10.1.1
The purpose of this
Chapter is to guide the setup of an Environmental Monitoring and Audit
(EM&A) Programme to ensure the effective implementation of mitigation
measures recommended in the EIA Report, to assess the effectiveness of the
recommended mitigation measures, and to identify any further need for
additional mitigation measures or remedial actions. The EM&A Programme aims
to provide systematic procedures for monitoring, auditing and minimising the
environmental impacts associated with the construction works. A stand alone
EM&A Manual describing detailed requirements will be issued to accompany the
Final EIA Report.
10.1.2
All relevant
legislation, the recommendations from this EIA Report, EM&A Guidelines for
Development Projects in
10.1.3
In order to ensure
satisfactory environmental performance of the Project, appropriate Project
Environmental Policy Statements, all the necessary and appropriate
recommendations and mitigation measures from this Study as well as the related
legal requirements should be incorporated into all the project design elements
including, inter alia, analysis and plan of structures, facilities,
plant and equipment, foundations, utilities and landscaping; documentation of
tender, contractor contracts (construction and operation), drawings, and specification
(material, work procedure, procurement), etc.
10.2.1
In accordance with the
findings of the Drainage Master Plan in the Northern New Territories (the DMP
Study), the proposed Project is expected to contribute to the relief of the
present drainage problems that have repeatedly led to severe flooding in the
area.
10.2.2
Construction activities
for the Project involve site clearance in the works areas; excavation to
formation levels of the channel; construction of channel structures and linings;
and restoration landscaping works. Small scale routine maintenance would be necessary
during the operation of the proposed gabion channels to remove excessive silts,
vegetation, debris and obstructions in order to maintain its hydraulic
performance and structural integrity. These activities
have the potential to impact on the existing environment.
10.2.3
The key environmental
issues assessed in the EIA Report are:
·
Air Quality;
·
Construction Noise;
·
Water Quality;
·
Waste Management;
·
Ecology;
·
Landscape and Visual; and
·
Cultural Heritage.
10.2.4
Mitigation measures
have been recommended in the EIA Report to mitigate potential adverse impacts
from the construction and operation of the Project. Based on these
recommendations, EM&A requirements have been established.
10.3.1
The contractor shall
prepare and implement an Environmental Management Plan (
(i)
the abatement of
environmental nuisances on construction sites including air, noise and
wastewater pollution; and
(ii)
the reduction of Construction
and Demolition (C&D) materials to be disposed of during the course of
construction.
10.3.2
The contractor shall
submit the
10.4.1
An
Environmental Team (ET) and an ET Leader shall be employed to conduct the
EM&A programme and to ensure the contractor’s compliance with the project’s
environmental performance requirements during construction.
10.4.2
An
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) shall also be employed to advise the
Engineer’s Representative on environmental issues related to the project.
10.4.3
Details
of their duties are presented in the EM&A Manual.
10.5.1
The tentative works
programme for the project is expected to start in end 2007 for completion in
mid 2011.
10.6.1
According to the EIA,
potential sources of air quality would be dust emissions generated during
construction activities and odour nuisance. Dust will be generated from site
clearance and excavation. In view of the small scale of construction activities
and the high water content of spoil, it is considered that the dust impact
would be localised and temporary. For several of the proposed drainage channel,
the river flows through agricultural land that may be polluted by agricultural
wastes and the excavated material may be malodorous. It is considered that
potential air quality impacts from dust emissions and odour nuisance can be
kept within acceptable levels by undertaking good construction practices
on-site.
10.6.2
Nonetheless, dust
monitoring is recommended to check compliance with the relevant environmental
standards (e.g. the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation) and
to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and
timely action taken to rectify the situation.
10.6.3
Monitoring of air
quality (dust) in terms of Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) levels should be
carried out in at least one air sensitive receiver for each of the proposed
channel as shown in Table
10.1 and Figures 10.1 – 10.2. Given the small localised works at LMH01, no air
quality monitoring is considered necessary.
