreed by the DEP. ·
No
more than 16 filling barge trips shall be made each day with a maximum daily
filling rate of 16,000m3 for the filling operation. ·
The
dredging and filling works shall be scheduled to spread the works evenly over
a working day. ·
Tunnel
boring machine shall be used for the construction of the submarine tunnel;
and. ·
The
silt curtains should be maintained in good condition to ensure the sediment
plume generated from dredging and filling be confined effectively within the
site boundary. |
5.2.1.2 Prior to the commencement of the
construction work, a detailed site drainage management plan should be submitted
to EPD. The plan should cover measures to minimize all potential water quality
impact arising from the surface runoffs of all the related constructions.
5.2.1.3 The guidelines outlined in the
Practice Note for Professional Persons (ProPECC), Construction Site Drainage
(PN 1/94) should be adopted to control construction site runoff. Mitigation measures to minimise water quality
impacts from construction site runoff and wastewater and sewage generated from
construction activities are:
·
Provision
of site drainage systems over the entire construction site with sediment
control facilities. Regular inspection and maintenance of the site drainage
systems are required to ensure proper and efficient operation at all time. ·
Sedimentation
tanks or package treatment systems are required to treat the large amount of
sediment-laden wastewater generated from foundation construction work, wheel
washing, site runoff. Any construction activities that generate wastewater
with high concentrations of SS should also be collected to these facilities
for proper treatment prior to disposal. Treated wastewater can be reused for
vehicle washing, dust suppression and general cleaning. Bentonite slurry used
in bore-pile construction should be reconditioned and reused to minimise the
disposal volume of the used slurry. ·
The
construction programme should be properly planned to avoid soil excavation in
rainy seasons. Exposed stockpiles of excavated soils or construction
materials should be covered with tarpaulin or impervious sheets to avoid
release of pollutants into the drainage channels. ·
Sewage
generated from site toilets and canteen should be collected using a temporary
storage system. Chemical toilets should be provided at different locations
for use by the workers on site. Licensed waste collectors should be employed
for collection and disposal of the sewage.
The drainage system for collection of wastewater generated from
canteen, if any, should be equipped with grease trap capable of providing at
least 20 minutes retention during peak flow. ·
Wheel
washing facilities should be installed at all site entrances/exits. ·
An
emergency plan should be developed by the contractors to deal with accidental
spillage of chemicals. |
5.2.1.4 Upon completion of the TM-CLKL /
HKLR / HKBCF development, stormwater drainage systems would be completed to
collect stormwater generated from the whole area including new roads.
Additional mitigation measures would not be required.
5.2.1.5 As identified in the EIA Report, key
water quality issues during construction phase will be dredging and filling
works for the reclamation, backfilling of Mf sediment within the reclamation
sites. However, handing of Mf sediment
is not predicted for TM-CLKL. Thus, Marine water quality monitoring shall be
carried out during the construction phase to ensure that any unacceptable
increase in suspended solids / turbidity and decrease in dissolved oxygen due
to dredging and filling activities could be readily detected and timely action
be taken to rectify the situation.
5.2.1.6 The EIA Report has recommended
construction and operational phase mitigation measures. All the prepared mitigation measures are
summarised in the Environmental
Mitigation Implementation Schedules in Appendix A.
5.3.1.1 As
identified in the EIA Report,
key
water quality issues during
construction phase will be dredging and filling works for the reclamation.
Marine water quality monitoring shall be
carried out during the construction phase to ensure that any unacceptable increase in suspended solids / turbidity and decrease in dissolved oxygen due to dredging and filling activities could be readily detected and timely
action be taken to rectify the situation.
5.3.1.2 Dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity
(NTU), suspended solids (SS) levels and other general
in-situ parameters shall
be monitored at all designated
marine water quality monitoring stations during the whole construction phase.
DO and turbidity
should be measured in-situ whereas SS should be determined by
an
accredited laboratory.
5.3.1.3 Other relevant data shall also be recorded in a Water Quality Monitoring Logs, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, pH value, salinity,
temperature, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site.
A sample monitoring record sheet is shown in
Figure 5.4.
5.3.1.4 According to the EIA report, there is low concentration
for PAH, PCB, TBT, and chlorinated pesticides.
Monitoring of these chemicals
would not be required during the construction stage.
5.3.1.5 The proposed water quality monitoring schedule shall be submitted to EPD at least 2 weeks before the first day of the monitoring month. EPD shall also be notified
immediately for any changes in schedule by fax.
5.3.1.6 Not relevant to Northern Connection
Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A Programme.
5.4.1.1
The instrument
should be a portable and weatherproof
dissolved oxygen
(DO) measuring instrument
complete with cable and sensor, and
use a DC power source. The
equipment should be capable of measuring:
·
DO level in the range of 0 - 20 mg/ L
and 0 - 200% saturation;
and ·
Temperature of 0 - 45 degree Celsius. |
5.4.1.2 It should have a membrane electrode with automatic temperature
compensation complete with a cable.
5.4.1.3 Should salinity
compensation not be built-in to the DO equipment, in-situ salinity
should be measured to calibrate the DO equipment prior to each DO measurement.
5.4.2.1 The
instrument should be a portable and
weatherproof turbidity measuring instrument using a DC power source. It should have a photoelectric
sensor capable of measuring turbidity between 0 - 1000 NTU (for example, Hach model 2100P
or an approved similar instrument).
5.4.3.1 A water sampler is required.
It
should comprise a transparent PVC cylinder, with a capacity of not less than 2 litres, which can be effectively sealed with latex cups
at
both ends. The sampler should
have a positive latching system to keep it open
and
prevent premature closure until released by a messenger when the sampler is at the selected water depth (for example, Kahlsico Water Sampler or an approved similar instrument).
5.4.4.1 A portable, battery-operated echo sounder should be used for the determination of water depth at each designated monitoring station. This unit can either be hand
held or affixed to the bottom of the work boat, if the same vessel is to be used throughout the monitoring programme.
5.4.5.1 A portable salinometer capable of measuring
salinity in the range of 0 - 40 parts per thousand (ppt) should be provided for
measuring salinity of the water at each monitoring location.
5.4.6.1 A portable pH meter capable of measuring
a range between 0.0 and 14.0 shall be provided to measure pH under the
specified conditions (e.g., Orion Model 250A or an approved similar
instrument).
5.4.7.1 Water samples for SS should be
stored in high density polythene bottles, packed in ice (cooled to 4°C without
being frozen) and keep in dark during both on-site temporary storage and
shipment to the testing laboratory. The samples shall be delivered to the
laboratory within 24 hours of collection and be analysed as soon as possible
after collection.
5.4.8.1 A hand-held or boat-fixed type
digital Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) with way point bearing indication
and Radio Technical Commission for maritime (RTCM) Type 16 error message
‘screen pop-up’ facilities (for real-time auto-display of error messages and
DGPS corrections from the Hong Kong Hydrographic Office), or other equipment
instrument of similar accuracy, should be provided and used during marine water
monitoring to ensure the monitoring vessel is at the correct location before
taking measurements.
5.4.9.1 The pH meter, DO meter and
turbidimeter shall be checked and calibrated before use. DO meter and
turbidimeter shall be certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or any
other international accreditation scheme, and subsequently re- calibrated at 3
monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring.
Responses of sensors and electrodes should be checked with certified standard
solutions before each use. Wet bulb calibration for a DO meter shall be carried
out before measurement at each monitoring location.
5.4.10.1 Sufficient stocks of spare parts shall
be maintained for replacements when necessary. Backup monitoring equipment
shall also be made available so that monitoring can proceed uninterrupted even when
some equipment is under maintenance, calibration, etc. For the on site
calibration of field equipment, the BS127:1993, "Guide to Field and on-site test methods for the analysis of waters"
shall be observed.
5.4.10.2 The Water Quality Monitoring will involve
a large number of monitoring stations and measurements should be conducted
within the prescribed tidal conditions (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted
mid-ebb or mid-flood tides) in order to ensure the measurement/samples are
representative. A multi-probe monitoring equipment set integrated with water
sampler(s) is highly recommended to improve the monitoring efficiency. It is, also, likely that more than one field
survey vessels will be required simultaneously to ensure the monitoring are
conducted within the acceptable monitoring windows. The ET shall also consider
the use of unattended automatic sampling/monitoring devices at fixed stations
where monitoring are required throughout the construction period. The use of
such unattended automatic devices, however, shall be subject to the approval of
the SOR, IEC and EPD.
5.5.1.1 Duplicate samples from each
independent sampling event are required for all the suspended solids
measurement, which shall be carried in a HOKLAS or other international
accredited laboratory. Sufficient water samples shall be collected at the
monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory measurement and analysis.
The laboratory determination work shall start within 24 hours after collection
of the water samples. The analysis for SS is summarized in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1 Laboratory
analysis for SS, nutrient and heavy metals
Parameters |
Instrumentation |
Reference Method |
Reporting Limit |
Detection Limit |
Suspended Solids
(SS) |
Weighing |
APHA 2540-D |
0.5 mg/L |
0.5 mg/L |
5.5.1.2 If a site laboratory is set up or a
non-HOKLAS and non-international accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out
the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment, analytical procedures, and
quality control shall be approved by EPD.
All the analysis shall be witnessed by the SOR. The ET Leader shall provide the SOR with one
copy of the relevant chapters of the “APHA Standard Methods for the Examination
of Water and Wastewater” 19th edition and any other relevant document for his
reference.
5.6.1.1 The nine (9) water quality monitoring stations, control stations and
locations for during the construction and operation phases of TM-CLKL –
Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section are shown in Figure 3.2b.
The demarcation of the monitoring stations for different projects will be
further determined by the ENPO
before the commencement
of the construction. The
selections of these stations are based on the following criteria:
(i)
Impact stations (IS/GG) within 250m –
500m envelope of the construction works and within the Mf sediment
backfilling sites (i.e., 4 impact locations). (ii)
Sensitive receiver (SR) stations near to
key sensitive receivers (i.e. 3 impact stations). (iii)
Control stations at representative
locations with less influence by the projects (i.e. 2 Control stations). Control
stations should be located, as far as practicable, both upstream and
downstream of the works area. (iv)
Not used. (v)
Not used. (vi)
Mf receiving pit are not required based
on the supporting documents for application for variation of environmental
permit (EP 354/2009). Therefore, monitoring of nutrients and heavy metals of
Mf Stations are no longer required. |
5.6.1.2 The co-ordinates of the proposed
monitoring stations during construction, post-construction and operation phases
are listed in Tables 5.2a-b and their
distribution shown in Figure 3.2b. As shown
in Figure 3.2b, the proposed locations for the sensitive
receiver monitoring stations represent the typical sensitive receivers around
the project works.
Table 5.2a Proposed
Water Quality Monitoring Stations (Construction and Post-construction Phases)
Station |
Description |
Easting |
Northing |
Parameters to be measured |
IS12 |
Impact Station (Close to TMCLKL
construction site) |
813218 |
823681 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
IS13 |
Impact Station (Close to TMCLKL
construction site) |
813667 |
824325 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
IS14 |
Impact Station (Close to TMCLK
construction site) |
812592 |
824172 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
IS15 |
Impact Station (Close to TMCLK
construction site) |
813356 |
825008 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
SR8 |
Sensitive receiver (Gazettal beaches in
Tuen Mun) |
816306 |
825715 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
SR9 |
Sensitive receiver |
813601 |
825858 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
SR10a |
Sensitive receiver |
823741 |
823495 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
CS4 |
Control Station |
810025 |
824004 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
CS6 |
Control Station |
817028 |
823992 |
DO, Turbidity, SS |
Table
5.2b Proposed Water
Quality Monitoring Stations (Operation Phase)
Station |
Description |
Easting |
Northing |
Parameters to be measured |
SR3 |
Sensitive receivers (San Tau Beach SSSI) |
810525 |
816456 |
DO, Turbidity, SS, pH, Salinity,
Temperature |
SR4 |
Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho Wan) |
814760 |
817867 |
DO, Turbidity, SS, pH, Salinity,
Temperature |
CS2 |
Control Station |
805849 |
818780 |
DO, Turbidity, SS, pH, Salinity,
Temperature |
CS(Mf)5 |
Control Station |
817990 |
821129 |
DO, Turbidity, SS, pH, Salinity,
Temperature |
5.6.1.3 Control stations (CS4 and CS6) are
necessary to compare the water quality from potentially impacted sites with the
ambient water quality. Control stations shall be located within the same body
of water as the impact monitoring stations but should be outside the area of
influence of the works and, as far as practicable, not affected by any other
works. The Control stations shown in Figure 3.2b are
indicative subject to further review before construction phase. During the
review, the location of the Impact stations for boundary of mixing zones will
also be re-visited. If there are any changes to the monitoring locations, these
shall be submitted 4 weeks before commencement of baseline monitoring for EPD
approval.
