Contents

                        Executive summary                                                          

1                      Introduction                                                                          

1.1                   Purpose of the Report                                                     

1.2                   Key Contact Information                                                 

2                      Environmental Status                                                      

2.1                   Project Area                                                                         

2.2                   Environmental Sensitive Receivers                            

2.3                   Major Construction Activities                                     

2.4                   Monitoring Schedule of The Reporting Period    

2.5                   Status of Environmental Approval Documents

2.6                   Community Liaison Group Meeting                               

2.7                   Summary of Non-Compliance with the Environmental Quality Performance Limits

2.8                   Summary of Environmental Complaints                  

2.9                   Summary of Environmental Summons                      

3                      Environmental Issues and Actions                             

3.1                   Previous Environmental Deficiencies and Follow-up Actions       

3.2                   Implementation Status on Environmental Protection Requirements

4                      Environmental Monitoring                                             

4.1                   Air and Noise                                                                           

4.2                   Water Quality                                                                        

4.3                   POPs Monitoring                                                                   

4.4                   Waste Management                                                             

4.5                   Cultural Heritage                                                              

4.6                   Landscape and Visual                                                        

4.7                   Land Contamination, Hazard Land Contamination, Hazard to Life and Fuel Spill Risk                                                                                   

4.8                   Ecology                                                                                    

4.9                   EM&A Manual                                                                          

4.10                 Baseline Water Quality Monitoring                           

5                      Future Key Issues and Conclusion                             

5.1                   Key Issues for the Next Reporting Period              

5.2                   Impact Prediction for the Next Reporting Period   

5.3                   Works and Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period         

5.4                   Conclusion                                                                              

 

 


LIST OF TABLES

 

Table 1.1        Contact Information

Table 2.1        Summary of Works Undertaken During the Reporting Period

Table 2.2        Period and Cumulative Quantity of Excavated Materials

Table 2.3        Summary of Environmental Licensing, Notification and Permit Status

Table 3.1        Environmental Deficiencies (Observations) from Site Inspections during Reporting Period

 

LIST OF ANNEXES

 

Annex A         Project Location

Annex B         Water Quality Monitoring Stations, Water Quality and Ecological Sensitive Receivers

Annex C         Cumulative Complaints & Summons Statistics

Annex D         Implementation Programme of Mitigation Measures

 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The construction works for the Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility resumed on 9 July 2007 and Phase 1a was completed on 20 March 2010.  This fourteenth quarterly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report presents the EM&A work carried out during the period from 1 April to 30 June 2010 in accordance with the EM&A Manual.

Breaches of all Action and Limit Levels

No water quality monitoring was conducted (due to no dredging work) during the reporting period that required comparison against Action and Limit Levels. 

Complaint Log

No environmental complaints were received during the reporting period.

Notifications of any Summons and Successful Prosecutions

No environmental summons or prosecutions were received in this reporting period.

Reporting Changes

There were no reporting changes in the reporting period. 

Future Key Issues

·       Dust release and suppression; and

·       Water discharge.

 


1                                            Introduction

Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited (LCAL) has appointed ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) as the Environmental Team (ET) to implement the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme for the Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility (the Project) during construction works. 

The construction works for PAFF commenced in November 2005 based upon the previous EIA (EIAO Register Number AEIAR-062-2002) conducted and the Environmental Permit EP-139/2002 granted on the 28 August 2002.  Due to minor changes to the detailed layout of the site and the site boundary, application for Variation to the Environmental Permit (VEP) (VEP-133/2004) was submitted to the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) for approval.  The variation to the EP (EP-139/2002/A) was granted by EPD in February 2004.

The decision by EPD to grant the above Environmental Permit was, however, subject to a Judicial Review.  The Judicial Review sided in the favour of the DEP, as did the subsequent Judgement from the Court of Appeal from the High Court for Judicial Review in March 2005.  However, the DEP’s decision to grant the EP was quashed by the Judgement of the Court of Final Appeal of July 2006.

