1.1.1
MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) identified the need to modify
the existing MTR Tsi Sha Tsui (TST) Station as a result of the planned
construction of the new KCRC East Tsim Sha Tsui (ETS) Station and associated
pedestrian subways. The modifications,
in the form of an approximately 80m southward concourse extension and an about
30m long pedestrian subway, to be built underneath Nathan Road, will accommodate
the existing plant rooms and back-of-house accommodation at TST Station
displaced by the future KCRC Mody Road Link, as well as provide a direct link
from the TST Station concourse to the KCRC Middle Road Subway Link. Figure 1-1 shows the project location.
1.1.2
An EIA study has been conducted by CH2M HILL (China) Limited
(formerly named as EHS Consultants Limited) for the proposed TST Station
modification works. Based on the design
of the modifications, no key environmental concerns were identified during the
operational phase of the Project. No
new structures which may pose an environmental impact on the surrounding
landuses are planned aboveground. For
the construction phase, sufficient control/ mitigation measures have been
recommended in the EIA study to address the potential, transient dust and noise
impact on the nearby sensitive receivers as well as to effect proper
construction waste management.
1.1.3
Figure 1-2 shows the preliminary
design of the TST Southern Concourse Extension and the pedestrian subway under
Nathan Road.
1.1.4
As part of the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) study for the proposed southern extension, a Manual for
guiding the set up of an Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A)
programme to check the implementation of the recommended environmental
mitigation measures where necessary. The
EM&A programme will be useful in providing a means to verify the
effectiveness and adequacy of the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA
such that additional mitigation measures or remedial action, if deemed
necessary, can be formulated.
1.1.5
This Manual provides systematic
procedures for the carrying out of the recommended EM&A activities. Mitigation measures recommended in the EIA
Report for each key environmental aspects are also summarised and presented.
1.1.6
Environmental regulations currently
enforced in Hong Kong pertaining to air quality, noise and waste, etc. and the
recommendations given in the EIA Report for the proposed Southern Concourse
Extension and pedestrian subway have been observed in the preparation of this
Manual.
1.2.1
The main objectives of the EM&A
programme include:
(i)
to provide a database on baseline environmental quality for
subsequent checking of any short or long term environmental impacts arising from
the project;
(ii)
to provide information at an early stage for identification of
potential problem areas and formulation of additional environmental mitigation
measures where necessary should any of the environmental control measures or
practices fail to achieve the target standards;
(iii)
to monitor the performance of the project from an
environmental viewpoint and the sufficiency and effectiveness of the
implemented mitigation measures;
(iv)
to verify the environmental impacts predicted in the EIA Study
for the TST Station modifications;
(v)
to determine project compliance with relevant regulatory
standards, requirements and guidelines;
(vi)
to take remedial action should unexpected problems or
unacceptable impacts be identified;
(vii) to
provide baseline and compliance monitoring data to assist the carrying out of
effective environmental audits.
1.3.1
This Manual contains the following information:
(i)
duties of the Environmental Team (ET) in the environmental
monitoring and audit programme;
(ii)
information on project organisation, construction schedule and
activities;
(iii)
information on the tentative construction programme and the
necessary environmental monitoring and audit programme to track the varying
environmental impacts;
(iv)
definition of Action and Limit levels, and establishment of
Event and Action Plans;
(v)
requirements of reviewing pollution sources and work
procedures in the event of non-compliance of the environmental criteria;
(vi)
requirements of presentation of environmental monitoring and
audit data and appropriate reporting procedures;
(vii) an
Implementation Schedule (Appendix I) of the environmental mitigation measures
recommended in the EIA Report for the southern extension;
(viii) Record
forms (Appendix II) to be adopted where applicable during the construction
phase of the project.
1.3.2
The EM&A Manual shall be regarded as an evolving document
that should be updated when necessary in order to maintain its relevance during
the detailed design stage and/or the construction phase (e.g. when alternative
monitoring locations are proposed). The
updated EM&A Manual shall be submitted to the ER and EPD for agreement.
2.1.1
The existing TST Station concourse is proposed to be extended
to the south for about 80m along Nathan Road to provide additional space for
accommodation of the plant rooms and back-of-house accommodation displaced by
the KCRC Mody Road Link, and for connection with the planned KCRC Middle Road
Link by an approximately 30m pedestrian subway along Nathan Road.
2.1.2
Situated in the vicinity of
the work area are mostly hotels that are provided with central air conditioning
and do not rely on openable windows for ventilation. These include, on the western side of the subject site, Peninsula
Hotel, Kowloon Hotel and Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Hotel; and on the eastern
side, Sheraton Hotel, Imperial Hotel, and Holiday Inn Hotel. Commercial buildings situated in the
vicinity of the work area include Shui Hing House, Alpha House and Oterprise
Square. Chungking Mansions situated to
the east of the work area is mostly occupied by commercial uses and hostels
equipped with window-type air conditioners.
At ground level, there are shops along both sides of Nathan Road.
2.2.1
Preliminary options on the design of the TST Station
Modifications were developed by the Engineering Design Consultants and
discussed with the Government in August 2000.
The preliminary design was further developed into the “Preferred Option”
following the base design to take into account the various site
constraints. Figure 1-2 presents the
adopted preliminary design of the TST Southern Extension and Pedestrian
Subway. Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2
illustrates the relationship of the southern extension to the existing bored
Tsuen Wan Line tunnels.
2.3.1
A preliminary construction programme has been formulated with
a target to minimise the impact from the construction works on the environment
and traffic as high priorities of the project (see Figure 2-3). Site clearance is envisaged to commence in
early 2002 for completion in 2004.
Temporary decking would be constructed in 15 stages for the completion
of the full road deck in early 2003. Nathan
Road will be reinstated to its original condition near early 2004 after excavation
works and the construction of the extended station box.
