TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY........................................................................................................................... 11
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 21
Background................................................................................................................................. 21
Scope of Report........................................................................................................................... 21
Project Organization..................................................................................................................... 21
Summary of Construction Works................................................................................................... 31
Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements................................................................................ 31
2. AIR QUALITY.............................................................................................................................. 41
Monitoring Requirements.............................................................................................................. 41
Monitoring Equipment................................................................................................................... 41
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration............................................................................. 41
Monitoring Locations.................................................................................................................... 41
Monitoring Methodology................................................................................................................ 51
Monitoring Results....................................................................................................................... 61
3. NOISE MONITORING................................................................................................................. 718
Monitoring Requirements............................................................................................................ 718
Monitoring Equipment................................................................................................................. 718
Monitoring Locations.................................................................................................................. 718
Monitoring Parameters................................................................................................................ 718
Monitoring Methodology.............................................................................................................. 718
Monitoring Results..................................................................................................................... 819
4. VEGETATION SURVEY............................................................................................................ 9110
Monitoring
Requirement............................................................................................................. 9110
Monitoring
Location................................................................................................................... 9110
Monitoring
Methodology.............................................................................................................. 101
Monitoring
Results..................................................................................................................... 101
5. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL..................................................................................................... 10111
Monitoring Requirement........................................................................................................... 10111
Summary of the Landscape and Visual Monitoring on 198 AprilAugust 2008................................. 10111
Summary of the Landscape and Visual Monitoring on 2622 AprilAugust 2008............................. 1111111
Next Landscape and Visual Audit Schedule............................................................................ 1111122
6. ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT................................................................... 12113
Site Inspection........................................................................................................................ 12113
Assessment of Environmental Monitoring Results...................................................................... 12113
Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management
Status......................................................... 13114
Environmental Licenses and Permits........................................................................................ 13114
Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation
Measures...................................................... 13114
Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality
Performance Limit.................................. 13114
Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and
Successful Prosecutions.......................... 13114
7. FUTURE KEY ISSUES........................................................................................................... 15115
Construction Programme for the Coming Months....................................................................... 15115
Key Issues for Coming Month.................................................................................................. 15115
Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Months.............................................................................. 16116
8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................ 17117
Conclusions........................................................................................................................... 17117
Recommendations.................................................................................................................. 17117
Executive summary................................................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 2
Background................................................................................................................................... 2
Purpose of the Baseline Report....................................................................................................... 2
2. BASELINE
AIR QUALITY MONITORING........................................................................................ 33
Monitoring Requirements.............................................................................................................. 33
Monitoring Equipment................................................................................................................... 33
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration............................................................................. 33
Monitoring Locations.................................................................................................................... 33
Monitoring Methodology................................................................................................................ 33
Results....................................................................................................................................... 55
Action and Limit Levels................................................................................................................. 55
3. BASELINE
NOISE MONITORING.................................................................................................. 77
Monitoring Requirements.............................................................................................................. 77
Monitoring Equipment................................................................................................................... 77
Monitoring Locations.................................................................................................................... 77
Monitoring Parameters................................................................................................................. 77
Monitoring Methodology................................................................................................................ 77
Monitoring................................................................................................................................... 88
Results....................................................................................................................................... 88
Action and Limit Levels................................................................................................................. 88
4. VEGETATION
SURVEY............................................................................................................ 1010
Monitoring Requirement............................................................................................................ 1010
Monitoring Location.................................................................................................................. 1010
Monitoring Methodology............................................................................................................ 1010
Monitoring Results.................................................................................................................... 1010
5. LANDSCAPE
AND VISUAL BASELINE REVIEW........................................................................ 1212
Review Requirement................................................................................................................. 1212
Baseline Review Methodology.................................................................................................... 1212
Baseline Review Results........................................................................................................... 1313
Landscape Character................................................................................................................ 1313
Visually Sensitive Receivers...................................................................................................... 1414
6. CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................... 1515
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. INTRODUCTION
Background
Scope of Report
Project Organization
Summary of Construction Works
Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements
2. AIR QUALITY
Monitoring Requirements
Monitoring Equipment
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
Monitoring Locations
Monitoring Methodology
Monitoring Results
3. NOISE MONITORING
Monitoring Requirements
Monitoring Equipment
Monitoring Locations
Monitoring Parameters
Monitoring Methodology
Monitoring Results
4. VEGETATION MONITORING
Monitoring Requirement
Monitoring Location
Monitoring Methodology
Monitoring Results
Monitoring Requirement
6. ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION
AND AUDIT
Site Inspection
Assessment of Environmental Monitoring Results
Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status
Environmental Licenses and Permits
Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures
Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit
Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
7. FUTURE KEY ISSUES
Construction Programme for the Coming Months
Key Issues for Coming Month
Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Months
8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions
Recommendations
List
of Tables
Table 1.1 Contact
Information of Key Personnel.......................................................................... 3
Table 2.1 Air Quality Monitoring
Equipment................................................................................ 4
Table 2.2 Air Quality Monitoring
Parameters, Frequency and Duration.......................................... 4
Table 2.3 Locations of Air Quality
Monitoring Stations.................................................................. 4
Table 2.4 Summary of 1-hour TSP
Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period............................... 6
Table 2.5 Summary of 24-hour TSP
Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period............................. 6
Table 3.1 Noise Monitoring Equipment....................................................................................... 7
Table 3.2 Locations of Noise Monitoring
Stations........................................................................ 7
Table 3.3 Summary of Noise Monitoring
Results in the Reporting Period....................................... 8
Table 6.1 Summary of Environmental
Licensing and Permit Status.............................................. 13
Table 1.1 Contact Information of Key Personnel.......................................................................... 1
Table 2.1 Air Quality Monitoring Equipment................................................................................ 1
Table 2.2 Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration.......................................... 1
Table 2.3 Locations of Air Quality Monitoring Stations.................................................................. 1
Table 2.4 Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results During Reporting Period.............................. 1
Table 2.5 Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results During Reporting Period............................ 1
Table 3.1 Noise Monitoring Equipment..................................................................................... 18
Table 3.2 Locations of Noise Monitoring Stations....................................................................... 18
Table 3.3 Summary of Noise Monitoring Results in the
Reporting Period..................................... 19
Table 6.1 Summary of Environmental Licensing and Permit
Status............................................ 114
Table 2.1......... Air
Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration.......................... 33
Table 2.2......... Locations
of Air Quality Monitoring Stations.................................................. 33
Table 2.3......... Summary
of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results During Baseline Period............... 55
Table 2.4......... Summary
of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results During Baseline Period............. 55
Table 2.5......... Derivation
of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality........................................ 55
Table 2.6.........
Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality......................................................... 66
Table 3.1......... Noise
Monitoring Equipment....................................................................... 77
Table 3.2......... Locations
of Noise Monitoring Stations........................................................ 77
Table 3.3......... Summary
of Noise Monitoring Results During Baseline Period....................... 88
Table 3.4......... Criteria
for Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise.............................. 88
Table 3.5......... Action
and Limit Levels for Construction Noise of the Project......................... 99
Table 4.1......... Vegetation
Species of Conservation Importance within and in Close Proximity to the
Boundary of the Part II Project Area.......................................................... 1111
Table 1.1 Contact Information of Key Personnel
Table 2.1 Air Quality Monitoring Equipment
Table 2.2 Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
Table 2.3 Locations of Air Quality Monitoring Stations
Table 2.4 Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period
Table 2.5 Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period
Table 3.1 Noise Monitoring Equipment
Table 3.2 Locations of Noise Monitoring Stations
Table 3.3 Summary of Noise Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period
Table 6.1 Summary of Environmental Licensing and Permit Status
List of Figures
Figure 12.1 Site
Layout Plan
Locations of
Air Quality and Noise Monitoring Stations
Figure
24.1 Locations of Air Quality and Noise
Monitoring Stations
Figure 6.1 Environmental Complaint Handling
Procedures Location of Vegetation Survey
Figure
4.2A Locations of Plant Species of Conservation
Importance
Figure 4.2B Locations of Plant Species of
Conservation Importance
Figure 5.1 Landscape Resources
Figure 5.2 Photos of Landscape Resources
Figure 5.3 Landscape Character Area
Figure 5.4 Photos of Landscape Character Area
Figure 5.5 Zone of Visual Influence and Visual Sensitive
Receivers
Figure 5.6 Photos of Visually Sensitive Receivers
Figure 5.7 Photos of Key Viewpoints (Sheet 1 of
2)
Figure 5.8 Photos of Key Viewpoints (Sheet 2 of
2)
List of Appendices
Appendix A Project
Organization Structure
Appendix B Construction Programme
Appendix C Implementation Schedule of Mitigation Measures
(EMIS)
Appendix D Action
and Limit Levels for Air Quality and Noise
Appendix E Appendix A Calibration
Certificates
Appendix F Air Quality Monitoring Results and
Graphical Presentation
Appendix G Event
Action Plan
Appendix
H Weather Data
Appendix I Noise
Monitoring Results and Graphical Presentation
Appendix J Detailed Landscape and Visual Monitoring
Report
Appendix K ET’s
Site Inspection Summaries
Appendix L Monitoring
Schedules
Appendix B Baseline Air Quality Monitoring Results
Appendix C Baseline Noise Monitoring Results
Appendix D Schedule of Plant Species of Conservation
Importance
Appendix E Photographic Records of Plant Species of
Conservation Importance
Appendix F Coordinates for Plant Species of
Conservation Importance
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Project “Landslide Preventive Works at Po Shan, Mid-levels – Design
and Construction (Natural Terrain Risk Mitigation Works)” (hereafter called
“the Project”) includes the installation of about 700 numbers of soil nails and
about 60 numbers of raking drains on the natural terrain within the concerned
area.
