Report

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1.1 Over the years, with the completion of major infrastructure improvements including Light Rail Transit (LRT) in late 80s, the operation of Tai Lam Tunnel in 1998 and the West Rail Service in 2003, Yuen Long has been experiencing substantial changes. Rapid growth in major residential developments and large scale integrated developments in Yuen Long Town and its surrounding areas was observed in recent years. These new developments and growing population have further exacerbated the congestion problem in Yuen Long Town and have resulted in surging demand for safe and convenient pedestrian facilities. Inadequate pedestrian facilities are long-standing problems in the town centre of Yuen Long. However, improvements have been constrained by the e xisting urban characteristics such as the presence of LRT, narrow footpaths along Castle Peak Road - Yuen Long Section.

1.1.1.2 The Chief Executive has pledged in his 2008-2009 Policy Address to improve the pedestrian environment in business districts, shopping centres and leisure areas with heavy pedestrian flows as to minimize vehicle-pedestrian conflicts and improve roadside air quality. Amongst other areas with heavy pedestrian flows, Yuen Long Town is selected as one of the key locations.

1.1.1.3 The first public engagement for developing pedestrian environmental improvement schemes commenced in 2009 and the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor was presented to Yuen Long District Council Meeting in 2010.

1.1.1.4 In September 2011, Highway Department (HyD) commissioned a Feasibility Study (FS) on the major improvement schemes including the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor, which in form of a footbridge, along Yuen Long Town Nullah connecting with West Rail Long Ping Station. A public engagement was conducted in March and April 2013 to consult the public on the preliminary proposals for the major improvement schemes formulated in the FS. The public and Yuen Long District Council expressed strong support for the proposed footbridge and urged its early implementation.

1.1.1.5 The Technical Feasibility Statement (TFS) prepared by HyD for the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor along Yuen Long Town Nullah between West Rail Long Ping Station and Kau Yuk Road with provision for future extension was approved by the Development Bureau in July 2013. The findings of the above FS and the TFS set out the basis for the current proposal for the proposed elevated pedestrian corridor under the Project.

1.1.1.6 Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong Limited (Arup) was commissioned by HyD to provide consultancy services for the investigation, design and construction of the elevated pedestrian corridor in Yuen Long Town connecting with Long Ping Station (the Project).

1.2 Purpose of the Manual

1.2.1.1 The purpose of this Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual are to:

· Guide the set up of an EM&A programme to ensure compliance with the EIA recommendations;

· Specify the requirements for monitoring equipment;

· Propose environmental monitoring points, monitoring frequency etc;

· Propose Action and Limit Levels; and

· Propose Event and Action Plans.

1.2.1.2 This Manual outlines the monitoring and audit programme for the construction and operation of the proposed Project and provides systematic procedures for monitoring, auditing and minimizing environmental impacts.

1.2.1.3 Hong Kong environmental regulations and the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) have served as environmental standards and guidelines in the preparation of this Manual. In addition, this EM&A Manual has been prepared in accordance with the requirements stipulated in Annex 21 of the Technical Memorandum on the EIA Process (TM-EIAO).

1.2.1.4 This Manual contains the following information:

· Responsibilities of the Contractor, the Engineer or Engineer’s Representative (ER), Environmental Team (ET), and the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) under the context of EM&A;

· Project organization for the EM&A works;

· The basis for, and description of the broad approach underlying the EM&A programme;

· Details of the methodologies to be adopted, including all laboratories and analytical procedures, and details on quality assurance and quality control programme;

· The rationale on which the environmental monitoring data will be evaluated and interpreted;

· Definition of Action and Limit Levels;

· Establishment of Event and Action Plans;

· Requirements for reviewing pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of non-compliance with the environmental criteria and complaints; and

· Requirements for presentation of environmental monitoring and audit data and appropriate reporting procedures.

1.2.1.5 For the purpose of this manual, the ER shall refer to the Engineer as defined in the Construction Contract, in case where the Engineer’s powers have been delegated to the ER, in accordance with the Construction Contract. The ET leader, who shall be responsible for and in charge of the ET, shall refer to the person delegated the role of executing the environmental monitoring and audit requirements.

1.2.2

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 General Description of the Project

2.1.1.1 The proposed elevated pedestrian corridor is located in the vicinity of Yuen Long Town Nullah. Its alignment would generally follow the nullah, and connects West Rail Long Ping Station to the south of the Kau Yuk Road. The proposed elevated pedestrian corridor will be in form of a footbridge and will be connected to at-grade footpath via a total of six pedestrian interchanges (comprising staircases / lifts / escalators) located along both sides of the nullah. The location and layout of the Project is shown in Figure 2.1.

2.1.1.2 As described in the EIA Report, the scope of the Project includes:

· construction of a covered footbridge of about 540m in length and 6m clear width with staircases / lifts / escalators along Yuen Long Town Nullah from West Rail Long Ping Station to the south of the Kau Yuk Road;

· connection of the footbridge with West Rail Long Ping Station;

· connection of the footbridge with at-grade footways in Yuen Long On Ling Road, Castle Peak Road – Yuen Long Section and Kau Yuk Road;

· provision at the southern end of the footbridge to allow for future extension;

· measures for mitigating drainage impact for the sections of Yuen Long Town Nullah underneath the footbridge;

· landscaping and streetscape works of the footpaths along both sides of Yuen Long Town Nullah between West Rail Long Ping Station and Kau Yuk Road; and

· associated civil, road, drainage, geotechnical, traffic aids, utility, diversion street lighting, landscaping, E&M works and environmental mitigation measures and temporary traffic arrangement during construction stage.

2.1.1.3 The proposed footbridge will be connected to the footways on both sides of Yuen Long On Ning Road, Castle Peak Road – Yuen Long Section and Kau Yuk Road through six pedestrian interchanges to be constructed on the northern and southern sides of these roads along the three existing vehicular bridges supporting the sections of these road across nullah. Each pedestrian interchange will consist of a box structure on pile foundation and will be equipped with staircase, escalator and lift for connection with the deck of the footbridge. Plantation areas would also be included within these pedestrian interchanges. Other than the pedestrian interchanges, the proposed footbridge will also be designed to have four viewing platforms which would allow the pedestrians to enjoy the views along the corridor.

2.2 Designated Project

2.2.1.1 The Project involves construction of an elevated pedestrian corridor of about 540m in length and 6m clear width footbridge along Yuen Long Town Nullah and six pedestrian interchanges. It would also require the construction of pile foundation for the footbridge and box structure on piles for the pedestrian interchanges within the Yuen Long Town Nullah.

2.2.1.2 The Project involves construction works at the Yuen Long Town Nullah which eventually discharges into the Mai Po Marshes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Hence, the Project is classified as a Designated Project (DP) under Item I.1(b)(i) under Part I of the Schedule 2 of the EIAO - A drainage channel or river training and diversion works which discharges or discharge into an area which is less than 300m from the nearest boundary of an existing or planned site of special scientific interest. Therefore, a detailed EIA for approval by the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) is therefore required to apply the environmental permit (EP) for the construction and operation of the Project.

2.3 Implementation Programme

2.3.1.1 The construction of the elevated corridor and associated works is anticipated to commence in 2018 for completion in Year 2022. It is anticipated that the development will be commissioned in phases. In order to main sufficient capacity for the passage of flow over the entire nullah during construction phase, the construction activities at the eastern side, central part and western side of the nullah would be conducted separately to minimize the potential hydraulic impact. The tentative implementation programme is summarised in Table 2.1 below.

Table 2.1 Summary of the tentative implementation programme

Construction Activities	Tentative Implementation Programme
Site Clearance (Eastern Side of the nullah)	Q1 2018
Site Clearance (Western Side of the nullah)	Q2 2019
Temporary Erection (Eastern Side of the nullah)	Q2 2018 to Q4 2018
Temporary Erection (Western Side of the nullah)	Q2 2019 to Q4 2019
Temporary Erection (Central part of the nullah)	Q4 2020
Piling Works (Eastern Side of the nullah)	Q4 2018 to Q1 2019
Piling Works (Western Side of the nullah)	Q4 2019 to Q1 2020
Piling Works (Central part of the nullah)	Q4 2020 to Q1 2021
Column and Table Top Construction	Q2 2020 to Q4 2020
Pedestrian Interchanges Superstructure Construction	Q2 2020 to Q1 2021
Deck Structure and Steel Works	Q2 2020 to Q4 2021
Parapet Wall Construction, and Associated Landscape and Streetscape Works	Q4 2021 to Q2 2022

2.4 Summary of Concurrent Projects

2.4.1 General

2.4.1.1 In order to assess the cumulative impacts, a review of best available information at the time of preparing this EIA report to identify a number of other projects that are undergoing planning, design, construction and/or operation within the construction and/or operation period for this Study has been conducted. A list of the tentative concurrent projects identified at this stage is described below and summarised in Table 2.2. The locations of these concurrent projects are illustrated in Figure 2.2.

2.4.2 Improvement of Yuen Long Town Nullah (Town Centre Section) – Stage 1 Improvement Works

2.4.2.1 The project involves the construction of a dry weather flow interception (DWFI) system to intercept the polluted dry weather flow being discharged to YLTN from the town centre section and upstream main nullah. Approximately 60 existing storm water outfalls within the town centre section will be intercepted by the proposed system.

