Contract No. HY/2011/03

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road

Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly EM&A Report No.26 (November 2014)

                                                                                                     

12 December 2014

 

Revision 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Contractor                                                                                                                     Designer

 

 

 


 

 

Contents

Executive Summary

1....... Introduction.. 1

1.1                          Basic Project Information. 1

1.2                          Project Organisation. 2

1.3                          Construction Programme. 2

1.4                          Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Month. 2

2....... Air Quality Monitoring.. 4

2.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 4

2.2                          Monitoring Equipment 4

2.3                          Monitoring Locations. 4

2.4                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 5

2.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 5

2.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 7

2.7                          Monitoring Results. 7

3....... Noise Monitoring.. 9

3.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 9

3.2                          Monitoring Equipment 9

3.3                          Monitoring Locations. 9

3.4                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 9

3.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 10

3.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 10

3.7                          Monitoring Results. 11

4....... Water Quality Monitoring.. 12

4.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 12

4.2                          Monitoring Equipment 13

4.3                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 13

4.4                          Monitoring Locations. 13

4.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 14

4.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 15

4.7                          Monitoring Results. 15

5....... Dolphin Monitoring.. 16

5.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 16

5.2                          Monitoring Methodology. 17

5.3                          Monitoring Results. 19

5.4                          Reference. 21

6....... ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT.. 22

6.1                          Site Inspection. 22

6.2                          Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status. 23

6.3                          Environmental Licenses and Permits. 23

6.4                          Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures. 23

6.5                          Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 24

6.6                          Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution. 24

7....... FUTURE KEY ISSUES.. 25

7.1                          Construction Programme for the Coming Months. 25

7.2                          Environmental Monitoring Scheme for the Coming Month. 25

8....... CONCLUSION.. 26

8.1                          Conclusions. 26

 

 

Figures

 

Figure 1.1         Location of the Site

Figure 2.1         Environmental Monitoring Stations

 

                           

Appendices

Appendix A       Environmental Management Structure

Appendix B       Construction Programme

Appendix C       Calibration Certificates

Appendix D       Monitoring Schedule

Appendix E       Monitoring Data and Graphical Plots

Appendix F       Event and Action Plan

Appendix G      Wind Data

Appendix H       Dolphin Monitoring Results

Appendix I         Waste Flow Table

Appendix J        Cumulative Statistics on Complaints

Appendix K       Environmental Licenses and Permits  

Appendix L       Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures  

Appendix M      Record of ¡§Notification of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances¡¨ and Record of ¡§Notification of Summons and Prosecutions¡¨

Appendix N       Location of Works Areas

 


Executive Summary

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) serves to connect the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Boundary and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) located at the north eastern waters of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

The HKLR project has been separated into two contracts. They are Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (hereafter referred to as the Contract) and Contract No. HY/2011/09 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between HKSAR Boundary and Scenic Hill.

China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was awarded by Highways Department as the Contractor to undertake the construction works of Contract No. HY/2011/03.  The main works of the Contract include land tunnel at Scenic Hill, tunnel underneath Airport Road and Airport Express Line, reclamation and tunnel to the east coast of the Airport Island, at-grade road connecting to the HKBCF and highway works of the HKBCF within the Airport Island and in the vicinity of the HKLR reclamation.  The Contract is part of the HKLR Project and HKBCF Project, these projects are considered to be ¡§Designated Projects¡¨, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports (Register No. AEIAR-144/2009 and AEIAR-145/2009) were prepared for the Project.  The current Environmental Permit (EP) EP-352/2009/C for HKLR and EP-353/2009/G for HKBCF were issued on 5 September 2013 and 6 August 2013, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012.

BMT Asia Pacific Limited has been appointed by the Contractor to implement the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) and will be providing environmental team services to the Contract.

This is the twenty-sixth Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summaries the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 30 November 2014.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress

The monthly EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0).  A summary of the monitoring activities in this reporting month is listed below:

1-hr TSP Monitoring

3, 7, 13, 19 and 25 November 2014

24-hr TSP Monitoring at AMS5

6, 12, 18 and 24 November 2014

24-hr TSP Monitoring at AMS6

6, 12, 18, 24 and 28 November 2014

Noise Monitoring

3, 13, 19 and 25 November 2014

Water Quality Monitoring

3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26 and 28 November 2014

Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

4, 10, 12 and 18 November 2014

Site Inspection

5, 12, 19 and 28 November 2014

Due to boat availability issue, the dolphins monitoring was rescheduled from 6 November 2014 to 10 November 2014 and from 14 November 2014 to 18 November 2014.

Due to malfunction of HVS at AMS5 on 28 November 2014, the 24-hr air monitoring undertaken at AMS5 was less than 24hrs. The 24-hr TSP monitoring result obtained on 28 November 2014 was considered invalid and the 24 hrs dust monitoring was rescheduled from 28 November 2014 to 2 December 2014. The monitoring result for 2 December 2014 will be provided in next monthly EM&A Report.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels

A summary of environmental exceedances for this reporting month is as follows:


 

 

Environmental Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

Air Quality

1-hr TSP

0

0

24-hr TSP

0

0

Noise

Leq (30 min)

0

0

Water Quality

Suspended solids level (SS)

1

1

Turbidity level

0

0

Dissolved oxygen level (DO)

0

0

 

One Action Level exceedances of suspended solid level and one Limit Level exceedance of suspended solid level were recorded during the reporting month.

Complaint Log

There were no complaints received in relation to the environmental impact during the reporting period.

Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

There were no notifications of summons or prosecutions received during this reporting month.

Reporting Changes

This report has been developed in compliance with the reporting requirements for the subsequent EM&A reports as required by the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0). 

The proposal for the change of Action Level and Limit Level for suspended solid and turbidity was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013.

The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin Monitoring was approved by EPD on 6 May 2013.