2.3.2
The construction works will commence with removal of the
existing median strip. The existing
concrete road pavement will be demolished in stages on a lane by lane basis
such that impact on the traffic movement can be minimised. Locations of the existing utilities lying
under Nathan Road have been taken account of as far as practicable in the
design of the preferred layout plan.
The target is to maximize the opportunities for the existing utilities
to be hung above the under excavation site instead of having to be diverted, if
possible such that the construction period and the associated environmental
impact on the nearby sensitive receivers can be minimised. It is expected that the area requiring
significant utility diversion will be the footpath on the east side of Nathan
Road.
2.3.4
Excavation will be carried out beneath the deck proceeding
layer by layer with regular monitoring of tunnel integrity. Excavated materials will be removed by
gantry and hoist to trucks parked within the proposed noise enclosure at the
opening near the middle strip of Nathan Road.
It is envisaged that the roof and base slabs of the concourse extension
will be constructed using a bottom-up construction method involving the
installation of pipe piles for supporting the road deck. Adopting the top-down construction method,
nevertheless, will involve similar construction sequence with respect the site
clearance and installation of the temporary road deck with the potential dust
and noise impact mitigated by similar control techniques. The temporary road deck will be removed
after the completion of the underground works and the road and utilities
reinstated using again a lane-by-lane approach.
2.4.1
The key construction activities are expected to include the
followings and in the sequence as described.
It can be noted that in order to minimise the potential environmental
(noise) and traffic impact, the construction work area will be limited and with
significant phasing and sequencing of construction activities built into the
programme.
Site
Preparation:
·
Demolish existing median strip;
·
Divert and narrow existing footpath and one traffic
lane on east side of Nathan Road;
·
Divert utilities to create sufficient space for piling;
Demolition
of Road Pavement and Installation of Temporary Road Deck
·
Demolish existing concrete road pavement;
·
Install temporary works (cofferdam, piling and road
decking) for carrying out of excavation activities;
·
Extend traffic deck for a second lane;
·
Proceed lane by lane across Nathan Road to divert
utilities and construct concourse extension walls and traffic deck;
·
Reinstate Nathan Road traffic by the road deck and reserve
sufficient area as construction site and for the opening leading to the
underground work area;
Underground
Works
·
Construct a noise enclosure to cover the opening near
the middle strip of Nathan Road;
·
Excavate beneath the road deck and procee layer by
layer with regular monitoring of tunnel integrity and potential deformations.
Ground treatment and controlled dewatering will proceed in parallel with
excavation in order to balance loads on existing MTR running tunnels. Excavated material to be removed by gantry
and hoist to trucks parked within the noise enclosure;
·
Grouting below excavation level to stabilize existing
running tunnels if required;
·
Construct roof and base slab of the concourse
extension;
Backfilling
and Reinstatement
·
Remove deck, backfill and reinstate utilities and road
pavement using again a lane-by -lane progressive approach.
Works
within the Completed Structure
·
Breakthrough existing station end wall;
·
E&M fitout and relocation of plant;
·
Demolish and make good existing areas in existing
station;
·
Architectural fitout to new station accommodation and
existing areas of plantrooms.
3.1.1
Sensitive receivers located in the vicinity of the project
site that might be potentially affected by the construction works with respect
to air quality and/or noise were identified in the EIA Report. These include:
Hotels & Hostels
3.1.2
Peninsula Hotel, Kowloon Hotel and Hyatt Regency Hong Kong
Hotel are located along the western side of Nathan Road whereas Sheraton Hotel,
Imperial Hotel, and Holiday Inn Hotel are lying on the eastern side. These
hotel buildings have already been equipped with central air conditioning and do
not rely on openable windows for ventilation.
At ground level, there situated shopping facilities fronting Nathan Road.
3.1.3
Chungking Mansions situated to the east of the work area are
partly occupied by hostels equipped with window-type air conditioning
systems.
Commercial Uses
3.1.4
Commercial buildings situated in the vicinity of the work area
include Prestige Tower, Alpha House, Oterprise Square and part of the Chungking
Mansions. Centralised air conditioning systems were equipped without reliance
on natural ventilation except for Chungking Mansions where part of the units is
equipped with window-type air conditioning systems. There are shops located
along Nathan Road at ground floor of these buildings.
4.1.1
The key parties in an EM&A programme include the
Contractor, the Project Engineer[1]
or the Engineer’s representative (ER)1, the Environmental Team (ET),
and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). It is currently planned that roles of ER and ET will both be
undertaken by MTRCL as in many other MTRCL’s projects, involving its Project
Engineers and the Corporation’s Environmental Manager. It is envisaged that such organization
structure will allow effective communication between the Project Engineers and
the ET, and encourage the Contractor to perform with respect to the implementation
of the required environmental mitigation measures to satisfy the project
proponent’s requirements.
Environmental Team
4.1.2
The Environmental Team (ET) will carry out an EM&A project
for the TST modifications project. The
ET shall not be an associated company of the Contractor. The ET leader
shall plan, organise and manage the implementation of the EM&A programme,
and to ensure that the EM&A works are undertaken to the required
standards. The ET leader shall have
relevant professional qualification and sufficient experience in carrying out EM&A
works.
4.1.3
Appropriately qualified staff shall be included in the
ET. The ET shall be under the
supervision of the ET Leader in fulfilling the EM&A duties specified in
this Manual. The board categories of
works of the ET comprise the followings:
(i)
To monitor the various environmental parameters as required in
the EIA Report for Southern Extension;
(ii)
To investigate and audit the Contractor’s equipment and work
methodologies with respect to pollution control and environmental mitigation,
and anticipate environmental issues as far as practicable for proactive action
before problems arise;
(iii) To
audit and prepare audit reports on the environmental monitoring data and the
site environmental conditions;
(iv) To
report on the environmental monitoring and audit results to the Contractor, the
ER, and the EPD.