5.6.1.4 In-situ monitoring (DO, temperature,
turbidity, pH, salinity) and water sample for SS shall be taken at 3 water
depths, namely, 1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed,
except where the water depth is less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth
station may be omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the
mid-depth station will be monitored. No
marine construction activities should be conducted in the vicinity of the
stations during the Baseline Monitoring period.
The status and locations of water sensitive receivers and the marine
activities may change after issuing this Manual. If such cases exist, the ET
Leader shall propose with justification for changes to monitoring locations or
other requirements of the EM&A programme, and seek approval from the IEC
and EPD.
5.6.1.5 The ENPO may, depending on site
conditions and monitoring results, decides whether additional monitoring locations
shall be included or any monitoring locations could be removed/relocated during
any stage of the construction phase, after getting approval from EPD.
5.7.1.1 Baseline conditions for marine water
quality shall be established and agreed with EPD prior to the commencement of
works. The purpose of the baseline monitoring is to establish ambient
conditions prior to the commencement of the works and to demonstrate the
suitability of the proposed impact and control monitoring stations. The
baseline conditions shall normally be established by measuring the DO,
temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity and SS at all designated locations
specified in Section 5.6 above. The
measurements shall be taken at all designated monitoring stations including
control stations, 3 days per week, at mid- flood (within ± 1.75 hour of the
predicted time) and mid-ebb (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted time) tides,
for at least 4 weeks prior to the commencement of marine works. Replicate
in-situ measurements and samples collected from each independent sampling event
shall be collected to ensure a robust statistically interpretable database.
5.7.1.2 Baseline monitoring programme may
overlap with other reclamation activities. The monitoring exercise should be
scheduled as far as possible to avoid concurrent dredging / backfilling
activities around the monitoring stations such that representative ambient data
could be sampled.
5.7.1.3 Other relevant data shall also be
recorded, such as monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal
stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena underway near the
monitoring station. There shall not be any marine construction activities in
the vicinity of the stations during the baseline monitoring.
5.7.1.4 As this project will last for a few
years, the ET Leader should seek approval from the IEC and EPD on an
appropriate set of data to be used with the baseline data collected by this
study to establish two set of
5.7.1.5 Baseline monitoring schedule shall
be faxed to EPD 2 weeks prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. The
interval between two sets of monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours.
5.7.1.6 The Baseline Water Quality
Monitoring was conducted during 6 and 31 October 2011. Monitoring results are
presented in the Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao
Bridge Hong Kong Projects – Investigation ([4]). The baseline
data were adopted for analysis in the current EM&A Programme.
5.8.1.1 The ET shall be responsible for
conducting tests to confirm that their silt curtain systems to be adopted would
satisfy the requirements in the EIA Report.
5.8.1.2 Pilot tests should be carried out
during the early stage of construction to confirm whether the silt removal
efficiency of the cage type silt curtain and the floating type silt curtains
can achieve 80% and 45% silt removal efficiency for dredging and filling
activities respectively when deployed separately, and a combined reduction of
95% and 61% when the two type of silt curtains are used jointly. Pilot tests
for cage type silt curtain (with steel enclosure) should be carried out to see
if the cage type silt curtain (with steel enclosure) can achieve 80% reduction
when applied singly under current above 0.5 m/s.
5.8.1.3 The pilot test shall include basic
measurements such as turbidity and suspended solids as well as current speed
and direction. Where testing of cage type silt curtain (with steel enclosure)
to is to be conducted at relatively fast current, supplementary Acoustic
Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurement of the plumes shall be considered
to provide a better characterization of instant suspended solids plumes. A
method statement shall be submitted by the ET Leader to seek approval from the
IEC and EPD.
5.8.1.4 Cage type silt curtains will be
applied round all grab dredgers during the HKBCF, HKLR and TM-CLKL southern
reclamation works. Cage type silt curtain (with steel enclosure) shall be used
for grab dredgers working in the site of HKBCF and TM-CLKL southern
reclamation.
5.8.1.5 The pilot tests shall be conducted
during the initial period of dredging and filling works of either TM-CLKL,
HKBCF or HKLR. The silt-removal efficiency of the silt curtains shall be
verified by examining the results of water quality monitoring points. The water
quality monitoring points to be selected for the above shall be those close to
the locations of the initial period of dredging work. The details for the pilot
study shall be determined by the ENPO and agreed with EPD, taking account of
the Contractor’s proposed actual locations of his initial period of dredging
work. ET shall submit the pilot test proposal detailing the layout of silt
curtains, monitoring location and testing arrangement for EPD’s agreement
before conducting the pilot tests.
5.8.1.6 Regardless of the measured
efficiency of the silt curtain system, the event and action plan shall only be
based on the monitoring results at the designed monitoring stations.
5.9.1.1 Reclamation would require dredging
and filling activities during the construction.
During this period, silt curtains would be installed to control sediment
loss. Annex A shows
the arrangement of the silt curtains for reclamation at Northern Landfall as
stated in the Notification. During the construction period, monitoring shall be
undertaken 3 days per week, at mid-flood (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted
time) and mid-ebb (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted time) tides, with
sampling / measurement at the designated monitoring stations. Two in-situ measurements and samples
collected from each independent sampling event shall be collected to ensure a
robust statistically interpretable database.
The interval between two sets of monitoring shall not be less than 36
hours except where there are exceedances of Action and / or Limit levels, in
which case the monitoring frequency will be increased. Two consecutive measures
of DO concentration, DO saturation, pH, salinity, temperature, turbidity and
water samples for SS will be taken in situ at 1 m below the surface, mid-depth
and 1 m above the seabed at each location.
If the water depth is less than 6 m, the mid- depth measurement may be
omitted subject to the approval of the SOR. If the depth is less than 3 m, only
the mid-depth measurements need to be taken subject to the approval of the SOR.
The monitoring probes shall be retrieved out of water after the first
measurement and then redeployed for the second measurement. Where the difference in value between the
first and second readings of DO or turbidity parameters is more than 25% of the
value of the first reading, the reading shall be discarded and further readings
shall be taken.
5.9.1.2 Not used.
5.9.1.3 If the Impact Monitoring results
indicate that dredging / filling works have caused adverse impacts on water
quality at the monitoring stations, appropriate actions (including the lowering
of production rates for dredging and filling) should be taken and additional
mitigation measures should
be implemented as necessary.
Under this circumstance, water quality monitoring frequency has to be increased
to once per day when dredging / filling is undertaken. 24-hour monitoring of turbidity should be
implemented as and when necessary. The
monitoring results should be made available within a reasonable short period to
be agreed with the EPD, SOR and IEC.
5.9.2.1 The
preliminary ground investigation conducted for TM-CLKL did not detected Mf
material (ie. Category M Sediment which fails the biological test as per ETWB
TC 34/2002) in the project site and no handling of Mf has been predicted. Therefore,
this sub-section is only relevant to HKBCF and HKLR projects.
5.9.2.2 Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme.
5.9.2.3 Not relevant to the Northern
Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A programme.
5.9.3.1 Not relevant to the Northern
Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A Programme.
5.10.1.1 Upon completion of all marine-based construction
activities, a post-project monitoring exercise on water quality shall be
carried out for 4 weeks in the same manner as the Baseline Monitoring. Replicate in-situ measurements and samples
collected from each independent sampling event shall be collected to ensure a
robust statistically interpretable database. The measurement parameters for
Post- construction monitoring shall include DO, temperature, turbidity, pH,
salinity and SS. The measurement shall be taken at all designated monitoring stations
including control stations, 3 days per week, at mid-flood (within ± 1.75 hour
of the predicted time) and mid-ebb (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted time)
tides, for at least 4 weeks.
5.10.1.2 Since the southern and northern
landfalls of TM-CLKL are distant from each other and based on the tentatively
programme available during the EIA stage the two landfall has a different
construction time frame, the Post-construction monitoring for each landfalls
may conducted separately. The ET should review the actual implantation
programme and recommend if a separate post-construction monitoring for each
landfall is required.
5.11.1.1 The
marine water quality monitoring shall be performed monthly during the first
year of Project operation at all designated monitoring stations including
control stations. Each monthly monitoring event shall consist of one monitoring
and sampling event during both mid-ebb (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted
time) and mid-flood (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted time) tides of the
same monitoring day.. The operation phase monitoring shall be ceased after the
first year of operation of the Project subject to the first year review. No
marine construction activities should be conducted in the vicinity of the
stations during the Operational Phase monitoring period.
5.11.1.2 Sampling
shall be taken at three water depths, namely, 1m below water surface, mid-depth
and 1m above sea bed, except where the water depth is less than 6m, in which
case the mid-depth station may be omitted. If the water depth be less than 3m,
only the mid-depth station will be monitored. In-situ measurements at DO,
turbidity, SS, pH, salinity and temperature shall be taken at all the
monitoring stations SR2, SR3, CS2 and CS(Mf)5 (refer to Table 5.2b). A full set of in duplicated situ measurement and water
samples shall be collected during each of the mid-ebb (within ± 1.75 hour of
the predicted time) and mid-flood (within ±1.75 hour of the predicted time)
tides.
5.12.1.1 The Action and Limit levels for water
quality are defined in Table 5.3.
Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the
Action Plan in Table 5.4 shall be
carried out.
5.12.1.2 Not used.
Table 5.3 Action
& Limit Levels for Water Quality
Parameter |
Action Level# |
Limit Level# |
DO in mg/L (a) |
Surface
and Middle |
Surface
and Middle |
|
5.0 mg/L |
4.2 mg/L |
|
Bottom |
Bottom |
|
4.7 mg/L |
3.6 mg/L |
Turbidity in NTU
(Depth-averaged (b), (c)) |
120% of upstream control
station at the same tide of the same day and 95%-ile of baseline data, i.e., 27.5 NTU |
130% of upstream control
station at the same tide of the same day and 99%-ile of baseline data, i.e., 47.0 NTU |
SS in mg/L (Depth-averaged (b),
(c)) |
120% of upstream control
station at the same tide of the same day and 95%-ile of baseline data, i.e., 23.5 mg/L |
130% of upstream control
station at the same tide of the same day and 10mg/L for WSD Seawater Intakes
at Tuen Mun and 99%-ile of baseline data, i.e., 34.4 mg/L |
Notes: |
|
|
# Baseline data: data from
HKZMB Baseline Water Quality Monitoring between 6 and 31 October 2011. |
||
(a)
For DO,
non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is
lower than the limits. |
||
(b)
“Depth-averaged”
is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths |
||
(c)
For
turbidity and SS, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when
monitoring result is higher than the limits. |
||
(d)
All
figures given in the table are used for reference only, and EPD may amend the
figures whenever it is considered as necessary |
||
(e)
The
1%-ile of baseline data for surface and middle DO is 4.2 mg/L, whilst for
bottom DO is 3.6 mg/L. |
Table 5.4 Event
& Action Plan for Water Quality
Event |
ET Leader |
IEC |
SOR |
Contractor |
Action level being exceeded
by one sampling day |
1.