The original monitoring station at IS(Mf)9 (Coordinate- East:813273, North 818850) was observed inside the perimeter silt curtain of Contract HY/2010/02 on 1 July 2013, as such the original impact water quality monitoring location at IS(Mf)9 was temporarily shifted outside the silt curtain.  As advised by the Contractor of HY/2010/02 in August 2013, the perimeter silt curtain was shifted to facilitate safe anchorage zone of construction barges/vessels until end of 2013 subject to construction progress.  Therefore, water quality monitoring station IS(Mf)9 was shifted to 813226E and 818708N since 1 July 2013.  According to the water quality monitoring team¡¦s observation on 24 March 2014, the original monitoring location of IS(Mf)9 was no longer enclosed by the perimeter silt curtain of Contract HY/2010/02. Thus, the impact water quality monitoring works at the original monitoring location of IS(Mf)9 has been resumed since 24 March 2014.

Future Key Issues

The future key issues include potential noise, air quality, water quality and ecological impacts and waste management arising from the following construction activities to be undertaken in the upcoming month:

¡P       Dismantling/trimming of Temporary 40mm Stone Platform for Construction of Seawall at Portion X;

¡P       Stone Column Installation at Portion X;

¡P       Filling Works behind Stone Platform at Portion X;

¡P       Band Drains Installation at Portion X;

¡P       Construction of Seawall at Portion X;

¡P       Loading and Unloading Filling Material at Portion X;

¡P       Temporary Stone Platform Construction at Portion X;

¡P       Temporary Diversion of Existing Box Culvert at Portion X;

¡P       Sheet Piling & Jet Grouting at Portion X;

¡P       Excavation and Lateral Support Works at SHT C&CT at Portion X;

¡P       Works for Diversion of Airport Road and Kwo Lo Wan Road at Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road;

¡P       Pre-grouting and Pipe Piling Works for AEL Access Shafts at Airport Express Line;

¡P       Utilities Detection at Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road / Airport Express Line/ East Coast Road;

¡P       Establishment of Site Access at Airport Road / Airport Express Line/East Coast Road;

¡P       Excavation and Lateral Support Works at shaft 3 extension north shaft & south shaft at Kwo Lo Wan Road;

¡P       Access Shaft Construction for HAT Tunnel at Portion Y;

¡P       Pipe Piling Cofferdam Works for HAT West C&C tunnel at Airport Road;

¡P       Utility Culvert Excavation at Portion Y;

¡P       Excavation for Tunnel SHT at West Portal;

¡P       Abutment Construction at West Portal; and

¡P       Transformer Room Construction at West Portal, East Coast Road and Kwo Lo Wan Road.

 


1.1.1       The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) serves to connect the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Boundary and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) located at the north eastern waters of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

1.1.2       The HKLR project has been separated into two contracts.  They are Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (hereafter referred to as the Contract) and Contract No. HY/2011/09 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between HKSAR Boundary and Scenic Hill.

1.1.3       China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was awarded by Highways Department (HyD) as the Contractor to undertake the construction works of Contract No. HY/2011/03.  The Contract is part of the HKLR Project and HKBCF Project, these projects are considered to be ¡§Designated Projects¡¨, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports (Register No. AEIAR-144/2009 and AEIAR-145/2009) were prepared for the Project.  The current Environmental Permit (EP) EP-352/2009/C for HKLR and EP-353/2009/G for HKBCF were issued on 5 September 2013 and 6 August 2013, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012.  Figure 1.1 shows the project site boundary. The works areas are shown in Appendix O.

1.1.4       The Contract includes the following key aspects:

¡P                     New reclamation along the east coast of the approximately 23 hectares.

¡P                     Tunnel of Scenic Hill (Tunnel SHT) from Scenic Hill to the new reclamation, of approximately 1km in length with three (3) lanes for the east bound carriageway heading to the HKBCF and four (4) lanes for the westbound carriageway heading to the HZMB Main Bridge.

¡P                     An abutment of the viaduct portion of the HKLR at the west portal of Tunnel SHT and associated road works at the west portal of Tunnel SHT.

¡P                     An at grade road on the new reclamation along the east coast of the HKIA to connect with the HKBCF, of approximately 1.6 km along dual 3-lane carriageway with hard shoulder for each bound.

¡P                     Road links between the HKBCF and the HKIA including new roads and the modification of existing roads at the HKIA, involving viaducts, at grade roads and a Tunnel HAT.

¡P                     A highway operation and maintenance area (HMA) located on the new reclamation, south of the Dragonair Headquarters Building, including the construction of buildings, connection roads and other associated facilities.

¡P                     Associated civil, structural, building, geotechnical, marine, environmental protection, landscaping, drainage and sewerage, tunnel and highway electrical and mechanical works, together with the installation of street lightings, traffic aids and sign gantries, water mains and fire hydrants, provision of facilities for installation of traffic control and surveillance system (TCSS), reprovisioning works of affected existing facilities, implementation of transplanting, compensatory planting and protection of existing trees, and implementation of an environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) program.

1.1.5       This is the twenty-sixth Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summaries the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 30 November 2014.

1.1.6       BMT Asia Pacific Limited has been appointed by the Contractor to implement the EM&A programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) for HKLR and will be providing environmental team services to the Contract.  ENVIRON Hong Kong Ltd. was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) for the Project.  The project organization with regard to the environmental works is as follows.

1.2.1       The project organization structure and lines of communication with respect to the on-site environmental management structure is shown in Appendix A.  The key personnel contact names and numbers are summarized in Table 1.1. 

Table 1.1          Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Fax

Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative
(Ove Arup & Partners
Hong Kong Limited)

(Chief Resident Engineer, CRE)

Robert Antony Evans

3968 0801

2109 1882

Environmental Project Office / Independent Environmental Checker
(Environ Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Project Office Leader

Y. H. Hui

3465 2888

3465 2899

Independent Environmental Checker

Antony Wong

3465 2888

3465 2899

Contractor
(China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd)

Project Manager

S. Y. Tse

3968 7002

2109 2588

Environmental Officer

Federick Wong

3968 7117

2109 2588

Environmental Team
(BMT Asia Pacific)

Environmental Team Leader

Claudine Lee

2241 9847

2815 3377

24 hours complaint hotline

---

---

5699 5730

---

1.3                Construction Programme

1.3.1       A copy of the Contractor¡¦s construction programme is provided in Appendix B. 

1.4                Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Month

1.4.1       A summary of the construction activities undertaken during this reporting month is shown in Table 1.2.


 