In the event of an exceedance of
the relevant action/ limit levels, the ET shall immediately liaise with the
Project Engineer and inform the Contractor so that appropriate remedial action
can be executed by the Contractor promptly.
The ET is also responsible for the preparation of the monthly EM&A
reports for submission to EPD and information for the Project Engineer and
Contractor. The ET shall assist the
Project Engineer and Contractor in formulating any needed corrective actions
and/ or additional mitigation measures, if necessary, and will the liaison
platform with relevant Government Departments as appropriate on environmental
related-matters in relation to the project.
The Contractor
4.1.4
The Contractor is responsible for providing requested
information to the ET in the event of any exceedance in the environmental
criteria specified in this Manual or other current environmental standards, and
to rectify unacceptable practices. The
Contractor shall also discuss with the ET and Project Engineer on any
additional mitigation measures identified to be required by the ET and
implement the agreed measures to alleviate any identified environmental impact
to acceptable levels. The Contractor
shall report to the ET on the actions taken targeting at environmental
protection for inclusion in the monthly report to be prepared by the ET.
The Project Engineer or the Engineer’s
Representative
4.1.5
The Engineer, or the ER shall be responsible for overseeing
the operations of the Contractor and in liaison with the ET. He shall advise, co-ordinate and give
instruction when appropriate for efficient implementation of any specific
environmental mitigation measures for implementation by the contractor, and/or
outstanding EM&A works required to be carried out by ET.
5.1.1
The construction noise level shall be measured in terms of
A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq). LAeq(30 min.) shall be used as the
monitoring parameter for the time period between 0700-1900 hours on normal
weekdays. As supplementary information
for data auditing, statistical results such as L10 and L90
shall also be obtained for reference.
5.1.2
MTRCL is planned to use its computer-based monitoring and
audit software known as Environmental Quality Protection Management System
(EQPMS) for data recording. The
programme is well-established and have been successfully used before in some
other recent MTRCL’s projects, including Tseung Kwan Extension and Quarry Bay
Congestion Relief Works.
5.2.1
As referred to in the Technical Memorandum issued under the
Noise Control Ordinance (NCO), sound level meters in compliance with the
International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651: 1979 (Type 1) and
804: 1985 (Type 1) Specifications shall be used for carrying out the noise
monitoring. Immediately prior to and following each noise measurement, the
accuracy of the sound level meter shall be checked using an acoustic calibrator
generating a known sound pressure level at a known frequency. Measurements may be accepted as valid only
if the calibration level from before and after the noise measurement agree to
within 1.0dB.
5.2.2
Noise measurements should not be made in the presence of fog,
rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s or wind with gusts exceeding
10m/s. The wind speed shall be checked
with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s.
5.2.3
The ET is responsible for the provision of the monitoring
equipment. He shall ensure that
sufficient noise measuring equipment and associated instrumentation are
available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring
and ad hoc monitoring. All the
equipment and associated instrumentation shall be clearly labelled.
5.3.1
The proposed locations (M1, M2 and M3) for noise monitoring
during construction works are shown in Figure 5-1. The monitoring locations are
selected to represent the nearest noise sensitive receivers that could be
affected by the proposed construction works.
Noise monitoring at M3 is only required when there are planned
construction activities at a work location which would be visible from M3
taking into account its angle of view limited by the presence of nearby
high-rise buildings.
5.3.2
The ET may found its appropriate at the detailed design stage
to propose alternative monitoring locations based on consideration of the
latest status, availability and/or accessibility of the various possible
monitoring locations. Alternative monitoring locations proposed by the ET shall
be agreed by EPD.
5.3.3
When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the
monitoring locations should be chosen based on the following criteria:
a)
at locations close to the major site activities which are
likely to have noise impacts;
b)
close to the noise sensitive receivers; and
c)
for monitoring locations located in the vicinity of the
sensitive receivers, care should be taken to cause minimal disturbance to the
occupants during monitoring.
5.3.4
The monitoring station shall normally be at a point 1m from
the exterior of the sensitive receivers building facade and be at a position
1.2m aboveground. If there is problem
with access to the normal monitoring position, an alternative position may be
chosen, and a correction to the measurements shall be made. For reference, a correction of +3dB(A) shall
be made to free field measurement data.
The ET shall inform the ER on the monitoring position and the
corrections adopted. Once the positions
for the monitoring stations are chosen, the baseline monitoring and the impact
monitoring shall be carried out at the same positions as far as practicable.
5.4.1
Baseline noise monitoring shall be carried out by the ET in
the absence of construction works that would have any potential to generate
dust associated with the project at each of the selected monitoring
stations. The baseline monitoring shall
be carried out daily for a period of at least two weeks. For 0700-1900 hours, measurements of the LAeq,
LA90 and LA10 noise levels shall be made over a 30-minute
period.
5.4.2
The ET shall inform the Project Engineer the schedule on the
baseline monitoring before commencement of the monitoring.
5.4.3
In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring
data or questionable results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with EPD to
agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and
submit to the ER for approval.
5.5.1
The nature of the activities is similar as the construction
works proceed progressively along different lanes on Nathan Road. Upon completion of the road deck and
provision of the noise enclosure, all construction works will be effectively
located underground. Sufficient direct
noise mitigation measures have been recommended to alleviate the potential
construction noise impact to acceptable levels. These noise mitigation measures include use of quiet Powered
Mechanical Equipment (PME), erecting temporary noise barriers, providing noise
enclosure as well as implementation of good site practice and noise
management. The contractor will be
required to provide and establish these noise mitigation facilities at
different stages of the works, where appropriate. The implementation of a regular noise monitoring programme with the
event and action plan strictly followed taking into account the relevant action
and limit levels will allow the provision and implementation of the noise
mitigation measures by the Contractor be checked.