China
State
– China Railway Joint
Venture (CCJV) was commissioned as the Contractor of the Project. ENSR Asia
(HK) Ltd. was employed by CCJV as the Environmental Team to carry out
the EM&A programme.
The impact environmental baseline monitoring
and
audit for the Project includes the air quality, noise, ecology,
landscape and visual monitoring. The construction of the Project and the
EM&A programme commenced on 1 April 2008.
This report documented the findings
of EM&A works conducted in the period between 1 and 310
AprilAugust 2008. As
informed by the Contractor, construction activitiesy in the
reporting period wereere:
1.1
Tes
-
Installation of Soil Nail at
Portion A1 and Portion A2; and
-
Erection of scaffolded platform at Portion A2 and B1.
-
t Nails (5
nos.) for Pull Out Test at Portion A1 (i.e. from Row A to Row P);
-
Permanent Nails installation at Portion A1; and
-
Site Clearance for soil nail setting out to Portion
B2 (i.e. from Row X to Row AK).
1.2 Breaches of Action and Limit LevelsThe baseline monitoring of air
quality was carried out between 14 and 31 January 2007 at two designated
locations. Air quality was recorded in terms of 1-hour Total Suspended
Particulates (TSP) and 24-hour TSP. The weather during the monitoring period
was mainly fine with a few occasions of rains. For baseline noise levels, the
regular noise monitoring results carried out at the designated monitoring
stations under the requirements of Environmental Permit (EP-235/2005/A) were
referenced.
There was no action /
limit level exceedance recorded for 1-hour and 24-hour TSP
monitoring.
In the reporting month, all noise
level recorded complied with the limit level.
Complaint, Notification of Summons and Successful
Prosecution
There was no complaint,
notification of summons and successful prosecution received in the reporting
month.
Reporting Change
There was no reporting change
required in the reporting month.
Future Key Issues
The weather in the forthcoming
month is expected to be wet and windy. The Contractor should provide
preventive measures to prevent any muddy runoff, such as proper collection and
treatment of the runoff and provide a functional temporary
drainage system in site.
It is also recommended to
implement all necessary preventive measures to avoid oil leakage on ground /
soil, such as provision of drip trays for all oil drums / chemical containers. In the event
of oil leakage, the Contractor should properly remove the contaminated soil and
dispose of as chemical waste. Construction
waste and general refuse should be properly collected and disposed of.
1.1 The averaged 1-hour TSP was 91.3 (g/m3 at
CA1 and 107.1 (g/m3 at CA2, with the highest concentration recorded
at CA2 on 18 January 2008. The averaged 24-hour TSP was 56.6 (g/m3
at CA1 and 87.7 (g/m3 at CA2, with the highest concentration
recorded at CA2 on 20 January 2008.
1.1 Baseline noise monitoring data was obtained from
daytime noise monitoring results of the existing noise monitoring locations at
Po Shan Mansions as required under the Environmental Permit EP-235/2005/A.
1.1 For the baseline vegetation survey, a total of 12
species of 129 individuals of floral species of conservation importance were
identified and tagged during the detailed vegetation survey. Their coordinates
were also recorded for avoidance of damage during the design of soil nail of
raking drains.
1.3
Baseline landscape and visual review
was carried out in November 2007. The landscape resources in the survey area
ranged from low (including southern side of Po Shan Mansions and Piccadilly
Mansion) to high (including the woodland within the Pok Fu Lam Country Park,
Green Belt above Po Shan Road and roadside planting along Conduit Road,
Kotewall Road and Po Shan Road). The survey area consists of two distinct
landscape character areas, greenbelt / country park character area and
mid-levels residential character area, both are classified as of high landscape
sensitivity. The zone of visual influence (ZVI) is quite extensive. There has
been no change in the ZVI or VSRs as originally identified in the EIA stage,
except the addition of VSR R1E, the future residents of no. 55 Conduit Road.
1.2.
INTRODUCTION
Background
1.1
The project site is located at the mostly
undeveloped hillside above the residential development at Po Shan Road and adjacent to the trimmed
back slope on the site of the catastrophic 1972 Po Shan Road failure. Previous
studies had been carried out and results indicated that the natural hillside
above Po Shan Road
is affected by high groundwater level and unfavourable geology. Sub-surface
drainage measures by means of sub-horizontal drains had been installed in
1984-85. These measures have been successful in lowering the main ground water
table, thus improving the stability of the slopes such that large-scale failure
have not occurred in the last twenty years.
1.2
The objective of the Project “Landslide Preventive
Works at Po Shan, Mid-levels – Design and Construction (Natural Terrain Risk
Mitigation Works)” under Contract CE 28/2004 (GE) is to carry out detailed
design and supervision of landslide preventive works on local repair of the
hillside to minimize slope deterioration and shallow instability.
1.3
The proposed landslide preventive works would be
constructed to protect the existing residential developments at the toe of the
project site.
1.4
The scope of works of this Project includes the
installation about 700 numbers of soil nails and about 60 numbers of raking
drains on the natural terrain within the concerned area. The length of the soil
nails is about 20m
with a spacing of 2m
horizontally and 3m
vertically; the length of raking drains is about 10m with a spacing of 5m horizontally and 15m vertically.
1.51.4Rock slope
stabilisation works will be provided for the rock outcrop / boulders at the
upper portion of the natural terrain. Measures such as scaling, installation of
rock bolts / dowels, construction of concrete buttress and provision of wire
mesh protection will be provided where necessary.
1.5
1.61.5 The Project is anticipated to complete in 10 months after the
commencement of construction.
1.71.6 According to the
Environmental Permit (EP-235/2005/B) and the EM&A Manual of the Project,
there is a need of an EM&A programme including air quality, noise, ecology, and
landscape and visual monitoring.
1.81.7 ENSR Asia (HK)
Ltd. (ENSR) was employed by the Contractor, China State
– China Railway Joint Venture, as the Environmental Team (ET) to
undertake the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) works for the
Project. In accordance with the EM&A Manual of the Project, environmental baseline monitoring of
air quality, noise, ecology, landscape and visual and environmental
site inspections would be required for this Project. conditions
were established by the ET prior to the commencement of construction of the
Project.
Purpose of the Baseline Scope of Report
1.91.8 The purpose
of this Baseline Monitoring Report is to review the baseline conditions and to
present the monitoring results to establish the Action and Limit Levels. This is the fifthfirst
monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Report under the Contract
CE 28/2004 (GE) – Landslide Preventive Works at Po Shan Road,
Mid-Levels – Design and
Construction (Natural Terrain Risk Mitigation Works). This report
presented a summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works, list of
activities, and mitigation measures proposed by the ET
for the Project in AugustApril 2008.
Project
Organization
1.9
The project
organization is shown in Appendix A. The key personnel contact names and numbers are summarized in Table 1.1
.
Table 1.1 Contact Information of Key Personnel
|
Party
|
Position
|
Name
|
Telephone
|
Fax
|
|
CEDD
|
Senior Engineer
|
Jerry HoH. W. Sun
|
27602 5375700
|
2714 0247
|
|
ER
(MGS)
|
Resident
Engineer
|
Andrew
J. Westmoreland
|
3188
0400
|
3188
0775
|
|
Assistant
Resident Engineer
|
S.
F. Chau
|
3188
0400
|
3188
0775
|
|
IEC (ENVIRON)
|
Independent Environmental
Checker
|
David Yeung
|
3743 0788
|
3548 6988
|
|
Contractor
(CCJV)
|
Project
Manager
|
Eddie
Tang
|
3188
0538
|
3188
1710
|
|
Safety
and Environmental Officer
|
Ken
Fong
|
3188
0538
|
3188
1710
|
|
ET (ENSR)
|
ET Leader
|
Alex ChanEdith Ng
|
3105 8525
|
2891 0305
|
2.Summary of Construction Works
1.10
The Contactor has carried out
major activities in the reporting month. Details of
the works undertaken in this reporting period are listed below:
-
Installation of Soil Nail at
Portion A1 and Portion A2; and
-
Erection of scaffolded platform at Portion A2 and B1.
-
Test Nails (5 nos.) for Pull
Out Test at Portion A1 (i.e. from Row A to Row P);
Permanent Nails installation
at Portion A1; and
Site Clearance for soil nail
setting out to Portion B2 (i.e. from Row X to Row AK).
1.11
The general layout
plan of the Project site showing the contract area is shown in Figure 1.1. The construction programme is provided in Appendix
B.
1.12
The mitigation
measures implementation
schedule are presented
in Appendix C.
Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements
1.13
The EM&A programme required
environmental monitoring for air quality, noise, ecology and
landscape and visual and environmental site
inspections for air quality, noise, ecology, landscape and
visual and waste
management. The EM&A
requirements for each
parameter described in the following
sections include:
-
All monitoring
parameters;
-
Monitoring schedules for
the reporting month and forthcoming months;
-
Action and Limit levels
for all environmental parameters;
-
Event / Action Plan;
-
Environmental mitigation
measures, as recommended in the
Project EIA study final report; and
-
Environmental requirement
in contract documents.
3.
BASELINE
AIR
QUALITY MONITORING
Monitoring Requirements
2.1
In accordance with the EM&A Manual, baseline 1-hour
and 24-hour TSP levels at 2 air quality monitoring stations were established. Baseline Impact 1-hour
and 24-hour TSP monitoring was conducted for at least once every 7 days prior to
commencement during the of construction phase of
the Project. The Action and Limit level of the air quality
monitoring is provided in Appendix D.
