|
Proposed Interim Sewage Treatment Plant and Effluent Reuse Facility at Wo Shang Wai, Yuen Long |
Contents
The purpose of this Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual (hereafter referred to as the Manual) is to guide the setup of an EM&A programme to ensure compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study recommendations, to assess the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and to identify any further need for additional mitigation measures or remedial action. This Manual outlines the monitoring and audit programme proposed for the Proposed Interim Sewage Treatment Plant and Effluent Reuse Facility at Wo Shang Wai, Yuen Long (the Project).
It should be noted that this EM&A Manual would be further reviewed and updated where necessary.
The Project consists of site formation works and building works for the proposed sewage treatment plant (STP). The STP is a 1-storey high building structure with effluent reuse facility located in the basement of the building. Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology has been proposed for sewage treatment, with a capacity of 1,446m3/d.
The effluent reuse facility will comprise of the following:
● Equalization tank;
● Reclaimed water storage tank;
● Anoxic tank;
● Aerobic / membrane tank;
● An ultraviolet (UV) steriliser;
● Sludge tank;
● Treated effluent collection tank;
● Emergency storage tank; and
● Associated pumping facilities and piping network.
The location of the Project and the aforementioned components is shown in Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2 respectively. The flow diagram of the operation of the facilities is shown in Figure 1.3.
Construction of the Project is targeted to commence in Q3 2018 and complete by 2021 in time for Phase 1 occupation of the WSW Development. The Project will be decommissioned once the planned public sewer on Castle Peak Road is available. However, it is to be noted that the structure of the STP and its associated infrastructure will only cease operation and will not be demolished.
The proposed project organisation is shown in Figure 1.4. The responsibilities of respective parties are set out below.
Profit Point Enterprises Limited is the Project Proponent for the development of the Project, and will assume overall responsibility for the progress of the construction, operation and decommissioning activities.
EPD is the statutory enforcement body for environmental protection matters in Hong Kong.
The ER is responsible for overseeing the construction works and for ensuring that the works are undertaken by the contractor in accordance with the specification and contract requirements. The duties and responsibilities of the ER with respect to EM&A include:
● to monitor the Contractors compliance with Contract Specifications, including the effective implementation and operation of the environmental mitigation measures;
● to employ an Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) to audit the results of the EM&A works carried out by the Environmental Team (ET);
● to monitor Contractors, ETs and IECs compliance with the requirements in the Environmental Permit (EP) and EM&A Manual;
● to facilitate ETs implementation of the EM&A programme;
● participate in joint site inspection by the ET and IEC;
● to oversee the implementation of the agreed Event / Action Plan in the event of any exceedance; and
● to adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.
The Contractor should report to the ER. The duties and responsibilities of the Contractor include:
● to comply with the relevant contract conditions and specifications on environmental protection;
● to employ an ET to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of EM&A;
● to facilitate ETs monitoring and site inspection activities;
● to participate in the site inspections undertake by the ET and IEC, and undertake any corrective actions;
● to provide information / advice to the ET regarding works programme and activities which may contribute to the generation of adverse environmental impacts;
● to submit proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event / Action Plans;
● to implement measures to reduce impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded; and
● to adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.
● to monitor and audit various environmental parameters as required in this EM&A Manual;
● to analyse the environmental monitoring and audit data, review the success of EM&A programme and the adequacy of mitigation measures implemented, confirm the validity of the EIA predictions and identify any adverse environmental impacts arising;
● to monitor compliance with conditions in the EP, environmental protection, pollution prevention and control regulations and contract specifications;
● to audit environmental conditions on site;
● to report on the environmental monitoring and audit results to EPD, the ER, the IEC and Contractor or their delegated representatives;
● to recommend suitable mitigation measures to the Contractor in the case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Even and Action Plans;
● to liaise with the IEC on all environmental performance matters, and ensure timely submission of all relevant EM&A pro forma for IECs approval;
● to provide advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness and enhancement matters, etc on site;
● to adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation;
● to prepare reports on the environmental monitoring data and the site environmental conditions;
● to submit the EM&A report to Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) timely;
● to review proposals of mitigation measures from the Contractor in case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels, in accordance with the Event and Action Plan; and
● to carry out site inspection to investigate and audit the Contractors site practice, equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control and mitigation measures.