The construction works were stopped following the Judgement of the Court of Final Appeal of July 2006.  As such, in order to continue with the construction of the project, the project went through the statutory procedures under the EIAO again with a new design in order to obtain an environmental permit.  The revised EIA was submitted in 2007 and the environmental permit (EP-262/2007) was granted in May 2007. EP-262/2007 has been amended to EP262/2007/A and issued by the EPD on 30 November 2007.  A further Variation to the Environmental Permit has been approved to allow dredging works to continue until March 2008.  As such, EP-262/2007/A has been amended to EP-262/2007/B and issued by the EPD on 27 February 2008.

The construction works and EM&A requirements resumed on 9 July 2007 following the latest requirements of the EP-262/2007 and EM&A Manual.  Construction of Phase 1a of PAFF was completed on 20 March 2010 and operations began on 30 March 2010.  Details regarding the EM&A requirements and changes should refer to the updated EM&A Manual.  For the marine works, all piling activities were completed before the previous suspension of construction works in 2006.

1.1                                      Purpose of the Report

This is the fourteenth quarterly EM&A Report which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings for the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 April to 30 June 2010.


1.2                                      Key Contact Information

Key contact information of the Project is presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1        Contact Information

Name

Position

Telephone

Facsimile

E-mail

Airport Authority Hong Kong – Environmental Permit Holder

Anthony Wong

Assistant General Manager Aviation Logistics

2183 3099

2824 2786

anthony.wong@hkairport.com

Contractor – Leighton (Asia) Construction Limited

Brian Gillon

Project Director

2823 1111

2529 8784

brian.gillon@leightonasia.com

Elias Zraicat

Project Manager

2404 8900

2404 0081

elias.zraicat@leightonasia.com

Franchisee’s Site Representative – ECO Aviation Fuel Development Limited

Philip Siu

Franchisee’s Site Representative

2963 2820

2563 6311

philip.siu@towngas.com

Environmental Team – ERM-Hong Kong Limited

Craig Reid

Environmental Team Leader

2271 3000

2723 5660

craig.reid@erm.com

Independent Environmental Checker – Hyder Consulting Limited

Roger Leung

Independent Environmental Checker

2911 2233

2805 5028

roger.leung@hyderconsulting.com

 

2                                            Environmental Status

2.1                                      Project Area

The project area is in Area 38 of Tuen Mun and the pipelines are located at Urmston Road between Tuen Mun Area 38 and Sha Chau.  The site is illustrated in Annex A.

2.2                                      Environmental Sensitive Receivers

No air and noise sensitive receivers were identified close to the project area.  However, water sensitive receivers and ecological sensitive receivers were identified in the EIA study, and are shown in Annex B.

2.3                                      Major Construction Activities

A summary of the major works undertaken in this reporting period is shown in Table 2.1.  Initial marine dredging operations were completed on 23 January 2009.  Due to pipeline repairs, dredging works were resumed on 13 November 2009 and completed on 11 December 2009.  No dredging operations were carried out during the reporting period.  Table 2.2 presents the cumulative quantity of excavated materials during marine dredging operations.  Daily and cumulative dredging production rates between December 2007 and 30 June 2010 are illustrated in Figure 2.1.


Table 2.1        Summary of Works Undertaken During the Reporting Period

Area

Works undertaken

Tuen Mun Area 38

·          Tank Farm (Phase 1b) and Bund Wall Construction

·          Permanent Drainage Construction

·          Emergency Vehicle Access (EVA) Road Construction

·          Jetty Works (Non-piling)

Table 2.2        Period and Cumulative Quantity of Excavated Materials

Type of Excavated Materials

Period Bulk Volume (m3)

Cumulative Bulk Volume (m3) (from 17 December 2007 to that date)

From 17 December 2007 to 31 March 2008

Contaminated Mud

71,564

71,564

Uncontaminated Mud

123,953

123,953

From 1 September 2008 to 23 January 2009

Contaminated Mud

0

71,564

Uncontaminated Mud

149,147

273,100

From 13 November 2009 to 13 December 2009

Contaminated Mud

7,399

78,963

Uncontaminated Mud

18,561

291,661

From 14 December 2009 to 30 June 2010

Contaminated Mud

0

78,963

Uncontaminated Mud

0

291,661

2.4                                      Monitoring Schedule of The Reporting Period

No water quality monitoring or ecology monitoring was conducted during the reporting period, hence presentation of the monitoring schedule is not applicable.