Monitoring Equipment
2.2
Continuous 24-hour TSP air quality
monitoring was performed using High Volume Sampler (HVS) located at each
designated monitoring station. The HVS meets all the requirements of the
EM&A Manual. Portable direct reading dust meters were used to carry out the
1-hour TSP monitoring. Table 2.1 summarises the equipment used.
Table 2.1 Air Quality Monitoring Equipment
|
Equipment
|
Model
|
|
High Volume Sampler
|
GS 2310 Accu-vol system
|
|
Calibrator
|
GMW 25
|
|
1-hour TSP Dust Meter
|
Laser Dust Monitor – Model LD-3
|
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
2.3
Table 2.12 summarizes the
monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of baseline impact TSP
monitoring.
Table 2.21 Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
|
Monitoring Station
|
Parameter
|
Frequency and Duration
|
|
CA1 & CA2
|
|
Daily, for aAt
least once
every 7 days
|
|
1-hour TSP
|
At least 3 times (at three consecutive hours) per day,
for at least every 7 days
|
Monitoring Locations
2.4
Both monitoring stations were set up at the
proposed locations in accordance with EM&A Manual. Table 2.32
describes details of the two monitoring stations. The monitoring locations are shown
in Figure 2.1.
Table 2.32 Locations of Air Quality Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station
|
Identity / Description
|
|
CA1
|
Access
road to Po Shan Mansions
|
|
CA2
|
Podium
of Hamilton Court
|
2.1
As requested by the Management Office of the air sensitive receiver Po
Shan Mansions, the monitoring station CA1 was relocated to an adjacent location closer to the
site, which is
still located along the access road to Po Shan Mansions, on 24 April 2008.
Monitoring Methodology
24-hour TSP Monitoring
Installation
2.5
The HVS was installed in the vicinity of the air
sensitive receivers. The following
criteria were considered in the installation of the HVS.
·
A horizontal platform with appropriate support to
secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.
·
The distance between the HVS and any obstacles,
such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes
above the HVS.
·
A minimum of 2 meters separation from walls,
parapets and penthouse was required for rooftop sampler.
·
No furnace or incinerator flues were nearby.
·
Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.
·
Permission was obtained to set up the samplers and
to obtain access to the monitoring stations.
·
A secured supply of electricity is needed to
operate the samplers.
Preparation of Filter Papers
·
Glass fibre filters, G810 were labeled and sufficient filters that were
clean and without pinholes were selected.
·
All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24
hours before weighing. The conditioning
environment temperature was around 25 °C
and not variable by more than ±3 °C;
the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ±5%. A convenient working RH was 40%.
·
ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. has comprehensive quality
assurance and quality control programmes.
Field Monitoring
·
The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.
·
The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.
·
The filter holder was removed by loosening the four bolts and a new
filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen was aligned
carefully.
·
The filter was properly aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed
an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.
·
The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter holder down to the
frame. The pressure applied should be
sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.
·
Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminum strip.
·
The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to establish run-temperature
conditions.
·
A new flowrate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.
·
The range specified in the EM&A Manual was between 0.6-1.7 m3/min.
·
The programmable timer was set for a sampling period of 24 hrs +
1 hr, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were
recorded.
·
The initial elapsed time was recorded.
·
At the end of sampling, the sampled filter was removed carefully and
folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter
were in contact.
·
It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and sealed.
·
All monitoring information was recorded on a
standard data sheet.
·
Filters were sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for
analysis.
Maintenance and Calibration
·
The HVS and its accessories are maintained in good working condition,
such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking electrical wiring to
ensure a continuous power supply.
·
HVSs are calibrated using GMW-25 Calibration Kit prior to the
commencement of baseline air quality monitoring, and will be calibrated at
bi-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the impact monitoring.
·
Calibration records are shown in Appendix EA.
1-hour TSP Monitoring
Measuring Procedures
2.6
The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter
are in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual as follows:
·
Set POWER to “ON”, push BATTERY button,
make sure that the meter’s indicator is in the range with a red line and allow
the instrument to stand for about 3 minutes (Then, the air sampling inlet has
been capped).
·
Push the knob at MEASURE position.
·
Push “O-ADJ” button. (Then meter’s indication is 0).
·
Push the knob at SENSI ADJ position and set the meter’s indication to S
value described on the Test Report using the trimmer for SENSI ADJ.
·
Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE position.
·
Push “START” button.
Maintenance and Calibration
·
The 1-hour TSP meter would be checked at 3-month intervals and
calibrated at 1-year intervals throughout all stages of the air quality
baseline monitoring. Calibration records are shown in Appendix EA.
Monitoring Results
2.7
The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP
are summarized in Table 2.43 and 2.45
respectively and the monitoring results are provided in Appendix FB.
Table 2.43 Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results Duringin the
Baseline
Reporting Period
|
|
Average ((g/m3)CA1
|
Range
((g/m3)
|
Action
Level ((g/m3)
|
CA2Limit Level
((g/m3)
|
|
CA1Maximum ((g/m3)
|
84.65.82104.2
|
77.2 – 93.361.6 – 70.6
|
309.3
|
500138.9
|
|
CA2Minimum ((g/m3)
|
82.66.9276.8
|
77.762.3 – 71.7 – 88.7
|
319.6
|
50092.4
|
|
Average
((g/m3)
|
91.3
|
107.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Table 2.54 Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results Duringin the
Baseline
Reporting Period
|
|
Average ((g/m3)
|
Range ((g/m3)
|
Action Level ((g/m3)
|
Limit Level ((g/m3)
|
|
CA1
|
66.132.1
|
14.7 –
43.946.9 – 93.8
|
166.8
|
260
|
|
CA2
|
37.974.8
|
22.8 –
58.535.3 – 122.5
|
187.0
|
260
|
|
|
CA1
|
CA2
|
|
Maximum
((g/m3)
|
106.2
|
138.2
|
|
Minimum
((g/m3)
|
17.2
|
45.1
|
|
Average
((g/m3)
|
56.6
|
87.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Action and
Limit Levels
2.8
Air quality monitoring was
carried out for both 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP at all the monitoring stations
in the reporting month. 24-hour TSP monitoring at CA1 (Po Shan Mansions)
was temporary suspended from 10 April 2008 due to the
complaint received from the
Management Office regarding the noise
generated from the HVS during operation. The HVS was relocated to an adjacent location
closer to the site on 24 April 2008 and the 24-hour TSP monitoring resume on
the same day. Thus, no 24-hour
TSP monitoring was carried out on
10, 16 and 22 April 2008.
2.82.9 The air quality
monitoring results, in terms of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP, were below the action and
limit level as set out in the Air Quality Objective (AQO) at
both monitoring locations in the reporting month. The event
action plan is annexed in Appendix G.
2.9
Weather information including
wind speed and wind direction is annexed in Appendix H. The
information was obtained from Hong Kong Observatory Victoria
Peak Automatic Weather Station and Central Pier Anemometer
Station.
2.10
2.92.10The baseline
monitoring was carried out in January 2008, during which, the weather was
mainly fine, with occasions of rainfall events. Major dust sources were from
nearby traffic emissions.
2.9
2.10The Action and Limit levels for air quality impact
monitoring were based on the criteria adopted from the EM&A Manual as
presented in Table 2.5.
2.10
Table 2.5 Derivation of Action and Limit Levels for
Air Quality
|
Parameter
|
Action
Level
|
Limit
Level
|
|
1-hour TSP Level in (g/m3
|
·For baseline level <384
(g/m3, Action level = (Baseline level*1.3 + Limit level)/2
For baseline level >384
(g/m3, Action level = Limit level
|
500
|
|
24-hour TSP Level in (g/m3
|
·For baseline level <200
(g/m3, Action level = (Baseline level*1.3 + Limit level)/2
For baseline level >200
(g/m3, Action level = Limit level
|
260
|
2.112.10Table 2.6 shows the derived Action and Limit Levels
for air quality impact monitoring for the Project.
2.11
Table 2.6 Action
and Limit Levels for Air Quality
|
Parameter
|
Monitoring
Station
|
Action
Level
((g/m3)
|
Limit
Level
((g/m3)
|
|
1-hour TSP
|
CA1
|
309.3
|
500.0
|
|
CA2
|
319.6
|
500.0
|
|
24-hour TSP
|
CA1
|
166.8
|
260.0
|
|
CA2
|
187.0
|
260.0
|
3.4.
BASELINE NOISE MONITORING
Monitoring Requirements
3.1
In accordance with the EM&A Manual, baseline impact noise
levels shall
should be obtained at 2 noise monitoring stations.
Impact noise monitoring was conducted for at least once per week during the
construction phase of the Project.from the monitoring stations
designated by the adjacent CEDD Project under the requirement of an
Environmental Permit (EP-235/2005/A) The Action
and Limit level of the noise monitoring is provided in Appendix D..
Monitoring
Equipment
3.2
Integrating Sound Level Meter was employed for noise monitoring. They were Type 1 sound level meters capable
of giving a continuous readout of the noise level readings including equivalent
continuous sound pressure level (Leq) and percentile sound pressure
level (Lx). They comply with International Electrotechnical Commission
Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1). Portable electronic wind speed indicator
capable of measuring wind speed in m/s was employed to check the wind
speed. Table 3.1 details the noise
monitoring equipment used.