Representative ASRs chosen
for Air Quality Monitoring during Construction Stage
|
Air Quality
Monitoring Station |
ASR ID |
Representative for |
Secondary Channels |
|
MUP-A3 |
MUP04A-2 |
Village house near Loi Tung |
MUP04A |
|
MUP-A1 |
MUP05-2 |
Village north of Loi Tung |
MUP05 and potential concurrent activities at MUP01, MUP02, MUP03, MUP04A and MUP04B |
|
MUP-A2 |
MUP05-4 |
Village north of Loi Tung |
MUP05 and potential concurrent activities at MUP04A and MUP04B |
Notes:
-
Channels MUP01, MUP02 are
non-DPs.
-
Location of the monitoring stations is shown in Figures 10.1 – 10.2.
-
All monitoring stations shall be proposed by the Environmental Team
Leader and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker before submitting
to EPD for approval prior to commencement of any monitoring.
10.6.4
Details of the
monitoring programme are presented in the EM&A Manual.
10.7.1
The use of powered mechanical equipment during the construction
phase of this drainage project is expected to create noise nuisance, due to the
close proximity between the works areas and noise sensitive receivers.
Assessment indicates that such noise impacts can be mitigated to acceptable
levels by appropriate measures, including the use of quiet plant, temporary noise
barrier, restrict concurrent usage of equipment and the implementation of good
site practices. The contractor will be required to implement these measures
throughout the construction phase. With these measures in place, residual noise impact would not be expected from
the construction works.
10.7.2
Noise monitoring is recommended at selected representative noise
sensitive receivers in terms of the A-weighted equivalent
continuous sound pressure level (Leq) during the construction period to check for compliance
with permissible noise levels and effectiveness of the proposed mitigation
measures. Construction stage noise monitoring
should be carried out for the following representative NSRs as shown in Table 10.2 and Figures 10.3
– 10.5.
Representative NSRs chosen for Noise Monitoring during
Construction Stage
|
Noise Monitoring
Station |
NSR ID |
Representative for |
Secondary Channels |
|
MUP-N1 |
MUP05-2 |
Village north of Loi Tung |
MUP05 and
potential concurrent activities at MUP01, MUP02, MUP03 |
|
MUP-N2 |
MUP05-4 |
Village north of Loi Tung |
MUP05 and
potential concurrent activities at MUP04B |
|
MUP-N3 |
MUP05-6 |
Village north of Loi Tung |
MUP05 and
potential concurrent activities at MUP03 and MUP04B |
|
MUP-N4 |
MUP04A-2 |
Village house near Loi Tung |
MUP04A |
|
LMH-N1* |
LMH01-1, LMH01-2, LMH01-3, LMH01-4 or
LMH01-5 |
|
LMH01 |
Notes:
-
Channels
MUP01, MUP02 are non-DPs.
-
Location of the monitoring stations is shown in
Figures 10.3 – 10.5.
-
All monitoring stations shall be proposed by the
Environmental Team Leader and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker
before submitting to EPD for approval prior to commencement of any monitoring.
* Mobile station subject to the location
of the construction works and to be proposed by the ET Leader.
10.7.3
Details of the
monitoring programme are presented in the EM&A Manual.
10.8.1
Potential sources of
impact on water quality during the construction of the proposed drainage
channels have been identified, which include construction runoff, general
construction activities and sewage effluents from the construction workforce.
It is considered that the identified potential sources of impacts on water
quality can be mitigated by the implementation of the recommended site practices
and other measures to control runoff and to minimise water pollution.
10.8.2
Nonetheless, water
quality monitoring is recommended to check compliance with the relevant
environmental standards (e.g. the Water Pollution Control Ordinance) and to
ensure that any deteriorating water quality could be readily detected and
timely action taken to rectify the situation.