Repeat in situ measurement on next day of exceedance to confirm
findings; 2.
Identify source(s) of impact; 3.
Inform IEC, contractor and SOR; 4.
Check monitoring data, all
plant, equipment and Contractor's working methods. |
1.
Check monitoring data submitted
by ET and Contractor’s working methods. |
1.
Confirm receipt of notification
of non-compliance in writing; 2.
Notify Contractor. |
1.
Inform the SOR and confirm
notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2.
Rectify unacceptable practice; 3.
Amend working methods if appropriate. |
Action level being exceeded by two or more
consecutive sampling days |
1.
Repeat measurement on next day
of exceedance to confirm findings; 2.
Identify source(s) of impact; 3.
Inform IEC, contractor, SOR and
EPD; 4.
Check monitoring data, all plant,
equipment and Contractor's working methods; 5.
Discuss mitigation measures with
IEC, SOR and Contractor; 6.
Ensure mitigation measures are
implemented; 7.
Increase the monitoring
frequency to daily until no exceedance of Action level; |
1.
Check monitoring data submitted
by ET and Contractor’s working method; 2.
Discuss with ET and Contractor
on possible remedial actions; 3.
Review the proposed mitigation
measures submitted by Contractor and advise the SOR accordingly; 4.
Supervise the implementation of
mitigation measures. |
1.
Discuss with IEC on the proposed
mitigation measures; 2.
Ensure mitigation measures are
properly implemented; 3.
Assess the effectiveness of the
implemented mitigation measures. |
1.
Inform the Supervising Officer
and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2.
Rectify unacceptable practice; 3.
Check all plant and equipment
and consider changes of working methods; 4.
Submit proposal of additional mitigation
measures to SOR within 3 working days of notification and discuss with ET,
IEC and SOR; 5.
Implement the agreed mitigation
measures. |
Limit level being exceeded by one sampling day |
1.
Repeat measurement on next day of
exceedance to confirm findings; 2.
Identify source(s) of impact; 3.
Inform IEC, contractor, SOR and
EPD; 4.
Check monitoring data, all
plant, equipment and Contractor's working methods; 5.
Discuss mitigation measures with 6.
IEC, SOR and Contractor; |
1.
Check monitoring data submitted
by ET and Contractor’s working method; 2.
Discuss with ET and Contractor
on possible remedial actions; 3.
Review the proposed mitigation
measures submitted by Contractor and advise the SOR accordingly. |
1.
Confirm receipt of notification
of failure in writing; 2.
Discuss with IEC, ET and
Contractor on the proposed mitigation measures; 3.
Request Contractor to review the
working methods. |
1.
Inform the SOR and confirm
notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2.
Rectify unacceptable practice; 3.
Check all plant and equipment
and consider changes of working methods; 4.
Submit proposal of mitigation
measures to SOR within 3 working days of notification and discuss with ET,
IEC and SOR. |
Limit level being exceeded
by two or more consecutive sampling days |
1.
Repeat measurement on next day
of exceedance to confirm findings; 2.
Identify source(s) of impact; 3.
Inform IEC, contractor, SOR and
EPD; 4.
Check monitoring data, all plant,
equipment and Contractor's working methods; 5.
Discuss mitigation measures with
IEC, SOR and Contractor; 6.
Ensure mitigation measures are
implemented; 7.
Increase the monitoring
frequency to daily until no exceedance of Limit level for two consecutive
days; |
1.
Check monitoring data submitted
by ET and Contractor’s working method; 2.
Discuss with ET and Contractor
on possible remedial actions; 3.
Review the Contractor’s
mitigation measures whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise
the SOR accordingly; 4.
Supervise the implementation of
mitigation measures. |
1.
Discuss with IEC, ET and
Contractor on the proposed mitigation measures; 2.
Request Contractor to critically
review the working methods; 3.
Make agreement on the mitigation
measures to be implemented; 4.
Ensure mitigation measures are
properly implemented; 5.
Consider and instruct, if
necessary, the Contractor to slow down or to stop all or part of the
construction activities until no exceedance of Limit level. |
1.
Take immediate action to avoid
further exceedance; 2.
Submit proposal of mitigation
measures to SOR within 3 working days of notification and discuss with ET,
IEC and SOR; 3.
Implement the agreed mitigation
measures; 4.
Resubmit proposals of mitigation
measures if problem still not under control; 5.
As directed by the Supervising
Officer, to slow down or to stop all or part of the construction activities
until no exceedance of Limit level. |
Note: ET – Environmental
Team, IEC – Independent Environmental Checker, SOR – Supervising Officer’s
Representative
6.1.1.1 The EIA has recommended that an
EM&A for ecology is undertaken during the design, construction and
operational phases of the project. The
objectives of the design phase EM&A are to prepare detailed specifications
for translocation works to be undertaken prior to construction. The construction and operational EM&A
objectives are to ensure that the ecological contract works and construction
mitigation procedures recommended in the EIA are carried out as specified and
are effective. The construction and
operational phase EM&A will be carried out as part of the site monitoring
and audit programme.
6.2.1.1 The design phase audit procedures
are detailed in Section 1.5.3 and Figure 1.1. Ecological
specifications for species translocation will be designed as part of the
project detailed design phase. The specifications and designs will be reviewed
as and when they are produced. The final ecological specifications and designs
shall be signed off by the design auditor(s) using the appropriate proforma
(see Appendix B).
6.2.1.2 The construction
phase ecological audit
is concerned with
checking the effectiveness of the
implementation of the ecology contract works, together with auditing the
effectiveness of site mitigation.
Operational phase EM&A will comprise the audit of the
reestablishment of habitat areas and the on-going effectiveness of mitigation
measures as appropriate. The operational phase EM&A shall be undertaken
during the Contractor’s one year maintenance period. The overall procedures for
the ecological EM&A during construction and operation are shown in Figures 1.2 and 6.1.
6.3.1.1 Ecological measures proposed by the EIA to mitigate the ecology impacts of the scheme will be incorporated into the detailed design of the project.
In particular, ecology specifications will be produced for the elements detailed in Table 6.1 below.
Table 6.1 Ecological
Design Specifications
Number |
Specification |
1 |
Hoarding along the works boundary for protecting
the pitcher plants and its surrounding habitat (not relevant to the current EM&A
Programme) |
2 |
Translocation specifications for corals |
3 |
Pre, during and post construction dolphin monitoring. |
4 |
Vessel speed limits and restrictions specification |
5 |
Bored piling monitoring programme specification
(not relevant to the current EM&A Programme) |
6 |
Design of dredging and reclamation works acoustic decoupling methods (not relevant to the current
EM&A Programme) |
7 |
Specification for dolphin
exclusion zone during
dredging, reclamation, sheet and bored piling |
8 |
Artificial reef deployment (not relevant to the current EM&A
Programme) |
6.3.1.2 The specifications
should be issued to the EPD and
AFCD
and other
relevant Authorities for approval
before being implemented prior to construction.
6.3.1.3 Designs and specifications
will
be prepared during the detailed design stage
by suitably qualified staff on the design
team. The designs
will be checked by a design auditor(s) to ensure that the measures
are fully incorporated
and that potential conflicts
with the engineering are resolved prior to construction.
In the event of a non conformity, the Event/Action
plan
detailed in Table
6.2 below shall be followed by the relevant parties.
Table 6.2 Event
/ Action Plan for Design Phase
Action Level |
Ecology Auditor |
Project Engineer (PE) |
Project Ecologist (PEC) |
Non Conformity (with
Design Standards and
Specification) |
- Identify Source - Inform PE and PEC - Discuss remedial
actions with PE,
and PEC - Verify remedial
actions when complete |
- Notify PEC - Discuss remedial actions with PEC - Ensure remedial
designs are fully
incorporated |
- Amend designs - Discuss remedial actions with PE |
6.4.1.1 Ecological baseline EM&A will
consist of undertaking the following:
·
Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A
ProgrammeAudit of species translocation works (corals);Pre-construction dolphin
monitoring; andNot relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section
EM&A ProgrammeNot relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel
Section EM&A Programme ·
Audit
of species translocation works (corals); ·
Pre-construction
dolphin monitoring; and ·
Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A Programme |
6.4.2.1 Not relevant to the Northern
Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A Programme
6.4.3.1 In respect of translocation works,
the ET will be required to audit the effectiveness of the implementation of the
ecology translocation contract works, item 2 detailed in Table 6.1 above. Prior to
the translocation works, pre-construction surveys of corals were conducted at
Pillar Point and the potential receptor site of Tai Mo To (Figure 6.2). An alternative receptor site at Yam Tsui Wan
is proposed for the translocated coral from Pillar Point. Finding of the pre-construction survey are
included in the Detailed Coral Translocation Methodology which was submitted to
the EPD in accordance with Condition 2.6
of the EP-354/2009A. The implementation of the specification for
translocation of the corals should be undertaken prior to any major relevant
construction works and thus, the EM&A for these will be undertaken early in
the Contract. The audit will continue into the construction phase after the
translocations have been completed.
6.4.3.2 A
qualified ecologist(s), as part of the ET, will carry out the audit. The
ecological contract works, detailed in Table
6.1, shall be audited with reference to the audit schedule detailed in Table 6.3 below.
Table 6.3 Audit
Schedule for Ecological Contract Works
Specification Number (Table 6.1) |
Baseline Phase |
Construction Phase |
2 |
Audit compliance at least once per
week during implementation which
will be prior to the start of the main construction activities. After translocation is complete,
carry out audit survey to determine if all corals have been moved. |
Audit success of translocation once
every 3 months after
completion by assessing survival of transplanted species.
Continue for a
period of 12
months. |
6.4.4.1 Perhaps
the most important ecological measure of all is to conduct surveys to monitor
the density and behavior of the animals before, during, and after the period of
the potential disturbance. This objective is to determine if the other
mitigation measures have been effective in protecting the animals from
disturbance and maintaining their habitat quality. In addition, it is necessary
to monitor the effects of the construction works on the use of dolphin
travelling corridors. While there is not expected to be a complete physical
blockage of the travelling corridors, the works may have some impacts in terms
of reducing dolphin use of these corridors. As data on this is scarce, dolphin
monitoring is, also, required to monitor the use of the travel corridors and if
the dolphins stop using the corridors, then it will be necessary to provide
some remediation to deal with this, in the form of adaptive management.
6.4.4.2 In
order for such monitoring to be effective, it needs to be divided into three
phases: pre-disturbance (i.e., baseline phase), disturbance (i.e, construction
phase), and post-disturbance (i.e., operational phase). Survey techniques must
be held constant from phase to phase and survey equipment and personnel should
ideally be the same as well.
6.4.4.3 Project-specific dolphin monitoring
using line transect surveys combined with photo-identification studies, also,
have the advantage of being able to provide evaluation of dolphin fine-scale
habitat use patterns. This includes 1 km2 per grid densities and grid-based
patterns of feeding, socializing and calving, as well as individual ranging
patterns, allowing the detection of any smaller-scale impacts and changes in
core area use (see Hung 2008).
6.4.4.4 Considering that AFCD monitoring
provides useful data, the monitoring programme should comprise undertaking
surveys, 2 days per month for a period of 12 months during each phase.
Notwithstanding, as 9 months of baseline surveys have been undertaken for the
purposes of this EIA, a further 3 months only would be required for the
pre-construction phase. In summary, the following monitoring would be required:
·
Six,
one-day survey events to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month over a
period of 3 months before commencement of construction; ·
One-day
survey events to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month for the duration
of the marine works construction period; and ·
Forty-eight,
one-day survey events to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month over a
period of 24 months following cessation of the construction. |
6.4.4.5 The
period required for the monitoring is considered to be adequate to derive a
reasonably large amount of data, thereby allowing any significant trends in
dolphin distribution to be detected (
6.4.4.6 The
monitoring should also be undertaken by a suitably qualified person (in
biology) and should be independent of the construction contractor and should
form part of the independent Environmental Team (ET). The IEC may audit the
work of the ET if deemed necessary. Monitoring should be conducted following
the methodology detailed below:
Vessel based
Observations
|
6.4.4.7 Line
transect surveying techniques have now been standardized in Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region Waters so that data from all surveys are directly comparable. The study
area with line transects is presented in Figure 6.3 which covers
the Northeast Lantau (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL). In order to provide a
suitable long-term dataset for comparison, pre-, during and post-construction
phase dolphin monitoring will employ an identical methodology and follow the
same line transects as those in the EIA Report.
