(a) duties of the Client, Contractor, Engineer & Engineer's Representative, Environmental Team (ET), Environmental Team Leader (ET Leader) and Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) with respect to the environmental monitoring and audit requirements during construction;

(b) information on project organisation and programming of construction activities for the project;

(c) requirements with respect to the construction schedule and the necessary environmental monitoring and audit programme to track the varying environmental impact;

(d) definition of Action and Limit Levels;

(e) establishment of Event and Action Plans;

(f) requirements of reviewing pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of non-compliance of the environmental criteria; and

(g) requirements of presentation of environmental monitoring and audit data and appropriate reporting procedures.

For the purpose of this manual, the "Engineer" shall refer to the Engineer as defined in the Contract and the Engineer's Representative (ER), in cases where the Engineer's powers have been delegated to the ER, in accordance with the Contract. The ET leader, who shall be responsible for and in charge of the ET, shall refer to the person delegated the role of executing the environmental monitoring and audit requirements.

Territory Development Department (TDD) proposes to conduct a feasibility study for housing development (the Study) in Whitehead and Lee On area in Ma On Shan. The Study Area is about 60 hectares covering the Whitehead peninsula, the proposed Ma On Shan Railway Wu Kai Sha Station and the private land in between Whitehead and Wu Kai Sha Station. The location of the Study Area is shown in Figure 1.1. The Study is to establish a preferred development option for the Study Area. The Preferred Development Option will provide private housing development to accommodate about 6,800 flats for an estimated population of 17,000 and about 11 ha of recreational facilities such as water recreation centre, visitor/heritage/ecological centres, themed dining and botanical garden. The Project within the Study Area will involve site formation works, infrastructure including building substructure and superstructure, roads, drains, sewers and utilities, and landscaped areas. The Preferred Development Option is shown on Figure 1.2.

(a) noise
(b) air quality (construction dust)
(c) water
(d) landscape and visual

Table 1.1 Description of Column Headings for the Implementation Schedule

(a) the broad supervision of the EM&A Programme, its members and the timely production and quality of the outputs;
(b) engaging and managing the Engineer/Engineer Representative and the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC);
(c) meeting the agreed objectives and deadlines as set out in this Manual; and
(d) ensuring full compliance with the EIA recommendations, related Environmental Permit conditions, EM&A Manual and all other relevant Hong Kong environmental legislation/guidelines and contractual requirements, and the quality of the deliverables.

(a) any design changes; and
(b) public consultation and liaison meetings involving the District Councils, area committee, interest groups, etc.

(a) Employing and providing assistance to an Environmental Team (ET) who will be under direction of the ET leader to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of environmental monitoring and audit;

(b) implementing environmental controls and mitigation as set out in this manual as well as any additional measures necessary for compliance with the environmental control standards;

(c) following any reasonable directions and corrective actions given by the Engineer or the ER(s) particularly as the result of the implementation of event/action plan and co-operate with the environmental performance review undertaken by the IEC;

(d) complying with and observing all environmental Ordinances, bye-laws, regulations and rules for the time being in force in Hong Kong governing the control of any form of pollution, including air, noise, water and waste pollution, and implementing environmental controls and mitigation as set out in this manual as well as any additional measures necessary for compliance with the environmental control standards; and

(e) Carrying out all works in such a manner as to cause as little impact as possible to environs and the Contractor shall be held responsible for any claims which may arise from such impacts.

(a) ensuring that the EM&A programme is fully implemented in accordance with the EIA Report, Environmental Permit and this EM&A Manual;

(b) ensuring that the Contractor is implementing environmental controls and mitigation as set out in the contract specifications, EIA Report, Environmental Permit and this EM&A Manual as well as any additional measures necessary for compliance with the environmental control standards;

(c) ensuring that the Contractor is implementing and enforcing event/action plans when exceedances of Action and Limit (A/L) levels or complaints occur;

(d) reviewing the monitoring and audit reports submitted by the ET leader;

(e) implementing a `stop work' action if repeated exceedance of target levels justifies this action;

(f) following up and closing out corrective actions in accordance with the event/action plans; and

(g) investigating and auditing the Contractor's equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control and environmental mitigation, and to anticipate environmental issues that may require mitigation before the problem arises.

(a) an engineering audit of environmental reports;

(b) site liaison;

(c) implementing and enforcing event/action plans under the Contract when exceedances of AL levels or complaints occur; and

(d) ensuring that measures to protect the environment are sufficient, properly and regularly maintained under the Contract.