10.8.3
Monitoring of pH value,
dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and suspended solids in mg/L shall be carried out
to ensure that any deteriorating water quality could be readily detected and
timely action be taken to rectify the situation. Monitoring shall preferably be
undertaken at both upstream and downstream of the affected stream. Where
applicable, control station (upstream) shall also be provided. Table 10.3 and Figures 10.6 – 10.8
show the proposed water quality monitoring stations.
Water
Quality Monitoring Stations during Construction Stage
|
Monitoring
Station |
Description |
Purpose of Placing Sampling Station |
|
MUP-W1 |
Upstream of MUP01 works |
Establish background levels of parameters to be monitored, control station |
|
MUP-W2 |
Upstream of MUP02 works |
Establish background levels of parameters to be monitored, control station |
|
MUP-W3 |
Upstream of MUP04A works |
Establish background levels of parameters to be monitored, control station |
|
MUP-W4 |
Downstream of MUP05 works
immediately at the discharge point to River Indus |
Monitor and audit potential
impacts from all MUP channels works, check water quality discharging to River
Indus |
|
MUP-W5 |
Within MUP05, downstream of the
discharge point of MUP01/02 and upstream of the discharge point of MUP04A |
Temporary / mobile station to
monitor and audit potential impacts from individual MUP channels works |
|
MUP-W6 |
Within MUP05, downstream of the
discharge point of MUP01/02 and MUP04A |
Temporary / mobile station to
monitor and audit potential impacts from individual MUP channels works |
|
LMH-W1 |
Upstream of LMH01 works |
Establish background levels of parameters to be monitored, control station |
|
LMH-W2 |
Upstream of LMH01 works |
Establish background levels of parameters to be monitored, control station |
|
LMH-W3 |
Downstream of all LMH01 works
immediately at the discharge point to |
Monitor and audit potential
impacts from all LMH01 works |
|
LMH-W4 |
Upstream and downstream of particular
group of LMH01 works |
Temporary / mobile station to
monitor and audit potential impacts from individual works |
|
LMH-W5 |
Upstream and downstream of
particular group of LMH01 works |
Temporary / mobile station to
monitor and audit potential impacts from individual works |
|
LMH-W6 |
Upstream and downstream of
particular group of LMH01 works |
Temporary / mobile station to
monitor and audit potential impacts from individual works |
Notes:
-
Channels
MUP01, MUP02 are non-DPs.
-
Location of the monitoring stations is shown in
Figures 10.6 – 10.8.
-
Temporary / mobile station to be proposed by the
Environmental Team Leader with reference to the contractor’s working programme.
-
All monitoring stations shall be proposed by the
Environmental Team Leader and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker
before submitting to EPD for approval prior to commencement of any monitoring.
10.8.4
Details of the
monitoring programme are presented in the EM&A Manual.
10.9.1
Construction and demolition materials will inevitably be produced
during the construction phase of the Project. Waste generated during
construction works includes site clearance / demolition materials, excavated
materials, chemical waste and general works waste. Waste types, quantities and
timing have been estimated and mitigation measures have been proposed in terms
of avoidance-minimisation-reuse-recycling-disposal hierarchy.
10.9.2
Potential for reuse of inert construction & demolition
material (public fill) within the Project will be rigorously explored during
the detailed design stage in an effort to minimise off-site disposal.
10.9.3
Provided that there is strict control of construction and
demolition materials generated from construction works and that all arisings
are stored, handled, transported and disposed of in accordance with the
recommended mitigation measures, potential impact is not expected.
10.9.4
Waste generated during operational maintenance is expected to
be minimal. Proper waste management practices have been recommended.
10.9.5
The recommended waste management measures can be enforced
by incorporating them into an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to be prepared by the
contractor. Environmental audit would be necessary to ensure the implementation
of proper waste management practices during construction.
