1
Introduction
ERM-Hong Kong,
Limited (ERM) and Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited were appointed by the Hong
Kong and China Gas Company Limited and McDow-Kaden JV
as the Environmental Team (ET) and the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC),
respectively, to undertake the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A)
activities for the installation of submarine gas pipelines and associated
facilities from To Kwa Wan to North Point for former
Kai Tak Airport Development (“the Project”).
This
is the 7th Quarterly EM&A Report which summarises
the impact monitoring results and inspection/audit findings for the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 December 2013 to 28 February 2014.
The
remainder of the report is structured as follows:
Section 2 : Project Information
summarises
the background and scope of the Project, works locations, construction
programme, construction works undertaken, project organisation and management
structure, and the status of Environmental Permit (EP)/licences over the
construction phase of the Project.
Section
3 : EM&A
Requirements
summarises the
environmental monitoring and audit requirements including monitoring
programmes, monitoring methodologies, monitoring parameters, monitoring
frequency, monitoring locations, Action and Limit Levels, Event/Action Plans,
environmental mitigation measures as recommended in the approved Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) report, EP and relevant environmental requirements
stated in the Contract Specifications.
Section 4 : Implementation
Status on Environmental Mitigation Measures
summarises the implementation of environmental
mitigation measures as recommended in the approved EIA report, EM&A Manual,
EP and relevant environmental requirements stated in the Contract Specifications.
Section 5 : Monitoring
Results
summarises the monitoring results obtained in
the reporting period and the findings of the weekly site inspection including
solid and liquid waste management undertaken within the reporting period.
Section 6 : Environmental
Non-conformance
summarises and review any non-compliance of
environmental performance standard, environmental complaints and environmental summons
received within the reporting period.
Section 7 : Future
Key Issues
summarises the impact forecast and monitoring
schedule for the next reporting period.
Section 8 : Conclusions
2
Project
Information
The Project
proposed by the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited comprises the
construction of a new gas pipeline network from To Kwa
Wan to North Point so as to replace the existing one affected by the proposed
Cruise Terminal dredging works adjacent to the former Kai Tak
runway and the proposed Central Kowloon Route crossing the Kowloon Bay at To Kwa Wan.
The EIA report
(Register No.: AEIAR-153/2010) for
the Project was approved by the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) on 2
August 2010 under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO). Subsequent to the
approval of the EIA, an Environmental Permit (EP) (Permit No. EP-401/2010) for the Project was granted by the DEP on 6 October
2010.
The Project
involves the construction of the twin submarine gas pipelines across the
Victoria Harbour from To Kwa
Wan to North Point and the construction of the land gas pipelines and pigging
stations for pigging operation at both To Kwa Wan and
North Point. The locations of the
project areas and stations are presented in Annex A.
2.3.1
Project Organization
The EM&A programme will require the involvement of the Hong Kong and
China Gas Company Limited, an Environmental Team (ET), an Independent
Environmental Checker (IEC) and the Contractor. The roles and responsibilities of the
various parties involved in the EM&A process have been described in the EM&A Manual for this Project and the
organization of these parties is presented in Annex B.
2.3.2
Key Contact Information
Key contact
information of the Project Organization is provided in Annex B.
A summary of
the major construction activities undertaken in the reporting period is shown
in Table 2.1. The locations of the construction
activities are shown in Annex A. The construction programme of the
Project is presented in Annex C.
Table 2.1 Summary
of Construction Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period
|
Construction Activities
Undertaken
|
|
Marine works (Submarine Pipeline):
· Completion of the intermediate test of submarine
pipeline;
· Completion of the hydrostatic pressure
testing on the submarine pipeline;
· Completion of the backfilling 75mm aggregate and
conducted corresponding hydrographic survey on 14 December 2013;
· Commencement of G75 rock backfilling from CH1000 to
CH1200 approximately; and
· Commencement of armour rock backfilling from CH0000 to CH0750 and from CH2500 to CH3030
approximately.
|
|
Landmains (To Kwa Wan and North Point):
· Completion of reinstating the affected portion of
Imperial Parking. All landmain within the vicinity of Imperial Parking has been
completed;
· Completion of pipe laying at Chi Kiang Street at CH0300
to CH 0310 and at CH0310 to CH0325;
· Completion of pipe laying at San Ma Tau Street at
CH1111 to CH1114;
· Completion of reinstating San Ma Tau Street at
CH1107 to CH1114; and
· Ongoing trial pit excavation at Hoi Yu Street at CH(NPLL):0000 to CH(NPLL):0015.