(a) environmental monitoring of various aspects such as noise, air quality, and water quality as required by this EM&A Manual and using the procedures outlined in this EM&A Manual;

(b) recording activities or operations taking place at the site before or during the monitoring period;

(c) recording factors such as weather conditions at the time of sampling or data collection;

(d) undertaking regular maintenance and calibration of equipment so that accurate data are collected with precision;

(e) reporting to the ET leader any abnormality in monitoring process and any difficulties encountered; and

(f) ensuring that monitoring results are sent to both the ER and the ET leader within the time frame as agreed by the ER.

(a) environmental monitoring of various aspects such as noise, air quality, and water quality as required by this EM&A Manual and using the procedures outlined in this EM&A Manual;

(b) recording activities or operations taking place at the site before or during the monitoring period;

(c) recording factors such as weather conditions at the time of sampling or data collection;

(d) undertaking regular maintenance and calibration of equipment so that accurate data are collected with precision;

(e) reporting to the ET leader any abnormality in monitoring process and any difficulties encountered; and

(f) ensuring that monitoring results are sent to both the ER and the ET leader within the time frame as agreed by the ER.

(a) reviewing the EIA final report and the detailed designs to ensure that the EIA recommendations and any other measures identified during the reviews are incorporated into the designs;

(b) ensuring that the contracts, licences and detailed designs of the Study incorporate the measures recommended in the EIA report;

(c) checking that timely implementation of mitigation measures identified in the EIA final report occurs;

(d) examining Contractors' rolling works programmes, method statements, licence application and other relevant documentation so as to ensure the best practice would be implemented to generate no unacceptable impacts to the established guidelines/standards;

(e) identifying any potential unanticipated or greater than expected impacts;

(f) formulating any necessary preventative or remedial measures to be actioned for these potential impacts;
(g) liaising with the Engineer(s) and Contractors on environmental considerations both regularly and as necessary;

(h) undertaking environmental site inspection and audit both regularly and on ad-hoc basis at a frequency appropriate to the intensity of the works;

(i) approval of the appointment and the direction of the ET and supervising the ET;

(j) reviewing the monitoring data produced taking into account any factors which may influence these data;

(k) interpreting the reviewed data with reference to A/L levels and baseline and control data;

(l) considering cumulative impacts from nearby construction works and ascertaining whether any extraneous activities, unrelated to the construction work on the site, may have influenced the data;

(m) implementing event/action plans when exceedances of A/L levels or complaints occur;

(n) liaising and consulting with all relevant parties during the implementation of action plans;

(o) establishing the A/L levels of water quality and Action Level of air quality;

(p) reviewing the EM&A programme after the collection and analysis of the baseline data. Modifying the EM&A programme in terms of parameters, sites, sample sizes, frequency etc. if appropriate in consultation with the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC), Engineer, EPD and Client;

(q) modifying the EM&A programme in consultation with the ER(s), EPD, and other government departments if necessary throughout the period of Works;

(r) producing and circulating reports:

(i) on a regular basis as required in this manual;
(ii) when action plans are implemented;
(iii) when responding to public complaints; and

(s) implementing the complaints procedures.

The IEC shall audit the overall EM&A programme including the implementation of all environmental mitigation measures, submissions relating to EM&A, and any other submission required under the Environmental Permit.

In addition, the IEC shall be responsible for verifying the environmental acceptability of permanent and temporary works, relevant design plans and submissions under the Environmental Permit.

The IEC shall arrange and conduct monthly general site inspections of the different works areas.

The IEC shall ensure that impact monitoring is conducted at the correct locations at the correct frequency as identified in this Manual.

Table 1.3 Designated Projects under this Study

** All EM&A requirements will be undertaken by TDD.

The impact of fugitive dust on ambient air pollution depends on the quantity and the drift potential of the dust particles injected into the atmosphere. Large dust particles will settle out near the source and particles that are 30-100 mm in diameter are likely to undergo impeded settling. These particles, depending on the extent of atmospheric turbulence, would settle within a distance of 100 m from the source. The main dust impact will arise from fine particles of a diameter less than 30 mm, measured as Total Suspended Particulates (TSP), dispersed over greater distances from the sources. Monitoring and audit of the TSP levels shall therefore be carried out by the ET to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely action taken to rectify the situation.

24-hour TSP levels shall be measured by following the standard high volume sample (HVS) method as set out in the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B.

Due to the lengthy delay between sampling time and result availability for 24-hour sampling, 1-hour TSP sampling should also be conducted. 1-hour TSP levels, while assessed under different criteria, are considered to be indicative of forthcoming 24-hour results conducted on the same day. In this way expedient remedial actions, should they be required, may be undertaken based on the 1-hour data, before the 24-hour results become available.

1-hour sampling, providing real time airborne particulate measurement, can be undertaken using a direct reading dust meter. Despite the advantages of using a real time monitor to measure particulate concentrations such as in responses of dust complaints, results are not comparable with 24-hour HVS data. Therefore, if the use of direct reading monitor is agreed for 1-hour TSP sampling both baseline and impact monitoring must be carried out by the direct reading method.

