1.1.1
A residential development and a Wetland Nature
Reserve (“WNR”) (hereinafter collectively called the “Project”) is proposed to
be developed at existing fishponds at Lot 1457 R.P.,
D.D. 123 Fung
Lok Wai, (the Subject site). The Project comprises the following main
components: -
·
approximately 4.0 ha
of residential land for 148,000m2 GFA residential development and a
club house for residents;
·
approximately 76.1 ha of
enhanced and managed WNR, comprising enhanced fish ponds, marsh complex and
alternative egretry;
1.1.2
According to Item P of Part I, Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance,
the Project is classified as a Designated Project. Error! Reference source not found. shows the site
boundary and the proposed access road.
1.1.3
As part of the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) study for the Project, a Manual for guiding the setup
of an Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme to check the
implementation of the relevant environmental mitigation measures recommended in
the EIA is required. The EM&A
programme will be useful in providing a means to verify the effectiveness and adequacy
of the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA such that additional
mitigation measures or remedial action, if deemed necessary, can be formulated.
1.1.4
As part of the EIA study for
the Project, CH2M HILL Hong Kong Limited (the Consultant) has been
commissioned as the lead consultant to prepare this EM&A manual in
associated with RPS, Asia Ecological Consultant, ADI Ltd. and Archaeological
Assessments.
1.1.5
Through the EIA study for the
Project, a number of environmental mitigation measures are recommended to be implemented
during the construction and operational phases of the Project. These mitigation measures and their
implementation requirements are summarised in the Implementation Schedule
contained in Appendix I of this EM&A Manual.
1.1.6
In order to ensure that these
recommended environmental mitigation measures are fully and effectively
implemented, the EIA Report for the Project recommended the following:
·
Carrying out of EM&A works
with respect to construction dust and noise during the construction phase of
the Project;
·
Carrying out water quality
monitoring during the construction phase;
·
Carrying out landscape and
visual monitoring during the construction phase;
·
Checking of construction waste
management practices through an environmental audit process; and
·
Carrying out ecological
monitoring during the construction and operation phase.
1.1.7
These EM&A works are
recommended to be carried out by an Environmental Team (ET) formed before the
commencement of the construction works.
1.1.8
This Manual provide systematic
procedures for the carrying out of recommended monitoring and auditing works
for checking of potential environmental impacts which may arise from the
project. Mitigation measures recommended
in the EIA Report for each key environmental aspect are also summarised and
presented.
1.1.9
Environmental regulations
currently enforced in Hong Kong pertaining to
air quality, noise and waste, etc. and the recommendations given in the EIA
study report for the Project have been observed in the preparation of this
Manual.
1.2.1
The main objectives of the
EM&A programme include:
1.
To provide a database on
baseline environmental quality for subsequent checking of any short or long
term environmental impacts arising from the Project;
2.
To provide information at an
early stage for identification of potential problem areas and formulation of
additional environmental mitigation measures where necessary should any of the
environmental control measures or practices fail to achieve the target standards;
3.
To monitor the performance of
the Project from an environmental viewpoint and the sufficiency and
effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures;
4.
To verify the environmental
impacts predicted in the EIA Study for the Project;
5.
To determine compliance of the
Project with relevant regulatory standards, requirements and guidelines;
6.
To take remedial action should
unexpected problems or unacceptable impacts are identified;
7.
To provide baseline and compliance
monitoring data to assist the carrying out of effective environmental audits.
1.3.1
The recommended EM&A
programme in this Manual contains the following information:
1.
Duties of the Environmental Team
(ET) in the environmental monitoring and audit programme;
2.
Information on project
organisation, construction schedule and activities;
3.
Information on the tentative
construction programme and the necessary environmental monitoring and audit
programme to track the varying environmental impacts;
4.
Definition of Action and Limit
levels, and establishment of Event and Action Plans;
5.
Requirements of reviewing
pollution sources and work procedures in the event of non-compliance of the
environmental criteria;
6.
Requirements of presentation of
environmental monitoring and audit data and appropriate reporting procedures;
7.
An Implementation Schedule
(Appendix I) of the environmental mitigation measures recommended in the EIA
report for the Project;
8.
Record forms (Appendix II) to
be adopted where applicable during the construction phase of the Project.
1.3.2
The EM&A Manual shall be
regarded as an evolving document that should be updated when necessary in order
to maintain its relevance during the detailed design stage and/or the
construction phase (e.g. when alternative monitoring locations are
proposed). The updated EM&A Manual
shall be submitted to the ER and EPD for agreement.
2.1.1
The Subject Site is located at Lot 1457 R.P. in D.D. 123, Fung Lok Wai and the total
site area is about 80.1 ha. The about 4 ha residential site will be formed by
filling the fishponds at the southern part of the Subject Site with a WNR to be
established to its north. The access road connects the Project to the Yuen Long
Industrial Area through existing Fuk
Shun Street. Approximately half of the proposed
Fung Lok Wai Wetland Nature Reserve lies within the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay
Ramsar Site (Buffer Zone 1), with the remaining area within Buffer Zone 2. The
northern boundary adjoins the Inner Deep Bay Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI).
2.2.1
shows the tentative construction programme of
the Project. Construction activities are planned to commence in the 3rd
quarter of 2010 for
completion in the 3rd quarter of 2016. i.e. a total of about 6 years.
1.
First phase (3rd
quarter of 2010 to 2nd quarter of 2013) - establishment
of the Wetland Nature Reserve (WNR). Key construction activities to be carried
out include:
·
Relocating water from Sector 1,
Sector 2 and Sector 3 ponds at different phases;
·
Draining, removing bunds and
installing water controls at Sector 1, Sector 2 and Sector 3 of the WNR at
different phases;
·
Re-filling ponds at Sector 1,
Sector 2 and Sector 3 of the WNR;
·
Selective felling and
vegetation management at Sector 1, Sector 2 and Sector 3 of the WNR at
different phases;
·
Land formation and water
control structures construction of the Marshland area;
·
Habitat creation of the
Marshland area;
·
Constructing facilities of the
Marshland area, such as board walks, hides, toilets and shelters.
2.
Second phase (2nd
quarter of 2011 to 3rd quarter of 2016) - construction
works for development area. Key construction activities to be carried out are
listed below:
·
Site clearance for the
construction works for development area;
·
Pond draining and dredging at
built area;
·
Delivery of fill material by
trucks to the site;
·
Spreading and compaction of
fill material at built area;
·
Foundation and superstructure
works for buildings;
·
Construction of sewage pump house;
·
Laying of drainage, sewerage
and utilities;
·
Paving of internal access road.
3.
Third phase (4th
quarter of 2014 to 3rd quarter of 2016) – widening works
of the access road leading to the Project site. Key construction activities
include:
·
Site clearance and formation
for the widening of the Access Road leading to the site;
·
Laying of drainage, sewerage
and utilities;
·
Formation of road sub-base,
levelling and compaction;
·
Road paving and installation of
road furniture;
·
Construction of landscape
works;
·
Soft landscape establishment
works.
2.2.3
sets out the indicative boundary of the various site
portions.
2.3.1
The following areas, identified
in the EIA for this Project, will require EM&A during the construction or
operational phase:
·
Air Quality: construction dust
·
Noise Impact: construction
noise
·
Water Quality
·
Waste Management
·
Ecology
·
Landscape and Visual
3.1.1
The key parties in an EM&A
programme include the Contractor, the Engineer[1] or
the Engineer’s representative (ER)1, the Environmental Team (ET), the
Independent Checker (Environment) (IC(E)) and the Environmental Protection
Department (EPD). Sufficient and suitably qualified professional and technical
staff shall be employed by the respective parties to ensure full compliance
with their duties and responsibility, as required under the EM&A programme
for the duration of the project.
3.1.2
A typical construction phase
environmental monitoring and audit procedure is enclosed in Appendix III for
reference.
Environmental Team
3.1.3
An Environmental Team (ET)
shall be appointed to carry out the recommended EM&A works for the
Project. The ET shall not be in any way
an associated body of the Contractor. The ET shall be under the supervision of
the ET Leader
in fulfilling the EM&A duties specified in this Manual. The ET Leader shall plan, organise and manage
the implementation of the EM&A programme, and to ensure that the EM&A
works are undertaken to the required standards.
The ET Leader shall have relevant professional qualifications in
Environmental Sciences or Environmental Engineering, and possesses at least 7
years experience in EM&A and/ or environmental management.
3.1.4
The ET Leader shall be
responsible for the implementation of the EM&A programme in accordance with
the EM&A requirements specified in this Manual. The ET Leader shall keep a contemporaneous
log-book of each and every instance or circumstance or change of circumstances
which may affect the EIA and each and every non-compliance with the
Environmental Permit or the recommendations in the EIA report. This log-book shall be kept readily available
for inspection by the IC(E), and Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) or
his authorized officers. The ET shall
not be an associated body of the IC(E) in the project.
3.1.5
The board categories of woks of
the ET comprise the followings:
1.
Sampling, analysis and
statistical evaluation of monitoring parameters with reference to the EIA study
recommendations and requirements;
2.
Environmental site
surveillance;
3.
Audit of compliance with environmental
protection, and pollution prevention and control regulations;
4.
Monitor the implementation of
environmental mitigation measures;
5.
Monitor compliance with the
environmental protection clauses/specifications in the Contract;
6.
Review establishment, construction and operation programmes of the
Project and provide comments as necessary;
7.
Review work methodologies which
may affect the extent of environmental impact during the establishment,
construction and operation phases and comment as necessary;
8.
Complaint investigation,
evaluation and identification of corrective measures;
9.
Liaison with the Project
Independent Checker (Environmental) (IC(E)) on all environmental performance
matters, and timely submission of all relevant EM&A proforma for IC(E)’s
approval;
10.
Advice to the Contractor on
environmental improvement, awareness, enhancement matters, etc., on site; and
11.
Timely submission of the
EM&A report to the Project Proponent and the DEP.
3.1.6
In the event of any exceedance in
action/ limit levels, the ET shall immediately inform the IC(E), Engineer/ ER
and the Contractor so that appropriate remedial action can be undertaken by the
Contractor promptly. The ET is also
responsible for the preparation of the monthly EM&A reports for submission
to IC(E), the Contractor and the Engineer/ ER, and through the Engineer/ ER to
EPD. The ET shall assist the Contractor
and the Engineer/ ER in formulating any necessary corrective actions and/ or additional
mitigation measures, and liaising with relevant Government Departments where
necessary.
Independent Checker (Environment)
3.1.7
The Independent Checker
(Environment) (IC(E)) shall advise the ER on environmental issues related to
the project. The IC(E) shall not be in any
way an associated body of the Contractor or the ET for the Project. The IC(E)
shall be empowered to audit from an independently viewpoint the environmental
performance during the construction and operation of the Project. The IC(E) shall be a person who has at least
7 years’ experience in EM&A or environmental management. The IC(E) shall be responsible for the duties
defined in the Environmental Permit and this EM&A Manual, and shall audit
the overall EM&A programme, including the implementation of all
environmental mitigation measures, submissions required in this EM&A
Manual, and any other submissions required under the Environmental Permit. The IC(E) shall be responsible for verifying
the environmental acceptability of permanent and temporary works, relevant
design plans and submissions under the Environmental Permits. The IC(E) shall verify the log-book prepared
and kept by the ET Leader. The IC(E)
shall notify DEP by fax, within 24 hours of each and every occurrence, change
of circumstances or non-compliance with the EIA Report or the Environmental
Permit, which might affect the monitoring or control of adverse environmental
impact.
3.1.8
The main duty of the IC(E) is
to carry out independent environmental audit of the Project. This shall
include, inter alias, the followings:
1.
Review and audit in an
independent, objective and professional manner in all aspects of the EM&A
programme;
2.
Validate and confirm the
accuracy of monitoring results; appropriateness of monitoring equipment, monitoring
locations with reference to the locations of the nearby sensitive receivers,
and monitoring procedures;
3.
Carry out random sample check
and audit on monitoring data and sampling procedures, etc;
4.
Conduct random site inspection;
5.
Audit the EIA recommendations
and requirements against the status of implementation of environmental
protection measures on site;
6.
Review the effectiveness of
environmental mitigation measures and project environmental performance;
7.
On a need basis, verify and
certify the environmental acceptability of the construction methodology (both
temporary and permanent works), relevant design plans and submissions under the
environmental permit. Where necessary, the IC(E) shall agree in consultation with the ET Leader and the
Contractor the least impact alternative;
8.
Verify investigation results of
complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures;
9.
Verify EM&A report
submitted and certified by the ET Leader; and
10.
Feedback audit results to ET/ER
by signing according to the Event/ Action Plans specified in this EM&A
Manual.
The Contractor
3.1.9
The Contractor is responsible
for providing requested information to the ET in the event of any exceedance in
the environmental criteria (action/ limit levels) specified in this Manual or
other current environmental standards, and to rectify unacceptable
practices. The Contractor shall discuss
with the ET, IC(E) and ER on any additional mitigation measures identified to
be required by the ET and implement the agreed measures to alleviate any
identified environmental impact to acceptable levels. The Contractor shall report to the ET on the
actions taken targeting at environmental protection for inclusion in the monthly
report to be prepared by the ET.
The Engineer or the Engineer’s
Representative
3.1.10
The Engineer, or the ER shall
be responsible for overseeing the operations of the Contractor, the ET. He shall advise, co-ordinate and give
instruction when appropriate for efficient implementation of any specific
environmental mitigation measures identified to be required by the contractor,
and/or outstanding EM&A works required to be carried out by ET in
consultation with the IC(E). The ER
shall supervise the Contractor’s activities and ensure that the requirements in
the EIA Report and EM&A Manual are fully complied with. He shall inform the Contractor when action is
required to reduce impacts in accordance with the Event/ Action Plans. He shall
review the EM&A Reports submitted by the ET and follow up the
recommendations. He shall ensure that
the Contractor is implementing the environmental controls and mitigation
measures as set out in the EIA report and EM&A Manual, as well as
additional measures necessary for compliance with the relevant environmental
standards.
4.
Construction dust monitoring
4.1.1
Monitoring and audit of Total
Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels shall be carried out by the ET during the construction
phase of Road A, which include site formation, slope construction and
subsequent roadwork, to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be
readily detected and timely action taken to rectify the situation.
4.1.2
24-hour and 1-hour Total Suspended
Particulate (TSP) levels shall be measured according to the recommended
programme. 24-hour and 1-hour TSP levels
shall be measured by following the standard high volume sampling method as set
out in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50),
Appendix B.
4.1.3
Upon approval of the ER on the
advice of EPD, 1-hour TSP levels can alternatively be measured by direct
reading methods which are capable of producing comparable results as that by
the high volume sampling method, to indicate short event impacts. However, the ET should submit sufficient
information to the IC(E) and the ER to prove that the instrument is capable of
achieving a comparable result as that a High Volume Sampler (HVS) and maybe used
for 1-hr sampling.
4.1.4
All relevant data including
temperature, pressure, weather conditions, elapsed-time meter reading for the
start and stop of the sampler, identification and weight of the filter paper,
and other special phenomena and work progress of the concerned site etc. shall
be recorded down in details, where appropriate.
A sample data sheet is shown in .
4.2.1
Regarding the high volume
sampling method, HVS in compliance with the following specifications shall be
used for carrying out the 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring:
1.
0.6-1.7 m3/min.
(20-60 SCFM) adjustable flow range;
2.
Equipped with a timing/control
device with ±5 minutes accuracy for 24 hours
operation;
3.
Installed with elapsed-time
meter with ±2 minutes accuracy for 24 hours
operation;
4.
Capable of providing a minimum
exposed area of 406 cm2 (63 in2);
5.
Flow control accuracy: ±2.5% deviation over 24-hr sampling period;
6.
Equipped with a shelter to
protect the filter and sampler;
7.
Incorporated with an electronic
mass flow rate controller or other equivalent devices;
8.
Equipped with a flow recorder
for continuous monitoring;
9.
Provided with a peaked roof
inlet;
10.
Incorporated with a manometer;
11.
Able to hold and seal the filter
paper to the sampler housing at horizontal position;
12.
Easy to change the filter; and
13.
Capable of operating
continuously for 24-hr period.
4.2.2
If the ET proposes to use a
direct reading dust meter to measure 1-hr TSP levels, he shall submit sufficient
information to the IC(E) to prove that the instruments is capable of achieving
a comparable result as that the HVS and may be used for the 1-hr sampling. The
instrument shall also be calibrated regularly, and the 1-hr sampling shall be
determined periodically by HVS to check the validity and accuracy of the
results measured by direct reading method.
4.2.3
During the course of the
project, the ET is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. He
shall ensure that sufficient number of HVSs with an appropriate calibration
kit, and direct reading dust meters are available for the carrying out of
baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring.
4.2.4
The HVSs shall be equipped with
an electronic mass flow controller and be calibrated against a traceable
standard at regular intervals. All the
equipment, calibration kit, filter papers, etc. shall be clearly labelled.
4.2.5
Initial calibration of HVSs
shall be conducted upon installation and thereafter at bi-monthly
intervals. The transfer standard shall
be traceable to the internationally recognised primary standard and be
calibrated annually. The calibration data
shall be properly documented for future reference by the concerned parties such
as the IC(E). All the data should be
converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.
4.2.6
The flow-rate of the sampler
before and after the sampling exercise with the filter in position shall be
verified to be constant and be recorded down in the data sheet given in .
