1.0
INTRODUCTION
Background
1.1
On April 2008,
BMT Asia Pacific Limited (BMT) in association with Mannings (Asia)
Consultants Limited (Mannings) was commissioned by the Highways Department
(HyD) under Agreement No. WD 7/2007 to conduct the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Study for Upgrading of Remaining Sections of Kam Tin Road and Lam Kam Road (hereafter
as “the Project”).
1.2
The
Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual is to specify the recommended
environmental monitoring and audit requirements, where considered necessary for
the concerned environmental aspects, to ensure effective implementation of the
environmental protection and pollution control measures.
1.3
This Manual
provides systematic procedures for carrying out recommended monitoring and
audit works for checking potential environmental impacts that may arise from
the Project. Mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report for each key
environmental aspect are also summarized and presented in this Manual.
Objectives
of this EM&A Programme
1.4
The main
objectives of this EM&A programme are:
l
To provide a database of
baseline environmental quality for subsequent checking during the construction
phase of the works;
l
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;
l
To monitor the effectiveness of
the proposed mitigation measures;
l
To verify the environmental
impacts predicted in the EIA Study for the project;
l
To determine project compliance
with relevant regulatory standards, requirements and guidelines;
l
To outline remedial measures to
be undertaken if unexpected problems or unacceptable impacts arise; and
l
To provide data against which
environmental audits may be undertaken effectively.
Content of the EM&A Manual
1.5
This Manual
contains the following:
l
Duties of the Environmental
Team and Independent Environmental Checker with respect to the EM&A
requirements during the course of the Project;
l
Information on project
organisation;
l
Requirements with respect to
the construction schedule and the necessary EM&A programme to track the
varying environmental impacts;
l
Definition of Action and Limit
Levels;
l
Establishment of event and
action plans;
l
Requirements of reviewing
pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of
non-compliance of the environmental criteria; and
l
Requirements of presentation of
EM&A data and appropriate reporting
procedures.
1.6
An
Implementation Schedule (IS) of the environmental mitigation measures has been
developed and presented in Appendix A.
1.7
This EM&A
Manual shall be regarded as an evolving document that may need to be reviewed
and updated. An updated EM&A
Manual should be prepared by the Environmental Team Leader and verified by the
Independent Environment Checker before submission to the Engineer’s
Representative and Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for agreement.
2.0
Project Description
2.1
Based on the
Project Brief, the Project is to upgrade the remaining sections of Kam Tin Road and Lam Kam Road to a
standard width single two-lane carriageway, with the associated improvement of
pedestrian facilities and public transport laybys. The remaining sections are
located at Kam Tin Road
section between Kam Tin Bypass and Lam
Kam Road; and Lam Kam Road section between Kam Tin Road and
Kadoorie Farm. The location of the Project was provided in Figure 2.1.
2.2
The scope of
the Project comprises:
(a) upgrading
of about 5.2 km long road
section into standard width single two-lane carriageway;
(b) provision of
laybys and crossing facilities; and
(c) associated
slope and drainage works, traffic aids and street lighting modification,
Landscaping works and environmental mitigation measures if required.
2.3
The
construction of the Project is scheduled to be commenced in 2011 and completed in 2015.
EM&A
Requirement
2.4
The EM&A
programme for this Study, as recommended in the EIA, covers construction air
quality and noise monitoring. This EM&A Manual also gives recommendations
on protective measures to be undertaken by the Contractor to protect the
surrounding natural and built environment from waste and water quality impacts
which may be generated by the works.
3.0
PROJECT Organisation
3.1
The proposed
EM&A organization is shown in Figure 3.1 of this Manual. The responsibilities of respective
parties for the EM&A programme are listed in later Clauses.
Environmental Team (ET)
3.2
An ET leaded by
an ET Leader shall carry out the recommended EM&A programme for this
Project. Neither ET Leader nor ET
shall be in any way an associated body of Engineer’s Representative, Independent
Checker (Environmental) or Contractor.
The ET Leader shall plan, organise and manage the implementation of the
EM&A programme, and ensure that the EM&A works are undertaken to the
required standards. The ET Leader
shall have relevant professional qualifications in environmental control and
possess at least 7 years experience in EM&A and/or environmental management
subject to the approval of the Engineer’s Representative.
3.3
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 logbook for recording each and every instance or circumstance
or change of circumstances that may affect the compliance with the
recommendations of the EIA study.
The Independent Checker (Environmental) and EPD shall keep this logbook
readily available for inspection.
3.4
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. The broad categories
of works of the ET comprise the following:
1.
Sampling,
analysis and statistical evaluation of monitoring parameters with reference to
the EIA study recommendations and requirements;
2.
Environmental
site surveillance;
3.
Inspection and
audit of compliance with environmental protection, and pollution prevention and
control regulations;
4.
Inspection and
audit of compliance with procedures established to enable an effective response
to environmental incidents, exceedances or non-compliance;
5.
Assess the
effectiveness of the environmental mitigation measures implemented;
6.
Monitor the
implementation of environmental mitigation measures;
7.
Monitor
compliance with the environmental protection clauses/specifications in the
Contract;
8.
Review the
construction schedule and provide comments as necessary;
9.
Review work
methodologies which may affect the extent of environmental impact during the
construction phase and comment as necessary;
10. Complaint investigation, evaluation and
identification of corrective measures;
11. Liaison with the Project Independent Checker
(Environmental) on all environmental performance matters, and timely submission
of all relevant EM&A proforma for approval of the Independent Checker
(Environmental);
12. Advice to the Contractor on environmental
improvement, awareness, enhancement matters, etc., on site; and
13. Timely submission of the EM&A report to the
Project Proponent and the EPD.
3.5
In the event of
any exceedance of Action / Limit levels, the ET shall inform the Independent
Checker (Environmental), Engineer’s Representative and the Contractor within
one working day (Monday to Friday except public holidays). The ET shall also advise of any change
in circumstances or any non-compliance with the EIA study so that appropriate
remedial actions may be taken promptly by the Contractor.
3.6
The ET is also
responsible for the preparation of the monthly EM&A reports for submission
to Independent Checker (Environmental), the Contractor and the Engineer’s
Representative, and through the Engineer’s Representative, to EPD. The ET shall assist the Contractor and
the Engineer’s Representative in formulating any necessary corrective actions
and/or additional mitigation measures, and liaising with relevant Government
Departments where necessary.
Independent Checker (Environmental)
[IC(E)]
3.7
The IC(E) shall
be responsible for the duties defined in this EM&A Manual. The IC(E) shall audit the overall
EM&A programme including the implementation of all environmental mitigation
measures, submissions relating to EM&A, and any other submissions required
in this EM&A Manual. The IC(E)
shall also be responsible for verifying the environmental acceptability of permanent
and temporary works, relevant design plans and submissions referred under this
Manual.
3.8
The IC(E) shall
verify the log-book prepared and kept by the ET Leader. The IC(E) shall notify EPD, within 24
hours of receipt of notification from the ET Leader of any such instance or
circumstance or change of circumstances or non-compliance with the EIA study,
which might affect the monitoring or control of adverse environmental impact.
3.9
The main duty
of the IC(E) is to carry out independent environmental audit of the
Project. This shall include, inter
alias, the following:
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 (at least once a month);
5.