5.5.2
Noise monitoring shall be carried out by the ET at the
selected representative noise monitoring stations. One set of noise measurement shall be obtained to gain LAeq(30min.)
noise levels at each monitoring locations between 0700-1900 on normal working
hours (i.e. Monday to Saturday). As
supplementary information for data auditing, statistical results such as L10 and L90 shall
also be obtained for reference.
5.5.3
In case of non-compliance with the construction noise criteria
or when complaint is received, more frequent monitoring as specified in the
Event Contingency Plan (ECP) in Section 5.6 shall be carried out. This additional monitoring shall be
continued until the recorded noise levels are rectified or proved to be
irrelevant to the construction activities.
5.6.1
The Action and Limit levels for construction noise are defined
in Table
5‑1. Should non-compliance of the criteria occurs, action
in accordance with the Event Contingency Plan in Table 5-2, shall be carried
out.
Table 5‑1 Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise
|
Time Period
|
Action
|
Limit
|
|
0700-1900
hrs on normal weekdays
|
When one
documented complaint is received
|
75 dB(A)
(background corrected)
|
Table 5‑2 Event Contingency Plan for Construction Noise
Monitoring
|
EVENT
|
ACTION
|
|
|
ET / ER
|
Contractor
|
|
Action Level
|
i. Notify
Contractor
|
i. Submit noise mitigation proposals to
Environmental Team Leader & Engineer's Representative
|
|
|
ii.
Analyse investigation
|
ii. Implement noise mitigation proposals
|
|
|
iii. Require Contractor to propose measures for the
analysed noise problem
|
|
|
|
iv. Increase monitoring frequency to check
mitigation effectiveness
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limit
Level
|
i.
Notify Contractor
|
i.
Implement mitigation measures
|
|
|
ii. Require
contractor to implement mitigation measures.
Increase monitoring frequency to check mitigation effectiveness
|
ii.
Prove to Environmental Team Leader and ER the effectiveness of
measures applied
|
|
|
|
|
5.7.1
The EIA Report has recommended various construction noise
control and mitigation measures. The Contractor shall be responsible for the
design and implementation of these recommended measures.
5.7.2
Noise generated from construction sites can be minimised by
adopting a number of practicable noise mitigation options, such as:
à
Use of quiet PME with lower Sound Power Level;
à
Erect temporary noise barriers and machinery enclosure;
à
Provide Noise Enclosure at the traffic deck opening;
à
Implement good site practice and noise management;
5.7.3
The requirements with respect to use of quiet PME, erection of
temporary noise barriers, machinery enclosures and road deck opening noise
enclosure are presented below:
Selecting Quiet PME
5.7.4
Silenced types of equipment for use in construction activities
are available in Hong Kong. The
contractor should diligently seek equivalent models of silenced PME that are
quieter than the standard types given in the Technical Memorandum on Noise from
Construction Works Other than Percussive Piling” (TM). Plants with lower noise levels than those
given in the TM should be used wherever possible.
5.7.5
For the types of equipment presented in Table 5‑3 that are likely required in the construction works,
silenced plant with SWL that is similar or less than that presented shall be
adopted as far as possible.
Table
5‑3 Silenced Equipment Inventory
|
Powered Mechanical Equipment
|
SWL of silenced PME, dB(A)
|
|
Lorry
|
105
|
|
Excavator
|
103
|
|
Water
Pumps
|
88
|
|
Concrete
Lorry
|
105
|
Use of Temporary Noise Barriers, Machinery
Enclosures, & Noise Enclosure for Road Deck Opening
5.7.6
The erection of noise barriers between noise sources and NSRs will
be effective in reducing the noise impact.
Temporary barriers of sufficient height with skid footing and a
cantilevered upper portion can be erected within a short distance from
stationary plants, and at practicable distance from mobile plants operating
over a small work area under a well-defined route, to alleviate the potential
construction noise impact on the affected NSRs.
5.7.7
The minimum effective height of the noise barriers should be
as such that no part of the noise source will be visible from the target NSRs
to be protected. The guidelines given in the Booklet entitled “A Practical
Guide for the Reduction of Noise from Construction Works” issued by EPD is
recommended to be followed by the appointed contractor in the design of the
temporary acoustic barriers. Barriers
should have no openings or gaps, and preferably have a superficial surface
density of at least 10 kg/m2.
The locations of the temporary noise barriers shall be adjusted where
and when necessary taking into consideration the locations and type of PME
involved and the NSRs intended to be protected.
5.7.8
To mitigate the noise impact from the piles installation of
the construction works, a cantilever noise barrier of sufficient height
(approx. 7m subject to the height of the auger) shall be erected. The barriers
shall be movable to fit the locations of the work areas. A schematic sectional diagram for the
cantilever barrier structure is provided in Figure 5-2. In addition to temporary noise barriers,
those types of PME such as compressors which can be totally shielded by machine
enclosures provided with ventilation shall be provided and used by the
Contractor.
5.7.9
Before the commencement of underground construction works, the
recommended noise enclosure at the traffic deck opening shall be erected by the
Contractor. A schematic diagram showing
the preliminary design of the noise enclosure is provided in Figure 5-3. All construction activities carried out
within the opening such as loading and unloading of construction and demolition
materials should be effectively shielded so that the noise impact as generated
will be effectively reduced.
6.1.1
The Contractor is required under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation to implement
sufficient dust mitigation measures during the execution of the construction
works to mitigate the dust impact on the nearby air sensitive receivers. To check for the implementation of these
dust mitigation measures, the implementation of relevant EM&A activities is
recommended.