4.2.7
Wind data monitoring equipment
shall also be provided and set up at a conspicuous location for logging wind
speed and wind direction near to the dust monitoring locations. The location for equipment installation shall
be proposed by the ET and agreed with the ER and IC(E). For installation and operation of wind data
monitoring equipment, the following points shall be observed:
1.
The wind sensors should be
installed on masts at an elevated level 10m above ground so that they are clear
of obstructions or turbulence caused by the buildings;
2.
The wind data should be
captured by a data logger and to be downloaded for processing at least once a
month;
3.
The wind data monitoring equipment
should be re-calibrated at least once every six months; and
4.
Wind direction should be
divided into 16 sectors of 22.5 degrees each.
4.2.8
In exceptional situations, the
ET may propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon
approval from the ER and agreement from the IC(E).
4.3.1
A clean laboratory with
constant temperature and humidity control, and equipped with necessary
measuring and conditioning instruments, to handle the dust samples collected, shall
be available for sample analysis, and equipment calibration and
maintenance. The laboratory should be
HOKLAS accredited.
4.3.2
If a site laboratory is set up
or a non-HOKLAS accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory
analysis, the laboratory equipment shall be approved by the ER in consultation
with the IC(E) and the measurement procedures shall be witnessed by the IC(E)
and the ER. The ET shall provide the ER
with one copy of the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part
50), Appendix B for his reference.
4.3.3
Filter paper of size 8”x10”
shall be labelled before sampling. It
shall be a clean filter paper with no pinhole, and shall be conditioned in a humidity
controlled chamber for over 24-hr and be pre-weighed before use for the
sampling.
4.3.4
After sampling, the filter
paper loaded with dust shall be kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag.
The filter paper is then returned to the laboratory for reconditioning in the
humidity controlled chamber followed by accurate weighing by an electronic
balance with readout down to 0.1 mg. The
balance shall be regularly calibrated against a traceable standard.
4.3.5
All the collected samples shall
be kept in a good condition for 6 months before disposal.
4.4.1
The air quality impact
assessment presented in the EIA report indicated that the nearby air sensitive
receivers (ASRs) would not be subjected to adverse dust impact among all phases
of the project when standard dust mitigation measures are properly applied
onsite. The dust mitigation measures
have been recommended and shall be implemented by the Contractor in accordance
with the requirements under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust)
Regulation. The Contractor shall be
responsible for the design and implementation of the dust mitigation measures.
4.4.2
shows the locations of the proposed air quality monitoring
locations (AM1 to
AM 7) identified for the air quality monitoring for the three
phases of the construction programme as mentioned in Section 2.2.2. Table 4-1 summarizes the locations of air
quality monitoring stations. The appointed ET may like to propose alternative monitoring
locations taking into consideration of the latest status, availability and/or
accessibility of the various possible monitoring locations. The alternative monitoring locations proposed
by the ET shall be approved by the ER and agreed by IC(E).
Table 4‑1 Locations of Air Quality
Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station ID
|
Category
|
|
|
|
AM1
|
Phase 1
|
|
|
AM2
|
Phase 1
|
|
|
AM3
|
Phase 1
& 2
|
|
|
AM4
|
Phase 2
& 3
|
|
|
AM5
|
Phase 2
|
|
|
AM6
|
Phase 3
|
|
|
AM7
|
Phase 3
|
|
4.4.3
When alternative monitoring
locations are proposed, the following criteria should be followed as far as
practicable:
·
At the site boundary or such
locations close to the major dust emission sources;
·
Close to the sensitive receptors;
and
·
Take into account the
prevailing meteorological conditions.
4.4.4
The ET Leader shall agree with
the ER in consultation with the IC(E) on the position of the HVSs for
installation of the monitoring equipment. When positioning the samplers, the following
points shall be noted:
·
A horizontal platform with
appropriate support to secure the samplers against gusty wind should be
provided;
·
No two samplers should be
placed less than 2 meter apart;
·
The distance between the
sampler and an obstacle, such as buildings, must be at least twice the height
that the obstacle protrudes above the sampler;
·
A minimum of 2 metres of
separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop
samplers;
·
A minimum of 2 metre separation
from any supporting structure, measured horizontally is required;
·
No furnace or incinerator flue
is nearby;
·
Airflow around the sampler is
unrestricted;
·
The sampler is more than 20
metres from the dripline;
·
Any wire fence and gate, to
protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during monitoring;
·
Permission must be obtained to
set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring stations; and
·
A secured supply of electricity
is needed to operate the samplers.
4.5.1
Baseline monitoring shall be carried
out by the appointed ET Leader at all of the designated monitoring locations
for at least 14 consecutive days to obtain daily 24-hr TSP samples. 1-hr sampling shall also be done at least 3
times per day during daytime when there are planned construction
activities. The ET Leader should inform
the IC(E) of the baseline monitoring programme before commencement such that
the IC(E) can conduct on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the baseline
monitoring results.
4.5.2
During the baseline monitoring,
there should not be any dust generation construction activities in the vicinity
of the monitoring stations arising from the subject site.
4.5.3
In case the baseline monitoring
cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring locations during the baseline
monitoring period, the ET Leader shall carry out the monitoring at alternative
locations which can effectively represent the baseline conditions at the impact
monitoring locations. The alternative
baseline monitoring locations shall be approved by the ER and agreed with
IC(E).
4.5.4
In exceptional cases, when
insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the
ET Leader shall liaise with the IC(E) and EPD to agree on an appropriate set of
data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to ER for approval.
4.5.5
If the ET Leader considers that
the ambient conditions have been changed and a repeat of the baseline
monitoring is required to be carried out for obtaining the updated baseline
levels, the monitoring should be carried out at times when the contractor’s
activities are not generating dust in the proximity of the monitoring
station. Should change in ambient
conditions be determined, the baseline levels and, in turn, the air quality criteria,
should be revised. The revised baseline
levels and air quality criteria should be agreed with the IC(E) and EPD.
4.6.1
The ET Leader shall carry out
impact monitoring during the course of the construction works at the
recommended dust monitoring station. For
regular impact monitoring, a sampling frequency of at least once in every
six-days shall be followed at the selected monitoring stations for 24-hr TSP
monitoring. The specific time to start
and stop the 24-hr TSP monitoring shall be clearly defined and be strictly
followed by the operator. Before
commencement, the ET Leader shall inform the IC(E) of the impact monitoring
programme such that the IC(E) can conduct on-site audit to ensure accuracy of
the impact monitoring results.
4.6.2
For 1-hr TSP monitoring, a sampling
frequency of at least three times in every six-days shall be undertaken
during the hours when the highest dust impact is predicted to occur based on
the nature of the construction works.
The Contractor shall inform the ER, IC(E) and ET Leader in advice the
time when blasting activities are planned for the team to formulate the dust
monitoring programme accordingly. The
1-hr TSP monitoring can be undertaken on the same day as the 24-hr TSP
monitoring.
4.6.3
In case of non-compliance with
the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring exercise, as specified in
the following section, shall be conducted within 24 hours after the result is
obtained. This additional monitoring
shall be continued until the excessive dust emission or the deterioration in
air quality is rectified.
4.7.1
The baseline monitoring results
form the basis for determining the air quality criteria for the impact
monitoring. The ET shall compare the
impact monitoring results with air quality criteria set up for 24-hour TSP and
1-hour TSP. Table 4-2 shows the
air quality criteria, namely Action and Limit levels to be used. Should non-compliance of the air quality
criteria occurs, the ET shall undertake the relevant action in accordance with
the Action Plan in Table 4-3.
Table 4‑2 Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality
|
Parameters
|
Action
|
Limit
|
|
24 Hour TSP Level in mg/m³
|
For baseline level £ 200 mg/m³, Action level = (Baseline level x 1.3 + Limit
level) /2;
For baseline level > 200 mg/m³, Action level = Limit level;
|
260 mg/m³
|
|
1 Hour TSP Level in mg/m³
|
For baseline level £ 384 mg/m³, Action level = (Baseline level x 1.3 + Limit
level) /2;
For baseline level > 384 mg/m³, Action level = Limit level;
|
500mg/m³
|
Table 4‑3 Event/Action Plan for Air Quality
|
|
ACTION
|
|
EVENT
|
ET Leader
|
IC(E)
|
ER
|
CONTRACTOR
|
|
ACTION
LEVEL
|
|
Exceedance for one sample
|
1. Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose
remedial measures
2. Inform ER, IC(E) and Contractor
3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding
4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily
|
1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET
2. Check Contractor’s working method
|
1. Notify Contractor
|
1. Rectify any unacceptable practice
2. Amend working methods if appropriate
|
|
Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples
|
1. Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose
remedial measures
2. Inform ER, IC(E) and Contractor
3. Repeat measurements to confirm findings
4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily
5. Discuss with IC(E) and Contractor on remedial actions
6. If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IC(E) and ER
7. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring
|
1. Checking monitoring data submitted by ET
2. Check Contractor’s working method
3. Discuss with ET Leader and Contractor on possible remedial measures
4. Advise the ER on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures
5. Supervisor implementation of remedial measures
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing
2. Notify Contractor
3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented
|
1. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IC(E) within 3 working days
of notification
2. Implement the agreed proposals
3. Amend proposal if appropriate
|
|
LIMIT LEVEL
|
|
Exceedance for one sample
|
1. Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose
remedial measures
2. Inform ER, EPD, IC(E) and Contractor
3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding
4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily
5. Assess effectiveness of Contractor's remedial actions and keep IC(E),
EPD and ER informed of the results
|
1. Checking monitoring data submitted by ET
2. Check Contractor’s working method
3. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures
4. Advise the ER on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures
5. Supervisor implementation of remedial measures
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing
2. Notify Contractor
3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented
|
1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance
2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IC(E) within 3 working days
of notification
3. Implement the agreed proposals
4. Amend proposal if appropriate
|
|
Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples
|
1. Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose
remedial measures
2. Notify ER, EPD, IC(E) and Contractor
3. Repeat measurement to confirm findings
4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily
5. Carry out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures to determine
possible mitigation to be implemented
6. Arrange meeting with IC(E) and ER to discuss the remedial actions to
be taken
7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor's remedial actions and keep IC(E),
EPD and ER informed of the results
8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring
|
1. Discuss amongst ER, ET and Contractor on the potential remedial
actions
2. Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their
effectiveness and advise the ER accordingly
3. Supervise the implementation of remedial measures
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing
2. Notify Contractor
3. In consultation with the IC(E), agree with the Contractor on the remedial
measures to be implemented
4. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented
5. If exceedance continues, consider what portion of the work is
responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that portion of work until
the exceedance is abated
|
1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance
2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IC(E) within 3 working days
of notification
3. Implement the agreed proposals
4. Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control
5. Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by the ER until the
exceedance is abated
|
4.8
Dust Mitigation Measures
4.8.1
The EIA report has recommended
various dust control and mitigation measures.
The following measures are specifically recommended for implementation
together with those presented in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust)
Regulation.
General Site Works
1.
Use appropriate working methods
to minimize dust emission;
2.
Ensure all dust control system
are properly functioning during construction operation;
3.
Twice daily watering of all
dust emission sources, adjust frequency depending on meteorological conditions;
4.
Provide hard paved surface for site
area with regular vehicular movements;
5.
Impose a speed limit of 10km/hr
for dump trucks and other vehicles traveling on unpaved site roads;
6.
Cover side and tail boards of
dusty trucks with tarpauline which extends at least 300m over edges of side and
tail boards;
7.
Provide wheel-wash troughs and
hoses at exit points of site;
8.
Arrange truck to unload filling
material to drained ponds directly without stockpiling at site;
9.
Keep filled ponds and stockpile
wet by water spraying;
10. Side enclosure and covering, where practicable, of any aggregate or
other dusty material storage piles to reduce emissions;
11. All dusty material should be sprayed with water immediately prior to
any loading, unloading or transfer operation to minimise dust emission;
12. Instigation of a programme to monitor the construction process in
order to enforce controls and modify methods of work if dusty conditions arise;
and
13. Phasing of dusty construction activities to control dust generation
during the construction period.
4.8.2
The effectiveness of these dust
control measures shall be checked by the EM&A requirements recommended in
the above section. If the measures
adopted and implemented by the contractor are found not be sufficient to keep
dust levels within acceptable levels, the Contractor shall liaise with the ET
Leader on the implementation of some other mitigation measures. The additional
dust mitigation measures shall be approved by the ER before implementation.
5.1.1
The construction noise level
shall be measured in terms of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound
pressure level (LAeq). LAeq(30
min.) shall be used as the monitoring parameter for the time period
between 0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays.
For all other time periods, LAeq(5 min) shall be employed for
comparison with the NCO criteria.
5.1.2
As supplementary information
for data auditing, statistical results such as L10 and L90
shall
also be obtained for reference. A sample data record sheet is shown in for reference.
5.2.1
As referred to in the Technical
Memorandum issued under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO), sound level meters
in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications
651: 1979 (Type 1) and 804: 1985 (Type 1) specifications shall be used for
carrying out the noise monitoring.
Immediately prior to and following each noise measurement, the accuracy
of the sound level meter shall be checked using an acoustic calibrator
generating a known sound pressure level at a known frequency. Measurements may be accepted as valid only if
the calibration levels before and after the noise measurement agree to within
1.0dB.
5.2.2
Noise measurements should be
made in accordance with standard acoustical principles and practices in
relation to weather conditions.
5.2.3
The ET Leader is responsible for
the availability of the monitoring equipment.
He shall ensure that sufficient noise measuring equipment and associated
instrumentation are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular
impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring.
All the equipment and associated instrumentation shall be clearly
labelled.
5.3.1
The proposed locations for noise monitoring for the
three phases of the construction programme as mentioned in Section
2.2.2, namely NM1 to NM7, are shown in and
summarized in Table 5-1.
Table 5‑1 Locations of Construction Noise
Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station ID
|
Category
|
|
|
|
NM1
|
Phase 1
|
|
|
NM2
|
Phase 1
|
|
|
NM3
|
Phase 1
& 2
|
|
|
NM4
|
Phase 2
& 3
|
|
|
NM5
|
Phase 2
|
|
|
NM6
|
Phase 3
|
|
|
NM7
|
Phase 3
|
|
5.3.2
The appointed ET Leader may
like to propose alternative monitoring locations based on consideration of the latest
status, availability and/or accessibility of the various possible monitoring
locations. Alternative monitoring locations proposed by the ET Leader shall be
approved by the ER and agreed by EPD and the IC(E).
5.3.3
When alternative monitoring locations
are proposed, the monitoring locations should be chosen based on the following
criteria:
·
At locations close to the major
site activities which are likely to have noise impacts;
·
Close to the noise sensitive
receivers; and
·
For monitoring locations located
in the vicinity of the sensitive receivers, care should be taken to cause
minimal disturbance to the occupants during monitoring.
5.3.4
The monitoring station shall
normally be at a point 1m from the exterior of the sensitive receivers building
facade and be at a position 1.2m above ground.
If there is problem with access to the normal monitoring position, an
alternative position may be chosen, and a correction to the measurements shall
be made. For reference, a correction of
+3dB(A) shall be made to free field measurement data. The ET Leader shall agree with the IC(E) on
the monitoring position and the corrections adopted. Once the positions for the monitoring
stations are chosen, the baseline monitoring and the impact monitoring shall be
carried out at the same positions.
5.4.1
Baseline monitoring shall be carried out by the ET prior to the
commencement of the construction works.
The baseline monitoring shall be carried out daily for a period of at
least two weeks. A schedule on the
baseline monitoring for construction noise shall be submitted to the ER for
approval before the commencement of the monitoring.
5.4.2
There shall not be any construction activities in the vicinity of the
stations during the baseline monitoring.
5.4.3
In exceptional cases, such as insufficient baseline monitoring data or
questionable results are obtained, the ET Leader shall liaise with IC(E) and
EPD for agreement on an appropriate set of data to be used as the baseline reference
and submit to the ER for approval.
5.5.1
Noise monitoring shall be
carried out by the ET at the selected representative noise monitoring
stations. The following is an initial
guide on the regular monitoring frequency for each station on a per week basis
when noise generating activities are underway:-
(a) one set of measurement between 0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays
(i.e. Monday to Saturday);
(b) one set of measurement between 1900-2300 hours;
(c) one set of measurement between 2300-0700 hours of next day; and
(d) one set of measurement between 0700-1900 hours on holidays.
5.5.2
For the measurements (b), (c) and (d) above, one set of measurement
shall at least include 3 consecutive Leq(5min) results for construction works to
be carried out during restricted hours.
General construction work carrying out during restricted hours is
controlled by construction noise permit (CNP) system under the NCO. Without a valid
construction noise permit (CNP) issued by EPD under Noise Control Ordinance
(NCO), no construction work shall be carried out during restricted hours. Once a
valid CNP for the construction activities is issued by EPD, the ET Leader shall
be appointed to carry out additional noise measurements and the IC(E) shall
also be appointed to carry out additional site investigations and audits during
the restricted hours specified in the CNP.
5.5.3
Moreover, the ET Leader shall
propose an additional noise monitoring schedule certified by the IC(E) to the
ER for approval before the commencement of the construction works during the
restricted hours.
5.5.4
In case of non-compliance with
the construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring as specified in the
Action shall be carried out. This additional
monitoring shall be continued until the recorded noise levels are rectified or
proved to be irrelevant to the construction activities.
5.6.1
The Action and Limit Levels for
construction noise are defined in Error! Reference source not found.. In case that a valid CNP is issued by EPD,
the Action Level is the same as the non-restricted hours and the Limit Level
shall be the same as the standard stated in the CNP.
