The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd.
LAMMA POWER STATION
NAVIGATION CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
(APPENDIX 6)
Environmental Monitoring & Audit Manual
(Construction Phase)
January
2003
TABLE
OF CONTENT
1.2.1 Background to the
Project
1.3 Objectives of the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Programme
1.4 The Scope of the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Programme
1.5 Structure of the EM&A Manual
2 ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE
EM&A Programme
2.2.2 Engineer or Engineer’s
Representative
2.2.4 Independent Environmental Checker
3.7 Enquiries, Complaints and Requests for Information
4.6.1 Quality Assurance and Quality
Control
4.7 Marine Water Quality Monitoring Locations
5.3 Objectives of The Waste Audit
6.2 Compliance with Legal and Contractual Requirements
7.2 Baseline Monitoring Report
7.5 Record of Sounding Surveys
7.6 Electronic Reporting of EM&A
Information
7.8 Interim Notification of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances
Annexes
Annex
A Reporting
Documentation
Annex
B Implementation
Schedule
The purpose of this Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual is to provide information, guidance and instruction to personnel charged with environmental responsibilities and undertaking environmental monitoring and auditing work during the Lamma Power Station Navigation Channel Improvement (the Project). It provides systematic procedures for the monitoring and auditing of potential environmental impacts that may arise from the works.
1.2.1 Background to the Project
As the total dredging volume
exceeds 500,000m3, the dredging operation of the Channel improvement
is a designated project according to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Ordinance. Schedule 2, Part I, C.12.
The EIA report for the Project was prepared in response to the
Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-078/2001 issued by EPD on
23 July 2001.
The EIA study concluded that no
unacceptable or insurmountable impacts were expected from the proposed
development, provided that the recommended mitigation measures in the EIA
Report are adopted and implemented.
This EM&A Manual was prepared
as per the mitigation measures and environmental monitoring requirements
recommended in the EIA report.
The Hongkong
Electric Company Limited (HEC) is proposing to improve the existing navigation
channel in order to provide a safe shipping access to and from the Lamma Power
Station. The work involves re-deepening
the existing channel by dredging to a water depth of –16 mPD approximately with
an estimated total dredging volume of 2.98 million m3.
The Channel was first dredged to
–15.9 mPD (approximately) in 1981.
Maintenance of the Channel by means of dredging down to about –16.5 mPD
level was carried out in 1989-1990.
To cope with the updated vessel operation, the turning basin of the
Channel was enlarged by extending 250m southward in early 2001.
The Project Area is illustrated
in Figure 1.1. The grey area shows the limit of the Channel where dredging
will be required under this Project.
According to the latest bathymetric survey of the Channel, there is
already sufficient water depth in the remaining section of the Channel in the
south (beyond the grey area in Figure 1.1) and no dredging will be
required.
The dredging options for the
Project are continuous dredging using grab dredgers
with cage-type silt curtains or
intermittent dredging using one Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD). Either one of two dredging options will be deployed. The dredging work is tentatively
scheduled to take place from May to December 2003. Marine vessels will transport the dredged sediments to the
mud disposal sites approved by the Marine Fill Committee for disposal.
1.3
Objectives of the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Programme
The environmental impacts resulting from the Lamma Power Station Navigation Channel Improvement are studied and presented in the EIA Report. The Report also specifies the mitigation measures that need to be implemented to ensure compliance with the required environmental criteria; these mitigation measures and their implementation requirements are presented in the Implementation Schedule contained in Annex B of this Manual. The EIA Report recommends that environmental monitoring should be carried out for water quality. In addition, environmental audits for water quality and waste management issues are also required.
This Manual provides specific details of the EM&A requirements that have been recommended to ensure compliance with the mitigation measures specified in the EIA Report.