Table 3.1 Noise Monitoring Equipment
|
Equipment
|
Model
|
|
Integrating Sound Level Meter
|
Rion NL-31Rion NL-15
|
|
Calibrator
|
Rion NC-73
|
Monitoring Locations
3.3
Two monitoring stations were set up at the
proposed locations in accordance with EM&A Manual. Table 3.2
describes details of the two monitoring stations. The monitoring locations are shown in
Figure 2.1.
Table 3.2 Locations of Noise Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station
|
Identity / Description
|
|
CN1
|
Block A, Po
Shan Mansions
|
|
CN2
|
Block A, Po
Shan Mansions
|
Monitoring Parameters
3.4
One
set of Measurement of 30-mins Leq
(daytime) measurement at each
monitoring station between 0700 and 1900
on normal weekdays at a frequency of once per week was required
to determine the baseline impact noise
level. Leq,
L10 and L90
would be recorded.
Monitoring Methodology
Monitoring Procedures
·
The Sound Level Meter was set on a tripod at a
height of 1.2 m above the ground.
·
Façade measurements were made at all three
monitoring locations.
·
The battery condition was checked to ensure the
correct functioning of the meter.
·
Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time
weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:
-
frequency weighting: A
-
time weighting: Fast
-
time measurement: Leq(30 minutes) during
non-restricted hours i.e. between 07:00 and 19:00 on normal weekdays
·
Prior to and after each noise measurement, the
meter was calibrated using a Calibrator for 94 dB at 1000 Hz. If the difference in the calibration level
before and after measurement was more than 1 dB(A), the measurement would be
considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after
re-calibration or repair of the equipment.
·
The wind speed was frequently checked with a
portable wind meter.
·
During the monitoring period, the Leq ,
L10 and L90 were recorded. In addition, site conditions and noise
sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.
·
Noise measurement was paused during periods of high
intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) if possible. Observations
were recorded when intrusive noise was unavoidable.
·
Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of
fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5 m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10 m/s.
Maintenance and Calibration
·
The microphone head of the sound level meter and
calibrator is cleaned with soft cloth at quarterly intervals.
·
The meter should be checked and calibrated at yearly intervals.
·
Calibration details for the sound level meter and calibrator are
provided in Appendix EA.
Monitoring Results
3.5
The monitoring results for noise are summarized in
Table 3.3 and the monitoring data is provided in Appendix IC.
Table 3.3 Summary of Noise Monitoring Results During Baseline in the
Reporting Period
|
|
Average, dB(A), Leq (30
mins)
|
Range, dB(A), Leq (30 mins)
|
Limit Level, dB(A), Leq
(30 mins)
|
|
CN1
|
61.66.77
|
59.4 – 64.560.3 – 71.6
|
75.0
|
|
CN2
|
665.90.5
|
59.6 –
70.858.2 – 64.0
|
75.0
|
|
CN2
|
|
|
|
|
|
78.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
60.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
67.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.6At both monitoring locations,
CN1 and CN2, the average baseline results (daytime) are within the
criteria of 75 dB(A), yet the average baseline
result at CN1 was close to the criteria. There were a
few measured baseline noise results exceeded the criteria at CN1.
3.6
There was no
noise complaint received in the reporting month, hence, no
action level exceedance was recorded. At both monitoring locations, CN1 and CN2,
all the monitoring results (daytime) were below the limit level of 75 dB(A).
3.7
All
the monitoring results lied within the range of the predicted noise levels in
the EIA report.
3.7
3.73.8 Major noise sources during the
noise monitoring included the construction activities from the Project and
another project under the same contract (concurrent project) carried out in the
vicinity and nearby traffic noise.According to the EIA report,
there was another project under the same contract (concurrent project) carried
out in the vicinity. Although it is believe that there would be a cumulative
impact at the sensitive receivers, the predicted cumulative construction noise
levels at the sensitive receivers would comply with the criteria with the EIA
recommended mitigation measures in place.
Action and Limit Levels
3.8The Action and Limit Levels (AL
levels) of noise monitoring have been set in accordance with the derivation
criteria specified in the EM&A Manual. This is shown in Table 3.4 below.
3.8
Table 3.4 Criteria for Action and Limit Levels for
Construction Noise
|
Time
Period
|
Action
Level
|
Limit
Level
|
|
0700 – 1900 hours on normal
weekdays
|
When one documented complaint
is received from any one of the sensitive receivers
|
75 dB(A)
|
|
0700
– 2300 hours on public holidays including Sundays and
1900 – 2300 hours on all days
|
60/65/70 dB(A) *
|
|
2300 – 0700 hours on all days
|
45/50/55dB(A) *
|
* Remarks: To be selected based on the Area
Sensitivity Rating of A/B/C, and the conditions of the applicable CNP(s) must
be followed.
3.93.8Both Area Sensitivity Ratings
of the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs), CN1 and CN2, of the Project are
considered as “A”. The Limit Levels for impact noise monitoring are derived and
presented in Table 3.5.
3.9
Table 3.5 Action
and Limit Levels for Construction Noise of the Project
|
Time
Period
|
Action
Level
|
Limit
Level
|
|
0700 – 1900 hours on normal
weekdays
|
When one documented complaint
is received from any one of the sensitive receivers
|
75 dB(A)
|
|
0700
– 2300 hours on public holidays including Sundays and
1900 – 2300 hours on all days
|
60 dB(A)
|
|
2300 – 0700 hours on all days
|
45 dB(A)
|
4.5.
VEGETATION
SURVEYMONITORING
Monitoring Requirement
4.1
As required under Environmental Permit No. EP-235/2005/B, the Permit
Holder is required to carry out monitoring of the trees, shrubs and herbs plant species of
conservation interest to check on the
health and condition of the plants twice a month during the construction period of the Project.
4.1
submit a detailed vegetation survey report on the
Part II Project area prior to the commencement of construction of the Project.
4.2
It is required to undertake the ecological tasks to fulfill
the requirements of the Environmental Permit (EP). As required by Conditions 2.11 and 3.5
of the EP, a
suitably qualified ecologist with 7 or more years of relevant experience shall
be employed to conduct the ecological
monitoring.
4.1
a detailed vegetation survey
prior to the commencement of construction in order to identify and label the
affected plant species of conservation interest, including but not limited to
Small Persimmon, Common Tutcheria, Bird-nest Fern and Chinese Pholidota.
Monitoring
Location
4.3
The ecological monitoring was carried out for plant individuals of
conservation interest identified within the proposed works area.
Monitoring
Methodology
4.4
The ecological monitoring was conducted twice in the reporting month on 20 193rd and 262717th August MayJune 2008 by Ms. Gigi
C C Lam, who had over 7 years of relevant ecological experience.
4.5
The plants of conservation interest, which were tagged during the
baseline survey, were checked during each monitoring.
Monitoring Results
4.6
Installing of soil nails had
been completed in where the 13 plant species of conservation interest (i.e. V001
to V013) were identified. The tagged
vegetation was found to be in good condition during the monitoring visits in
August 2008.
4.7
Site clearance, soil nailing
and scaffolding works were in progress during the monitoring visits. V042, V043, V048 to 51 and V057 to 59 were identified
with the above works area. All of them
has been fenced off and were in good condition.
4.8
One of the main branches of a plant (Glochidion
wrightii) on Soil Nailing Row X was cut to give way to machinery. The Contractor was advised that trimming of
plant within works area is not allowed.
4.64.1Soil nailing
scaffolding works were
in progress in the area between Row A
and R during the
monitoring visits. A total of 13 plant species
of conservation interest (i.e. V001 to V013) were identified within the above
works area during an earlier Detailed Vegetation Survey conducted under this
Project. Plastic fencings supported
by strong poles were recommended in the previous monitoring visits conducted in
April 2008 to demarcate plant locations clearly to prevent tipping and entry of
personnel in order to avoid damage to the plants. Fencings had been set up in the area and tThe tagged vegetation
was found to be in good condition
during the monitoring visits in May July 2008.
4.64.1
4.74.1The bark of two individuals
of vegetation located adjacent to the temporary conveyor belt was found to be slightly
damaged, it was recommended that hessian sacking should be wrapped around the
trunk of vegetation to prevent damage during the transportation of construction
materials.
4.1
Construction
materials such as planks, sand bags,
metal rods
were found to be placed over or near the lower trunks of
some trees in Row C,
L, O and R. It was recommended that these materials should be kept
in proper place to avoid damage
to vegetation within works
area.
4.1
4.1
Concrete was
found to be spilled over from the soil nailing
works zones onto nearby areas. It was recommended that the concrete
should be removed from the soil surface. The Contractor advised that
the concrete will be removed and measures will be implemented to avoid any further
spillage.
4.1
4.1
The leaves, branches and trunk of a tree
(Machilus sp.) located in Row O was found
to be covered with sand and mud probably generated from nearby soil
nailing works.
4.1
4.1
Two trees, Celtis
sinensis and Machilus sp., located
near the conveyor belt and above Row Q were found
to be dead and in very poor condition respectively. A dead
tree (tree tag number T238) was collapsed within works area. It was recommended that all dead trees found within the construction
site should be recorded and reported to relevant departments without delay.
4.1
4.1
Two main roots of a big tree
(Acacia confusa of tree tag number T247) were cut
due to the construction of soil nail number I6 (Photo 1 refers).
4.1
4.1
The trunk of a tree (tree tag number T344) located
next to a soil nailing area in Row O was covered with concrete.
4.1
5.
Monitoring Location
The ecological monitoring was carried out for plant
individuals of conservation interest identified within the proposed works area.