2.4.2.2 According to the information provided from DSD, the construction of the improvement works will be commenced in the 3^rd quarter of Year 2022 and is targeted to be completed in Year 2026. As the construction period of the development will not overlap with the Project, no cumulative environmental impact is anticipated during the construction phase. During the operational phase, cumulative water quality, ecological, and visual and landscape impact are anticipated and would be considered during the assessment.

2.4.3 Improvement of Yuen Long Town Nullah (Town Centre Section) – Stage 2 Beautification Works

2.4.3.1 The project involves beautification and landscaping works by modifying and reconstructing the existing concrete nullah bed and wall along the 800m town centre section of the Yuen Long Town Nullah.

2.4.3.2 According to the information provided from DSD, the construction of the development will be commenced in Year 2027 and is targeted to be completed in Year 2029. As the construction period of the development will not overlap with the Project, no cumulative environmental impact is anticipated during the construction phase. During the operational phase, cumulative water quality, ecological, and visual and landscape impact are anticipated and would be considered during this EIA study.

2.4.4 West Rail Long Ping Station (North) Property Development

2.4.4.1 The development is located to the north of the WRLPS and to the southwest of the Tung Tau Industrial Area, covering the area bounded by Kwong Yip Street, Fo Yip Street and Wang Yip Street South. There are four residential buildings with a total gross floor area (GFA) of about 48,600m²providing about 910 flats.

2.4.4.2 The construction of the development has commenced in Year 2013 and is targeted to be completed in Year 2018. As the construction period of the development will overlap with the Project, the cumulative construction dust, noise, water quality and ecological impact would be considered during this EIA study. During the operational phase, no cumulative environmental impacts from the development and the Project is anticipated. Nevertheless, the planned receivers in this property development will be considered in the environmental impact assessment.

2.4.5 West Rail Long Ping Station (South) Property Development

2.4.5.1 The development is located to the west of the Yuen Long Town Nullah, covering the area bounded by Yuen Long Town Nullah, Po Lok Square and Ping Shun Street. There are four residential buildings with a total gross floor area (GFA) of about 41,900m²providing about 720 flats.

2.4.5.2 The construction of the development has commenced in Year 2014 and is targeted to be completed in Year 2019. As the construction period of the development will overlap with the Project, the cumulative construction dust, noise, water quality and ecological impact would be considered during this EIA study. During the operational phase, no cumulative environmental impacts from the development and the Project is anticipated. Nevertheless, the planned receivers in this property development will be considered in the environmental impact assessment. Nevertheless, the planned receivers in this property development will be considered in the environmental impact assessment.

2.4.6 Housing Sites in Yuen Long South

2.4.6.1 According to the information of the Stage 3 Community Engagement Digest of Planning and Engineering Study for Housing Sites in Yuen Long South – Investigation issued in January 2016 (hereafter called “Stage 3 Community Engagement Digest”). The Potential Development Areas (PDAs) under the project is located to the south of Yuen Long New Town, and largely bounded by Yuen Long Highway and Kung Um Road. The PDAs include two main parts, one in Tong Yan San Tsuen area and another one in the area along Kung Um Road. The project comprises housing sites for both public and private housing development in Yuen Long South and the associated infrastructure works. The associated infrastructure works would include the necessary slope works, road works, drainage works, waterworks, utility works, etc. within or outside the PDAs for serving the proposed public and private housing developments.

2.4.6.2 There is no construction programme available at the time preparing this report. Based on the information in the Stage 3 Community Engagement Digest, the project would be developed in stages and the first population intake is targeted in Year 2026. The cumulative water quality impact during both construction phase and operational phase would be considered in this EIA study for conservative purpose. As the development is located about 900m from the Project, cumulative impact for other environmental aspects, such as air quality, noise, etc., is not anticipated and would not be considered in this EIA study.

2.4.7 Drainage Improvement Works Near Four Village in Yuen Long – Sung Shan New Village, Tai Wo, Lin Fa Tei and Ha Che

2.4.7.1 The project comprises drainage improvement works near four villages in Yuen Long, namely Sung Shan New Village, Tai Wo, Lin Fa Tei and Ha Che. The proposed drainage improvement works to be implemented at the four villages include landscaping, waterscaping, utilities diversion, temporary traffic arrangements, re-provisioning / improvement to existing dry weather flow intercepting system and any other works incidental to the completion of the project.

According to the information provided from DSD, the project will be commenced in Year 2017 and is targeted to be completed in Year 2022. As the construction period of the drainage improvement works will overlap with the Project between Year 2018 to Year 2022, cumulative water quality impact is anticipated during the construction phase. During operational phase cumulative water quality impact is also anticipated and would be considered during this EIA study. As the drainage improvement works is located more than 1.5km from the Project, cumulative impact for other environmental aspects, such as air quality, noise, etc., is not anticipated and would not be considered in this EIA study.

Concurrent Projects	Project Proponent	Programme	Potential Cumulative Impact
Improvement of Yuen Long Town Nullah (Town Centre Section) – Stage 1 Improvement Works	DSD	3rd quarter of 2022	2026	Unlikely	Water quality, ecological, and landscape and visual impact
Improvement of Yuen Long Town Nullah (Town Centre Section) – Stage 2 Beautification Works	DSD	2027	2029	Unlikely	Water quality, ecological, and landscape and visual impact
West Rail Long Ping Station (North) Property Development	MTRC	2013	2018	Construction dust, noise, water quality and ecological impact	Unlikely
West Rail Long Ping Station (South) Property Development	MTRC	2014	2019	Construction dust, noise, water quality and ecological impact	Unlikely
Housing Sites in Yuen Long South^[1]	CEDD	-	-	Water quality impact	Water quality impact
Drainage Improvement Works Near Four Village in Yuen Long – Sung Shan New Village, Tai Wo, Lin Fa Tei and Ha Che	DSD	2017	2022	Water quality impact	Water quality impact

3 PROJECT ORGANISATION

3.1 Project Organisation

3.1.1.1 The proposed project organization and lines of communication with respect to environmental monitoring and audit works are shown in Appendix 3.1.

3.1.1.2 Sufficient and suitably qualified professional and technical staff shall be employed by the respective parties to ensure full compliance with their duties and responsibilities, as required under the EM&A programme for the duration of the Project.

3.1.1.3 The responsibilities of respective parties are described in the following sections.

3.1.2 The Contractor

3.1.2.1 The Contractor should report to the Engineer. The duties and responsibilities of the Contractor are:

· Implement the EIA recommendations and requirements;

· Employ an ET to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of environmental monitoring and audit;

· Provide assistance to ET in carrying out monitoring and auditing;

· Submit proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedances of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;

· Implement measures to reduce impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded; and

· Adhere to the agreed procedures for carrying out compliant investigation.

3.1.3 Environmental Team (ET)

3.1.3.1 The Environmental Team should be led and managed by the ET leader. The ET leader shall be an independent party from the Contractor and has relevant professional qualifications, or have sufficient relevant EM&A experience subject to approval of the ER and EPD. The ET Leader shall have at least 7 years of experience in conducting EM&A for infrastructure projects. His / Her qualification shall be vetted by the ER. The ET should monitor the mitigation measures implemented by the Contractor on regular basis to ensure the compliance with the intended aims of the measures. The duties and responsibilities of the ET are:

· Set up all the required environmental monitoring stations;

· Monitor various environmental parameters as required in the EM&A Manual;

· Analyse the EM&A data and review the success of EM&A programme to cost-effectively confirm the adequacy of mitigation measures implemented and the validity of the EIA predictions and to identify any adverse environmental impacts arising;

· Carry out site inspection to investigate and audit the Contractors’ site practice, equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control and environmental mitigation, and take proactive actions to pre-empt problems;

· Liaison with IEC on all environmental performance matters, and timely submission of all relevant EM&A proforma for IEC’s approval;

· Prepare reports on the environmental monitoring data and site environmental conditions;

· Report on the EM&A results to the IEC. Contractor, the ER and EPD or its delegated representative;

· Recommend suitable mitigation measures to the Contractor in the case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;

· Give advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness, enhancement matters, etc. on site;

· Undertake regular and ad-hoc on-site audits / inspections and report to the Contractor and the ER of any potential non-compliance;

· Follow up and close out non-compliance actions; and

· Adhere to the procedures for carrying out environmental complaint investigation.

3.1.4 Engineer or Engineer’s Representative (ER)

3.1.4.1 The Engineer / Engineer’s Representative is responsible for overseeing the construction works and for ensuring that the works undertaken by the Contractor in accordance with the specification and contractual requirements. The duties and responsibilities of the ER with respect to the EM&A may include:

· Supervise the Contractor’s activities and ensure that the requirements in the EM&A Manual are fully complied with;

· Inform the Contractor when action is required to reduce impacts in accordance with the Even and Action Plans;

· Assist the Project Proponent in employing an IEC to audit the results of the EM&A works carried out by the ET;

· Participate in joint site inspection undertaken by the ET;

· Comply with the agreed Event Contingency Plan in the event of any exceedance; and

· Adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigations.