● to provide proactive advice to the ER and the Project Proponent on EM&A matters related to the Project;
● to review and verify the monitoring data and all submissions in connection with the EP and EM&A Manual submitted by the ET;
● to arrange and conduct regular, at least monthly site inspections of the works during the construction phase, and to carry out ad hoc inspections if significant environmental problems are identified;
● to check compliance with the agreed Event / Action Plan in the event of any exceedance;
● to check compliance with the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation;
● to check the effectiveness of corrective measures;
● to feedback audit results to the ET by signing off relevant EM&A pro forma;
● to check that mitigation measures are effectively implemented;
● to report the works conducted, and the findings, recommendations and improvements of the site inspections, after reviewing ETs and Contractors works, to the ER and the Project Proponent on a monthly basis;
● to verify the investigation result of the environmental complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures;
● to verify EM&A report that has been certified by ET leader; and
● to audit EIA recommendations and requirements against the status of implementation of environmental mitigation measures on site.
During Operation Phase, the Estate Manager / Operator should ensure the management, maintenance and operation of the onsite STP follow the O&M Manual. If it is found that the reclaimed water quality achieves the proposed criteria or the reclaimed water can be fully reused, the Estate Manager / Operator should investigate and rectify unacceptable practice.
During Operation Phase, Project Proponent / Estate Manager should appoint an Environmental Monitoring Team who will be responsible for water sampling works and reclaimed water supply and use monitoring. The sampling and testing works shall be carried out by a HOKLAS or other internationally accredited laboratory. Environmental Monitoring Team will be responsible to report the findings of the monitoring activities in operation phase monitoring report.
Following this Introduction section, the structure of this EM&A Manual has been set out as follows:
Section 2 Air Quality Impact
Section 3 Noise Impact
Section 4 Water Quality Impact
Section 5 Waste Management and Land Contamination
Section 6 Ecological Impact (Terrestrial and Aquatic)
Section 7 Landscape and Visual Impact
Section 8 Site Environmental Audit
Section 9 Reporting
An assessment of potential air quality impact during both construction and operation phases of the Project have been assessed in Section 3 of the EIA Report. Within the 500m Study Area, fugitive dust from construction activities and odour impact from the operation of the sewage treatment plant would be minimal. With the implementation of appropriate dust suppression measures, as stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation, and adequate odour containment and control measures during the operation phase, as described in Section 3.6.2 of the EIA Report, adverse air quality impact is not anticipated.
Since the extent of the STP building construction works for the proposed Project represent only a small part of the proposed WSW Development, regular dust monitoring is not considered necessary during the construction of the Project. The on-going EM&A programme for the proposed WSW Development would overlap with any monitoring proposed for this Project.
As the proposed STP will be fully enclosed, installed with a high-efficiency deodorizer with a forced ventilation system, and is not of a large scale; it is anticipated that there would not be significant odour impact due to the proposed STP and sludge generated on the nearby ASRs. Therefore, no monitoring during the operation phase is required.
Upon commissioning of the public trunk sewer, the sewage from the proposed development will be connected to the public sewerage system and the STP will be decommissioned. However, as the STP will remain on-site and not be demolished, no monitoring during the decommissioning phase is required.
The potential noise impact arising from the construction and operation phases of the Project have been assessed in Section 4 of the EIA Report. With the implementation of the appropriate noise mitigation measures during construction phase and adoption of the maximum allowable sound power levels for the proposed STP in operation phase, no adverse construction and operation noise impacts are anticipated.
The extent of the STP construction works represent only a small part of the proposed WSW Development. As regular noise monitoring of the on-going EM&A programme for the proposed WSW Development would be carried out during the whole construction period of the Project, no noise monitoring is proposed under this project during the construction phase of the proposed STP.
Prior to the operation of the proposed STP, a noise commissioning test should be conducted by the Contractor to check for the compliance of the noise levels from the operation of the fixed plant with the stipulated noise criteria. The testing results should be checked and signed by the Contractor, the Engineers Representative and the Environmental Team and verified by Independent Environmental Checker respectively.