2.5                                      Status of Environmental Approval Documents

A summary of the relevant permits, licences, and/or notifications on environmental protection for this Project since July 2007 is presented in Table 2.3.   


Table 2.3        Summary of Environmental Licensing, Notification and Permit Status

Permit/ Licenses/ Notification

Reference

Validity Period

Remarks

Environmental Permit

EP-262/2007/B

Throughout Project

Issued on 27 February 2008 (EP-262/2007/A on 30 November 2007, EP-262/2007 issued on 31 May 2007, EP-139/2002 originally granted on 28 August 2002 and EP-139/2002/A granted on 24 February 2004 were superseded)

 

Chemical Waste Producer Registration

 

WPN 5111-421-L2174-25

Throughout Project

Issued on 10 November 2005

Notification of Construction Works under Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation

 

H2104/U1D/5542/DG/DH/PL

 

Throughout Project

Notification on 6 July 2007

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RW0676-07

21 December 2007 to 19 June 2008

 

 

For land-based works including air compressors, breakers, excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile cranes, concrete lorry mixers, hand-held pokers, bar benders/cutters, wood saws, grinders, submarine water pump, lorries with crane, dump trucks, rollers, ventilation fans and generators

 

GW-RW0677-07

21 December 2007 to 29 February 2008

For marine dredging operation including grab dredger, tug boat, split hopper barge and motor sampan

 

GW-RW0678-07

21 December 2007 to 18 June 2008

 

For marine jetty works including concrete pump derrick barges, hand-held grinders, generators, air compressors, boring machines, water pumps, tug boat, grout mixers and grout pumps

 

GW-RW0094-08

1 March to 31 March 2008

For marine dredging operation including grab dredger, tug boat, split hopper barge and motor sampan

 

GW-RW0312-08

04 July 2008 to 22 December 2008

 

 

For marine jetty works including concrete pump derrick barges, hand-held grinders, generators, air compressors, boring machines, water pumps, tug boat, grout mixers and grout pumps

 

GW-RW0313-08

04 July 2008 to 19 December 2008

 

For land-based works including air compressors, breakers, excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile cranes, concrete lorry mixers, hand-held pokers, bar benders/cutters, wood saws, grinders, submarine water pump, lorries with crane, dump trucks, rollers, ventilation fans and generators

 

GW-RW0373-08

1 August 2008 to 20 January 2009

For land-based works including air compressors, breakers, excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile cranes, concrete lorry mixers, hand-held pokers, bar benders/cutters, wood saws, grinders, submarine water pump, lorries with crane, dump trucks, rollers, ventilation fans, generators, stirrer, jet chisel, water jet machine and dehumidifier

 

GW-RW0368-08

1 September to 30 November 2008

For marine dredging operation including grab dredger, tug boat, split hopper barge and motor sampan

 

GW-RW0054-09

16 February 2009 to 5 August 2009

 

For land-based and marine works including passenger launch, winch, welding machine, grinder, generator, power pack, tug boat, crane, air compressor, roller, hoist and derrick barge

 

 

GW-RW0261-09

3 July 2009 to 3 November 2009

For land-based and marine works including derrick barge, grinder, crane, tug boat, drill, welding machine, hopper barge, motor sampan, air compressor

 

 

GW-RW0299-09

21 July 2009 to 20 January 2010

 

For land-based works including air compressors, breakers, excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile cranes, concrete lorry mixers, hand-held pokers, bar benders/cutters, wood saws, grinders, submarine water pump, lorries with crane, dump trucks, rollers, ventilation fans, generators, stirrer, jet chisel, water jet machine and dehumidifier etc

 

 

GW-RW0459-09

26 October 2009 to 28 February 2010

For marine dredging operation including air compressors, derrick barge, tug boat, mobile crane, hand-held grinder, generator, hand-held drill, winch, welding machine, motor sampan, grab dredger hopper barge etc

 

 

GW-RW0008-10

21 January 2010 to 20 July 2010

For the use of powered mechanical equipment for the purpose of carrying out construction work other than percussive piling and/or the carrying out of prescribed construction work.  For on-site powered mechanical equipment.