2.2.5

No comparisons between direct reading and HVS data shall be attempted except that, where the direct reading method for 1-hour TSP is used, the measured TSP concentrations shall be regarded as indicative of the 24-hour TSP results and the actions specified in the following section shall be implemented.

2.2.6

All the 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 in details. A sample data sheet is shown in Figure 2.1.

High volume sampler (HVS) in compliance with the following specifications shall be used for carrying out the 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring:
(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.

Initial calibration of dust monitoring equipment 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.

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 down in the data sheet as mentioned in Section 2.2.6.

If the ET proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure 1-hr TSP levels, he shall submit sufficient information to the ER to prove that the instrument is capable of achieving a comparable result as that the HVS and may be used for the 1-hr sampling. The instrument should also be calibrated regularly, and the 1-hr sampling shall be determined periodically by HVS to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method.

Wind data monitoring equipment shall also be provided and set up at conspicuous locations for logging wind speed and wind direction near to the dust monitoring locations. The equipment installation location shall be proposed by the ET Leader and agreed with the ER. 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 above ground 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.

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 achieved accreditation under Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS).

(a) at the site boundary or such locations close to the major dust emission source;

(b) close to the sensitive receptors; and

(c) take into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.

(a) a horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the samplers against gusty wind should be provided;

(b) no two samplers should be placed less than 2 meter apart;

(c) 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;

(d) a minimum of 2 metres of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop samplers;

(e) a minimum of 2 metre separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally is required;
(f) no furnace or incinerator flue is nearby;

(g) airflow around the sampler is unrestricted;

(h) the sampler is more than 20 metres from the dripline;

(i) any wire fence and gate, to protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during monitoring;

(j) permission must be obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring stations; and

(k) a secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.

During the baseline monitoring, there should not be any construction or dust generation activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations.

The ET shall carry out impact monitoring under direction of the ET Leader during the course of the Works. For regular impact monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least once in every six-days, shall be strictly observed at all the designated monitoring stations for 24-hour TSP monitoring. For 1-hour TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every six-days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs.

The specific time to start and stop the 24-hour TSP monitoring shall be clearly defined for each location and be strictly followed by the operator.

In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring exercise, as specified in the Action Plan in Section 2.8, shall be conducted within 24 hours after the result is obtained. This additional monitoring shall be continued until the excessive dust emission or the deterioration in air quality is rectified.

(i) The Contractor shall observe and comply with the Air Pollution Control Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations, particularly the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation.

(ii) The Contractor shall undertake at all times to prevent dust nuisance as a result of his activities. Effective dust suppression measures should be employed to ensure that the air quality, at the boundary of his site and at any ASRs, complies with the Hong Kong Air Quality Objectives.

(iii) The Contractor shall ensure that there will be adequate water supply / storage for dust suppression purposes.

(iv) The Contractor shall frequently clean and water the site to minimize fugitive dust emissions.

(v) Effective water sprays shall be used during the delivery and handling of aggregate, and other similar materials, when dust is likely to be created and to dampen all stored materials during dry and windy weather.

(vi) Watering of exposed surfaces shall be exercised as often as possible depending on the circumstance.

(vii) Areas within the site where there is a regular movement of vehicles must be regularly watered.

(viii) Where dusty materials are being discharged to vehicle from a conveying system at a fixed transfer point, a three-sided roofed enclosure with a flexible curtain across the entry shall be provided. Exhausted fans shall be provided for this enclosure and vented to a suitable fabric filter system.

(ix) The Contractor shall restricted all motorized vehicles within the site, excluding those on public roads, to a maximum speed of 15 km per hour and confine haulage and delivery vehicles to designated roadways inside the site.
(x) Wheel washing facilities shall be installed and used by all vehicles leaving the site. No earth, mud, debris, dust and the like shall be deposited on public roads. Water in wheel cleaning facility shall be changed at frequent intervals and sediments shall be removed regularly. The Contractor shall submit detailed proposals for the wheel cleaning facilities to the Engineer prior to construction of the facility. Such wheel washing facilities shall be usable prior to any earthworks excavating activity on the site. The Contractor shall also provide a hard-surfaced road between any washing facility and the public road.

(xi) The Contractor shall devise, arrange methods of working and carrying out the works in such a manner so as to minimize dust impacts on the surrounding environment, and shall provide experienced personnel with suitable training to ensure that these methods are implemented.

(xii) All site vehicles' exhausts should be directed vertically upwards or directed away from the ground.