5.6.2
Should non-compliance of the
criteria occurs, actions in accordance with the Action Plan as shown in Table5-3 should be carried out.
Table 5‑2 Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise
|
Time
Period
|
Action
|
Limit
|
|
0700-1900
hrs on normal weekdays
|
When
one documented complaint is received
|
75*
dB(A)
|
|
Restricted
hours
|
Same
as CNP
|
* Reduce to 70dB(A) for schools and
65dB(A) during school examination periods.
Table 5‑3 Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise Monitoring
|
|
ACTION
|
|
EVENT
|
ET
Leader
|
IC(E)
|
ER
|
CONTRACTOR
|
|
ACTION LEVEL
|
|
Action Level
|
1.
Notify
ER, IC(E) and Contractor
2.
Carry
out investigation
3.
Report
the results of investigation to the ER, IC(E) and Contractor
4.
Discuss
with the IC(E) and Contractor, and formulate remedial measures
5.
Increase
monitoring frequency to check mitigation effectiveness
|
1.
Review
the analysed results submitted by the ET
2.
Review
the proposed remedial measures by the Contractor and advise the ER
accordingly
3.
Supervise
the implementation of remedial measures
|
1.
Confirm
receipt of notification of failure in writing
2.
Notify
Contractor
3.
Require
Contractor to propose remedial measures fro the analysed noise problem
4.
Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented
|
1.
Submit
noise mitigation proposals to IC(E)
2.
Implement
noise mitigation proposals
|
|
Limit Level
|
1.
Notify
IC(E), ER, EPD and Contractor
2.
Identify
source
3.
Repeat
measurement to confirm findings
4.
Increase
monitoring frequency to daily
5.
Carry
out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible
mitigation to be implemented
6.
Inform
IC(E), ER and EPD the causes & actions taken for the exceedances
7.
Assess
effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IC(E), EPD and ER
informed of the results
8.
If
exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring
|
1.
Discuss
amongst ER, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions
2.
Review
Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their
effectiveness and advise the ER accordingly
3.
Supervise
the implementation of remedial measures
|
1.
Confirm
receipt of notification of failure in writing
2.
Notify
Contractor
3.
Require
Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem
4.
Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented
5.
If exceedance
continues, consider what portion of the work is responsible and instruct the
Contractor to stop that portion of work until the exceedance is abated
|
1.
Take
immediate action to avoid further exceedance
2.
Submit
proposals for remedial actions to IC(E) within 3 working days of notification
3.
Implement
the agreed proposals
4.
Resubmit
proposals if problem still not under control
5.
Stop
the relevant portion of works as determined by the ER until the exceedance is
abated
|
5.7.1
The EIA report has recommended
various construction noise control and mitigation measures. These are
summarised below for easy reference. The
Contractor shall be responsible for
5.7.2
Noise emissions from construction
sites can be minimised by adopting a number of practicable noise mitigation
options, such as:
·
Use of quiet/silenced
equipment;
·
Erecting temporary noise
barriers and Provision of Noise Enclosure;
·
Phasing of the Construction
Activities for the Blasting Restricted Area during Site Formation; and
·
Good site practice and noise
management.
Selecting Quiet/ Silenced PME
5.7.3
Quiet types of equipment for
use in construction activities are available in Hong Kong. It is advised that the contractor should diligently
seek equivalent models of quiet/ silenced PMEs with SWLs similar to or less than
that as presented in the EIA report as far as practicable.
5.7.4
For the types of equipment
presented in Table 5-4 that are likely required in the construction works of the
Project, quiet/silenced plant with SWL that is similar or less than that
presented shall be adopted as far as possible.
Table 5‑4 Quiet/ Silenced
Equipment Inventory
|
Powered Mechanical Equipment
|
SWL of quiet/silenced PME, dB(A)
|
|
Bulldozer
|
104
|
|
Excavator
|
104
|
|
Compactor
|
105
|
|
Dump
truck
|
103
|
|
Grader
|
110
|
|
Piling,
large diameter bored, oscillator
|
115
|
|
Piling,
large diameter bored, reverse circulation drill
|
100
|
|
Generator
|
95
|
|
Mobile
crane
|
101
|
|
Concrete
lorry mixer
|
100
|
|
Concrete
pump
|
109
|
|
Compressor
|
100
|
|
Hoist,
Material
|
95
|
|
Crane (Tower)
|
95
|
|
Steel
bending machine
|
90
|
|
Vibratory
poker
|
98
|
|
Trench
compactor
|
105
|
|
Lorry
|
101
|
|
Asphalt
paver
|
101
|
|
Road
roller
|
101
|
Use of Temporary Noise Barriers and
Acoustic Enclosures
5.7.5
The erection of temporary mobile noise
barriers between noise sources and NSRs will be effective in reducing the potential
construction noise impact, especially for the low-rise village huts which are
the target NSRs to be protected.
5.7.6
The erection of noise barriers
between noise sources and NSRs will be effective in reducing the noise impact,
especially for low-rise residential premises.
When required, temporary barriers of sufficient height (typically 3-5m
high depending on the size of the machines that need to be screened) can be
erected within a few metres from stationary plants, and at practicable distance
from mobile plants operating over a small area or using a well defined route,
to alleviate the construction noise impact. The minimum effective height of the
noise barriers should be such that no part of the noise source will be visible
from the target NSRs to be protected. The guidelines contained in the Booklet
entitled “A Practical Guide for the
Reduction of Noise from Construction Works” issued by EPD have recommended
the design of the temporary acoustic barriers. Barriers/enclosures should have
no openings or gaps, and preferably have a superficial surface density of at
least 10 kg/m2. The locations of the temporary noise barriers shall
be adjusted where necessary taking into consideration the locations of the
noise sources and the NSRs intended to be protected.
5.7.7
Particular attention should be drawn to bored
piling works at the residential area where they are considered the major
construction noise sources. Noise barriers are recommended to be erected close
to the stationary point of piling works during piling to alleviate the
potential noise impact to the adjacent village huts.
5.7.8
To the NSRs along Fuk Shun Street which are represented by
NM4, the widening works of access road is considered the major noise nuisance
during the construction phase. Considering the close proximity of the village
huts (NM4) to the construction site of access road, setting up of a noise
barrier with approximate 3m height between the noise source and those village
huts along Fuk Shun Street
is considered necessary during the construction works of access road.
5.7.9
The contractor shall provide
the designs of such noise barriers/acoustic enclosures certified by the ET
Leader and verified by the IC(E) to EPD for approval prior to the commencement
of the construction works.
Other
Recommended Noise Mitigation Measures
5.7.10
To be prudent in the
construction noise management, the following additional noise mitigation and
good site practices are also recommended for implementation.
1.
The Contractor shall comply
with and observe the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) and its current subsidiary
regulations;
2.
Before the commencement of any
work, the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer for approval the method of
working, equipment and sound-reducing measures intended to be used at the site;
3.
The Contractor shall devise and
execute working methods that will minimise the noise impact on the surrounding
environment; and shall provide experienced personnel with suitable training to ensure
that these methods are implemented;
4.
Only well-maintained plants
should be operated on-site;
5.
Plants should be serviced
regularly during the construction programme;
6.
Machines that may be in intermittent
use should be shut down or throttled down to a minimum between work periods;
7.
Methods of noise reduction
suggested in BS 5228 Part I: 1997 should be referred. For example, silencer and mufflers on
construction equipment should be utilised and should be properly maintained
during the construction programme;
8.
Noisy activities can be
scheduled to minimise exposure of nearby NSRs to high levels of construction
noise. For example, noisy activities can be scheduled for midday or at times
coinciding with periods of high background noise (such as during peak traffic
hours);
9.
Noisy equipment such as
emergency generators shall always be sited as far away as possible from noise
sensitive receivers;
10.
Mobile plants should be sited as
far away from NSRs as possible; and
11.
Material stockpiles and other
structures should be effectively utilised as noise barrier, where practicable.
6.1.1
The Subject
Site is surrounded by existing fishponds. The Shan
Pui River
and the Tai River are to the east and west of the
Subject Site respectively. The Inner
Deep Bay
area is at the northern side of Subject Site. Potential water quality impact on
these inland water bodies during the construction and operation of the Project
should be minimised.
6.1.2
The
Contractor shall adopt the Best Management Practices (BMPs) in controlling
potential water pollution through following the guidelines for handling and
disposal of construction site drainage as detailed in EPD’s ProPECC Note PN1/94
Construction Site Drainage during the
construction phase. During the
operational phase, the control measures recommended in the EIA as well as in
the Habitat Creation and Management Plan should be implemented.
6.1.3
Water quality monitoring at designated locations in the nearby inland
water bodies are proposed to be carried out during the construction phase to
monitor any sub-standard water discharge into the nearby water bodies from the
site.
6.1.4
Furthermore, since the Subject Site is located in the vicinity of the WNR,
water quality monitoring shall be conducted in the vicinity of the fishpond
areas during both construction and operational phases which contribute to one
of the criteria for ensuring the overall ecological impacts are within
acceptable levels. Details of the ecological monitoring programme
are presented in Section 9 of this EM&A Manual.
6.2.1
Required
construction activities of the development will mainly be land-based. Potential water quality impact could be resulted
from runoff loaded with suspended particulate or other contaminants. The ET should carry out spot check to ensure
that the Contractor has undertaken all recommended control measures to prevent
direct contact of pollutants with rainwater or runoff, and measures to abate
contaminants in the stormwater runoff.
6.2.2
The
parameters
shown in Table 6‑1 are
recommended to be recorded/ monitored in the routine monitoring programme.
Table
6‑1 Water Quality Parameters
|
Phase
|
Water Quality Parameters
|
|
Construction
|
·
Temperature (°C)
·
pH (pH unit)
·
Turbidity (NTU)
·
Water Depth (m)
·
Salinity (mg/L)
·
Dissolved oxygen (DO) (mg/L and
% of saturation)
·
Suspended solids (SS) (mg/L)
|
6.2.3
It is
recommended to carry out sampling at least three times per week to measure turbidity,
suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and water temperature at a
number of control and monitoring locations recommended below. The monitoring frequency required shall be
reviewed after the first three months and regularly thereafter.
6.2.4
In association, other relevant
data such as monitoring locations/positions, time, water depth, water
temperature, salinity, weather conditions, sea conditions, tidal stage and any
special phenomena and work underways should be recorded. A sample monitoring
record sheet is shown in for reference.
6.3.1
All monitoring equipment shall
be provided by the ET and approved by the ER in consultation with the IE(C).
Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Measuring Equipment
6.3.2
The instrument shall be a
portable, weatherproof dissolved oxygen measuring instrument complete with cable,
sensor, comprehensive operation manuals, and use a DC power source. It should
be capable of measuring:
·
a dissolved oxygen level in the
range of 0-20 mg/l and 0-200% saturation; and
·
a temperature of 0-45° C.
6.3.3
It shall have a membrane
electrode with automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable.
Sufficient stocks of spare electrodes and cables shall be available for
replacement where necessary (e.g. YSI model 59 meter, YSI 5739 probe, YSI 5795A
submersible stirrer with reel and cable or an approved similar instrument).
6.3.4
Should salinity compensation
not be built-in in the DO equipment, in-situ salinity shall be measured to
calibrate the DO equipment prior to each DO measurement.
Turbidity Measurement Instrument
6.3.5
The instrument shall be a portable,
weatherproof turbidity-measuring instrument complete with comprehensive
operation manual. The equipment shall use a DC power source. It shall have a
photoelectric sensor capable of measuring turbidity between 0-1000 NTU and be
complete with a cable (e.g. Hach model 2100P or an approved similar
instrument).
Suspended Solids
6.3.6
A water sampler comprises a
transparent PVC cylinder, with a capacity of not less than 2 litres and can be
effectively sealed with latex cups at both ends. The sampler shall also 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 (e.g. Kahlsico
Water Sampler or an approved similar instrument).
6.3.7
Water samples for suspended solids
measurement should be collected in high density polythene bottles, packed in
ice (cooled to 4°C without being frozen), and delivered to the laboratory as
soon as possible after collection.
Water Depth Detector
6.3.8
A portable, battery-operated echo
sounder should be used for the determination of water depth at each designated
monitoring station. This unit can either be handheld or affixed to the bottom
of the work boat, if the same vessel is to be used throughout the monitoring
programme.
Salinity
6.3.9
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.
Checking and Calibration of Equipment
6.3.10
A hand-held or boat-fixed type digital
Global Positioning System (GPS) with way point bearing indication or other
equivalent instrument of similar accuracy shall be provided and used during
monitoring to ensure the monitoring vessel is at the correct location before
taking measurements.
6.3.11
All in-situ monitoring
instrument shall be checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory
accredited under HOKLAS or any other international accreditation scheme before
use, and subsequently re-calibrated at 3 monthly intervals throughout all
stages of the water quality monitoring.
Responses of sensors and electrodes shall be checked with certified
standard solutions before each use. Wet
bulb calibration for a DO meter shall be carried out before measurement at each
monitoring location.
6.3.12
For the on site calibration of
field equipment, the BS 127:1993, "Guide to Field and on-site test methods
for the analysis of waters" shall be observed.
6.3.13
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 some
equipment is under maintenance, calibration, etc.
6.4.1
Analysis of suspended solids
shall be carried out in a HOKLAS or other internationally accredited
laboratory. Water samples of about 1,000 ml shall be collected at the
monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory SS determination. The
detection limit shall be 1 mgL-1 or better.
The SS determination work shall start within 24 hours after collection
of the water samples. The SS determination shall follow APHA 17ed 2540D or
equivalent methods subject to approval of DEP.
6.4.2
The testing laboratory shall be
HOKLAS accredited (or if not, approved by the ER) and comprehensive quality
assurance and control procedures in place in order to ensure quality and
consistency in results.
6.4.3
If a site laboratory is set up,
or a non-HOKLAS and non-international accredited laboratory, is hired for
carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment, analytical
procedures, and quality control shall be approved by the DEP. All the analyses
shall be witnessed by the ER and the IC(E). The ET Leader shall provide the ER and
IC(E) with one copy of the relevant chapters of the "Standard Methods for
the Examination of Water and Wastewater" updated edition and any other
relevant document for his reference.
6.4.4
For the testing methods of
other parameters as recommended by the EIA or required by DEP, detailed testing
methods, pre-treatment procedures, instrument use, Quality Assurance/Quality
Control (QA/QC) details (such as blank, spike recovery, number of duplicate
samples per batch, etc.), detection limits and accuracy shall be submitted to
DEP for approval prior to the commencement of monitoring programme. The QA/QC shall be in accordance with the
requirement of HOKLAS or international accredited scheme. The QA/QC results shall be reported. DEP may also request the laboratory to carry
out analysis of known standards provided by DEP for quality assurance. Additional duplicate samples may be required
by DEP for inter laboratory calibration.
Remaining samples after analysis shall be kept by the laboratory for 3
months in case repeat analysis is required.
If in-house or non-standard methods are proposed, details of the method
verification may also be required to be submitted to DEP. In any circumstance, the sample testing shall
have comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programme. The laboratory shall be prepared to
demonstrate the programmes to DEP or his representatives when requested.
6.5.1
It is recommended to establish control and impact monitoring station approach
to monitor water quality impact during construction phase. Control stations shall be selected to compare
the water quality from potentially impacted sites with the ambient water
quality. Hence, control stations shall
be located within the same water body as the impact monitoring stations but
outside the vicinity of the influence of the works and, as far as practicable,
not affected by any other works.
6.5.2
The proposed water quality monitoring stations are shown in Table 6‑2. The locations
of the control stations (Stations C1 and C2) are set in the inlet points of the
drainage channel “X” and “Y” in the nearby catchment areas respectively. Corresponding impact stations (W1 and W2) are
set at the outfall of drainage channel “X” and “Y”. An additional impact
station W3 was set at the downstream of the Tai
River to monitor the quality of water
discharging into Inner Deep Bay The monitorirng stations W1 and W2 at the
upstream of Tai River can serve the purpose of control
station of W3. presents the
locations of the water quality monitoring stations.
Table
6‑2 Locations of Water Quality
Monitoring Stations
|
Phase
|
Monitoring Station ID
|
Category
|
|
|
|
Construction
|
C1
|
Control Station
|
|
|
C2
|
Control
Station
|
|
|
W1
|
Impact
Station
|
|
|
W2
|
Impact
Station
|
|
|
W3
|
Impact
Station
|
|
6.5.3
It is expected that the exact
locations of the control and monitoring stations may need to be altered subject
to the location of the construction work areas and the wastewater effluent
discharge points from the site. The Contractor shall submit the
wastewater effluent discharge plan as stipulated in the Water Discharge License
to the ET and the ET shall change the corresponding monitoring points in
accordance to the submission. The exact locations of the control and monitoring stations should
also be confirmed by the ET taking into account factors such as accessibility,
suitability, etc. The ET shall seek
approval from the IC(E) and DEP on the monitoring locations proposed prior to
the commencement of the baseline and construction phase sampling programme.
6.5.4
When alternative monitoring
locations are proposed, they should be chosen based on the following criteria:
·
at locations close to and
preferably at the boundary of the mixing zone of the major site activities,
which are likely to have water quality impacts;
·
close to the sensitive
receptors which are directly or likely to be affected;
·
for monitoring locations located
in the vicinity of the sensitive receptors, care should be taken to cause
minimal disturbance during monitoring; and
·
control station shall be
selected at a location to allow a comparison of the water quality at the
potentially impacted site with the ambient water quality. The control station shall be selected such
that it is located within the same body of water as the impact monitoring
station but is located outside the area of influence of the works.