Audit the EIA
study 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 an as needed
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 Engineer’s
Representative/ET by signing according to the Event/Action Plans specified in
this EM&A Manual.
The Contractor
3.10
The term
"Contractors" should be taken to mean all construction contractors,
operators during the operational phase of the project and sub-contractors,
working on site at any one time.
3.11
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 Leader, IC(E) and Engineer’s
Representative 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 design and implementation of the control and mitigation measures
shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
3.12
In the event
that the ET needs to undertake complaint investigation work, the Contractor and
the Engineer shall co-operate with the ET Leader in providing all the necessary
information and assistance for completion of the investigation. If mitigation measures are required
following the investigation, the Contractor shall promptly carry out these
measures.
3.13
The Contractor
shall report to the ET Leader on the action(s) taken targeting at environmental
protection for inclusion in the monthly report to be prepared by the ET.
Engineer’s Representative
(ER)
3.14
The ER, either
from HyD or appointed by HyD, shall be responsible for overseeing the
operations of the Contractor and the ET.
The ER shall advise, co-ordinate and give appropriate instructions for
the efficient implementation of specific environmental mitigation measures
required, and / or outstanding EM&A works required to be conducted by ET.
3.15
The ER shall
supervise the Contractor’s activities and ensure that the requirements in the
EM&A Manual and other government’s standards 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 study and EM&A Manual, as well as additional measures necessary for
compliance with the relevant environmental standards.
3.16
In the event
that the ET needs to undertake complaint investigation work, the ER and the
Contractor shall co-operate with the ET Leader in providing all the necessary
information and assistance for completion of the investigation. If mitigation measures are required
following the investigation, the ER shall ensure that the Contractor has
carried them out.
4.0
Air Quality
Introduction
4.1
Based on the
air quality impact assessment in the EIA report, a construction EM&A is
required. The air quality parameters, monitoring equipment/locations/details,
laboratory analysis, event and action plan and dust mitigation measures are
described as follows.
Air
Quality Parameters
4.2
Monitoring of
the Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) levels shall be carried out by the ET to
ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely
action taken to rectify the situation.
4.3
One-hour and
24-hour TSP levels should be measured for the ad hoc monitoring to indicate the
impacts of construction dust on air quality. The 24-hour TSP levels shall be measured
by following the standard high volume sampling method as set out in the Title
40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), (Appendix A). Upon approval of the ER, 1-hour TSP
levels can 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.
4.4
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 any other local atmospheric factors affecting or affected by
site conditions, etc., shall be recorded down in detail. A sample data sheet is shown in Appendix
C.
Monitoring
Equipment
4.5
High volume
samplers (HVSs) in compliance with the following specifications shall be used
for carrying out the 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring:
a) 0.6 - 1.7
m3 per minute adjustable flow range;
b) equipped with a timing / control device with +/- 5
minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;
c)
installed with
elapsed-time meter with +/- 2 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;
d) capable of providing a minimum exposed area of 406 cm2;
e) flow control accuracy: +/- 2.5% deviation over
24-hour sampling period;
f)
equipped with a
shelter to protect the filter and sampler;
g) incorporated with an electronic mass flow rate
controller or other equivalent devices;
h)
equipped with a
flow recorder for continuous monitoring;
i)
provided with a
peaked roof inlet;
j)
incorporated
with a manometer;
k)
able to hold
and seal the filter paper to the sampler housing at horizontal position;
l)
easily
changeable filter; and
m) capable of operating continuously for a 24-hour
period.
4.6
The ET is
responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. They shall ensure that sufficient number
of HVSs with an appropriate calibration kit are available for carrying out the
baseline monitoring, and ad hoc monitoring. 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.
4.7
Initial
calibration of dust monitoring equipment 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 concerned parties such as IC(E)
shall properly document the calibration data for future reference. All the data should be converted into
standard temperature and pressure condition.
4.8
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 in the data sheet as
mentioned in Appendix C.
4.9
If the ET
proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure 1-hour TSP levels, he
shall submit sufficient information to the IC(E) to prove that the instrument
is capable of achieving a comparable result to the HVS. The instrument should also be calibrated
regularly, and the 1-hour sampling shall be determined periodically by the HVS
to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading
method.
Laboratory
Measurement / Analysis
4.10
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.
4.11
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 and the measurement procedures shall be witnessed by the
IC(E). Any measurement performed by
the laboratory shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the ER and IC(E).
The IC(E) shall regularly audit the measurement performed by the laboratory to
ensure the accuracy of measurement results. The ET Leader 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.
4.12
Filter paper of
size 8" x 10" shall be labelled before sampling. It shall be a clean filter paper with no
pinholes, and shall be conditioned in a humidity-controlled chamber for over
24-hours and be pre-weighed before use for the sampling.
4.13
After sampling,
the filter paper loaded with dust shall be kept in a clean and tightly sealed
plastic bag. The filter paper shall
then be 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.
4.14
All the
collected samples shall be kept in a good condition for 6 months before
disposal.
Monitoring
Locations
4.15
The status and
locations of dust sensitive receivers may change after issuing this manual. If
such cases exist, the ET shall propose updated monitoring locations and seek
approval from ER and agreement from the IC(E).
4.16
When
alternative monitoring locations be proposed, the following criteria, as far as
practicable, shall be followed:
a) at the site boundary or such locations close to the
major dust emission source;
b) close to the sensitive receptors; and
c)
take into
account the prevailing meteorological conditions.
4.17
The ET shall
agree with the ER in consultation with the IC(E) on the position of the HVS for
the installation of the monitoring equipment. When positioning the samplers, the
following points shall be noted:
a) a horizontal platform with appropriate support to
secure the samplers against gusty wind should be provided;
b) no two samplers should be placed less than 2 meters
apart;
c)
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;
d) a minimum of 2 meters of separation from walls,
parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop samplers;
e) a minimum of 2 meters separation from any supporting
structure, measured horizontally is required;
f)
no furnace or
incinerator flue is nearby;
g) airflow around the sampler is unrestricted;
h)
the sampler is
more than 20 meters from the dripline;
i)
any wire fence
and gate, to protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during
monitoring;
j)
permission must
be obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring
stations; and
k)
a secured
supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.
Baseline
Monitoring
4.18
The ET leader
shall carry out at the designated baseline monitoring locations shown in Table
4.1 for at least 14 consecutive days prior to the commissioning of the
construction works to obtain daily 24-hour TSP samples. One-hour sampling
should also be done at least 3 times per day while the highest dust impact is
expected. The proposed locations of
the baseline monitoring stations are shown in Figure 4.1.
Table
4.1 Baseline Monitoring
Location
|
Monitoring Location
|
Description
|
|
A6
|
Kam Tin Clinic
|
|
A53
|
Village house (No. 70 Lam Kam Road)
|
4.19
During the
baseline monitoring, there should not be any construction or dust generation
activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations. Before commencing baseline monitoring,
the ET shall inform the IC(E) of the baseline monitoring programme such that
the ER can conduct on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the baseline monitoring
results.
4.20
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 that 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 the IC(E).
4.21
In exceptional
cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are
obtained, the ET 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.