Table 1.2          Construction Activities During Reporting Month

Description of Activities

Site Area

Dismantling/trimming of temporary 40mm stone platform for construction of seawall

Portion X

Stone column installation

Portion X

Filling works behind stone platform

Portion X

Temporary stone platform construction

Portion X

Band drains Installation

Portion X

Sheet piling and jet grouting

Portion X

Excavation and lateral support works for SHT C&CT

Portion X

Pipe roofing installation and excavation for tunnel SHT

West Portal

Works for diversion of Airport Road and Kwo Lo Wan Road

Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road

Pipe Piling Cofferdam Works for HAT West C&C tunnel

Airport Road

Pre-grouting and pipe piling works for AEL access shafts

Airport Express Line

Utilities detection

Kwo Lo Wan/ Airport Road/ Airport Express Line

Excavation and lateral support works at shaft 3 extension north shaft & south shaft

Kwo Lo Wan Road

Access shaft construction for SHT & HAT

Portion Y

Utility culvert excavation

Portion Y

 


 

2        Air Quality Monitoring

2.1                Monitoring Requirements

2.1.1       In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, baseline 1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels at two air quality monitoring stations were established.  Impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted for at least three times every 6 days, while impact 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out for at least once every 6 days. The Action and Limit Level for 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP are provided in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2, respectively.

Table 2.1          Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

AMS 5 ¡V Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

352

500

AMS 6 ¡V Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

360

 

Table 2.2         Action and Limit Levels for 24-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

AMS 5 ¡V Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

164

260

AMS 6 ¡V Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

173

260

 

2.2.1       24-hour TSP air quality monitoring was performed using High Volume Sampler (HVS) located at each designated monitoring station. The HVS meets all the requirements of the Contract Specific EM&A Manual. Portable direct reading dust meters were used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring.  Brand and model of the equipment is given in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3          Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Portable direct reading dust meter (1-hour TSP)

Sibata Digital Dust Monitor (Model No. LD-3B)

High Volume Sampler
(24-hour TSP)

Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) High Volume Air Sampler (Model No. TE-5170)

2.3.1       Monitoring locations AMS5 and AMS6 were set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

2.3.2       Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 2.4 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

Table 2.4          Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

AMS5

Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

AMS6

Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

2.4.1       Table 2.5 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact TSP monitoring.

Table 2.5          Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

1-hour TSP

Three times every 6 days while the highest dust impact was expected

24-hour TSP

Once every 6 days

 

2.5.1       24-hour TSP Monitoring

(a)           The HVS was installed in the vicinity of the air sensitive receivers. The following criteria were considered in the installation of the HVS.

(i)         A horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.

(ii)         The distance between the HVS and any obstacles, such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the HVS.

(iii)        A minimum of 2 meters separation from walls, parapets and penthouse for rooftop sampler.

(iv)        No furnace or incinerator flues nearby.

(v)        Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.

(vi)        Permission was obtained to set up the samplers and access to the monitoring stations.

(vii)       A secured supply of electricity was obtained to operate the samplers.

(viii)      The sampler was located more than 20 meters from any dripline.

(ix)        Any wire fence and gate, required to protect the sampler, did not obstruct the monitoring process.

(x)        Flow control accuracy was kept within ¡Ó2.5% deviation over 24-hour sampling period.

(b)          Preparation of Filter Papers

(i)         Glass fibre filters, G810 were labelled and sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.

(ii)        All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment temperature was around 25 ¢XC and not variable by more than ¡Ó3 ¢XC; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ¡Ó5%.  A convenient working RH was 40%.

(iii)       All filter papers were prepared and analysed by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd., which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

(c)          Field Monitoring

(i)         The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.

(ii)         The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.

(iii)        The filter holder was removed by loosening the four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen was aligned carefully.

(iv)        The filter was properly aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.

(v)        The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter holder down to the frame.  The pressure applied was sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.

(vi)        Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminium strip.

(vii)       The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.

(viii)      A new flow rate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.

(ix)       On site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the flow rate of the HVS was checked and adjusted at around 1.1 m3/min, and complied with the range specified in the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) (i.e. 0.6-1.7 m3/min).

(x)        The programmable digital timer was set for a sampling period of 24 hours, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were recorded.

(xi)        The initial elapsed time was recorded.

(xii)       At the end of sampling, on site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the final flow rate of the HVS was checked and recorded.

(xiii)      The final elapsed time was recorded.

(xiv)     The sampled filter was removed carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in contact.

(xv)      It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and sealed.

(xvi)      All monitoring information was recorded on a standard data sheet.

(xvii)     Filters were then sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. For analysis.

(d)          Maintenance and Calibration

(i)         The HVS and its accessories were maintained in good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.

(ii)         5-point calibration of the HVS was conducted using TE-5025A Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. Bi-monthly 5-point calibration of the HVS will be carried out during impact monitoring.

(iii)        Calibration certificate of the HVSs are provided in Appendix C.

2.5.2       1-hour TSP Monitoring

(a)        Measuring Procedures

The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter were in accordance with the Manufacturer¡¦s Instruction Manual as follows:-

(i)                   Turn the power on.

(ii)        Close the air collecting opening cover.

(iii)       Push the ¡§TIME SETTING¡¨ switch to [BG].

(iv)       Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to perform background measurement for 6 seconds.

(v)        Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to insert the light scattering plate.

(vi)       Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon ¡§SPAN CHECK¡¨ is indicated in the display.

(vii)      Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to perform automatic sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.

(viii)      Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE position.

(ix)       Push the ¡§TIME SETTING¡¨ switch the time set in the display to 3 hours.

(x)        Lower down the air collection opening cover.

(xi)       Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to start measurement.

(b)           Maintenance and Calibration

(i)         The 1-hour TSP meter was calibrated at 1-year intervals against a Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) High Volume Air Sampler. Calibration certificates of the Laser Dust Monitors are provided in Appendix C.

2.6.1       The schedule for air quality monitoring in November 2014 is provided in Appendix D.

2.7                Monitoring Results

2.7.1       The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarized in Tables 2.6 and 2.7 respectively. Detailed impact air quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are presented in Appendix E.