6.1.2
Monitoring of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels shall
be carried out by the ET when aboveground construction activities are carried
out, which will include site clearance, road & pavement demolition, pile
installation and reinstatement, etc. to ensure that any deteriorating air
quality could be readily detected and timely action taken to rectify the
situation.
6.1.3
24-hour Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels shall be
measured according to the recommended programme. TSP levels shall be measured by following the standard high
volume sampling method as set out in Title 40 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B.
6.1.4
All relevant data including temperature, pressure, weather
conditions, elapsed-time meter reading for the start and stop of the sampler,
identification and weight of the filter paper, and other special phenomena and
work progress of the concerned site etc. shall be recorded down in details,
where appropriate.
6.1.5
MTRCL is planned to use its computer-based monitoring and
audit software known as Environmental Quality Protection Management System
(EQPMS) for data recording. The
programme is well-established and have been successfully used before in some
other recent MTRCL’s projects, including Tseung Kwan Extension and Quarry Bay
Congestion Relief Works.
6.2.1
The High volume sampler (HVS) used shall be in compliance with
the following specifications or equivalence:
a)
0.6-1.7 m3/min. (20-60 SCFM) adjustable flow range;
b)
equipped with a timing/control device with +/- 5 minutes
accuracy for 24 hours operation;
c)
installed with elapsed-time meter with +/- 2 minutes accuracy
for 24 hours operation;
d)
capable of providing a minimum exposed area of 406 cm2
(63 in2);
e)
flow control accuracy: +/- 2.5% deviation over 24-hr sampling
period;
f)
equipped with a shelter to protect the filter and sampler;
g)
incorporated with an electronic mass flow rate controller or
other equivalent devices;
h)
equipped with a flow recorder for continuous monitoring;
i)
provided with a peaked roof inlet;
j)
incorporated with a manometer;
k)
able to hold and seal the filter paper to the sampler housing
at horizontal position;
l)
easy to change the filter; and
m)
capable of operating continuously for 24-hr period.
6.2.2
During the execution of the construction works, the ET is
responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. He shall ensure that the HVS with an
appropriate calibration kit is available for the carrying out of baseline
monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring.
6.2.3
The HVS shall be equipped with an electronic mass flow
controller and be calibrated against a traceable standard at regular
intervals. The calibration kit, filter
papers, etc. shall be clearly labelled.
6.2.4
Initial calibration of the HVS shall be conducted upon
installation and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals. The transfer standard shall be traceable to the internationally
recognised primary standard and be calibrated annually. The calibration data shall be properly
documented for future reference. All
the data should be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.
6.2.5
The flow-rate of the sampler before and after the sampling
exercise with the filter in position shall be verified to be constant and be
recorded.
6.2.6
Wind data monitoring equipment shall also be provided and set
up at a conspicuous location for logging wind speed and wind direction near to
the dust monitoring location. The
location for equipment installation shall be proposed by the ET, taking into
account the locations of other construction sites which may be in
operation. For installation and
operation of wind data monitoring equipment, the following points shall be
observed:
a)
the wind sensors should be installed on masts at an elevated
level 10m aboveground so that they are clear of obstructions or turbulence
caused by the buildings;
b)
the wind data should be captured by a data logger and to be
downloaded for processing at least once a month;
c)
the wind data monitoring equipment should be re-calibrated at least
once every six months; and
d)
wind direction should be divided into 16 sectors of 22.5
degrees each.
6.2.7
In exceptional situations, the ET may propose alternative
methods to obtain representative wind data upon gaining agreement from EPD.
6.3.1
A clean laboratory with constant temperature and humidity
control, and equipped with necessary measuring and conditioning instruments to
handle the dust samples collected, shall be available for sample analysis, and
equipment calibration and maintenance.
The laboratory should be HOKLAS accredited.
6.3.2
If a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS accredited
laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory
equipment shall be approved by the ET and the ER and the measurement procedures
shall be witnessed by the ET and the ER.
6.3.3
Filter paper of size 8”x10” shall be labelled before
sampling. It shall be a clean filter
paper with no pin holes, and shall be conditioned in a humidity controlled
chamber for over 24-hr and be pre-weighed before use for the sampling.
6.3.4
After sampling, the filter paper loaded with dust shall be
kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag. The filter paper is then returned to the laboratory for
reconditioning in the humidity controlled chamber followed by accurate weighing
by an electronic balance with a readout down to 0.1 mg. The balance shall be regularly calibrated
against a traceable standard.
6.3.5
All collected samples shall be kept in a good condition for 6
months before disposal.
6.4.1
Figure 6-1 shows the proposed dust monitoring location
(M1). The monitoring location was
selected taking into account its accessibility and minimal disturbance to the
public while located at a low level in the vicinity of the worksite.
6.4.2
The ET may consist it appropriate during the detailed design
stage to propose an alternative monitoring location based on consideration of
the latest status, availability and/or accessibility of the possible monitoring
location. Alternative monitoring
location proposed by the ET shall be agreed by EPD.
6.4.3
When an alternative monitoring location is proposed, the
following criteria should be followed as far as practicable:
a)
at the site boundary or such location close to the major dust
emission sources;
b)
close to the sensitive receptors; and
c)
take into account the prevailing meteorological condition.
6.4.4
The ET shall inform and agree with the ER on the position of
the HVS for installation of the monitoring equipment. When positioning the samplers, the following points shall be
noted:
a)
a horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the
samplers against gusty wind should be provided;
b)
the distance between the sampler and an obstacle, such as
buildings, must be at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above
the sampler;
c)
a minimum of 2 metres of separation from walls, parapets and
penthouses is required for rooftop samplers;
d)
a minimum of 2 metre separation from any supporting structure,
measured horizontally is required;
e)
no furnace or incinerator flue is nearby;
f)
airflow around the sampler is unrestricted;
g)
the sampler is more than 20 metres from the dripline;
h)
any wire fence and gate, to protect the sampler, should not
cause any obstruction during monitoring;
i)
permission must be obtained to set up the samplers and to
obtain access to the monitoring stations; and
j)
a secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the
samplers.