Additional transect lines that are used in the AFCD long-term dolphin monitoring
are also included, such that the monitoring data collected in this project is
comparable to the long-term databases maintained by AFCD.
6.4.4.8 On each survey day, the survey
vessel will depart from Tung Chung New Pier. Observation for incidental
sighting will begin immediately on departure from the assigned pier and
continue until the vessel reaches the survey area. The survey vessel shall have
an open upper deck, allowing for observer eye heights of 4 to 5m above water
level and relatively unobstructed forward visibility between 270º and 90º. When
on-effort, the vessel shall travel along the survey lines at a speed of
approximately 7 to 8 knots (13 to 15 km/hr). The direction of the survey shall
be alternated on different days to avoid possible biases related to the timing
of the survey coverage.
6.4.4.9 Vessel-based
transect observations by a three-person team shall be conducted by searching
the 180q swath in front of the survey vessel (270º to 90º). The area behind the
vessel need not be searched, although dolphins observed in this area should be
recorded as off-effort sightings. The primary observer will scan the entire
search path (270º to 90º) continuously with Fujinon 7x50 marine binoculars or
equivalent as the second member of the team, designated the data “recorder”,
scans the same area with the naked eye and occasional binocular check. The
third observer on the boat is required to rotate into the observation team
after half an hour, thus relieving one of the initial team. Observers should
rotate every half an hour. While on-effort, observers shall ignore potential
sighting cues that could bias the sighting distance calibration (eg pair-trawl
fishing vessels).
6.4.4.10 A critical consideration in the survey
will be to ensure a strict timed quantification of “sighting effort” in order
to maximise the comparative value of the field survey results. The time and
position for the start and end of a period of intensive, uninterrupted effort,
and the sighting conditions such as visibility range and Beaufort scale
associated with it shall be recorded. The collection of effort data allows
comparisons within a single study as well as between studies. Strict recording
of time and speed travelling along the assigned transect (“on-effort”) shall, therefore,
be recorded. Time spent during any deviation from the transect will be recorded
as “off-effort”.
6.4.4.11 During periods of poor weather, when
visibility is hindered (e.g., below 1km) or when a Beaufort force 5 is reached,
the survey should normally be postponed.
6.4.4.12 Sightings distant to 500m
perpendicular distance and sightings of single dolphins that were hard to track
should not be pursued (although those distant to 500m ahead of the vessel
should be pursued). The initial sighting distance between the dolphin and the
survey vessel and sighting angle shall be recorded in order to estimate the
positions of the dolphins. These and other details of the sighting, including
the exact location of the sighting and number of individuals should be agreed
among the observation team and recorded immediately. Distances and angles shall
be as accurate as possible.
6.4.4.13 A global positioning system shall be
used during the surveys. A sighting record shall be filled out at the initial
sighting with time, position, distance and angle data filled in immediately and
verified between primary observer and recorder. All other information on sea
state, weather conditions (Beaufort Scale), as well as notes on dolphin
appearance, behaviour, and any other information shall also be completed.
6.4.4.14 A summary of equipment requirement is
summarized in Table 6.4 below.
Table 6.4 Summary
of Dolphin Monitoring Equipment Requirements
Equipment |
Type |
Vessel
for Monitoring |
A monitoring boat which should have a flying bridge
or upper deck with a relatively unobstructed forward visibility (270o – 90o) allowing for observer eye height of 4-5m above water |
Observation |
Fujinon 7x50 marine binoculars (or similar) with
compass/reticule |
Calibration |
Leica Geovid laser range finder binnacles or equivalent |
Navigation and Positioning |
Global Positioning System Device (Magellen NAV 5000D or similar approved) (+ spare batteries) |
6.4.4.15 The three-month vessel-based Baseline Dolphin
Monitoring was conducted between 5 September and 7 November 2011. The
monitoring results are presented in the Baseline
Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects –
Investigation ([5]). The baseline data will be adopted for analysis in the
current EM&A Programme.
6.4.5.1 to 6.4.5.8
Not relevant to the Northern
Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A Programme
6.5.1.1
During the
construction and operational phases the ET will be required to undertake the
following:
·
continued
audit of the translocation works as per the requirements in Table 6.3 above; ·
audit
of habitat protection measures as follows; ·
ensure
that work site boundaries are not breached and that damage does not occur to
surrounding areas; ·
provided
and scheduled environmental briefing/training sessions for site staff to
raise their awareness on environmental protection; ·
ensure
placement of equipment is within designated areas within the existing
disturbed land; ·
ensure
construction activities are restricted to within the proposed works boundary; ·
ensure
spoil heaps are be covered at all times; ·
ensure
that disturbed areas are reinstated immediately after completion of the
works; and ·
Not
relevant to the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A Programme ·
ensure
enhancement planting works undertaken. ·
audit
of acoustic decoupling for dredging and reclamation work and the vessel
restrictions requirements, as specified by the specifications prepared during
the design stage (items 4 and 6 in
Table 6.1 above); ·
implement
any further recommendations, if any, of the bored piling monitoring; ·
implementation
of the dolphin exclusion zone during dredging, reclamation , sheet and piling
works; ·
audit
the avoidance of peak CWD calving season in May and June for driving of metal
caissons during bored piling works; and ·
audit
the pre-construction, construction and operational phase dolphin monitoring. |
6.5.2.1 A dolphin exclusion zone within a
radius of 250m around the dredging, reclamation, sheet and bored piling works should
be implemented and the area visually inspected for dolphins prior to
commencement of the marine works. The principles of the exclusion zone are
that, during daylight hours, the area should be visually inspected for dolphins
prior to commencement of dredging, reclamation or sheet piling works. The sheet
piling works will be restricted to 12 hours a day and visual inspection will be
possible. However, it is possible that the other marine works for the TM-CLKL
would continue for 16 hours per day. As such, as the visual exclusion zone
relies on the visual detection of dolphins, it would not suitable during
evening or nighttime periods. Based upon this, an alternative method using
Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) would be required for any dredging and reclamation
works undertaken outside daylight hours. PAM involves the use of hydrophones or
cetacean detectors. The specification prepared during the detailed design
should further specify the use of PAM.
6.5.2.2 The dolphin exclusion zone should be
monitored by independent dolphin observers with an unobstructed, elevated view
of the area. Piling should not begin until the observer certifies that the area
is continuously clear of dolphins for a period of 30 minutes (thereby
adequately spanning the approximate maximum dive time of the dolphins of 4
minutes). The observers must be suitably trained in biology and should be
independent of the construction contractor and should form part of the
independent Environmental Team (ET) to be employed by the Contractor. An
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) would be required to audit the work of
the ET.
6.5.2.3 For
the overall audit of habitat protection, acoustic decoupling, dolphin exclusion
zone and the vessel restrictions requirements, in the event of non-compliance,
the Event /Action plan detailed in Table
6.5 below should be implemented.
Table 6.5 Event
/ Action Plan for General Ecology
Action Level |
ET |
IEC |
SOR |
Contractor |
Non-conformity
on one occasion |
-
Identify Source
-
Inform the IEC
and the SOR -
Discuss remedial
actions with the IEC, the SOR and
the Contractor -
Monitor remedial
actions until
rectification has been completed |
-
Check report -
Check the Contractor's working method -
Discuss with the ET and the Contractor on
possible remedial
measures -
Advise the SOR on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures. -
Check implementation of
remedial measures. |
-
Notify Contractor
Ensure remedial measures are properly
implemented -
Consider and instruct, if necessary, the
Contractor to slow down or
to
stop all or part of the works in the case of a serious non-
conformity until situation rectified. |
-
Amend working
methods -
Rectify damage
and undertake any
necessary replacement |
Repeated Non conformity |
-
Identify Source
Inform the IC(E) and the SOR
-
Increase monitoring
frequency
Discuss remedial
actions with the IC(E), the SOR and the Contractor -
Monitor remedial
actions until
rectification has been completed -
If exceedance
stops, cease
additional monitoring |
-
Check monitoring
report -
Check the Contractor's
working method -
Discuss with the ES and the Contractor on
possible remedial
measures -
Advise the SOR on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures -
Supervise implementation of
remedial measures |
-
Notify the Contractor -
Ensure remedial measures are properly
implemented -
Consider and instruct, if necessary, the
Contractor to slow down or
to
stop all or part of the works in the case of a serious non-
conformity until situation rectified. |
-
Amend working
methods -
Rectify damage
and undertake any
necessary replacement |
6.5.3.1
The dolphin
monitoring methodology is described in Section
6.4 above and this should be continued both during construction and post
construction (operational) phase based using the same transect, method and
survey techniques, based upon the following frequency:
·
one-day
surveys to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month for the duration of
the marine works construction; and ·
forty-eight,
one-day survey events to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month over a
period of 24 months following cessation of the construction. |
6.5.3.2 The data after each phase should be compared
the pre-construction baseline findings. Any apparent differences in density
among survey phases should be analysed for trends and the statistical power of
the analysis to detect effects of the desired size should be tested. Comparison
of the during and post construction dolphin monitoring with that of over the
pre-construction dolphin monitoring will allow the assessment of the overall
efficacy of the project-specific mitigation measures through the implementation
of an Event and Action Plan detailed in the Table 6.9b below. Statistical procedures shall be used for data
comparison. A range of applicable statistical procedures exist (e.g., t-test,
ANOVA and ANCOVA, etc.) and the ET shall propose the procedure to be applied as
part of the during and post-construction phase dolphin monitoring programme
design to be agreed with AFCD prior to the monitoring being undertaken.
6.5.3.3 Should
dolphin sighting numbers in the construction or post-construction phases be
significantly different (taking into account naturally occurring alterations to
distribution patterns such as due to seasonal change) to the pre-construction
activity, recommendations for a further post-construction monitoring survey
will be made. Data should then be re-assessed and the need for any further
monitoring established. Comparison of the pre-construction dolphin monitoring
with that of the during and post- construction dolphin monitoring will allow
the assessment of the overall efficacy of the project-specific mitigation
measures and an Event and Action Plan for the dolphin is provided in Table 6.9b below.
6.5.3.4 An
action plan should be defined to indicate that should dolphin numbers be
significantly different (taking into account naturally occurring alterations to
distribution patterns such as due to seasonal change) to the pre-construction
activity following the during and post-construction monitoring, recommendations
for further monitoring and mitigation will be required. The Action and Limit
level which will trigger the Event and Action Plan is proposed for the EM&A
programme of the HKBCF. The Action and Limit Level and the Event and Action
Plan of the HKBCF EM&A Programme will both be adopted for the current
EM&A Programme given the same area of dolphin monitoring of the two
programmes (ie Northeast Lantau (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL)).
Table 6.9a Action
and Limit Level for Dolphin Monitoring
|
NEL |
NWL |
Action
Level |
(STG <
4.2) & (ANI < 15.5) |
(STG <
6.9) & (ANI < 31.3) |
Limit
Level |
[(STG
< 2.4) & (ANI <8.9)] AND [ (STG < 3.9)& (ANI < 17.9)] |
Note:
(1)
Table 6.9b Event
/ Action Plan for During and Post Construction Dolphin Monitoring
EVENT |
ACTION* |
||||
ET |
IEC |
SOR |
Contractor |
||
Action
Level |
|
1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor; 2. Discuss monitoring results and finding with the ET and the Contractor.
|
1. Discuss monitoring with the IEC and any other measures proposed by the
ET; 2. If SOR is satisfied with the proposal of any other measures, SOR to
signify the agreement in writing on the measures to be implemented. |
1. Inform the SOR and confirm notification of the non-compliance in
writing; 2. Discuss with the ET and the IEC and propose measures to the IEC and
the SOR; 3. Implement the agreed measures. |
|
Limit
Level |
1.