6.5.5
At monitoring stations
coincident with seawater intakes, the measurements should make reference to the
vertical levels of the individual intake pipes.
Where the
water depth is less than 6 m, the mid-depth station may be omitted. Should the water
depth be less than 3m, only the mid-depth station shall be
monitored. The ET Leader shall seek
approval from the IC(E) and DEP on all monitoring station locations. Replicates in situ measurements and sample
collected from each independent sampling event are required for all parameters
to ensure a robust statistically interpretable dataset.
6.6.1
Baseline
conditions of water quality should be established by the ET and agreed with IC(E) and DEP. The purposes of the baseline monitoring are to
establish ambient conditions prior to the commencement of the works, to
demonstrate the suitability of the proposed control and impact monitoring
stations, and for establishment of the action and limit levels.
6.6.2
The
baseline conditions should be established by measuring the water quality
parameters specified in section 6.2.2 above.
The measurements shall be taken at all the designated control
and monitoring stations (i.e. Stations C1 and C2, W1, W2 and W3 respectively),
3 days a week, under two tidal conditions (mid-flood
and mid-ebb) at 3 water depths, namely, 1 m below water surface, mid-depth and
1 m above seabed,
for a period of 4 weeks prior to the commencement of construction works. Where the water depth is less than 6 m, the
mid-depth station may be omitted. Should
be water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station shall be
monitored. The interval between two sets
of monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours and the baseline monitoring
schedule shall be submitted to EPD at least one week prior to the commencement
of the baseline monitoring. Flow rates
and sample depth shall also be recorded, where appropriate. Also, all seasonal variations such as
rainfall, tidal flow, typhoons and shipping activities shall be assessed. The
target is to collect sufficient data to enable the baseline situation,
including background variation in water quality, to be quantified. Alternative proposal including the sampling
frequencies proposed by the ET should be agreed with IC(E)
and DEP in prior.
6.6.3
There shall not be any major construction activities in the vicinity of
the stations during the baseline monitoring.
6.6.4
In exceptional cases when insufficient
baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET Leader
shall seek approval from EPD on an appropriate set of data to be used as
baseline reference.
6.7.1
During the course of the
construction works, impact monitoring shall be undertaken three days per week, at
mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, with sampling/measurement at the designated
control and monitoring stations (i.e. Stations C1 and C2, W1, W2 and W3 respectively). The interval
between two sets of monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours except where there
are exceedances of Action and/or Limit levels, in which case the monitoring
frequency shall be increased.
6.7.2
Measurement shall be taken at 3
water depths, namely, 1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed,
except where the water depth less than 6 m, the mid-depth station may be
omitted. Should the water depth be less
than 3 m, only the mid-depth station shall be monitored.
6.7.3
Upon completion of all
construction activities, a post project monitoring exercise on water quality
shall be carried out for four weeks in the same manner as the impact
monitoring.
6.7.4
Proposed water quality
monitoring schedule shall be faxed to EPD at least 1 week before the first day
of the monitoring month. EPD shall also be
notified immediately for any changes in schedule by fax.
6.8.1
The water quality criteria,
namely Action and Limit levels shall be based on the results of baseline
monitoring, the Water Quality Objectives, or based on the results of
statistical analysis on the difference between impact monitoring results and
30% above control, and/or specific levels defined for the sensitive
receivers. Should non-compliance of the
action or limit levels occurs, the ET should review and identify the potential
source(s) of the impact, devise and implement appropriate mitigate measures in
a collaborative manner. The Action and
Limit Levels for water quality is presented in Table 6‑3.
6.8.2
When the monitoring results of
the water quality parameters at any designated monitoring stations exceed the
water quality criteria, the actions in accordance with the Event and Action
Plan in Table
6‑4 shall be carried out.
Table 6‑3 Typical Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality
|
Parameters
|
Action
|
Limit
|
|
DO in mg/L
(Surface, Middle & Bottom)
|
Surface & Middle
5%-ile of baseline data for surface and middle layer
Bottom
5%-ile of baseline data for bottom layer
|
Surface
& Middle
4
mg/L or 1%-ile of baseline data for surface and middle layer
Bottom
2 mg/L or 1%-ile of
baseline data for bottom layer
|
|
SS in mg/L
(depth-averaged)
|
95%-ile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control station’s SS at
the same tide of the same day
|
99%-ile of baseline, or 130% of upstream control
station's SS at the same tide of the same day and specific sensitive receiver
water quality requirements
|
|
Turbidity (Tby) in NTU
(depth-averaged)
|
95%-ile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control station's Tby at
the same tide of the same day
|
99%-ile of baseline or 130% of upstream control station's Tby at the same
tide of the same day
|
Table 6‑4 Event and Action Plan for Water
Quality Monitoring
|
EVENT
|
ACTION
|
|
ET
|
IC(E)
|
ER
|
CONTRACTOR
|
|
ACTION LEVEL
|
|
Action level being exceeded by one sampling day
|
1.
Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings;
2.
Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings;
3.
Identify source(s) of impact;
4.
Inform IC(E), contractor and ER;
5.
Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s
working methods;
6.
Discuss mitigation measures with IC(E) and Contractor; and
7.
Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance.
|
1.
Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation
measures. Review proposals on
mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly;
and
2.
Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation
measures.
|
1.
Discuss with IC(E) on the proposed
mitigation measures; and
2.
Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be
implemented.
|
1.
Inform the ER and confirm notification of the
non-compliance in writing;
2.
Rectify unacceptable practice;
3.
Check all plant and equipment;
4.
Consider changes of working methods;
5.
Discuss with ET and IC(E) and propose mitigation
measures to IC(E) and ER;
6.
Implement the agreed mitigation measures.
|
|
Action level being exceeded by two or more consecutive
sampling days
|
1.
Repeat in-situ measurement to confirm findings;
2.
Identify source(s) of impact;
3.
Inform IC(E), contractor;
4.
Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and
Contractor’s working methods;
5.
Discuss mitigation measures with IC(E),
ER and Contractor;
6.
Ensure mitigation measures are implemented;
7.
Prepare to increase the monitoring frequency to daily;
8.
Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance.
|
1. Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation
measures. Review proposals on
mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly;
and
2. Assess the effectiveness
of the implemented mitigation measures.
|
1.
Discuss with IC(E) on the proposed
mitigation measures; and
2.
Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be
implemented.
3.
Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation
measures.
|
1.
Inform the Engineer and confirm notification of the
non-compliance in writing;
2.
Rectify unacceptable practice;
3.
Check all plant and equipment and
4.
Consider changes of working methods;
5.
Discuss with ET and IC(E) and propose mitigation
measures to IC(E) and ER within 3 working days;
6.
Implement the agreed mitigation measures.
|
|
EVENT
|
ACTION
|
|
ET
|
IC(E)
|
ER
|
CONTRACTOR
|
|
LIMIT LEVEL
|
|
Limit level being exceeded by one sampling day
|
1.
Repeat measurement on next of exceedance to confirm
findings;
2.
Identify source(s) of impact;
3.
Inform IC(E), contractor, ER and EPD;
4.
Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and
Contractor’s working methods;
5.
Discuss mitigation measures with IC(E),
ER and Contractor;
|
1.
Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor’s
working methods;
2.
Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible mitigation measures; and
3.
Review the proposed mitigation measures submitted by
Contractor and advise the ER accordingly.
|
1.
Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;
2.
Discuss with IC(E), ET and Contractor on
the proposed mitigation;
3.
Request Contractor to view the working methods; and
4.
Ensure mitigation measures are properly implemented.
|
1.
Inform the ER and confirm notification of the
non-compliance in writing;
2.
Rectify unacceptable practice;
3.
Check all plant and equipment and consider changes of
working methods;
4.
Discuss with ET, IC(E) and ER and propose
mitigation measures to ER and IC(E) within 3 working days;
and
5.
Implement the agreed mitigation measures.
|
|
Limit level being
exceeded by two or more consecutive sampling days
|
1.
Repeat measurement on next of exceedance to confirm
findings;
2.
Identify source(s) of impact;
3.
Inform IC(E), contractor, ER and EPD;
4.
Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and
Contractor’s working methods;
5.
Discuss mitigation measures with IC(E),
ER and Contractor;
6.
Ensure mitigation measures are implemented; and
7.
Increase the monitoring frequency to daily until no
exceedance of Limit level for two consecutive days.
|
1.
Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor’s
working methods.
2.
Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible mitigation
measures;
3.
Review the proposed mitigation measures submitted by
Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; and
4.
Supervise the implementation of mitigation measures.
|
1.
Discuss with IC(E), ET and Contractor on
the proposed mitigation measures;
2.
Request Contractor to critically review the working
methods;
3.
Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be
implemented;
4.
Ensure mitigation measures are properly implemented; and
5.
Consider and instruct, if necessary, the Contractor to slow
down or to stop all or part of the construction activities until no
exceedance of Limit level.
|
1.
Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance
2.
Discuss with ET, IC(E) and ER and propose
mitigation measures to ER and IC(E) within 3 working days;
3.
Implement the agreed mitigation measures;
4.
Resubmit proposals of mitigation measures if problem still
not under control; and
5.
As directed by the Engineer, to slow down or to stop all
or part of the construction activities until no exceedance of Limit level.
|
6.9.1
The EIA report has recommended
mitigation measures during the construction and operational phases of the
Project. The implementation schedule for
the recommended mitigation measures is presented in Appendix I.
Construction Phase
6.9.2
Control of potential water
quality impact arising from the construction works shall be implemented based
on the following principles:
·
Minimisation of runoff;
·
Prevention or minimisation of
the likelihood of the identified pollutants being in contact with rainfall or
runoff; and
·
Measures to abate pollutants in
the stormwater runoff.
6.9.3
Surface runoff and pollutant
could be minimised by scheduling the foundation and WNR construction works
during the dry seasons only (i.e. from December to April of the next year).
During the dry seasons, the fishponds will have maximum spare capacity to allow
temporary storage of pond water during re-profiling of the WNR so as to avoid
the discharge of pond water. The Contractor should make best use of existing
ponds for the purpose of temporary storage during bunds removal and realignment
upon the construction of WNR. In addition, stormwater runoff will be reduced to
minimum.
6.9.4
Besides, the Best Management
Practices (BMPs) will be implemented in controlling water pollution during the
construction phase. The guidelines for handling and disposal of construction
site discharges as detailed in EPD’s ProPECC Note PN1/94 “Construction Site Drainage”
will be followed. The water pollution control measures that are considered most
relevant to this Project are listed below which should be implemented by the
Contractor during the execution of the site formation and road works, where
practicable:
Runoff from Construction Site
1.
High loading of suspended
solids (SS) in construction site runoff shall be prevented through proper site
management by the Contractor;
2.
The boundary of critical work
areas shall be surrounded by ditches or embankment. Accidental release of soil or refuse into the
adjoining land should be prevented by the provision of site hoarding or earth
bunds, etc. at the site boundary. These
facilities should be constructed in advance of site formation works and
roadworks;
3.
Consideration should be given
to plan construction activities to allow the use of natural topography of the
site as a barrier to minimise uncontrolled non-point source discharge of
construction site runoff;
4.
Temporary ditches, earth bunds
should be provided to facilitate directed and controlled discharge of runoff
into storm drains via sand/ silt removal facilities such as sand traps, silt
traps and sediment retention basin. Oil
and grease removal facilities should also be provided where appropriate, for example,
in area near plant workshop/ maintenance areas;
5.
Sand and silt removal
facilities, channels and manholes should be maintained and the deposited silt
and grit should be removed regularly by the contractor, and at the onset of and
after each rainstorm to ensure that these facilities area functioning properly;
6.
Slope exposure should be
minimised where practicable especially during the wet season. Exposed soil
surfaces should be protected from rainfall through covering temporarily exposed
slope surfaces or stockpiles with tarpaulin or the like;
7.
Access roads should be
protected by crushed rock, gravel or other granular materials to minimise
discharge of contaminated runoff;
8.
Slow down water run-off flowing
across exposed soil surfaces;
9.
Plant workshop/ maintenance
areas should be bunded and constructed on a hard standing. Sediment traps and
oil interceptors should be provided at appropriate locations;
10.
Manholes (including newly
constructed ones) should be adequately covered or temporarily sealed so as to
prevent silt, construction materials or debris from getting into the drainage
system;
11.
Construction works should be
programmed to minimise soil excavation works where practicable during rainy
conditions;
12.
Chemical stores should be contained
(bunded) to prevent any spills from contact with water bodies. All fuel tanks and/ or storage areas should
provided with locks and be sited on hard surface;
13.
Chemical waste arising from the
site should be properly stored, handled, treated and disposed of in compliance
with the requirements stipulated under the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste)
(General) Regulation;
14.
Drainage facilities must be
adequate for the controlled release of storm flows.
15.
Dredged materials requiring
temporary storage on-site (for filling of marshland afterwards) should be
securely stored and covered, if possible. Dried up mud materials can then be
used for marshland formation.
Wastewater from Construction Site
1.
Sewage generated from the
construction workforce should be contained in chemical toilets before
connection to public foul sewer can be provided. Chemical toilets should be provided at a
minimum rate of about 1 per 50 workers. The facility should be serviced and
cleaned by a specialist contractor at regular intervals;
2.
Foul water from canteens should
also be contained by chemical toilets before connection to public foul sewer
can be provided;
3.
Vehicle wheel washing facilities
should be provided at the site exit such that mud, debris, etc. deposited onto
the vehicle wheels or body can be washed off before the vehicles are leaving
the site area;
4.
Section of the road between the
wheel washing bay and the public road should be paved with backfill to reduce
vehicle tracking of soil and to prevent site run-off from entering public road
drains;
5.
Bentonite slurries used in
diaphragm wall and bore-pile construction, etc. should be reconditioned and
reused as far as practicable. Spent
bentonite should be kept in a separate slurry collection system for disposal at
a marine spoil grounds subject to obtaining a marine dumping licence from EPD. If used bentonite slurry is to be disposed of
through public drainage system, it should be treated to meet the respective
applicable effluent standards for discharges into sewers, storm drains or the
receiving waters.
Oils and Solvents
1.
Spillage of fuel oils or other polluting
fluids should be prevented at source. It
is recommended that all stocks should be stored inside proper containers and
sited on sealed areas, preferably surrounded by bunds.
Draining of Fishpond Water
1.
Through transferring the pond
water within the subject site, the need of discharging pond water into the
surrounding water bodies during the construction of the Project can be
minimized.
2.
Any draining of fishpond water
should be handled with prudence. Water quality should be checked and monitored to ensure that relevant
water quality criteria can be complied with the requirements as stipulated in
the EM&A programme.
3.
Sedimentation tanks should be
set up at the construction site so that water to be discharged can be retained
for sedimentation if any discharging activity is considered necessary.
Operational Phase
6.9.5
The project proponent or the
developer shall be responsible for the following measures:
Residential Development and Access Road
6.9.6
All domestic sewage generated
will be discharged to the public sewerage. The drainage system will be designed
to avoid any case of flooding based on the 1 in 50 years scenario with
provision of treatment facilities including sand traps and oil interceptors.
Temporary buffer containers should be provided to retain wastewater in case
emergency discharge from sewage pump houses and sewer bursting discharge occur
as a contingency measure.
6.9.7
Regular cleaning and sweeping of
the access road and other paved areas are suggested so as to minimise exposure
of pollutants to stormwater. Stormwater gullies and ditches provided along the
access road and among the residential development will be regularly inspected.
6.9.8
Planter strips are provided
along the access road and around the residential development where practicable.
In the event of emergency (e.g. car accident) where there is a major spillage
of oil, chemical or fuel, dispersants or fire fighting foam, etc., a system of
contaminant bunding is recommended as far as practicable.
Wetland Nature Reserve
6.9.9
Best management practice will
be adopted for the maintenance of the wetland and fishpond areas. Regular
maintenance of fishponds will be exercised to remove excessive nutrients. Fish
species will be carefully selected and the quantity will be controlled to avoid
excessive fish farming as usually happened before the development of the
Project.
6.9.10
A Wetland Nature Reserve management
plan has been devised. No application of herbicides, or pesticides is
considered necessary. Re-circulation pumping system will be provided for
circulation of water between ponds and in turn to reduce the likelihood of
overflowing of ponds due to even distribution of water volume.
6.9.11
Fishponds in the WNR will be
self-contained. During normal operation, under the management of conservation
manager, pond water will only be transferred within the WNR and the likelihood
of pond water discharge will be minimal.
6.9.12
The temporary storage of water
at the storage pond can allow sedimentation and removal of pollutants before
discharge. It is particularly useful prior to wet season as cleaner water will
be discharged to allow spare capacity for rainstorm.
6.9.13
The way to avoid overflow by
intentional discharge upon the water quality, for example, is also recommended.
Reed bed and alike can be provided in the marshland area to reduce nutrient
discharge.
Mitigation Implementation Schedule
6.9.14
The implementation schedules of mitigation measures for water quality
control during construction and operational phases are presented in Appendix I.
6.9.15
The effectiveness of these water quality control measures shall be checked by the EM&A requirements
recommended in the above section. If the
above measures
are not sufficient to restore the water quality to an acceptable levels, the
Contractor (during construction) or the project proponent (during operational
phase) shall liaise with the ET Leader, propose to ER, and IC(E) for
approval, on the implementation of some other
mitigation measures.