The main objectives of this EM&A programme are to:
· provide a database against which any short or long term environmental impacts of the Project can be determined;
· provide early indication should any of the environmental control measures or practices fail to achieve acceptable standards;
· monitor the performance of the Project and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures;
· verify the environmental impacts predicted in the EIA Study;
· determine the Project’s compliance with regulatory requirements, standards and government policies;
· take remedial action if unexpected problems or unacceptable impacts arise; and
· provide data against which environmental audits may be undertaken.
1.4
The Scope of the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Programme
The scope of this EM&A programme is to:
· establish baseline water quality levels at specified locations and review these baseline levels at specified period acceptable to the Authority;
· implement water quality impact monitoring programmes;
· implement audit requirements to address water quality and waste issues;
· liaise with and provide environmental advice (as requested or when otherwise necessary) to site staff on the comprehension and consequences of the EM&A programme;
· identify and resolve environmental issues and other functions as they may arise from the works;
· check and quantify the Contractor's overall environmental performance, implement Event and Action Plans (EAPs), and recommend and implement remedial actions to mitigate adverse environmental effects as they may arise from the works;
· conduct regular reviews of monitored impact data as the basis for assessing compliance with defined criteria and to ensure that necessary mitigation measures are identified, designed and implemented, and to undertake additional ad hoc monitoring and auditing as required by special circumstances;
· evaluate and interpret all environmental monitoring data to provide an early indication should any of the environmental control measures or practices fail to achieve the acceptable standards, and to verify the environmental impacts predicted in the EIA;
· manage and liaise with other individuals or parties concerning any other environmental issues deemed to be relevant to the construction process;
· conduct regular site audits of a formal or informal nature to assess:
- the level of the Contractors’ general environmental awareness,
- the Contractors’ implementation of the recommendations in the EIA Report,
- the Contractors’ performance as measured by the EM&A programme,
- the need for specific mitigation measures to be implemented or the continued usage of those previously agreed; and
- to advise the site staff of any identified potential environmental issues.
· submit regular EM&A reports which summarise project monitoring and auditing data, with full interpretation illustrating the acceptability or otherwise of any environmental impacts and identification or assessment of the implementation status of agreed mitigation measures.
1.5
Structure of the EM&A Manual
Following this introductory Section, the remainder of the Manual is set out as follows:
· Section 2 presents the organisation and structure for the management of the EM&A programme, outlines the various parties involved in the EM&A process, the notes and responsibilities of key individuals;
· Section 3 presents the EIA findings and sets out the EM&A general requirements;
· Section 4 details the requirements for baseline and impact monitoring for water quality, and lists relevant monitoring equipment, locations, compliance and Event and Action Plans (EAPs);
· Section 5 details the audit requirements with regard to waste management issues;
· Section 6 describes the scope and frequency of site auditing; and
· Section 7 details the EM&A reporting requirements.
In addition, Annex A provides samples for EM&A Reporting Documentation, and Annex B presents the summary of mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report in the form of an Implementation Schedule.
The Project requires that the Engineer appoint an Environmental Team (ET) before the commencement of construction of the Project. The roles of the ET are to conduct the monitoring and auditing works and to provide specialist advice to the Engineer on the undertaking and implementation of his environmental responsibilities.
The ET shall have previous relevant experience with managing similarly sized EM&A programmes and the Environmental Team Leader (ET Leader) shall be a recognised environmental professional, who has at least seven years relevant experience in environmental monitoring and auditing or environmental management.
To maintain strict control of the EM&A process, an independent environmental consultant shall be appointed to act as an "Independent Environmental Checker" (IEC) before the commencement of construction of the project. The IEC is to verify and validate the environmental performance of the Contractor and the Environmental Team. The IEC shall have at least seven years’ experience in EM&A or environmental management.
The Chief Engineer (Projects) (thereafter called CE(P)) is the official contact person between EPD and HEC. CE(P) shall be authorized to sign all submissions to the EPD in accordance with the requirements of the EM&A Manual.
The Engineer of HEC shall appoint appropriate members of the Project and resident site staff to manage and supervise the work of the Contractor, the Environmental Team (ET) Leader and its various specialist teams and other professional delegates.