The proposed Project is located within the northern boundary of the existing Pok
Fu Lam Country Park and Special Area. A detailed map in Figure 4.1 shows the location of the Project (Part II), where the detailed
vegetation survey was to be conducted.
Monitoring Methodology
In accordance with Condition 2.11 of the EP, a detailed vegetation surveyThe ecological
monitoring was conducted prior to twice in the reporting month on 8 and 29 April 2008 the commencement of construction by Ms. Gigi C C Lam, who had over 7 years of relevant ecological
experience.
The plants of conservation interest,
which were tagged during the baseline survey, were checked during each monitoring.
All potentially affected individuals of floral species of conservation
concern identified on site were recorded, where site condition allowed. All identified plants were tagged and assigned
with a number plate.
To facilitate subsequent construction phase vegetation monitoring, photographic
record of all the identified plants
were taken. The species name, form,
rarity in Hong Kong and protection status were
recorded in a plant schedule.
Monitoring Results
Plant Species of
Conservation Importance
Detailed vegetation surveys were conducted from November 2007 to January 2008 to identify and map out
the extent of plant species of conservation importance.
Each plant individual of conservation importance that would be potentially affected by the slope works was identified, given a coordinate and tagged with a number plate (V001 to V129). V066 was not used. V073, V089, V115 and V130 were not tagged and/or photographed onsite due to difficulty in accessibility. For group of individuals of the same species that are in close proximity with each other, they were assigned with one number plate only. The name, form, rarity in Hong Kong and status of protection were also assessed and shown in a Plant
Schedule (Appendix D). Each plant individual was photographed for record as shown in Appendix E.
The Project area is a vegetated slope and is largely covered by tall trees with understorey of shrubs beneath the tree canopy. A few areas of bare ground and rock surface were exposed. During the recent detailed surveys, 12 species of over 129 individuals of species of conservation importance were recorded
within and in close proximity to the boundary of the Project area. A summary of the results recorded is shown in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Vegetation
Species of Conservation Importance within and in Close Proximity to the
Boundary of the Part II Project Area
LANDSCAPE
AND VISUAL
baseline review
Review RequirementMonitoring Requirement
5.1
During the construction phase of the
Project, landscape and visual monitoring should be carried out bi-weekly by a Registered
Landscape Architect (RLA) to check if the design,
implementation and maintenance of the landscape and visual mitigation measures
are fully realized. A detailed
report is annexed in Appendix J.
Summary of Inspection – 12 August 2008
Matters Arising
from Previous Inspections
5.2
The
Contractor had removed the
overhead plastic sheeting from existing tree trunks.
5.3
The
Contractor had cleansed the tree
trunks (i.e.T342) which was previously sprayed by the drilling extracted soils.
5.4
It was
observed that sealing of the
root wounds for tree T247 was still outstanding. The
Contractor was reminded to apply protective
sealant to prevent the roots from rotting as soon as possible.
5.5
Clearance
of soil bags away from the
base of the tree trunks was
still outstanding. The
Contractor was again reminded to clear it all away
as soon as possible.
Protection
of Existing Trees
5.6
Construction
waste was observed
placed at the base of several trees. The
Contractor was requested to clear it away as soon as possible.
Recommendations
5.7
The
Contractor was recommended
to provide treatment to the damaged tree roots to prevent further damage to
the roots.
5.8
The
Contractor was recommended
to clear away all soil bags away from existing trees and not to place it
against the trees in future.
Summary of Inspection – 26
August 2008
Matters Arising
from Previous Inspections
5.9
It was
observed that the Contractor
had cleared away many of the soil bags away from the base of the tree
trunks. However,
the Contractor was again
reminded to clear away the remaining soil bags as soon as possible.
5.10
The
Contractor had cleared away the
construction waste previously placed at the base of trees. However,
new waste pile was again observed piled
against some trees in another area. The
Contractor was reminded to clear it away as soon as possible.
5.11
It was
observed that sealing of the root
wounds for tree T247 was still outstanding. The
Contractor was reminded to apply protective
sealant to prevent the roots from being rotten as soon as possible.
Protection
of Existing Trees
5.12
A number
of minor tree branches
were observed damaged by the recent typhoon. The
Contractor was requested to prune the broken
tree branches back to living tissues as soon as possible.
5.13
A couple
of dead trees, including
a tree with rotten trunk at the base were observed near existing tree T534. The
Contractor was recommended to remove all
the dead and dying trees away from the footpath area for the safety of
workers.
5.14
It was
observed that many of the trees
numbers were
obscured by recently wrapped hessian tree protection. The
Contractor was requested to
re-instate the tree numbers on existing trees for ease of identification.
Recommendations
5.15
The
Contractor was recommended
to clear all construction waste away from existing trees and to keep the
site clean and tidy.
5.16
The
Contractor was recommended
to re-instate all missing tree numbers for existing trees on site for easy
identification.
5.17
The
Contractor was recommended
to clear away all dead trees as found on site, including the rotten tree for
safety consideration. The Contractor
was also reminded to record and report all dead trees as found on site to
the Engineer for record.
Summary of Inspection – 2nd July 2008
Matters Arising from Previous Inspections
5.17
The Contractor
had removed all metal pipes / steel bars previously stockpiled / stacked
against the existing tree trunks at various locations on site, except for one
location. The
Contractor was reminded
to urgently remove it as soon as possible.
5.17
It was still
noted that no tree protection with wooden slats was made for trees enclosed
within the drilling platforms. The
Contractor was reminded to provide adequate tree protection works near the
trees in order to prevent accidentally damaging the trees.
Protection
of Existing Trees
5.17
Construction equipments
were observed being placed against the tree trunks of existing trees at several
locations on site. The Contractor
was requested to clear the equipment and not to place it against trees in
future in order to prevent damage to the trees.
5.17
Also, soil bags were
observed placed on slopes and rested at the base of the tree trunks. The
Contractor was requested to clear to
soil bags away from the base of the tree as soon as possible.
5.17
Construction waste pile
was observed on the slope. The
Contractor was requested to clear it away as soon as possible.
Recommendations
5.17
The Contractor
was recommended to provide more protection to existing trees which are
enclosed within the drilling platforms in order to prevent the tree from being
damaged.
5.17
The Contractor
was recommended to keep all
construction materials and
equipments away from existing trees and not to place them against
the trees in future.
0.0
Summary of Inspection – 15th July 2008
Matters Arising from
Previous Inspections
The
Contractor had removed all metal
pipes previously stockpiled / stacked against the existing tree trunks on
site.
The
Contractor had cleared the
construction equipments previously observed placed against the tree trunks of existing
trees.
Clearance
of soil bags previously
observed being placed on slopes and rested at the base of the tree trunks was
still outstanding. The Contractor
was reminded to clear it away as soon as possible.
Clearance
of the construction
waste pile previously observed on the slope was still outstanding. The
Contractor was reminded to clear
it away as soon as possible.
Protection of Existing Trees
Scaffolding
metal pipes were found with
some being rested on and others being rested against existing trees. The
Contractor was requested to remove the
pipes away from the trees as soon as possible.
Recommendations
The
Contractor was recommended
to provide more protection to existing trees which are enclosed within the
drilling platforms in order to prevent the tree from being damaged.
The
Contractor was recommended
to keep all
construction materials and equipments away from existing trees and not to place them against
the trees in future.
The
Contractor was reminded to clear the
construction waste pile as found on the slope and keep
the site in a tidy condition.
0.0
Summary of Inspection – 29th July 2008
Matters Arising from Previous Inspections
5.17
The Contractor
had cleared away the construction waste pile previously observed on the slope.
5.17
The
Contractor had
cleared the scaffolding metal pipes away from existing trees.
5.17
Clearance of soil
bags previously observed being placed on slopes and rested at the base of the
tree trunks was still outstanding. The
Contractor was again reminded to clear it away as soon as
possible.
Protection of Existing Trees
5.17
Existing tree T238
was found dead with rotten tree trunk at the base. The
Contractor was requested to remove the tree for
safety as soon as possible.
5.17
It was observed
that the Contractor had cut several large roots (up to 100mm diameter) of the
existing large tree T247 while carried out the excavation for the soil nail head. The
Contractor was warned that the
practice was unacceptable and large tree root shall not be
cut without prior
inspection and agreement with the Engineer. The
Contractor was requested to apply protective
sealant to prevent the roots from rotting.
5.17
It was again
observed that the Contractor had tied overhead plastic sheeting to existing
tree trunks. The
Contractor was requested
to remove the ties to prevent damage to the trees.
5.17
It was observed
that the soil nail drilling had allowed the extracted materials fines being
sprayed onto several tree trunks (i.e. T342). The
Contractor was requested to
clean up the tree
trunks and to provide protection to the tree trunks in future.
Recommendations
5.17
The Contractor
was recommended to keep all soil
bags away from existing trees and not to place them against
the trees in future.
5.17
The Contractor
was recommended to apply root protective sealant to the wounded roots. The
Contractor was recommended to seek the
Engineer’s agreement for excavation works near existing tree roots in order to
minimize damage to the tree root system. If root pruning is
required, prior approval from
Engineer is required.
5.17
The Contractor was
recommended to clean the material fines off the tree trunks and to provide tree
protection in future when carried out drilling works.
Summary of Inspection – 3 June 2008
Matters Arising from Previous
Inspections
5.17
It was observed that
the strapping of wooden slats for enhanced protection of the tree trunks on
platforms was still outstanding. The Contractor
was reminded to provide adequate tree protection works for the trees
so as not to allow the chance of the trees being accidentally damaged by the
works.