(xiii) Any stockpile of dusty material shall be either: (a) covered entirely by impervious sheeting; (b) placed in area sheltered on the top and the three sides; or (c) sprayed with water or a dust suppression chemical so as to maintain the entire surface wet.

If the above measures are not sufficient to restore the air quality to acceptable levels upon the advice of ET Leader, the Contractor shall liaise with the ET Leader on some other mitigation measures, propose to ER for approval, and implement the mitigation measures.

Construction Stage

The construction noise assessment shows that unmitigated noise levels might exceed EPD's recommended daytime construction noise level when construction activities occur in close proximity to Noise Sensitive Receivers (NSRs) or when several construction works occur simultaneously.

Without mitigation measures, exceedance of noise level is unavoidable because of the close proximity between the construction works and some of the NSRs. Adequate mitigation measures will be required for the construction works to meet the noise levels.

Traffic noise impact assessment has predicted that the introduction of environmentally friendly layout design (such as setback, podium, and orientation) has resulted in noise compliance in majority of the planned NSRs within the development.

For the school development which exceeded the noise criteria, noise mitigation measures in the form of 3 m tall boundary wall have been proposed.

Noise measurements should not be made in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5ms-1 or wind with gusts exceeding 10ms-1. The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s.

(a) at locations close to the major site activities which are likely to have noise impacts;

(b) close to the noise sensitive receivers (N.B. For the purposes of this section, any domestic premises, hotel, hostel, temporary housing accommodation, hospital, medical clinic, educational institution, place of public worship, library, court of law, performing art centre should be considered as noise sensitive receiver); 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.

Baseline monitoring should be conducted using a sound level meter and data logger at all designated noise monitoring station as shown in Tables 3.1.

At each location, baseline noise levels should be measured prior to construction of the project over two consecutive 7-day calendar week following the methodology stated in Sections 3.2 to 3.4. Leq(30 min) measurement for hours between 0700-1900, and Leq(5 min) measurement between 1900 - 0700 shall be taken. The measurements should be computed from consecutive Leq(5 min) readings taken throughout each 24 hours period.

The survey period should be selected prior to the commencement of construction activities in order to avoid other typical noise sources. The proper functioning of the logger shall be ensured during the monitoring period, and as a minimum, the equipment shall be inspected for a period of not less that one hour every two days to ensure its continued operation and to detail specific noise sources audible at the monitoring location. The calibration of the logger kit shall be as recommended by the manufacturer. Measurements shall be recorded to the nearest 0.1 dB.

Impact monitoring shall be carried out at all the designated monitoring station in Table 3.1 during construction phase of the project. The regular monitoring frequency for each station on a basis of once every six days when noise generating activities are underway is as follows:

(a) one set of Leq (30 min) as six consecutive Leq (5 min) between 0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays;

(b) one set of Leq (15 min) as three consecutive Leq (5 min) between 1900-2300 hours if construction works is carried out during these hours;

(c) one set of Leq (15 min) as three consecutive Leq (5 min) between 2300-0700 hours of next day if construction works is carried out during these hours;

(d) one set of Leq (15 min) as three consecutive Leq (5 min) between 0700-1900 hours on holidays when construction works of this project is going on.

The Action and Limit levels for construction noise are defined in Table 3.2.

The Event/Action Plan in Table 3.3 for both restricted and unrestricted hours shall be carried out.

The Environmental Team (ET) is required to adjust the measured noise levels to edit out effects of background and extraneous noise levels based on the available baseline data before making comparisons with the Action and Limit levels. This will help to distinguish the background noise level (which may be different to the baseline) from the noise which could be contributed by the construction works.

** Limit levels given here are suggestive only, given that Local Control Division of EPD will reserve the right to determine appropriate Areas Sensitively Ratings and Limit levels in the form of CNP conditions on a case by case basis.

*** For works carried out within Designated Areas during restricted hours, certain construction activities and equipment will be subject to this set of Acceptable Noise Levels and Limit Levels, rather than the other ones listed in this table, as defined in Technical Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work in Designated Areas. The Contractor shall obtain a copy of this memorandum for reference.

Use of Quiet Plant

(a) Noisy equipment and activities should be sited by the Contractor as far from close-proximity sensitive receivers as practical. Prolonged operation of noisy equipment close to dwellings should be avoided.

(b) The Contractor should minimise construction noise exposure to the schools (especially during examination periods) as much as possible. The Contractor should liaise with the school and the Examination Authority to ascertain the exact dates and times of all examination periods during the course of the contract and to avoid noisy activities during these periods.

(c) Noisy plant or processes should be replaced by quieter alternatives where possible. Silenced diesel and gasoline generators and power units, as well as silenced and super-silenced air compressors, can be readily obtained.