An Environmental Team will be established in-house to implement the environmental monitoring work as required by this EM&A Manual.
An Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) will be appointed by HEC to audit and verify the overall environmental performance of the construction site and assess the effectiveness of the ET.
The organisation and management structure for the EM&A programme
is illustrated in Figure 2.1. The specific roles
and responsibilities of the various parties involved in the EM&A process
outlined above are further expanded upon in the following sections.
Reporting to the Engineer, the Contractor shall:
· work within the scope of the contract and other tender conditions;
· provide assistance to the ET in conducting the required environmental monitoring;
· participate in the site inspections undertaken by the ET, as required, and undertake any corrective actions instructed by the Engineer;
· provide information/advice to the ET or IEC regarding works activities which may contribute, or be contributing to the generation of adverse environmental conditions;
· implement measures to reduce impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded; and
· take responsibility and strictly adhere to the guidelines of the EM&A programme and complementary protocols developed by their project staff.
2.2.2 Engineer or Engineer’s Representative
The Engineer or Engineers Representative (ER) shall:
· monitor the Contractor's compliance with contract specifications, including the effective implementation and operation of environmental mitigation measures and other aspects of the EM&A programme;
· engage an ET to undertake the monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of the environmental monitoring and audit requirements outlined in this Manual;
· comply with the agreed Event and Action Plans in the event of any exceedance;
· employ an Independent Environmental Checker IEC to audit the results of the EM&A works carried out by the ET; and
· instruct the Contractor to follow the agreed protocols or those in the Contract Specifications in the event of exceedances or complaints.
The duties of the Environmental Team (ET) and Environmental Team Leader (ET Leader) are to:
· implement the EM&A programmes in accordance with the EM&A requirements as contained in this EM&A Manual;
· monitor the various environmental parameters as required by this or EM&A Manual;
· prepare Baseline Monitoring Report, Monthly EM&A reports and Final EM&A summary report for submission to the Authority;
· collect, analyse and statistically evaluate the EM&A monitoring data, with reference to the EIA Study recommendations, and to review the success of the EM&A programme by determining the adequacy of the mitigation measures implemented and the validity of the EIA predictions. Emphasis should be placed on identifying and resolving any adverse environmental impacts before they arise;
· conduct site inspections/investigate and inspect the Contractor's equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control and environmental mitigation, and to identify environmental issues that may require mitigation before the problem arises;
· audit the environmental monitoring data and report the status of the general site environmental conditions and the implementation of mitigation measures resulting from site inspections;
· certify the environmental acceptability of permanent and temporary works, relevant design, plans and submissions;
· monitor compliance with environmental protection clauses/specifications in the Contract;
· regularly review the project program and methodologies and comments as necessary;
· report on the environmental monitoring and audit results and the wider environmental issues (such as compliance with environmental and pollution prevention and control regulations) and conditions to the Engineer;
· adhere to the agreed protocols (contained in this EM&A Manual and/or those in the Contract Specifications) in the event of exceedances or complaints. For complaints, this will comprise the investigation of all complaints, and the evaluation and identification of suitable corrective measures;
· liaise with the IEC on all environmental issues performance matters, and the timely submission of relevant deliverables;
· advise the Contractor on environmental improvements, awareness, enhancement matters etc; and
· certify if necessary any additional mitigation measures or alternative measures that are required to be undertaken by the Contractor as the corrective actions to prevent adverse environmental impact arising from the Project.