Since the proposed interim STP will be decommissioned without demolition of the structure, no noise impact is anticipated during the decommissioning phase. Therefore, no noise monitoring is required during the decommissioning phase.
The potential construction, operation and decommissioning phase water quality impacts associated with the Project are assessed in Chapter 5 of the EIA report. With the implementation of the recommended design and mitigation measures during construction phase, the proposed design, operation and management measures during the operation phase, and the proposed management measures during decommissioning phase, it is predicted that all potential impacts would be adequately controlled. Therefore, no adverse water quality impacts are expected during construction, operation and decommissioning phase.
Adverse water quality impacts were not predicted during the construction phase of the Project, thus water quality monitoring is not considered necessary. Nevertheless, appropriate mitigation measures are recommended to minimise potential water quality impacts, and regular site audits shall be conducted to check implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.
The site audit shall check that the mitigation measures identified in Appendix A are properly implemented throughout construction phase.
During operation phase, discharges from the onsite STP shall comply with the discharge license issued by Environmental Protection Department (EPD) under the WPCO, and the management, maintenance and operation of the onsite STP shall follow the O&M Manual for the onsite STP and the Management Manual of the Development, which shall cover the mitigation measures specified in the EIA report and in Appendix A. A water quality monitoring programme is proposed to monitor compliance with the reclaimed water reuse criteria. The Water Supplies Department's reclaimed water standards as summarized in Table 4.1 will be adopted by this Project.
Table 4.1: WSD Reuse Water Quality Standard for Non-Potable Uses
|
Water Quality Parameter |
Unit |
WSD Criteria (Irrigation & Non-Potable Uses) |
|
pH |
- |
6-9 |
|
Turbidity |
NTU |
≤ 5 |
|
Total Suspended Solids |
mg/l |
≤ 5 |
|
BOD5 |
mg/l |
≤ 10 |
|
E. coli |
cfu/100ml |
Non-detectable |
|
Total Residual Chlorine |
mg/l |
≥ 1 (out of treatment system) ≥ 0.2 (at point of use) |
|
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) |
mg/l |
≥ 2 |
|
Colour |
Hazen Unit |
≤ 20 |
|
Threshold Odour Number (TON) |
TON |
≤ 100 |
|
Ammonia nitrogen |
mg/l |
≤ 1 |
|
Synthetic detergents |
mg/l |
≤ 5 |
Note: The water quality standards for all parameters shall be applied at the point of use, unless otherwise specified
Implementation of the O&M Manual for the onsite STP and the Management Manual of the Development shall be audited by the Estate Manager at least annually during operation phase of the onsite STP.
Apart from the O&M Manual for the onsite STP and the Management Manual, a contingency plan should be prepared by the STP operator to deal with situation when the reclaimed water cannot meet the proposed criteria as well as the situation when the STP is out of service.
Samples of reclaimed water should be taken regularly and tested to ensure the quality meet the reuse standard specified in the Water Supplies Department Inter-departmental Working Group on the Implementation of Reclaimed Water Supply in Sheung Shui and Fanling. The monitoring works should be done by an Environmental Monitoring Team appointed by the Project Proponent / Estate Manager. The Environmental Monitoring Team will be responsible for the sampling works, and the sampling and testing works shall be carried out by a HOKLAS or other internationally accredited laboratory.
The water quality parameters that should be monitored for compliance with the criteria are presented in Table 4.1.
All monitoring equipment should be provided by the Environmental Monitoring Team:
Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Measuring Equipment
The instrument should be portable and weatherproof using a DC power source. It should have a membrane electrode with automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable. The equipment should be capable of measuring:
§ A dissolved oxygen level in the range of 0-20 mg/L and 0-200 % saturation; and
§ A temperature of 0-45 degree Celsius with a capability of measuring to ±0.1 degree Celsius
pH Meter
A portable pH meter capable of measuring a range between 0.0 and 14.0 should be provided to measure pH under the specified conditions accordingly to the Standard Methods, APHA.
Turbidity Measurement Instrument
The instrument should be portable and weatherproof using a DC power source. It should have a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring turbidity between 0-1000 NTU.