(d) Noisy activities should be scheduled to minimise exposure of nearby sensitive receivers to high levels of construction noise. For example, noisy activities can be scheduled for midday, or at times coinciding with periods of high background noise (such as during peak traffic hours).

(e) Idle equipment should be turned off or throttled down. Noisy equipment should be properly maintained and used no more often than is necessary.

(f) The power units of non-electric stationary plant and earth-moving plant should be quietened by vibration isolation and partial or full acoustic enclosures for individual noise-generating components.

(g) Construction activities should be planned so that parallel operation of several sets of equipment close to a given receiver is avoided, thus reducing the cumulative impacts between operations. The numbers of operating items of powered mechanical equipment should be minimised. Noise can be reduced by increasing the distance between the operating equipment and the NSRs or by reducing the number of items of equipment and / or construction activity in the area at any one time.

(h) Construction plant should be properly maintained (well-greased, damage and worn parts promptly replaced) and operated. Construction equipment often has silencing measures built in or added on, e.g. bulldozer silencers, compressor panels, and mufflers. Silencing measures should be properly maintained and utilised. Where possible, rubber or damping materials should be introduced between metal panels to avoid rattle and reverberation of noise.

(i) Equipment known to emit sound strongly in one direction, should where possible, be oriented so that the noise is directed away from nearby NSRs.

(j) Material stockpiles and other structures (such as site offices) should be effectively utilised to shield construction noise. Noise can also be reduced by construction of temporary noise barriers which screen the lower floors from viewing the sites. Temporary noise barriers should be installed at active parts of construction areas where construction equipment is being operated in close proximity to NSRs.

(k) The Contractor should devise, arrange methods of working and carry out the works in such manner as to minimise noise impacts on the surrounding environment, and should provide experienced personnel with suitable training to ensure that these measures are implemented properly.

Introduction

As some of the noise sensitive receivers close to the proposed road will be exposed to traffic noise during the operational phase, a noise monitoring programme shall be developed to include noise measurements at noise sensitive receivers during the peak traffic hour. The programme shall be carried out by the Environmental Team (ET) to ensure that the traffic noise levels are comparable to those predicted in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the full provision of the mitigation measures recommended.

Noise Parameters

Noise measurements should be made in accordance with standard acoustical principles and practices in relation to weather conditions.

(a) They should be at NSRs in the vicinity of recommended direct technical remedies; preferably, there should be one representative monitoring locations near each types of noise screening element (i.e. vertical barrier, cantilever barrier, enclosure, boundary wall, etc);

(b) One high floor and one medium floor monitoring points should be chosen at each location as far as possible; and

(c) Selected monitoring locations should enable monitoring to be done twice within one year after implementation of the mitigation measures during operation of the proposed road.

(a) alternative location shall be similarly exposed to potential noise impacts;

(b) it shall be close to the noise sensitive receivers; and

(c) shall be located so as to cause minimal disturbance to the occupants.

No baseline operational noise monitoring is generally required.

Noise Monitoring

(a) one set of measurements at the morning traffic peak hour on normal weekdays;

(b) one set of measurements at the evening traffic peak hour on normal weekdays;

(c) a concurrent census of traffic flow and percentage heavy vehicle shall be obtained for far-side and near-side of the road and the existing road network in the vicinity of each measuring point;

(d) average vehicle speed estimated for far-side and near-side of the road and the existing road network in the vicinity of each measuring point; and

(e) the two sets of monitoring data should be obtained within the first year of operation.

Event and Action Plan

Water quality monitoring should be carried out during the construction phase to audit the sufficiency of the mitigation measures incorporated into the contractors' design and evaluate their efficiency in mitigating against pollutants entering the aquatic environment.

In locations draining a workshop or vehicle repair area, oil and grease should be included. Where a canteen or workers facilities are set up, BOD5 is also required, and in the vicinity of chemical storage facilities, COD is an additional parameter required.

4.2.3

In association with the water quality parameters, relevant data shall also be measured, such as monitoring location/position, time, water depth, water temperature, salinity, DO saturation, weather conditions, sea conditions, tidal stage, and any special phenomena and works underway at the construction site.

4.2.4

A sample monitoring record sheet is shown in Figure 4.1 for reference.

(a) a dissolved oxygen level in the range of 0-20 mg/l and 0-200% saturation; and

(b) a temperature of 0-45 degree Celsius.

pH Meter

The instrument shall consist of a potentiometer, a glass electrode, a reference electrode and a temperature-compensating device. It shall be readable to 0.1 pH in a range of 0 to 14. Standard buffer solutions of at least pH 7 and pH 10 shall be used for calibration of the instrument before and after use. Details of the method are given in APHA, 19th ed. 4500-HTB.