7.1.1
The Contractor is responsible
for proper handling of construction and demolition material (C&DM), chemical
waste and general refuse within the construction site, for disposal offsite,
and to implement measures to minimise waste generation.
7.2.1
The overall construction
management strategy shall be minimisation of waste generation, coupled with
maximum reuse and recycling of construction and demolition materials onsite or
offsite as far as practicable. Contract
requirements should include the responsibilities of the Contractor for waste
collection and disposal. The following
measures are recommended at this planning stage for proper handling of waste
material during the construction phase.
Waste
Management Plan
7.2.2
To ensure the appropriate
handling of the C&DM, it is recommended that a Waste Management Plan (WMP) shall
be proposed by the Contractor at the commencement of the construction works.
The WMP should be developed taking into account the recommended control
measures given in the EIA Report for the Project, which are summarised below. The WMP shall be submitted to the Engineer at
the commencement of the Project for approval and submission to EPD as per the
requirement of the Environmental Permit.
Overall Waste
Management
7.2.3
Storage areas for different
waste types - different types of waste should be segregated and stored in
different containers, skips or stockpiles to enhance reuse or recycling of
materials and their proper disposal. An
on-site temporary storage area equipped with required control measures (e.g.
dust) should be provided;
7.2.4
Trip-ticket system - in order
to monitor the disposal of inert C&DM at public filling facilities and the
remaining C&D waste to landfills, and control fly-topping, a trip-ticket
system should be included as a contractual requirements and audited by the
Environmental Team;
7.2.5
Records of Wastes - a recording
system for the amount of wastes generated, recycled and disposed (including the
disposal sites) should be proposed;
7.2.6
Training - training should be
provided to workers in respect of site cleanliness and appropriate waste management
procedure, including waste reduction, reuse and recycling, and avoid
contamination of reusable C&DM.
Construction
& Demolition Material
7.2.7
“Selective demolition” approach
is recommended to facilitate to avoid the mixing of reusable/ recyclable
material with the waste requiring disposal;
7.2.8
Construction waste such as used
wood from framework, surplus concrete, etc. is not expected to be in large
quantity due to the nature of the roadwork;
7.2.9
Generation of surplus construction
material is recommended to be minimised by the Contractor through careful
design, planning, good site management, control of ordering procedures,
segregation and reuse of material;
7.2.10
Maximise the reuse
opportunities of excavated material onsite;
7.2.11
Proper disposal of inert
excavated material offsite to public filling areas.
Chemical Waste
7.2.12
Chemical material generated
shall be recycled/ reused onsite/ offsite as far as practicable;
7.2.13
Chemical waste requiring disposal
shall be handled, collected and delivered to the Tsing Yi Chemical Waste
Treatment Facility in accordance with the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste)
(General) Regulation.
General Refuse
7.2.14
General refuse shall be properly
handled, collected and disposed of to avoid cross contamination and minimise
potential odour, pest and litter impacts.
8.1.1
The
EIA has recommended the EM&A for landscape and visual resources is
undertaken during the design, construction and operational phases of the
project. The design, implementation and
maintenance of landscape mitigation measures is a key aspect of this and should
be checked to ensure that they are fully realised and that potential conflicts
between the proposed landscape measures and any other project works and
operational requirements are resolved at the earliest possible date and without
compromise to the intention of the mitigation measures. In addition, implementation of the mitigation
measures recommended by the EIA will be monitored through the site audit
programme.
8.2.1
The
Landscape and Visual Assessment of the EIA recommended a series of mitigation measures
for both the construction and operation phases to ameliorate the landscape and
visual impacts of the Project. These
measures include the following as shown in Table 8‑1 and Table 8‑2,
which are also summarised in the environmental mitigation implementation
schedules provided in Appendix I:
Table 8‑1 Proposed
Construction Stage Mitigation Measures
|
Mit. Code
|
Mitigation Measure
|
|
CP1
|
Preservation
of Existing Vegetation - The development proposals would avoid disturbance
to the existing trees as far as practicable within the confines of both the
development site, Southern Development Access and the proposed Wetland Nature
Reserve (WNR). It is recommended that a full tree survey and felling
application will be undertaken and submitted for approval by the relevant
government departments in accordance with WBTC No. 03/2006, Management and
Maintenance of Natural Vegetation and Landscape Works, and Tree Preservation
during the detailed design phase of the project. Where possible all trees
which are not in conflict with the proposals would be retained and shall be protected
by means of fencing where appropriate to prevent potential damage to tree
canopies and root zones from vehicles and storage of materials.
Specifications for the protection of existing trees will be circulated for
approval by the relevant government authorities during the preparation of the
detailed tree survey.
|
|
CP2
|
Preservation
of Existing Topsoil - Topsoil disturbed during
the construction phase will be tested using a standard soil testing
methodology and where it is found to be worthy of retention stored for
re-use. The soil will be stockpiled to a maximum height of 2m and will be either temporarily
vegetated with hydroseeded grass during construction or covered with a
waterproof covering to prevent erosion. The stockpile should be turned over
on a regular basis to avoid acidification and the degradation of the organic
material, and reused after completion. Alternatively, if this is not
practicable, it should be considered for use elsewhere, including other
projects.
|
|
CP3
|
Development
Site and Temporary Works Areas - The landscape of these works areas would be
restored following the completion of the construction phase. Construction
site controls shall be enforced, where possible, to ensure that the landscape
and visual impacts arising from the construction phase activities are
minimised including the storage of materials, the location and appearance of
site accommodation and the careful design of site lighting to prevent light
spillage. Screen hoarding may not be a practicable for this project due to
the viewing distances involved and the elevated viewing position of the
majority of VSRs.
|
|
CP4
|
Mitigation
Planting - Replanting of disturbed vegetation
should be undertaken at the earliest possible stage of the construction phase
of the project and this should use predominantly native plant species. All
imported plants should be quarantined in local nursery for a minimum of 1
month to check there are no symptoms of infection by pests or diseases prior
to planting on site. It
is proposed that the origin of the trees be established through site visits
to the nursery. In addition, certain
trees will be brought to a temporary holding nursery at a small size as
early in the construction period as possible and grown to the semi-mature
size required as part of the proposed mitigation planting. This nursery will
be located either on site or within the local area.
|
|
CP5
|
Transplantation
of Existing Trees - Existing trees to be transplanted
as shown in the Landscape Master Plan (approximately
28 trees), final recipient site will
subject to the findings of the detailed tree survey and felling application
undertaken at the detailed design stage
|
Table 8‑2 Proposed Operational Stage Mitigation Measures
|
Mit. Code
|
Mitigation Measure
|
|
OP1
|
Design of
Built Development - the proposed residential development will incorporate design
features including:
·
Stepped building height
principle
– The proposed residential blocks for Option 1A will range in height from 14 to 18 floors fronted
by low-rise buildings in order to provide a greater sense of visual
integration with the existing landscape context and mirror the form of the
existing landform particularly the ridgeline to the south of the development
site. The proposed built form will also provide a more visually interesting
architectural form contrasting with the abrupt nature of the existing
development associated with Tin Shui Wai. Whereas Option 1B will adopt a
common height (15 storeys) for the blocks which will also be fronted by
low-rise buildings which also serve to enhance the development’s visual
integration.
·
Building massing and
permeable development facade - the proposed use of slightly higher building
blocks for Option 1A has
allowed the incorporation of significant view corridors and the creation of
voids in the façade of each of the blocks allowing views through the development
to the green backdrop formed by the wooded hillsides to the south. These view
corridors and viods within the façade of each block also allow the
development to avoid the walling effect evident in the existing developments
to the south and west particularly when viewed from locations such as the
development in the northern part of Tin Shui Wai. The adoption of a slightly
lower building height for Option 1B will require the introduction of one
additional block and a subsequent reduction in the width of the proposed view
corridors.
·
Maintenance of existing
ridgeline and green backdrop – the proposed development form allows the
maintenance of the existing ridgeline and green backdrop to the south of the
development site even in relatively close views. This is achieved in Options 1A and 1B through a combination of the
building heights and the creation of the view corridors.
·
Colour treatment of
building facades - the architectural design for both Option 1A and 1B seeks to reduce the apparent
visual mass of the development further through the use of colour blocking
utilising range of visually recessive earth colours and tones on the facades
of the different blocks.
·
Underground car parking - the proposed
development for Options 1A
and 1B will utilise underground car
parking in order to maximise the area available for landscaping and minimise
potential impacts of extensive hard surfaced areas in elevated views both
within and without the development site.
·
Responsive building finishes - In terms of the building
finishes for Options 1A
and 1B natural tones should be considered for the colour palette with
non-reflective finishes are recommended on the outward facing building
facades to reduce glare effect.
·
Responsive lighting design – Aesthetic design of architectural
and road lighting with following glare design measures:
-
Directional and full cut off lighting is recommended
particularly for recreation and roadside areas to minimise light spillage to
the surrounding areas.
-
Minimise geographical spread of lighting, only applied for
safety at the key access points and staircases;
-
Limited lighting intensity to meet the minimum safety and
operation requirement; and
-
High pressure sodium road lighting is recommended for more
stringent light control reducing spillage and thus visual impacts.
|
|
OP2
|
Landscape
Buffer Planting – According to the guidelines provided in the Final Report of the
Fish Pond Study at Deep Bay Area, the buffer area will extend around the periphery
of the development to the proposed marsh habitat in WNR providing screening
of the development at low levels and creating a transitional structure, not
less than 50m wide,
between the low-lying fishponds of the WNR and the upright forms of the proposed
built development. This planting in addition to the proposed bamboo planting
proposed as part of the ecological mitigation measures will also serve to
visually integrate the proposals into the existing landscape framework. The buffer will utilise native tree species
to link where possible to the existing wooded areas with the advantage of
creating a more coherent landscape framework whilst also improving the
ecological connectivity between existing woodland habitats. A woodland
management programme will be employed during the operational phase of the
project with the objective of conserving and enhancing the ecological
interest (approximate area 3750 square metres equating to 750 trees at 2.5m planting centres).
Apart from the landscape
buffer planting, some limited tree clusters will be planted on bunds within
the WNR to facilitate the establishment of habitat for different
bird species. The primary objective of the tree planting within the WNR
will be ecological in the creation of a favourable habitat for birds rather
than for amenity purposes. As such within the fishpond or freshwater
marshland area, trees will be planted in small clusters in positions designed
not to intrude upon the bird flight lines, create enclosure or shade the
marshland and fishponds. Some fruit-bearing trees, such as Ficus hispida, Ficus microcarpa and Melia
azedarach, are recommended from ecological perspectives to enhance
foraging opportunities for some bird species. Whilst wide canopied tree
species such as Ficus microcarpa in
combination with bamboo species such as Bambusa
eutuldoides are recommended to be planted at the edge of the alternative
egretry I in order to provide a favourable habitat for the egrets and screen
the area from human activity.
|
|
OP3
|
Landscape
Strategy for the Design of Amenity Space - The proposals are described in detail below (approximate
area 3.4 ha).
|
|
OP4
|
Compensatory Planting Proposals - the planting
proposals for the residential amenity areas and landscape woodland buffer areas
presented as Figure 11-12, Landscape Master Plan include some 300 new
specimen trees in addition to the 3750 square metres of mass woodland
planting described under OP2 above would be established within the project
boundary. The proposed planting of some 1050 trees will result in a
compensatory planting ratio of 2.6:1 (new tree planting: trees recommended
for felling). This compares favourably with the report's assertion that some
399 trees would be felled due to the proposals in this area. Following the
retention of existing trees, the successful establishment of newly planted
trees and the transplantation of some of the existing trees, the project area
will contain approximately 1316 trees. Trees forming part of the landscape
buffer area will utilise species native to Hong Kong
while the species selection for the areas within the development site will
respond to the landscape concept for the area. These proposals will be
subject to the detailed design stage of the project.
|
|
OP5
|
Southern
Development Access – the landscape of the road
corridor will be restored to its existing condition following the completion
of the road enhancement works.
|
8.3.1
The
landscape measures proposed within the EIA to mitigate the landscape and visual
impacts of the scheme should be embodied into the detailed landscape design
drawings and contract documents including the protection of existing trees
where possible, the transplanting of existing trees and the planting of new
trees and shrubs. Designs should be
checked to ensure that the measures are fully incorporated and that potential
conflicts with building, civil engineering, geo-technical, structural,
lighting, signage, drainage, underground utility and operational requirements
are resolved prior to construction.
8.3.2
The
design phase EM&A requirements for landscape and visual resources comprise
the audit of the detailed landscaping and visual specifications to be prepared
during the detailed design together with ensuring that the design is sensitive
to landscape and visual impacts and that landscape resources are retained as
far as practicable. Monitoring of design
works against the recommendations of the landscape and visual impact
assessments within the EIA should be undertaken as and when the designs are
produced to ensure that they fulfil the intentions of the mitigation measures.
8.3.3 The landscape and visual auditor shall
review the designs as and when they are prepared and liaise with the landscape
architect and design engineer to ensure all measures have been incorporated in
the design in a format that can be specified to the Contractor for
implementation. In the event of a
non conformity, the Event/Action plan as detailed in Table 8‑3
below should be followed.
Table 8‑3 Event /
Action Plan for Design Phase
|
Action Level
|
Landscape
and Visual Auditor
|
Project Architect
(PA)/ Project Engineer (PE)
|
Project
Landscape Architect (PLA)
|
|
Non Conformity (with Design Standards and Specification)
|
1.
Identify Source;
2.
Inform PA, PE and PLA;
3.
Discuss remedial actions with PA,PE, PLA; and
4.
Verify remedial actions when complete.
|
1.
Amend building or engineering designs;
2.
Notify PLA;
3.
Discuss remedial actions with PLA; and
4.
Ensure remedial designs are fully incorporated.
|
1.
Amend landscape designs; and
2.
Discuss remedial actions with PA and PE.
|
8.4.1
Baseline
monitoring for the landscape will comprise a vegetation survey of the
vegetation and trees on the site.
Representative vegetation types will be identified along with typical
species composition.
8.4.2
The
landscape and visual baseline will be determined with reference to the
landscape and visual impact assessments included in the EIA Report.
8.5.1
A specialist
Landscape Sub-Contractor should be employed by the Contractor for the
implementation of landscape construction works and subsequent maintenance
operations during the 12 month establishment period. It is proposed that as the majority of the
planting works in the area not to be development initially, the planting should
be conducted within the first half of the construction contract. Thus, the establishment works will be
undertaken through the latter half of the construction contract. The intention is to provide at least 12
months establishment period for the majority of the planting works.
8.5.2
All
measures undertaken by both the Contractor and the specialist Landscape
Sub-Contractor during the construction phase and first year of the operational
phase shall be audited by a Registered Landscape Architect, as a member of the
environmental auditing team, on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the
intended aims of the measures. Site
inspections should be undertaken at least once every two weeks throughout the
construction period and once every two months during the operational
phase. The broad scope of the audit is
detailed below but should also be undertaken with reference to the more
specific checklist provided in Table 8‑4. Operational phase auditing will be restricted to the
last 12 months of the establishment works of the landscaping proposals and thus
only the items below concerning this period are relevant to the operational
phase.
l
The extent of the agreed works areas should be regularly checked during
the construction phase. Any trespass by
the Contractor outside the limit of the works, including any damage to existing
trees shall be noted;
l
The progress of the engineering works should be regularly reviewed on
site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for the landscape works
to be undertaken;
l
All existing trees and vegetation within the study area which are not
directly affected by the works are retained and protected;
l
The methods of protecting existing vegetation proposed by the Contractor
are acceptable and enforced;
l
Preparation, lifting transport and re-planting operations for any
transplanted trees;
l
All landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the
specifications;
l
The planting of new trees, shrubs, groundcover, climbers, ferns, grasses
and other plans, together with the replanting of any transplanted trees are
carried out properly and within the right season; and
l
All necessary horticultural operations and replacement planting are
undertaken throughout the Establishment Period to ensure the healthy
establishment and growth of both transplanted trees and all newly established
plants.
Table 8‑4 Construction
/ Operational Phase Audit Checklist
|
Area of Works
|
Items to be Monitored
|
|
Advance planting
|
l
Monitoring of implementation and maintenance of planting,
and against possible incursion, physical damage, fire, pollution, surface
erosion, etc.
|
|
Protection of all trees to be retained
|
l
Identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to
be retained;
l
Creation of precautionary area around trees to be
retained equal to half of the trees canopy diameter and fenced the
precautionary area;
l
Prohibition of the storage of materials including fuel,
the movement of construction vehicles, and the refuelling and washing of
equipment including concrete mixers within the precautionary area;
l
Phased segmental root pruning for trees to be retained
over a suitable period (determined by species and size) prior to lifting or
site formation works which affect the existing rootball of trees identified
for retention. The extent of the pruning will be based on the size and the
species of the tree in each case;
l
Pruning of the branches of existing trees identified
for retention to be based on the principle of crown thinning maintaining
their form and amenity value;
l
The watering of existing vegetation particularly during
periods of excavation when the water table beneath the existing vegetation is
lowered; and
l
The rectification and repair of damaged vegetation following
the construction phase to its original condition prior to the commencement of
the works or replacement using specimens of the same species, size and form
where appropriate to the design intention of the area affected.
|
|
Clearance of existing vegetation
|
l
Identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to
be cleared; and
l
Checking of extent of works to minimise damage,
monitoring of adjacent areas against possible incursion, physical damage,
fire, pollution, surface erosion, etc.
|
|
Transplanting of trees
|
l
Identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to
be transplanted;
l
Phased segmental root pruning for trees to be
transplanted over a suitable period (determined by species and size) prior to
lifting or site formation works which affect the existing rootball of trees
identified for retention. The extent of the pruning will be based on the size
and the species of the tree in each case;
l
Pruning of the branches of existing trees identified
for transplantation to be based on the principle of crown thinning
maintaining their form and amenity value; and
l
Monitoring of extent of pruning / lifting works to
minimise damage, timing of operations, implementation of all stages of
preparatory and translocation works, and maintenance of transplanted
vegetation, etc.
|
|
Plant supply
|
l
Monitoring of operations relating to the supply of
specialist plant material (including the collecting, germination and growth of
plants from seed) to ensure that plants will be available in time to be used
within the construction works.
|
|
Soiling, planting, etc.
|
l
Monitoring of implementation and maintenance of soiling
and planting works and against possible incursion, physical damage, fire,
pollution, surface erosion, etc.
|
|
Decorative treatment of site hoarding
|
l
Implementation and maintenance, to ensure compliance
with agreed designs.
|
|
Architectural
design and treatment of building and associated engineering works.
|
l
Implementation and maintenance of mitigation measures,
to ensure compliance with agreed designs.
|
|
Establishment
Works
|
l
Monitoring of implementation of maintenance operations during
Establishment Period
|
|
Lighting
operation and management scheme
|
l
Implementation and maintenance of mitigation measures
during operation phase, to ensure compliance with agreed designs.
|
8.5.3
In
the event of non compliance the responsibilities of the relevant parties is
detailed in the Event /Action plan provided on Table 8‑5.