· Completion of reinstatement of carriageway at San Ma
Tau Street at CH1103 to CH1107;
· Completion of reinstatement of carriageway at North
Point Police Station at CH3134 to CH3162; and
· Completion of excavation and reinstatement of trial
pit nos. 39 and 42 at Hoi Yu Street.
|
|
Works Area (To Kwa Wan):
· Completion of the intermediate test of pipeline;
· Completion of anodes and associate facilities
installation at the deep well; and
·
Completion of
placing 75 mm aggregate to the riser pipe within To Kwa
Wan cofferdam.
|
|
Works Area (North Point):
· Trial pit excavation at CH NPLL 0010;
· Completion of the intermediate test of pipeline; and
·
Backfilling between
CH3134 to CH3160.
|
A summary of
the valid permits, licences and notifications on environmental protection for
this Project is presented in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2 Summary
of Environmental Licensing, Notification and Permit Status
|
Permit/ Licences/ Notification
|
Reference
|
Validity Period
|
Remarks
|
|
Environmental Permit
|
EP-401/2010
|
Throughout the Contract
|
Permit granted on 6 October 2010
|
|
Notification of Commencement of Works
|
Ref No. 1123/01.01/12/0233/L
|
Throughout the Contract
|
-
|
|
Water Discharge License (North Point)
|
WT00012521-2012
|
Till 31 March 2017
|
Wastewater discharge licence was issued by EPD on 22
March 2012
|
|
Water Discharge License (To Kwa
Wan)
|
WT00012299-2012
|
Till 30 April 2017
|
Wastewater discharge licence was issued by EPD on 25
April 2012
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RE0486-12
|
Till 17 December 2012; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 20 June 2012
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RE0976-12
|
Till 9 March 2013; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 13 November 2012
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RE0193-13
|
Till 9 April 2013; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 1 March 2013
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RE0313-13
|
Till 9 August 2013; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 27 March 2013
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RE0570-13
|
Till 25 July 2013; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 15 June 2013
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RS0761-13
|
Till 11 September 2013
|
Issued on 10 July 2013
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RE1014-13
|
Till 16 December 2013
|
Issued on 18 September 2013
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RS1115-13
|
Till 31 December 2013
|
Issued on 10 October 2013
|
|
Construction Noise Permit (Marine works)
|
GW-RE0069-14
|
Till 30 April 2014
|
Issued on 20 January 2014
|
|
Chemical Waste Producer Registration
|
5213-244-M2830-01
|
Throughout the Contract
|
Licence approved on 17 February 2012
|
|
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 1, Cheung Chau
South)
|
EP/MD/12-125
|
Till 14 November 2012; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 15 May 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 1, Cheung Chau
South)
|
EP/MD/13-102
|
Till 17 June 2013; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 17 December 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 1, Cheung Chau
South)
|
EP/MD/14-028
|
Till 25 December 2013
|
Issued on 26 June 2013
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 1, East
Ninepin)
|
EP/MD/13-012
|
Till 30 September 2012; Expired
|
Issued on 29 May 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 2, East Sha Chau)
|
EP/MD/13-023
|
Till 17 July 2012;
Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 15 June 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 2, East Sha
Chau)
|
EP/MD/13-042
|
Till 17 August 2012; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 17 July 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 2, East Sha
Chau)
|
EP/MD/13-054
|
Till 20 September 2012; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 20 August 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 2, East Sha
Chau)
|
EP/MD/13-078
|
Till 8 November 2012; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 8 October 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 2, East Sha
Chau)
|
EP/MD/13-090
|
Till 8 December 2012; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 8 November 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 2, East Sha
Chau)
|
EP/MD/13-136
|
Till 21 April 2013; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 21 March 2013
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 2, East Sha
Chau)
|
EP/MD/14-004
|
Till 31 May 2013; Expired
|
Issued on 30 April 2013
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 3, East Sha
Chau)
|
EP/MD/12-127
|
Till 8 September 2012; Expired; new permit granted
|
Issued on 8 August 2012
|
|
Marine Dumping Permit (Sediment Type 3, East Sha
Chau)
|
EP/MD/13-067
|
Till 24 October 2012; Expired;
|
Issued on 25 September 2012
|
3
EM&A
RequiremEnts
3.1.1
Water Quality Parameters
The parameters
measured in situ were:
·
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (% saturation and mg L-1)
·
Salinity (ppt)
·
Temperature
(ºC)
·
Turbidity
(NTU)
The only parameter to be measured in the laboratory
was:
·
Suspended solids (SS) (mg L-1)
In addition to
the water quality parameters, other relevant data were measured and recorded in
Water Quality Monitoring Logs, including monitoring location, time, tidal
stages, weather conditions and any special phenomenon or work underway at the
construction site that may influence the monitoring results.
3.1.2
Monitoring Equipment
Table 3.1 summaries the equipment used for the water quality
monitoring.