Site Clearance and Soil Nail
Works
5.17
Drilling of soil nails was
observed carried out mainly in works area E.
5.17
Setting up of scaffolding
was observed carried out for new drilling area above footpath south of area E.
Protection of Existing Trees
5.17
No particular observation
was made during the inspection.
Recommendations
5.17
The Contractor was
recommended to provide more protection to existing trees which are surrounded by
drilling platforms in order to prevent the trees from being easily damaged.
1.1 Summary of Inspection – 17 June 2008
Matters Arising
from Previous Inspections
5.17
It was observed that
the strapping of wooden slats for enhanced protection of the tree trunks on
platforms was still outstanding. The Contractor
was reminded to provide adequate tree protection works for the trees
so as not to allow the chance of the trees being accidentally damaged by the
works.
Site Clearance and Soil Nail
Works
5.17
Drilling of soil nails was
observed carried out mainly in works area E.
5.17
Setting out of soil nail
locations was observed carried out for new drilling area above footpath south
of area E.
Protection of Existing Trees
5.17
It was observed that
the Contractor had stockpiled / rested the metal pipes / steel bars against
the existing tree trunks at various locations on site. The Contractor
was requested to urgently remove all
metal pipes / steel bars away from the existing tree trunks in order to prevent
damage to the trees.
Recommendations
5.17
The Contractor was
recommended to provide more protection to existing trees which are surrounded by
drilling platforms in order to prevent the trees from being easily
damaged.
5.17
The Contractor was reminded not to stockpile any construction materials /
equipments against or near existing trees in order to minimize any possible
damage to the trees.
1.1
Next
Landscape and Visual Audit Schedule
The landscape and visual audits in the next reporting month was tentatively scheduled to 91, 15 and 2963 JulyAugustSeptember 2008.Summary of the
Landscape and Visual Monitoring on 8 April 2008
Site Clearance and Soil Nail Works
5.17
Clearance
of understorey shrubs / groundcovers and erection of scaffolding was observed
carried out mainly in works area E.
5.17
The
proposed soil nail locations at the lower portion of works area E are generally
observed not in conflict with existing trees.
5.17
As required by Clause 3.2 of the EM&A Manual, a
Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) shall be responsible for conducting the
baseline review and monitoring the implementation of landscape and visual
mitigation measures during construction phase in
accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) Report.
Protection of Existing Trees
5.17
Tree
protection works was generally observed carried out for existing trees where
there are scaffolding and soil nail works carried out in the vicinity.
5.17
It was
observed that the bark of existing tree T254 was damaged by the works as no
tree protection was provided. The
Contractor was requested to carry out tree protection works for the tree as
soon as possible.
5.17
Also, it
was observed that the tree bark of one existing was damaged by the erection of
the temporary conveyor / pulley system on the slope just immediately outside of
the site boundary of Landslide Preventive Works. The Engineer was requested to clarify if it is
considered part of the soil nail works.
Recommendations
5.17
The
Contractor was reminded to provide tree protection to existing trees,
especially where there are works to be carried out in the immediate vicinity.
5.25.17A landscape and visual baseline review of the
baseline conditions set out in the EIA Report was undertaken before the commencement of the
construction works. The purpose of the review is:
5.2
Ÿto check the status of the landscape resources
within, and immediately adjacent to, the construction sites and works areas
Ÿto determine whether any change has occurred to the
status of the landscape resources since the EIA report
Ÿto determine whether amendments in the design of
the landscape and visual mitigation measures are required for those changes, and
Ÿto recommend any necessary amendments to the design
of the landscape and visual mitigation measures.
Summary of the Landscape and Visual Monitoring on
22 April 2008
Matters Arising
from Previous Inspections
5.1
As
previously requested, the Contractor had carried out tree protections for the
damaged trees.
Site Clearance and Soil Nail
Works
5.1
Clearance
of understorey shrubs / groundcovers and erection of scaffolding was observed
continued to be carried out mainly in works area E.
Protection of Existing Trees
5.1
It was
observed that an existing dead tree was partially uprooted and fallen over. The Contractor was requested to clear the dead
tree for safety consideration.
Recommendations
5.1
The
Contractor was recommended to clear the fallen dead tree for safety
consideration.
Baseline Review Methodology
5.1
In accordance with Clause
3.2 of the EM&A Manual, this Landscape and Visual Baseline Review was conducted by a
RLA, Mr. T H Tran.
Next Landscape and Visual Audit Schedule
5.18
The
landscape and visual audits in the next reporting month (i.e. May 2008) was
tentatively scheduled to 6 and 20 May 2008.
5.4Baseline
monitoring for landscape and visual impact is defined and structured in
reference to the Landscape and Visual Assessment in the EIA for the Works.
5.4
5.4In essence the baseline monitoring comprises a
checking and updating of the relevant information within the following documents
already prepared for the Works:
5.4
ŸEIA Report EIA-135/2007 prepared by Maunsell
Consultants Asia Ltd. for the Landslide Preventive Works at Po Shan and
approved with conditions on 8th November 2007, Mid-levels (hereafter referred
to as the “EIA Report”, and in particular the LVIA set out in Chapter 4
thereof;
Ÿ
ŸContract No. CE 28/2004 (GE), Landslide Preventive
Works at Po Shan, Mid-levels - Design and Construction (Natural Terrain Risk
Mitigation Works).
Ÿ
5.6The Baseline monitoring was undertaken
by a walk-over survey of the study area (which corresponding to the study area
in the EIA Report) to ascertain if the original baseline survey information
presented in the EIA Report is still valid with regard to the following:
5.6
ŸLandscape Resources - the extent, numbers and
quality of landscape resources (LRs) shall be confirmed/updated. Any LRs which have increased or decreased in
extent or sensitivity shall be noted and recorded.
Ÿ
ŸLandscape Character - the character and extent of
landscape character areas (LCAs) and sensitivity of landscape character shall
be confirmed/updated and any changes to landscape character; extent of LCAs or
sensitivity of the landscape shall be noted and recorded.
Ÿ
ŸVisual Sensitive Receivers – the visually sensitive
receivers (VSRs) as identified in the EIA Report shall be
confirmed/updated. Any changes to the
VSRs shall be noted and recorded.
Baseline Review Results
Landscape
Resources
5.7Landscape resources (LRs) are identified and mapped
in Figure 5.1. Photo views illustrating the landscape resources are shown in
Figure 5.2. This has been achieved by site visit and desk-top study of
topographical maps, information databases and photographs, with particular
reference to the EIA Report. LRs are listed and a description of each LR is
given below:
5.7
5.8LR1 – Woodland (including tall
scrub): Woodland areas are located
within the Pok Fu Lam Country Park / Green belt above the Po Shan Road. These
woodlands, together with the grassland / shrub areas create a lush green
backdrop to the whole Mid-levels district and are an important visual amenity.
Much of the woodland in the lower Green Belt areas above the Po Shan Road are
interspersed with low-density residential development and their associated
slope stabilisation works. Typical tree species identified include Acacia confusa, Celtis sinensis, Mallotus
paniculatus, Litsea glutinosa, Sterculia lanceolata, Ficus variegata, Macaranga tanarius and Schefflera
octophylla. These woodlands contribute significantly to the country park
character within the Mid-levels district. The landscape sensitivity to change
of this LR is judged to be high.
5.8
5.9LR2 – Pocket Open Space: There are several public open spaces within the study
area, which are located 1) in the Kotewall Road next to the Kotewall Fire
station, and 2) in the Conduct Road Children’s Playground next to Scenic
Garden. All are formed by hard paved areas with small planters for amenity
trees. Typical tree species includes Aleurites
moluccana, Bombax malabaricum, Cinnamomum camphora, Garcinia spicata, Delonix regia. The landscape sensitivity to change of this LR is
judged to be medium.
5.9
5.10LR3 – Manmade Slope: There are numerous manmade slopes within the study
area, which are located along the Po Shan Road on the southern side of Po Shan
Mansions and Piccadilly Mansion. The manmade slope close to Po Shan Mansions
has both hard and soft cover, whereas the manmade slope close to Piccadilly
Mansion is covered with sprayed concrete. Semi-natural vegetation and some
isolated trees in tree rings in sprayed concrete on face were identified.
Typical tree species include Acacia
confuse, Mallotus paniculatus, Schefflera octophylla, Sapium discolour. The landscape
sensitivity to change of this LR is judged to be low.
5.10
5.11LR4 – Residential Development: High-end residential development consisting of
individual houses and low-rise to high-rise residential blocks. Mid-levels residential
development in this area as built in 1970s to 1980s is typified by low density
and plot ratio development. Those developments within the landscape study area
include Hatton Place, Piccadilly Mansion, Hamilton Court, Po Shan Mansions
along Po Shan Road and Skyline Mansion, Skyview Cliff and Mirror Marina located
along Conduit Road. There is also ongoing development at No. 55 Conduit Road.
The Stone House located at No. 15 Kotewall Road is classified as a Grade III
Historical building and structure, which also contribute to the mid-levels
residential development. Typical tree species include Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus
heteropleura, Juniperus chinensis, Thuja orientalis and Caryota ochlandra. This is in sharp
contrast to the high-rise, modern and luxury residential towers along Robinson
Road and Bonham Road. The landscape sensitivity to change of this LR is judged
to be medium.