 

 

GW-RW0092-10

1 March 2010 to 30 April 2010

For the use of powered mechanical equipment for the purpose of carrying out construction work other than percussive piling and/or the carrying out of prescribed construction work.  Specifically for Grab dredger, Derrick barge, Tug boat, Motor sampan and Hopper barge.

 

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/08-064

13 December 2007 to 29 February 2008

 

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

EP/MD/08-065

13 December 2007 to 12 January 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/08-071

13 January 2008 to 12 February 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/08-090

3 March to 31 March 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/08-091

3 March to 31 March 2008

 

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

EP/MD/09-018

1 September to 30 September 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/09-032

1 October to 31 October 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/09-017

1 September to 30 November 2008

 

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

EP/MD/09-039

1 December 2008 to 31 January 2009

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

 

EP/MD/10-041

11 November 2009 to 31 December 2009

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

EP/MD/10-042

11 November 2009 to 10 December 2009

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal (Dedicated Site) & Type 2 – Confined Marine Disposal

Wastewater Discharge License

EP760/421/011399/l

15 March 2006 to 31 March 2011

Issued on 15 March 2006

2.6                                      Community Liaison Group Meeting

According to the EP requirements, a Community Liaison Group (CLG) was established within three months after commencement of construction of the Project.  The major duty of the CLG is to advise on and monitor the proper design, construction and operation of the Project.  The CLG comprises representatives from Airport Authority, members of Tuen Mun community and academics.  During the reporting period, the CLG held a meeting on Wednesday, 26 May 2010Details of the CLG (including Membership and its Terms of Reference) and the meeting minutes can be found on the Project website (http://www.paffhk.com).

2.7                                      Summary of Non-Compliance with the Environmental Quality Performance Limits

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

2.8                                      Summary of Environmental Complaints

No environmental complaint was received during the reporting period.  A statistical summary of environmental complaints since project commencement is presented in Annex C.

2.9                                      Summary of Environmental Summons

No summons was received in this reporting period.  A statistical summary of legal proceeding since project commencement is presented in Annex C.

 

3                                            Environmental Issues and Actions

3.1                                      Previous Environmental Deficiencies and Follow-up Actions

As no environmental complaints were received over the last reporting period, no follow-up action was required.

Weekly site inspections were carried out by the ET on 1, 9, 14, 23 and 29 April, 6, 13, 19, 26 and 31 May and 10, 18, 24 and 30 June 2010. Overall, the site was in good orderly manner and no non-compliances were found.  Environmental deficiencies and follow-up actions/mitigation measures were identified during the inspections and summarised in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1        Environmental Deficiencies (Observations) from Site Inspections during Reporting Period

Reporting Month

Observation

Follow-up Action

April 2010

 

Much of the Tank Farm area was unpaved and there were stockpiles of sand. 

The Contractor was reminded to water the unpaved areas and stockpiles of sand regularly to avoid dust generation.

 

Stagnant water was found around the base of Tank 10 and in a drip tray between Tanks 10 and 12.  A leaking pipe connection was also recorded by Tank 12, generating a stagnant pool of water. 

 

The Contractor was advised to clear all stagnant water as soon as practicable.

 

Oily water was observed in the base of one of the chemical waste storage facilities and it was concluded there was a leak in the storage facility, where rainwater was entering. 

 

The Contractor was advised to clear the oily water as soon as practicable and locate the leak in the storage facility in order to fix it.

 

Phase 1b Tank Farm drainage system was still temporary.  Oil interceptors were present but not connected and some water was accumulating in various manholes around the site. 

 

The Contractor was reminded to ensure the drainage system was adequate as soon as possible and to consider connecting a further sediment tank to the temporary system of Phase 1b during the wet season. 

 

A slight plume was observed at the drainage outlet in the Jetty Area. 