Table 3.1 Equipment
used during the Water Quality Monitoring Programme
|
Equipment
|
Model
|
|
Global
Positioning Device
|
Garmin etrex 10
|
|
Water Depth
Detector (Echo sounder)
|
Speedtech
Instrument SM-5A
|
|
Water
Sampler
|
1510
Kemmerer Water Sampler
|
|
Salinity,
DO, Temperature Measuring Meter
|
YSI Pro 2030
|
|
Turbidity
Meter
|
HACH Model 2100Q
Turbid Meter
|
3.1.3
Sampling / Testing Protocol
All in situ monitoring instruments were
checked, calibrated and certified by the analytical laboratory before use (). Responses of sensors and electrodes were
checked with certified standard solutions before each use.
Wet bulb
calibration for a DO probe was carried out at least once per monitoring day. A zero check in distilled water was
performed with the turbidity probe at least once per monitoring day. The probe was calibrated with a solution
of known NTU. In addition, the
turbidity probe was calibrated at least twice per month to establish the relationship
between turbidity readings (in NTU) and levels of suspended solids (in mg L-1).
On-site
calibration of equipment was also carried out following the “Guide to On-Site Test Methods for the
Analysis of Waters”, BS 1427:1993 to check the responses of sensors and
electrodes using certified standard solutions before each use. Sufficient stocks of spare parts were
maintained for replacements when necessary. Backup monitoring equipment was made
available so that monitoring can proceed uninterrupted even when equipment is
under maintenance, calibration etc.
Water samples
for SS measurements were collected in high density polythene, packed in ice
(cooled to 4 ºC
without being frozen) and delivered to the analytical laboratory as soon as
possible after collection.
3.1.4
Laboratory Measurement and Analysis
Analysis of SS
was carried out in a HOKLAS accredited laboratory (). Water samples of about 1 L were
collected at the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory suspended
solids determination. The SS
determination work started within 24 hours after the collection of the water
samples. The SS analyses followed
the standard method APHA 2540D with a detection limit of 1 mg L-1 as
described in APHA Standard Methods for
the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st Edition, unless
specified.
Quality
Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/ QC) details (such as blank, spike recovery,
number of duplicate samples per batch etc) were
provided in Monthly EM&A Reports in
accordance with requirements of HOKLAS.
3.1.5
Sampling Depths & Replication
Each station
was sampled and measurements/ water samples were taken at three depths, namely,
1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the
water depth was less than 6 m, the mid-depth station may be omitted. For stations that were less than 3 m in
depth, only the mid-depth sample was taken.
For in situ measurements, duplicate readings
were made at each water depth at each station. Duplicate water samples were collected
at each water depth at each station.
3.1.6
Monitoring Locations and Frequency
Impact water
quality monitoring was conducted during the marine works period at the
monitoring stations listed in Table 3.2
and shown in Annex D1.
Table 3.2 Water
Quality Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station
|
Area
|
Easting
|
Northing
|
|
WM1
|
Tai Wan WSD
Seawater Intake
|
837818.8258
|
818059.9297
|
|
WM2
|
City Garden
|
838278.6734
|
817209.9656
|
|
WM3
|
Provident
Centre
|
838443.5777
|
817233.5234
|
|
WM4
|
North Point
Government Offices
|
839536.1868
|
817215.6195
|
|
WM5
|
Quarry Bay WSD
Seawater Intake
|
839781.4231
|
817107.8097
|
|
WM6
|
Taikoo Place
|
840026.6594
|
817000
|
|
C1
|
Control
Station
|
836625.9264
|
817422.6424
|
|
C2
|
Control
Station
|
836747.9445
|
816670.1762
|
|
C3
|
Control
Station
|
840810.5828
|
817825.8986
|
|
C4
|
Control
Station
|
840432.5877
|
816920.1674
|
In accordance
with the EM&A Manual, marine
water quality monitoring were conducted at six Water Sensitive Receivers (WM1,
WM2, WM3, WM4, WM5 and WM6) as well as four Control stations (C1, C2, C3 and
C4) (Table 3.2) at a frequency of
three times a week during the marine works period for the Project. Monitoring was undertaken at mid-flood
and mid-ebb tides during each monitoring day. The interval between two sets of
consecutive monitoring was not less than 36 hours.
For
scheduling, reference were made to the predicted tides at Quarry Bay, which is
the tidal station nearest to the Project Site, published on the website of the
Hong Kong Observatory (). Schedule for impact monitoring has been
submitted to the Contractor, Independent Environmental Checker (IEC), Engineer
Representative (ER) and Environmental Protection Department (EPD) prior to the
commencement of the monitoring works.
3.1.7
Water Quality Compliance
Water quality
monitoring was evaluated against Action and Limit Levels. The proposed Action and Limit Levels which
are determined from the baseline water quality monitoring results are shown in Table 3.3.
In the event
that the levels are exceeded, appropriate actions in the Event and Action Plan
(Annex F1) should be undertaken and a review of works
will be carried out by the Contractor(s).