Calibration of In-Situ Instruments
The pH meter, DO meter and turbidimeter should be checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS (or other international accreditation scheme that is HOKLAS-equivalent) before use, and subsequently re-calibrated at three monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring. Responses of sensors and electrodes should be checked with certified standard solutions before use. Sufficient stocks of spare parts should be maintained for replacements when necessary.
Water Samples for Laboratory Parameters
A clean plastic water sampler with capacity of at least 1 L should be used to take the water samples. Water samples should be contained in high density polythene bottles. Water samples for ammonia nitrogen measurement should be collected in high density polythene bottles and preserved by addition of H2SO4. All the samples should be packed in ice (cooled to 4°C without being frozen) and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.
Laboratory analysis of suspended solids, BOD5, E.coli, total residual chlorine, colour, threshold odour number, ammonia nitrogen and synthetic detergent should be carried out in a HOKLAS laboratory (or other international accredited laboratory that is HOKLAS-equivalent). Sufficient water samples should be collected for laboratory analysis. The analysis should commence within 24 hours after collection of the water samples.
If a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS and non-international accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment, analytical procedures, and quality control should be approved by EPD.
The standard methods for laboratory measurements that should be followed are shown in Table 4.2.
Table 4.2: Standard Methods for Laboratory Measurements
|
Parameter |
Unit |
Standard Method |
|
Suspended Solids |
mg/l |
APHA 2540D |
|
BOD5 |
mg/l |
APHA 5210B / BS 6068: Section 2.14:1984 |
|
E.coli |
cfu/100ml |
Membrane lauryl sulphate method with in situ urease test for E. coli / membrane filtration with CHRO Magar Liquid E. coli Coliform culture |
|
Total Residual Chlorine |
mg/l |
APHA 4500 |
|
Colour |
Hazen Unit |
APHA 2120 C |
|
Threshold Odour Number |
TON |
APHA 2150 B |
|
Ammonia Nitrogen |
mg/l |
APHA 4500 |
|
Synthetic Detergent |
mg/l |
APHA 5540 C and D |
If in-house or non-standard methods are proposed, details of the method verification should, if required, be submitted to EPD. In any circumstances, the sample testing should have comprehensive quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) programmes. The laboratory should be prepared to demonstrate the QC programmes to EPD or their representative if and when required.
Additional duplicate samples may be required by EPD for inter laboratory calibration. Remaining samples after analysis should be kept by the laboratory for three months in case repeat analysis is required.
One water quality sample shall be taken at either the treated effluent outlet pipe or the reclaimed water storage tank, and one at a representative point of use. Exact location shall be determined by the Environmental Monitoring Team before commencement of operation of the onsite STP. Duplicate samples should be taken and analysed.
Water quality sampling works should be conducted at least on monthly basis during the first three months operation of the STP. Thereafter and provided there is no non-compliances during the first three months, the sampling frequency will be reduced to quarterly.
Monitoring frequency and parameters are subject to the discharge licence under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance and the EP conditions. The selected monitoring parameters will be reviewed based on the first three months monitoring results.
Flow Meter Readings
Flow meters shall be installed at appropriate end points of the trunk pipeline of the irrigation supply system and at the treated effluent outlet immediately before the reclaimed water storage tank from the STP. Exact locations shall be proposed by the Environmental Monitoring Team before commencement of operation of the onsite STP.
The flow meters should be capable of taking continuous readings that are cumulative for a period of at least one year. The flow meter readings should be recorded by the Environmental Monitoring Team at least on a monthly basis. All readings should be taken on the same monitoring day. The monthly total volume of treated sewage and the demand for reclaimed water for both toilet flushing and landscape irrigation should be counter-checked to confirm the balance between supply and demand.
Visual Inspections
Monthly visual inspection of the relevant stormwater drains that drains runoff from the public irrigation areas (i.e. those areas irrigated using reclaimed water) shall be conducted by the Environmental Monitoring Team to check for the presence of any dry weather flows that may indicate surplus irrigation using reclaimed water. At least three locations shall be monitored (one at the landscaped areas of the Clubhouse and two at other public landscaped areas within the Development). Exact locations shall be proposed by the Environmental Monitoring Team before commencement of operation of the onsite STP.