 

The Contractor was reminded to ensure the drainage system was adequately fitted with sediment tanks.

 

The refuse bins in the Jetty area were full. 

The Contractor was advised to arrange for collection as soon as possible or, if appropriate, contact ECO to make such arrangements.

 

General refuse was observed scattered around the Tank Farm area and the EVA road and a general refuse receptacle in the public area just outside the Phase 1a entrance to the Jetty Area, evidently used by site workers) was observed to be full. 

 

The Contractor was advised to provide more waste receptacles around the Tank Farm area, particularly near Tank 12, ensure all refuse does not affect public areas and is cleared and disposed of appropriately.

 

A drum with no drip tray was found near Tank 12.

 

The Contractor was advised to place the drum in a drip tray. 

 

Some black plastic bags with chemical waste were observed outside the chemical waste storage facility without labels.

 

The Contractor was advised to label all chemical appropriately and place it in the chemical waste storage facility.

 

Empty paint containers were observed in the Tank Farm Area. 

The Contractor was reminded to store or dispose of the empty paint containers appropriately.

 

May 2010

 

 

Some of the Tank Farm area was unpaved and there were stockpiles of sand. 

 

The Contractor was reminded to water the unpaved areas and stockpiles of sand regularly to prevent dust generation.  

 

Water was found in the drip tray of an air compressor on the EVA road and in the drip tray of a generator near the Workshop Area. 

 

The Contractor was advised to clear the water as soon as practicable.

It was again noted that the Phase 1b Tank Farm drainage system was temporary.  Sediment tanks are connected (with some minor exceptions for when moving them etc) but open and some water was accumulating in various open manholes around the site. 

 

The Contractor was reminded to ensure the sediment tank(s) were disconnected for as short period as possible, and the drainage system was adequate for the wet season.  The Contractor was also advised to cover the open water where mosquitoes might breed, either with plywood or other appropriate materials on the surface of the water.

 

A large oil slick with a dead fish and other debris floating amongst it was observed near the drainage outlet in the Jetty Area.

 

The source of the oil was unknown but did not appear to be coming from the PAFF drainage outlet.  No action was required from the Contractor.

 

General refuse was observed scattered around the Tank Farm area and the EVA road and some receptacles were full, including a receptacle outside the Phase 1a entrance, evidently filled by site workers. 

 

The Contractor was advised to provide more waste receptacles around the Tank Farm area and clear receptacles when necessary. 

 

Diesel drums and a welding machine were found with no drip tray and some with no label.

 

The Contractor was advised to place the drums and welding machine in drip trays and label the drums appropriately as soon as practicable.

 

Empty paint containers were observed in the Tank Farm Area near Tank 12 and on the EVA, where they were observed to be leaking onto the tarpaulin they were placed on.  Empty paint cans were also found in large white tarpaulin sacks on the EVA road.

 

The Contractor was reminded to store or dispose of paint containers appropriately and remind the painting Sub-contractor not to contaminate the surrounding soil during storage.

 

A plastic container containing oil was observed in one of the chemical waste storage facilities. 

The Contractor was reminded to dispose of the oil into the appropriate labelled oil drum within the facility. 

 

Construction materials were observed stored near the roots of the retained trees T70 and T72 near the Phase 1a Tank Farm vehicular entrance. 

 

The Contractor was reminded to ensure the material was re-located to ensure no tree damage was incurred.  

The re-location of concrete blocks just outside the main entrance was causing damage to a nearby tree. 

 

The Contractor was requested to remind workmen to avoid all further damage to trees in the vicinity. 

 

 

The construction work undertaken near the main entrance appeared to cause some disturbance to the trees and tree roots in the vicinity. 

 

The Contractor was asked to check whether any tree felling is required in this area due to the construction work and ensure all retained trees were clear of construction materials or other materials that may cause damage to them. 

 

June 2010

Some of the Tank Farm area was unpaved and there were stockpiles of sand.

The Contractor was reminded to water the unpaved areas and any stockpiles of sand regularly to prevent dust generation. 

 

The grinding works on the retaining wall adjacent to the access road in front of the office were observed to be generating some dust. 