Turbidity Measurement Instrument

The instrument should be a portable, weatherproof turbidity-measuring instrument complete with comprehensive operation manual. The equipment should use a DC power source. It should have a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring turbidity between 0-1000 NTU and be complete with a cable (e.g. Hach model 2100P or an approved similar instrument).

Water Sampling Equipment

A water sampler comprises a transparent PVC cylinder, with a capacity of not less than 2 litres, and can be effectively sealed with latex cups at both ends. The sampler should have a positive latching system to keep it open and prevent premature closure until released by a messenger when the sampler is at the selected water depth (e.g. Kahlsico Water Sampler or an approved similar instrument). This water sampler is recommended for sampling at a water depth greater than 3 meters. For sampling at shallow water, a suitable plastic sampler may be used.

Water samples for SS, BOD5 and COD should be collected in high density polythene bottles, packed in ice (cooled to 4ºC without being frozen), and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.

Containers for water samples for oil & grease determination should be made of glass with air tight stoppers. The volume of sampling bottles should also be pre-calibrated. They should be cleaned and rinsed with solvent used in the extraction process prior to sampling. Samples should be filled into the sampling bottles to the calibrated marks without using any sampler to avoid lost of oil & grease. The whole volume of samples collected should be used for extraction of oil & grease and the sampling bottles should be rinsed at least twice with solvent for complete transfer of oil & grease contained in the samples. The calibrated volume should be used in calculation of oil & grease.

A portable, battery-operated echo sounder should be used for the determination of water depth at each designated monitoring station. This unit can either be handheld or affixed to the bottom of the work boat, if the same vessel is to be used throughout the monitoring programme.

Salinity

A portable salinometer capable of measuring salinity in the range of 0-40 mg/l shall be provided for measuring salinity of the water at each monitoring location.

Location of the Monitoring Site

A hand-held or boat-fixed type digital Global Positioning System (GPS) or other equivalent instrument of similar accuracy shall be provided and used during monitoring to ensure the monitoring vessel is at the correct location before taking measurements.

Calibration and Maintenance of In-situ Monitoring Instruments

All in-situ monitoring instrument shall be checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or any other international accreditation scheme before use, and subsequently re-calibrated at 3 monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring. Responses of sensors and electrodes should be checked with certified standard solutions before each use. Wet bulb calibration for a DO meter shall be carried out before measurement at each monitoring location.

For on site calibration of field equipment, the BS 127:1993, "Guide to Field and on-site test methods for the analysis of waters" should be observed.

4.4.1 Analysis of SS, oil & grease, BOD5 and COD shall be carried out in a HOKLAS or other international accredited laboratory. Water samples of about 200 ml shall be collected at the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory determination. The laboratory determination work shall start within maximum storage time of each parameter after collection of the water samples following an updated version of the APHA Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Waste Water (APHA Standard Methods) or equivalent methods subject to the approval of EPD.

4.4.2 In the event a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS and non-international accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment, analytical procedures, and quality control shall be approved by the EPD. All the analysis shall be witnessed by the ER. The ET Leader shall provide the ER with one copy of the relevant chapters of the APHA Standard Methods updated edition and any other relevant document for his reference.

4.4.3 For the testing methods of other parameters as recommended by EIA or required by EPD, detailed method procedures should be submitted to EPD for approval prior to the commencement of monitoring programme. If in-house or non-standard methods are proposed, details of the method verification may also be required to submit to EPD. In any circumstance, the sample testing should have comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes. The laboratory should prepare to demonstrate the programmes to EPD representatives when requested.

When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, they should be chosen based on the following criteria:

(a) at locations close to and preferably at the boundary of the mixing zone of the major site activities as indicated in the EIA final report, which are likely to have water quality impacts;

(b) close to the sensitive receptors which are directly or likely to be affected;

(c) for monitoring locations located in the vicinity of the sensitive receptors, care should be taken to cause minimal disturbance during monitoring;

(d) at two or more control stations which shall be at locations representative of the project site in its undisturbed condition. Control stations should be located, as far as is practicable, both upstream and down stream of the works area.

Baseline conditions for water quality shall be established and agreed with DEP prior to the commencement of works. The purposes of the baseline monitoring are to establish ambient conditions prior to the commencement of the works and to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed impact, control and reference monitoring stations. The baseline conditions shall normally be established by measuring the water quality parameters specified in Section 4.2. The measurements shall be taken at all designated monitoring stations including control stations, 3 days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, for four weeks prior to the commencement of marine works.

Baseline monitoring for the landscape and visual resources will comprise a vegetation survey of the entire selected route undertaken on an 'area' basis. Representative vegetation types will be identified along with typical species composition. An assessment of landscape character will be made against which future change can be monitored. The landscape resources and elements of particular concern are to be noted.