Table 2.6         Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AMS5

164

70 - 305

352

500

AMS6

145

81 -181

360

500

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2.7         Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level  (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AMS5

80

35-123

164

260

AMS6

104

69-151

173

260

 

2.7.2       No Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at all monitoring stations during this reporting month.

2.7.3       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

2.7.4       The wind data obtained from the on-site weather station during the reporting month is shown in Appendix G.


 

3.1.1       In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, impact noise monitoring was conducted for at least once per week during the construction phase of the Project. The Action and Limit level of the noise monitoring is provided in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1          Action and Limit Levels for Noise during Construction Period

Monitoring Station

Time Period

Action Level

Limit Level

NMS5 ¡V Ma Wan Chung Village (Ma Wan Chung Resident Association) (Tung Chung)

0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received

75 dB(A)

3.2                Monitoring Equipment

3.2.1       Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meters at each designated monitoring station.  The sound level meters deployed comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications (IEC) 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications.  Acoustic calibrator was deployed to check the sound level meters at a known sound pressure level.  Brand and model of the equipment are given in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2         Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Integrated Sound Level Meter

B&K 2238

Acoustic Calibrator

B&K 4231

3.3                Monitoring Locations

3.3.1       Monitoring location NMS5 was set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

3.3.2       Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 3.3 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

Table 3.3          Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

NMS5

Ma Wan Chung Village (Ma Wan Chung Resident Association) (Tung Chung)

3.4.1       Table 3.4 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact noise monitoring.


 

Table 3.4         Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

30-mins measurement at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays (Monday to Saturday). Leq, L10 and L90 would be recorded.

At least once per week

 

3.5.1       Monitoring Procedure

(a)        The sound level meter was set on a tripod at a height of 1.2 m above the podium for free-field measurements at NMS5. A correction of +3 dB(A) shall be made to the free field measurements.

(b)        The battery condition was checked to ensure the correct functioning of the meter.

(c)        Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:-

(i)            frequency weighting: A

(ii)           time weighting: Fast

(iii)          time measurement: Leq(30-minutes) during non-restricted hours i.e. 07:00 ¡V 1900 on normal weekdays

(e)        Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator for 94.0 dB(A) at 1000 Hz.  If the difference in the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1.0 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

(f)        During the monitoring period, the Leq, L10 and L90 were recorded.  In addition, site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.

(g)        Noise measurement was paused during periods of high intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) if possible. Observations were recorded when intrusive noise was unavoidable.

(h)        Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s. The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s.

3.5.2       Maintenance and Calibration

(a)          The microphone head of the sound level meter was cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.

(b)           The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.

(c)        Calibration certificates of the sound level meters and acoustic calibrators are provided in Appendix C.

3.6.1       The schedule for construction noise monitoring in November 2014 is provided in Appendix D.


 

3.7                Monitoring Results

3.7.1       The monitoring results for construction noise are summarized in Table 3.5 and the monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

Table 3.5          Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station

Average Leq (30 mins), dB(A)

Range of Leq (30 mins), dB(A)

Limit Level Leq (30 mins), dB(A)

NMS5

58

56 ¡V 60

75

*A correction factor of +3dB(A) from free field to facade measurement was included. 

3.7.2       There were no Action and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting month.

3.7.3       Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included construction activities of the Contract and nearby traffic noise.

3.7.4       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.


4        Water Quality Monitoring

4.1.1       Impact water quality monitoring was carried out to ensure that any deterioration of water quality was detected, and that timely action was taken to rectify the situation.  For impact water quality monitoring, measurements were taken in accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual. Table 4.1 shows the established Action/Limit Levels for the environmental monitoring works.  The ET proposed to amend the Acton Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid and EPD approved ET¡¦s proposal on 25 March 2013.  Therefore, Action Level and Limit Level for the Contract have been changed since 25 March 2013.

4.1.2       The original and revised Action Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid are shown in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1          Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameter (unit)

Water Depth

Action Level

Limit Level

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) (surface, middle and bottom)

Surface and Middle

5.0

4.2 except 5 for Fish Culture Zone

Bottom

4.7

3.6

Turbidity (NTU)

Depth average

27.5 or 120% of upstream control station¡¦s turbidity at the same tide of the same day;

The action level has been amended to ¡§27.5 and 120% of upstream control station¡¦s turbidity at the same tide of the same day¡¨ since 25 March 2013.

47.0 or 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day;

The limit level has been amended to ¡§47.0 and 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day¡¨ since 25 March 2013.

Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L)

Depth average

23.5 or 120% of upstream control station¡¦s SS at the same tide of the same day;

The action level has been amended to ¡§23.5 and 120% of upstream control station¡¦s SS at the same tide of the same day¡¨ since 25 March 2013.

34.4 or 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes;

The limit level has been amended to ¡§34.4 and 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes¡¨ since 25 March 2013

Notes:

               (1)    Depth-averaged is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.

               (2)    For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limit occurs when monitoring result is lower that the limit.

               (3)    For SS & turbidity non-compliance of the water quality limits occur when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

               (4)    The change to the Action and limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring for the EM&A works was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013.

4.2.1       Table 4.2 summarises the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring programme.

Table 4.2          Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment      

Brand and Model

DO and Temperature Meter, Salinity Meter, Turbidimeter and pH Meter

YSI Model 6820 V2-M, 650

Positioning Equipment

DGPS ¡V KODEN : KGP913MkII, KBG3

Water Depth Detector

Layin Associates: SM-5 & SM5A

Water Sampler

Wildlife Supply Company : 5487-10

4.3.1       Table 4.3 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and monitoring depths of impact water quality monitoring as required in the Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

Table 4.3          Impact Water Quality Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

Monitoring Stations

Parameter, unit

Frequency

No. of depth

Impact Stations:
IS5, IS(Mf)6, IS
7, IS8, IS(Mf)9 & IS10,

 

Control/Far Field Stations:
CS
2 & CS(Mf)5,

 

Sensitive Receiver Stations:
SR3, SR4, SR
5, SR10A & SR10B

¡P    Depth, m

¡P    Temperature, oC

¡P    Salinity, ppt

¡P    Dissolved Oxygen (DO), mg/L

¡P    DO Saturation, %

¡P    Turbidity, NTU

¡P    pH

¡P   Suspended Solids (SS), mg/L

Three times per week during mid-ebb and mid-flood tides (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time)

3

(1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth is less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station may be omitted.  Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored).