 

The Contractor was advised to spray water to minimise dust emission.

A very thin oil film was observed on external surfaces around the whole site.  This was due to anti-mosquito agent being washed away by the rain. 

 

No action required. 

A small plume was observed coming from the drainage outlet in the Jetty Area during a survey conducted during heavy rain.  Considerably larger plumes were observed to the west (steel factory) and east (Eco park/container storage area). 

 

The Contractor was advised to check the drainage system and particularly ensure sediment tanks were free of sediment and of adequate capacity. 

Water was found in the drip trays of drums and a generator. 

 

The Contractor was advised to clear the water as soon as practicable.. 

 

A generator was observed near the workshop area with no drip-tray. 

 

The Contractor was requested to provide a drip tray as soon as possible, to contain potential spillage.. 

 

Pavement reinstatement works were observed near the entrance of Phase 1a. 

The Contractor was advised to provide sandbags around the drains and gullies during such works.  . 

 

General refuse was observed around the Tank Farm area and the EVA road, in particular near entrance into Tank 11 (where painting being carried out inside) and on 18 June in the area where the Workshop used to be. 

 

The Contractor was requested to clear all general refuse as soon as possible and dispose of it appropriately.  

Empty paint cans were observed in white sacks stored on the back of a lorry on the EVA road. 

The Contractor was advised to arrange for the labelling and appropriate disposal of the empty paint cans. 

 

Some compensatory trees in Phase 1a, en route to Jetty Area for drainage outlet inspection, were observed to have no leaves. 

 

The Contractor was advised to evaluate condition of these trees as soon as possible and arrange replacement if trees are reported to be dead. 

 

The display cabinet housing the Environmental Permit (EP) was not erected by the main entrance to Phase 1b, due to construction works in the area. 

 

The Contractor was advised to find a new site near the entrance to erect the cabinet with the EP.  

The ET will keep track on the EM&A programme to ensure compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.

3.2                                      Implementation Status on Environmental Protection Requirements

The implementation status of environmental mitigation measures and requirements as stated in the EIA Report, Environmental Permits and EM&A Manual during the reporting period is summarized in Annex D.

 

4                                            Environmental Monitoring

4.1                                      Air and Noise

Air and Noise monitoring is not required for the project.   

4.2                                      Water Quality

No dredging activities were undertaken during the reporting period, hence no water quality monitoring was required during the reporting quarter.

4.3                                      POPs Monitoring

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) monitoring was not required since there was no dredging operation during the reporting period. 

4.4                                      Waste Management

According to EP Condition 3.3, the Contractor’s revised Waste Management Plan (Revision 5) (WMP), which has been certified by the ET and IEC, was submitted to the EPD on 5 November 2008.

4.5                                      Cultural Heritage

The Watching Brief Report, verified by the Independent Environmental Checker, was submitted to the EPD and AMO on 9 May 2008.

4.6                                      Landscape and Visual

The project construction works began at the end of 2005 and the landscape works began in mid-2006.  In accordance with the Condition 3.8 of Environmental Permit (EP 139/2002/A granted in February 2004), the Contractor employed Toyo Greenland Co. Ltd (Toyo) to create a detailed landscape plan and this was submitted to the Director of EPD on 8 February 2006.  This original landscape plan was certified by IEC and ET, and approved by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department on 6 April 2006 and the District Lands Office, Tuen Mun Land’s Department on 28 April 2006. 

Although construction work was suspended between July 2006 and July 2007, the berm/landscaping bund was originally populated by vegetation grown during this project suspension period. 

To address Condition 3.4 of the updated Environmental Permit (EP 262/2007/B) based on an updated EIA report (Register No. AEIAR-107/2007), the Contractor submitted the Landscape Plan, which was certified by ET and IEC, to the EPD in December 2009.  The EPD provided comments on 4 February 2010.  Following revisions, the Contractor submitted an updated landscaping proposal for the PAFF project to the Lands Department (who are responsible for circulating it to other government departments including EPD) in April 2010.  The Lands Department then required that the submission be in compliance with the latest technical circular, so a resubmission was made, which is currently being reviewed by Lands Department. 