4.22
Ambient
conditions may vary seasonally and shall be reviewed once every three
months. When the ambient conditions
have changed and a repeat of the baseline monitoring is required to be carried
out for obtaining the updated baseline levels, the monitoring should be
conducted at times when the Contractor's activities are not generating dust, at
least in the proximity of the monitoring stations. 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.
Ad-hoc
Monitoring During Construction Phase
4.23
Regular impact
monitoring is considered not necessary. However, the ET shall carry out ad-hoc
impact monitoring as required by the ER or IC(E) when the construction
activities are undertaking. Before
commencing monitoring, the ET 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.
4.24
In case of
non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring as
specified in the following Action Plan, 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.
Event
and Action Plan
4.25
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
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 occur, actions in accordance with
the Action Plan in Appendix B should be carried out.
Table
4.2 Action / Limit Levels for
Air Quality
|
Parameters
|
Action
|
Limit
|
|
1-hour TSP Level in mg m-3
|
For baseline level £ 384 mg/m3, Action level = (baseline level * 1.3 + Limit
level)/2;
For baseline level > 384 mg/m3, Action level = Limit level
|
500 mg/m3
|
Dust Mitigation Measures
4.26
In order that
nuisance to air sensitive receivers is minimized, it is important to minimize
dust emissions from construction activities. It is the contractor’s responsibility to
design and implement appropriate dust control measures should be during construction
stage in accordance with the requirements in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation. These
measures include:
Ÿ
Works area for site clearance
shall be sprayed with water before, during and after the operation so as to
maintain the entire surface wet;
Ÿ
All dusty materials shall be
sprayed with water immediately prior to any loading, unloading or transfer
operation so as to maintain the dusty materials wet;
Ÿ
Hoarding of not less than 2.4m above ground should be provide, as
far as practicable, along the site boundary which is next to the public areas;
Ÿ
Restricting heights not higher
than 1.5m above the ground from
which materials are to be dropped, as far as practicable to minimise the
fugitive dust arising from unloading/ loading;
Ÿ
Any stockpile of dusty
materials shall be covered entirely by impervious sheeting; and/or placed in an
area sheltered on the top and 4 sides;
Ÿ
Immediately before leaving a
construction site, all vehicles shall be washed to remove any dusty materials
from its body and wheels;
Ÿ
Where a vehicle leaving a construction
site is carrying a load of dusty materials, the load shall be covered entirely
by clean impervious sheeting to ensure that the dusty materials do not leak
from the vehicle.
4.27
If the above
measures are not sufficient to restore the air quality to acceptable levels
upon the advice of the ET Leader, the Contractor shall liaise with the ET
Leader and the IC(E) on some other mitigation measures, propose to the
Engineer’s Representative and IC(E) for approval, and implement the mitigation
measures.
5.0 Noise
Introduction
5.1
Based on the
noise impact assessment in the EIA report, a construction EM&A is required.
The noise parameters, monitoring equipment/locations/details, event and action
plan and dust mitigation measures are described as follows.
Noise Monitoring Parameters
5.2
The
construction noise levels shall be measured in terms of the A-weighted
equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq). Leq(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, Leq(5 min) shall be employed for comparison with the Noise
Control Ordinance (NCO) criteria.
5.3
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 Appendix C.
Monitoring Equipment
5.4
As referred to
in the Technical Memorandum (TM)
issued under the Noise Control Ordinance
(NCO), sound level meters in compliance with the International Electrical Commission Publications 651: 1979 (Type 1) and
804: 1985 (Type 1) specifications shall be used for carrying out the noise
monitoring.
5.5
Immediately
prior to and following noise measurement the accuracy of the sound level meter
will 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 level from
before and after the noise measurement agrees to within 1.0 dB. The acoustic calibrator to be used shall
meet IC(E) 942, 1988 Class 1 specifications. Annual calibration of all sound level
meters and acoustic calibrators shall be conducted by a laboratory in Hong Kong or the manufacturer in compliance with national
standards as recommended by the manufacturer of the sound level meter and
acoustic calibrator.
5.6
Noise
measurements should not be made in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a
steady speed exceeding 5m/s or
wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s.
The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of
measuring the wind speed in m/s.
5.7
ET is
responsible for the availability of monitoring equipments. He shall ensure sufficient noise
measuring equipments and associated instrumentations are available for carrying
out noise monitoring works. All the
equipments and associated instrumentations shall be clearly labelled, stored
and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The ET shall also liaise with the
concerned parties for gaining access to the monitoring stations for the
installation of the monitoring equipment and carrying out monitoring.
Monitoring Locations
5.8
Three
designated noise monitoring stations are selected for construction noise
monitoring. Table 5.1 describes the
construction noise monitoring locations, which are also depicted in Figure 5.1.
The status and locations of noise sensitive receivers may change after this
Manual is issued. If such cases exist, the ET shall propose updated monitoring
locations and seek approval from ER and agreement from the IC(E) and EPD of the
proposal.
Table 5.1 Noise Monitoring Stations for
Construction Noise
|
I.D.
|
Description
|
Uses
|
|
N13
|
Village
House near Season Villas
|
Residential
|
|
N29
|
Village
House, 46 Wang Toi Shan Lo Uk
Tsuen
|
Residential
|
|
N39
|
Village
House near Pat Heung Old
Temple
|
Residential
|
5.9
When
alternative monitoring location(s) is/are proposed, the monitoring location(s)
shall be chosen based on the following criteria:
l
At location(s) close to the
major site activities which is/are likely to have noise impacts;
l
Close to the NSRs; and
l
For monitoring locations
located in the vicinity of the sensitive receivers, care shall be taken to
cause minimal disturbance to occupants during monitoring.
5.10
The monitoring
station shall normally be at a point 1 m
from the exterior of the building facade of the sensitive receivers and be at a
position 1.2 m above the ground.
5.11
If there is a
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 +3 dB(A)
shall be made to the free field measurements. The ET shall agree with the IC(E) on the
monitoring position and the corrections adopted. Once the position for the monitoring
station is chosen, the baseline monitoring and the impact monitoring shall be
carried out at the same position.
Baseline Monitoring
5.12
The ET shall
carry out baseline monitoring prior to the commencement of the construction
works. The baseline monitoring
shall be carried out daily for a period of at least 14 consecutive days. A schedule on the baseline monitoring
for construction noise prior to the commencement of the construction works
shall be submitted to the IC(E) for approval before the monitoring starts.
5.13
Before
commencing the baseline monitoring, the ET shall inform the IC(E) of the
baseline monitoring programme such that the IC(E) can conduct on-site audit to
ensure accuracy of the baseline monitoring results.
5.14
There shall not
be any construction activities in the vicinity during the baseline
monitoring. In exceptional cases,
when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are
obtained, the ET shall liaise with IC(E) to agree on an appropriate set of data
to be used as a baseline reference and submit to the EPD for approval.
5.15
Noise monitoring
shall be carried out at all the designated monitoring stations. The monitoring frequency shall depend on
the scale of the construction activities.
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 measurements between 0700-1900 hours on
normal weekdays;
b) one set of measurements between 1900-2300 hours;
5.16
For the
measurements (b) above, one set of measurements shall at least include 3 consecutive
Leq (5 min) results.
Impact Monitoring
5.17
The ET shall
conduct noise monitoring at the designated monitoring station on a weekly basis
when noise-generating activities are underway. One set of measurements is to be taken
between 0700-1900 hours on Mondays to Fridays, except public holidays.