Table 3.3 Action
and Limit Levels for Water Quality (e)
|
Parameters
|
Action Level
|
Limit Level
|
|
DO in mg L-1
(Surface,
Middle & Bottom)
|
WSD Seawater Intakes
2 mg L-1
Other Impact Monitoring Stations
5 percentile of baseline data, i.e. 7.79 mg L-1
|
Surface and Middle
WSD Seawater Intake
2 mg L-1
Other Impact Monitoring Stations
4 mg L-1 or 1 percentile of baseline data, i.e. 7.46 mg L-1
Bottom
Impact Monitoring Stations
2 mg L-1 or 1 percentile of baseline data, i.e. 7.66 mg L-1
|
|
SS in mg L-1
(depth-averaged)
|
WSD Seawater Intakes
10 mg L-1
Other Impact Monitoring Stations
95
percentile of baseline data, i.e. 5.13 mg L-1
or
120% of
upstream control station at the same tide of the same day
|
WSD Seawater Intake
10 mg L-1
Other Impact Monitoring Stations
99 percentile of baseline data, i.e. 5.53 mg L-1
or
130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day
|
|
Turbidity
(depth-averaged)
|
WSD Seawater Intakes
10 NTU
Other Impact Monitoring Stations
95
percentile of baseline data, i.e. 3.71 NTU
or
120% of
upstream control station at the same tide of the same day
|
WSD Seawater Intakes
10 NTU
Other Impact Monitoring Stations
99
percentile of baseline data, i.e. 4.03 NTU
or
130% of
upstream control station at the same tide of the same day
|
|
Notes:
(a) “Depth-averaged”
is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of the readings of the three
depths.
(b) For
DO measurement, non-compliance occurs when monitoring result is lower than
the limits.
(c) For
SS and turbidity, non-compliance of water quality results when monitoring
results is higher than the limits.
(d) All
the figures given in the table are used for reference only the EPD may amend
the figures whenever necessary.
(e) The
levels of SS, Turbidity and DO were confirmed to be similar amongst
monitoring stations by statistical analysis. Therefore, the calculation of Action
and Limit Levels was based on baseline monitoring data collected from all
monitoring stations and the same set of Action and Limit Levels will be
adopted for the Impact Monitoring
Stations (ie not including the WSD Seawater Intakes and Control Stations).
|
3.2
Air-borne Noise Monitoring
3.2.1
Monitoring Location
In accordance
with the EM&A Manual, monitoring
of construction noise impact should be conducted at the designated monitoring
stations. The construction noise
monitoring location for this Project is listed in Table 3.6 and is shown in Annexes E1 and E2.
Table 3.6 Noise Monitoring Location
|
Monitoring Station
|
Area
|
Description
|
|
SCH02
|
To
Kwa Wan
|
CCC
Kei To Secondary School
|
|
FSQ
|
North
Point
|
North
Point Fire Services Married Quarters
|
3.2.2
Monitoring Parameter and Frequency
Weekly construction noise monitoring was conducted in
accordance with the requirements stipulated in the EM&A Manual. Thirteen
sets of noise monitoring were carried out within this quarterly reporting
period.
The
construction noise levels were measured in terms of A-weighted equivalent
continuous sound pressure level (Leq) in
decibels dB(A). Leq
(30min) were used as the monitoring parameter for the period in between
0700 – 1900 hours on normal weekdays.
In order to obtain supplementary information for data auditing, two
statistical sound levels L10 and L90 (ie
the levels exceeded for 10 and 90 percent of the time, respectively), were also
recorded during the monitoring for reference. The measured noise levels were logged
every 5 minutes throughout the impact monitoring period.
3.2.3
Action and Limit Levels
The Action and
Limit levels for noise monitoring during different monitoring periods are
summarised in Table 3.7.
Table 3.7 Summary of Action and
Limit Levels for Construction Noise
|
Time
Period
|
Action
Level
|
Limit
Level (dB(A))
|
|
0700-1900
hrs on normal weekdays
|
When
one documented compliant is received
|
75*
|
|
1900-2300
hrs on normal weekdays
|
When
one documented compliant is received
|
70
|
|
Restricted
hours (2300-0700 hrs)
|
When
one documented compliant is received
|
55
|
Note:
* 70 dB(A)
for schools and 65 dB(A) during school examination periods.
3.2.4
Monitoring Equipment and Methodology
Construction
noise measurements were conducted in accordance with the calibration and
measurement procedures as stated in Annex
– General Calibration and Measurement Procedures of Technical Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work other than
Percussive Piling (GW-TM) issued
under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) (Cap. 400).
The sound
level meters and calibrator used for the noise measurement, as listed in Table
3.8, complies with IEC 651: 1979 and 804:1985 (Type 1) specification. The calibration certificates of the sound
level meters and calibrator were shown in Monthly
EM&A Reports.