 

4.4.1       In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, thirteen stations (6 Impact Stations, 5 Sensitive Receiver Stations and 2 Control Stations) were designated for impact water quality monitoring.  The six Impact Stations (IS) were chosen on the basis of their proximity to the reclamation and thus the greatest potential for water quality impacts, the five Sensitive Receiver Stations (SR) were chosen as they are close to the key sensitive receives and the two Control Stations (CS) were chosen to facilitate comparison of the water quality of the IS stations with less influence by the Project/ ambient water quality conditions.

4.4.2       The locations of these monitoring stations are summarized in Table 4.4 and shown in
Figure 2.
1.

Table 4.4         Impact Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Stations

Description

Coordinates

Easting

Northing

IS5

Impact Station (Close to HKLR construction site)

811579

817106

IS(Mf)6

Impact Station (Close to HKLR construction site)

812101

817873

IS7

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812244

818777

IS8

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814251

818412

IS(Mf)9

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

813273

818850

IS10

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812577

820670

SR3

Sensitive receivers (San Tau SSSI)

810525

816456

SR4

Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho Inlet)

814760

817867

SR5

Sensitive receivers (Artificial Reef In NE Airport)

811489

820455

SR10A

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)

823741

823495

SR10B

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)

823686

823213

CS2

Control Station (Mid-Ebb)

805849

818780

CS(Mf)5

Control Station (Mid-Flood)

817990

821129

4.5                Monitoring Methodology

4.5.1       Instrumentation

(a)        The in-situ water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and turbidity, pH were measured by multi-parameter meters.

4.5.2       Operating/Analytical Procedures

(a)        Digital Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) were used to ensure that the correct location was selected prior to sample collection.

(b)        Portable, battery-operated echo sounders were used for the determination of water depth at each designated monitoring station.

(c)        All in-situ measurements were taken at 3 water depths, 1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth was less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station was omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station was monitored.

(d)        At each measurement/sampling depth, two consecutive in-situ monitoring (DO concentration and saturation, temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity) and water sample for SS. The probes were retrieved out of the water after the first measurement and then re-deployed for the second measurement. Where the difference in the value between the first and second readings of DO or turbidity parameters was more than 25% of the value of the first reading, the reading was discarded and further readings were taken.

(e)        Duplicate samples from each independent sampling event were collected for SS measurement. Water samples were collected using the water samplers and the samples were stored in high-density polythene bottles. Water samples collected were well-mixed in the water sampler prior to pre-rinsing and transferring to sample bottles. Sample bottles were pre-rinsed with the same water samples. The sample bottles were then be packed in cool-boxes (cooled at 4oC without being frozen), and delivered to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for the analysis of suspended solids concentrations. The laboratory determination work would be started within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

(f)        The analysis method and detection limit for SS is shown in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5    Laboratory Analysis for Suspended Solids

Parameters

Instrumentation

Analytical Method

Detection Limit

Suspended Solid (SS)

Weighting

APHA 2540-D

0.5mg/L

 

(g)        Other relevant data were recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site in the field log sheet for information.

4.5.3       Maintenance and Calibrations

(a)        All in situ monitoring instruments would be calibrated by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. before use and at 3-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring programme. The procedures of performance check of sonde and testing results are provided in Appendix C.

4.6.1       The schedule for impact water quality monitoring in November 2014 is provided in Appendix D.

4.7                Monitoring Results

4.7.1       Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations during the reporting month. Impact water quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

4.7.2       Number of exceedances recorded during the reporting month at each impact station are summarised in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6          Summary of Water Quality Exceedances

Station

Exceedance Level

DO

(S&M)

DO

(Bottom)

Turbidity

SS

Total number of exceedances

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

IS5

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS(Mf)6

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS7

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS8

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS(Mf)9

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS10

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

5 November 2014

0

1

SR3

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR4

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

5 November 2014

0

1

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR5

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR10A

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

1

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR10B

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Total

Action

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1**

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1**

 

Notes:

S: Surface;

M: Mid-depth;

**   The total number of exceedances

 

4.7.3       One Action Level exceedance of suspended solid level and one Limit Level exceedance of suspended solid level were recorded on 5 November 2014 during the reporting month.

4.7.4       The construction activities on 5 November 2014 were carried out within silt curtain as recommended in the EIA Report. There were no specific activities recorded during the monitoring period that would cause any significant impacts on the monitoring results. The exceedance of suspended solids was considered to be attributed to other external factors, rather than the contract works. Therefore, the exceedances were considered as non-contract related.

4.7.5       Water quality impact sources during the water quality monitoring were the construction activities of the Contract, nearby construction activities by other parties and nearby operating vessels by other parties.

4.7.6       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

 

5.1.1       Impact dolphin monitoring is required to be conducted by a qualified dolphin specialist team to evaluate whether there have been any effects on the dolphins.

5.1.2       The Action Level and Limit Level for dolphin monitoring are shown in Table 5.1.


 

Table 5.1          Action and Limit Levels for Dolphin Monitoring

 

North Lantau Social Cluster

NEL

NWL

Action Level

STG < 4.2 & ANI < 15.5

STG < 6.9 & ANI < 31.3

Limit Level

(STG < 2.4 & ANI < 8.9) and (STG < 3.9 & ANI < 17.9)

Remarks:

1.      STG means quarterly encounter rate of number of dolphin sightings.

2.      ANI means quarterly encounter rate of total number of dolphins.

3.      For North Lantau Social Cluster, AL will be trigger if either NEL or NWL fall below the criteria; LL will be triggered if both NEL and NWL fall below the criteria.

5.1.3       The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin Monitoring was approved by EPD in 6 May 2013. The revised Event and Action Plan is annexed in Appendix F.

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.2.1       According to the requirements of the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0), dolphin monitoring programme should cover all transect lines in NEL and NWL survey areas (see Figure 1 of Appendix H) twice per month. The co-ordinates of all transect lines are shown in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2          Co-ordinates of Transect Lines

Line No.

Easting

Northing

 

Line No.