3.1.5 Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

3.1.5.1 The Independent Environmental Checker should advise the ER on environmental issues related to the project. The IEC should possess at least 7 years experience in EM&A. The duties and responsibilities of the IEC are:

· Review the EM&A works performed by the ET (at not less than monthly intervals);

· Audit the monitoring activities and results (at not less than monthly intervals);

· Validate and confirm the accuracy of monitoring results, monitoring equipment, monitoring locations, monitoring procedures and location of sensitive receivers;

· Report the audit results to the ER and EPD in parallel;

· Review the EM&A reports (monthly summary reports) submitted by the ET;

· Check the mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;

· Check the mitigation measures that have been recommended in the EIA and this Manual, and ensure they are properly implemented in a timely manner, when necessary;

· Report the findings of site inspections and other environmental performance reviews to ER and EPD;

· Coordinate the monitoring and auditing works for all the on-going contracts in the area in order to identify possible sources / causes of exceedances and recommend suitable remedial actions where appropriate;

· Coordinate the assessment and response to complaints / enquires from locals, green groups, district councils or the public at large;

· On as-needed basis, verify and certify the environmental acceptability of the Contractor’s construction methodology (both temporary and permanent works) and relevant design plans; and

· Verify investigation results of environmental complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures.

4 ENVIRONMENTAL SUBMISSION

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1.1 The Contractor shall prepare the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) (including a Waste Management Plan. WMP), Construction Method Statement prior to the commencement of construction works and obtain approval from ER and IEC and other relevant authorities to encompass the recommended environmental protection / mitigation measures with respect to their latest construction methodology and programme.

4.2 Environmental Management Plan

4.2.1.1 A systematic EMP shall set up by the Contractor to ensure effective implementation of the mitigation measures, monitoring and remedial requirements presented in EIA, EM&A and Project Implementation Schedule (PIS) (See Appendix 4.1). 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.

4.2.1.2 The EMP will require the Contractor (together with its sub-contractors) to define in details how to implement the recommended mitigation measures in order to achieve the environmental performance defined in the Hong Kong environmental legislation and the EIA documentation.

4.2.1.3 The review of on-site environmental performance shall be undertaken by ER and IEC through a systematic checklist and audit once the construction works 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.

4.3 Waste Management Plan

4.3.1.1 As part of EMP, the Contractor shall include WMP for the construction of the project and prior to the commencement of construction works submit to the ER and IEC for approval. Where waste generation is unavoidable, the opportunities for recycling or reusing should be maximized. If waste cannot be recycled, recommendations for appropriate disposal routes should be provided in the WMP. A method statement for stockpiling and transportation of the excavated materials and other construction wastes should also be included in the WMP and be approved before the commencement of construction works. All mitigation measures arising from the approved WMP shall be fully implemented.

4.3.1.2 For the purpose of enhancing the management of Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials including rock, and minimizing its generation at source, construction works would be undertaken in accordance with the Section 4.1.3 of Chapter 4 in the Project Administration Handbook for Civil Engineering Works (PAH).

4.4 Construction Works Statement

4.4.1.1 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 Variation of Environmental Permit (VEP) from EPD before commencement of any construction activities.

5 AIR QUALITY

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1.1 The EIA has considered the potential air quality impacts during the construction phase and operational phase of the Project.

5.1.1.2 Based on the assessment results, no adverse impact from the Project are anticipated with the implementation of dust control measures and odour control measures. No dust and odour monitoring is therefore considered necessary for the Project. Instead, regular site environmental audit is recommended to check the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.

5.2 Mitigation Measures

5.2.1.1 The EIA Report has recommended both dust suppression measures and odour control measures. All the proposed mitigation measures are summarised in the Project Implementation Schedule (PIS) in Appendix 4.1.

5.3 Site Audit Requirements

5.3.1.1 Mitigation measures for air quality have been recommended in the EIA Report. The Contractor should be responsible for the design and implementation of these measures. The implementation schedule for the recommended air quality mitigation measures is presented in Appendix 4.1.

5.3.1.2 Regular audits and site inspections at least once per week should be carried out during construction phase by the ET to ensure that the recommended best management practices and other recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented by the Contractor.

5.3.1.3 The requirements of the environmental audit programme are set out in Section 13 of this Manual. The audit programme will verify the implementation status and evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

6 NOISE

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1.1 The EIA has considered the potential noise quality impacts during the construction and operation phase of the Project. Noise monitoring is proposed to be conducted during construction phase.

6.2 Mitigation Measures

6.2.1 Construction Phase

6.2.1.1 The EIA report has recommended construction noise control measures including the use of quiet plant and temporary noise barriers, etc. All the proposed mitigation measures are summarised in the PIS in Appendix 4.1.

6.2.2 Operational Phase

6.2.2.1 Since the Project would not cause any noise impacts during the operational phase, further action or mitigation is not required.

6.3 Noise Monitoring Parameters for Construction Noise

6.3.1.1 Construction noise level shall be measured in terms of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (L_eq). L_eq(30min) shall be used as the monitoring parameter for the time period between 0700 and 1900 hours on normal weekdays. For all other time periods, L_eq(5min) shall be employed for comparison with the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) criteria.

6.3.1.2 As supplementary information for data auditing, statistical results such as L₁₀ and L₉₀ shall also be obtained for reference. A sample data record sheet is shown in Appendix 6.1 for reference.

6.4 Monitoring Equipment for Construction Phase

6.4.1.1 As referred to in the Technical Memorandum (TM) issued under the NCO, sound level meters in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651: 1979 (Type 1) and 804: 1985 (Type 1) specifications shall be used for carrying out the noise monitoring. Immediately prior to and following each noise measurement, the accuracy of the sound level meter shall be checked using an acoustic calibrator generating a known sound pressure level at a known frequency. Measurements may be accepted as valid only if the calibration level from before and after the noise measurement agrees to within 1.0 dB.

6.4.1.2 Noise measurements should be made in accordance with standard acoustical principles and practices in relation to weather conditions.

6.4.1.3 The ET is responsible for the provision, installation, operation, maintenance, dismantle of the monitoring equipment. He shall ensure that sufficient noise measuring equipment and associated instrumentation are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. All the equipment and associated instrumentation shall be clearly labelled.

6.5 Monitoring Locations for Construction Phase

6.5.1.1 Most representative and affected NSRs were selected as monitoring stations. Details of sensitive receivers could refer to EIA report.

6.5.1.2 The locations of construction airborne noise monitoring stations are summarised in Table 6.1 and shown in Figure 6.1.

Table 6.1 Proposed construction noise monitoring locations

ID	NSR ID in EIA	Description
M01	N08	CCC Chun Kwok Primary School
M02	N10	Po Fai Building

6.5.1.3 The ET shall select the monitoring locations based on the locations of the construction activities and seek approval from ER and agreement from the IEC to the proposal. The monitoring locations should be chosen based on the following criteria:

· At locations close to the major site activities which are likely to have noise impacts;

· Close to the most affected existing noise sensitive receivers; and

· For monitoring locations located in the vicinity of the sensitive receivers, care should be taken to cause minimal disturbance to the occupants during monitoring.

6.5.1.4 The monitoring station shall normally be at a point 1 m from the exterior of the sensitive receiver building facade and be at a position 1.2 m above the ground. If there is problem with access to the normal monitoring position, an alternative position may be chosen, and a correction to the measurements shall be made. For reference, a correction of +3 dB(A) shall be made to the free field measurements. The ET shall agree with the IEC on the monitoring position and the corrections adopted. Once the positions for the monitoring stations are chosen, the baseline monitoring and the impact monitoring shall be carried out at the same positions.

6.5.1.5 The IEC may, depending on site conditions and monitoring results, decide whether additional monitoring locations shall be included or any monitoring locations could be removed/relocated during any stage of the construction phase.

6.6 Baseline Monitoring for Construction Phase

6.6.1.1 The ET shall carry out baseline noise monitoring prior to the commencement of the construction works. There shall not be any construction activities in the vicinity of the stations during the baseline monitoring. Continuous baseline noise monitoring for the A-weighted levels L_eq, L₁₀ and L₉₀ shall be carried out daily for a period of at least two weeks in a sample period of 5 minutes or 30 minutes between 0700 and 1900, and 5 minutes between 1900 and 0700. A schedule on the baseline monitoring shall be submitted to the ER and IEC for approval before the monitoring starts.

6.6.1.2 In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with the IEC and EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to the ER for approval.

6.7 Impact Monitoring for Construction Phase

6.7.1.1 During normal construction working hour (0700-1900 Monday to Saturday), monitoring of L_eq(30min)noise levels (as six consecutive L_eq(5min)readings) shall be carried out at the agreed monitoring locations once every week in accordance with the methodology in the TM.

6.7.1.2 In case of non-compliance with the construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in the Action Plan, 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.

6.7.1.3 A schedule on the compliance monitoring shall be submitted to the ER and IEC for approval before the monitoring starts.

6.8 Action / Limit Levels

6.8.1.1 The ET shall compare the construction noise monitoring results with noise criteria. Table 6.2 shows the noise criteria, namely Action and Limit levels to be used.

Table 6.2 Action and Limit Levels for construction noise

Time Period	Action Level	Limit Level
0700 - 1900 hours on normal weekdays	When one documented complaint is received	75 dB(A) *

Note:

If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the construction

noise permit issued by the Noise Control Authority have to be followed.

* Reduce to 70 dB(A) for schools and 65 dB(A) during school examination periods.

6.9 Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise

6.9.1.1 Should non-compliance of the noise criteria occur, actions in accordance with the Action Plan in Table 6.3 shall be carried out.