2.2.4 Independent Environmental Checker
An Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) shall be appointed to independently audit and verify the overall environmental performance of the works and to assess the effectiveness of the ET in their duties. The IEC, who shall be independent from the management of the Project, shall advise the Engineer on the environmental issues related to the Project. The main objectives will be to:
· audit the overall EM&A programme including the implementation of all environmental mitigation measures, submissions relating to EM&A, and other submissions required under the Environmental Permit (EP);
· validate and confirm the accuracy of the monitoring results, monitoring equipment, monitoring locations, monitoring procedures and locations of sensitive receivers;
· conduct random site inspections;
· review the effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures and project environmental performance;
· review and verify the monthly EM&A Reports, Baseline Monitoring Report and Final EM&A Summary Report prepared by ET;
· verify the environmental acceptability of permanent and temporary works, relevant design plans and submissions, if any, under the EP;
· verify, if necessary, any additional mitigation measures or alternative measures to be undertaken by the Contractor as corrective actions to prevent adverse environmental impacts arising from the construction activities; and
· check complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures implemented by the Contractor and the ET in case of Action/Limit level exceedance.
2.3
Project Programme
The project programme would
tentatively commence in May 2003.
The duration of the project would be about eight months. The main activity for the project is
dredging. Marine vessels will
transport the dredged sediment to the mud disposal sites approved by the Marine
Fill Committee of the Civil Engineering Department.
3.1
Introduction
In this section, the
general requirements of the EM&A programme for the Lamma Power Station Navigation Channel
Improvement Project are presented. The recommended mitigation measures and
schedule for their implementation are detailed in Annex B.
The environmental issues associated with the Project which were identified during the EIA process will be addressed through the monitoring and controls specified in the EM&A Manual and contract.
The following sub-sections summarises the EM&A requirements
recommended in the EIA Report:
Using the Lamma Channel Model constructed from the
Lamma Power Station Extension EIA, the
potential WQ impact of the proposed dredging works in terms of SS levels has been
assessed. The elevation of the SS levels in the identified Sensitive Receivers is a
deciding factor of the maximum dredging rates for the two
dredging options.
The releasing potential of
the contaminants in the seabed sediment has been ascertained from a
purpose-designed Elutriation Test.
The WQ parameters examined include nitrogen nutrients, sediment oxygen
demand, heavy metals and micro-pollutants. For nitrogen nutrients and sediment
oxygen demand, the resulting pollution elevation or oxygen depletion modelled
was compared to the relevant WQOs.
Provided the dredging rates
do not exceed the recommended maximum rates, the SS elevation and oxygen
depletion will not lead to non-compliance with the local WQOs at all the WQSRs
except in the very vicinity of the dredging locations. Currently there is no statutory WQ
standard for Hong Kong’s marine environment in terms of heavy metals or
micro-pollutants. The predicted
elevation of the heavy metals and micro-pollutants in the receiving waters has
been compared to the standards in the EU, UK, USA and Japan. The increase in those pollution levels
resulting from the proposed Channel Improvement at the recommended maximum
dredging rates is well below the lowest values of the international standards
reviewed, and is not
considered to be of any concern.
At the
recommended maximum dredging rates, the sediment deposition rates are predicted
to be less than 0.01 kg/m2/day along the west coast of Lamma Island
and less than 0.001 kg/m2/day in the proposed South Lamma water for
both dredger options. These figures are well below the
level of any ecological concern.
In view of the importance of the dredging rates in controlling WQ, the
channel would be divided into four working zones for dredging. Each one has its own maximum dredging
rate for wet and dry seasons respectively (Annex B, Table B2 & Figure B2). If dredging work is carried out in more than one zone in any
day, the lowest rate in the affected zones will apply for that day. The dredging rates for each working
zones will be reported in the Monthly EM&A Report on a daily basis to
ensure that the maximum dredging rates will not be exceeded. The reporting of daily dredging rates
should indicate the type of dredgers used, i.e. grab dredger or trailer suction
hopper dredger, and the respective sizes of grab dredgers used.
No additional WQ mitigation measures are required as long as the maximum dredging
rates for respective dredgers recommended in this EIA are not exceeded. Nevertheless, a comprehensive WQ
monitoring (discussed in Section 4) will be carried out to verify the modelling
predictions. Should the WQ monitoring during the construction work indicate that any
exceedance of the WQOs is due to the dredging work, the maximum dredging
rates would be reviewed.