Easting

Northing

1

Start Point

804671

814577

 

13

Start Point

816506

819480

1

End Point

804671

831404

 

13

End Point

816506

824859

2

Start Point

805475

815457

 

14

Start Point

817537

820220

2

End Point

805477

826654

 

14

End Point

817537

824613

3

Start Point

806464

819435

 

15

Start Point

818568

820735

3

End Point

806464

822911

 

15

End Point

818568

824433

4

Start Point

807518

819771

 

16

Start Point

819532

821420

4

End Point

807518

829230

 

16

End Point

819532

824209

5

Start Point

808504

820220

 

17

Start Point

820451

822125

5

End Point

808504

828602

 

17

End Point

820451

823671

6

Start Point

809490

820466

 

18

Start Point

821504

822371

6

End Point

809490

825352

 

18

End Point

821504

823761

7

Start Point

810499

820690

 

19

Start Point

822513

823268

7

End Point

810499

824613

 

19

End Point

822513

824321

8

Start Point

811508

820847

 

20

Start Point

823477

823402

8

End Point

811508

824254

 

20

End Point

823477

824613

9

Start Point

812516

820892

 

21

Start Point

805476

827081

9

End Point

812516

824254

 

21

End Point

805476

830562

10

Start Point

813525

820872

 

22

Start Point

806464

824033

10

End Point

813525

824657

 

22

End Point

806464

829598

11

Start Point

814556

818449

 

23

Start Point

814559

821739

11

End Point

814556

820992

 

23

End Point

814559

824768

12

Start Point

815542

818807

 

 

 

 

 

12

End Point

815542

824882

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.2.2       The survey team used standard line-transect methods (Buckland et al. 2001) to conduct the systematic vessel surveys, and followed the same technique of data collection that has been adopted over the last 16 years of marine mammal monitoring surveys in Hong Kong developed by HKCRP (see Hung 2012, 2013).  For each monitoring vessel survey, a 15-m inboard vessel with an open upper deck (about 4.5 m above water surface) was used to make observations from the flying bridge area.

5.2.3       Two experienced observers (a data recorder and a primary observer) made up the on-effort survey team, and the survey vessel transited different transect lines at a constant speed of 13-15 km per hour.  The data recorder searched with unaided eyes and filled out the datasheets, while the primary observer searched for dolphins and porpoises continuously through 7 x 50 Fujinon marine binoculars.  Both observers searched the sea ahead of the vessel, between 270o and 90o (in relation to the bow, which is defined as 0o).  One to two additional experienced observers were available on the boat to work in shift (i.e. rotate every 30 minutes) in order to minimize fatigue of the survey team members.  All observers were experienced in small cetacean survey techniques and identifying local cetacean species.

5.2.4       During on-effort survey periods, the survey team recorded effort data including time, position (latitude and longitude), weather conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility), and distance travelled in each series (a continuous period of search effort) with the assistance of a handheld GPS (Garmin eTrex Legend).

5.2.5       Data including time, position and vessel speed were also automatically and continuously logged by handheld GPS throughout the entire survey for subsequent review.

5.2.6       When dolphins were sighted, the survey team would end the survey effort, and immediately record the initial sighting distance and angle of the dolphin group from the survey vessel, as well as the sighting time and position.  Then the research vessel was diverted from its course to approach the animals for species identification, group size estimation, assessment of group composition, and behavioural observations.  The perpendicular distance (PSD) of the dolphin group to the transect line was later calculated from the initial sighting distance and angle.

5.2.7       Survey effort being conducted along the parallel transect lines that were perpendicular to the coastlines (as indicated in Figure 1 of Appendix H) was labeled as ¡§primary¡¨ survey effort, while the survey effort conducted along the connecting lines between parallel lines was labeled as ¡§secondary¡¨ survey effort.  According to HKCRP long-term dolphin monitoring data, encounter rates of Chinese white dolphins deduced from effort and sighting data collected along primary and secondary liens were similar in NEL and NWL survey areas.  Therefore, both primary and secondary survey effort were presented as on-effort survey effort in this report.

5.2.8       Encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins (number of on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort and number of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort) were calculated in NEL and NWL survey areas in relation to the amount of survey effort conducted during each month of monitoring survey.  Only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition would be used for encounter rate analysis.  Dolphin encounter rates were calculated using primary survey effort alone, as well as the combined survey effort from both primary and secondary lines.

Photo-identification Work

5.2.9       When a group of Chinese White Dolphins were sighted during the line-transect survey, the survey team would end effort and approach the group slowly from the side and behind to take photographs of them.  Every attempt was made to photograph every dolphin in the group, and even photograph both sides of the dolphins, since the colouration and markings on both sides may not be symmetrical.

5.2.10    A professional digital cameras (Canon EOS 7D and 60D models), equipped with long telephoto lenses (100-400 mm zoom), were available on board for researchers to take sharp, close-up photographs of dolphins as they surfaced.  The images were shot at the highest available resolution and stored on Compact Flash memory cards for downloading onto a computer.

5.2.11    All digital images taken in the field were first examined, and those containing potentially identifiable individuals were sorted out.  These photographs would then be examined in greater detail, and were carefully compared to the existing Chinese White Dolphin photo-identification catalogue maintained by HKCRP since 1995.

5.2.12    Chinese White Dolphins can be identified by their natural markings, such as nicks, cuts, scars and deformities on their dorsal fin and body, and their unique spotting patterns were also used as secondary identifying features (Jefferson 2000).

5.2.13    All photographs of each individual were then compiled and arranged in chronological order, with data including the date and location first identified (initial sighting), re-sightings, associated dolphins, distinctive features, and age classes entered into a computer database.  Detailed information on all identified individuals will be further presented as appendix in the quarterly EM&A report.

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.3.1       During the month of November 2014, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on 4th, 10th, 12th and 18th to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice.  The survey routes of each survey day are presented in Figures 2 to 5 of Appendix H. 

5.3.2       From these surveys, a total of 296.14 km of survey effort was collected, with 95.5% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility) (Annex I of Appendix H).  Among the two areas, 112.81 km and 183.33 km of survey effort were collected from NEL and NWL survey areas respectively.  In addition, the total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 217.82 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 78.32 km.