A specialist Landscape Sub-Contractor should be employed by the Contractor for the implementation of landscape construction works and subsequent maintenance operations during the establishment period. It is proposed that as the majority of the planting works are off-site, the planting will be conducted with the first half of the construction contract. Thus, the establishment works will be undertaken through the latter half of the construction contract and extend throughout the Contractor's one year maintenance period which will be within the first operational year of the project. The intention is to provide at least 12 months establishment period for the majority of the planting works.

• the progress of the engineering works should be regularly reviewed on site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for the landscape works to be undertaken;
• all existing vegetation, graves, rock formations and other features within the study area which are not directly affected by the works are retained and protected;
• the methods of protecting existing vegetation proposed by the Contractor are acceptable and enforced;
• preparation, lifting transport and re-planting operations for any transplanted trees;
• all landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the EIA and with specifications;
• the planting of new trees, shrubs, groundcover, climbers, ferns, grasses and other plans, together with the replanting of any transplanted trees are carried out properly and within the right season;
• all necessary horticultural operations and replacement planting are undertaken throughout the Establishment Period to ensure the healthy establishment and growth of both transplanted trees and all newly established plants.
  

(a) the EIA recommendations on environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures;

(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.

Complaints shall be referred to the ET Leader for carrying out complaint investigation procedures. The ET Leader shall undertake the following procedures upon receipt of the complaints:
(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 time frame 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 time frame assigned by EPD); and

(i) record the complaint, investigation, the subsequent actions and the results in the monthly EM&A reports.

One hard copy of the Baseline Monitoring Report shall be verified and certified by the IEC and shall be submitted to EPD four weeks before the commencement of any major construction works that would affect the monitoring results. Additional copies of the Baseline Monitoring Report may be required by EPD. The Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report shall also be submitted to each of the Contractor and the ER. The relevant parties shall be liaised on the exact number of copies they want. The form and content of the report, and the representation of baseline monitoring data shall be in a format to the satisfaction of EPD and include, but not be limited to 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) an updated construction programme with milestones of environmental protection/mitigation activities annotated;

(e) monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following information:
(i) monitoring methodology;
(ii) name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;
(iii) parameters monitored;
(iv) monitoring locations (and depth);
(v) monitoring date, time, frequency and duration;
(vi) QA/QC results and detection limits;

(f) details on influencing factors, including:
(i) major activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period;
(ii) weather conditions during the period;
(iii) other factors which might affect the results;

(g) determination of the Action and Limit Levels (AL levels) for each monitoring parameter and statistical analysis of the baseline data, the analysis shall conclude if there is any significant difference between control and impact stations for the parameters monitored;

(h) revisions for inclusion in the EM&A Manual; and

(i) comments and conclusions.

The results and findings of all EM&A work required in the Manual shall be recorded in the monthly EM&A reports prepared by the ET leader, collated by the IEC 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. The time frame for the ET leader's submission to the Engineer shall be agreed with the Engineer.

The ET leader 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.

(a) 1-2 pages executive summary, including
(i) breaches of AL levels;
(ii) complaint log;
(iii) notifications of any summons and successful prosecutions;
(iv) reporting changes;
(v) future key issues.

(b) basic project information, including
(i) project organisation including key personnel contact names and telephone numbers;
(ii) construction programme with fine tuning of construction activities showing the inter-relationship with environmental protection/mitigation measures for the month;
(iii) management structure; and
(iv) works undertaken during the month.

(c) environmental status, including
(i) works undertaken during the month with illustrations (such as location of works, percentage fines in the fill material used); and
(ii) drawing showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.

(d) summary of EM&A requirements, including
(i) all monitoring parameters;
(ii) environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);
(iii) Event-Action Plans;
(iv) environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report;
(v) environmental requirements in contract documents.

(e) implementation status, including advice on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures including measures for ecological and visual impacts, as recommended in the project EIA study report, summarised in the updated implementation schedule.

(f) monitoring results in both hard and diskettes copies together with the following information:
(i) monitoring methodology;
(ii) name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;
(iii) parameters monitored;
(iv) monitoring locations;
(v) monitoring date, time, frequency, and duration;
(vi) weather conditions during the period;
(vii) graphical plots of the monitored parameters in the month annotated against;
(viii) the major activities being carried out on site during the period;
(ix) weather conditions that may affect the results;
(x) any other factors which might affect the monitoring results; and
(xi) QA/QC results and detection limits.

(g) report on non-compliance, complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions, including
(i) record of all noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit Levels);
(ii) record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and nature for complaints investigation, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken, results and summary;
(iii) record of all notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental protection/pollution control legislations, including locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken, results and summary;
(iv) review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures; and
(v) description of the actions taken in the event of noncompliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up procedures relating to earlier noncompliance.