Literatures and studies on the marine and
coastal ecology of the Study Area has been reviewed in detail for this EIA and
supplemented with additional field surveys conducted on 10 December 2001. Of greatest
importance are the coastal stretches and waters off southern-south western
Lamma. The Finless Porpoise was considered
to be the key species potentially affected both directly and indirectly by
works given that the southern extent of the Study Area is considered to be an
important habitat, particularly in the period from February to April. Corals in this area are
extremely sparse and patchy and already showing signs of stress. Furthermore
they did not support significant reef communities and are of low ecological
value when put into the Hong Kong context.
To protect the marine and coastal ecology, it is
recommended that monitoring and audit focus on the source of the ecological
impacts i.e. dredging works and their WQ
impacts. By ensuring WQ does not
exceed WQOs for the area then ecological impacts can be prevented. This can be accomplished through
the water quality monitoring at the sensitive receivers around the study
area. Details of the water quality
monitoring will be discussed in Section 4.
Further, to avoid disruption to the finless porpoise population in the
southeastern coastal waters of Lamma Island, some mitigation measures as shown
in Annex B would be adopted.
An effective EM&A program through the on-site inspection will be
formulated to ensure that the mitigation measures will be fully
implemented. Hence, no ecological
monitoring and audit is required.
The environmental assessment of the Project predicted that the
recommended dredging rates at various working zones would prevent exceedance of
the Water Quality Objectives (WQOs).
As the dredging works are short term, small elevations in SS across the
study area are not expected to affect fishing activities. The mitigation measures as recommended
in the Marine Ecology would also help to minimise the impacts on fisheries
activities as well. In addition,
an intensive monitoring of water quality around the study area will be used to
verify EIA predictions. Details of
water quality monitoring are discussed in Section 4. As the EM&A requirements for fisheries impact will be
similar to those recommended in Water Quality and Marine Ecology, no specific
EM&A programmes is required for fisheries.
According to the EIA report, the noise impact of
this Project on the NSRs is negligible and the cumulative noise levels are
below the noise limits during normal working hours (07:00-19:00 on normal
weekdays). The same conclusions
apply to the restricted hours of 07:00-19:00 on holidays including Sundays and
19:00-23:00 on all days. The noise
impact will also comply with the noise limit for the restricted hours of
23:00-07:00 on all days for the TSHD option and also for the grab dredgers
option by scheduling the dredgers in working zones. As such, no noise monitoring for this project in particular
is necessary. However, a daily
logbook should be maintained to record the number and type of plants deployed
for audit purpose.
In
case justified noise complaints
are
filed, a near-field noise monitoring
programme for the dredgers
will be called into
action. This is to check if the sound power levels (SWL) of
the dredgers comply with that stipulated in the CNP. Should
the SWL of dredger exceed
that quoted in the CNP, appropriate action
would be taken to
remedy the situation.
The only source of waste generation is from the
dredging works. It is estimated
that a total of 2.98 million m3 of seabed sediment will be dredged
from the Channel over a 8-month
period from May to December 2003.
The elutriation test results concluded in the EIA report have shown that the concentration of all heavy metals and organic
micro-pollutants from the samples are below the level of concern. Therefore it is concluded that
the impact from heavy metals and organic micro-pollutants leaking from dredging
materials are of negligible quantities and will not be of
any
concern to the overall WQ. The dredged materials, classified as Category L
suitable for open sea disposal by EPD (cf letter ref (23)in EP 60/GI/12-293
dated 22/8/2001), will be disposed of at designated
marine dumping sites approved by the Marine Fill
Committee of the Civil Engineering Department. The contractor would obtain a valid dumping permit from the
Authority prior to the commencement of dredging work. Detail EM&A requirements on waste management will be
discussed in Section 5.
Based on the above summaries, the predominant environmental issues subject to EM&A are water quality and waste management. A broad description of the monitoring programme for these issues is provided in the following sections. The monitoring of the effectiveness of the mitigation measures will be achieved through this process as well as through site inspections. The inspections will include within their scope, mechanisms to review and assess the Contractor’s environmental performance, ensuring that the recommended mitigation measures have been properly implemented, and that the timely resolution of received complaints are managed and controlled in a manner consistent with the recommendations of the EIA.
