1.                  INTRODUCTION

Purpose of the Manual

1.1              The purpose of this Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual is to guide the set up of an EM&A programme to ensure compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study recommendations, to assess the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and to identify any further need for additional mitigation measures or remedial action.  This Manual outlines the monitoring and audit programme for the construction phase of the proposed Project, namely “Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works Extension – Investigation” (hereinafter referred to as “the Project”).  It aims to provide systematic procedures for monitoring, auditing and minimising environmental impacts associated with construction works and operational activities.

1.2              Hong Kong environmental regulations and the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines have served as environmental standards and guidelines in the preparation of this Manual.  In addition, the EM&A Manual has been prepared in accordance with the requirements stipulated in Annex 21 of the Technical Memorandum on the EIA Process (EIAO-TM).

1.3              This Manual contains the following information:

·        responsibilities of the Contractor, the Engineer or Engineer’s Representative (ER), and Environmental Team (ET) and the Independent Checker (Environment) (IC(E)) with respect to the environmental monitoring and audit requirements during the course of the Project;

·         project organisation for the Project;

·         the basis for, and description of the broad approach underlying the EM&A programme;

·         requirements with respect to the construction programme (as stated in Figure 1.3) schedule and the necessary environmental monitoring and audit programme to track the varying environmental impact;

·         details of the methodologies to be adopted, including all field laboratories and analytical procedures, and details on quality assurance and quality control programme;

·        the rationale on which the environmental monitoring data will be evaluated and interpreted;

·         definition of Action and Limit levels;

·         establishment of Event and Action plans;

·         requirements for reviewing pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of non-compliance with the environmental criteria and complaints;

·         requirements for presentation of environmental monitoring and audit data and appropriate reporting procedures;

·          requirements for review of EIA predictions and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures / environmental management systems and the EM&A programme.

1.4              For the purpose of this manual, 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 EM&A requirements.

Project Description

Project Background

1.5              The existing Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (hereinafter referred to as Siu Ho Wan WTW) and the associated raw water and treated water transfer and distribution systems were commissioned in 1997 to provide treated water capacity of 150,000 m3/day.  It provided treated water to the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok and the initial phases of North Lantau New Town and Discovery Bay. 

1.6              Water Supplies Department (WSD) commissioned consultants to conduct a Preliminary Project Feasibility Study (hereinafter referred to PPFS) in respect of the project “Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works Extension” (hereinafter referred to as the Project) in January 1999.  The PPFS summarized the requirements of the Project and described the studies undertaken and the new works required, together with the outline designs for principal elements of the Project, cost estimate, land requirements and implementation programme. 

Project Location and Scope

1.7              The site for the proposed Siu Ho Wan WTW extension is within its existing boundary and the proposed site for Siu Ho Wan Raw Water Booster Pumping Station is located immediately next to the entrance of Siu Ho Wan.  Their locations are illustrated in Figure 1.1. 

1.8              The Pui O Raw Water Pumping Station and Pui O No. 2 Raw Water Pumping Station are located next to the South Lantau Road with 0.5 and 0.7 hectares, respectively.  The proposed raw water mains alignment would be under the existing South Lantau Road and its location is shown in Figure 1.2.

1.9              The scope of the Project includes the following:

·        Extension of the existing Siu Ho Wan WTW within the existing Siu Ho Wan WTW compound from a capacity of 150,000 m3/day to 300,000 m3/day;

·        Uprating of the treated/fresh water pumping capacity in the existing Siu Ho Wan Raw Water and Fresh Water Pumping Station within the existing Siu Ho Wan WTW compound from a capacity of 150,000 m3/day to 300,000 m3/day;

·        Construction of the proposed Siu Ho Wan Raw Water Booster Pumping Station and the laying of the associated water mains;

·        Demolition and reprovisioning of the Pui O Raw Water Pumping Station;

·        Uprating of the Pui O No. 2 Raw Water Pumping Station;

·        Laying of two sections, approximately 2 km long, of 1200mm diameter raw water mains at Pui O.