The monitoring shall be conducted on a dry (non-rainy) day. As far as possible, the monitoring should be undertaken when there are no other (non-reclaimed water related) activities that may contribute runoff to the stormwater drains being monitored.
The timing of the monitoring shall coincide with the irrigation schedule. The stormwater drains shall be checked once immediately before an irrigation event, once during the irrigation event, and for a continuous period of 30 minutes immediately after an irrigation event. Details on the presence, if any, of dry weather flow, including an indication of the amount and the duration where applicable, shall be recorded. Photographic records should also be taken.
The actions specified in Table 4.2 shall be implemented if any of the specified events arises during operation phase of the onsite STP.
Table 4.3: Action Plan for Exceedance of Specified Events
|
Event |
Actions to be Taken |
|
Any of the tested criteria exceed the WSD criteria |
1. Environmental Monitoring Team should inform Manager and Operator of STP; 2. The Manager and Operator of STP should check whether all plant; equipment, and working methods are properly implemented; 3. The Manager and Operator should rectify unacceptable practice, if any; 4. Environmental Monitoring Team should discuss follow up actions with STP manager and operator; and 5. Environmental Monitoring Team should repeat the measurement after the investigation and on a monthly basis until no further exceedance for two consecutive months. |
|
Monthly total supply of reclaimed water exceeds the monthly total demand for reclaimed water by more than 1,000 m3 (according to flow meter readings)* |
1. Environmental Monitoring Team should check the flow meters and the calculation; 2. Environmental Monitoring Team should inform the Estate Manager; 3. The Estate Manager should ensure the operation has followed the Management Manual of the Development for proper reuse of reclaimed water; 4. The Estate Manager should implement the recommended mitigation measures and rectify unacceptable practice, if any; 5. Environmental Monitoring Team should discuss follow up actions with Estate Manager; and 6. Environmental Monitoring Team should increase the frequency of flow meter readings to weekly until no further exceedance for three consecutive weeks. |
|
Dry weather flow observed at stormwater drain due to irrigation with reclaimed water |
1. Environmental Monitoring Team should inform the Estate Manager; 2. The Estate Manager should check the semi-automatic control irrigation system to ensure that reclaimed water would be used properly for irrigation. The system should be re-set if it was found that excessive irrigation water was applied; 3. The Estate Manager should rectify unacceptable practice, if any; and 4. Environmental Monitoring Team should repeat the visual inspection after the investigation. |
*Note: 1000 m3 is equivalent to approx. 85% of the reclaimed water storage buffer tank
The monitoring results as well as any events and actions undertaken as part of the Event and Action Plan should be recorded by the Environmental Monitoring Team and submitted to EPD.
Once the sewerage connection to the Government sewer is established and the on-site STP is decommissioned, the Environmental Monitoring Team may seek EPDs approval to cease the monitoring works.
Procedures for decommissioning shall be specified in the O&M Manual for the onsite STP, which shall cover the mitigation measures specified in the EIA report and in Appendix A.
Prior to decommissioning of the onsite STP, written confirmation from Drainage Services Department on the commissioning of the Government trunk sewer shall be obtained by the Estate Manager, and agreement on the proposed decommissioning shall be obtained from EPD. The proposed date for decommissioning of the onsite STP shall be notified to EPD at least 2 weeks prior to decommissioning.
The potential waste arising from the construction and operation activities of the Project has been evaluated in the EIA report. Provided that all wastes are handled, transported and disposed of in strict accordance with the relevant legislative requirements and the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented, no adverse environmental impact is expected during the construction and operation phases.
It would be the Contractors responsibility to ensure that all wastes produced during the construction of the Project are handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with good waste management practices and EPDs regulations and requirements. The recommended mitigation measures should form the basis of the Waste Management Plan (WMP) to be developed by the Contractor throughout the Project period. The WMP shall be prepared and implemented in accordance with ETWB TC (W) No. 19/2005 Environmental Management on Construction Site.