Table 3.8 Noise Monitoring Equipment
|
Monitoring Station
|
Monitoring Equipment (Sound Level Meter and Calibrator)
|
|
SCH02
|
Rion NL-18 (S/N 00360030), NC-73
(S/N 10997142)
|
|
FSQ
|
Rion NL-31 (S/N 00410224), NC-73
(S/N 10997142)
|
Immediately
prior to and following the noise measurements, the accuracy of the measurement
equipment was checked using an acoustic calibrator generating a known sound
pressure level at a known frequency.
3.2.5
Event and Action Plan
The Event and
Action Plan (EAP) for noise monitoring is presented in Annex F2.
4
Implementation
Status on Environmental Mitigation Measures
The Contractor
has implemented environmental mitigation measures and requirements as stated in
the EIA Report, EP and EM&A Manual. The implementation status during the
reporting period is summarised in Annex G.
5
Monitoring
Results
Weekly site
inspections were conducted by representatives of the Contractor and the ET on 6, 14, 18 and
27 December 2013;
9, 16 and 23 January
2014; and 7, 13 and 21 February
2014. In addition, joint site
inspections were conducted by the Contractor, the ET, the Resident Engineer
(RE) and the IEC on 30
December 2013 as well as 28 January and
25 February 2014.
Major
observations during the reporting period were summarised as follows:
6 December 2013
·
North Point Land-based Site:
o A
chemical waste drum was not placed on top of a drip tray. The Contractor was reminded to place it
properly in a drip tray to prevent any chemicals or oil from contaminating the
surrounding soil.
14 December
2013
·
To Kwa Wan Construction
Site:
o
Excavated
materials were not fully covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to cover it
fully by the end of the working day.
·
North Point Land-based Site:
o A
chemical waste container was not placed on a drip tray. The Contractor was reminded to place it
properly on a drip tray to prevent any chemicals or oil from contaminating the
surrounding soil.
o Excavated
materials were not fully covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to cover it
fully by the end of the working day.
18 December 2013
·
To Kwa Wan Construction
Site:
o Excavated
materials were not fully covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to cover it
fully by the end of the working day.
o Trash
was observed in non-designated areas of the works area. The Contractor was reminded to dump
trash onto the designated locations and keep the works area clean.
·
North Point Land-based Site:
o
Excavated
materials were not fully covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to cover it
fully by the end of the working day.
27 December
2013
·
To Kwa Wan Construction
Site:
o Excavated
materials were not fully covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to cover it
fully by the end of the working day.
o Stagnant
water was observed inside a drip tray.
The Contractor was reminded to clear away the stagnant water
appropriately.
o Stockpile
of excavated materials was found close to the edge of the works area next to
the sea, with the potential to be directly deposited into the sea. The Contractor was recommended to erect
barriers or other mitigation measures as appropriate to avoid direct deposition
of excavated materials into the sea.
o Sandbags
were recommended to put along the seafront of the works area to prevent
excavated materials nearby from running into the sea.
·
North Point Land-based Site:
o Trash
was observed inside the silt curtain of the cofferdam. The Contractor was reminded to clean up
the area regularly to maintain good hygiene.
o Stagnant
water was accumulated in a trench of the works area. Mosquito repellent was advised to apply
regularly.
30 December
2013
·
To Kwa Wan Construction
Site:
o Oil
stain was observed on pavement leaked from excavation. The Contractor was advised to carry out
appropriate actions accordingly.
o Pipes
and various equipment were seen to be placed very
close to the tree in TTA. The
Contractor was advised to maintain an appropriate clear zone from any trees.
·
North Point Land-based Site:
o A
chemical container was not placed on a drip tray. The Contractor was reminded to place it
properly or liaise with relevant parties.
o Stagnant
water was accumulated in a trench of the works area. Mosquito repellent was advised to apply
regularly.
9 January 2014
·
To Kwa Wan Land-based Site:
o Excavated
materials were not fully covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to cover it
fully by the end of the working day.
o An
oil drum was found not placed in a drip tray. The Contractor was reminded to place it
appropriately to avoid contamination of the surrounding soil by oil.
16 January 2014
·
To Kwa Wan Land-based Site:
o Trash
was observed in the works area. The
Contractor was reminded to dump trash in designated areas only and to maintain
good house-keeping practice.
o Excavated
materials were not fully covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to cover it
fully by tarpaulin sheet or to check if they could be cleared from the site.
23
January 2014
·
To Kwa Wan Land-based Site:
o Excavated
materials were not fully covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to cover it
fully by tarpaulin sheet or to check if they could be cleared from the site.
o Nozzle
was found placed outside the drip tray.