(h) others, including
(i) an account of the future key issues as reviewed from the works programme and work method statements;
(ii) advice on the solid and liquid waste management status; and
(iii) submission of implementation status proforma, proactive environmental protection proforma, regulatory compliance proforma, site inspection proforma, data recovery schedule and complaint log summarizing the EM&A of the period.

(a) executive summary (1-2 pages), including
(i) breaches of AL levels;
(ii) complaint log;
(iii) notifications of any summons and successful prosecutions;
(iv) reporting changes; and
(v) future key issues.

(b) environmental status, including
(i) construction programme with fine tuning of construction activities showing the inter-relationship with environmental protection/mitigation measures for the month;
(ii) works undertaken during the month with illustrations including key personnel contact names and telephone numbers; and
(iii) drawing showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.

(c) implementation status, including advice on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures including measures for ecological and visual impacts, as recommended in the project EIA study report, summarised in the updated implementation schedule.

(d) monitoring results in both hard and diskette copies together with the following information:
(i) monitoring methodology;
(ii) name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;
(iii) parameters monitored;
(iv) monitoring locations;
(v) monitoring date, time, frequency, and duration;
(vi) weather conditions during the period;
(vii) graphical plots of the monitored parameters in the month annotated against;
(viii) the major activities being carried out on site during the period;
(ix) weather conditions that may affect the results;
(x) any other factors which might affect the monitoring results; and
(xi) QA/QC results and detection limits.

(e) report on non-compliance, complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions, including
(i) record of all noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit Levels);
(ii) record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and nature for complaints investigation, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken, results and summary;
(iii) record of all notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental protection/pollution control legislations, including locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken, results and summary;
(iv) review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures; and
(v) a description of the actions taken in the event of noncompliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up procedures relating to earlier noncompliance.

(f) others, including
(i) an account of the future key issues as reviewed from the works programme and work method statements; and
(ii) advice on the solid and liquid waste management status.

(g) appendix, including
(i) AL levels
(ii) graphical plots of trends of monitored parameters at key stations over the past four reporting periods for representative monitoring stations annotated against the following:
i) major activities being carried out on site during the period;
ii) weather conditions during the period; and
iii) any other factors which might affect the monitoring result
(iii) monitoring schedule for the present and next reporting period;
(iv) cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions;
(v) outstanding issues and deficiencies; and
(vi) details of complaints, outstanding issues and deficiencies.

(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:
(i) monitoring parameters;
(ii) environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit Levels); and
(iii) environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report;

(d) advice on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA study 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 2 months (the last month of the previous quarter and the present quarter) for representative monitoring stations annotated against:
(i) the major activities being carried out on Site during the period;
(ii) weather conditions during the period; and
(iii) any other factors which might affect the monitoring results;

(g) advice on the solid and liquid waste management status;

(h) a summary of noncompliance (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) a summary record of notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental protection/pollution control legislations, locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken and results;

(m) 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

(n) proponents contacts and any hotline telephone number for the public to make enquiries.

(a) completion of construction activities and insignificant environmental impacts of the remaining outstanding construction works;

(b) trends analysis to demonstrate the narrow down of monitoring exceedances due to construction activities and the return of ambient environmental conditions in comparison with baseline data;

(c) no environmental complaint and prosecution involved.

(a) an 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 entire construction period;

(c) a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
(i) monitoring parameters;
(ii) environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit Levels); and
(iii) environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report;

(d) advice on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA study report, summarised in the updated implementation status proformas;

(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 construction period for representative monitoring stations annotated against:
(i) the major activities being carried out on Site during the period;
(ii) weather conditions during the period;
(iii) any other factors which might affect the monitoring results; and
(iv) the return of ambient environmental conditions in comparison with baseline data;

(g) compare and contrast the EM&A data with the EIA predictions and annotate with expansions for any discrepancies;

(h) provide clear-cut decisions on the environmental acceptability of the project with reference to the specific impact hypothesis;

(i) advice on the solid and liquid waste management status;

(j) a summary of noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);

(k) a brief review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution sources and working procedures;

(l) a summary description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance;

(m) a summary record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken;

(n) review the monitoring methodology adopted and with the benefit of hindsight, comment on its effectiveness (including cost effectiveness);

(o) a summary record of notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental protection/pollution legislations, locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken and results;

(p) review the practically and effectiveness of the EIA process and EM&A programme (e.g. effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommended any improvement in the EM&A programme; and

(q) a conclusion to state the return of ambient and/or the predicted scenario as per EIA findings.