5.3.3       During the two sets of monitoring surveys in November 2014, a total of six groups of 29 Chinese White Dolphins were sighted (Annex II of Appendix H). All sightings were made in NWL during the two sets of surveys in November, with no dolphin being sighted at all in NEL.  Notably, this is the fourth consecutive month without a dolphin sighting recorded in NEL, and only two on-effort sightings were made thus far in this area in 2014.  During November¡¦s surveys, all except one sighting were made on primary lines during on-effort search, and none of the dolphin groups was associated with operating fishing vessel. 

5.3.4       Distribution of these dolphin sightings made in November 2014 is shown in Figure 6.  All six sightings were clustered around Lung Kwu Chau, while no dolphin was sighted for the rest of North Lantau waters (Figure 6 of Appendix H).

5.3.5       Notably, none of the six sightings was made in the proximity of the HKLR03 and HKBCF reclamation sites, as well as the HKLR09 and TMCLKL alignments (Figure 6 of Appendix H). 

5.3.6       During November¡¦s surveys, encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) are shown in Table 5.3 and Table 5.4.


 

Table 5.3          Individual Survey Event Encounter Rates

 

Encounter rate (STG)

(no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Encounter rate (ANI)

(no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Primary Lines Only

Primary Lines Only

NEL

Set 1: November 4th/10th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: November 12th/18th

0.0

0.0

NWL

Set 1: November 4th/10th

4.6

24.5

Set 2: November 12th/18th

2.8

8.5

Remarks:

1.     Dolphin Encounter Rates Deduced from the Two Sets of Surveys (Two Surveys in Each Set) in November 2014 in Northeast (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL).

Table 5.4          Monthly Average Encounter Rates

 

Encounter rate (STG)

(no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Encounter rate (ANI)

(no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Primary   Lines Only

Both Primary and Secondary Lines

Primary   Lines Only

Both Primary and Secondary Lines

Northeast Lantau

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Northwest Lantau

3.7

2.9

16.2

12.8

Remarks:

1.     Monthly Average Dolphin Encounter Rates (Sightings Per 100 km of Survey Effort) from All Four Surveys Conducted in November 2014 on Primary Lines only as well as Both Primary Lines and Secondary Lines in Northeast (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL).

 

5.3.7       The average group size of Chinese White Dolphins in November 2014 was 4.8 individuals per group, which was higher than the ones in previous months of dolphin monitoring.  Four of the six dolphin groups were composed of 1-4 animals, while only two larger dolphin groups with 7 and 13 animals were sighted during the monitoring period.

Photo-identification Work

5.3.8       Thirteen individual dolphins were sighted 20 times during November¡¦s surveys.  Four individuals, NL48, NL202, NL286 and WL05, were sighted more than once during the monitoring month (Annex III and IV of Appendix H).

5.3.9       Notably, two well-recognized females, NL 104 and NL 202, were accompanied with their calves during their re-sighting.

Conclusion

5.3.10    During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

5.3.11    Due to monthly variation in dolphin occurrence within the study area, it would be more appropriate to draw conclusion on whether any impacts on dolphins have been detected related to the construction activities of this project in the quarterly EM&A report, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period (September-November 2014) and baseline monitoring period (3-month period) will be made.


 

5.4                Reference

5.4.1       Buckland, S. T., Anderson, D. R., Burnham, K. P., Laake, J. L., Borchers, D. L., and Thomas, L.  2001.  Introduction to distance sampling: estimating abundance of biological populations.  Oxford University Press, London.

5.4.2       Hung, S. K.  2012.  Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong waters: final report  (2011-12).  An unpublished report submitted to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, 171 pp.

5.4.3       Hung, S. K.  2013.  Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong waters: final report (2012-13).  An unpublished report submitted to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, 168 pp.

5.4.4       Jefferson, T. A.  2000.  Population biology of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin in Hong Kong waters.  Wildlife Monographs 144:1-65.


 

6        ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT

6.1.1       Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. During the reporting month, four site inspections were carried out on 5, 12, 19, and 28 November 2014. 

6.1.2       Particular observations during the site inspections and the follow up actions taken by the Contractor are described below.

5 November 2014

(a)     An oil drum was placed inside a drip tray at the construction area near Site Entrance S9 but the drip tray was not placed on a horizontal surface. The drip tray for the oil drum was placed properly at the construction area near the Site Entrance S9. This observation was found on 31 October 2014 and closed on 5 November 2014.

(b)     General refuse was found at the construction area near Entrance S19. The general refuse and stagnant water were removed at S19. This observation was found on 31 October 2014 and closed on 5 November 2014.

(c)     Oil leakage was found under the excavator at Shun Tat 82. Drip tray and a stopper were provided for the excavator to prevent oil leakage at Shun Tat 82. This observation was closed on 12 November 2014.

(d)     Rubbish was found on the ground at N13. The rubbish was removed from the ground at N13. This observation was closed on 12 November 2014

(e)     Fill materials were observed dry at N13. Fill materials were compacted to reduce dust emissions at N13. This observation was closed on 12 November 2014

(f)      Stagnant water might accumulate in the recesses of concrete block at S11. The recesses of concrete block were filled up at S11. This observation was closed on 12 November 2014

(g)     The mechanical cover of dump truck (licence plate: CN920) was found broken at S15. The mechanical cover of dump truck (licence plate CN920) was repaired at S15. This observation was closed on 12 November 2014

(h)     The noise barriers were found broken at S25. The broken noise barriers were replaced at S25. This observation was closed on 12 November 2014

(i)      Three chemical containers were found without drip tray at S7. The chemical containers were removed at S7. This observation was closed on 12 November 2014

12 November 2014

(a)     Chemical drums were found without drip tray at N1. Chemical labels and drip tray were provided for the chemical drums at N1. This observation was closed on 19 November 2014.

(b)     Stagnant water was found inside a drip tray at S11. The drip tray was removed at S11 and no stagnant water was found on the ground. This observation was closed on 19 November 2014.

(c)     The drip tray for a water pump was found broken at S11. The broken drip tray for the water pump was replaced. This observation was closed on 19 November 2014.