Table 6.3 Event / Action Plan for construction noise

Event	Action
Event	ET	IEC	ER	Contractor
Action Level Exceedance	1. Notify IEC, ER and Contractor; 2. Carry out investigation; 3. Report the results of investigation to the IEC, ER and Contractor; 4. Discuss with the Contractor and formulate remedial measures; 5. Increase monitoring frequency to check mitigation effectiveness.	1. Review the analysed results submitted by the ET; 2. Review the proposed remedial measures by the Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; 3. Supervise the implementat-ion of remedial measures.	1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing; 2. Notify Contractor; 3. Require Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem; 4. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented	1. Submit noise mitigation proposals to IEC and ER; 2. Implement noise mitigation proposals.
Limit Level Exceedance	1. Identify source; 2. Inform IEC, ER, EPD and Contractor; 3. Repeat measurements to confirm findings; 4. Increase monitoring frequency; 5. Carry out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented; 6. Inform IEC, ER and EPD the causes and actions taken for the exceedances; 7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and ER informed of the results; 8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.	1. Discuss amongst ER, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions; 2. Review Contractors remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the ER accordingly; 3. Supervise the implementat-ion of remedial measures.	1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing; 2. Notify Contractor; 3. Require Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem; 4. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented; 5. If exceedance continues, consider what portion of the work is responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that portion of work until the exceedance is abated.	1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance; 2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification; 3. Implement the agreed proposals; 4. Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control; 5. Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by the ER until the exceedance is abated.

Note:

ET – Environmental Team

IEC – Independent Environmental Checker

ER – Engineer’s Representative

6.10 Site Audit Requirements

6.10.1.1 Mitigation measures for noise have been recommended in the EIA Report. The Contractor should be responsible for the design and implementation of these measures. The implementation schedule for the recommended noise mitigation measures is presented in Appendix 4.1.

6.10.1.2 Regular audits and site inspections at least once per week should be carried out during construction phase by the ET to ensure that the recommended best management practices and other recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented by the Contractor.

6.10.1.3 The requirements of the environmental audit programme are set out in Section 13 of this Manual. The audit programme will verify the implementation status and evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

7 WATER QUALITY

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1.1 The EIA has considered the potential water quality impacts during the construction and operational phase of the Project. According to the EIA report, the water quality impact could be minimized with the implementation of mitigation measures. The water quality monitoring programme as discussed below could ensure the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures and provide continue improvements to the environment conditions.

7.2 Mitigation Measures

7.2.1.1 The EIA report has recommended construction phase mitigation measures. All the proposed mitigation measures area summarized in the PIS in Appendix 4.1.

7.3 Emergency Contingency Plan

7.3.1.1 As mentioned in Section 6.6.4 of the EIA report, as construction activities will be conducted inside or above the nullah, the nullah would be potentially affected during construction phase when there is accidental spillage of chemicals or leakage of polluting water into the nullah. Therefore, an emergency contingency plan should be prepared by the Contractor to state the details of action in such an event. The Contractor should prepare the contingency plan prior to the commencement of construction works and for submission to IEC, Engineer and EPD for approval.

7.4 Water Quality Parameters

7.4.1.1 The monitoring shall normally be established by measuring the dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved oxygen saturation (DO%), temperature, turbidity, salinity, pH and suspended solids (SS) in water bodies at all designated locations as specified in Section 7.7.

7.4.1.2 The measurements shall be taken at all designated monitoring stations 3 days per week during construction phase. The interval between two sampling surveys shall not be less than 36 hours.

7.4.1.3 Replicate in-situ measurements and samples collected from each independent sampling event shall be collected to ensure a robust statistically interpretable database. DO, pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity should be measured in-situ whereas other parameters should be determined by an accredited laboratory.

7.4.1.4 Other relevant data shall also be recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site.

7.5 Monitoring Equipment

7.5.1 Dissolved Oxygen, Dissolved Oxygen Saturation and Temperature Measuring Equipment

7.5.1.1 The dissolved oxygen (DO) measuring instruments should be portable and weatherproof. The equipment should also complete with cable and sensor, and DC power source. It should be capable of measuring:

· A DO level in the range of 0 – 20 mg/L and 0 – 200% saturation; and

· A temperature of 0 – 45 degree Celsius.

7.5.1.2 The equipment should have a membrane electrode with automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable.

7.5.1.3 Should salinity compensation not be built-in to the DO equipment, in-situ salinity should be measured to calibrate the DO measuring instruments prior to each measurement.

7.5.2 Turbidity Measuring Equipment

7.5.2.1 The turbidity measuring instruments should be a portable and weatherproof with DC power source. It should have a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring turbidity level between 0 – 1000 NTU (for example, Hach model 2100P or an approved similar instrument).

7.5.3 Salinity Measuring Equipment

7.5.3.1 A portable salinometer capable of measuring salinity in the range of 0 – 40 parts per thousand (ppt) should be provided for measuring salinity of the water at each monitoring location.

7.5.4 pH Measuring Equipment

7.5.4.1 A portable pH meter capable of measuring a pH range between 0.0 and 14.0 shall be provided under the specified conditions (e.g. Orion Model 250A or an approved similar instrument).

7.5.5 Positioning Equipment

7.5.5.1 A hand-held or boat-fixed type digital Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) with way point bearing indication and Radio Technical Commission for maritime (RTCM) Type 16 error message “screen pop-up” facilities (for real-time auto-display of error messages and DGPS corrections from the Hong Kong Hydrographic Office), or other equipment instrument of similar accuracy, should be provided and used during marine water monitoring to ensure the monitoring vessel is at the correct location before taking measurements.

7.5.6 Water Depth Detector

7.5.6.1 A portable, battery-operated echo sounder should be used for water depths determination at each designated monitoring station. The detector can either be hand held or affixed to the bottom of the work boat, if the same vessel is to be used throughout the monitoring programme.

7.5.7 Water Sampling Equipment

7.5.7.1 A water sampler is required for SS monitoring. It should comprise a transparent PVC cylinder, with a capacity of not less than 2 litres, which can be effectively sealed with latex cups at both ends. The sampler should have a positive latching system to keep it open and prevent premature closure until released by a messenger when the sampler is at the selected water depth (for example, Kahlsico Water Sampler or an approved similar instrument).

7.5.8 Sample Containers and Storage

7.5.8.1 Water samples for SS should be stored in high density polythene bottles with no preservative added, packed in ice (cooled to 4°C without being frozen) and shipment to the testing laboratory. The samples shall be delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection and be analysed as soon as possible after collection.

7.5.9 Calibration of In-Situ Instruments

7.5.9.1 The pH meter, DO meter and turbidimeter shall be checked and calibrated before use. DO meter and turbidimeter shall be certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or any other international accreditation scheme, and subsequently re-calibrated at quarterly basis throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring. Responses of sensors and electrodes should be checked with certified standard solutions before each use. Wet bulb calibration for a DO meter shall be carried out before measurement at each monitoring station.

7.5.10 Back-up Equipment

7.5.10.1 Sufficient stocks of spare parts shall be maintained for replacements when necessary. Backup monitoring equipment shall also be made available so that monitoring can proceed uninterrupted even when some equipment is under maintenance, calibration, malfunction, etc.

7.5.10.2 The water quality monitoring will involve 2 monitoring stations and measurements should be conducted within the prescribed tidal conditions in order to ensure the measurement / samples are representative. A multi-probe monitoring equipment set integrated with water sampler(s) is highly recommended to improve the monitoring efficiency. The ET shall also consider the use of unattended automatic sampling / monitoring devices at fixed stations where monitoring are required throughout the construction period. The use of such unattended automatic devices, however, shall be subject to the approval of the ER, IEC and EPD.

7.6 Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

7.6.1.1 At least 3 replicate samples from each independent sampling event are required for the SS measurement which shall be carried in a HOKLAS or international accredited laboratory. Sufficient water samples shall be collected at the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory measurement and analysis. The laboratory determination work shall start within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. The analysis for suspended solids is presented in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1 Laboratory analysis

Parameters	Analytical Method	Reporting Limit
Suspended Solid (SS)	APHA 2540-D	0.5mg/L

7.7 Monitoring Locations

7.7.1.1 Water quality monitoring will be carried out at 2 locations (YLTN1 and YLTN2) along the Yuen Long Town Nullah around the Project site. Station YLTN1 locates at the upstream of the nullah will serve as the control station and YLTN2 locates at the downstream of the nullah will serve as impact monitoring station.

7.7.1.2 The proposed water quality monitoring locations are shown in Figure 7.1 and listed in Table 7.2. The ET shall seek approval from IEC for any alternative monitoring locations.

Table 7.2 Locations of proposed water quality monitoring stations

Monitoring Station ID	Description	Easting	Northing
YLTN1	Upstream of Yuen Long Town Nullah (Control Station)	114.0258°	22.4419°
YLTN2	Downstream of Yuen Long Town Nullah	114.0259°	22.4483°

7.7.1.3 In addition, cofferdams are key water quality mitigation measures during the construction phase. Water quality monitoring at locations outside the cofferdams is necessary to monitor the performance of cofferdams to ensure they are operated properly. As the detailed design and arrangement will be conducted by the Contractor, the monitoring locations for the cofferdams should be proposed by the ET and seek approval from IEC during the construction phase.

7.7.1.4 When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, they should be chosen based on the following criteria:

· at locations close to and preferably at the boundary of the mixing zone of the major site activities, which are likely to have water quality impacts;

· Close to the sensitive receptors which are directly or likely to be affected;

· For monitoring locations located in the vicinity of the sensitive receptors, care should be taken to cause minimal disturbance during monitoring; and

· Two or more control stations which shall be at locations representative of the project site in its undisturbed condition. Control stations should be located, as far as practicable, both upstream and downstream of the works area.

