6.1
In this section,
the types of wastes that are likely to be generated during the construction and
operation of the concrete batching plant have been identified. Potential environmental impacts associated
with the handling and disposal of these waste arisings are then assessed.
Mitigation measures and good site practices, including waste handling, storage
and disposal, are recommended with reference to the applicable legislation and
guidelines.
·
Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap.
354);
·
Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste)
(General) Regulation (Cap. 354);
·
Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Cap. 466).
6.3
Under the Waste
Disposal Ordinance (WDO), construction waste is classified as a trade waste and
the site contractor is responsible for its disposal. Under the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation
(Cap. 354) chemical waste includes scrap material and unwanted substances
specified under Schedule 1 of the Waste Disposal Regulation. Such materials are considered to have the
potential to cause serious environmental, health and safety hazards if they are
not stored and disposed of in an appropriate manner. If chemical wastes are to be generated, requiring handling,
storage and subsequent disposal, the contractor must register with EPD as a
chemical waste generator.
6.4
The criteria for
evaluating the potential waste management implications are set out in Annex 7 of the EIAO-TM. The method for
assessing potential waste management impacts during construction and operation
phases follows that presented in Annex 15
of EIAO-TM and includes the following:
Ÿ
estimation of the types and quantities of wastes generated;
Ÿ
assessment of potential secondary environmental impacts from the
management of solid waste with respect to potential hazards, air and odour
emissions, noise, wastewater discharges and traffic; and
Ÿ
impacts on the capacity of waste collection, transfer and disposal
facilities.
6.5
If not properly
managed, the handling and disposal of waste materials may cause environmental
nuisance and impacts. The nature of
each type of waste arising is discussed below, together with an evaluation of
the potential environmental impacts associated with the management of these
waste arisings.
Construction Phase
6.6
The proposed site
is on reclaimed land and therefore no site clearance or demolition works are
required. Small quantities of excavated
material will be generated from the minor earthworks required for the
foundation of the concrete batching plant and this will consist of reclamation
fill material. The volume of excavated
material is estimated to be approximately 1,200 m3. Considering the inert nature of the
excavated material, the material can be re-used at the site.
6.8
A concrete
recycling machine with a capacity of 20m3/hr will be installed
on-site to recycle concrete waste in order to reduce material consumption and
waste generation. Concrete waste
material will be broken down into slurry water and aggregates. Sludge will be generated during the
recycling process and will require off-site disposal.
6.9
The other waste
arising during the operational phase would be chemical wastes, such as
lubrication oil used by the loader, mixer truck and generator. The quantity of used lubrication oil is
estimated to be approximately 330 to 350 litres per month. The contractor is registered with the EPD as
a Chemical Waste Producer.
6.10
Diesel fuel will
be stored in drums and in a completely bunded area as per government safety
regulations. Used oils will be stored
in containers and disposed off-site by licensed contractors. Other mitigation and control requirements
for chemical wastes are detailed in Sections 6.14 to 6.16. Provided that the storage and disposal of
chemical wastes are in accordance with these requirements, adverse
environmental impacts are not expected.
6.11
The following
recommended storage, transportation and disposal measures to avoid or minimise
potential adverse impacts associated with the identified waste arisings should
be incorporated by the Contractor into an on-site waste management plan for the
construction phase.
Storage,
Collection and Transport of Waste
6.12
Permitted waste
hauliers should be used to collect and transport waste to the appropriate
disposal points. The following measures to minimise adverse impacts should be
instigated:
Ÿ
Handle and store waste in a manner which ensures that it is held
securely without loss or leakage, thereby minimising the potential for pollution;
Ÿ
Use waste hauliers authorised or licensed to collect specific
categories of waste;
Ÿ
Remove waste in a timely manner;
Ÿ
Maintain and clean waste storage areas regularly;
Ÿ
Minimise windblown litter and dust during transportation by either
covering trucks or transporting waste in enclosed containers;
Ÿ
Obtain the necessary waste disposal permits from the appropriate
authorities, if they are required, in accordance with the Waste Disposal
Ordinance (Cap 354), Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation (Cap
354), the Land (Miscellaneous Provision) Ordinance (Cap 28);
Ÿ
Dispose of waste at licensed waste disposal facilities;
Ÿ
Develop procedures such as a ticketing system to facilitate
tracking of loads, particularly for chemical waste, and to ensure that illegal
disposal of waste does not occur; and
Ÿ
Maintain records of the quantities of waste generated, recycled
and disposed.
6.13
Chemical waste
that is produced should be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice on
the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes as follows:
6.14
Containers used
for the storage of chemical waste should:
Ÿ
Be suitable for the substance they are holding, resistant to
corrosion, maintained in good condition, and securely closed;
Ÿ
Have a capacity of less than 450 litres unless the specifications
have been approved by the EPD; and
Ÿ
Display a label in English and Chinese in accordance with
instructions prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.
6.15
The storage area
for chemical waste should:
Ÿ
Be clearly labelled and used solely for the storage of chemical
waste;
Ÿ
Be enclosed on at least 3 sides;
Ÿ
Have an impermeable floor and bunding, of capacity to accommodate
110% of the volume of the largest container or 20% by volume of the chemical
waste stored in that area, whichever is the greatest;
Ÿ
Have adequate ventilation;
Ÿ
Be covered to prevent rainfall entering (water collected within
the bund must be tested and disposed as chemical waste if necessary); and
Ÿ
Be arranged so that incompatible materials are adequately
separated.
6.16
Disposal of
chemical waste should:
Ÿ
Be via a licensed waste collector; and
Ÿ
Be a facility licensed to receive chemical waste, such as the
Chemical Waste Treatment Facility which also offers a chemical waste collection
service and can supply the necessary storage containers; or
Ÿ
Be to a re-user of the waste, under approval from the EPD.
6.17
General refuse
should be stored in enclosed bins or compaction units separate from chemical
wastes. A reputable waste collector should be employed by the contractor to
remove general refuse from the site, on a daily or every second day basis to
minimise odour, pest and litter impacts. The burning of refuse on construction
sites is prohibited by law.
6.18 With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures on waste management practices and pollution control measures for the construction and operation phases of the concrete batching plant, adverse environmental impacts are not expected. No unacceptable residual impacts are expected provided that the recommended waste management mitigation measures for the Project are implemented.