The monitoring of environmental impacts shall be carried out by the Environmental Team; the monitoring work will comprise water quality impacts at representative sensitive receivers or strategic locations in the vicinity of the works. The monitoring programme for the Project is presented in Sections 4. Proper waste management is also required to ensure that the contractor will follow the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report. The specific requirements are presented in Section 5.
Action and Limit (A/L) Levels are defined levels of impact recorded by the environmental monitoring activities which represent levels at which a prescribed response is required. These levels are quantitatively defined later in the relevant sections of this manual and described in principle below:
· Action Levels: beyond which there is a clear indication of a deteriorating ambient environment for which appropriate remedial actions are likely to be necessary to prevent environmental quality from falling outside the Limit Levels, which would be unacceptable; and
· Limit Levels: statutory and/or agreed contract limits stipulated in the relevant pollution control ordinances, the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) or Environmental Quality Objectives established by the EPD. If these are exceeded, works should not proceed without appropriate remedial action, including a critical review of plant and working methods.
The purpose of the Event and Action Plans (EAPs) is to provide, in association with the monitoring and audit activities, procedures for ensuring that if any significant environmental incident (either accidental or through inadequate implementation of mitigation measures on the part of the Contractor) does occur, the cause will be quickly identified and remedied, and the risk of a similar event recurring is reduced. This also applies to the exceedances of A/L criteria identified in the EM&A programme.
In addition to monitoring water quality levels as a means of assessing the ongoing performance of the Contractor, the ET shall undertake regular site inspections and audits of on-site practices and procedures. The primary objective of the inspection and audit programme will be to assess the effectiveness of the environmental controls established by the Contractor and the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures recommended in the EIA.
Whilst the audit and inspection programme will undoubtedly complement the monitoring activity with regard to the effectiveness of water quality control, the criteria against which the audits shall be undertaken shall be derived from the clauses within the Contract Documents which seek to enforce the recommendations of the EIA and the established management systems.
The findings of site inspections and audits shall be made known to the Contractor at the time of the inspection to enable the rapid resolution of identified non-compliances. Non-compliances and the corrective actions undertaken shall also be reported in the monthly EM&A Reports.
Section 6 of this Manual presents details of the scope and frequency of on-site inspections and defines the range of issues that the audit protocols should be designed to address.
3.7
Enquiries, Complaints and Requests for Information
Enquiries, complaints and requests for information can be expected
from a wide range of individuals and organisations including members of the
public, Government departments, the press and television media and community
groups.
All enquiries concerning the environmental effects of the works, irrespective of how they are received, shall be reported to the Engineer and directed to the Contractor where necessary. The detailed complaints handling procedure is presented in Section 6.3.
Monthly reports shall be prepared by the Environmental Team and
verified by the Independent Environmental Checker. The monthly reports shall be prepared
and submitted within 2 weeks of the end of each calendar month. Additional details on reporting
protocols are presented in Section 7.
The EM&A work will be reviewed taking into account the experience
gained and the actual environmental conditions as and when required.
The ET shall continue to carry out EM&A work until the completion of the navigation channel improvement works.
In this section, the requirements, methodology, equipment, monitoring locations and mitigation measures for the monitoring and audit of water quality impacts from the Project are presented.
4.2
Methodology and
Criteria
Based on the recommendation in the
EIA report, marine water quality monitoring shall be carried out to ensure that
any deteriorating water quality is readily detected and that timely action is
taken to rectify the situation.
The appropriate water quality mitigation measures are outlined in the
Implementation Schedule (in Annex B of this EM&A Manual).