5.18
General
construction works conducted during restricted hours are controlled under the
Construction Noise Permit (CNP) system, under the NCO. The Contractor shall apply for a CNP and
abide by the permit requirements should works be necessary during restricted
hours.
5.19
In case of
non-compliance with the construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring
as specified in the Event / Action Plan (in Appendix B) 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.
Event and Action Plan
5.20
The Action and
Limit levels for construction noise are defined in Table 5.2. Should non-compliance of the criteria
occur, action in accordance with the Event/Action Plan in Appendix B, shall 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)
|
Construction Noise Mitigation
Measures
5.21
The following
mitigation measures are recommended:
Adoption of Quiet PME
5.22
The contractor
should be requested, as far as possible, to use quiet PME, whose actual SWL is
less than the value specified in “Technical
Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work other than Percussive Piling (GW-TM)”. This is one of the most effective
measures and is increasingly practicable because of the availability of quiet
equipment.
Erection of Temporary Noise Barriers
5.23
Temporary noise
barriers could be very effective in screening noise from particular items of
plant. A noise barrier located
close to the noise generating component of a PME in order to block the line of
sight from the plants to the affected NSRs to produce at least 10 dB(A)
screening for stationary plant and 5 dB(A) for mobile plant. The use of movable barriers with skid
footing and a small cantilevered upper portion can be adopted. The height of the noise barriers shall
be designed such that the active PME cannot be directly viewed from the
affected NSRs and with a length to height ratio at least 5:1 and a superficial
material surface density > 10 kgm-2.
Acoustic Screen / Enclosure
5.24
Acoustic
enclosures, which completely cover the noisy part of PME, can provide
significant noise reduction.
Enclosing the hand-held breaker in an acoustic enclosure with suitable
ventilation can provide a noise reduction up to 20 dB(A). The enclosure shall be built with a
material density of > 7 kgm-2 with sound absorption lining of at
least 25 mm thick, 80 kg/m3 mineral wool to reduce the noise
reverberation and noise being reflected out through openings and enclosed the
hand-held breaker as much as possible.
5.25
For the soldier
pile wall construction, an acoustic screen should be installed at
the crawler rig, with minimum 50mm
thick sound absorbing lining (e.g. 96 kgm-3 mineral wool) and 6mm thick steel backing, to block the
line of sight from the plants to the affected NSRs. At least a 5 dB(A) noise
reduction can be achieved.
Reducing the Number of Plant Operating close to NSRs
5.26
With the use of
quiet plant and movable noise barriers, the predicted noise levels at some NSRs
still exceeded the noise criteria. It is recommended to restrict the number of
particularly noisy plant operating within certain parts of the site that are
very close to the affected NSRs.
5.27
Good site
practice and noise management can also significantly reduce the impact of
construction site activities on nearby NSRs. The following mitigation measures
should be followed during of construction:
l
PMEs should be kept to a
minimum and the parallel use of them should be avoided;
l
Intermittent use of PME which
can be shut down between work periods or
throttled down to a minimum;
l
Any mobile PME should be sited
as far from NSRs as possible;
l
PME known to emit noise
strongly in one direction should be orientated to direct away from the nearby
NSRs;
l
Only well-maintained plant
should be operated on-site and PME should be serviced regularly during the
construction programme;
l
Material stockpiles and other
structures (e.g. site hoarding) should be effectively utilised, wherever
practicable, in screening noise from on-site construction activities;
l
Regular maintenance of all
plant and equipment;
l
Locating noisy equipment and noisy
activities as far from NSRs as is practical; and
l
Turn off any unused equipment.
5.28
If the noise
levels exceed the limit level after adopting the above measures upon ET
Leader’s advices, the Contractor shall liaise with the ET Leader on some other
mitigation measures, propose them to ER and IC(E) for approval and carry out
the mitigation measures after approval.
6.0 Water Quality
Introduction
6.1
The water
quality impact assessment in the EIA report recommended that regular site
inspections are required, in order to ensure all mitigation measures proposed
during the construction phase are implemented properly.
Site Inspection
6.2
The site
inspection shall be conducted in weekly basis. The ET is responsible for
formulating an environmental site inspection, deficiency and action reporting
system, and for carrying out site inspections under the EM&A programme.
Water Quality Mitigation Measures
6.3
Construction
site runoff and drainage should be prevented or minimized in accordance with
the guidelines stipulated in the “EPD’s
Practice Note for Professional Persons, Construction Site Drainage (ProPECC PN
1/94)”. In order to check that
the water quality mitigation measures have been implemented by the Contractor
as good site practices, the ET shall include the following items as part of
their site inspections and audit:
l
Wastewater from temporary site
facilities should be controlled to prevent direct discharge to surface waters;
l
Sewage effluent and discharges
from on-site kitchen facilities shall be directed to Government sewer in
accordance with the requirements of the Water
Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) or collected for disposal offsite. The use of soakaways shall be avoided;
l
Storm drainage shall be
directed to storm drains via adequately designed sand/silt removal facilities
such as sand traps, silt traps and sediment basins. Channels, earth bunds or sand bag
barriers should be provided on site to properly direct stormwater to such silt
removal facilities. Catchpits and
perimeter channels should be constructed in advance of site formation works and
earthworks;
l
Silt removal facilities,
channels and manholes shall be maintained and any deposited silt and grit shall
be removed regularly, including specifically at the onset of and after each
rainstorm;
l
Rainwater pumped out from
trenches or foundation excavations should be discharged into storm drains via
silt removal facilities;
l
Measures should be taken to
prevent the washout of construction materials, soil, silt or debris into any
drainage system;
l
Discharges of surface run-off
into foul sewers must always be prevented in order not to unduly overload the
foul sewerage system;
l
Vehicles and plant should be
cleaned before they leave the construction site to ensure that no earth, mud or
debris is deposited by them on roads. A wheel washing bay should be provided at
every site exit;
l
Wheel-wash overflow shall be
directed to silt removal facilities before being discharged to the storm drain;
l
Open stockpiles should be
covered with a tarpaulin to avoid erosion which may wash fines into stormwater;
l
Regular inspections of stilling
basins and/or silt traps to ensure that sediment is not conveyed into the
existing drainage system;
l
During the wet season, any
exposed top soils should be covered with a tarpaulin as soon as possible;
l
Proper site management and good
housekeeping practices would also be required to ensure that construction
wastes would not enter the nearby open drainage channels;
l
Sewage effluent arising from
the construction workforce would also require appropriate treatment through
provision of portable toilets;
l
On-site debris and refuse
generated should be collected, handled and disposed properly;
l
The contractor shall prepare an
oil / chemical cleanup plan and ensure that leakages or spillages are contained
and cleaned up immediately;
l
Any fuels should be stored in
bunded areas such that spillage can be easily collected. Waste oil should be
collected and stored for recycling or disposal, in accordance with the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
6.4
The Contractor
shall also observe and comply with the relevant statutory requirements and
guidelines and their updated versions.
7.0 Waste Management
Introduction
7.1
Based on the EIA
study, it has been identified that minimal volumes of construction wastes
(including inert and non-inert wastes), chemical waste and general refuse will
be generated from the construction activities.