6.5.1
Baseline monitoring shall be carried out by the ET at the
monitoring station for at least 14 consecutive days to obtain daily 24-hr TSP
samples. Baseline monitoring shall be
carried out before the commencement of any dusty construction activities at the
project construction site.
6.5.2
In the unlikely circumstance that the baseline monitoring
cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring location during the baseline
monitoring period, the ET Leader shall carry out the monitoring at an
alternative location which can effectively represent the baseline condition at
the impact monitoring location. The
alternative baseline monitoring location shall be agreed with EPD.
6.6.1
The ET shall carry out impact monitoring at the designated
dust monitoring station when aboveground construction works are carried out.
For regular impact monitoring, a sampling frequency of at least one per week
shall be followed at the selected monitoring station. The specific time to
start and stop the 24-hr TSP monitoring shall be clearly defined and followed
by the operator.
6.6.2
In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more
frequent monitoring exercise, as specified in the following section, shall be
conducted within 24 hours after the labratory result is obtained as
appropriate. This additional monitoring shall be continued until the excessive
dust emission or deterioration in air quality due to the construction works is
rectified.
6.7.1
The baseline monitoring results form the basis for determining
the air quality criteria for the impact monitoring. The ET shall compare the impact monitoring results with the
relevant air quality criteria. Table 6‑1 shows the air quality criteria, namely Action and
Limit levels, to be used. Should
non-compliance of the air quality criteria occurs, the ET/ Project Engineer and
the Contractor shall undertake the relevant action in accordance with the
Action Plan in Table
6‑2.
Table 6‑1 Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality
|
Parameters
|
Action
|
Limit
|
|
24 Hour TSP Level in mg/m³
|
For baseline level < 108 mg/m³, Action level = average of baseline level plus 30%
and Limit level
For baseline level > 108 mg /m³ and baseline level
< 154 mg/m³,
Action level = 200 mg/m³
For baseline level > 154 mg /m³, Action level = 130% of baseline level
|
260 mg/m³
|
6.7.2
The effectiveness of the dust control measures required to be implemented
under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation shall be checked
by the EM&A programme. If the
measures adopted and implemented by the contractor are found not sufficient to
keep dust levels within acceptable levels, as reflected by the environmental
monitoring programme, upon the advice of ET, the Contractor shall liaise with
the ET and Project Engineer on implementation of some other possible mitigation
measures.
Table 6‑2 Event Contingency Plan for Air Quality
|
|
ACTION
|
|
EVENT
|
ET
|
Project Engineer
|
Contractor
|
|
ACTION LEVEL
|
|
1.Exceedance for one sample
|
1. Identify
source
2. Inform
Project Engineer
3. Repeat
measurement to confirm finding if necessary
4. Increase
monitoring frequency if necessary
|
1. Notify
Contractor
2. Check
monitoring data and Contractor's working methods
|
1. Rectify
any unacceptable practice
2. Amend
working methods if appropriate
|
|
2.Exceedance
for two or more consecutive samples
|
i. identify
source
ii. inform
Project Engineer
iii. repeat
measurements to confirm findings
iv. Increase
monitoring frequency to daily
v. Discuss
with Project Engineer for remedial
actions required
vi. If
exceedance continues, arrange meeting with Contractor
vii. If
exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring
|
i. Confirm
receipt of notification of failure in writing
ii. Notify
Contractor
iii. Check
monitoring data and Contractor's working methods
iv. Discuss
with ET and Contractor on potential remedial actions
v. Ensure
remedial actions properly implemented
|
i. Submit
proposals for remedial actions to ER within 3 working days of notification
ii. Implement
the agreed proposals
iii. Amend
proposal if appropriate
|
|
LIMIT LEVEL
|
|
1.Exceedance
for one sample
|
1. Identify
source
2. Inform
ER and EPD
3. Repeat
measurement to confirm finding
4. Increase
monitoring frequency if necessary
5. Assess
effectiveness of Contractor's remedial actions and keep EPD and ER informed
of the results
|
1. Confirm
receipt of notification of failure in writing
2. Notify
Contractor
3. Check
monitoring data and Contractor's working methods
4. Discuss
with ET and Contractor potential remedial actions
5. Ensure
remedial actions properly implemented
|
1. Take
immediate action to avoid further exceedance
2. Submit
proposals for remedial actions to ER within 3 working days of notification
3. Implement
the agreed proposals
4. Amend
proposal if appropriate
|
|
2.Exceedance
for two or more consecutive samples
|
i. Identify
source
ii. Inform
the Contractor
iii. Inform
ER and EPD actions taken for the exceedances
iv. Repeat
measurement to confirm findings
v. Increase
monitoring frequency to daily if necessary
vi. Investigate
the causes of exceedance
vii. Arrange
meeting with EPD and ER to discuss the remedial actions to be taken
viii. Assess
effectiveness of Contractor's remedial actions and keep EPD and ER informed
of the results
ix. If
exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring
|
i. Confirm
receipt of notification of failure in writing
ii. Notify
Contractor
iii. Carry
out analysis of Contractor's working procedures to determine possible
mitigation to be implemented
iv. Discuss
amongst ET and the Contractor potential remedial actions
v. Review
Contractor's remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their
effectiveness
|
i. Take
immediate action to avoid further exceedance
ii. Submit
proposals for remedial actions to ER within 3 working days of notification
iii. Implement
the agreed proposals
iv. Resubmit
proposals if problem still not under control
v. Slow
down or stop the relevant portion of works until the exceedance is abated
|
7.1.1
The Contractor is responsible
for proper handling and disposal of construction and demolition material
(C&DM), chemical waste and general refuse, and to implement measures to
minimise waste generation and maximize reuse as far as practicable.