Repeat statistical data analysis to confirm
findings; 2.
Review all available and relevant data, including
raw data and statistical analysis results of other parameters covered in the
EM&A, to ascertain if differences are as a result of natural variation or
previously observed seasonal differences; 3.
Identify source(s) of impact; 4.
Inform the IEC, SOR and Contractor of
findings; 5.
Check monitoring data; 6.
Repeat review to ensure all the dolphin
protective measures are fully and properly implemented and advise on
additional measures if necessary. 7.
If ET proves that the source of impact is
caused by any of the construction activity by the works contract, ET to
arrange a meeting to discuss with IEC, SOR and Contractor the necessity of
additional dolphin monitoring and/or any other potential mitigation measures
(e.g., consider to modify the perimeter silt curtain or consider to
control/temporarily stop relevant construction activity etc.) and submit to
IEC a proposal of additional dolphin monitoring and/or mitigation measures
where necessary. |
1.
Check monitoring data submitted by ET and
Contractor; 2.
Discuss monitoring results and findings with
the ET and the Contractor; 3.
Attend the meeting to discuss with ET, SOR and
Contractor the necessity of additional dolphin monitoring and any other potential
mitigation measures. 4.
Review proposals for additional monitoring and
any other mitigation measures submitted by ET and Contractor and advise SOR
of the results and findings accordingly. 5.
Supervise / Audit the implementation of additional
monitoring and/or any other mitigation measures and advise SOR the results
and findings accordingly. |
1.
Attend the meeting to discuss with ET, IEC and
Contractor the necessity of additional dolphin monitoring and any other potential
mitigation measures. 2.
If SOR is satisfied with the proposals for
additional dolphin monitoring and/or any other mitigation measures submitted
by ET and Contractor and verified by IEC, SOR to signify the agreement in writing
on such proposals and any other mitigation measures. 3.
Supervise the implementation of additional
monitoring and/or any other mitigation measures. |
1. Inform the SOR and confirm notification of the non-compliance in
writing; 2. Attend the meeting to discuss with ET, IEC and SOR the necessity of
additional dolphin monitoring and any other potential mitigation measures. 3. Jointly submit with ET to IEC a proposal of additional dolphin monitoring
and/or any other mitigation measures when necessary. 4. Implement the agreed additional dolphin monitoring and/or any other
mitigation measures. |
6.5.3.5 It
should be noted that the current Northern Landfall Sub-sea Tunnel Section
EM&A programme is exempted from carrying out the vessel-based line transect
dolphin monitoring until the completion of the dolphin monitoring carried out
under the HKBCF Reclamation Contract.
Vessel-based line transect dolphin monitoring data from the impact
monitoring of Contract No. HY/2011/03 -
HZMB HKLR - Section between Scenic Hill and HKBCF ([6]) will be adopted
for the current EM&A programme.
6.6.1.1 Ecological mitigation and enhancement
measures recommended by the EIA are largely related to the protection of key
floral and fauna species and are summarized below. In addition, measures
recommended to minimise impacts on water quality will, also, reduce impacts on
marine ecological resources. The ecological mitigation and enhancement measures
to be implemented during the construction phase are as follows:
i)
use
acoustic decoupling methods to minimise noise being transmitted through the
dredging and reclamation barges; ii)
250m
dolphin exclusion zone during dredging, reclamation, sheet and bored piling
works; iii)
avoidance
of the peak calving season of May and June for installation of metal caisson
during bored piling works; iv)
survey
and translocation of corals as an enhancement measure; v)
regularly
check the work site boundaries to ensure that they are not breached and that
damage does not occur to surrounding areas; vi)
provided
environmental briefing/training sessions for site staff; and vii)
planting
of approximately 33ha as an enhancement measure for vegetation loss. |
6.6.1.2 The mitigation measures shall be
audited at least once every week as part of the site audit programme. In the event
of a non-compliance, the Event /Action plan detailed above shall be followed by
the relevant parties.
6.6.1.3 In addition, in order to address the
cumulative impacts from all the projects and compensate for the cumulative
Chinese White Dolphin and fisheries habitat loss, the Government has made a
firm commitment to seek to designate the Brothers Islands as a marine park for
enhancing the CWD habitat in accordance with the statutory process stipulated
in the Marine Parks Ordinance. The designation of the proposed marine park
would proceed after the completion of these projects. A study will be conducted
to confirm the details of the proposed marine park before the commencement of
the statutory procedures as stipulated in the Marine Parks Ordinance. The
Government’s commitment to the marine park and its control and management in
accordance with the Marine Parks Ordinance, as well as the
7.1.1.1 The EIA has recommended landscape and visual mitigation
measures to be undertaken during both the construction and operational phases
of the project. This section outlines the monitoring and audit of these
measures.
7.1.1.2 The sensitive
receivers are shown in Figures
7.1.1.1, 7.1.1.2, 7.2.1.1, 7.2.1.2, 7.3.1.1, 7.3.2.1.
7.2.1.1 The
following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to landscape and
visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the
project:
Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499.S.16) and the Technical Memorandum on
EIA Process (EIAO TM), particularly Annexes 10 and 18 Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note 8/2002 ETWB
No. 36/ 2004 - Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated
Structures (ACABAS) ETWB
TCW No. 10/2005 - Planting on Footbridges and Flyovers ETWB
TCW No. 2/2004 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features ETWB
TCW No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for
their Preservation ETWB
TCW No. 3/2006 - Tree Preservation ETWB
TCW No. 5/2005 on Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse impacts
arising from construction works Hong
Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, particular Chapter 4, Chapter 8,
Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 HQ/GN/13
- Interim Guidelines for Tree Transplanting Works under Highways Department’s
Vegetation Maintenance Ambit HyDTC
No. 3/2008 - Independent Vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of
Highways Department HyDTC
No. 5/2000 on Control in the Use of Shotcrete (Sprayed Concrete) in Slope
Works Protection
of Endangered Species of Animals And Plants Ordinance (Cap 586) Study
on Landscape Value Mapping of Town
Planning Ordinance (Cap 131) WBTC
No. 17/2000 on Improvement to the Appearance of Slopes WBTC
No. 25/92 - Allocation of Space for Urban Street Trees WBTC
No. 25/93 on Control of Visual Impact of Slopes WBTC
No. 7/2002 - Tree Planting in Public Works |
7.3.1.1 The design,
implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures should
be checked to ensure that they are fully realised and that potential conflicts
between the proposed landscape measures and any other project works and
operational requirements are resolved at the earliest possible date and without
compromise to the intention of the mitigation measures.
7.3.1.2 Site inspection
and audit is necessary in the operation stage.
Table 7.1 Monitoring
Programme
Stage |
Monitoring Task |
Monitoring Report |
Form of Approval |
Frequency |
Design |
Monitoring
of design works against
the
recommendations
of the landscape and visual impact assessments within the EIA
should
be undertaken during
detailed design and tender stages,
to ensure that
they fulfil the intentions of the
mitigation measures.
Any changes
to the design, including
design changes on site should also be checked. |
Report by SOR
confirming that the design conforms to
requirements
of
EP |
Approved
by Client |
At Completion of Design Stage |
Construction |
Monitoring of the contractor’s
operations during
the
construction period. |
Report on
Contractor's compliance,
by
ET |
Counter-signature of report by IEC |
Weekly |
Establishment Works |
Monitoring of
the
planting
works during the
24-month establishment period after completion of
the
construction works. |
Report on
Contractor's compliance,
by
ET |
Counter-signature of report by IEC |
3 months |
Design Phase
|
7.3.1.3 The mitigation measures proposed within
the EIA to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts of the scheme should be
embodied into the detailed engineering design and landscape design drawings and
contract documents. Detailed landscaping drawings and specification should be
checked during detailed design stage and before tender stage by a Registered
Landscape Architect to ensure that the measures are fully incorporated and that
potential conflicts with civil engineering, geo-technical, structural,
lighting, signage, drainage, underground utility and operational requirements
are resolved prior to construction. Monitoring of design works against the
recommendations of the landscape and visual impact assessments within the EIA
should be undertaken when the designs are produced to ensure that they fulfil
the intentions of mitigation measures.
Construction
& Establishment Period
|
7.3.1.4 The implementation of landscape
construction works and subsequent maintenance operations during the 12-month establishment
period must be supervised by fully qualified Landscape Resident Site Staff
(Registered Landscape Architect or Professional Member of the Hong Kong
Institute of landscape Architects).
7.3.1.5 Measures to mitigate landscape and
visual impacts during construction should be checked and monitored by a
Registered Landscape Architect to ensure compliance with the intended aims of
the mitigation measures.
7.3.1.6 The progress of the engineering
works shall be regularly reviewed on site to identify the earliest practical
opportunities for the landscape works to be undertaken.
7.4.1.1 A one off survey shall be conducted
prior to commencement of any construction works. A photographic record of the site
at the time of the contractor’s possession of the site shall be prepared by the
Contractor and approved by the SOR. The approved photographic Record shall be
submitted to the Project proponent, ET, IEC and EPD for record.
7.5.1.1 Should non-compliance of the
landscape and visual impacts occur, actions in accordance with the action plan
stated in Table 7.2 should be carried out.
Table 7.2 Event
and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact
EVENT ACTION
LEVEL |
ACTION |
|||
ET |
IEC |
ER |
CONTRACTOR |
|
Design Check |
· Check final design conforms to the requirements of EP and prepare report. |
· Check
report. · Recommend
remedial design if necessary |
· Undertake remedial
design if necessary |
|
Non-conformity on one occasion |
· Identify
Source · Inform IEC
and ER · Discuss
remedial actions with IEC, ER and Contractor · Monitor
remedial actions until rectification has been completed |
· Check
report · Check Contractor's
working method · Discuss
with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures · Advise ER
on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures. · Check
implementation of remedial measures. |
· Notify
Contractor · Ensure remedial
measures are properly implemented |
· Amend
working methods · Rectify
damage and undertake any necessary replacement |
Repeated Non-conformity |
· Identify
Source · Inform IEC
and ER · Increase
monitoring frequency · Discuss remedial
actions with IEC, ER and Contractor · Monitor
remedial actions until rectification has been completed · If
non-conformity stops, cease additional monitoring |
· Check
monitoring report · Check
Contractor's working method · Discuss with
ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures · Advise ER
on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures · Supervise
implementation of remedial measures. |
· Notify
Contractor · Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented |
· Amend
working methods · Rectify
damage and undertake any necessary replacement |
7.6.1.1 The landscape
and visual impact assessment of the EIA recommends a series on mitigation
measures, as noted below:
Design Landscape and Visual Mitigation
Measures
|
|
The colour and shape of
the toll control buildings, ventilation building and administration building
shall adopt a design which could blend it into the vicinity elements, and the
details will be developed in detailed design stage (DM2); and Aesthetic design of the
viaduct, retaining wall and other structures will be developed under ACABAS
submission (DM5). |
Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
during Construction Phase
|
|
Screening
of construction works by hoardings around works area in visually unobtrusive
colours, to screen works (CM5); Control
night-time lighting and glare by hooding all lights (CM6); Ensure
no run-off into water body adjacent to the Project Area (CM7); and Avoidance
of excessive height and bulk of buildings and structures (CM8). |
Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
during Operation Phase
|
|
Aesthetically pleasing design (visually unobtrusive
and non-reflective) as regard to the form, material and finishes shall be
incorporated to all buildings, engineering structures and associated
infrastructure facilities (OM5); and Avoidance of excessive height and bulk
of buildings and structures (OM6). |
1.
The Contractor is responsible for waste
control within the construction site, removal of waste material produced from the
site and to implement any mitigation measures to minimise waste or redress
problems arising from the waste from the site.