7.2
Through proper
on-site handling and storage (covered containers), reuse (of inert construction
wastes) and off-site disposal (via approved waste collectors to approved waste
facilities and/or disposal grounds) the generation, handling and disposal of
these wastes will not give rise to any adverse environmental impacts during the
construction phase. However, given
the potential for environmental impacts to arise from improper waste management
(e.g. visual impact, nuisance, etc.), it is recommended that waste control and
mitigation measures be implemented as part of general good site practices.
7.3
The EIA study has
identified nine car repairing workshops (i.e. Site 1 to 9 as shown in Figure 7.1)
and five petrol filling stations (i.e., PFS 1 to PFS 5 as shown in Figure 7.1)
were found along the Project boundary having a potential of land contamination
and recommended for further investigation prior to the works at these
locations. Prior to the
commencement of site clearance / excavation works at these locations, a
sampling and analysis programme shall be prepared and implemented.
Environmental Audit
7.4
The ET Leader
is responsible for formulating an environmental site inspection, deficiency and
action reporting system, and for carrying out site inspections under the
EM&A programme.
7.5
In order to
check that the waste control and mitigation measures have been implemented by
the Contractor as good site practices, the ET shall include the following items
as part of their site inspections and audit:
l
The
reuse/recycling of all materials on site shall be investigated prior to
treatment/disposal off site;
l
Good site
practices shall be adopted from the commencement of works to avoid the
generation of waste, reduce cross contamination of waste and to promote waste
minimisation practices;
l
All waste
materials shall be sorted on site into inert and non-inert construction wastes,
and where the materials will be recycled or reused these shall be further
segregated. The Contractor shall be
responsible for identifying which materials can be recycled/reused, whether on
site or off site. In the event of
the latter, the Contractor shall make arrangements for the collection of the
recyclable materials. Any remaining
non-inert waste shall be collected and disposed of to the refuse transfer
station whilst any inert construction wastes shall be re-used on site as far as
possible. Alternatively, if no use
of the inert material can be found on site, the material should be delivered to
a public filling area or a public fill bank after obtaining the appropriate
licence;
l
With reference
to ETWBTC (W) No.31/2004, Trip-ticket System for Disposal of Construction and
Demolition Material, a trip ticket system should be established at the outset
of the construction of the proposed road to monitor the disposal of C&D and
solid wastes from the site to public filling facilities and landfills;
l
Under the Waste
Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation, the Contractor shall register
with EPD as a Chemical Waste Producer if there is any use of chemicals on site
including lubricants, paints, diesel fuel, etc. Only licensed chemical waste collectors
shall be employed to collect any chemical waste generated at site. The handling, storage, transportation
and disposal of chemical wastes shall be conducted in accordance with the Code
of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes and A
Guide to the Chemical Waste Control Scheme both published by EPD;
l
Stockpiling is
not envisaged, however if it becomes unavoidable, stockpiling in any vegetated
areas shall be avoided (as far as possible) and shall be covered with tarpaulin
and/or watered to prevent windblown dust and/or surface runoff;
l
A sufficient
number of covered bins shall be provided on site for the containment of general
refuse to prevent visual impacts and nuisance to sensitive receivers. These bins shall be cleared daily and
the collected waste disposed of to the refuse transfer station. Further to the issue of ETWBTC (Works)
No. 6/2002A, Enhanced
Specification for Site Cleanliness and Tidiness, the Contractor is required to
maintain a clean and hygienic site by performing daily cleaning and weekly
tidying throughout the project works;
l
All chemical
toilets shall be regularly cleaned and the nightsoil collected and transported
by a licensed contractor to a Government Sewage Treatment Works facility for
disposal;
l
Tool-box talks
should be provided to workers about the concepts of site cleanliness and
appropriate waste management procedures, including waste reduction, reuse and
recycling; and
l
The contractor
shall propose a recording system for the amount of wastes generated, recycled
and disposed of (including the disposal sites), and the ET Leader shall include
a summary of such information in each monthly EM&A Report.
7.6
The Contractor
shall also observe and comply with the relevant statutory requirements and
guidelines and their updated versions.
Land Contamination Assessment
7.7
Once area of
car repairing workshops of Site 1, Site 3 and Site 4 encroached upon the
project boundary have been vacated or access has been granted, site
investigation shall be arranged.
The land contamination assessment will include sampling and analysis of
soil to confirm the presence and level of contamination (if any), and the
quantity of the contaminated soil.
The handling and disposal requirements of the excavated materials will
be determined based on the land contamination assessment findings with disposal
at landfill considered as the last resort. Investigation shall also be carried out
at the works area within Project boundary.
7.8
The project
Contractor shall engage an experienced land contamination specialist, upon
approval by the ER, to prepare the Contamination Assessment Plan(s) (CAP) for
EPD’s approval prior to the investigation.
Upon approval of the CAP, the Contractor(s) shall carry out site
investigation and sampling works in accordance with the sampling proposal
detailed in the approved CAP. The results
of the sampling works will be reported in a Contamination Assessment Report(s)
(CAR) and submitted to EPD for approval.
Should contamination be identified during the investigation, a
Remediation Action Plan(s) (RAP) shall also be prepared and submitted to EPD
for approval. Remediation measures
as recommended in the CAR/RAP shall be fully implemented by the Contractor
prior to commencement of works.
Mitigation Measures
7.9
As a general
measures, when handling identified contaminated materials, the following
control measures should be implemented by the Contractor and the implementation
status of the following measures should be monitored through the site audit
programme by the ET:
l
Exposure to any
contaminated materials can be minimised by the wearing of appropriate clothing
and personal protective equipment;
l
Adequate
training and instructions of the potential hazards associated with the
contaminated materials shall be provided to site staff and workers;
l
Measures shall
be implemented to prevent non-workers from approaching the identified potential
contamination areas in order to avoid exposure to contaminants;
l
Where
appropriate, the use of bulk handling equipment should be maximised to reduce
the potential contacts between excavated contaminated materials and associated
workers;
l
All temporary
stockpiles of the materials shall be completely covered with waterproof
material to avoid leaching of contaminants, especially during rainy season; and
l
Surface water
shall be diverted around any contaminated areas or stockpiles to minimise
potential runoff into excavations.
8.0
ECOLOGY
Introduction
8.1
Since the
impact from habitat loss due to the Project is predicted to be low, and there
is no significant and adverse impact from disturbance to wildlife and indirect
/ induced impacts resulted from the proposed works during construction and
operation, ecological monitoring is considered not necessary. However, regular
site inspection is recommended to ensure adequate mitigation measures / best
practice guidelines are implemented throughout construction of the Project.
Mitigation Measures / Construction Management
8.2
The best
practice guidelines for control of construction site run-off and for managing
construction waste as given in Section 5 and Section 6 respectively shall be
implemented as far as practicable, in order to avoid any indirect / induced
construction impacts upon wildlife.
8.3
The following
precautionary measures as referred in ETWB TC No. 5/2005 to avoid any possible
impacts on natural stream courses and/ or nearby vegetation during construction
phase shall be implemented:
n
Temporary storage of construction materials shall be
properly covered and located away from any stream courses.
n
Construction debris and spoil shall be covered properly and
disposed of as soon as possible to avoid being washed into nearby stream
courses.
n
Temporary access to the site shall be carefully planned and
located to avoid disturbance impacts upon surface waters.
n
Consideration shall be given to conducting the proposed
works during the dry season when stream flow is low.