7.2.1
The overall construction
management strategy shall be the minimisation of waste generation, coupled with
maximum reuse and recycling of construction and demolition materials as far as
practicable. Contract requirements will
include the responsibilities of the Contractor for waste collection and
disposal.
7.3.1
To ensure the appropriate
handling of the C&DM, the Contractor shall develop and implement a Waste
Management Plan (WMP) based on the recommended control and management measures
and preliminary waste management plan presented in the EIA report.
8.1.1
Site Inspections provide a direct means to trigger and enforce
the specified environmental protection and pollution control measures. They shall be undertaken routinely to
inspect the construction activities in order to ensure that appropriate
environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures are properly
implemented by the Contractor. With
well defined pollution control and mitigation specifications and a well
established site inspection, deficiency and action reporting system, site
inspection is one of the most effective tools to enforce the environmental
protection requirements on the construction site.
8.1.2
The ET is responsible for formulation of the environmental
site inspection, deficiency and action reporting system, and for carrying out
the site inspections under the EM&A works.
A preliminary site inspection, deficiency and action reporting system in
the form of a flow chart is prepared and is shown in Figure 8-1.
8.1.3
Regular site inspections shall be carried out at least once
per month, especially during the construction period before the completion
construction of the planned road deck.
The areas of inspection shall not be limited to the environmental
situation, pollution control and mitigation measures within the site, it should
also review the environmental situation outside the site area, which may be
affected, directly or indirectly, by the site activities. The ET shall make reference to the following
information in conducting the inspection:
a)
the EIA recommendations on environmental protection and
pollution control mitigation measures with regard to air quality, noise, and
waste management;
b)
works progress and programme;
c)
individual works methodology proposals (which shall include
proposal on associated pollution control measures);
d)
the contract specifications on environmental protection;
e)
the relevant environmental protection and pollution control
laws; and
f)
previous site inspection results.
8.1.4
The satisfactory implementation of relevant mitigation
measures recommended in the EIA by the contractor shall be checked during the
ET’s regular site inspections among relevant phases of construction works.
8.1.5
The Contractor shall update with the ET all relevant
information of the construction contract for him to carry out the site
inspection. The inspection results and
its associated recommendations on improvements to the environmental protection
and pollution control works shall be made known to the ER and the Contractor
within 24 hours for reference, and for taking immediate action as appropriate.
The Contractor shall follow the procedures and timeframe as stipulated in the
Contract to report on any remedial measures subsequent to the site inspections.
8.1.6
Ad hoc site inspections shall also be carried out on
situations when significant environmental problems are identified. Inspections may also be required subsequent
to receipt of an environmental complaint, or as part of the investigation work,
as specified in the Event Contingency Plan for environmental monitoring and
audit.
8.2
Environmental Complaints
8.2.1
Complaints received on environmental issues shall be referred
to the ET for carrying out complaint investigation procedure. The ET shall undertake the steps given below
in a) to i) as appropriate upon receipt of the complaints. The complaint investigation procedures are
also presented in the form of a flow chart in Error! Reference source not found.
for easy reference.
a)
log complaint and date of receipt onto the complaint database;
b)
investigate the complaint to determine its validity, and to
assess whether the source of the problem is due to works activities;
c)
if a complaint is valid and due to works, identify mitigation
measures;
d)
if mitigation measures are required, advise the Contractor
accordingly;
e)
review the Contractor's response on the identified mitigation measures,
and the updated situation;
f)
if the complaint is transferred from EPD, submit interim
report to EPD on status of the complaint investigation and follow-up action
within the timeframe assigned by EPD;
g)
undertake additional monitoring and audit to verify the
situation if necessary, and review that any valid reason for complaint does not
recur;
h)
report the investigation results and the subsequent actions to
the source of complaint for responding to complainant (If the source of
complaint is EPD, the results should be reported within the timeframe assigned
by EPD); and
i)
record the complaint, investigation, the subsequent actions
and the results in the monthly EM&A reports.
8.2.2
The ER or Contractor shall notify the ET of any complaints
received liaise with him the actions being taken to settle these complaints.
8.2.3
During the complaint investigation work, the Contractor shall
co-operate with the ET and Project Engineer in providing all the necessary
information and assistance for completion of the investigation. If mitigation measures are identified in the
investigation, the Contractor shall promptly carry out the mitigation. The ER shall check that the measures have
been carried out by the Contractor.
9.1.1
MTRCL is planned to use its computer-based monitoring and
audit software known as Environmental Quality Protection Management System
(EQPMS) for data recording. The
reporting will be available in form of a website. The system and programme are well-established and have been
successfully used before in some other recent MTRCL’s projects, including
Tseung Kwan Extension and Quarry Bay Congestion Relief Works.
9.2.1
The ET shall prepare and submit a Baseline Environmental
Monitoring Report within 10 working days of completion of the baseline
monitoring. The Baseline Environmental
Monitoring Report shall be made available to each of the three parties: the
Contractor, the ER, and EPD. The ET
shall check with EPD on the acceptability of the format adopted for the
baseline monitoring report.
9.2.2
The baseline monitoring report is suggested to contain at
least the following:
a)
up to half a page executive summary;
b)
brief project background information;
c)
drawings showing locations of the baseline monitoring
stations;
d)
monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together
with the following information:
- monitoring
methodology;
- equipment used and calibration
details;
- parameters monitored;
- monitoring locations;
- monitoring date, time, frequency and
duration;
e)
details on influencing factors, including:
- major
activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period;
- weather conditions during the period;
- other factors which might affect the
results;
f)
determination of the Action and Limit Levels for each
monitoring parameter and statistical analysis of the baseline data;
g)
revisions for inclusion in the EM&A Manual; and
h)
comments and conclusions.