7.7.1.5 Control stations are necessary to compare the water quality from potentially impacted sites with the ambient water quality. Control stations should be located within the same body of water as the impact monitoring stations but should be outside the area of influence of the works and, as far as practicable, not affected by any other works.

7.7.1.6 Measurement should be taken at 3 water depths, namely, 1m below water surface, mid-depth and 1m above sea bed, except where the water depth less than 6m, the mid-depth station may be omitted. Should the water depth is less than 3m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored, The ET leader should seek approval from the IEC on all the monitoring stations.

7.8 Baseline Monitoring

7.8.1.1 Baseline conditions for water quality shall be established and agreed with EPD prior to be commencement of construction works. The purpose of the baseline monitoring is to establish ambient conditions prior to the commencement of the construction works and to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed impact and control monitoring stations.

7.8.1.2 The baseline monitoring shall be conducted for at least 4 weeks prior to the commencement of construction works. The proposed water quality monitoring schedule shall be submitted to EPD by the ET at least 2 weeks before the first day of the monitoring month. The interval between two sets of monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours. EPD shall also be notified immediately for any changes in schedule.

7.8.1.3 In general, where the difference in value between the first and second in-situ measurement of DO or turbidity parameters is more than 25% of the value of the first reading, the reading shall be discarded and further readings should be taken.

7.8.1.4 There should be no construction work in the vicinity of the stations during the baseline monitoring. The baseline data will be used to establish the Action and Limit Levels. The determination of Action and Limit Levels will be discussed in Section 7.9.

7.8.1.5 Table 7.3 below summarizes the proposed monitoring frequency and water quality parameters for baseline monitoring.

Table 7.3 Proposed water quality monitoring programme

Item	Baseline Monitoring
Monitoring Period	At least 4 weeks prior to the commencement of construction work
Monitoring Frequency	3 Days in a Week
Monitoring Locations	YLTN1, YLTN2
Monitoring Parameters	Dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved oxygen saturation (DO%), temperature, turbidity, salinity, pH and suspended solids (SS).
Intervals between 2 Sets of Monitoring	Not less than 36 hours

7.9 Impact Monitoring

7.9.1 Construction Phase Water Quality Monitoring

7.9.1.1 The impact monitoring shall be conducted during construction period. The purpose of impact monitoring is to ensure the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, provide effective control of any malpractices, and provide continuous improvements to the environmental conditions. The proposed water quality monitoring schedule shall be submitted to EPD by the ET at least 2 weeks before the first day of the monitoring month. The interval between two sets of monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours. EPD shall also be notified immediately for any changes in schedule.

7.9.1.2 In general, where the difference in value between the first and second in-situ measurement of DO or turbidity parameters is more than 25% of the value of the first reading, the reading shall be discarded and further readings should be taken.

7.9.1.3 In case of project-related exceedances of Action and/or Limit Levels, the impact monitoring frequency shall be increased according to the requirement of Event and Action Plan. The details of Event Action Plan will be discussed in Section 7.9.4.

7.9.1.4 Table 7.4 below summarises the proposed monitoring frequency and water quality parameters for the impact monitoring.

Table 7.4 Proposed water quality monitoring programme (construction phase)

Item	Impact Monitoring
Monitoring Period	During entire construction period
Monitoring Frequency	3 Days in a Week
Monitoring Locations	YLTN1, YLTN2, Mobile station(s) according to the location of the cofferdams at site
Monitoring Parameters	Dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved oxygen saturation (DO%), temperature, turbidity, salinity, pH and suspended solids (SS)
Intervals between 2 Sets of Monitoring	Not less than 36 hours

7.9.2 Post Project Water Quality Monitoring

7.9.2.1 As mentioned in the Chapter 6 of the EIA report, the additional structures inside the nullah would alter the drainage characteristics of the Yuen Long Town Nullah though the impact is considered insignificant. However, a post project water quality monitoring is proposed to evaluate the water quality impact induced by the Project.

7.9.2.2 Post project monitoring will comprise sampling on three occasions (days) within 4 weeks after completion of the Project. The interval between two sets of monitoring shall not less than 36 hours.

7.9.2.3 Table 7.5 below summarises the proposed monitoring frequency and water quality parameters for post project monitoring.

Table 7.5 Proposed water quality monitoring programme (post project)

Item	Impact Monitoring
Monitoring Period	4 weeks after completion of the Project
Monitoring Frequency	3 Occasions (days)
Monitoring Locations	YLTN1, YLTN2
Monitoring Parameters	Dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved oxygen saturation (DO%), temperature, turbidity, salinity, pH and suspended solids (SS)
Intervals between 2 Sets of Monitoring	Not less than 36 hours

7.9.3 Action and Limit Levels

7.9.3.1 For construction phase water quality impact monitoring, the Action and Limit Levels for water quality are defined in Table 7.6 below.

Table 7.6 Action and Limit Levels for water quality

Parameters	Action Level	Limit Level
DO in mg/L (Surface, Middle & Bottom)	Surface and Middle 5 percentile of baseline data.^[¹^] Bottom 5 percentile of baseline data. ^[¹^]	Surface and Middle 4 mg/L or 1 percentile of baseline data.^[¹^] Bottom 2 mg/L or 1 percentile of baseline data. ^[¹^]
SS in mg/L	95 percentile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control station.^[²^]	99 percentile of baseline data or 130% of upstream control station.^[²^]
Turbidity in NTU	95 percentile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control station.^[2]	99 percentile of baseline data or 130% of upstream control station.^[²^]

Notes:

[1] For DO, non-compliance occurs when monitoring results is lower than the limits.

[2] For SS and turbidity, non-compliance occurs when monitoring results is larger than the limits.

Event	Action
Action level exceedance for one sampling day	1. Inform IEC, Contractor and ER; 2. Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods; and 3. Discuss remedial measures with IEC and Contractor and ER.	1. Discuss with ET, ER and Contractor on the implemented mitigation measures; 2. Review proposals on remedial measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; and 3. Review and advise the ET and ER on the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1. Discuss with IEC, ET and Contractor on the implemented mitigation measures; 2. Make agreement on the remedial measures to be implemented; 3. Supervise the implementation of agreed remedial measures.	1. Identify source(s) of impact; 2. Inform the ER and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 3. Rectify unacceptable practice; 4.Check all plant and equipment; 5. Consider changes of working methods; 6. Discuss with ER, ET and IEC and purpose remedial measures to IEC and ER; and 7. Implement the agreed mitigation measures.
Action level exceedance for more than one consecutive sampling days	1. Repeat in-situ measurement on next day of exceedance to confirm findings; 2. Inform IEC, Contractor and ER; 3. Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods; 4. Discuss remedial measures with IEC, Contractor and ER 5. Ensure remedial measures are implemented	1. Discuss with ET, Contractor and ER on the implemented mitigation measures; 2. Review the proposed remedial measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; and 3. Review and advise the ET and ER on the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1. Discuss with ET, IEC and Contractor on the proposed mitigation measures; 2. Make agreement on the remedial measures to be implemented ; and 3. Discuss with ET, IEC and Contractor on the effectiveness of the implemented remedial measures.	1. Identify source(s) of impact; 2. Inform the ER and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 3. Rectify unacceptable practice; 4. Check all plant and equipment and consider changes of working methods; 5. Discuss with ET, IEC and ER and submit proposal of remedial measures to ER and IEC within 3 working days of notification; and 6. Implement the agreed mitigation measures.
Limit level exceedance for one sampling day	1. Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance to confirm findings; 2. Inform IEC, Contractor and ER; 3. Rectify unacceptable practice; 4. Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods; 5. Consider changes of working methods; 6. Discuss mitigation measures with IEC, ER and Contractor; and 7. Ensure the agreed remedial measures are implemented	1. Discuss with ET, Contractor and ER on the implemented mitigation measures; 2. Review the proposed remedial measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; and 3. Review and advise the ET and ER on the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1. Discuss with ET, IEC and Contractor on the implemented remedial measures; 2. Request Contractor to critically review the working methods; 3. Make agreement on the remedial measures to be implemented; and 4. Discuss with ET, IEC and Contractor on the effectiveness of the implemented remedial measures.	1. Identify source(s) of impact; 2. Inform the ER and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 3. Rectify unacceptable practice; 4. Check all plant and equipment and consider changes of working methods; 5. Discuss with ET, IEC and ER and submit proposal of additional mitigation measures to ER and IEC within 3 working days of notification; and 6. Implement the agreed remedial measures.
Limit level exceedance for more than one consecutive sampling days	1. Inform IEC, Contractor and ER; 2. Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods; 3. Discuss mitigation measures with IEC, ER and Contractor; and 4. Ensure mitigation measures are implemented; and 5. Increase the monitoring frequency to daily until no exceedance of Limit Level for two consecutive days	1. Discuss with ET, Contractor and ER on the implemented mitigation measures; 2. Review the proposed remedial measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; and 3. Review and advise the ET and ER on the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1. Discuss with ET, IEC and Contractor on the implemented remedial measures; 2. Request Contractor to critically review the working methods; 3. Make agreement on the remedial measures to be implemented; 4. Discuss with ET and IEC on the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures; and 5. Consider and instruct, if necessary, the Contractor to slow down or to stop all or part of the construction activities until no exceedance of Limit level.	1. Identify source(s) of impact; 2. Inform the ER and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 3. Rectify unacceptable practice; 4. Check all plant and equipment and consider changes of working methods; 5. Discuss with ET, IEC and ER and submit proposal of additional mitigation measures to ER and IEC within 3 working days of notification; and 6. Implement the agreed remedial measures. 7. As directed by the ER, to slow down or stop all or part of the construction activities until no exceedance of Limit level.