Activities during the construction phase will result in the generation
of a variety of wastes which can broadly be classified into distinct categories
based on their nature and the options for their disposal. These include:
Marine
dredged sediment; Excavated
construction and demolition (C&D)
materials suitable for public fill, including the alluvium from the
tunnel construction; Construction
and demolition waste, including cleared vegetation, which is not suitable for
public fill; Chemical
waste; Sewage;
and General
refuse. |
8.1.1.2 Marine dredged sediment represents
the largest quantity of material to be generated by the project, although the
use of both non-dredged and fully dredged methods for the construction of the
southern and northern tunnel landfall reclamations have been considered in
order to minimize the amounts of material generated where possible.
8.1.1.3 Not
used.
8.1.1.4 According to findings of the Sediment Quality
Report for the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section ([7]), the volumes of different
types of sediment were estimated with their disposal methods recommended, as
follows:
387,328 m3of sediment is classified as
Category L material which is considered suitable for Type 1 open sea
disposal; 155,022 m3 of sediment is classified as
Category M material passing the biological screening and is considered
suitable for disposal at Type 1 dedicated sites; and 67,968 m3 of sediment is classified as
Type 2 sediment requiring confined marine disposal. |
8.1.1.5 The Construction and Demolition
(C&D) materials generated from the TM-CLKL project will comprise the
following:
Alluvium
and CDG from the submarine tunnel and deep sections of the marine viaduct
bridge piers and building foundations; Excavation
of reclamation materials for cut and cover tunnel, portal and ventilation
building; Excavation
materials from the land viaduct construction, slope cutting, utility
diversions, site formation of the toll plaza and administration buildings
formation; and Road
and pavement demolition waste from the modification of the existing roads for
new roads connections. |
8.1.1.6 The estimated quantities of C&D
materials/wastes generated from the Contract
No. HY/2012/08 are listed in Table
8.1.
Table 8.1 Estimated
quantities of C&D materials/wastes generated from Contract No. HY/2012/08
Forecast C&D materials to be generate from
Contract No. HY/2012/08 |
Imported |
Generated |
Reused in the Contract |
Estimated Disposal Quantities |
Imported sand (m3) |
520,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Imported sorted public
fill (m3) |
2,500,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Imported Rock (m3) |
1,000,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Site clearance waste
(vegetation, refuse on land) (m3) |
0 |
1,000 |
0 |
1,000 |
General Waste: food and
packaging waste/ office waste (m3) |
0 |
10,000 |
0 |
1,000 |
Plastics & Wood (kg) |
0 |
Small
amount |
Small
amount |
Small
amount |
Chemical Waste (L) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5,000 |
8.1.1.7 Not used.
8.1.1.8 Not used.
8.1.2.1 Based
on the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report, the following
measures, as summarized in the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule
in Appendi~ A, shall be undertaken when handling waste material during
construction phase:
i)
The requirements as stipulated in
the ETWB TC(W) No.19/2005 Environmental Management on Construction Sites and
the other relevant guidelines should be included in the Particular
Specification for the Contractor as appropriate. ii)
The TM-CLKL Contractor should be
requested to submit an outline Waste Management Plan (WMP) prior to the
commencement of construction work, in accordance with the ETWB TC(W)
No.19/2005 so as to provide an overall framework of waste management and
reduction. The WMP should include: |
· Waste
management policy; · Record
of generated waste; · Waste
reduction target; · Waste
reduction programme; · Role
and responsibility of waste management team; · Benefit
of waste management; · Analysis
of waste materials; · Reuse,
recycling and disposal plans; · Transportation
process of waste products; and · Monitoring
and action plan. |
iii) The waste management hierarchy below should be strictly followed. This
hierarchy should be adopted to evaluate the waste management options in order
to maximise the extent of waste reduction and cost reduction. The records of
quantities of waste generated, recycled and disposed (locations) should be
properly documented. iv) A trip-ticket system should be established in accordance with ETWB(W)
31/2004 and Waste Disposal (Charges for Disposal of Construction Waste)
Regulation to monitor the disposal of public fill and solid wastes at public
filling facilities and landfills, and to control fly-tipping. A trip- ticket
system would be included as one of the contractual requirements for the
Contractor to strictly implement. The Supervising Officer would also regularly
audit the effectiveness of the system. v)
A recording system for the amount
of waste generated, recycled and disposed (locations) should be established.
The future Contractor should also provide proper training to workers
regarding the appropriate concepts of site cleanliness and waste management
procedures, e.g. waste reduction, reuse and recycling all the time. vi) The CEDD should be timely notified of the estimated spoil volumes to
be generated and the Public Fill Committee should be notified and agreement
sort on the disposal of surplus inert C&D materials e.g. good quality
rock during detailed design of the TM-CLKL project. Wherever practicable,
C&D materials should be segregated from other wastes to avoid
contamination and to ensure acceptability at public filling areas or
reclamation sites. vii) The extent of cutting operation should be optimised where possible.
Earth retaining structures and bored pile walls should be proposed to
minimise the extent of cutting. viii) Inert C&D materials from slopes and road pavement will be reused
for construction of the raised platform for the toll plaza. ix) C&D materials generated by construction of cut slopes along NLH at
x)
The surplus surcharge should be
transferred to a fill bank. xi) TMB generated alluvium and CDG material should be treated at a slurry
treatment plant prior to transfer to a fill bank. xii) Rock armour from the existing seawall should be reused on the new
sloping seawall as far as possible. xiii) The site and surroundings shall be kept tidy and litter free. xiv) No waste shall be burnt on site. xv) Make provisions in contract documents to allow and promote the use of
recycled aggregates where appropriate. xvi) Prohibit the Contractor to dispose of C&D materials at any
sensitive locations e.g. natural habitat,, etc. The Contractor should propose
the final disposal sites in the EMP and WMP for approval before
implementation. xvii) Stockpiled material shall be covered by tarpaulin and /or watered as appropriate
to prevent windblown dust and surface run off. xviii)Excavated material in trucks shall be covered by tarpaulins to reduce
the potential for spillage and dust generation. xix) Wheel washing facilities shall be used by all trucks leaving the site
to prevent transfer of mud onto public roads. xx) Dredged marine mud shall be disposed of in a gazetted marine disposal
ground under the requirements of the Dumping at Seas Ordinance. xxi) Standard formwork or pre-fabrication should be used as far as
practicable so as to minimise the C&D materials arising. The use of more
durable formwork or plastic facing for construction works should also be
considered. The use of wooden hoardings should be avoided and metal hoarding
should be used to facilitate recycling. Purchasing of construction materials
should be carefully planned in order to avoid over-ordering and wastage. xxii) The Contractor should recycle as many C&D materials (this is a
waste section) as possible on-site. The public fill and C&D waste should
be segregated and stored in separate containers or skips to facilitate the
reuse or recycling of materials and proper disposal. Where practicable, the
concrete and masonry should be crushed and used as fill materials. Steel
reinforcement bar should be collected for use by scrap steel mills. Different
areas of the sites should be considered for segregation and storage
activities. xxiii)All falsework will be steel instead of wood. xxiv)
Chemical waste producers should
register with the EPD. Chemical waste should be handled in accordance with
the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Handling and Storage of Chemical
Wastes as follows: |
· Having a capacity of <450L unless the
specifications have been approved by the EPD; and · Displaying a label in English and
Chinese according to the instructions prescribed in Schedule 2 of the
Regulations. · Clearly labelled and used solely for the
storage of chemical wastes; · Enclosed with at least 3 sides; · Impermeable floor and bund with capacity
to accommodate 110% of the volume of the largest container or 20% by volume
of the chemical waste stored in the area, whichever is greatest; · Adequate ventilation; · Sufficiently covered to prevent rainfall
entering (water collected within the bund must be tested and disposed of as
chemical waste, if necessary); and · Incompatible materials are adequately
separated. |
xxv) Waste oils, chemicals or solvents shall not be disposed of to drain; xxvi) Adequate numbers of portable toilets should be provided for on-site
workers. Portable toilets should be maintained in reasonable states, which
will not deter the workers from utilising them. Night soil should be
regularly collected by licensed collectors. xxvii) General refuse arising on-site should be stored in enclosed bins or
compaction units separately from C&D and chemical wastes. Sufficient
dustbins shall be provided for storage of waste as required under the Public
Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances By-laws. In addition, general refuse
shall be cleared daily and shall be disposed of to the nearest licensed
landfill or refuse transfer station. Burning of refuse on construction sites
is prohibited. xxviii) All waste containers shall be in a secure area on hardstanding; xxix) Aluminum cans are usually collected and recovered from the waste
stream by individual collectors if they are segregated and easily
accessible. Separately labelled bins
for their deposition should be provided as far as practicable. xxx) Office wastes can be reduced by recycling of paper if such volume is
sufficiently large to warrant collection. Participation in a local collection
scheme by the Contractor should be advocated.
Waste separation facilities for paper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles,
etc should be provided on-site. xxxi) Training shall be provided to workers about the concepts of site
cleanliness and appropriate waste management procedure, including waste
reduction, reuse and recycling. |
8.1.3.1 The recommended disposal sites for
the different types of waste are detailed in Table 8.2 below:
Table
8.2 Recommended Waste Disposal Sites
Type of Waste |
Disposal Site |
Marine Dredged Mud |
Category L – as capping materials at ESC or SB CMPs Mp and Mf – to ESC or SB CMPs (1) |
Imported sand |
N/A |
Imported sorted public
fill |
Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill Bank |
Imported Rock |
N/A |
Site clearance waste (vegetation,
refuse on land) |
|
General
Waste: food and packaging waste/ office waste |
|
Plastics
& Wood |
|
Chemical Waste |
To be handled by Registered Contractor on the
approved list |
Note: (1) Subject to DASO application
8.2.1.1 The results of the contaminated land
assessment did not reveal any contamination hotspots that might be affected by
the proposed TM-CLKL works and as such no mitigation measures in the form of
contaminated land remediation is required. Therefore, no EM&A activities
for the construction nor operational phases have been recommended as no
significant impacts are predicted.
EM&A
requirements are required for waste management during the construction phase
only and the effective management of waste arisings during the construction
phase will be monitored through the site audit programme. The aims of the waste
audit are:
to
ensure the waste arising from the works are handled, stored, collected,
transferred and disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner; and to
encourage the reuse and recycling of material. |
.
The
Contractor shall be required to pay attention to the environmental standard and
guidelines and carry out appropriate waste management and obtain the relevant
licence/permits for waste disposal. The Environmental Team (ET) shall ensure
that the Contractor has obtained from the appropriate authorities the necessary
waste disposal permits or licences including:
Chemical
Waste Permits/licenses under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap 354); Public
Dumping Licence under the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap 28); Marine
Dumping Permit under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Cap 466); and Effluent
Discharge Licence under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance. |
8.3.1.3 The
Contractor shall refer to the relevant booklets issued by the DEP when applying
for the licence/permit and the Environmental Team (ET) (see Section 1) shall
refer to these booklets for auditing purposes.
8.3.1.4 During
the site inspections and the document review procedures as mentioned in Chapter
10 of this Manual, the ET shall pay special attention to the issues relating to
waste management and check whether the Contractor has followed the relevant
contract specifications and the procedures specified under the laws of
8.3.1.5 The
Contractor’s waste management practices should be audited with reference to the
checklist detailed in Table 8.3
below:
Table
8.3 Waste Management Checklist
Activities |
Timing |
Monitoring Frequency |
If non-compliance, Action Required |
All necessary waste disposal permits or licences
have been
obtained |
Before the commencement of
demolition
works |
Once |
Apply for the necessary permits/ licences prior
to disposal of the waste.
The ET
shall ensure that corrective action has been taken. |
Only licensed waste haulier are used for
waste collection. |
Throughout the works |
Weekly |
The ET shall inform the SOR and IEC of the non-
compliance. The SOR shall
instruct the Contractor to use a
licensed
waste haulier.