8.4
No plant
species of conservation concern including Aquilaria
sinensis shall be removed due to the Project. Identification labels shall be attached
to the two tree specimens of Aquilaria
sinensis to notify the site workers that the two tree individuals or any
tree specimens of A. sinensis shall
not be removed or damaged during construction works. Protection measures shall be implemented
to avoid any possible construction impacts upon the fruit bat roost on the
Chinese Fan-palm Livistona chinensis
on Lam Kam Road. These measures shall include but not
limited to the following:
n
Establishment of a Tree Protection Zone in accordance with
Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 29/2004,
clause 17. No construction
activities or construction storage shall be intruded into the designated Tree
Protection Zone.
n
Provision of a tree identification label to notify the site
workers to protect the tree from construction damage throughout the
construction period.
9.0
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Introduction
9.1
The presence of
archaeological material has been classified as low in the project study area,
even though sections of the Study Area fall within the boundary of the Pat
Heung Sheung Tsuen Archaeological Site (A Site of Cultural Heritage) and no
further archaeological investigation has been recommended. However, the
following precautionary measures must be abided by during the construction
phase.
Mitigation
Measures
9.2
If any
antiquity or supposed antiquity is discovered during the course of the
excavation works undertaken by the contractor, the project proponent shall
report the discovery to the AMO immediately and shall take all necessary
archaeological mitigation measures to preserve it’.
10.0
Landscape and Visual
Introduction
10.1
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.
Mitigation Measures
10.2
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 Chapter 10 of the EIA report:
Table 10‑1 Proposed
Construction Stage Mitigation Measures
|
Mitigation Code
|
Mitigation Measure
|
|
CP1
|
Preservation of Existing Vegetation - The proposed works should avoid disturbance to
the existing trees as far as practicable within the works areas. Based on the
preliminary tree survey some 1286 trees can be preserved in-situ including 107
numbers of the large Melaleuca
quinquenervia and approximately 224 numbers of the large trees with a trunk
diameter of over 500mm.
It is recommended that a
full tree survey and tree removal application be undertaken and submitted for
approval by the relevant government departments in accordance with ETWB TCW
No. 03/2006, ‘Tree Preservation’ during project detailed design. The
application will include details of the compensatory planting proposals and
specifications for the protection of existing trees.
Trees not in conflict
with the proposals will be protected by fencing as appropriate to prevent
canopy and root zone damage from excavation works, vehicles and material
storage.
|
|
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
|
Works
Area and Temporary Works Areas
- The landscape of these works areas should be restored to its original
status or new amenity area 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 will be erected around
the temporary works area.
|
|
CP4
|
Programme
for Mitigation Planting - Replanting of disturbed vegetation should be
undertaken at the earliest possible stage during the construction phase of
the project to maximise its effect during the operational phase.
|
|
CP5
|
Transplantation of Existing Trees – Where existing trees cannot be avoided the
potential for transplanting the trees to new locations within the road
corridor would be examined. As a result some 6 trees are recommended to
be transplanted under the current proposal, final recipient site should be,
as far as space allows, adjacent to their current locations alongside of the
carriageway to retain their contribution to the local landscape context, the
recipient site will subject to the findings of the detailed tree survey and felling application undertaken at the
detailed design stage and upon to the approval by relevant departments.
|
Table 10‑2 Proposed
Operational Stage Mitigation Measures
|
Mitigation Code
|
Mitigation Measure
|
|
OP1
|
Implementation of the road
widening proposals will include:
Integrated design approach
– the alignment and structures associated with the widened road should
integrated, as far as technically feasible, with existing roadside structures
and the landscape context to reduce the potential cumulative impact of the
proposed works. The location and orientation of the associated structures
should where possible avoid landscape and visually sensitive areas such
woodland, shrubland and agricultural fields.
Treatment of highway structures - the architectural design should seek to reduce
the apparent visual mass of the engineering structures through the use of
textured finishes and colour blocking. Earth tones are preferred as these
match the existing landscape and visual context.
|
|
OP2
|
Roadside Planting – These planting areas will utilise largely
native tree and shrub species either with high canopy and thin foliage to
allow visual access in the views from the adjacent landscape to the distant
roadside or rural landscape or dense foliage at selected locations to provide
shaded environment for pedestrians and the creation, where space allows, of
the avenue effect originally created through the planting of an Melaleuca quinquenervia, along the edge
of the carriageway.
Native tree planting on
the existing and proposed cut slopes will improve the ecological connectivity
between existing woodland habitats with the advantage of creating a more
coherent landscape framework. These areas include the planting of approximately 3,031m2
of mass woodland planting. The species selection will include Bischofia trifoliata, Bridelia tomentosa, Castanopsis fissa, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Cyclobalanopsis
myrsininfolia, Ficus hispida, Gordonia axillaris, Litsea glutinosa,
Macaranga tanarius, Mallotus paniculatus, Microcos paniculatus, Sapium
discolour, Sapium sebiferum and
Schima superba.
Approximately 559 number
large specimens of Melaleuca
quinquenervia will be utilised within the immediate roadside areas and
within the new central median.
These
species are considered in the
planting proposal to create a comprehensive planting framework that could
enhance both ecological and landscape value of the context.
The extent of the
proposed mitigation planting is indicated in Figures 9.12 A to H in the EIA report.
|
|
OP3
|
Compensatory Planting Proposals - the preliminary planting proposals for the
proposed works include some 3,031m2
of new mass woodland planting and 559 specimen trees utilising
a combination of light standard to standard sized stock in general roadside
planting areas as shown in Figures 9.12A
to H in the EIA report. Trees forming part of the roadside and slope planting
will provide amenity and shaded area for the pedestrians using the roadside
pavements and utilise species native to Hong Kong.
These proposals will be subject to the detailed design stage of the project.
|
|
OP4
|
Treatment of Retaining Wall and Slopes – The design and implementation of the aesthetic
appearance of the retaining wall and slopes will be undertaken in accordance
with GEO Publication No. 1/2000 "Technical Guidelines on Landscape
Treatment and Bio-engineering for Man-made Slopes and Retaining Walls",
WBTC No. 29/93 on control of Visual Impact of Slopes and WBTC No. 17/2002 on
Improvement to the Appearance of Slopes.
The engineered structures
will be aesthetically enhanced through the use of soft landscape works
including tree and shrub planting to give these man-made features a more
natural appearance and blending them into the local rural landscape. Light standard sized tree planting
will be used on the face of soil cut slopes with a gradient of less than 30
degrees, at the crest and toe of the slope, and within berm planters as has
been described in OP2 above. These smaller, younger plants will adapt to
their new growing conditions more quickly than larger sized stock and
establish a naturalistic effect more rapidly.
Slopes with a gradient of
greater than 30 degrees will be hydroseeded using a mixture of native trees
and shrubs. Based on the current proposals some 6,173m2 of hyrdoseeding
will be applied to the road slopes.
Vertical greening
measures shall also be considered on engineering structures. This includes
the use of climbing and trailing plants both planted at the crest and toe of
the features, and within pockets within the slopes. It is proposed that
native species be used to enhance the ecological value of the road corridor
and minimise potential maintenance requirements. These measures will be
applied to the retaining walls and newly regarded slopes features.