10.9.6
Auditing should be carried out periodically to determine if
waste is being managed in accordance with the relevant environmental
legislation and standards (e.g. Waste Disposal Ordinance) and the EMP. The audits should
examine all aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage,
recycling, treatment, transportation, and disposal. The general site
inspections including waste management issues will be undertaken weekly by
Environmental Team to check all construction activities for compliance with all
appropriate environmental protection and pollution control measures, including
those set up in the EMP. Meanwhile, waste management audit will be carried
out on monthly basis by the Independent Environmental Checker.
10.9.7
Details of waste audit are further described in the EM&A
Manual.
10.10.1
Ecological monitoring and audit is required during the
construction and operation stages of the Project in order to ensure that
adverse ecological impacts are no greater than predicted, that ecological
mitigation measures are implemented satisfactorily and to permit remedial
measures to be taken as quickly as possible.
10.10.2
Ecological monitoring is not required for works at MUP03, MUP04A
or MUP04B where no significant adverse impacts are predicted. However, it is
proposed that there be construction phase (water quality and ecological)
monitoring at LMH01 and construction (water quality) and post-construction
monitoring at MUP05.
Construction
Phase Monitoring and Audit at LMH01
10.10.3
Construction phase monitoring and audit at LMH01 should cover
the following:
·
Ensure
that excavation and other engineering works do not cause adverse ecological
impacts outside the proposed project area;
·
Ensure
that works do not result in significant siltation downstream of the works area;
and
·
Ensure
that the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented by the
contractor.
10.10.4
Recommendations for the ecological monitoring programme
during construction phase at LMH01 are shown in Table 10.4. Details are
presented in the EM&A Manual.
Recommended Ecological Monitoring and
Audit Programme at LMH01
|
Potential Impacts |
Monitoring required |
Location of Monitoring |
Frequency of Monitoring |
Duration of Monitoring |
|
Construction
phase impacts to stream conditions* |
||||
|
Soil runoff impacts to stream bed |
Water quality of stream (dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, turbidity and pH) |
Upstream and downstream of construction site |
Three times per week |
Four weeks before start of construction (for baseline), then throughout construction phase |
|
Construction
phase impacts to fish |
||||
|
Impacts to important fish community and other ecological impacts |
Surveys of fish species and general site audit (with emphasis on ecological mitigation measures) |
Along stream channel, within 100 m upstream and downstream of construction site |
Once per week on fish community as a whole and general site audit Monthly fish survey focusing on the species of conservation importance |
Three surveys (once per week) before construction (baseline) then throughout construction phase |
Notes:
* As part of
the water quality monitoring programme.
Construction Phase Monitoring and Audit at MUP05
10.10.5
Construction phase monitoring and audit at MUP05 should cover
the following:
·
Ensure
that excavation and other engineering works do not cause adverse ecological
impacts outside the project area;
·
Ensure
that those areas where natural banks are to be retained are protected from
adverse effects of engineering works, including impacts to riparian vegetation
along these banks;
·
Ensure
that the existing natural stream channel is protected from adverse effects of
engineering works, including potential indirect impacts through increased
sedimentation;
·
Ensure
that rocks/fines used to form the bottom of the widened channel have the
appropriate physical characteristics to permit re-establishment of semi-natural
stream conditions; and
·
Ensure
that the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented by the
contractor.
Post-construction Monitoring at MUP05
10.10.6
The proposed design for MUP05 channel follows the advice contained
in DSD Technical Circular No. 2/2004. This is a novel approach to channel
widening in
·
Stream
characteristics at an appropriate interval after the completion of works to
include water depth, stream width, nature of substrate and a variety of water
quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, turbidity and pH;
·
Vegetation
characteristics at an appropriate interval after the completion of works;
·
(Re-)
colonization of the widened channel by permanently aquatic species (fishes and
stream invertebrates); and
·
Use of
the widened channel by other wetland-dependent taxa (birds, herpetofauna and
dragonflies).
10.10.7
Details of the monitoring programme are presented in the
EM&A manual and are summarised in Table 10.5.