Throughout the construction phase of the Project, regular site inspections as part of the EM&A procedures should be carried out to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with the WMP. Different aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage, recycling, treatment, transport and disposal would be included in the programme.
Wastes produced during operation phase would be mainly comprised of screening and grits, sludge, general refuse, and chemical waste. With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures for handling, transportation and disposal of the identified waste arisings, no adverse impacts are anticipated during operation phase of the Project. Therefore, no other specific waste monitoring during operation phase is required.
The on-site sewage treatment plant (STP) is proposed to temporary handle the sewage generated by the WSW Development before the government sewerage network is available. Once all the sewage is connected to the permanent government sewer, the on-site STP would be decommissioned but will not be demolished. Therefore, it is anticipated that no waste will be generated during decommissioning phase. Therefore, no other specific waste monitoring during decommissioning phase is required.
The potential ecological impacts associated with the Project are evaluated in Chapter 7 of the EIA report.
With adequate separation of the wetland habitat including WRA from the Project Site, as well as implementation of good site practices for waste handling and minimisation of water quality impact, no adverse water quality impacts are anticipated and the potential indirect ecological impacts as a result of construction activities is considered negligible.
No significant impact will be resulted from the operation of the Project as all potential air quality, noise and water qualify impacts will be controlled to environmentally acceptable levels. Given the small scale and localized nature of works, the cumulative impact on top of the concurrent projects identified is insignificant.
No ecological specific precautionary and mitigation measures are considered required. However, the mitigation measures for air, noise, water, waste and landscape aspects proposed in respective sections which are indirectly beneficial to the local ecology shall be checked as part of the environmental monitoring and audit procedures during construction period as presented in the implementation schedule in Appendix A.
Potential landscape and visual impacts arising from the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the Project have been identified and evaluated in the EIA report. Visual impacts are anticipated during the operation and decommissioning phases of the Project. Precautionary / enhancement / mitigation measures are recommended to minimize any potential landscape and visual impacts.
The main Contractor to be employed by the Project Proponent shall be responsible for the implementation of the recommended landscape and visual precautionary / enhancement / mitigation measures. The Project Proponent shall employ a qualified landscape consultant in the design, construction and operation phases. A Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), as a member of the ET team, with substantial construction site experience, shall be responsible for monitoring the implementation of landscape and visual precautionary / enhancement / mitigation measures during the construction phase and the first year of operation phase.
The EIA has recommended a series of landscape and visual precautionary / enhancement / mitigation measures for both the construction and operation phases of the Project, which are summarised in Table 7.4 and Table 7.5 respectively.
Table 7.4: Recommended Construction Phase Precautionary / Enhancement Measures
|
Mitigation Code |
Mitigation Measure |
Target LR(s), LCA(s) and / or VSR(s) |
Responsible Agent for Mitigation Implementation |
|
CP1 |
Integration of Construction Programme with that of the WSW Development The construction programme should be carefully integrated into the overall programme of the WSW Development, so that the construction of the Project will not cause any delay and thereby lengthen the construction period of the WSW Development. |
LCA2 |
Project Proponent via Design Team & Contractor |
|
CP2 |
Advance Planting Proposed landscape planting should be undertaken at the earliest practicable stage of the construction phase of the Project. |
LCA2 |
Project Proponent via Contractor |
|
CP3 |
Dust and Erosion Control for Exposed Soil Exposed soil shall be covered or camouflaged and watered frequently as dust suppression. Areas that are expected to be left with bare soil for a long period of time should be hydroseeded and / or covered with suitable protective fabrics to minimize dust impact. |
LCA2 |
Project Proponent via Contractor |
Table 7.5: Recommended Operation Phase Mitigation Measures
|
Mitigation Code |
Mitigation Measure |
Target LR(s), LCA(s) and / or VSR(s) |
Responsible Agent for Mitigation Implementation |
|
OP1 |