The extent of the proposed mitigation planting and
the location of the proposed retaining walls and regarded slopes are
indicated in Figures 9.12 A
to H in the EIA report.
|
10.3
The landscape
measures proposed within the EIA to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts arising
from the proposed scheme should be incorporated within 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.
Baseline Monitoring
10.4
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.
10.5
The landscape
and visual baseline will be determined with reference to the landscape and
visual impact assessments included in the EIA Report.
10.6
Construction
and Operational Phase Review
10.7
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 where the
construction activities and the programme allow the tree and shrub planting
proposals will be undertaken using a phased implementation approach as areas of
the upgrading works are completed. 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.
10.8
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 reviewed
by a Registered Landscape Architect, 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 review is detailed below but should also be undertaken with reference to
the more specific checklist provided in Table 10-3. 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 10‑3 Construction
/ Operational Phase Audit Checklist
|
Area of Works
|
Items to be
Monitored
|
|
Advance planting
(Where feasible in accordance with the
construction programme)
|
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 in
accordance with ETWB 2/2007 Guidelines on Tree Pruning;
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.
|
|
Site hoarding for Temporary Works Area
|
l
Implementation and maintenance, to ensure
compliance with agreed designs.
|
|
Aesthetic design and treatment of structures 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.
|
10.9
In the event of
non compliance the responsibilities of the relevant parties is detailed in the
Event /Action plan provided on Table 10-4
Table 10‑4 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.
|
11.0
Site Environmental Audit
Site Surveillance
11.1
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 activities at
the fill bank site 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 site.
11.2
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
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 and IC(E) for approval.
11.3
Regular site
inspections shall be carried out at least once per week during the construction
period of the proposed road. The
areas of inspection shall include but not be limited to compliance with
environmental legislation, pollution control and mitigation measures within the
site. It should also review the environmental situation outside the site area
that 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, waste management and water quality
impacts;.
2.
On-going
results of the EM&A programme;
3.
Works progress
and programme;
4.
Individual
works methodology proposals (which shall include proposals on associated
pollution control measures);
5.
The contract
specifications on environmental protection and pollution prevention;
6.
The relevant
environmental protection and pollution control laws, ProPECC Notes; and
7.
Previous site
inspection results.
11.4
The Contractor
shall update with the ET on all relevant information of the 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 to report on any remedial measures subsequent to the site
inspections.
11.5
The ET shall
conduct ad hoc site inspections if significant environmental problems are
identified. The IC(E) shall also
conduct independent site audits.
Inspections may also be required subsequent to receipt of any
environmental complaints, or as part of the investigation work, as specified in
the Event/Action Plan for environmental monitoring and audit.
Compliance
with Legal and Contractual Requirements
11.6
There are
contractual environmental protection and pollution control requirements as well
as environmental protection and pollution control laws in Hong
Kong, with which the proposed road construction activities shall
comply.
11.7
The ET 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.
11.8
The Contractor
shall regularly copy relevant documents to the ET so that the checking work can
be carried out. The documents shall
at least include the updated Work Progress Reports, the updated Works
Programme, application letters for different license/permits under the
environmental protection laws, and all valid licence(s)/permit(s). The site diary shall also be available
for the ET’s inspection upon his request.
11.9
After reviewing
the document, the ET 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.
11.10 Upon receipt of the advice, the Contractor shall
undertake immediate action to remedy the situation. The ER shall check that the Contractor
has taken appropriate action in order that the environmental protection and
pollution control requirements are fulfilled.
Environmental
Complaints
11.11 Complaints reviewed on environmental issues shall be
referred to the ET Leader for carrying out complaint investigation
procedures. Upon receipt of
complaints the ET shall undertake the tasks outlined in points 1-9 below:
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 consultations with
the IC(E);
4. If mitigation
measures are required, advise the Contractor accordingly;
5. Review the
Contractor’s implementation of the identified 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 an follow-up action within the time frame assigned
by EPD;
7. Undertake
additional monitoring and audit to verify the complaint 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 on
the complaint, investigation, the subsequent actions and the results in the
monthly EM&A reports.
11.12 The ER shall immediately notify the Contractor, ER,
Project Proponent and EPD (Local Control Office) of any complaints received and
keep him well informed of the actions being taken to settle these complaints.
11.13 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 are identified to be required in the investigation in consultation
with the IC(E), the Contractor shall promptly carry out the measures. The ER shall ensure that the Contractor
has implemented the mitigation measures.
Documentation
11.14 All documentation is required to be filed in a
traceable and systematically manner and ready for inspection upon request. All EM&A results and findings shall
be documented in the EM&A report prepared by the ET and endorsed by IC(E)
prior to circulation to the Contractor, ER and EPD.
12.0
Reporting
General
12.1
The following
reporting requirements are based upon a paper-documented approach. However, the same information shall 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 an
agreed electronic format in accordance with the requirements under Annex 21 of
the EIAO TM. This would enable a
transition from a paper/historic and reactive approach to an electronic/real
time proactive approach.
Baseline Monitoring Report
12.2
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 presentation of the baseline monitoring data to
be submitted to EPD shall be agreed with EPD prior to submission.
12.3
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
programme on construction of the proposed road with milestones of environmental
protection/mitigation activities annotated;
5.
Monitoring
results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following
information:
l
Monitoring
methodology;
l
Types of
equipment used and calibration details;
l
Parameters
monitored;
l
Monitoring
locations;
l
Monitoring
date, time, frequency and duration; and
l
QA/QC results
and detection limits.
6.
Details on
influencing factors, including:
l
Major
activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period;
l
Weather
conditions during the period; and
l
Other factors
which might affect the results.
7.
Determination
of the Action Limit 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 actions for the parameters
monitored;
8.
Revisions for
inclusion in the EM&A Manual; and
9.
Comments and
conclusions.
Monthly EM&A Reports
12.4
The results and
findings of all EM&A work required in the Manual shall be presented in a
monthly EM&A report that shall be prepared by the ET Leader. The EM&A report shall be endorsed by
IC(E), and then submitted to EPD within 10 working days of the end of each
reporting month. The first report
is due in the month after the establishment phase 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 liaise with the parties on the exact number of copies and
format of the monthly reports in both hard copy and electronic medium required.
12.5
The ET Leader
shall review the number and location of monitoring stations and parameters to
be monitored every 6 months or on a needed basis in order to cater for the
changes in surrounding environment and nature works in progress.
First Monthly EM&A Report
12.6
The first
monthly EM&A report shall include at least the following:
1.
Executive
Summary (1-2 pages);
l
Breaches of
Action Limit levels;
l
Complaint Log;
l
Notifications
of any summons and successful prosecutions;
l
Reporting
Changes; and
l
Future key
issues.
2.
Basic Project
Information
l
Project
organisation including key personnel contact names and telephone numbers;
l
Programme with
fine tuning of activities showing the inter-relationship with environmental
protection/mitigation measures for the month;
l
Management
structure; and
l
Work undertaken
during the month.
3.
Environmental
Status
l
Works
undertaken during the month with illustrations (such as location of works); and
l
Drawings
showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations.
4.