Table 8‑5 Responsibilities
of Parties in the Event of Non-compliance
|
Action
Level
|
Environmental Specialist
(ES)
|
Independent
Checker (Environmental) (IC(E))
|
Franchisee’s
Site Representative (FSR)
|
Contractor
|
|
Non-conformity on
one occasion
|
1. Identify Source;
2. Inform the Contractor,
IC(E) and the FSR;
3. Discuss remedial actions with the IC(E), the FSR and the
Contractor; and
4. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been
completed
|
1. Check report;
2. Check the Contractor's
working method;
3. Discuss with the ES and the
Contractor on possible remedial measures;
4. Advise the FSR on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures;
and
5. Check implementation of remedial measures.
|
1. Notify Contractor; and
2. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented.
|
1. Amend working methods;
2. Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement.
|
|
Repeated Non-conformity
|
1. Identify Source;
2. Inform the Contractor, ICE and the FSR;
3. Increase monitoring frequency;
4. Discuss remedial actions with the IC(E), the FSR and the Contractor;
5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed;
and
6. If exceedance
stops, cease additional monitoring.
|
1. Check monitoring report;
2. Check the Contractor's working method;
3. Discuss with the ES and the Contractor on possible remedial
measures;
4. Advise the FSR on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures;
and
5. Supervise implementation of remedial measures.
|
1. Notify the Contractor;
and
2. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented.
|
1. Amend working methods; and
2. Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement.
|
9.
ECOLOGICAL MITIGATION
9.1.1
Five main categories of
potential ecological impacts on habitats and Species of Conservation Importance
were identified as follow:
·
Temporary habitat loss resulting from
construction phase disturbance;
·
Permanent habitat loss associated with the
construction of the residential development and a disturbance area around the
site associated with operation of the site;
·
Habitat fragmentation arising from the
construction of the residential development and erection of fencing;
·
Pollution events arising from construction
activities; and
·
Pollution events arising from sewerage
leaks during site operation.
9.1.2
Of these, the permanent habitat
loss associated the construction and operation of the residential development
is the most significant because it will potentially have a high impact on
habitats of high conservation value (aquaculture ponds) and Species of
Conservation Importance.
9.1.3
The key strategy for mitigating
permanent and temporary habitat loss is the construction and appropriate
management of a Wetland Nature Reserve (WNR). In addition to creating this
freshwater marsh habitat, enhancement and management of the remaining fishponds
will increase their carrying capacity for bird Species of Conservation
Importance.
9.1.4
The strategy for constructing
the WNR has been carefully considered and incorporates the following strategic
elements:
·
Advance construction. WNR construction
works completed before commencement of Residential Development construction;
·
Staged construction. Staged construction
of the WNR;
·
Interim management. Ensuring the carrying
capacity of areas unaffected by construction is sufficient to maintain
populations of Species of Conservation Importance (during WNR and Residential
Development construction phases); and
·
Long-term management. Once construction
works are completed and the Residential Development enters its operational
phase, long-term management within the WNR will commence.
9.1.5
The key objective of mitigation
is to maintain the functional capacity of the Fung Lok Wai wetlands during
construction and operation. Details of the mitigation
measures are presented in Section 13.9 of the EIA with key information
extracted in the following sections for ease of reference.
Mitigation of Construction Phase Habitat
Loss and Disturbance
9.1.6
Interim management of ponds
that are not directly affected by construction activities will be required to
increase the carrying capacity within remaining habitat. Mitigation targets
will be agreed and the method to achieve these can be found in Section 13.9 of
the EIA. In summary, a flexible approach is required to increasing food
availability for key piscivorous waterbird Species of Conservation Importance,
paying particular attention to water quality, adjustment to stocking densities,
periodic review of the timing and duration of draw-down and continuous
monitoring.
Mitigation of Operational Phase Habitat
Loss and Disturbance
9.1.7
During the operational phase of
the development, disturbance is predicted to be lower and mitigation will be
achieved through the long-term management of the WNR. The key strategy for
compensating the functional loss of wetland arising from the ongoing operation
of the residential development is the long-term management of the WNR.
Mitigation targets will be agreed and targets achieved by enhancement of the
carrying capacity of those fishponds unaffected by disturbance effects as a
precautionary approach is taken assuming unavailability of the marsh habitat
within the WNR. Details can be found in the Draft Habitat Conservation and
Management Plan for the proposed Wetland Nature Reserve (Section 14 of the
EIA).
Residual Disturbance during Operation of
Wetland Nature Reserve
9.1.8
Several measures will be taken
to reduce human disturbances. These include locking gates at vehicle access
points and erecting a wall between the WNR and residential area, while
reviewing fish farming activities in the WNR.
Mitigation for Disturbance to Egretry
9.1.9
In the event that herons and
egrets resume to the abandoned egretry at Shing Uk Tsuen, mitigation by
relocation of the egretry within the WNR. A successful, early establishment by
the planting of appropriate trees, shrubs and tall grass species would compensate
for any potential impact caused by construction and subsequent interference
with flightlines. Drawn out fish ponds will be used to provide foraging
habitats.
Mitigation for Non-disturbance Impacts
Minimisation of Dust Deposition
9.1.10
Minimisation of dust deposition
will be accomplished using standard procedures (detailed in Section 4.8 of this
Manual), such as damping down using water spray during dry weather periods.
Minimisation of Increased Sediment Load
9.1.11
Effective management and
maintenance programmes are expected to adequately control potential impacts
from this source.
Minimisation of Pollution
9.1.12
Good storage practices and
handling of the chemicals used during the construction period will minimise the
opportunity for impact on the terrestrial and aquatic environments, while
regular maintenance of interceptors will maximise efficiency of trapping
pollutants.
Soil Compaction
9.1.13
During construction, the extent
of the area to be compacted for works should be minimised and re-instated once
the works in that area are completed, re-establishing that environment as
similar as possible to the original habitat.
Bird Strikes with Glazed Towers
9.1.14
This issue is taken into consideration
in the mitigation of landscape and visual impacts and through the design of the
residential towers and the use of non-reflective glass.
Mitigation for Non-bird Species
9.1.15
Currently the Study Site has a
low diversity of habitats and non-bird taxa. However, the mitigation proposed
has been designed to provide additional habitat for non-target species such as
odonata, amphibians, bats, fish, invertebrates, snakes, otters and mongoose.
9.1.16
Re-profiling bunds encourage
aquatic and marginal plants, enhancing ponds by creating shallow gently sloping
areas and deeper steeper areas, and not stocking some ponds with carnivorous or
omnivorous fish, should encourage damselflies and amphibians. Creation of the
freshwater marsh and management of native plant species will improve the water
quality for freshwater fish. Extra cover provided within the freshwater marsh,
a reduction in on-site disturbance and more stringent guidelines on sympathetic
management practices should encourage Eurasian Otter and Crab-eating Mongoose
and lower disturbance to breeding Mangrove Water Snakes.
9.2.1
The following defines the
ecological monitoring requirements to establish that mitigation measures are implemented
and meet required standards of effectiveness so that overall ecological impacts
are within acceptable limits. As the
proposed Wetland Nature Reserve is the key mitigation measure for the
Residential Development, the focus of monitoring will be on evaluating the
performance of the habitats within this area, particularly with respect to the
abundance and richness of bird Species of Conservation Importance they support
during construction and operation.
Pre-construction Monitoring
9.2.1
As indicated in the EIA Report
it is considered that in the period since completion of the baseline surveys
that bird activity at Fung Lok Wai is likely to have declined (due to a
reduction in management activity and the abandonment of the Shing Uk Tsuen
egretry). To confirm that the existing baseline data provide an appropriate
basis for setting mitigation targets, pre-construction surveys of bird
populations at Fung Lok Wai will be undertaken after obtaining the planning
approval and application of the lease modification / land exchange. These
surveys will involve monthly counts of each pond within the Study Site for one
year prior to the commencement of construction activities. The extent and
timing of these surveys will, however, be agreed with AFCD prior to their commencement.
All bird species observed within each pond will be recorded. Particularly
attention will be given to key bird Species of Conservation Importance that are
specifically identified in the mitigation targets outlined above. Once these
surveys are completed specific mitigation targets will be agreed with AFCD.
Construction Phase Monitoring
9.2.2
The start of the construction
phase is dependent on the approval of the EIA and the preparation of a detailed
project timetable. Detailed ecological monitoring will be undertaken from the
commencement of works.
9.2.3
During construction works an
interim management regime will be implemented within the enhanced fishponds of
the WNR. Targets for key birds species during this period are shown in Table 9‑1. These species have been selected because they are
considered to be the most sensitive or abundant waterbird species and hence
most susceptible to impacts arising from habitat loss and disturbance. It is
expected that habitat management undertaken to achieve the mitigation targets
defined for these species will be more than sufficient to mitigate impacts on
other species that are less sensitive to disturbance or which occur in lower
numbers.
Table
9‑1 Mitigation targets for key wetland bird species of conservation
importance within remaining wetland areas of the Study Site required to fully
compensate for habitat loss and disturbance impacts during construction
|
Species
|
Mitigation target
(population increase)
|
Implied target densities
(birds/ha) using existing baseline data1
|
|
Black-faced Spoonbill
|
Double
|
0.07
|
|
Chinese Pond Heron
|
Increase by 61%
|
0.22
|
|
Great Cormorant2
|
Double
|
0.12
|
|
Great Egret
|
Double
|
0.54
|
|
Grey Heron
|
Increase by 61%
|
0.27
|
|
Little Egret
|
Increase by 92%
|
1.41
|
|
Cattle Egret
|
Increase by 33%
|
0.28
|
Notes:
1 The figures included for reference
only. The actual mechanism for identifying targets is to be agreed with AFCD
2 If Great Cormorant numbers exceed
mitigation targets it may be necessary to implement controls on the size of the
population. The implementation of such controls will be determined in the
context of the Adaptive Management framework and in discussion with AFCD
9.2.4
In practice, because the
populations of these species will fluctuate within the North-west New
Territories due to a
range of external factors beyond the control of the developers, the targets
densities will be calculated using information obtained from control site
locations. These control sites will be established in appropriate locations,
that is, locations that are known to support similar communities and
populations of birds to those found at Fung Lok Wai. In line with the adaptive
management framework within which management will take place, the outcomes of
monitoring are explicitly linked back to management. That is, decisions about
appropriate management will be informed directly by performance of the WNR as
indicated by the data obtained through monitoring.
9.2.5
Although the key focus during
the construction phase will be the achievement of the bird densities identified
in
9.2.6
Table 9‑1,
management will also aim to encourage the presence of three snake species
listed in Table
9‑2.
Table 9‑2 Mitigation Targets for Enhanced Aquaculture Pond Species
(other than birds)
|
Species
|
Mitigation target
|
|
Common Rat Snake
|
Present
|
|
Indo-Chinese Rat Snake
|
Present
|
|
Mangrove Water Snake
|
Present
|
9.2.7
During the construction phase monitoring
of bird populations will be undertaken on a weekly basis within ponds under
interim management. Monitoring frequency can be increased during specific
management activities such as pond draw down. During establishment of the
freshwater marsh monitoring surveys of the freshwater marsh will be undertaken
weekly. The selection of control sites, details of the monitoring survey
methodology and arrangements for reporting on the outcomes of monitoring shall
be agreed with AFCD prior to commencement of construction activities.
9.2.8
In addition surveys of other
ecological attributes (biological, physical and chemical) of both aquaculture
ponds and freshwater marsh habitats to monitor their status and to establish
baseline information. Details of proposed monitoring are listed in Table 9‑3
. The proposed monitoring will be undertaken at the
locations and according to the methodology documented in Standard Operating
Procedures.
Table 9‑3 Ecological monitoring programme
for Fung Lok Wai WNR (Construction Phase)
|
Ecological
attribute
|
Number
of measurements
|
Timing
|
Frequency
of measurement
|
|
Habitats
|
|
|
|
|
Vegetation map
|
All of WNR
|
Wet
and dry season
|
On completion of construction works
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant
species
|
|
|
|
|
Survival, health and growth of plant species planted
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Visual assessment of all areas
|
|
Monthly for one year on completion of enhancement works
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
100 randomly marked plants in each planting zone
|
|
Weekly for first 2 months after planting, then
monthly for remainder of the first year
|
|
Plant species richness, relative abundance and cover
Frequency and cover of alien and invasive plant
species
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Continuous visual assessment
|
|
Continuous
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitats:
Ten 1m x 1m quadrats per planting zone
Continual visual assessment of alien and invasive species
abundance will also be conducted by the WNR management staff
|
Wet
and dry season
|
6 monthly during establishment
|
|
Dragonflies: species richness and abundance
|
Establish representative transects throughout WNR
|
March
– November
|
During interim management period: Monthly during
March, September, October and November. Twice monthly during April – August
|
|
Aquatic
invertebrates: species
richness and abundance
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Five benthic cores and dip nets within 5 fish ponds
|
End
of wet season (Aug / Sept)
|
Annually during interim management period
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
Five benthic cores and dip nets at five locations
|
Wet
and dry seasons
|
During establishment: 6 monthly during wet and dry
season
|
|
Freshwater
fish: species richness
and abundance
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Record species, abundance, average length and
average mass of all species removed at harvesting
|
|
Every two months (throw and drag netting) during
interim management period
|
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
Netting within representative areas of the permanent
marsh
|
|
Every two months (throw and drag netting) during
establishment
|
|
Amphibians: species richness and abundance
|
Establish representative transects throughout WNR
|
April
– November
|
During interim management period: monthly during
period April - November
|
|
Reptiles: species richness and abundance
|
Establish representative transects throughout WNR
|
April
– November–
|
During interim management period: monthly during period
April - November
|
|
Birds: species richness and abundance
(see above for specific details on bird monitoring)
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Each pond
|
|
Weekly during interim management period
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
Each marsh type (ie seasonal marsh and permanent
marsh)
|
|
Weekly during interim management period
|
|
Hydrology
|
|
|
|
|
Water surface level
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
One gauge board per pond
|
|
Daily during interim management period
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
Two gauge boards per marsh type
|
|
Daily during establishment
|
|
Water
chemistry
|
|
|
|
|
Water quality variables:
pH
BOD
DO
Ammonia concentration
Conductivity
Turbidity
Temperature
Suspended solids
Salinity
|
Aquaculture
ponds
|
|
Monthly during interim management period
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
At representative locations within each marsh
habitat
|
|
Monthly during establishment
|
|
Water quality variables:
Total oxidised nitrogen
Total phosphorus concentration
Orthophosphate concentration
|
Aquaculture
ponds
|
|
Once on completion of enhancement works
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
At representative locations within each marsh
habitat
|
|
Once on completion of construction works
|
|
Heavy metals (Cadmium, Copper, Nickel, Lead, Zinc, Mercury)
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Representative aquaculture ponds adjacent to the
active construction area
|
|
Once on completion of works
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
At representative locations within each marsh
habitat
|
|
Once on completion of works
|
Operation Phase
9.2.9
Once construction is completed
the WNR will be managed according to the long-term management plan outlined in the
HCMP. The following outlines the monitoring requirements to ensure that the WNR
is achieving its objectives during its long-term operation. Prior to the
implementation of long-term monitoring, survey methods and frequency will be
reviewed in light of the outcomes of construction phase monitoring.
9.2.10
In line with the adaptive
management framework within which management will take place, the outcomes of
monitoring are explicitly linked back to management. That is, decisions about appropriate
management will be informed directly by performance of the WNR as indicated by
the data obtained through monitoring.
9.2.11
Targets have been set for
habitats that will form part of the WNR. The specific aquaculture pond habitat
targets for the mitigation area are indicated in Table 9‑4
Table 9‑4 Mitigation Targets for Enhanced Aquaculture Ponds
|
Mitigation issue
|
Target
|
|
Enhancement of aquaculture pond area
|
61.7
ha.