Sensitive Design and Disposition The above-ground structure of the Sewage Treatment Plant should be sensitively designed in a manner that responds to the planned landscape context of the WSW Development to minimize potential adverse visual impacts. The structural design should seek to reduce the apparent visual mass. Subdued tones should be considered for the colour palette with non-reflective finishes to reduce glare effect. The layout of buildings and their windows should take into account the location of the proposed Sewage Treatment Plant so as to avoid and minimize any potential views of the Sewage Treatment Plant by potential VSRs. |
VSR1; VSR2; VSR3; VSR4 |
Project Proponent via Design Team |
|
OP2 |
Visual Screening Visual screening such as boundary fences / walls at the periphery of the swimming pool should be considered as far as practicable to obstruct the views of the above-ground structure of the proposed Sewage Treatment Plant from the VSRs. |
VSR1; VSR3 |
Project Proponent via Design Team |
|
OP3 |
Screen Planting Trees with mature height of at least 10 m should be planted around the proposed Sewage Treatment Plant as far as practicable for screening purpose to minimize the visual impact to the VSRs. |
LCA2; VSR1; VSR2; VSR3; VSR4 |
Project Proponent via Design Team |
|
OP4 |
Enhancement Planting Other than screen planting, additional trees, shrubs and groundcovers should also be considered to maximize greening within the Project site upon completion of the Project. |
LCA2; VSR1; VSR2; VSR3; VSR4 |
Project Proponent via Design Team |
|
OP5 |
Green Roofs and Vertical Greening Green roofs and vertical greening should be provided where feasible and appropriate to screen and soften the hard edges of the above-ground structure of the proposed Sewage Treatment Plant. |
LCA2; VSR1; VSR2; VSR3; VSR4 |
Project Proponent via Design Team |
The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual precautionary / enhancement measures shall be checked bi-weekly to ensure that they are fully realised during the construction phase. Any potential conflicts between the proposed landscape and visual precautionary / enhancement measures and any other project works or operational requirements shall be recorded for the Contractor to resolve in an early stage, without compromising the intention of the mitigation measures.
All landscape planting shall be monitored bi-monthly during the first year of the operation phase to ensure proper establishment and its effectiveness as landscape and visual mitigation measures. Any observation of unsatisfactory horticultural maintenance works, failure of establishment of soft landscape or poor condition of established planting shall be recorded for the Contractor to undertake any necessary actions to improve the conditions of the landscape planting.
Should non-compliance of the landscape and visual impacts occur, actions in accordance with the action plan as shown in Table 7.6 shall be carried out.
Table 7.6: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact during Construction Phase
|
Action Level |
Environmental Team Leader (ETL) |
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) |
Engineers Representative (ER) |
Contractor |
|
Non-conformity on one occasion |
1. Identify source 2. Inform the IEC and the ER 3. Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 4. Monitor remedial action until rectification has been completed |
1. Check report 2. Check the Contractors working method 3. Discuss with the ER and the Contractor on possible remedial measures 4. Advise the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures |
1. Notify the Contractor 2. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented |
1. Amend working methods 2. Rectify damage and undertake remedial measures or any necessary replacement |
|
Repeated non-conformity |
1. Identify source 2. Inform the IEC and the ER 3. Increase monitoring (site audit) frequency 4. Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed 6. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring (site audit) |
1. Check Report 2. Check the Contractors working method 3. Discuss with the ER and the Contractor on possible remedial measures 4. Advise the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures 5. Supervise implementation of remedial measures |
1. Notify the Contractor 2. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented |
1. Amend working methods 2. Rectify damage and undertake remedial measures or any necessary replacement |
● the EIA and EM&A recommendations on environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures;
● the EP conditions;
● ongoing results of the EM&A programme;
● works progress and programme;
● individual works methodology proposals (which should include proposal on associated pollution control measures);
● contract specifications on environmental protection;
● relevant environmental protection and pollution control laws; and
● previous site inspection results undertaken by the ET and others.
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.
In order that the works are in compliance with the contractual requirements, relevant sections (e.g. sections related to environmental measures) of works method statements submitted by the Contractor to the ER for approval should be sent to the ET Leader for vetting to see whether sufficient environmental protection and pollution control measures have been included.
The ET Leader should also keep himself informed of the progress and programme of the works to check that relevant environmental laws have not been violated, and that any foreseeable potential for violation can be prevented.