Summary of
EM&A requirements including:
l
All monitoring
parameters;
l
Environmental
quality performance limits (Action Limit levels);
l
Event/Action
Plans;
l
Environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report; and
l
Environmental
requirements in contract documents.
5.
Implementation
Status
l
Advice on the
implementation status of environmental protection and pollution
control/mitigation measures as recommended in the EIA study report, summarised
in the updated implementation schedule.
6.
Monitoring Results
(in both hard and electronic copies) together with the following information:
l
Monitoring
methodology;
l
Types of
equipment used and calibration details;
l
Parameters
monitored;
l
Monitoring
locations;
l
Monitoring
date, time, frequency, and duration;
l
Weather
conditions during the period;
l
Graphical plots
of the monitored parameters in the month annotated against;
u
Major
activities being carried out on site during the period;
u
Weather
conditions that may affect the results; and
u
Any other
factors which might affect the monitoring results.
l
QA/QC results
and detection limits;
l
Waste
generation and disposal records; and
l
All monitoring
results should be tabulated with exceedances highlighted for ease of reference.
7.
Report on
Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful
Prosecutions
l
Record of all
non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits
(Action Limit levels);
l
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;
l
Record of all
notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the
current environmental protection/pollution control legislation, including
locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken,
result and summary;
l
Review of the
reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and
prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures; and
l
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.
Comments,
Recommendations and Conclusions
l
An account of
the future key issues reviewed from the works programme and work method
statements;
l
Advice on the
waste management status; and
l
Submission of
implementation status proforma, proactive environmental protection proforma,
regulatory compliance proforma, site inspection proforma, data recovery
schedule and complaint log summarising the EM&A of the period.
Subsequent Monthly EM&A Reports
12.7
The subsequent
monthly EM&A reports shall including the following:
1. Executive Summary (1-2 pages)
l
Breaches of
Action Limit levels;
l
Complaint log;
l
Notifications
of any summons and successful prosecutions;
l
Reporting
changes; and
l
Future key
issues.
2. Environmental Status
l
Programme with
fine tuning of activities showing the inter-relationship with environmental
protection/mitigation measures for the month;
l
Work undertaken
during the month with illustrations included (such as location of works); and
l
Drawings
showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations.
3.
Monitoring Results
to provide monitoring results (in both hard and electronic copies) together
with the following information.
l
Monitoring
methodology;
l
Types of
equipment used and calibration details;
l
Parameters
monitored;
l
Monitoring
locations;
l
Monitoring
date, time, frequency, and duration;
l
Weather
conditions during the period;
l
Graphical plots
of the monitored parameters in the month annotated against;
u
Major
activities being carried out on site during the period;
u
Weather
conditions that may affect the results; and
u
Any other
factors which might affect the monitoring results.
l
QA/QC results
and detection limits;
l
Waste
generation and disposal records; and
l
All monitoring
results should be tabulated with exceedances highlighted for ease of reference.
4.
Implementation
Status
l
Advice on the
implementation status of environmental protection and pollution
control/mitigation measures as recommended in the EIA study report, summarised
in the updated implementation schedule.
5.
Report on
Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful
Prosecutions
l
Record of all
non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits
(Action Limit levels);
l
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;
l
Record of all
notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the
current environmental protection/pollution control legislation, including
locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken,
result and summary;
l
Review of the
reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and
prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures; and
l
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.
Comments,
Recommendations and Conclusions
l
An account of
the future key issues reviewed from the works programme and work method
statements;
l
Advice on the
waste management status; and
l
Submission of
implementation status proforma, proactive environmental protection proforma,
regulatory compliance proforma, site inspection proforma, data recovery
schedule and complaint log summarising the EM&A of the period.
7.
Appendix
l
Action Limit
Levels;
l
Graphical plots
of trends of monitored parameters at key stations over the past four reporting
periods for representative monitoring stations annotated against the following:
u
Major
activities being carried out on Site during the periods;
u
Weather
conditions during the period; and
u
Any other
factors which might affect the monitoring results.
l
Monitoring
schedule for the present and next reporting period;
l
Cumulative
statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions;
and
l
Outstanding
issues and deficiencies.
Quarterly EM&A Summary Reports
12.8
The quarterly
EM&A summary report, which should generally be around 5 pages (~3 pages of
text / 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:
l
Monitoring
parameters;
l
Environmental
quality performance limits (Action Limit levels); and
l
Environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report.
4.
Advice on the
implementation status of environmental protection and pollution
control/mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report, summarised in
the updated implementation schedule, including waste generation and disposal
records;
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;
l
The major
activities being carried out on site during the period;
l
Weather
conditions during the period; and
l
Any other
factors that might affect the monitoring results.
7.
Comments,
Recommendations and Conclusions
l
Advice on the
solid and liquid waste management status;
l
A summary of
non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits
(Action Limit levels);
l
A brief review
of the reasons for an the implications of non-compliance including review of
pollution sources and working procedures;
l
A summary
description of the action taken in the event of non-compliance and any
follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance;
l
A summary
record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison
and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken;
l
A summary
record of all notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches
of the current environmental protection/pollution control legislation,
locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken
and results; and
l
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.
12.9
Apart from the
above, the first quarterly summary report should also confirm that the
monitoring works are proven to be effective, and the monitoring works are
generating data with the necessary statistical power to categorically identify
or confirm the absence of impact attributable to the works.
Final EM&A Summary Report
12.10 Timing for completion of the EM&A Programme
shall be confirmed by Engineer’s Representative in liaison with the IC(E). Impact monitoring shall continue until
the completion of all construction works as approved by the ER.
12.11 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 phase, including baseline phase activities, of the works;
3.
A brief summary
of EM&A requirements including:
l
Monitoring
parameters;
l
Environmental
quality performance limits (Action Limit levels); and
l
Environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report.
4.
Advice on the
implementation status of environmental protection and pollution
control/mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report, summarised in
the updated implementation status proformas, including waste generation and
disposal records;
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 period of construction for
representative monitoring stations annotated against;
l
The major
activities being carried out on site during the period;
l
Weather
conditions during the period;
l
Any other
factors which might affect the monitoring results; and
l
The return of
ambient environmental conditions in comparison with baseline data.
7.
Provide
clear-cut decisions on the environmental acceptability of the project with
reference to the specific impact hypothesis;
8.
Advice on the
solid and liquid waste management status;
9.
Comments,
Recommendations and Conclusions
l
A summary of
non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits
(Action Limit levels);
l
A brief review
of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance including review of
pollution sources and working procedures;
l
A summary
description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and any
follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance;
l
A summary
record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison
and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken;
l
Review the
monitoring methodology adopted and with the benefit of hindsight, comment on
its effectiveness (including cost effectiveness);
l
A summary
record of all notification of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches
of the current environmental protection/pollution control legislation,
locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken
and results;
l
Recommend any
improvement in the EM&A programme; and
l
A conclusion to
state the return of ambient.
Data Keeping
12.12 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. All the documents and data
shall be kept for at least one year after completion of the Project.
Interim Notifications of
Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances
12.13 With reference to Event/Action Plans in previous
sections, when the environmental quality limits are exceeded, the ET shall
immediately notify the IC(E), Engineer’s Representative and 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 presented in Appendix C.