(including bunds, control structures and potential alternative egretry)
|
|
Shallow fish pond area (i.e. < 10cm depth)
|
More than 20% (excluding aquaculture ponds that are
dry for maintenance)
|
|
Cover of undesirable invasive species and exotic
species
|
Less than 10% of vegetation cover (excluding open
water marsh area)
|
|
Plant cover on bunds and islands (in aquaculture
ponds)
|
Vegetation of height >10cm to comprise less than 5% plant cover on more
than 75% of the area of aquaculture pond bunds and islands
|
|
Area under traditional polyculture fish pond
management systems
|
70-90% of the fish pond area
(Excluding bunds and ponds that are dry for
maintenance)
|
|
Area set-aside from fish farming and under specific
conservation management
|
10 - 30% of the fish pond area
(Excluding bunds and ponds that are dry for
maintenance)
|
9.2.12
A key objective of the
management of enhanced aquaculture ponds is the achievement of the bird densities
indicated in Table
9‑5 (targets for marshland species are dealt with
separately below) which shows the increase in the population required
to mitigate disturbance effects during the operational phase of the
development. Using the results of the baseline surveys the densities (ie birds
per hectare of wetland) implied by these mitigation targets are shown. Species
with low target densities (including Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle,
Osprey and Crested Serpent Eagle which recorded very infrequently and have a
limited dependence on the site) have not been included in this table. It should
be noted that these targets are intended as a reference point to inform the
implementation and evaluation of mitigation, which will need to be undertaken
using an adaptive management approach.
Table 9‑5 Mitigation targets for key wetland bird species of conservation
importance within enhanced aquaculture ponds during the operational phase
|
Species
|
Mitigation target (population increase)1
|
Implied target densities (birds/ha) using existing baseline data2
|
|
Black-faced Spoonbill
|
Increase
by 45%
|
0.05
|
|
Chinese Pond Heron
|
Increase
by 32%
|
0.18
|
|
Great Cormorant3
|
Increase
by 41%
|
0.08
|
|
Great Egret
|
Increase
by 45%
|
0.37
|
|
Grey Heron
|
Increase by 32%
|
0.22
|
|
Little Egret
|
Increase
by 33%
|
0.98
|
|
Cattle Egret
|
Increase
by 32%
|
0.27
|
Notes:
1 For these calculations it is
assumed that mitigation will be achieved only through management to increase the
carrying capacity of those fishponds unaffected by operational disturbance
2 The figures included for reference only.
The actual mechanism for identifying targets is to be agreed with AFCD prior to
the commencement of construction
3 If Great Cormorant numbers exceed
mitigation targets it may be necessary to implement controls on the size of the
population. The implementation of such controls will be determined in the
context of the Adaptive Management framework and in discussion with AFCD
9.2.13
These key species have been
selected because they are considered to be the most sensitive and abundant
waterbird species and hence most susceptible to impacts arising from habitat
loss and disturbance. It is expected that habitat management undertaken to
achieve the mitigation targets defined for these species will be more than
sufficient to mitigate impacts on other species that are less sensitive to
disturbance and which occur in lower numbers.
9.2.14
In practice, because the populations
of these species will fluctuate within the north-west New Territories
due to a range of external factors beyond the control of the developers, the
targets densities will be calculated using information obtained from control
site locations. These control sites will be established in appropriate
locations, that is, locations that are known to support similar communities and
populations of birds to those found at Fung Lok Wai.
9.2.15
During the operation phase
monitoring of bird populations will be undertaken on a weekly basis within
aquaculture ponds and the freshwater marsh. More frequent monitoring may be
required during specific tasks (eg pond draw down). Prior to implementation of
long term monitoring, survey methods and frequency will be reviewed in light of
the outcome of construction monitoring.
9.2.16
Although the key focus of
mitigation works within aquaculture ponds is an increase in bird densities (see
below), management will also aim to encourage the presence of those non-avian
species listed in Table
9‑6.
Table 9‑6 Mitigation Targets for Enhanced Aquaculture Pond Species
(other than birds)
|
Species
|
Mitigation target
|
|
Common Rat Snake
|
Present
|
|
Indo-Chinese Rat Snake
|
Present
|
|
Mangrove Water Snake
|
Present
|
9.2.17
In addition to aquaculture
ponds targets have also been set for habitats and species associated with the
freshwater marsh habitats that will be created within the WNR. The specific targets
for the Marsh Habitat mitigation area are indicated in Table 9‑7.
Table 9‑7 Mitigation
Targets for Marsh Habitat
|
Mitigation issue
|
Target
|
|
Creation and
maintenance of a total of marshland habitat in Favourable Condition
|
14.4 ha.
(including essential structures, e.g. water control structures and other habitats eg bunds)
Freshwater
marsh habitats are defined as areas where wetland hydrological conditions, or
wetland soils are present or where wetland plants are dominant, with shallow
water (average < 1m) and wetland plant species cover greater than 30% of
the area.
|
|
Cover of
wetland plant species
|
More than
90% established vegetation
|
|
Cover of undesirable
invasive species and exotic species
|
Less than
10% of vegetation cover
|
|
The
average depth of water
|
30 – 50 cm
(outside drawn down periods for maintenance)
|
|
Area of
open water (i.e. unvegetated water)
|
20-30%.
|
9.2.18
As the Marsh Habitat will be
new habitat there are no existing animal populations associated with marsh
habitats upon which to base mitigation targets. In addition it is anticipated
that the Marsh Habitat will be subject to disturbance arising during the operation
phase due to its proximity to the residential development. Nevertheless there
are a range of species that would be expected to use the Marsh Habitat.
Management of the marsh habitats will focus on ensuring that these “primary”
species (see Table
9‑8) are present. In addition there are a range of other
species that are associated with marsh habitats (“secondary species”). Whilst
it is desirable that these species are present, they will not form the primary
focus of management effort.
Table 9‑8 Bird Species Expected to use the Marsh Habitat
|
Primary
Species
(Presence
expected)
|
Secondary
Species
(Presence
desirable)
|
|
Birds
Little Egret (R)
Chinese Pond Heron (R)
Great Egret (W)
Grey Heron (W)
Eurasian Teal (W)
Black-winged Stilt (W)
Pintail / Swinhoe’s Snipe (P / W)
Common Snipe (W)
Zitting Cisticola (W)
|
Japanese Quail (P / W)
Eurasian Coot (W)
Pheasant-tailed Jacana (P)
Greater Painted Snipe (R)
Black-winged Stilt (B)
Richard’s Pipit (P / W)
Bluethroat (P / W)
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler (P)
|
Key: R – resident; W – winter; P – passage;
B - breeding
9.2.19
To ensure that these targets are
achieved, a monitoring programme will be carried out of the ecological
attributes listed in Table 9-9 according to the locations and methodology
documented in Standard Operating Procedures that will be produced prior to the
implementation of monitoring.
Table
9‑9 Ecological monitoring programme
for Fung Lok Wai WNR (Operation Phase)
|
Ecological
attribute
|
Number
of measurements
|
Timing
|
Frequency
of measurement
|
|
Habitats
|
|
|
|
|
Vegetation map
|
All of WNR
|
Wet
and dry season
|
After completion of construction works survey every
6 months (wet and dry season) for
first 5 years at which point frequency of survey will be reviewed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant
species
|
|
|
|
|
Survival, health and growth of plant species planted
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Visual assessment of all areas
|
|
Annually thereafter
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
100 randomly marked plants in each planting zone
|
|
Quarterly in second year after planting then
annually thereafter
|
|
Plant species richness, relative abundance and cover
Frequency and cover of alien and invasive plant
species
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Continuous visual assessment
|
|
Continuous
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitats:
Ten 1m x 1m quadrats per planting zone
Continual visual assessment of alien and invasive
species abundance will also be conducted by the WNR management staff
|
Wet
and dry season
|
6 monthly (wet and dry season) for first 5 years at
which point frequency of survey will be reviewed
|
|
Dragonflies: species richness and abundance
|
Establish representative transects throughout WNR
|
March
– November
|
During long-term management period: Monthly during
March, September, October and November. Twice monthly during April – August.
Frequency of monitoring to be reviewed after 5 years.
|
|
Aquatic
invertebrates: species
richness and abundance
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Five benthic cores and dip nets within 5 fish ponds
|
End
of wet season (Aug / Sept)
|
Annually
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
Five benthic cores and dip nets at five locations
|
Wet
and dry seasons
|
Thereafter 6 monthly during wet and dry seasons.
Frequency of monitoring to be reviewed after 5
years.
|
|
Freshwater
fish: species richness
and abundance
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Record species, abundance, average length and
average mass of all species removed at harvesting
|
|
Annually at harvesting and every two months (throw
and drag netting).
Frequency of monitoring to be reviewed after 5
years.
|
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
Netting within representative areas of the permanent
marsh
|
|
Thereafter every two months (throw and drag
netting).
Frequency of monitoring to be reviewed after 5
years.
|
|
Amphibians: species richness and abundance
|
Establish representative transects throughout WNR
|
April
– November
|
Thereafter monthly during period April – November.
Frequency of monitoring to be reviewed after 5
years.
|
|
Reptiles: species richness and abundance
|
Establish representative transects throughout WNR
|
April
– November–
|
Thereafter monthly during period April – November.
Frequency of monitoring to be reviewed after 5
years.
|
|
Birds: species richness and abundance
(see above for specific details on bird monitoring)
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Each pond
|
|
Weekly monitoring supplemented by opportunistic
records at other times. More frequent monitoring may be required during
specific mamagement activities (eg pond draw down)
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
Each marsh type (ie seasonal marsh and permanent
marsh)
|
|
Weekly monitoring supplemented by opportunistic records
at other times
|
|
Hydrology
|
|
|
|
|
Water surface level
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
One gauge board per pond
|
|
Weekly and after heavy rain
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
Two gauge boards per marsh type
|
|
Weekly and after heavy rain
|
|
Water
chemistry
|
|
|
|
|
Water quality variables:
pH
BOD
DO
Ammonia concentration
Conductivity
Turbidity
Temperature
Suspended solids
Salinity
|
Aquaculture
ponds
|
|
Monthly
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
At representative locations within each marsh habitat
|
|
Monthly
|
|
Water quality variables:
Total oxidised nitrogen
Total phosphorus concentration
Orthophosphate concentration
|
Aquaculture
ponds
|
|
Monthly for first year at which point frequency will
be reviewed
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
At representative locations within each marsh
habitat
|
|
Monthly for first year at which point frequency will
be reviewed
|
|
Heavy metals (Cadmium, Copper, Nickel, Lead, Zinc, Mercury)
|
Aquaculture
ponds:
Representative aquaculture ponds adjacent to the
active construction area
|
|
Annually thereafter
|
|
Constructed
marsh habitat:
At representative locations within each marsh
habitat
|
|
Annually thereafter
|
9.3
Reporting
9.3.1
All data recorded during monitoring
will be recorded on standardised pro formas. Each year a summary report will be
produced by the WNR Reserve Manager detailing the outcomes of monitoring and
indicating any remedial actions taken or required.
9.4.1
The results of the ecological
monitoring shall be compared with Action Levels and Limits detailed in Table 9‑10 and corrective actions taken accordingly.
Table 9‑10 Key Action Levels and Limits and their associated management
actions
|
|
Action
level
|
Action
|
Limit
|
Action
|
|
Plant species
|
|
|
|
|
|
Survival, health and growth of plant species planted
|
<75% survival of any planted species
|
|
<30% survival of any planted species
|
Implement contingency plan
|
|
> 10% fungal or pest infestation of any species with >50% loss
of vegetative growth
|
|
> 30% fungal or pest infestation of any species with >50% loss
of vegetative growth
|
|
Plant species richness, relative abundance and cover
|
<75% species survival within planted areas
|
|
<50% species survival
|
|
Plant community composition
|
Wetland plant species comprise <95% of vegetation
|
|
Wetland plant species comprise <90% of vegetation
|
|
Frequency or cover of any individual species is <50% or >200% of
proportion allocated in planting plan
|
|
Frequency or cover of any individual species is <10% or >1000%
of proportion allocated in planting plan
|
|
Frequency and cover of alien and invasive plant species
|
Alien species >5% of total cover
|
|
Alien species >10% of total cover
|
Remove or utilise limited spot spraying of appropriate herbicide on direction
of WNR Reserve Manager
|
|
Animal species
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dragonflies: species richness and
abundance
|
No increase from baseline over 2 consecutive years
|
|
Decline from baseline over 2 consecutive years
|
Investigate causes and review management actions
|
|
Aquatic invertebrates: species richness and
abundance
|
Establish action levels after 2 years of monitoring *
|
|
Establish action levels after 2 years of monitoring *
|
|
|
Freshwater fish: species richness and
abundance
|
Establish action levels after 2 years of monitoring *
|
|
Establish action levels after 2 years of monitoring *
|
|
|
Amphibians: species richness and
abundance
|
No increase from baseline over 2 consecutive years
|
|
Decline from baseline over 2 consecutive years
|
Investigate causes and review management actions
|
|
Reptiles: species richness and
abundance
|
No increase from baseline over 2 consecutive years
|
|
Decline from baseline over 2 consecutive years
|
Investigate causes and review management actions
|
|
Birds: species richness and
abundance
|
Fishponds:
<50% baseline richness and / or abundance in one year
OR
<80% baseline richness and / or abundance for 3 consecutive years
|
|
<50% baseline richness and / or abundance for 3 consecutive years
|
Construction phase
Undertake detailed investigation of
causes. Reduce disturbance effects
caused by construction (eg noise) until causes identified
Operation phase
Undertake
detailed investigation of causes. Implement short-term management actions
aimed at increasing numbers
|
|
Constructed marsh
habitat:
Establish action levels after 2 years of monitoring *
|
|
Establish action levels after 2 years of monitoring *
|
Establish action levels after 2 years of monitoring *
|
|
Hydrology
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water surface level
|
Fishpond:
Level >100mm above or below target
|
Adjust as required
|
Fishpond:
Level >200mm above or below target
|
Review
levels, implement contingency plan
|
|
Constructed marsh
habitat:
Level > 25mm above or below target
|
Constructed marsh
habitat:
Level > 100mm above or below target
|
|
Water chemistry
|
|
|
|
|
|
PH
|
Outside range 5.5 – 7.5
|
Double water quality and vegetation survival rate monitoring, identify
problem and implement plan to rectify
|
Outside range 4 – 8
|
Identify
alternative water source until problem is rectified
|
|
BOD
|
>6.0mg/l
|
>9mg/l
|
|
DO
|
Within the ranges 51-70% or 121-130% saturation
|
<50% or >130% saturation
|
|
Ammonia concentration
|
>2mg/l
|
>5mg/l
|
|
Salinity
|
>1ppt
|
>3ppt
|
|
Total oxidised nitrogen
|
>3mg/l
|
>10mg/l
|
|
Total phosphorus concentration
|
>1mg/l
|
>3mg/l
|
|
Orthophosphate concentration
|
>0.1mg/l
|
1mg/l
|
Note: * The action levels and actions will be established after 2 years
for the communities of those species groups (ie aquatic invertebrates,
freshwater fish and marsh bird species) which are currently not features of the
existing FLW fauna. That is action levels and actions can only be established
once the communities have become established and it becomes clear what their
composition and relative abundance is.
10.1.1
In order to retrieve information
concerning the composition of the bunds it is recommended that a brief
recording exercise with methodology agreed with the Antiquities and Monuments
Office be carried out during site formation.
11.1.1
Site surveillance provides a
direct means to trigger and enforce the specified environmental protection and
pollution control measures are in compliance with the contract
specifications. They shall be undertaken
regularly and routinely by ET to inspect the construction activities in order
to ensure that appropriate environmental protection and pollution control
mitigation measures are properly implemented by the Contractor in accordance
with the EM&A recommendations. With well-defined pollution control and
mitigation specifications and a well established site inspection, deficiency
and action reporting system, the site inspection is one of the most effective
tools to enforce the environmental protection requirements on the construction
site.
11.1.2
The ET Leader is responsible
for formulation of the environmental site inspection, deficiency and action
reporting system, and for carrying out the site inspections under the EM&A
works. He shall, in accordance with the IC(E),
prepare and submit a proposal on the site inspection, deficiency and action
reporting procedures within 21 days of the construction contract commencement
to the Contractor for agreement and to the ER for approval. A preliminary site
inspection, deficiency and action reporting system in form of a flow chart is
prepared for reference. This is shown in for review and refinement by the ET Leader at the commencement of
the Project.
11.1.3
Regular site inspections shall
be carried out at least once per week. The areas of inspection shall not be
limited to the environmental situation, pollution control and mitigation
measures within the site, it should also review the environmental situation
outside the site area which is likely to be affected, directly or indirectly,
by the site activities. The ET leader shall make reference to the following
information in conducting the inspection:
1.
The EIA recommendations on environmental
protection and pollution control mitigation measures with regard to air
quality, noise, water quality, ecological and visual impacts and waste
management;
2.
Works progress and programme;
3.
Individual works methodology
proposals (which shall include proposal on associated pollution control
measures);
4.
The contract specifications on
environmental protection and pollution prevention control;
5.
The relevant environmental
protection and pollution control laws, ProPECC Notes; and
6.
Previous site inspection results.
11.1.4
Monitoring of the effectiveness
of the construction waste mitigation measures recommended in the EIA is not
considered necessary and has not been proposed. The satisfactory implementation
of relevant recommended mitigation measures, however, shall be checked during
the ET’s regular site inspections during the relevant phases of construction
works.