8 WASTE MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1.1 The quantity and timing for the generation of waste during the construction phase have been estimated. Measures including the opportunity for on-site sorting, reusing excavated materials etc., are devised in the construction methodology to minimise the surplus materials to be disposed off-site. Proper disposal of chemical waste should be via a licensed waste collector.

8.2 Mitigation Measures

8.2.1.1 All the proposed mitigation measures are stipulated in the EIA report and summarised in the Project Implementation Schedule (PIS) in Appendix 4.1.

8.2.1.2 EM&A requirements are required for waste management during the construction phase only and the effective management of waste arising during the construction phase will be monitored through the site audit programme. The aims of the waste audit are:

· To ensure the waste arising from the works are handled, stored, collected, transferred and disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner; and

· To encourage the reuse and recycling of material.

8.2.1.3 It is anticipated there would not be any insurmountable impacts during the operational phase. Therefore, no EM&A is required during operational phase.

8.3 Waste EM&A Requirements

8.3.1.1 The Contractor shall be required to pay attention to the environmental standard and guidelines and carry out appropriate waste management and obtain the relevant licence/permits for waste disposal. The ET shall ensure that the Contractor has obtained from the appropriate authorities the necessary waste disposal permits or licences including:

· Chemical Waste Permits/licenses under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap 354);

· Public Dumping License under the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap 28);

· Marine Dumping Permit under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Cap 466); and

· Effluent Discharge License under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.

8.3.1.2 The Contractor shall refer to the relevant booklets issued by the DEP when applying for the license/permit and the ET shall refer to these booklets for auditing purposes.

8.4 Site Audit Requirements

8.4.1.1 Regular audits and site inspections at least once per week should be carried out during construction phase by the ET to ensure that the recommended good site practices and other recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented by the Contractor. The audits should concern all aspects of on-site waste management practices including waste generation, storage, recycling, transport and disposal. Apart from site inspection, documents including licenses, permits, disposal and recycling records should be reviewed and audited for compliance with the legislation and contract requirements.

8.4.1.2 The requirements of the environmental audit programme are set out in Section 13 of this Manual. The audit programme will verify the implementation status and evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

9 LAND CONTAMINATION IMPACT

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1.1 The EIA report has assessed the land contamination associated with the Project.

9.2 Mitigation Measures

9.2.1.1 As mentioned in Section 8.5 of the EIA report, the Project Area has been a channelized watercourse lined with concrete and concrete-paved pedestrian footpath for more than 20 years. No soil contamination is anticipated in the Project Area. Therefore, there is no further action or mitigation required.

10 ECOLOGY

10.1 Introduction

10.1.1.1 The ecological impact assessment has evaluated the predicted ecological impacts of the Project and has concluded that ecological impacts can be avoided, reduced or compensated to a low and acceptable level with the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.

10.2 Mitigation Measures

10.2.1.1 Mitigation measures have been identified and designed in accordance with Annex 16 of the EIAO-TM. Ecological impact during construction phase would be mainly caused by the potential water quality impact to the YLTN, which would in turn cause adverse impacts to the ecosystem downstream. Hence mitigation measures and EM&A requirement should follow those formulated for water quality impact. The proposed mitigation measures are summarised in the Project Implementation Schedule (PIS) in Appendix 4.1.

10.3 Audit Requirements

10.3.1.1 As mentioned in Section 10.2, EM&A requirement should follow those formulated for water quality impact. Specific EM&A requirement in ecological aspect is considered not necessary.

11 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT

11.1 Introduction

11.1.1.1 The EIA has recommended EM&A for landscape and visual mitigation measures to be undertaken during the design, construction and operational stages 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

11.2 Mitigation Measures

11.2.1.1 The Landscape and Visual Assessment of the EIA proposes a number of mitigation measures to ameliorate the landscape and visual impacts of the Project. These measures are listed in table below and implementation is summarised in the PIS in Appendix 4.1. All the maintenance agency has already been sought out and agreed in principles as listed in Table 11.1 and 11.2 below.

Table 11.1 Proposed Construction Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
LV1^[^1][2]	-	-	-
LV2^[^1][2]	Existing trees to be retained on site should be carefully protected during construction. The requirement shall follow the “Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development” released by Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section, Development Bureau.	HYD	HYD / Contractor
LV3^[^1]	Trees unavoidably affected by the works should be transplanted where practical. The requirement shall follow the “Guidelines one Tree Transplanting during Development” released by Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section, Development Bureau.	HYD	HYD / Contractor
LV4^[^1]	Compensatory tree planting should be provided to compensate for felled trees during construction according to TC (W) No.7/2015 – Tree Preservation and satisfaction of relevant Government departments. Sufficient planting area shall be provided for the growth of trees. Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Felling Application.	HYD	HYD / Contractor
LV5^[^1][2]	Control of night-time lighting.	HYD	HYD / Contractor
LV6^[^1]	Erection of decorative screen hoarding compatible with the surrounding setting.	HYD	HYD / Contractor

Note:

[1] HYD shall be responsible for the implementation of road works and associated amenity landscape areas;

[2] Mitigation measures refer to Good Site Practices.

Table 11.2 Proposed Operation Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency
LV7	Maintenance of compensatory tree planting for all felled trees. Maintenance parties shall be identified according to DEVB TCW No. 6/2015 – maintenance of vegetation and hard landscape features.	HYD	HYD / Contractor	LCSD
LV8	Aesthetic and greening design of the Footbridge according to DEVB TC(W) No.2/2013 Greening on Footbridges and Flyovers.	HYD	HYD / Contractor	HYD
LV9	Use appropriate (visually unobtrusive and non-reflective) building structural materials and avoidance of excessive height and bulk of buildings and structures.	HYD	HYD / Contractor	HYD
LV10	Streetscape elements (e.g. paving, street furniture, railing etc.) shall be sensitively designed in a manner that responds to the local context, to enhance the overall landscape and visual appearance of the site, in order to mitigate the loss of landscape greenery and the visual obstruction by the structure. Lighting units should be directional and minimise unnecessary light spill.	HYD	HYD / Contractor	HYD
LV11	Maximize soft landscape of the site, Where space permits, road side tree and shrub should be created.	HYD	HYD / Contractor	LCSD
LV12	Aesthetic facade treatment at the bottom of proposed footbridge.	HYD	HYD / Contractor	HYD
LV13	Screening treatment on the interchange structure.	HYD	HYD / Contractor	HYD

Note:

[1] According to the DEVB TCW No. 6/2015 – maintenance of vegetation and hard landscape features, HyD shall be responsible for the maintenance and management for hard streetscape works, while LCSD shall be responsible for the maintenance and management of soft landscape works.

11.2.1.2 The landscape and visual mitigation measures proposed should be incorporated in the detailed landscape and engineering design. Mitigation measures to be implemented during construction should be adopted from the start of construction and be in place throughout the entire construction period. Mitigation measures to be implemented during operation should be integrated into the detailed design and built as part of the construction works so that they are in place on commissioning of the Project.

11.3 Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirement

11.3.1.1 The design stage EM&A requirements for landscape and visual resources comprise the audit of the detailed landscaping and visual specifications to be prepared during the detailed design together with ensuring that the design is sensitive to landscape and visual impacts. The landscape and visual auditor shall review the designs as and when they are prepared and liaise with the landscape architect and design engineer to ensure all measures have been incorporated in the design in a format that can be specified to the Contractor for implementation.

11.3.1.2 Site audits should be undertaken during the construction phase of the Project to check that the proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures are properly implemented and maintained as per their intended objectives. Site inspections should be undertaken by the ET at least once every two weeks during the construction period, preferably by a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) employed by the Contractor. Particularly audits should be carried out during site clearance when proposed tree retain, tree felling, and transplantation may occur. For all soft landscaping work, including measures involving trees such as tree transplantation, compensatory planting and woodland restoration, there should be at least a 12 month establishment period and maintenance which will commence once soft landscaping in an area has been planted. The broad scope of the audit is detailed below.

· 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 and woodland shall be noted.

· 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.

· The tree and shrub transplanting and planting operations.

· Topsoil protection and storage operations.

· All existing trees and vegetation within the study area which are not directly affected by the works are retained and protected.

· The methods of protecting existing vegetation proposed by the Contractor are acceptable and enforced.

· All landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the specifications, with particular attention to approved use of herbicides or pesticides.

· The species and mix of new plant species to be planted are suitable.

· The newly planted trees, shrubs and grassed areas are maintained throughout the establishment period, particularly in respect of the following:

a. regular watering, weeding and fertilising of all planting and grass reinstatement;

b. regular grass cutting for reinstated areas;

c. firming up of plants after periods of strong winds or heavy rain;

d. regular checks for and eradication of pests, fungal infection etc.;

e. pruning of dead or broken branches; and

f. prompt replacement of dead plants and re-grassing of failed areas.