(d)     Oil stain was found on the road surface at S16. The oil stain was removed from the road surface at S16. This observation was closed on 19 November 2014.

(e)     Stagnant water might accumulate inside the recesses of the concrete blocks at S19. The recesses of the concrete blocks were filled up at S19. This observation was closed on 19 November 2014.

(f)      Stagnant water was found inside the H-beam at S23. The stagnant water was removed from the H-beam at S23. This observation was closed on 19 November 2014.

(g)     The sand bags placed along the deck edge were incomplete and some broken sand bags were found at the deck edge. Sand bags were provided along the barge edge to prevent washing away of sand into the sea. This observation was closed on 19 November 2014.

19 November 2014

(a)   Accumulated rubbish was found inside a skip at N1. Waste skip and accumulated rubbish was removed at N1. This observation was closed on 28 November 2014.

(b)   A broken drip tray was found at N13. Broken drip tray was removed at N13. This observation was closed on 28 November 2014.

(c)   The chemical containers were found without chemical labels and drip tray at N4. Chemical containers were removed at N4. This observation was closed on 28 November 2014.

(d)   Dust emission was observed during excavation at S11. Water spay was provided during excavation at S11. This observation was closed on 28 November 2014.

(e)   Oil leakage was found from a drip tray without drain plug at S25. Stopper was provided for the drip trays for prevention oil leakage at S25. This observation was closed on 28 November 2014.

(f)    Stagnant water was found inside h-beam at S7. Stagnant water inside H-beams at S7 was removed. This observation was closed on 28 November 2014.

(g)   Muddy water was found in the outfall at S8-S9. Muddy water in the outfall at S8-S9 was pumped to wastewater treatment facilities. This observation was closed on 28 November 2014.

28 November 2014

(a)     Accumulated rubbish was found inside a skip at S19. The Contractor was reminded to remove the accumulated rubbish from the skip at S19.

(b)     Oil drum was found outside drip tray at N1. The Contactor was reminded to put the oil drum into drip tray at N1.

(c)     Chemical container was found without drip tray at N1. The Contractor was reminded to proved drip tray for the chemical container at N1.

The Contractor has rectified most of the observations as identified during environmental site inspections during the reporting month. Follow-up actions for outstanding observations will be inspected during the next site inspections. 

6.2.1       The Contractor registered as a chemical waste producer for the Project. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

6.2.2       Monthly summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix I. 

6.2.3       The Contractor was reminded that chemical waste containers should be properly treated and stored temporarily in designated chemical waste storage area on site in accordance with the Code of Practise on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes.

6.3.1       The valid environmental licenses and permits during the reporting month are summarized in Appendix K.

6.4.1       In response to the site audit findings, the Contractors carried out corrective actions.

6.4.2       A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix L.  Most of the necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly.

6.4.3       Regular marine travel route for marine vessels were implemented properly in accordance to the submitted plan and relevant records were kept properly.

6.4.4       Dolphin Watching Plan was implemented during the reporting month. No dolphins inside the silt curtain were observed. The relevant records were kept properly. 

6.5.1       No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP levels were recorded at all monitoring stations during the reporting month.

6.5.2       For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at the monitoring station during the reporting month.

6.5.3       For marine water quality monitoring, one Action Level exceedance of suspended solid level and one Limit Level exceedance of suspended solid level were recorded on 5 November 2014 during the reporting month.

6.6               Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

6.6.1       There were no complaints received during the reporting month. The details of cumulative statistics of Environmental Complaints are provided in Appendix J.

6.6.2       No notification of summons and prosecution was received during the reporting period.

6.6.3       Statistics on notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix M.


7        FUTURE KEY ISSUES

7.1.1       As informed by the Contractor, the major construction activities for December 2014 are summarized in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1          Construction Activities for December 2014

Site Area

Description of Activities

Portion X

Dismantling/Trimming of Temporary 40mm Stone Platform for Construction of Seawall

Portion X

Stone Column Installation

Portion X

Filling Works behind Stone Platform

Portion X

Band Drains Installation

Portion X

Construction of Seawall

Portion X

Loading and Unloading of Filling Material

Portion X

Temporary Stone Platform Construction

Portion X

Temporary Diversion of Existing Box Culvert

Portion X

Sheet Piling & Jet Grouting

Portion X

Excavation and Lateral Support Works at SHT C&CT

Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road

Works for Diversion of Airport Road and Kwo Lo Wan Road

Airport Express Line

Pre-grouting and Pipe Piling Works for AEL Access Shafts

Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road / Airport Express Line/East Coast Road

Utilities Detection

Airport Road / Airport Express Line/East Coast Road

Establishment of Site Access

Kwo Lo Wan Road

Excavation and Lateral Support Works at shaft 3 extension north shaft & south shaft

Airport Road

Pipe Piling Cofferdam Works for HAT West C&C tunnel

Portion Y

Access Shaft Construction for HAT Tunnel

Portion Y

Utility Culvert Excavation

West Portal

Excavation for Tunnel SHT

West Portal

Abutment Construction

West Portal/East Coast Road/ Kwo Lo Wan Road

Transformer Room Construction


7.2.1       The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring in December 2014 is provided in Appendix D.


 

8.1.1       The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Contract commenced on 17 October 2012.

Air Quality

8.1.2       No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP levels were recorded at all monitoring stations during the reporting month.

Noise

8.1.3       For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at the monitoring station during the reporting month.

Water Quality

8.1.4       For marine water quality monitoring, one Action Level exceedance of suspended solid level and one Limit Level exceedance of suspended solid level were recorded on 5 November 2014 during the reporting month.

Dolphin

8.1.5       During the November¡¦s surveys of the Chinese White Dolphin, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

8.1.6       Due to monthly variation in dolphin occurrence within the study area, it would be more appropriate to draw conclusion on whether any impacts on dolphins have been detected related to the construction activities of this project in the quarterly EM&A report, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period (September ¡V November 2014) and baseline monitoring period (3-month period) will be made.

Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

8.1.7       Environmental site inspection was carried out on 5, 12, 19 and 28 November 2014.  Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

8.1.8       There were no complaints received during the reporting month.

8.1.9       No notification of summons and prosecution was received during the reporting period.