Immediate rectification was done by the Contractor by placing it
appropriately inside the drip tray to ensure no oil or grease would contaminate
the surrounding soil.
o Large
patch of oil stain was found on the soil in the construction site. The Contractor was reminded to treat
them as chemical waste and dispose of appropriately.
o Stagnant
water was found accumulating next to the cofferdam. The Contractor was advised to spray
mosquito repellant more regularly and to fill it flat with sand to avoid water
from accumulating.
o Large
amount of stagnant water was accumulated in one of the sedimentation tanks on
site. The Contractor was urged to
empty it as soon as possible.
o Plug
was found missing for one of the drip trays. The Contractor was reminded to replace
it as soon as possible.
28 January 2014
·
To Kwa Wan Land-based Site:
o Runoff
was generated from rock-cutting of seawall blocks. The Contractor was advised to carry out
rock-cutting at a more appropriate location to avoid direct discharge of water
from construction site to the sea.
More sandbags were needed to be placed at the cofferdam to reduce any
direct discharge into the surrounding waters. Immediate rectification had been done by
the Contractor by using sedimentation tanks to treat the runoff.
o It
was observed that a sheet pile had been removed at the work front of the
land-based site. The Contractor was
advised to place more sandbags or carry out other appropriate measures to avoid
any construction materials from entering the sea.
7 February 2014
·
Construction works were not undertaken in both To Kwa Wan and North Point construction sites during site
inspection.
13 February 2014
·
To Kwa Wan Land-based Site:
o Excavated
materials were not covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was advised to cover them
fully at the end of the working day.
o More
sand bags were advised to put at the periphery of the cofferdam to prevent any
mud or rubbles from running into the sea directly.
o Stagnant
water was found accumulating in the drip tray containing the chemical waste
drum. The Contractor was
reminded to clear stagnant water regularly.
21 February
2014
·
To Kwa Wan Land-based Site:
o Large
amount of floating rubbish was found accumulated in between the silt curtain at
the cofferdam. The Contractor was
urged to clear them in timely manner.
o Stagnant
water was accumulated in the drip tray of various chemical waste drums. The Contractor was urged to clear away
the stagnant water as soon as possible.
o The
Contractor was recommended to put more sand bags along the seafront of the
works site to prevent any debris from running into the sea directly.
25 February 2014
·
To Kwa Wan Land-based Site:
o Stagnant
water was observed in a number of drip trays at site. The Contractor was reminded to clear
them in timely manner.
o A
plank or more sandbags should be put at the seafront of TKW works areas to
prevent any direct runoff of rubbles.
o Environmental
Permit was not displayed at the site entrance. The Contractor was reminded to display
it properly.
o Ground
water was accumulated at the site.
The Contractor was suggested to fill the trench up to avoid direct
discharge / runoff of groundwater into the sea.
5.2
Marine Water Quality
Monitoring
In
accordance with the requirements described in the EM&A Manual, marine water quality monitoring was conducted during
periods when marine works were scheduled to be undertaken. Impact monitoring was undertaken three
times per week from 1 December 2013 to 28 February 2014, except during the
period of 1 to 3 February 2014 when no marine works were undertaken. During the period of impact monitoring,
weather condition was generally fine.
Monitoring
results are presented graphically in Annex D2 – D6 and
key observations are described below.
DO
levels from surface, mid-depth and bottom waters were generally similar amongst
Control, Impact and WSD Seawater Intake stations, and DO levels were variable
throughout the monitoring period which represented natural background fluctuation
in water quality.
Quarterly
mean DO levels from surface, mid-depth and bottom waters of Impact Stations were
significantly lower than those recorded in Baseline Water Quality Monitoring in
March 2012 (p < 0.001). Quarterly mean DO levels from surface,
mid-depth and bottom waters of Control Stations were also significantly lower
than those recorded in Baseline Water Quality Monitoring in March 2012 (p < 0.001). When comparing quarterly mean DO levels
from surface, mid-depth and bottom waters between Impact Stations and Control
Stations, no significant difference was found (p > 0.05).
Therefore, it is considered that the significantly lower DO levels
recorded in this quarterly period (ie compared to the
baseline levels) are more likely to be representing natural background
fluctuation in water quality rather than indicating any unacceptable water quality
impacts from the Project since the lower DO levels were recorded at the Impact
Stations as well as the Control Stations, which are far away from the marine
works locations that should not be affected by the marine works.
Similar
to DO levels, turbidity and SS levels were generally similar amongst all
stations and variable throughout the monitoring period. High levels of turbidity and SS were
occasionally recorded during both mid-ebb and mid-flood tides. Such fluctuations were also observed
during baseline monitoring and are considered to be sporadic events and
characteristic of water quality in this area of Hong Kong.
Quarterly
mean turbidity and SS levels of Impact Stations were significantly higher than those
recorded in Baseline Water Quality Monitoring in March 2012 (p < 0.001). Quarterly mean turbidity and SS levels of
Control Stations were also significantly higher than those recorded in Baseline
Water Quality Monitoring in March 2012 (p
< 0.001).