The Contractor shall temporarily
suspend waste collection of
that particular waste until a licensed
waste haulier is used. Corrective action shall
be undertaken within 48 hours. |
Records of quantities of wastes generated,
recycled and disposed
are properly kept.
For
demolition
material/waste, the
number of loads for each
day shall be recorded (quantity of waste can then be
estimated based on
average truck load.
Should landfill
charging be implemented, the receipts of
the charge
could be used for estimating the quantity). |
Throughout the works |
Weekly |
The Contractor shall
estimate the missing data based
on previous
records and the
activities carried
out. The ET
shall audit the results and forward to the SOR and IEC for approval. |
Wastes are removed from
site in a timely
manner. General refuse is collected on
a daily basis. |
Throughout the works |
Weekly |
The ET shall inform the SOR and IEC of the non-
compliance. The SOR shall
instruct the Contractor to remove waste accordingly. |
Waste storage areas are properly cleaned
and do not cause windblown litter and dust nuisance. |
Throughout the works |
Weekly |
The ET shall inform the SOR and IEC of the non-
compliance. The SOR shall
instruct the Contractor to clean
the storage area and/or cover the waste. |
Different types of waste are segregated
in different containers
or skip to enhance recycling of material
and proper disposal of
waste. |
Throughout the works |
Weekly |
The ET shall inform the SOR and IEC of the non-
compliance. The SOR shall
instruct the Contractor to provide
separate skips/
containers. The Contractor shall ensure the workers place the waste in the appropriate containers. |
Chemical wastes are stored, handled
and disposed of in accordance with the Code of Practice on
the Packaging,
Handling and Storage
of Chemical Wastes, published by the EPD. |
Throughout the works |
Weekly |
The ET shall inform the SOR and IEC of the non-
compliance. The SOR shall
instruct the Contractor to rectify the problems immediately. Warning shall
be given to the Contractor if
corrective actions are not taken within 24 hrs and the Waste Control Group of the EPD shall be identified. |
Demolition material/waste in dump trucks
are properly covered
before leaving the site. |
Throughout the works |
Weekly |
The ET shall inform the SOR and IEC of the non-
compliance. The SOR shall
instruct the Contractor to comply. The Contractor shall prevent trucks shall
leaving the
site until the waste are properly
covered. |
Wastes are disposal of at licensed sites. |
Throughout the works |
Weekly |
The ET shall inform the SOR and IEC of the non-
compliance. The SOR shall
warn
the Contractor and instruct the Contractor to ensure the wastes are disposed of at the licensed sites.
Should it involve chemical waste, the Waste Control Group of EPD shall be notified. |
Note: ET – Environmental Team, IEC – Independent Environmental Checker, SOR – Supervising Officer’s Representative
Cultural heritage
resources are not identified within the works area of TM-CLKL Northern
Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section. As
such, EM&A requirements for cultural heritage are not relevant to the
Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section.
10.1.1.1 The landfill gas hazard assessment
undertaken in the EIA identified the hazards that are likely to be generated
from the Pillar Point Valley (PPV) Landfill, during the construction and
operation phases of this Project and evaluate the associated risk. The EIA Report recommended that some
precautionary measures are required to protect the proposed TM-CLKL toll plaza
from the landfill gas risk due to the PPV Landfill. As such, the EM&A requirements for
landfill gas hazard are not relevant for the current Northern Connection
Sub-sea Tunnel Section EM&A Programme.
11.1.1.1 Site inspections provide a direct
means to assess and ensure the Contractor’s environmental protection and
pollution control measures are in compliance with the contract specifications.
Site inspections shall be undertaken routinely by the Environmental Team (ET)
(see Section 1) to inspect the construction activities in order to ensure that
appropriate environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures
are properly implemented in accordance with the EIA.
11.1.1.2 The ET is responsible for the
formulation of an environmental site inspection, deficiency and remedial action
reporting system and for carrying out the site inspection works. In
consultation with the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC), the ET shall
prepare a procedure for the site inspection, deficiency and remedial action
reporting requirements and submit this to the Contractor for agreement and to
the Supervising Officer’s Representative (SOR) for approval within 21 days of
commencement to the construction contract.
11.1.1.3 Regular site inspections shall be
carried out at least once per week. The areas of inspection shall not be
limited to the site area and should also include the environmental conditions
outside the site which are likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, by
the site activities.
11.1.1.4 The ET shall make reference to the
following information while conducting the inspections:
the EIA recommendations on environmental protection
and pollution control mitigation measures as stated in the EIA report; work progress and programme; individual works methodology proposals; the contract specifications on environmental protection; the relevant environmental protection and pollution
control laws; previous site inspection results; and environmental monitoring data. |
11.1.1.5 The
Contractor shall update the ET with all relevant information on the construction
works prior to carrying out the site inspections. The site inspection results
and associated recommendations on improvements to the environmental protection
and pollution control works shall be submitted, in a site inspection proforma
(see Appendi~ B), by the ET to the IEC, the SOR and the Contractor within 24
hours for reference and for taking immediate action. The Contractor shall
follow the procedures and time-frame, as stipulated in the environmental site
inspection, deficiency and remedial action reporting system to report on any
remedial measures subsequent to site inspections.
11.1.1.6 Ad hoc site inspections shall also be
carried out by the ET and IEC if significant environmental problems are
identified. Inspections may also be required subsequent to receipt of an
environmental complaint (an example of the complaint log is provided in
Appendi~ B) or as part of the investigation work as specified in the Action
Plan for environmental monitoring and audit.
11.2.1.1 There
are contractual environmental protection and pollution control requirements as
well as environmental protection and pollution control laws in
11.2.1.2 In
order that the works are in compliance with the contractual requirements, all
the works method statements submitted by the Contractor to the SOR for approval
shall be sent to the ET for vetting to see whether sufficient environmental
protection and pollution control measures have been included.
11.2.1.3 The ET shall also review the progress
and programme of the works to check that relevant environmental laws have not
been violated and that any foreseeable potential for violating the laws can be
prevented.
11.2.1.4 The Contractor shall regularly copy
relevant documents to the ET so that the checking work can be carried out. The
documents shall include at minimum the updated Work Progress Reports, the
updated Works Programme, the application letters for different licence/permits
under the environmental protection laws and all valid licence/permit. The site
diaries shall also be available for the ET’s inspection upon request.
11.2.1.5 After
reviewing the document, the ET shall advise the IEC, the SOR and the Contractor
of any non-compliance with the contractual and legislative requirements on
environmental protection and pollution control for them to take follow-up
actions. The ET shall also advise the IEC, the Contractor and the SOR on the
current status on licence/permit applications and any environmental protection
and pollution control preparation works that may not be suitable for the works
programme or may result in potential violation of environmental protection and
pollution control requirements.
11.2.1.6 Upon receipt of the advice, the
Contractor shall undertake immediate action to remedy the situation. The ET,
IEC and the SOR shall follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been
taken by the Contractor in order that the environmental protection and
pollution control requirements are fulfilled.
11.3.1.1 Complaints shall be referred to the ET
for carrying out complaint investigation procedures. The ET shall prepare a flow chart of the complaint
response procedures that addresses, complaint receiving channels, responsible
parties/contacts for information, the investigation process, procedures for the
implementation of mitigation/remedial action, guidelines for communication and
public relation with the complainant etc. The flow chart should be agreed by
all parties and issued to the Contractor, SOR and IEC for reference.
11.3.1.2 The ET shall undertake the following
procedures upon receipt of a complaint:
log complaint
and date of receipt into the complaint database and inform the IEC
immediately; investigate the
complaint and discuss with the Contractor to determine its validity and to
assess whether the source of the problem is due to works activities; if a complaint is
considered valid by the SOR or EPD and due to the works, the ET shall
identify mitigation measures in consultation with the IEC; if mitigation
measures are required, the ET shall advise the Contractor accordingly; review the
Contractor's response on the identified mitigation measures and the updated
situation; if the complaint
is transferred from EPD, an interim report shall be submitted to EPD on the
status of the complaint investigation and follow- up action within the time
frame assigned by EPD; (vii) undertake additional monitoring and audit
to verify the situation if necessary and ensure that any valid reason for
complaint does not recur; report the
investigation results and the subsequent actions on the source of the
complaint for responding to complainant. If the source of complaint is EPD,
the results should be reported within the time frame assigned by EPD; and record the
complaint, investigation, the subsequent actions and the results in the
monthly EM&A reports. |
11.3.1.3 During the complaint investigation
work, the Contractor and SOR shall cooperate with the ET in providing all the
necessary information and assistance for completion of the investigation. If
mitigation measures are identified in the investigation by the ET, in
consultation with the IEC, the Contractor shall promptly carry out the
mitigation measures. The ET and SOR shall approve the proposed mitigation
measures and check that the measures have been carried out by the Contractor.
11.4.1.1 At
times during the construction phase the Contractor may submit method statements
for various aspects of construction. This state of affairs would only apply to
those construction methods that the EIA has not imposed conditions while for
construction methods that have been assessed in the EIA, the Contractor is
bound to follow the requirements and recommendations in the EIA study. The
Contractor’s options for alternative construction methods may introduce adverse
environmental impacts into the project. It is the responsibility of the ET, in
accordance with established standards, guidelines and EIA study recommendations
and requirements, to review and determine the adequacy of the environmental
protection and pollution control measures in the Contractor’s proposal in order
to ensure no unacceptable impacts would result. To achieve this end, the ET
shall provide a copy of the Proactive Environmental Protection Proforma as
shown in Appendi~ B to the IEC for approval. The IEC should audit the review of
the construction method and endorse the proposal on the basis of no adverse
environmental impacts.
12.1.1.1 The following
reporting requirements are based upon a paper documented approach. However, the
same information can be provided in an electronic medium upon agreeing the
format with the Supervising Officer’s Representative (SOR). The reports are
required to be prepared by the Environmental Team (ET).
12.2.1.1 All
documentation is required to be filed in a traceable and systematically manner.
Site documentation, including monitoring field records, laboratory analysis
records, meeting minutes, correspondences etc.(some examples are provided in
Appendi~ B) shall be cross-referenced by the ET and be ready for inspection
upon request. All EM&A results and findings shall be documented in the
respective construction and operational phase EM&A reports prepared by the
ET and endorsed by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) prior to dissemination
to the Contractor, the SOR and EPD. All reports including details of water
quality monitoring, ecology, landscape and visual and archaeological EM&A
shall also be issued to the AFCD and the AMO as appropriate.
12.2.1.2 All
documentation shall be in paper form and/or electronic (in an agreed format)
upon request. All documents and data shall be kept for at least one year after
the completion of the operational phase EM&A works. All submissions
(reports, data and correspondences etc.) shall be liable to free use for the
purposes of communicating environmental data and the owner of information shall
claim no copyright. Any request to treat all or part of a submission in
confidence will be respected, but if no such request is made it will be assumed
that the submission is not intended to be confidential.
12.3.1.1 The Design Audit
Report shall provide the means for the Consultant undertaking the detailed
design of the project to certify that environmental design elements and
specifications have been completed in accordance with the EIA requirements. The
Consultant shall include in the report a signed off proforma (see Appendi~ B)
to confirm that there are no outstanding environmental measures, identified as
requiring design phase audit, that require further action. The Design Audit
Report and specifications shall be prepared by the Consultants and issued to
EPD, the AFCD and the PlanD, as appropriate, prior to the commencement of the
tendering period.
12.4.1.1 In respect of
the construction phase EM&A works, the ET shall prepare and submit a
Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report within 10 working days of completion
of baseline monitoring. Copies of the Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report
shall be submitted to the following: the Contractor, the IEC, the SOR, EPD, the
AFCD and the AMO as appropriate. The ET shall liaise with the relevant parties
on the exact number of copies required.