Planting works were carried out by Toyo Greenland Co. Ltd on the berm/landscaping bund with over 1,100 trees planted by the end of the reporting period([1]).  A tree survey was also conducted in April 2010 and revealed a 100% tree survival rate of the newly planted trees.  It is expected that landscaping works will be completed in July 2010 and ECO will then undertake the landscape maintenance at PAFF ([2]). 

According to the EIA report and EM&A Manual, mitigation measures and site inspections are required during the landscaping/planting works and the weekly site inspections include general audits on landscape and visual issues to ensure that the site is in an orderly and acceptable manner. 

Operations of PAFF Phase 1a started on 30 March 2010 and in accordance with the EM&A Manual , Landscape and Visual audits of the site will be carried out once every two months for one year following this date.  According to the EM&A Manual, the LV audit should include checking of the implementation and maintenance of LV mitigation measures to ensure that they are undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of the approved EIA Report

Bi-monthly Landscape and Visual Audits

The first monthly site audit was undertaken on 29 April 2010 and the findings and observations are included in Annex E of the 42nd Monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Report.  No audit was conducted during the reporting period. 

4.7                                      Land Contamination, Hazard Land Contamination, Hazard to Life and Fuel Spill Risk

In 2007, the Contractor submitted an updated design audit plan according to the EP requirements.  The ET and IEC both verified this updated design audit plan and it was submitted to the EPD on 7 November 2007.  

Pursuant to Condition 3.5 of the EP, the Contractor submitted design drawings and supporting information according to the EP requirements in 2009.  The ET and IEC certified the documents and submitted to the EPD on 7 December 2009.  The documents were placed under the EIAO register on 14 December 2009.

Weekly site inspections covered the waste management aspects which included measures to prevent land contamination by chemical wastes.

4.8                                      Ecology

Marine Mammal Monitoring

In accordance to EM&A Manual, following the completion of PAFF Phase 1a construction activities on 20 March 2010, six days of post-construction marine mammal monitoring were undertaken.  Details of the monitoring methodology and results are presented and detailed in the Post-Construction Marine Mammal Monitoring Report, which was certified by the IEC and submitted to the EPD on 15 April 2010.  

4.9                                      EM&A Manual

The EM&A Manual for the Project has been updated by the ET to include the detailed arrangements of setting up a Community Liaison Group, carrying out design audit, and monitoring of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) during construction of the Project.  The revised EM&A Manual, which has been verified by the IEC, was submitted to the EPD on 1 April 2009.

4.10                                  Baseline Water Quality Monitoring

The Final Baseline Monitoring Report was submitted to the EPD on 20 February 2008 and placed under the EIAO register.

 

5                                            Future Key Issues and Conclusion

5.1                                      Key Issues for the Next Reporting Period

Key issues to be considered in the next reporting period will be:

·         Dust release and suppression; and

·         Water discharge.

5.2                                      Impact Prediction for the Next Reporting Period

Provided that environmental mitigation measures including good on-site practises are properly implemented, no unacceptable adverse environmental impacts are expected.

5.3                                      Works and Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period

Work programme for the next reporting period includes:

·       Site works at Phase 1b (construction works for tank farm, drainages, emergency vehicle access road etc). 

Weekly site inspections of Phase 1b construction site will be undertaken in accordance with the EM&A Manual and one LV&A audit for the whole site will also be undertaken in July 2010, also in accordance with the EM&A Manual.

5.4                                      Conclusion

The EM&A works were conducted throughout the construction period of Phase 1b and operational period of Phase 1a.  The relevant monitoring was conducted in accordance with the EP’s requirements.  Mitigation measures were used to minimise the environmental impacts, where appropriate.  Some environmental deficiencies were observed during the site inspections and the Contractor implemented corrective actions to mitigate the issues.  Overall, the Phase 1b site and Jetty area was in an orderly manner and the landscaping works for the Project were also in good order.



([1])                  CLG 11th Meeting Minutes and Presentations.  Available at http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/afacilities/files/presentation1_260510.pdf [Accessed 5 July 2010]

([2])                  Ibid.