11.3.1.3 The audits during the operational phase will be restricted to the 12 months establishment works of the landscape proposals, with the appropriate agents taking over the maintenance and monitoring after this period as identified in the EIA report. All the landscape mitigation measures shall be satisfied by the ET in terms of the landscape quality prior hand over to the maintaince agency.

Table 11.3 Monitoring Programme for Landscape and Visual

Stage	Monitoring Task	Monitoring Report	Form of Approval	Frequency
Design	Monitoring of design works against the recommendations of the landscape and visual impact assessments within the EIA should be undertaken by the Engineer and Landscape Architect, to ensure that they fulfil the intentions of the mitigation measures. Any changes to the design, including design changes on site should also be checked.	Report by Engineer confirming that the design conforms to requirements of EP.	Approval by Project Proponent	At completion of design stage
Construction	Monitoring of the contractor’s operations during the construction period.	Report on Contractor's compliance by ET	Counter-signature of report by IEC	Bi-weekly
Establishment Works	Monitoring of the planting works during the 12-months Establishment Period after completion of the construction works.	Report on Contractor's compliance by ET	Counter-signature of report by IEC	Bi-monthly

Note:

ET – Environmental Team

IEC – Independent Environmental Checker

11.4 Event and Action Plan

11.4.1.1 In the event of non-compliance, the responsibilities of the relevant parties are detailed in the Event/Action plan provided in Table 11.4.

Table 11.4 Event/Action Plan for Landscape and Visual

Event	Action
Event	ET	IEC	ER	Contractor
Design Check	1. Check final design conforms to the requirements of EP and prepare report.	1. Check report. 2. Recommend remedial design if necessary.	1. Undertake remedial design if necessary.
Non-conformity on one occasion	1. Inform the IEC, ER and the Contractor 2. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, ER and Contractor 3. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed	1. Check report. 2. Check Contractor’s working method 3. Discuss with ET, ER and Contractor on possible remedial measures. 4. Advise ER on effective of proposed remedial measures. 5. Check implementation of remedial measures	1. Confirm receipt of notification of non-conformity in writing 2. Review and agree on the remedial measures proposed by the Contractor 3. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented	1. Identify source and investigate the non-conformity 2. Amend working methods agreed with ER as appropriate 3. Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement
Repeated Non-conformity	1. Identify sources 2. Inform the Contractor, IEC and ER 3. Discuss inspection frequency 4. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, ER and Contractor 5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed 6. If non-conformity stops, cease additional monitoring	1. Check inspection report 2. Check Contractor’s working method 3. Discuss with ET,ER and Contractor on possible remedial measures 4. Advise ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures	1. Notify the Contractor 2. In consultation with the ET and IEC, agree with the Contractor on the remedial measures to be implemented 3. Supervise implementation of remedial measures	1. Identify source and investigate the non-conformity 2. Amend working methods agreed with ER as appropriate 3. Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement. Stop relevant portion of works as determined by ER until the non-conformity is abated.

Note:

ET – Environmental Team

IEC – Independent Environmental Checker

ER – Engineer’s Representative

12 CULTURAL HERITAGE

12.1 Introduction

12.1.1.1 The assessment has considered both the construction and operational phases of the Project.

12.2 Mitigation Measures

12.2.1.1 As mentioned in Section 11 of the EIA report, no potential impact is anticipated for both built heritage and archaeological resources. Therefore, there is no further action or mitigation required.

13 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

13.1 Site Inspection

13.1.1.1 Site inspection provides a direct means to initiate and enforce specified environmental protection and pollution control measures. These shall be undertaken routinely to inspect construction activities in order to ensure that appropriate environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures are properly implemented. Site inspection is one of the most effective tools to enforce the environmental protection requirements at the works area.

13.1.1.2 The ET shall be responsible for formulating the environmental site inspection programme as well as the deficiency and action reporting system, and for carrying out the site inspections. The proposal for rectification, if any, should be prepared and submitted to the ET Leader, IEC and ER by the Contractor.

13.1.1.3 Regular site inspections shall be carried out and led by the ER and attended by the Contractor, ET and IEC at least once per week during the construction phase. The areas of inspection shall not be limited to the environmental situation, pollution control and mitigation measures within the site. It should also review the environmental situations outside the works area which is likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, by the construction site activities of the Project. The ET and IEC shall make reference to the following information in conducting the inspection. During the inspection, the following information should be referred to:

· EIA report recommendations on environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures;

· works progress and programme;

· individual works methodology proposals (which shall include the proposal on associated pollution control measures);

· contract specifications on environmental protection;

· relevant environmental protection and pollution control legislations; and

· previous site inspection results.

13.1.1.4 The Contractor shall keep the ER, IEC and ET Leader updated with all relevant environmental related information on the construction contract necessary for him to carry out the site inspections. Site inspection results and associated recommendations for improvements to the environmental protection and pollution control efforts should be recorded and followed up by the Contractor in an agreed time-frame. The Contractor shall follow the procedures and time-frame as stipulated in the environmental site inspection, and the deficiency and action reporting system formulated by the ET, to report on any remedial measures subsequent to the site inspections.

13.1.1.5 The ER, IEC, ET and the Contractor should also carry out ad-hoc site inspections if significant environmental problems are identified. Inspections may also be required subsequent to receipt of a valid environmental complaint, or as part of the investigation work, as specified in the Event and Action Plan for the EM&A programme.

13.2 Compliance with Legal and Contractual Requirements

13.2.1.1 There are contractual environmental protection and pollution control requirements as well as environmental protection and pollution control laws in Hong Kong with which construction activities must comply.

13.2.1.2 In order that the works comply with the contractual requirements, all works method statements submitted by the Contractor to the ER for approval shall be sent to the ET Leader for vetting to ensure sufficient environmental protection and pollution control measures have been included. A copy shall also be sent to IEC for reference and providing comments on needed basis. The implementation schedule of mitigation measures is summarised in Appendix 4.1.

13.2.1.3 The ET Leader shall also 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 laws can be prevented.

13.2.1.4 The Contractor shall regularly copy relevant documents to the ET Leader and IEC so that works checking could be carried out effectively. The document shall at least include the updated Works Progress Reports, updated Works Programme, any application letters for different licence / permits under the environmental protection laws, and copies of all valid licences / permits. The site diary shall also be available for the ET Leader's inspection upon his request.

13.2.1.5 After reviewing the document, the ET Leader shall advise the IEC and Contractor of any non-compliance with contractual and legislative requirements on environmental protection and pollution control for them to take follow-up actions. If the ET Leader's review concludes that the current status on licence / permit application and any environmental protection and pollution control preparation works may result in potential violation of environmental protection and pollution control requirements, he shall also advise the Contractor, ER and IEC accordingly.

13.2.1.6 Upon receipt of the advice, the Contractor shall undertake immediate action to correct the situation. The ER shall follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken in order to satisfy contractual and legal requirements.

13.3 Environment Complaints

13.3.1.1 The following procedures should be undertaken upon receipt of any environmental complaint:

· The Contractor to log complaint and date of receipt onto the complaint database and inform the ER, ET and IEC immediately;

· The Contractor to investigate, with the ER and ET, the complaint to determine its validity, and assess whether the source of the problem is due to construction works of the Project with the support of additional monitoring frequency and stations, if necessary;

· The Contractor to identify remedial measures in consultation with the IEC, ET and ER if a complaint is valid and due to the construction works of the Project;

· The Contractor to implement the remedial measures as required by the ER and to agree with the ET and IEC any additional monitoring frequency and stations, where necessary, for checking the effectiveness of the remedial measures;

· The ER, ET and IEC to review the effectiveness of the Contractor's remedial measures and the updated situation;

· The ET to undertake additional monitoring and audit to verify the situation if necessary, and oversee that circumstances leading to the complaint do not recur;

· If the complaint is referred by the EPD, the Contractor to prepare interim report on the status of the complaint investigation and follow-up actions stipulated above, including the details of the remedial measures and additional monitoring identified or already taken, for submission to EPD within the time frame assigned by the EPD; and

· The ET to record the details of the complaint, results of the investigation, subsequent actions taken to address the complaint and updated situation including the effectiveness of the remedial measures, supported by regular and additional monitoring results in the monthly EM&A reports.

14 REPORTING

14.1 General

14.1.1.1 Reports can be provided in an electronic medium upon agreeing the format with the ER and EPD. This would enable a transition from a paper / historic and reactive approach to an electronic / real time proactive approach. All the monitoring data (baseline and impact) shall also be submitted on diskettes or other approved media. The formats for air quality, noise and water quality monitoring data to be submitted shall be separately agreed.

14.1.1.2 The ET is responsible for establishing and maintaining a dedicated website throughout the entire construction period for publishing all the real-time relevant environmental monitoring data (for construction noise monitoring) and reporting (including but not limited to the baseline and impact monitoring). The ET shall propose the format and functionality of the website for agreement with the ER and IEC prior to publishing of data. Once the monitoring data are available (i.e. noise and water) and vetted by the IEC, the ET is responsible to upload the relevant data to the dedicated website.

14.1.1.3 Types of reports that the ET shall prepare and submit include baseline monitoring report, monthly EM&A report and final EM&A review report. In accordance with Annex 21 of the EIAO-TM, a copy of the monthly and final review EM&A reports shall be made available to the Director of Environmental Protection.