1.10          Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO), the proposed Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works Eextension is a Schedule 2 designated project, which is classified as Category E.2.  An Environmental Permit is required for construction and operation for the proposed extension of the existing Siu Ho Wan WTW.  The EM&A programme and recommended environmental mitigation measures for the designated project would be executed under the EIAO.  For the works for Siu Ho Wan Raw Water Booster Pumping Station, Pui O raw water pumping stations and Pui O raw water mains as mentioned in Section 1.9, which are non-designated projects, would not be controlled under the requirement of the Environmental Permit.  The proposed environmental mitigation measures and EM&A programme for non-designated projects would be administratively implemented.       

1.11          The main objectives of this EIA Study are to provide information on the nature and extent of environmental impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project and related activities taking place concurrently, and to contribute to decisions on the overall environmental acceptability of the Project, after the implementation of environmental mitigation measures.

Construction Programme

1.12          The Project is scheduled for commencement in December 2007 for completion and commissioning in December 2011.    

1.13          The tentative construction programme is presented in Figure 1.3.

 

 

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

Air Quality Impact

            Construction Phase

1.14          The construction work would inevitably lead to dust (TSP) emissions, mainly from site clearance, excavation, materials handling, concreting operation and wind erosion.  It was predicted that the TSP criteria would be satisfied at the ASRs.

1.15          Dust mitigation measures stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation have been proposed and presented in the EIA Report to control dust emission.  With implementation of the proposed dust suppression measures, good site practices and comprehensive dust monitoring and audit, the TSP levels at all ASRs would comply with the dust criteria.  Dust monitoring requirements are recommended in Section 2 of this EM&A Manual to ensure that the mitigation measures are properly implemented.

Operation Phase

1.16          There is no air quality impact expected during the operation phase of the Project.  EM&A for operational air quality impact would not be required.

 

 

 

 

Noise Impact

Construction Phase

1.17          Construction noise impacts from this Project were predicted at residential village area including Lo Uk Tsuen, Pui O San Wai Tsuen, Pui O Lo Wai Tsuen and Bui O Public School during laying of raw water mains, and demolition and construction of the Pui O Raw Water Pumping Station. Appropriate mitigation measures including use of silenced powered mechanical equipment and installation of movable noise barriers were recommended would be required to alleviate the impacts to meet the EIAO-TM criteria.  It was proposed to conduct Nnoise monitoring during the construction phase should be carried out to ensure that the mitigation measures are implemented properly.  Details are provided in Section 3 of this EM&A Manual.

Operation Phase

1.18          In accordance with the assessment results, no adverse impact from the Project was expected on the representative NSRs.  Therefore, EM&A programme for operational noise impact was not required.

 

Water Quality Impact

            Construction Phase

1.19          The potential water quality impacts arising from the construction activities for the proposed extension of Siu Ho Wan WTW have been assessed.  The primary concern with regard to water quality would be earthworks, demolition works and the control of construction site runoff and drainage.  The water quality assessment concluded that the identified water quality impacts could be controlled by implementing the recommended mitigation measures.  No unacceptable residual water quality impact was expected.  Any effluent discharges from the site would be required to comply with the terms and conditions of a discharge licence, issued by EPD, under the WPCO.  Water quality monitoring during the construction phase was therefore not considered warranted for the Project.  However, it was recommended that regular site inspections be undertaken to inspect the construction activities and works areas in order to ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented.

Operation Phase

1.20          The EM&A programme for operational water impact is considered unnecessary as no residual impact would be expected.   

 

Ecological Impact

1.21          The ecological assessment concluded that minimal ecological impacts from proposed works at Siu Ho Wan and no long-term residual impact on ecology of the Pui O Assessment Area would be expected with implementation of proper mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report for the Project.   Site audit during the construction phase is required to ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented.  Details EM&A requirements are provided in Section 5 of this Manual.

 

Landscape and Visual Impact

1.22          The EIA Report for the Project has recommended that the implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual measures within the construction site including protection of existing resources, mitigation planting and surface treatment of structures be included within the EM&A programme.  Details of the EM&A are presented in Section 6 of this Manual. 