Recommended Ecological
Monitoring and Audit Programme at MUP05
|
Potential Impacts |
Monitoring required |
Location of Monitoring |
Frequency of Monitoring |
Duration of Monitoring |
|
Construction
phase impacts to stream conditions* |
||||
|
Soil runoff impacts to stream bed |
Water quality of stream (dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, turbidity and pH) |
Upstream and downstream of construction site |
Three times per week |
Four weeks before start of construction (for baseline), then throughout construction phase |
|
Construction phase ecological impacts |
||||
|
Potential ecological impacts |
General site audit (with emphasis on ecological mitigation measures) |
Along stream channel, within 100m upstream and downstream of construction site |
Once per week |
One walk over survey before start of construction to obtain updated information (baseline) then throughout construction phase |
|
Post-construction
ecological impacts |
||||
|
Stream characteristics |
Water depth, stream width, nature of substrate and water quality parameters such as pH, DO and turbidity |
At an appropriate interval along the constructed channel |
To be undertaken along with other post-construction ecological surveys |
One year following completion of construction works |
|
Riparian vegetation |
Botanical survey |
Works area and reinstated area |
Once during wet season and once during dry season |
One year following completion of construction works |
|
Birds |
Transect survey |
Within 100 m of construction site |
Monthly |
One year following completion of construction works |
|
Reptiles |
Transect survey (daytime and night-time) |
Within 100 m of construction site |
One day and one night survey per month during March – October |
One year following completion of construction works |
|
Amphibians |
Transect survey (daytime and night-time) |
Within 100 m of construction site |
One day and one night survey per month during March – October |
One year following completion of construction works |
|
Fish |
Fish survey |
Along stream channel, within 100 m upstream and downstream of construction site |
Monthly |
One year following completion of construction works |
|
Dragonflies |
Transect survey |
Within 100 m of construction site |
Monthly during March – October |
One year following completion of construction works |
|
Butterflies |
Transect survey |
Within 100 m of construction site |
Monthly during March – October |
One year following completion of construction works |
|
Stream invertebrates |
Kick sampling |
At upper and lower end of construction site and 100 m downstream of construction site |
Monthly |
One year following completion of construction works |
Notes:
* As part of
the water quality monitoring programme.
10.11.1
Monitoring and audit
should be undertaken to ensure that the implementation and maintenance of
landscape and visual mitigation measures are being properly carried out.
10.11.2
A landscape auditor (as
a member of the ET) shall be employed to review contractor’s submissions and
proposals and to monitor and audit the contractor’s landscape works in
particular to ensure the existing trees retained on-site are being well
preserved, tree transplanting and felling operations are being undertaken in
accordance with the requirements, procedures and specifications as stipulated
in the contract and the approvals granted by concerned authorities, and all the
newly planted vegetations are being maintained properly during the
establishment period.
10.11.3
Details of the
monitoring and audit programme are presented in the EM&A Manual.
10.12.1
According to the CHIA,
the proposed drainage works will have only minor impacts on the built heritage
resources recorded in the survey. Mitigation measures have been recommended to
ensure that all impacts are reduced to an acceptable level during the
construction and operational phases. No archaeological material or cultural
strata were identified during the survey, hence no further action is
recommended.
10.12.2
Monitoring of cultural
heritage resources is considered not necessary. Audit (as part of the weekly
environmental site audit) should be undertaken by the ET to ensure the
recommendation for the stone terrace wall (AAHB-855) in LMH01 is properly
implemented by the contractor.
10.13.1
Details on the
following aspects of EM&A are further described in the EM&A Manual:
·
monitoring equipment
requirements;
·
baseline and impact
monitoring;
·
action and limit
levels;
·
event and action plans;
·
site inspection and
audit;
·
compliance with legal
and contractual requirements;
·
handling of
environmental complaints; and
·
documentation and
reporting.