The objectives of the water quality monitoring programme are as follows:
· to determine the effectiveness of the operational controls and mitigation measures employed, and the need for supplementary mitigation measures; and
· to check compliance with relevant WQOs;
Parameters to be measured in situ are:
· Dissolved oxygen (DO) (% saturation);
· Dissolved oxygen (DO) (in mgL-1);
· Temperature (oC);
· Turbidity (NTU);
· Salinity (ppt);
· pH; and
· Water depth (m).
Parameter to be measured in the laboratory is:
· suspended solids (mg L-1);
In addition to the water quality parameters, other relevant data shall also be measured and recorded as follows:
· monitoring location/position;
· measurement depth;
· time;
· weather conditions,
·
sea conditions (where appropriate);
·
tidal stage (where appropriate);
· special phenomena and work activities at the site.
A sample monitoring record sheet is shown in Annex A.
For water quality monitoring, the following equipment shall be used to carry out the monitoring:
(a) Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Measuring Equipment
The instrument shall be a portable, weatherproof dissolved oxygen measuring instrument complete with cable, sensor, comprehensive operation manuals, and shall be operable from a DC power source. It shall be capable of measuring:
· dissolved oxygen levels in the range of 0 - 20 mg L-1 and 0 - 200% saturation; and
· a temperature of 0 - 45 degrees Celsius.
It shall have a membrane electrode with automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable of not less than 25 m in length. Sufficient stocks of spare electrodes and cables shall be available for replacement where necessary. (For example, YSI model 59 metre, YSI 5739 probe, YSI 5795A submersible stirrer with reel and cable or an approved similar instrument).
(b) Turbidity Measurement Equipment
Turbidity within the water shall be measured in-situ by the nephelometric method. The instrument shall be a portable, weatherproof turbidity-measuring unit complete with cable, sensor and comprehensive operation manuals. The equipment shall be operated from a DC power source, it shall have a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring turbidity between 0 - 1000 NTU and shall be complete with a cable with at least 25 m in length (Hach 2100P or an approved similar instrument).
(c) Water Depth Gauge
A portable, battery-operated echo sounder approved by the authority shall be used for the determination of water depth at each designated monitoring station. This unit shall either be hand-held or affixed to the bottom of the work boat if the same vessel is to be used throughout the monitoring programme.
(d) Salinity Measurement Instrument
A portable salinometer capable of measuring salinity in the range of 0 - 40 ppt shall be provided for measuring salinity of the water at each monitoring location.
(e) pH Measuring Instrument
A portable pH meter shall be provided for measuring pH of the water at each monitoring location.
(f) Water Sampling Equipment
A water sampler, consisting of a transparent PVC or glass cylinder of not less than two litres which can be effectively sealed with cups at both ends, shall be used (Kahlsico Water Sampler 13SWB203 or an approved similar instrument). The water sampler shall have a positive latching system to keep it open and prevent premature closure until released by a messenger when the sampler is at the selected water depth.
Water samples for SS
measurements shall be transferred directly to high density polythene sample bottles, packed in ice (cooled to 4 O C without being frozen),
and delivered to a HOKLAS laboratory as soon as possible after collection.
Should changes to the sampling equipment be required, approval from EPD
should be sought prior to their implementation.
(g) Positioning Device
A hand-held or boat-fixed type Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver shall be used during monitoring to ensure the monitoring vessel is at the correct location before taking measurements.
(a) All measuring equipment shall be checked, calibrated and maintained at intervals as recommended by the equipment manufacturers throughout all stages of the monitoring programme.
(b) Sufficient stocks of spare parts shall be maintained for replacements when necessary. Backup monitoring equipment shall also be made available so that monitoring can proceed uninterrupted even when equipment is under maintenance or calibration.
All laboratory work shall be carried out in a HOKLAS accredited laboratory. Water samples of about 1,000 mL shall be collected at the monitoring and control stations for carrying out the laboratory determinations. The determination work shall start within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. The analyses shall follow the standard methods according to Table 4.6a and as described in APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 17th Edition, unless otherwise specified.
Table 4.6a Analytical
Method to be Applied to Marine Water Quality Samples
Determinant |
Standard Method |