 

 

 

Impact on Cultural Heritage

1.23          The assessment of potential impact on cultural heritage concluded that no areas of archaeological interest were identified during construction and operation phases of the Project.  As such, monitoring and audit would not be required.

1.24          As the majority of heritage resources are located at a sufficient distance from the proposed works at Pui O, no adverse impacts associated with the construction works would be expected.  However, mitigation measures are proposed around in proximity to a the shrine at Pui O Lo Wai Tsuen during demolition and reprovisioning works for the Pui O Raw Water Pumping Station.  Site audit during the construction phase is required to ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented.  Details EM&A requirements are provided in Section 8 of this Manual.

 

Waste Management Impact

1.25          Waste management would be the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that all wastes produced during the construction of the Project are handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with good waste management practices, and EPD’s regulations and requirements.  The mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report for the Project should form the basis of the site Waste Management Plan to be developed by the Contractor at the construction stage. 

1.26          Waste arisings generated during the construction activities should be audited periodically to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with approved procedures and the site Waste Management Plan.  The audits should look at all aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage, transport and disposal.  An appropriate audit programme would be to undertake a first audit near the commencement of the construction works, and then to audit on a quarterly basis thereafter.   In addition, the routine site inspections should check the implementation of the recommended good site practices and other waste management mitigation measures.

 

Project Organisation

1.27          The proposed pProject organisation and lines of communication with respect to environmental protection works for designated project are shown in Figure 1.4.

1.28          The leader of the ET shall be an independent party from the Contractor and shall possess at least 10 years experience of EM&A and have relevant professional qualifications, which shall include being an Accredited Monitoring Professional of the Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment (HKIEIA), subject to approval of the EPD.  The Independent Checker (Environment) (IC(E)) shall have the same experience and professional qualifications as stipulated above for the ET Leader.

1.29          The responsibility of respective parties are:

The Contractor

·           provide information/advice to the ET regarding works activities which may contribute, or be continuing to the generation of adverse environmental conditions;

·           submit proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedances of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;

·           implement measures to reduce impact whenever Action and Limit levels are exceeded;

·           implement the corrective actions instructed by the Engineer;

·           accompany joint site inspection undertaken by the ET; and

·           adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation in accordance with Section 9 of this Manual.

Environmental Team

·        monitor various environmental parameters as required in the EM&A Manual;

·        analyse the environmental monitoring and audit data and review the success of EM&A programme to cost-effectively confirm the adequacy of mitigation measures implemented and the validity of the EIA predictions and to identify any adverse environmental impacts arising;

·        carry out site inspection to investigate and audit the Contractors' site practice, equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control and environmental mitigation, and effect proactive action to pre-empt problems;

·        audit and prepare audit reports on the environmental monitoring data and site environmental conditions;

·        report on the environmental monitoring and audit results to the IC(E), Contractor, the ER and EPD or its delegated representative;

·        recommend suitable mitigation measures to the Contractor in the case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans; and

·        adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation in accordance with Section 9 of this Manual.

Engineer or Engineer’s Representative

·           supervise the Contractor’s activities and ensure that the requirements in the EM&A Manual are fully complied with;

·           inform the Contractor when action is required to reduce impacts in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;

·           participate in joint site inspection undertaken by the ET; and

·           adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation in accordance with Section 9 of this Manual.

 

Independent Checker (Environment)

·        review the EM&A works performed by the ET (at not less than monthly intervals);

·        audit the monitoring activities and results (at not less than monthly intervals);

·        report the audit results to the ER and EPD in parallel;

·        review the EM&A reports (monthly and quarterly summary reports) submitted by the ET;

·        review the proposal on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor in accordance with the Event and Action Plans; and

·        adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation in accordance with Section 9 of this Manual.

1.30          Sufficient and suitably qualified professional and technical staff should be employed by the respective parties to ensure full compliance with their duties and responsibilities, as required under the EM&A programme for the duration of the Project.