15.1.1
The findings and
recommendations of the EIA report will constitute a formal commitment by the
Project Proponent to achieve the levels of environmental protection. It
also states the Project Proponent’s environmental performance criteria.
In order to ensure the performance commitments are incorporated throughout
various implementation phases (e.g. detailed design, tendering, construction and
operation of the project), a number of contractual, managerial and
administrative mechanisms will be implemented, including:
·
Setting up of a project
organization and hierarchy,
·
Development of Environmental
Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme,
·
Outline of Environmental Mitigation
Implementation Schedule,
·
Formulation of Environmental
Management Plan which includes Waste Management Plan, and
·
Approval of Contractor’s Work
Method Statement.
15.2.2 The IEC will be appointed by the Project Proponent to conduct independent auditing on the overall EM&A programme including the implementation of all environmental mitigation, submissions relating to EM&A, and any other submission required under the Environmental Permit (EP). The organisation, responsibilities of respective parties and lines of communication with respect to environmental protection works are given in the EM&A Manual.
15.3
EM&A
Manual & Implementation Schedule
15.3.1 The EM&A is an important aspect in the EIA process that specifies the time frame and responsibilities for the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures identified. Requirements on environmental monitoring (including baseline and impact monitoring) will be given.
15.3.2 A project specific EM&A Manual has been prepared based on the latest design information available and EPD’s generic EM&A Manual. The project specific EM&A Manual specifies the following:
·
Organisation, hierarchy and
responsibilities of the Contractor, the Engineer or ER, ET, and IEC with
respect to the EM&A requirements during construction;
·
Information on project
organisation and programming of construction activities for the project;
·
Requirements with respect to
the construction schedule and the necessary EM&A programme to track the
varying environmental impact;
·
Full details of the
methodologies to be adopted, including all field, laboratory and analytical
procedures, and details on quality assurance;
·
Procedure for undertaking
on-site environmental audits;
·
Definition of Action and Limit
levels;
·
Establishment of event and
action plans;
·
Requirements of reviewing
pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of
non-compliance of the environmental criteria and complaints;
·
Requirements for review of EIA
predictions, implementation of mitigation measures, and the effectiveness of
the environmental protect and pollution control measures adopted; and
·
Presentation requirements for
EM&A data and appropriate reporting procedures.
15.4.1 The aim of implementing the EM&A programme is to ensure compliance with the EIA study recommendations, to assess the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and to identify any further need for additional mitigation measures or remedial action.
15.4.2 Detailed requirements of the EM&A programme are described in the EM&A Manual. Measurements and activities that shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements in the EM&A Manual are summarised in the follow:
· Baseline monitoring,
· Impact monitoring,
· Remedial actions in accordance with the Event and Action Plan within the time frame in cases where specified criteria in the EM&A Manual are exceeded,
· Logging and keeping records of the details of monitoring results, and
· Preparing and submitting monthly EM&A Reports.
15.5 Environmental Management Plan
15.5.1
A systematic EMP shall be set up by the
Contractor to ensure effective implementation of the mitigation measures,
monitoring and remedial requirements presented in the EIA, EM&A and
EMIS. The ER and the IEC will audit the
implementation status against the EMP and advise the necessary remedial actions
required. These remedial actions shall
be enforced by the ER through contractual means.
15.5.2
The
EMP will require the Contractor (together with its sub-contractors) to define
in detail how to implement the recommended mitigation measures in order to
achieve the environmental performance defined in Hong Kong’s environmental
legislation and the EIA documentation.
15.5.3
The
review of on-site environmental performance shall be undertaken by the ER and
the IEC through a systematic checklist and audit once the construction
commences. The environmental performance
review programme comprises a regular assessment on the effectiveness of the
EMP. Reference should be made to ETWBTC
19/2005 “Environmental Management on Construction Sites” or its latest
versions, and any other relevant Technical Circulars.
15.6
Construction
Method Statement
15.6.1
In
case the Contractor would like to adopt alternative construction methods or
implementation schedules, it is required to submit details of methodology and
equipment to the ER for approval before the work commences. Any changes in construction method shall be
reflected in a revised EMP or the Contractor will be required to demonstrate
the manner in which the existing EMP should accommodate the proposed
changes. The Contractor may need to
apply for a Further Environmental Permit (FEP) from EPD before commencement of
any construction activities.