12.4.1.2 The baseline monitoring reports for both the construction
and operational phases
12.4.1.2 The baseline
monitoring reports for both the construction and operational phases shall
include at least the following:
i)
Up to half
a page executive summary. ii)
Background
information. iii)
Drawings showing
locations of the baseline monitoring stations. iv)
An updated
construction programme with milestones of environmental protection/mitigation
activities annotated. v)
Monitoring
results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following information: |
·
monitoring
methodology; ·
name
of laboratory and equipment used and calibration details; ·
parameters
monitored; ·
monitoring
locations (and depth); ·
monitoring
date, time, frequency and duration; and ·
QA/QC
results and detection limits. |
vi)
Details on
influencing factors, including: |
·
major
activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period; ·
weather
conditions during the period; and ·
other
factors which might affect the results. |
vii)
Determination
of the Action and Limit Levels for each monitoring parameter and statistical
analysis of the baseline data. viii)
Revisions
for inclusion in the EM&A Manual. ix)
Comments
and conclusions. |
12.5.1.1 The results and
findings of all construction phase EM&A work required in this Manual shall
be recorded in the EM&A Reports prepared by the ET on a monthly basis and
endorsed by the IEC. The EM&A Reports shall be prepared and submitted
within 10 working days of the end of each reporting month, with the first report
due one month and 10 days after construction commences.
12.5.1.2 A maximum of 4
copies of each EM&A Report shall be submitted to each of the following
parties: the Contractor, the IEC, the SOR, EPD, the AFCD, the AMO and the
PlanD, as appropriate. Before submission of the first EM&A Report, the ET
shall liaise with the parties on the exact number of copies and format of the
reports in both hard copy and electronic medium.
12.5.1.3 Not used.
12.5.1.4 The ET shall review the monitoring programme every 6 months
or on an as needed basis in order to cater for any changes in the surrounding
environment and nature of works in progress and shall document all observations
in the monthly/bi- monthly reports.
12.6.1.1 The first EM&A report for both the construction and
operational phases shall include at least the following:
i)
1-2 pages
executive summary, comprising: |
·
breaches of ·
notifications of any summons and
successful prosecutions; ·
reporting Changes; and ·
future key issues. |
ii)
Basic
Project information including a synopsis of the Project organisation
(including key personnel, contact names and telephone numbers), a drawing of
the Project area showing the environmentally sensitive receivers and the locations
of monitoring and control stations, programme, management structure and the
work undertaken during the month. iii)
Environmental
Status, comprising: |
·
works
undertaken during the month with illustrations (such as location of works, daily
dredging/filling rates, percentage fines in the fill material used); and ·
drawing
showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations. |
iv)
A
brief summary of EM&A requirements including: |
·
all monitoring parameters; ·
environmental quality performance limits
(Action and Limit levels); ·
Event-Action Plans; ·
environmental mitigation measures, as
recommended in the Project EIA study final report; and ·
environmental requirements in contract
documents. |
v)
Advice
on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution
control/mitigation measures as recommended in the Project EIA study report
and summarised in the updated implementation schedule. vi)
Monitoring
results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following
information: |
·
monitoring methodology; ·
name of laboratory and equipment used and
calibration details; ·
parameters monitored; ·
monitoring locations (and depth); ·
monitoring date, time, frequency, and
duration; and ·
QA/QC results and detection limits. |
vii)
Graphical
plots of trends of monitored parameters at the representative monitoring
stations annotated against the following: |
·
major activities being carried out on
site during the period; ·
weather conditions during the period; and ·
any other factors which might affect the
monitoring results; ·
QA/QC results and detection limits. |
viii)
Advice
on the solid and liquid waste management status. ix)
A
summary of noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality
performance limits (Action and Limit levels). x)
A
review of the reasons for and the implications of noncompliance including a review
of pollution sources and working procedures. xi)
A
description of the actions taken in the event of noncompliance and deficiency
reporting and any follow-up procedures related to earlier noncompliance. xii)
A summary
record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media,
including locations and nature of complaints, liaison and consultation
undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken and summary of complaints. xiii)
A
summary of notifications of summons, successful prosecutions for breaches of
environmental protection/pollution control legislation and actions to rectify
such breaches. xiv)
An
account of the future key issues as assessed from the works programme and
work method statements. xv)
Advice
on the solid and liquid waste management status. xvi)
Comments,
recommendations and conclusions for the monitoring period. xvii) Submission of implementation status
proforma, proactive environmental protection proforma, regulatory compliance proforma,
site inspection proforma, data recovery schedule and complaint log
summarizing the EM&A of the period. |
12.7.1.1 The subsequent
EM&A reports prepared by the ES for both the construction and operational phases
shall include the following:
i)
Title
page. ii)
Executive
summary (1-2 pages), including: |
·
breaches
of all Action and Limit levels; ·
complaint
log; ·
notifications
of any summons and successful prosecutions; ·
reporting
changes; and ·
future
key issues. |
iii)
Contents
page. iv)
Environmental
status, comprising: |
·
drawing
showing the Project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations; ·
summary
of non-compliance with the environmental quality performance limits; and ·
summary
of complaints. |
vii)
Environmental
issues and actions, comprising: |
·
review
issues carried forward and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance
(complaints and deficiencies); ·
description
of the actions taken in the event of noncompliance and deficiency reporting; ·
recommendations
(should be specific and target the appropriate party for action); and ·
implementation
status of the mitigatory measures and the corresponding effectiveness of the
measures. |
viii)
Future key
issues. ix)
Appendices,
including: |
·
action and
limit levels” ·
graphical
plots of trends of monitored parameters at key stations over the past four reporting
periods for representative monitoring stations annotated against the
following: major activities being carried out on site during the period;
weather conditions during the period and any other factors which might affect
the monitoring results; ·
description
of the actions taken in the event of noncompliance and deficiency reporting; ·
cumulative
complaints statistics; and ·
details
of complaints, outstanding issues and deficiencies. |
12.8.1.1 The ET shall submit Quarterly EM&A Summary Reports for
the construction phase EM&A works only. These reports should be around 5
pages (including about three pages of text and tables and two pages of figures)
and shall contain at minimum the following information:
i)
Up to half
a page executive summary. ii)
Basic
Project information including a synopsis of the Project organisation,
programme, contacts of key management, and a synopsis of work undertaken
during the quarter. iii)
A brief
summary of EM&A requirements including: |
·
monitoring
parameters; ·
environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels); and ·
environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report. |
iv)
Advice on the
implementation status of environmental protection and pollution
control/mitigation measures as recommended in the Project EIA study report
and summarised in the updated implementation schedule. v)
Drawings
showing the Project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations. vi)
Graphical
plots of the trends of monitored parameters over the past 4 months (the last
month of the previous quarter and the present quarter) for representative monitoring
stations annotated against: |
·
the
major activities being carried out on site during the period; ·
weather
conditions during the period; and ·
any
other factors which might affect the monitoring results. |
vii)
Advice on the
solid and liquid waste management status. viii)
A summary
of noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance
limits (Action and Limit levels). ix)
A brief
review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance including review
of pollution sources and working procedures. x)
An
assessment of the construction impacts on suspended solids, including but not
limited to, a comparison of the difference between the quarterly mean and the
1.3 times the ambient mean value, the latter being defined as a 30% increase
of the baseline data or EPD data, using appropriate statistical procedures.
Suggestions of appropriate mitigation measures shall be made if the quarterly
assessment analytical results demonstrate that the quarterly mean is significantly
higher than the 1.3 ambient mean value (p<0.05). xi)
A summary
description of the actions taken in the event of non- compliance and any
follow-up procedures related to earlier non- compliance. xii)
A summary record
of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and
consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken. xiii)
Comments
(e.g. effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommendations
(e.g. any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions for the
quarter. xiv)
Proponents'
contacts and any hotline telephone number for the public to make enquiries. |
12.9.1.1 An annual EM&A report should be prepared by the ET at
the end of each construction year during the course of the project. A final
EM&A report should be prepared by the ET at the end of both the
construction and operational phases. The annual/final EM&A reports should contain
at least the following information:
i)
Executive
Summary (1-2 pages). ii)
Drawings
showing the project area any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations. iii)
Basic project
information including a synopsis of the project organization, contacts for
key management staff and a synopsis of work undertaken during the course of
the project or past twelve months. iv)
A brief
summary of EM&A requirements including: |
·
environmental
mitigation measures as recommended in the project EIA study final report; ·
environmental
impact hypotheses tested; ·
environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit Levels); ·
all
monitoring parameters; and ·
Event-Action
Plans. |
v)
A summary
of the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution
control/mitigation measures as recommended in the project EIA study report
and summarised in the updated implementation schedule. vi)
Graphical
plots and the statistical analysis of the trends of monitored parameters over
the course of the projects including the post-project monitoring (or the past
twelve months for annual reports) for all monitoring stations annotated
against the following: |
·
the
major activities being carried out on site during the period; ·
weather
conditions during the period; ·
any
other factors which might affect the monitoring results; and ·
the
return of ambient environmental conditions in comparison with baseline data. |
vii)
A summary
of noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance
limits (Action and Limit levels). viii)
A review
of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance including review of
pollution sources and working procedures as appropriate. ix)
A
description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance. x)
A summary
record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison
and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken. xi)
A summary
record of notifications of summonses and successful prosecutions for breaches
of the current environmental protection/pollution control legislations,
locations and nature of the breaches investigation, follow-up actions taken
and results. xii)
A
comparison of the EM&A data with the EIA predictions with annotations and
explanations for any discrepancies, including a review of the validity of EIA
predictions and identification of shortcomings in the EIA recommendations. xiii)
A review
of the monitoring methodology adopted and with the benefit of hindsight,
comment on its effectiveness, including cost effectiveness; xiv)
A review
of the success of the EM&A programme, including a review of the
effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures, and recommendations
for any improvements in the EM&A programme. xv)
A clear
cut statement on the environmental acceptability of the project with
reference to specific impact hypotheses and a conclusion to state the return
to ambient and/or the predicted scenario as the EIA findings. |
12.10.1.1 The site
documents such as the monitoring field records, laboratory analysis records, site
inspection forms, etc. are not required to be included in the EM&A Reports
for submission. However, the documents shall be kept by the ET and be ready for
inspection upon request. All relevant information shall be clearly and
systematically recorded in the documents. The monitoring data shall also be
recorded in magnetic media, and the software copy shall be available upon
request. All the documents and data shall be kept for at least one year after
the completion of the operational phase EM&A works.
12.11.1.1 With reference to
Event/Action Plans, when the environmental quality limits are exceeded, the ET
shall immediately notify the Contractor, the SOR, EPD and the AFCD as
appropriate. The notification shall be followed up with advice to each party on
the results of the investigation, proposed action and success of the action
taken, with any necessary follow-up proposals. A sample template for the
interim notifications is shown in Figure 12.1.
([1]) AQMS2 is an alternative monitoring
station for Butterfly Laundry which is an ASR (ie ASR6) identified in the
approved EIA Report. AQMS2 is being
proposed for monitoring since access to Butterfly Laundry is not granted to the
ET at the moment to undertake the air quality monitoring. Should access be granted to the ET, air
quality monitoring will be undertaken at Butterfly Laundry instead of AQMS2 in
the impact monitoring phase.
([2])
EIA reports related to HZMB. Supplementary Information on Construction Air
Quality in Tuen Mun. Further information
submitted under Section 8.(1) of the Ordinance.
Available from http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/register/report/eiareport/eia_1742009/further_info/pdf/Supplementary%20Details%20for%20ACE%20R6%20-%20marked%20up%20EPD%202509.htm
([3]) Currently,
the Contractor is required to undertake watering at least 12 times per day for
the Tuen Mun area. The time intervals
between each watering should not exceed 1.5 hours.
([4])
Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP) Baseline Environmental Monitoring for
([5])
Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP)
Baseline Environmental Monitoring for
([6])
Contract No. HY/2011/03 - HZMB HKLR -
Section between Scenic Hill and HKBCF.
Monthly EM&A Report. Data
available online http://www.hzmbenpo.com/php/list_cwd_year.php