14.2 Baseline Monitoring Report

14.2.1.1 The ET should prepare and submit a Baseline Monitoring Report at least one month before commencement of construction of the Project. Copies of the Baseline Monitoring Report should be submitted to the IEC, ER and EPD. The ET should liaise with the relevant parties on the exact number of copies require.

14.2.1.2 The baseline monitoring report shall include at least the following:

(1) up to half a page executive summary;

(2) brief project background information;

(3) drawings showing locations of the baseline monitoring stations;

(4) monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following information:

· monitoring methodology;

· name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;

· parameters monitored;

· monitoring locations;

· monitoring date, time, frequency and duration; and

· quality assurance (QA) / quality control (QC) results and detection limits;

(5) details of influencing factors, including:

· major activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period;

· weather conditions during the period; and

· other factors which might affect monitoring results;

(6) determination of the Action and Limit Levels for each monitoring parameter and statistical analysis of the baseline data;

(7) revisions for inclusion in the EM&A Manual; and

(8) comments, recommendations and conclusions.

14.3 Monthly Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Report

14.3.1.1 The results and findings of all EM&A work required in the Manual shall be recorded in the monthly EM&A reports prepared by the ET and endorsed by the IEC. The EM&A report shall be prepared and submitted to EPD within 10 working days of the end of each reporting month, with the first report due the month after construction commences. Copies of each monthly EM&A report shall be submitted to the following parties: the IEC, the ER and EPD. Before submission of the first EM&A report, the ET shall liaise with the parties on the required number of copies and format of the monthly reports in both hard copy and electronic medium.

14.3.1.2 The ET shall review the number and location of monitoring stations and parameters every six months, or on as needed basis, in order to cater for any changes in the surrounding environment and the nature of works in progress.

14.3.2 First Monthly EM&A Report

14.3.2.1 The first monthly EM&A report shall include at least the following:

(1) Executive summary (1-2 pages):

· breaches of Action and Limit levels;

· compliant log

· notifications of any summons and successful prosecutions;

· reporting changes; and

· future key issues.

(2) Basic project information:

· project organization including key personnel contact names and telephone numbers;

· construction programme;

· management structure; and

· works undertaken during the month.

(3) Environmental status:

· advice on the status of statutory environmental compliance such as the status of compliance with the environmental permit (EP) conditions under the EIAO, submission status under the EP and implementation status of mitigation measures;

· works undertaken during the month with illustrations (such as location of works, daily excavation rate, etc.); and

· drawings showing the project are, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations (with co-ordinates of the monitoring locations).

(4) A brief summary of EM&A requirements including:

· all monitoring parameters;

· environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);

· Event-Action Plans;

· environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report; and

· environmental requirements in contract documents.

(5) Implementation status

· advice on the implementation programme, impact prediction review procedures, implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA Report, summarised in the updated implementation schedule.

(6) Monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following information:

· monitoring methodology;

· name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;

· monitoring parameters;

· monitoring locations;

· monitoring date, time, frequency, and duration;

· weather conditions during the period;

· any other factors which might affect the monitoring results; and

· QA / QC results and detection limits.

(7) Report on non-compliance, complaints, and notifications of summons and successful prosecutions:

· record of all non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);

· record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and nature of complaints investigation, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken, results and summary;

· record of all notification of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of current environmental protection / pollution control legislation, including locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken, results and summary;

· review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliances, complaints, summons and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures; and

· description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance.

(8) Others

· an account of the future key issues as reviewed from the works programme and work method statements;

· advice on the solid and liquid waste management status;

· record of any project changes from the originally proposed as described in the EIA (e.g. construction methods, mitigation proposals, design changes, etc.); and

· comments (for examples, effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommendations (for examples, any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions.

14.3.3 Subsequent Monthly EM&A Reports

14.3.3.1 Subsequent monthly EM&A reports shall include at least the following:

(1) Executive summary (1-2 pages):

· breaches of Action and Limit levels;

· compliant log;

· notifications of any summons and successful prosecutions;

· reporting changes; and

· future key issues.

(2) Basic project information:

· project organization including key personnel contact names and telephone numbers;

· construction programme;

· management structure;

· works undertaken during the month; and

· any updates as needed to the scope of works and construction methodologies.

(3) Environmental status:

· works undertaken during the month with illustrations (such as location of works, daily excavation rate, etc.); and

· drawings showing the project are, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.

(4) Implementation status

· advice on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA Report.

(5) Monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following information:

· monitoring methodology;

· name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;

· monitoring parameters;

· monitoring locations;

· monitoring date, time, frequency, and duration;

· weather conditions during the period;

· any other factors which might affect the monitoring results; and

· QA / QC results and detection limits.

(6) Report on non-compliance, complaints, and notifications of summons and successful prosecutions:

· record of all non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);

· review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliances, complaints, summons and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures; and

· description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance.

(7) Others

· an account of the future key issues as reviewed from the works programme and work method statements;

· advice on the solid and liquid waste management status;

· record of any project changes from the originally proposed as described in the EIA (e.g. construction methods, mitigation proposals, design changes, etc.); and

· comments (for examples, effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommendations (for examples, any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions.

(8) Appendices

· Action and Limit levels;

· graphical plots of trends of the monitoring parameters at key stations over the past four reporting periods for representative monitoring stations annotated against the following:

a. major activities being carried out on site during the period;

b. weather conditions during the period; and

c. any other factors that might affect the monitoring results.

· monitoring schedule for the present and next reporting period;

· cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions; and

· outstanding issues and deficiencies.

14.4 Final EM&A Review Report

14.4.1.1 The EM&A programme should be terminated upon the completion of the construction activities that have the potential to result in significant environmental impacts. The deadline of final EM&A report shall be submitted to EPD within 2 months after the termination of EM&A programme.

14.4.1.2 Prior to the proposed termination, it may be advisable to consult relevant local communities. The termination of EM&A programme shall be determined on the following basis:

· Completion of construction activities and insignificant environmental impacts of the remaining outstanding construction works;

· Trends analysis to demonstrate the narrow down of monitoring exceedances due to construction activities and the return of ambient environmental conditions in comparison with baseline data;

· No environmental complaint and prosecution; and

· All the required monitoring works (for construction and operational phase) were completed.

14.4.1.3 The proposed termination should only be implemented after the proposal has been endorsed by the IEC, the Engineer and the Project Proponent followed by approval from the Director of Environmental Protection.

14.4.1.4 The final EM&A report should contain at least the following information:

(1) Executive summary (1-2 pages):

(2) Drawings showing the project are, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;

(3) Basic project information including a synopsis of the project organization, programme, contacts of key management, and a synopsis of work undertaken during the entire construction period;

(4) A brief summary of EM&A requirements including:

· environmental mitigation measure, as recommended in the project EIA Report;

· environmental impact hypotheses tested;

· environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);

· all monitoring parameters;

· Event and Action Plans;

(5) Advice on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA Report, summarized in the updated implementation schedule;

(6) Drawings showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;

(7) Graphical plots and the statistical analysis of the trends of monitoring parameter over the course of the project, including the post-project monitoring for all monitoring stations annotated against:

· the major activities being carried out on site during the period;

· the return of ambient environmental conditions in comparison with baseline data;

· weather conditions during the period; and

· any other factors which might affect the monitoring results;

(8) Provide clear-cut decisions on the environmental acceptability of the project with reference to the specific impact hypothesis;

(9) Advice on the solid and liquid waste management status;

(10) A summary of non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);

(11) A review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution sources and working procedures as appropriate;

(12) A description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and any follow-up involved;

(13) A summary record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental/pollution control legislations, locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken and results;

(14) Compare and contrast the EM&A data with EIA predictions and annotate with explanation for any discrepancies in EIA recommendations;

(15) Review the monitoring methodology adopted and with the benefit hindsight;

(16) Comments (for examples, a review of the practicality, effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures and of the performance of the environmental management system, that is, of the EIA process and overall EM&A programme); and

(17) Recommendations and conclusions (for example, a review of practicality and effectiveness of the overall EIA process and EM&A programme (e.g. monitoring methodology adopted) including cost-effectively identify deterioration and to initiate prompt effective mitigatory action when necessary, state the return of ambient and/or the predicted scenario as per EIA findings).

14.5 Data Keeping

14.5.1.1 No site-based documents (such as monitoring field records, laboratory analysis records, site inspection forms, etc.) are required to be included in the monthly EM&A reports. However, any such 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. Monitoring data shall also be recorded in magnetic media form, and the software copy must be available upon request. Data format shall be agreed with EPD. All documents and data shall be kept for at least one year following completion of the construction contract.

14.6 Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances

14.6.1.1 With reference to the Event and Action Plans, when the environmental quality performance limits are exceeded and if they are proven to be valid, the ET should immediately notify the IEC and EPD, as appropriate. The notification should be followed up with advice to the IEC and EPD on the results of the investigation, proposed actions and success of the actions taken, with any necessary follow-up proposals. A sample template for the interim notification is presented in Appendix 14.1.

Figure 2.1	Location of Project
Figure 2.2	Locations of Concurrent Projects
Figure 6.1	Locations of Construction Noise Monitoring Stations
Figure 7.1	Locations of Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Appendix 3.1	Project Organization for Environmental Works
Appendix 4.1	Project Implementation Schedule
Appendix 6.1	Sample Data Sheet for Noise Monitoring
Appendix 7.1	Sample Data Sheet for Water Quality Monitoring
Appendix 14.1	Sample Template for the Interim Notification