9.1 Introduction
9.1.1.1 The EIA has recommended that EM&A for cultural heritage resources is undertaken during construction phase of the project. Implementation of the mitigation measures recommended by the EIA will be monitored through the site audit programme.
9.2 Mitigation Measures
9.2.1.1 The identified areas of archaeological potential highlighted by the EIA are limited to areas where existing impacts would have damaged or destroyed any existing archaeological material. As such, no further investigation is recommended for these archaeological resources. However, as a precautionary measure it should be a requirement during the construction works that if any antiquity or supposed antiquity is discovered during the course of the excavation works undertaken by the Contractor, the discovery shall be reported to the AMO immediately and all necessary action taken to preserve it.
9.2.1.2 Also, no mitigation measures are required for marine archaeology as no impacts were predicted on any archaeological resources as a result of the project.
9.2.1.3
Therefore, the mitigation is
restricted to the built heritage resources, Grave G1 at the proposed toll plaza
in Tuen Mun. Grave G1 is situated near the toll plaza, as shown in Figure 9.1.
The design of the toll plaza has been arranged so as to preserve the
grave in-situ, with a minimum 1.0m permanent setback provided. With the
1.0m set back of the permanent structure, a minimum of 0.7m clearance from the
grave can be maintained during construction. This will be achieved with
the adoption of special precautionary measures for working adjacent to the
grave, including the deployment of simple-to-erect formwork and falsework
systems, the provision of construction access and the bulky components of the
falsework support system being designed at locations away from the grave.
The required construction clearance and the precautionary measures shall
be stipulated in the construction specifications. The footpath connection
from the adjacent
9.3 Design Phase Audit
9.3.1.1 Measures proposed by the EIA to create a 1.0m permanent set back in order to mitigate any impacts on Grave G1 which is within the works boundary of the toll plaza at Tuen Mun, will be incorporated into the detailed design of the project. Designs and specifications will be prepared during the detailed design stage by suitably qualified staff on the design team. The designs will be checked by a design auditor(s) to ensure that the measures are fully incorporated and that potential conflicts with the engineering are resolved prior to construction. In the event of a non conformity, the Event/Action plan detailed in Table 9.1 below shall be followed by the relevant parties.
Table 9.1 Event / Action Plan for Design Phase
|
Action Level |
Ecology Auditor |
Project Engineer (PE) |
Project Ecologist (PEC) |
|
Non Conformity (with Design Standards and Specification) |
· Identify Source · Inform PE and PEC · Discuss remedial actions with PE, and PEC · Verify remedial actions when complete |
· Notify PEC · Discuss remedial actions with PEC · Ensure remedial designs are fully incorporated |
· Amend designs · Discuss remedial actions with PE |
9.4 Baseline Monitoring
9.4.1.1 The implementation of the above mitigation measures will need to be audited as part of the EM&A programme during the toll plaza works. Prior to construction, a baseline survey of the grave should be undertaken to establish the existing condition.
9.5 Construction Phase Audit
9.5.1.1 All measures undertaken by the Contractor during the construction phase in the vicinity of the grave shall be audited by the Environmental Team (ET), on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the recommended mitigation measures. Site inspections should be undertaken at least once per week throughout the construction period adjacent to these properties. The main aim of the survey is prevention of any possible damage to the grave and to ensure that the proposed mitigation measures are implemented. The broad scope of the audit will involve supervision of the following:
· non-contact effects of the engineering works, such as vibration from pneumatic drills which could cause damage, such as foundation or wall cracks and loosening of tiles or fixtures; and
· contact between the historic structures and equipment and materials associated with the engineering works.
9.5.1.2 Specifically, the monitoring programme will entail the following tasks:
· the extent of the agreed works areas should be regularly checked during the construction phase to ensure the buffer is being maintained; and
· ensure no stockpiling or equipment storage is affecting the structures.
9.5.1.3 In the event of non compliance the responsibilities of the relevant parties is detailed in the Event /Action plan provided on Table 9.2.
Table 9.2 Event / Action Plan for Construction Phase
|
Action Level |
ET |
IC (E) |
ER |
Contractor |
|
Non-conformity on one occasion |
1.Identify Source 2.Inform the IEC and the ER 3.Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 4.Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed |
1.Check report 2.Check the Contractor's working method 3.Discuss with the ET and the Contractor on possible remedial measures 4.Advise the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures. 5.Check implementation of remedial measures. |
1.Notify Contractor 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 IC(E) and the ER 3.Increase monitoring frequency 4.Discuss remedial actions with the IC(E), the ER and the Contractor 5.Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed 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 ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures 6.Supervise implementation of remedial measures. |
1.Notify the Contractor 2.Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented |
1.Amend working methods 2.Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement |
Note: ET – Environmental Specialist, IEC – Independent Environmental Checker, ER – Engineer’s Representative