11.1.5
The Contractor shall update
with the ET Leader on all relevant information of the construction contract for
him to carry out the site inspections. The inspection results and its
associated recommendations on improvements to the environmental protection and
pollution control works shall be submitted to the IC(E) and the Contractor in a
site inspection proforma within 24 hours, for reference and for taking
immediate action. The Contractor shall
follow the procedures and time frame as stipulated in the environmental site
inspection, deficiency and action reporting system formulated by the ET Leader
to report on any remedial measures subsequent to the site inspections.
11.1.6
Ad hoc site inspections shall
also be carried out by the ET and/or IC(E) if significant environmental
problems are identified. Inspections may also be required subsequent to receipt
of an environmental complaint, or as part of the investigation work, as
specified in the Action Plan for environmental monitoring and audit.
11.2.1
There are contractual environmental
protection and pollution control requirements as well as environmental
protection and pollution control laws in Hong Kong,
which the construction activities shall comply.
11.2.2
The ET Leader shall review the
progress and programme of the works to check that relevant environmental laws
have not been violated, and that any foreseeable potential for violating the
laws can be prevented.
11.2.3
The Contractor shall regularly
copy relevant documents to the ET Leader so that the checking work can be carried
out. The document shall at least include the updated Work Progress Reports, the
updated Works Programme, the application letters for different licence/permits
under the environmental protection laws, and all the valid licence/permit. The
site diary shall also be available for the ET’s inspection upon his request.
11.2.4
After reviewing the document,
the ET Leader shall advise the ER and the Contractor of any non-compliance with
the contractual and legislative requirements on environmental protection and pollution
control for them to take follow-up actions. If the ET’s review concludes that
the current status on licence/permit application and any environmental
protection and pollution control preparation works may not cope with the works
programme or may result in potential violation of environmental protection and
pollution control requirements by the works in due course, he shall also advise
the Contractor and the ER accordingly. The review shall be copied to IC(E) for
any follow-up action.
11.2.5
Upon receipt of the advice, the
Contractor shall undertake immediate action to remedy the situation. The ER
shall check that appropriate actions have been taken by the Contractor in order
that the environmental protection and pollution control requirements are
fulfilled.
11.3.1
Complaints received on
environmental issues shall be referred to the ET Leader for carrying out
complaint investigation procedures. The ET shall undertake the steps given below
in (1) to (9) upon receipt of the complaints. The complaint investigation
procedures are also presented in form of a flow chart in for easy reference.
1.
Log complaint and date of
receipt onto the complaint database and inform the IC(E) immediately;
2.
Investigate the complaint to
determine its validity, and to assess whether the source of the problem is due
to works activities;
3.
If a complaint is valid and due
to works, identify mitigation measures in consultation with the IC(E);
4.
If mitigation measures are
required, advise the Contractor accordingly;
5.
Review the Contractor’s
implementation of the identified a required mitigation measures, , and the
concurrent situation;
6.
If the complaint is transferred
from EPD, submit interim report to EPD on status of the complaint investigation
and follow-up action within the time frame assigned by EPD;
7.
Undertake additional monitoring
and audit to verify the compliant if necessary, and ensure that any valid
reason for complaint does not recur through proposed amendments to work
methods, procedures, machines and/or equipment, etc;
8.
Report the investigation
results and the subsequent actions to the source of complaint (If the source of
complaint is identified through EPD, the results should be reported within the
time frame assigned by EPD); and
9.
Log a record the complaint,
investigation, the subsequent actions and the results in the monthly EM&A
reports.
11.3.2
The ER shall notify the project
proponent of any complaints received and keep him well informed of the actions
being taken to settle these complaints.
11.3.3
During the complaint
investigation work, the Contractor and ER shall co-operate with the ET Leader
in providing all the necessary information and assistance for completion of the
investigation. If mitigation measures (in consultation with the IC(E), see Section 1.1) are required in the investigation, the
Contractor shall promptly carry out the measures. The ER shall ensure that the
measures have been carried out by the Contractor.
11.4.1
All documentation is required
to be filed in a traceable and systematically manner and ready for inspection
upon request. All Construction Phase EM&A results and findings shall be
documented in the Construction Phase EM&A report prepared by the ET Leader
and endorsed by IC(E) prior to disseminate to the Contractor, ER and EPD.
12.1.1
The following reporting requirements
based upon a paper-documented approach.
However, the same information can be provided in an electronic medium
upon agreeing the format with the ER and EPD.
All the monitoring data (baseline and impact) shall also be submitted in
diskettes in an agreed format. This
would enable a transition from a paper/historic and reactive approach to an
electronic/real time proactive approach.
12.2.1
The ET Leader shall prepare and
submit a Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report within 10 working days of
completion of the baseline monitoring.
Copies of the Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report shall be
submitted to each of the four parties: the Contractor, the IC(E), the ER, and
EPD. The ET Leader shall liaise with the
relevant parties on the exact number of copies needed. The format and content of the report, and the
representation of the baseline monitoring data to be submitted to EPD shall be
agreed with EPD.
12.2.2
The baseline monitoring report
shall include at least the following:
1.
Up to half a page executive
summary;
2.
Brief project background
information;
3.
Drawings showing locations of
the baseline monitoring stations;
4.
An updated construction programme
with milestones of environmental protection/mitigation activities annotated;
5.
Monitoring results (in both
hard and diskette copies) together with the following information:
·
Monitoring methodology;
·
Name of laboratory and types of
equipment used and calibration details;
·
Parameters monitored;
·
Monitoring locations (and
depth);
·
Monitoring date, time,
frequency and duration;
·
QA/QC results and detection
limits.
6.
Details on influencing factors,
including:
·
Major activities, if any, being
carried out on the site during the period;
·
Weather conditions during the
period;
·
Other factors which might
affect the results.
7.
Determination of the Action and
Limit Levels (AL levels) for each monitoring parameter and statistical analysis
of the baseline data, the analysis shall conclude if there is any significant
difference between control and impact stations for the parameters monitored;
8.
Revisions for inclusion in the
EM&A Manual; and
9.
Comments and conclusions.
12.3.1
The results and findings of all
EM&A work required in the Manual shall be recorded and submitted to the ET
Leader. Based on this information a monthly EM&A reports shall be prepared
by the ET Leader. The EM&A report shall be prepared by A/ER and endorsed by
IC(E), and submitted to EPD within 10 working days of the end of each reporting
month, with the first report due in the month after construction
commences. A maximum of 4 copies of each
monthly EM&A report shall be submitted to each of the four parties: the
Contractor, the IC(E), the ER and EPD.
Before submission of the first EM&A report, the ET Leader shall
liase with the parties on the exact number of copies and format of the monthly
reports in both hard copy and electronic medium required.
12.3.2
The ET Leader shall review the
number and location of monitoring stations and parameters to monitor every 6
months or on as needed basis in order to cater for the changes in surrounding
environment and nature of works in progress.
12.4.1
The first monthly EM&A
report shall include at least the following:
1.
Executive Summary (1-2 pages);
·
Breaches of AL levels;
·
Complaint Log;
·
Notifications of any summons
and successful prosecutions;
·
Reporting Changes;
·
Future key issues.
2.
Basic Project Information
·
Project organisation including
key personnel contact names and telephone numbers;
·
Construction Programme with
fine tuning of construction activities showing the inter-relationship with
environmental protection/mitigation measures for the month;
·
Management structure;
·
Works undertaken during the
month.
3.
Environmental Status
·
Works undertaken during the
month with illustrations (such as location of works, daily, dredging/filling
rates, percentage fines in the fill material used);
·
Drawing showing the project
area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring
and control stations.
4.
Summary of EM&A
requirements including:
·
All monitoring parameters;
·
Environmental quality performance
limits (Action and Limit levels);
·
Event-Action Plans;
·
Environmental mitigation
measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report;
·
Environmental requirements in
contract documents;
5.
Implementation Status
·
Advice on the implementation
status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures
including measures for ecological, and the landscape and visual impacts, as
recommended in the project EIA study report, summarised in the updated
implementation schedule.
6.
Monitoring Results (in both
hard and diskette copies) together with the following information;
·
Monitoring methodology;
·
Name of laboratory and types of
equipment used and calibration details;
·
Parameters monitored;
·
Monitoring locations (and
depth);
·
Monitoring date, time,
frequency, and duration;
·
Weather conditions during the
period;
·
Graphical plots of the
monitored parameters in the month annotated against:
·
Major activities being carried
out on site during the period;
·
Weather conditions that may
affect the results;
·
Any other factors which might
affect the monitoring results; and
·
QA/QC results and detection
limits.
7.
Report on Non-compliance,
Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
·
Record of all non-compliance (exceedances)
of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);
·
Record of all complaints
received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and nature of
complaints investigation, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and
follow-up procedures taken, results and summary;
·
Record of all notifications of
summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental
protection/pollution control legislations, including locations and nature of
the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken, result and summary;
·
Review of the reasons for and
the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and prosecutions
including review of pollution sources and working procedures;
·
Description of the actions
taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up
procedures related to earlier non-compliance;
8.
Others
·
An account of the future key
issues reviewed from the works programme and work method statements;
·
Advice on the solid and liquid
waste management status;
·
Submission of implementation
status proforma, proactive environmental protection proforma, regulatory
compliance proforma, site inspection proforma, data recovery schedule and
complaint log summarizing the EM&A of the period.
12.5.1
The subsequent monthly EM&A
reports shall include the following:
1.
Executive Summary (1-2 pages)
·
Breaches of AL levels;
·
Complaint Log;
·
Notifications of any summons
and successful prosecutions;
·
Reporting Changes;
·
Future key issues.
2.
Environmental Status
·
Construction Programme with
fine tuning of construction activities showing the inter-relationship with
environmental protection/mitigation measures for the month;
·
Works undertaken during the
month with illustrations including key personnel contact names and telephone
numbers;
·
Drawing showing the project
area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring
and control stations.
3.
Implementation Status
·
Advice on the implementation
status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures
including measures for ecological, and landscape and visual impacts, as
recommended in the project HA study report, summarised in the updated implementation
schedule.
4.
Monitoring Results to provide
monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the
following information
·
Monitoring methodology;
·
Name of laboratory and types of
equipment used and calibration details;
·
Parameters monitored;
·
Monitoring locations (and
depth);
·
Monitoring date, time,
frequency, and duration;
·
Weather conditions during the
period;
·
Graphical plots of the
monitored parameters in the month annotated against:
·
Major activities being carried
out on site during the period;
·
Weather conditions that may
affect the results;
·
Any other factors which might
affect the monitoring results;
·
QA/QC results and detection
limits.
5.
Report on Non-compliance,
Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
·
Record of all non-compliance
(exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit
levels);
·
Record of all complaints
received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and nature of
complaints investigation, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and
follow-up procedures taken, results and summary;
·
Record of all notifications of
summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental
protection/pollution control legislations, including locations and nature of
the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken, result and summary;
·
Review of the reasons for and
the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and prosecutions including
review of pollution sources and working procedures;
·
A description of the actions
taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up
procedures related to earlier non-compliance.
6.
Others
·
An account of the future key
issues reviewed from the works programme and work method statements;
·
Advice on the solid and liquid
waste management status.
·
Submission of implementation
status proforma, proactive environmental protection proforma, regulatory
compliance proforma, site inspection proforma, data recovery schedule and
complaint log summarizing the EM&A of the period.
7.
Appendix
·
AL levels
·
Graphical plots of trends of
monitored parameters at key stations over the past four reporting periods for representative
monitoring stations annotated against the following:
·
Major activities being carried
out on Site during the period;
·
Weather conditions during the
period;
·
Any other factors which might
affect the monitoring results
·
Monitoring schedule for the present
and next reporting period
·
Cumulative statistics on
complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions
·
Outstanding issues and
deficiencies
12.6.1
The quarterly EM&A summary report,
which should generally be around 5 pages (including about 3 pages of text and
tables and 2 pages of figures) should contain at least the following listed
information. Apart from these, the first quarterly summary report should also
confirm that the monitoring work is proving effective and that it is generating
data with the necessary statistical power to categorically identify or confirm
the absence of impact attributable to the works.
1.
Up to half a page executive
summary;
2.
Basic project information including
a synopsis of the project organisation, programme, contacts of key management,
and a synopsis of work undertaken during the quarter;
3.
A brief summary of EM&A
requirements including:
·
Monitoring parameters;
·
Environmental quality performance
limits (Action and Limit levels); and
·
Environmental mitigation
measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report;
4.
Advice on the implementation
status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures, as
recommended in the project EIA study report, summarised in the updated
implementation schedule;
5.
Drawings showing the project
area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring
and control stations;
6.
Graphical plots of the trends
of monitored parameters over the past 4 months (the last month of the previous
quarter and the present quarter) for representative monitoring stations
annotated against;
·
The major activities being
carried out on site during the period;
·
Weather conditions during the
period; and
·
Any other factors which might
affect the monitoring results;
7.
Advice on the solid and liquid
waste management status;
8.
A summary of non-compliance (exceedances)
of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);
9.
A brief review of the reasons
for and the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution
sources and working procedures;
10.
For project where measurement
of suspended solids is required, quarterly assessment of construction impacts
on suspended solids at the project site, including, but not limited to, a
comparison of the difference between the quarterly mean and 1.3 times of the
ambient mean, which is defined as 30% increase of the baseline data or EPD
data, of the related parameters by using appropriate statistical
procedures. Suggestion of appropriate
mitigation measures if the quarterly assessment analytical results demonstrate
that the quarterly mean is significantly higher than the 1.3 on water quality
times of the ambient mean (p < 0.05);
11.
A summary description of the
actions taken in the event of non-compliance and any follow-up procedures
related to earlier non-compliance;
12.
A summary record of all complaints
received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation
undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken;
13.
A summary record of all
notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the
current environmental protection/pollution control legislations, locations and
nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken and results;
14.
Comments (e.g. effectiveness
and efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommendations (e.g. any
improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions for the quarter; and
15.
Proponents’ contacts and any
hotline telephone number for the public to make enquiries.
12.7.1
The final EM&A summary
report shall include the following:
1.
An executive summary;
2.
Basic project information
including a synopsis of the project organisation, programme, contacts of key
management, and a synopsis of work undertaken during the entire construction
period;
3.
A brief summary of EM&A
requirements including:
·
Monitoring parameters;
·
Environmental quality
performance limits (Action and Limit levels); and
·
Environmental mitigation
measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report;
4.
Advice on the implementation status
of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures, as
recommended in the project EIA study report, summarised in the updated
implementation status proformas;
5.
Drawings showing the project
area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring
and control stations;
6.
Graphical plots of the trends
of monitored parameters over the construction period for representative
monitoring stations annotated against;
·
The major activities being carried
out on site during the period;
·
Weather conditions during the
period;
·
Any other factors which might
affect the monitoring results; and
·
The return of ambient
environmental conditions in comparison with baseline data.
7.
Compare and contrast the
EM&A data with the EIA predictions and annotate with explanation for any
discrepancies;
8.
Provide clear-cut decisions on
the environmental acceptability of the project with reference to the specific
impact hypothesis;
9.
Advice on the solid and liquid waste
management status;
10.
A summary of non-compliance
(exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit
levels);
11.
A brief review of the reasons
for and the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution sources
and working procedures;
12.
A summary description of the
actions taken in the event of non-compliance and any follow-up procedures
related to earlier non-compliance;
13.
A summary record of all
complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and
consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken;
14.
Review the monitoring
methodology adopted and with the benefit of hindsight, comment on its
effectiveness (including cost effectiveness);
15.
A summary record of all notifications
of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current
environmental protection/pollution control legislations, locations and nature
of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken and results;
16.
Review the practicality and effectiveness
of the EIA princess and EM&A programme (e.g. effectiveness and efficiency
of the mitigation measures), recommend any improvement in the EM&A
programme; and
17.
A conclusion to state the return
of ambient and/or the predicted scenario as per EIA findings.
12.8.1
To facilitate the management of
the EM&A programme for the construction works, the record forms presented
in Appendix II (including those presented in the preceding section) should be
adopted where applicable during the construction phase of the Project. These forms are listed as follows:
1.
Implementation Status Proforma;
2.
Data Recovery Schedule;
3.
Site Inspection Proforma;
4.
Proactive Environmental
Protection Proforma;
5.
Regulatory Compliance Proforma;
6.
Complaint Log;
7.
Sample Template for Interim
Notifications of Environmental Quality Limits Exceedances;
8.
Data Sheet for TSP Monitoring;
9.
Noise Monitoring Field Record
Sheet; and
10.
Water Monitoring Field Record
Sheet.
12.9.1
The site document such as the
monitoring field records, laboratory analysis records, site inspection forms,
etc. are not required to be included in the monthly EM&A reports for
submission. However, the document shall
be well kept by the ET and be ready for inspection upon request. All relevant information shall be clearly and
systematically recorded in the document.
The monitoring data shall also be recorded in magnetic media form, and
the software copy can be available upon request. The water quality data software format shall
be agreed with EPD. All the documents
and data shall be kept for at least one year after completion of the
construction contract.
12.10.1
With reference to Event/Action
Plans in previous sections, when the environmental quality limits are exceeded,
the ET shall immediately notify the ER & EPD, as appropriate. The notification shall be followed up with
advice to EPD on the results of the investigation, proposed action and success
of the action taken, with any necessary follow-up proposals. A sample template for the interim
notifications is shown in .
For the purpose of this manual, the
“Engineer” shall refer to the Engineer as defined in the Contract and the
Engineer's Representative (ER), in cases where the Engineer's powers have been
delegated to the ER, in accordance with the Contract.