Comparison
of quarterly mean depth-averaged turbidity levels between Impact and Control
Stations indicated that turbidity levels at Control Stations were similar to those
recorded at Impact Stations (p > 0.05). Therefore, it is considered that the
significantly higher turbidity levels recorded in this quarterly period (ie compared to the baseline levels) are more likely to be
representing natural background fluctuation in water quality rather than
indicating any unacceptable water quality impacts from the Project since the
higher turbidity levels were recorded at the Impact Stations as well as the
Control Stations, which are far away from the marine works locations that
should not be affected by the marine works.
Comparison
of quarterly mean depth-averaged SS levels between Impact and Control Stations
indicated that SS levels at Control Stations were significantly higher than
those recorded at Impact Stations (p
< 0.001). Therefore, it is
considered that the significantly higher SS levels recorded in this quarterly
period (ie compared to the baseline levels) are more
likely to be representing natural background fluctuation in water quality
rather than indicating any unacceptable water quality impacts from the Project
since the higher SS levels were recorded at the Control Stations, which are far
away from the marine works locations that should not be affected by the marine
works.
A
total of thirty-seven (37) exceedances were recorded and
dated on 3,
5, 7,
10,
12, 14,
17,
19,
21,
24,
26,
28
and 31
December
2013; 2,
4, 7,
9,
11, 14,
16,
18,
21,
23,
25,
28
and 30
January
2014; and 4, 6,
8,
11, 13,
15,
18,
20,
22,
25
and 27 February
2014. Exceedances
in the Action and Limit Levels of surface, mid-depth and bottom DO were
observed. It is considered that the
exceedances in DO levels are more likely to be representing
natural background fluctuation in water quality rather than indicating any unacceptable
water quality impacts from the Project since the levels of DO at the Impact
Stations where exceedances were recorded were similar
to those at the Control Stations.
In addition, some exceedances were recorded
when no marine works were being undertaken for the Project (eg
during mid-flood tide on 7 December 2013; 4 and 8 February 2014, during
mid-ebb tide on 10, 14 and 26 December 2013; 7 and 9 January 2014; 6 and 27
February 2014 and during both mid-ebb and mid-flood tides on 24 December 2013;
18 and 30 January 2014; 15, 18 and 20 February 2014).
Exceedances in the Action and Limit Levels of
depth-averaged turbidity and SS levels were also recorded. As explained above, high level of turbidity
and SS in this area are considered to be sporadic and characteristic of water
quality in this area of Hong Kong.
The observed exceedances were thus not
considered to be of environmental concern.
Mitigation
measures for marine works were implemented properly in accordance with
requirements stipulated in the EIA
Report, EP and EM&A Manual. Following the review of monitoring data
and marine works details in accordance with the procedures stipulated in the
Event and Action Plan of the EM&A
Manual, these exceedances were considered to be
due to natural background variation in water quality characteristic and were
unlikely to be due to the Project’s marine works activities.
5.3
Air-borne Noise Monitoring
30-minute
construction noise measurements were carried out on 4, 11, 18
and 27 December
2013;
3, 8, 15, 21
and 29 January 2014; and 7,
12 and 19 February 2014 at
monitoring station FSQ and on 5, 12, 19
and 24 December
2013;
2, 9, 16,
23 and 30 January 2014; and 6, 13, 20
and 27 February 2014 at
monitoring station SCH02 during normal working hours in weekdays of the quarterly
period. No exceedances
of Action and Limit Levels for noise monitoring during normal working hours
were recorded.
The monitoring
results together with graphical presentations are presented in Annex E3 – E8. The local impacts observed near the
monitoring stations of SCH02 and FSQ were due to traffic noise from Sung On
Street and Island
Eastern Corridor, respectively.
5.4
Waste Management EM&A
Waste
generated from this Project includes inert construction and demolition
(C&D) materials, non-inert C&D materials. Reference has been made to the Monthly
Summary Waste Flow Table prepared by the Contractor (Annex H).
The waste
statistics provided in this section represent the cumulative quantity of wastes
generated from all sites in this Project.
With reference to relevant handling records and trip tickets of this
Project, the quantities of different types of waste generated in the reporting
months of this quarterly period are summarised in Table 5.1. The
inert C&D materials and general refuse generated from the Project were
disposed of at Tseung Kwan O Area 137 Fill Bank and SENT
Landfill, respectively.
Table 5.1 Quantities of Waste Generated from the Project for all
Sites
|
Month / Year
|
Quantity
|
|
C&D
Materials (inert) (a)
|
C&D
Materials (non-inert) (b)
|
Chemical
Waste
|
Marine
Deposit
|
|
Type
1
|
Type
2
|
Type
3
|
|
December 2013
|
231.54
tonnes(c)
|
2.91
tonnes (d)
|
0
L
|
0
m3
|
0
m3
|
0
m3
|
|
January 2014
|
231.54
tonnes(e)
|
3.46
tonnes (f)
|
0
L
|
0
m3
|
0
m3
|
0
m3
|
|
February 2014
|
115.00
tonnes(g)
|
4.25
tonnes (h)
|
0
L
|
0
m3
|
0
m3
|
0
m3
|
|
Notes:
(a) Inert
C&D materials include bricks, concrete, building debris, rubble and
excavated soil.