5.11
5.12LR5 – Roadside Planting along Kotewall Road, Hatton
road and Po Shan Road: Mature
roadside planting is located along Conduit Road, Kotewall Road and Po Shan
Road. Typical tree species include Aleurites moluccana, Cinnamomum camphora, Livistona
chinensis, Bombax malabaricum, Ficus microcarpa and Ficus elastica. The
combination of mature vegetation and topography acts as a transition to the Pok
Fu Lam Country Park and Lung Fu Shan Country Park. The mature roadside tree
planting also contributes significantly to the Mid-levels lowrise residential
character of this area. The landscape sensitivity to change of this LR is judged
to be high.
5.12Landscape Character
5.13The study area consists of two distinct landscape
character areas (LCAs). These are described below and indicated in Figure 5.3.
Photo views illustrating the LCAs are shown in Figure 5.4.
5.13
5.14LCA 1 – Greenbelt / Country
Park Character Area: The
greenbelt / country park area are characterised by natural slopes primarily
vegetated with woodland species. The country park walking trail linking Lung Fu
Shan Country Park, High West and Pok Fu Lam Country Park, which is part of the
Peak Trail, is integrated with the natural quality of this LCA. This district
also famous for native species including the Hong Kong Eagle’s Claw, Hong Kong
Camellia, Liverworts and Mosses. This LCA forms a scenic backdrop surrounding
the Pok Fu Lam and is an important visual resource. The landscape sensitivity
to change of this LCA is judged to be high.
5.14
5.15LCA 2 – Mid-levels Residential
Character Area: This character area is characterized
by low density, luxury residential developments with low vehicular traffic flow
and mature roadside tree planting along Po Shan Road, Hatton Road, and Kotewall
Road. These high-end residential developments are located along Po Shan Road,
Hatton Road and Kotewall Road. They include Hatton Place, Piccadilly Mansion,
Po Shan Mansions, No. 23 Po Shan Road, No. 24 Po Shan Road, Wisdom Court,
Hatton House and the University Lodge. The landscape sensitivity to change of
this area is judged to be high.
5.15Visually Sensitive Receivers
5.16The zone of visual influence (ZVI) does not vary
between construction and operation phases. The ZVI for both phases is indicated
in Figure 5.5. Due to the steep area, the ZVI is quite extensive and is
generally defined by the following:
5.16
·In the South
by the ridgeline of High West;
·In the North
by the high rise institutional complex;
·In the East
by the high rise residential development along Babington path and Kotewall
Road;
·In the West
by the ridgeline of Lung Fu Shan.
·
5.17The visually sensitive receivers (VSRs) identified
in the EIA Report are listed below. For clarity, photos of the VSRs taken from
the EIA Report are reproduced in Figure 5.6.
5.17
·R1A: Po
Shan Mansions
·R1B: Piccadilly Mansion
·R1C: No.23 Po Shan Road
·R1D: Hatton
Place, Hatton House, Wisdom Court
·R1E: Skyline
Mansion, Skyview Cliff, Medallion Heights, Haddon Court
·R1F: University
Heights, Emerald Gardens, Greenview Gardens, Kingsford Heights
·R2: No. 21, 24, 30 Po Shan Road and No. 41B and 43A
Conduit Road
·R3: Alpine Court, Belmont Court, Scenic Garden, Villa
Veneto, Richmond Court, Imperial
Court, Realty
Gardens, Peace Court, Dragonview Court, Kings Garden, Wah Sen Court, Kiu Sen Court, 1A Robinson Road
·GIC1: Users
of the University of Hong Kong
·O1: Walkers
along Hatton Road Morning Trail
·T1: Travellers
on Po Shan Road
·
5.18Photos of key views illustrated in the EIA Report
have been revisited and are shown in Figures 5.7 and 5.8. The locations of the
viewpoints are indicated on Figure 5.5.
5.18
5.19There has been no change in the ZVI or VSRs as
originally identified, other than the addition of the Future Residents of No.55
Conduit Road to VSR R1E shown on Figure 5.6.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT
Site Inspection
6.1
Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to
monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation
measures for the Project. In
the reporting month, 54 site
inspections were carried out on 15, 12,8, 15, 1922 and 296 AprilAugust 2008. The detail findings of
the landscape and visual audits in the
reporting month are presented separately in
Section 5. The environmental site inspection summaries are
attached in Appendix K. Particular
observations are described below.
Air Quality
6.2
No adverse observation was
identified in the reporting month.
6.1
No adverse observation was identified in the reporting
month.
Noise
6.3
No adverse observation was
identified in the reporting month.
Water Quality
6.4
Debris and leaves were
observed accumulated inside the u-channel at Row D
and near Row R and Row S. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the u-channel more frequently.
6.5
Exposed earth was observed
around the area of soil nail installation at Row Y and Row AF. The Contractor was
advised to clean up the earth as soon as the operation was completed.
6.1
No adverse
observation was identified in the reporting month.
1.
7. Chemical
and Waste Management
6.6
Oil drums and soil
nail installation controller were found placed on
ground without drip tray at Row C, Row
Y and Row AF. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip trays to the chemical
containers and all plants on site.
6.1
Oil stain was
found under a drill rig at Row K. The Contractor was reminded to clear the oil
stain and provide a drip tray.
6.1
A few chemical containers at
Row M were placed on ground without drip tray. The Contractor was reminded to
provide drip tray to all chemicals on site.
6.1
One oil container at Row D was
placed on ground without a drip tray. The Contractor was
advised to provide drip tray to all chemicals on site.
6.1
Stockpile
of C&D waste was found at Row E. The Contractor was reminded to clear the
C&D waste off-site regularly.
8.
Ecology
Pruning of tree was observed in Row X
6.7
CV001 to V013 were found to be in
good condition during the monitoring visits, nevertheless, plastic fencings
supported by strong poles were recommended to demarcate plant locations clearly
to prevent tipping and entry of personnel in order to avoid damage to the
plants.onstruction materials placed
near tree trunks and spillage of concrete
near soil nailing areas were observed. Some of the
plants were not properly
protected during soil nailing works and serious damages to root systems
were recorded. One
recently dead tree was found within the works area.
Landscape and
Visual
6.8
The Contractor was recommended
to provide treatment to the damaged tree roots to prevent further damage to the
roots.
6.9
The Contractor was recommended to keep all
construction waste and soil bags away from
existing trees and to keep the site clean and tidy.
6.10
The Contractor was recommended
to re-instate all missing tree numbers for existing trees on site for easy
identification.
6.11
The Contractor was recommended
to clear away all dead trees as found on site, including the rotten tree for
safety consideration. The Contractor was
also reminded to record and report all dead trees as found on site to the
Engineer for record.
6.1
The Contractor
was advised that retained trees
should be properly protected before installation of scaffolding at PT3. Immediate action
had been undertaken by the Contractor and status / condition was to be followed
up. / sand bags
5.1
The Contractor
was recommended to apply root protective sealant to the wounded roots. The Contractor was recommended to seek the
Engineer’s agreement for excavation works near existing tree roots in order to
minimize damage to the tree root system.
If root pruning is required, prior approval from Engineer is required.
5.1
The
Contractor was recommended to clean the material fines off the tree trunks and
to provide tree protection in future when carried out drilling works.
Assessment of
Environmental Monitoring Results
6.12
All monitoring
results were audited against the Action / Limit levels and
any exceedance would be
validated and issued when necessary.
6.13
The monitoring
results in the reporting period were comparable with the EIA predictions.
Detailed discussions are given in Section 2 and 3.
Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status
6.14
The Contractor is
registered as a chemical waste producer for this Project. The Chemical
Waste Storage Area located at the Contractor’s
site office area was properly maintained in the reporting month.
6.15
No waste disposal was
made in the reporting month.
Most of the C&D waste
generated was reused on
site.
Environmental Licenses and Permits
6.16
The environmental licenses and
permits for this Project and valid in the
reporting month is summarized in Table
6.1.
Table 6.1 Summary of Environmental Licensing and
Permit Status
|
Description
|
Permit No.
|
Valid Period
|
Remarks
|
|
From
|
To
|
|
Environmental
Permit
|
EP-235/2005/B
|
23/11/07
|
--
|
-
Installation
of about 700 nos. of soil nails and about 60 nos. of raking drains in the
natural terrain;
-
Rock slope
stabilisation works at upper portion of the natural terrain; and
-
Other
associated works.
|
|
Registration as a Chemical
Waste Producer
|
5213-141-C3250-02
|
13/12/06
|
--
|
Spent
lubricating oil and mineral oil
|
|
Effluent
Discharge License
|
EP880/W10/XX0261
|
07/11/06
|
31/12/11
|
--
|
|
Notification of Constriction
Work under APCO (Construction Dust)
|
001012125
|
18/07/06
|
--17/07/08
|
--
|
Implementation Status of Environmental
Mitigation Measures
6.17
In response to the site audit
findings, the Contractor carried out corrective actions.
6.18
A summary of the Implementation
Schedule of Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented
in Appendix C. Most of the
necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly.
Summary of
Exceedances of the Environmental Quality
Performance Limit
6.19
All 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and noise
monitoring results complied with the Action / Limit levels.
6.20
No exceedance was recorded
in the reporting month.
Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful
Prosecutions
6.21
The Environmental Complaint
Handling Procedure is annexed in Figure 6.1.
6.22
No
environmental complaint, notification of summons and successful prosecutions
was received in the reporting month.
9. FUTURE KEY ISSUES
Construction Programme for the Coming Months
7.1
The construction
programme for the Project is provided in Appendix B.