9.3.1
The EM&A report shall be prepared and submitted to EPD
within 10 working days of the end of each reporting month, with the first
report due in the month after construction commences.
9.3.2
The ET shall review the number and location of monitoring
stations and parameters to monitor every 6 months or on as needed basis in
order to cater for the changes in surrounding environment and nature of works
in progress.
9.4.1
The first monthly EM&A report is suggested to contain at
least the following:
a)
1-2 pages executive summary;
b)
Basic project information including a synopsis of the project
organisation, programme and management structure, and the work undertaken
during the month;
c)
A brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
- all monitoring parameters;
- environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);
- Event/Action
Plans;
- environmental mitigation
measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report;
- environmental
requirements in contract documents;
d)
Advice on the implementation status of environmental
protection and pollution control/mitigation measures, as recommended in the
project EIA Report, summarised in the updated implementation schedule;
e)
Drawings showing the project area, any environmental sensitive
receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;
f)
Monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together
with the following information;
- monitoring methodology
- equipment used
and calibration details
- parameters
monitored
- monitoring
locations
- monitoring date,
time, frequency, and duration;
g)
Graphical plots of trends of monitored parameters for the
representative monitoring stations annotated against the following:
- major activities being carried
out on site during the period;
- weather
conditions during the period; and
- any other factors
which might affect the monitoring results;
h)
advice on the solid and liquid waste management status;
i)
A summary of non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);
j)
A review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance
including review of pollution sources and working procedures;
k)
A description of the actions taken in the event of
non-compliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up procedures related to
earlier non-compliance;
l)
A summary record of all complaints received (written or
verbal) for each medium, including locations and nature of complaints, liaison
and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken and summary
of complaints; and
m)
An account of the future key issues as reviewed from the works
programme and work method statements.
9.5.1
The subsequent monthly EM&A reports are suggested to
contain at least the following:
a)
Title Page
b)
Executive Summary (1-2 pates)
· Breaches
of AL levels
· Complaint
Log
· Reporting
Changes
· Future
key issues
c)
Contents Page
d)
Environmental Status
· Drawing
showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations
· Summary
of non-compliance with the environmental quality performance limits
· Summary
of complaints
· Environmental
Issues and Actions
· Review
issues carried forward and any follow-up procedures related to earlier
non-compliance (complaints and deficiencies)
· Description
of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting
· Recommendations
(should be specific and target the appropriate party for action)
· Implementation
status of the mitigation measures and the corresponding effectiveness of the
measures
e)
Future Key Issues
f)
Appendix
· AL
levels
· Graphical
plots of trends of monitored parameters at key stations over the past four
reporting periods for representative monitoring stations annotated against the
following:
· Major
activities being carried out on site during the period;
· Weather
conditions during the period; and
· Any
other factors which might affect the monitoring results
· Monitoring
schedule for the present and next reporting period
· Cumulative
complaints statistics
· Details
of complaints, outstanding issues and deficiencies
9.6.1
The quarterly EM&A summary report which should generally
be around 5 pages (including about 3 pages of text and tables and 2 pages of
figures) and suggested to contain at least the following information:
a)
Up to half a page executive summary;
b)
Basic project information including a synopsis of the project
organisation, programme, contacts of key management, and a synopsis of work
undertaken during the quarter;
c)
A brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
· monitoring
parameters;
· environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels); and
· environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA Report;
d)
Advice on the implementation status of environmental
protection and pollution control/mitigation measures, as recommended in the
project EIA Report, summarised in the updated implementation schedule;
e)
Drawings showing the project area, any environmental sensitive
receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;
f)
Graphical plots of the trends of monitored parameters over the
past 4 months (the last month of the previous quarter and the present quarter)
for representative monitoring stations annotated against;
· the
major activities being carried out on site during the period;
· weather
conditions during the period; and
· any
other factors which might affect the monitoring results;
g)
Advice on the solid and liquid waste management status;
h)
A summary of non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);
i)
A brief review of the reasons for and the implications of
non-compliance including review of pollution sources and working procedures;
j)
A summary description of the actions taken in the event of
non-compliance and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance;
k)
A summary record of all complaints received (written or
verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and
follow-up procedures taken;
l)
Comments (e.g. effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation
measures), recommendations (e.g. any improvement in the EM&A programme) and
conclusions for the quarter; and
m)
Proponents’ contacts and any hotline telephone number for the
public to make enquiries.
9.7.1
To facilitate the management of the EM&A programme for the
construction works, the record forms presented in Appendix II or equivalence
should be used. These forms are listed
as follows:
·
Implementation Status Proforma;
·
Data Recovery Schedule;
·
Site Inspection Proforma;
·
Proactive Environmental Protection Proforma;
·
Regulatory Compliance Proforma;
·
Compliant Log;
·
Sample Template for Interim Notifications of
Environmental Quality Limits Exceedances;
·
High Volume Air Sampler Field Data Log Sheet; and
·
Noise Measurement Record.
9.8.1
The site document such as the monitoring field records,
laboratory analysis records, site inspection forms, etc. are not required to be
included in the monthly EM&A reports for submission. However, the document shall be well kept by
the ET and be ready for inspection upon request. All relevant information shall be clearly and systematically
recorded in the document. All the
documents and data shall be kept for at least one year after completion of the
construction contract.
9.9.1
With reference to the Event Contingency Plans presented in
previous sections, when the environmental quality limits are exceeded, the ET
shall immediately notify the ER & EPD, as appropriate. The notification shall be followed up with
advice to EPD on the results of the investigation, proposed action and success
of the action taken, with any necessary follow-up proposals.