(b) The non-inert C&D
materials consisted of general refuse and vegetation/ rubbish.
(c) 231.54
tonnes of inert C&D Materials were generated in December
2013. 21.09
tonnes were reused in the Contract.
210.45 tonnes have been disposed of as Public Fill at Tseung Kwan O Area 137 Fill Bank.
(d) The non-inert C&D
materials consisted of 2.91 tonnes of general refuse generated in December
2013.
(e) 231.54
tonnes of inert C&D Materials were generated in January 2014. 126.6
tonnes were reused in the Contract.
104.94 tonnes have been disposed of as Public Fill at Tseung Kwan O Area 137 Fill Bank.
(f) The non-inert C&D
materials consisted of 3.46 tonnes of general refuse generated in January 2014.
(g) 115
tonnes of inert C&D Materials were generated in February 2014. 75.92
tonnes were reused in the Contract.
30 tonnes were stored as stockpile at site. 9.08
tonnes have been disposed of as Public Fill at Tseung
Kwan O Area 137 Fill Bank.
(h) The non-inert C&D
materials consisted of 4.25 tonnes of general refuse generated in February
2014.
|
6
Environmental
Non-comformance
No
non-compliance of EIA/ EM&A/ EP/ legislative requirements was
recorded during the reporting period.
No
complaint was received during the reporting period. The cumulative
compliant/summons/prosecution log is shown in Annex I.
No
summons/ prosecution was received during the reporting
period. The cumulative
compliant/summons/prosecution log is shown in Annex I.
7
Future Key Issues
Works to be
undertaken for the coming reporting quarter are summarised in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1 Construction
Works to be undertaken in the Coming Quarter
|
Work to be taken
|
|
· Partial installation of ICCP system;
·
Armour rock backfilling;
·
Seawall reinstatement; and
·
Pipeline laying.
|
Potential
environmental impacts arising from the above construction activities are mainly
associated with dust, construction noise, site runoff, marine water quality and
waste management issues. The most
updated construction programme for the Project is presented in Annex C.
As the major
construction works in the coming quarter are armour rock backfilling and
seawall reinstatement, waste generated from this Project for the coming quarter
will include inert and non-inert C&D materials. Part of the inert C&D materials will
be stockpiled on site for reuse and the remaining will be disposed of at Tseung Kwan O Area 137 Fill Bank. Chemical waste will be stored at designated
area and collected by a licensed collector. Surface runoff, sewage and wastewater
will be reduced using proper site management such as the use of sedimentation
tanks with sufficient capacity, vehicle and plant cleaning before leaving a
construction site, etc (detailed in Annex G).
General refuse generated from the Project will be disposed of SENT
Landfill.
8
Conclusions
This
7th Quarterly EM&A Report presents the EM&A programme
undertaken during the reporting period from 1 December 2013 to 28 February 2014
in accordance with EM&A Manual
and requirements of the EP (EP-401/2010).
Marine
works were undertaken during this quarterly period and construction phase water
quality monitoring was conducted in accordance with the requirements described
in the EM&A Manual. Exceedances of
Action and Limit Levels for water quality were recorded in thirty-seven (37) monitoring
events from 1 December 2013 to 28 February 2014.
It is considered that the exceedances were
sporadic events and represented natural background fluctuation in water
quality.
30-minute
construction noise measurements were carried out at the monitoring stations SCH02
and FSQ during normal weekdays of the reporting period. No exceedance of
Action or Limit Level was recorded during the reporting period.
Weekly site inspections were conducted in the
reporting period. Joint
site inspections were conducted on 30 December 2013, 28 January 2014 and 25
February 2014 by the Contractor, the ET, the RE and the IEC. Most of the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA/ EM&A manual/ EP were implemented by
the Contractor. Follow-up
actions for the observed environmental deficiency during the site inspections were
taken as reported by the Contractor and observed in the next weekly site
inspection conducted.
No non-compliance
event was recorded during the reporting period.
No complaint
and summons/prosecution was received during the reporting period.
The EM&A
programme is considered effective in reflecting the
environmental conditions at the site. The site inspection results also
indicated that the Project has no unacceptable environmental impacts and the
mitigation measures were effectively implemented. The ET will keep track of the EM&A
programme to ensure compliance of environmental requirements and the proper
implementation of all necessary mitigation measures in the coming periods.
Change to the
monitoring programme is not considered to be necessary at this stage. The monitoring programme will be
evaluated as appropriate in the next reporting period.