7.2
The major construction
works in MaySeptember 2008 arewill be:
-
Permanent Nails
installation at Portion A1
-
Test Nails
(5 nos.) for Pull Out Test at Portion B2
-
Site Clearance
for soil nails setting out to Portion A2 (i.e. from Row Q to Row AE)
Permanent Nails installation
at Portion B2
-
Installation of Soil
Nail at Portion A2 and Portion B1;
-
Erection
of scaffolded platform at Portion B1 and C; and
-
Construction
of Soil Nail Heads at Portion A1.
Key Issues for Coming Month
7.3
Key issues to be considered in the coming month
included:
-
Properly store and label oils and
chemicals on site;
-
Collection of construction waste should
be carried out regularly;
-
Site runoff should be properly collected and
treated prior to discharge;
-
Construction activities should avoid causing
damage to the trees and to plants species of conservation interest;
-
Quieter powered mechanical
equipment should be used.
7.4
The following
mitigation measures are required:
Air Quality
Impact
-
Regular watering should be used
during soil nailing;
-
Dusty material stockpiled
should be completely covered;
-
Dusty activities should be
re-scheduled if high-wind conditions encountered;
-
Open burning should be strictly
prohibited;
-
All dusty vehicle loads
transporting to, from and between site locations should be covered with
tarpaulin;
-
Vehicle wheel and body washing
facilities should be used at all exit points of the site;
-
Wind shield, dust extraction
units or water spraying should be used at the loading points.
Construction
Noise Impact
-
Quieter powered mechanical
equipment should be used;
-
Insulating fabric should be
used for drill rigs during drilling process;
-
Noise generating construction
works should be carried out during daytime only;
-
Noise barriers or other
measures should be used to minimize disturbance to the bat roost;
-
Plant on site should be
properly maintained and serviced regularly;
-
Mobile plants should be sited
as far from NSRs as possible;
-
Machines and plant in
intermittent use should be throttled down;
-
Strong noise emitting plants,
wherever possible, should be oriented so that noise is directed away
from the nearby NSRs;
-
Material stockpiles, wherever
possible, should be effectively utilized to screen noise from construction
activities;
-
Movable noise barrier with surface
mass in excess of 7kg/m2 should be
used for PME wherever possible;
-
Noise insulating fabric should
be adopted for drill rig operating in Works Area E.
Water Quality
Impact
-
Prevent runoff water from entering
the nearby water-bodies;
-
Silt traps and oil / grease
separators should be regularly cleaned and maintained;
-
Outlet pipe extending above the
slope surface should be installed;
-
Air should be used as the
flushing medium of the drilling equipment;
-
Earth bunds or sand bag
barriers should be provided on-site to direct storm water to silt removal
facilities;
-
Exposed slope / soil surface
and opened stockpile of more than 50m3 should be
covered with tarpaulin;
-
Oils and fuels should be used and
stored in designated area.
Chemical and Waste Management
-
Debris and rubbish on-site
should be collected, handled and disposed of properly;
-
Waste skips should be provided
to collect general refuse and construction wastes;
-
Soil contamination with fuel leaked from
construction plants should be removed off-site;
-
Sufficient waste disposal
points with regular collection should be provided;
-
Appropriate measures should be
provided to minimize windblown litter and dust during transportation of waste;
-
Different containers should be
used to segregate and store different
types of waste;
-
Encourage collection of aluminum cans, PET
bottles and paper by providing separate bins;
-
Unused chemicals should be
recycles wherever possible;
-
Proper storage and site practices
should be adopted to minimize the potential for damage and contamination of
construction materials;
-
Oils and fuels should be stored
in designated area;
-
Plan and stock construction
materials carefully to minimize waste generation.
Ecological Impact
-
Soil nail installation should
avoid / minimize damage of root system to the existing plants;
-
Fences should be erected along
the boundary of the works area
-
Disturbance to the natural woodland
and shrubland habitats should be minimized by preventing tipping, vehicle
movements and encroachment of personnel onto the adjacent area;
-
Permanent casing should be
provided to the drillhole of soil nail;
-
Placement of equipment or stockpile
should be located in designated areas to minimize disturbance to natural or
moderate-high ecological value habitats;
-
Construction activities should
be restricted to works areas;
-
Disturbance to existing vegetation
should be minimized wherever possible.
Landscape and
Visual Impact
-
Designation of “no-intrusion
zones” and record any trespass and damage to existing vegetation;
-
Soil nails on site should avoid
tree trunks and tree roots;
-
Dust and erosion control should
be provided for exposed soil;
-
For tree planting operations,
method statement should be checked against specification requirements;
-
All retained trees within the
working boundary should be checked regularly;
-
Control over appearance of
hoarding, construction plants / machines;
-
Security floodlights should be
carefully selected to avoid light pollution.
Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Months
7.5
The tentative schedule for
environmental monitoring in MaySeptember 2008 is provided
in Appendix L.
10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions
8.1
The construction phase of the
project commenced in April 2008.
8.2
1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP
monitoring was carried out in the reporting month. All monitoring results complied
with the action / limit level. No exceedance was recorded.
8.3
All impact daytime noise
monitoring results complied with the limit level in the reporting month.
8.4
Environmental site inspections were carried out 54 times in AprilAugust 2008. Recommendations
on remedial actions were given to
the Contractor for the deficiencies identified during the
site audit.
8.5
Twowo landscape
and visual audits were carried out in the reporting month. The
Contractor was recommended to re-instate all missing tree numbers for existing
trees on site for easy identification. The Contractor was also recommended to
clear away all dead trees as found on site, including the rotten tree for
safety consideration. The Contractor was
also reminded to record and report all dead trees as found on site to the
Engineer for record.keep all C&D
materials / equipments / sand bags away from the trees. The
Contractor was also recommended to apply root protective sealant to the wounded
root and the Engineer’s agreement should be sought for excavation works near
existing tree roots in order to minimize damage to the tree root system. If root pruning is required, prior approval
from Engineer is required.
One tree was found
damaged and proper protection to the tree barks was
recommended.
8.6
Pruning of tree branch was
observed. The contractor was advised
that pruning should be avoided.Construction
materials placed near tree trunks and spillage of concrete near soil nailing
areas were observed. Some of the plants
were not properly protected during soil nailing works and serious damages to
root systems were recorded. One recently
dead tree was found within the works area. on the soil surfaceDuring the
vegetation monitoring in May 2008, the bark of two
individuals of vegetation located adjacent to the temporary conveyor belt was
found to be slightly damaged, it was recommended that hessian sacking should be
wrapped around the trunk of vegetation to prevent damage during the
transportation of construction materials.V001 to V013 were
found to be in good condition during the monitoring visits, nevertheless, plastic
fencings supported by strong poles were recommended to demarcate plant locations clearly
to prevent tipping and entry of personnel in order to avoid damage to
the plants.
8.7
No environmental complaint,
notification of summons and prosecution was received in the
reporting month.
6.18.7Baseline
air quality monitoring was carried out between 14 and 31 January 2008 at 2
monitoring locations. Action / limit levels for air quality at each location
were derived from the baseline monitoring results. The weather during the
baseline monitoring period was generally fine with occasions of rainfalls.
6.1
6.28.7Baseline noise levels were obtained from the impact
noise monitoring programme from the adjacent construction works. The Action
level of construction noise is based on documented complaints received, while
the Limit Level is the level at a specific limit according to EIAO-TM.
6.2
6.38.7For the vegetation survey, a total of 12 species of
129 individuals of floral species of conservation importance were identified
and tagged during the detailed vegetation survey. Besides the mitigation measures recommended
in the Project EM&A Manual, works should aim to avoid and minimise any
damage caused to the existing trees and vegetation.
6.3
6.48.7The landscape and visual baseline review was
conducted in November 2007. Based on the walk-over survey, it is considered
that the baseline landscape resources, landscape character areas and visually
sensitive receivers originally identified with the EIA study area are generally
unchanged and remain valid. The addition to VSR R1E of the Future Residents of
No. 55 Conduit Road will not substantially affect the visual baseline, as views
of the site area are likely to be largely or entirely blocked by the
intervening Po Shan Mansion buildings. Changes to the landscape and visual
baseline are thus judged to be insignificant.
6.4
Recommendations
8.8
According to the environmental
site inspections performed in the reporting month, the following
recommendations were provided:
Air Quality
Impact
-
Soil nail workstations on
site should be fully enclosed; and
-
Exposed earth surface at all
working platforms should be covered with tarpaulin sheets.Nil
-
Construction
Noise Impact
-
Nil
Water Quality
Impact
-
U-channels should be kept
clear of mud, debris, construction
waste and leaves; and
-
Soil and earth at all
working platforms should be cleaned up.
-
Nil
Chemical and
Waste Management
-
Drip trays should be
provided to all plants and chemical
containers on site;
-
Oils and fuels should be stored
in designated area;
-
-
C&D
waste, Ddebris and rubbishgeneral
refuse on-site should be collected, handled and disposed
of properly; and
-
Waste skips should be provided
to collect general refuse and construction wastes.
Ecological
Impact
-
Soil Pruning of tree branches
should be avoided.nail installation should
avoid / minimize damage of root system to the existing plants.
Landscape and
Visual Impact
-
Soil nails on site should avoid
tree trunks and tree roots;.
-
More adequate protection should be provided to existing trees in
the work areas and
during drilling works;
-
Stockpiling of any
construction materials / equipments / sand bags against or near existing tree
should be avoided;
-
-
All missing tree numbers for
existing trees on site should be re-instate; and
-
All dead trees, including
rotten trees, found on site should be removed.