The Contractor should regularly copy relevant documents to the ET Leader so that works checking can be carried out. The document should at least include the updated Works Progress Reports, updated Works Programme, any application letters for different licences / permits under the environmental protection laws, and copies of all valid licences / permits. The site diary should also be made available for the ET Leaders inspection upon his request.
After reviewing the documentation, the ET Leader should advise the Contractor of any noncompliance with contractual and legislative requirements on environmental protection and pollution control for them to take follow-up actions, including any potential violation of requirements.
Upon receipt of the advice, the Contractor should undertake immediate action to correct the situation. The ER should follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken in order to satisfy contractual and legal requirements.
● 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 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, stations and parameters, if necessary;
● The Contractor to identify mitigation measures in consultation with 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, stations and parameters, where necessary, for checking the effectiveness of the mitigation measures;
● The ER, ET and IEC to review the effectiveness of the Contractors 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 is 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 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.
Handling of environmental complaints should follow the environmental complaint flow diagram and reporting channel as presented in Figure 8.1.
The reporting requirements of EM&A are based upon a paper-documented approach. However, the same information can be provided in an electronic medium upon agreeing the format with the IEC, the ER and EPD. This would enable a transition from a paper / historic and reactive approach to an electronic / real time proactive approach.
For construction phase EM&A, the types of reports that the ET Leader shall prepare and submit include monthly EM&A report, quarterly EM&A summary report and final EM&A review report. In accordance with Annex 21 of the EIAO-TM, a copy of the monthly, quarterly summary and final review EM&A reports shall be made available to the Director of Environmental Protection. The exact details of the frequency, distribution and time frame for submission shall be agreed with the IEC, the ER and EPD prior to commencement of works.
Since no baseline environmental monitoring is proposed specifically for this Project, Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report is not considered necessary.
The results and findings of all EM&A work carried out during the month should be recorded in the monthly EM&A reports prepared by the ET Leader. The EM&A report should be prepared and submitted within 10 working days after the end of each reporting month. Each monthly EM&A report should be submitted to the following parties: the Contractor, the IEC, the ER and the EPD. Before submission of the first EM&A report, the ET Leader should liaise with the parties on the required number of copies and format of the monthly reports in both hard copy and electronic medium.
The ET Leader should 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.
The first monthly EM&A report should include at least but not be limited to the following:
1. executive summary (1-2 pages):
breaches of Action and Limit levels
complaint log
notifications of any summons and status of prosecutions
changes made that affect the EM&A
future key issues
2. basic project information:
project organisation including key personnel contact names and telephone numbers
scope of works of the Project
construction programme
works undertaken during the month with illustrations (such as location of works etc)
drawings showing the Project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations (with co-ordinates of the monitoring locations).
3. a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
all monitoring parameters
environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
Event and Action Plans
environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report
environmental requirements in contract documents
4. environmental status
advice on status of compliance with EP including the status of submissions under the EP
5. implementation status
implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report
6. monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following information:
monitoring methodology
name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details
parameters monitored
monitoring locations
monitoring date, time frequency, and duration
weather conditions during the period / monitoring
graphical plots of the monitored parameters in the month annotated against
the major activities being carried out on site during the period
weather conditions that may affect the monitoring results
any other factors which might affect the monitoring results
QA / QC results and detection limits
7. analysis of monitoring results, non-compliance, complaints, and notifications of summons and status of prosecutions:
analysis and interpretation of monitoring results in the month
any non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
changes made that affect the EM&A during the month
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
notification of summons and status of 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
reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures
actions taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency, and follow-up actions related to earlier non-compliance
8. others
an account of the future key issues as reviewed from the works programme and work method statements
comment on the solid and liquid waste management status during the month including waste generation and disposal records
outstanding issues and deficiencies
comments on effectiveness of the environmental management systems, practices, procedures and mitigation measures, recommendations (for example, any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions
9. appendix
monitoring schedule for the present and next reporting period
cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions
outstanding issues and deficiencies
The subsequent monthly EM&A reports should include the following:
1. executive summary (1-2 pages):
breaches of Action and Limit levels
complaint log
notifications of any summons and status of prosecutions
changes made that affect the EM&A
future key issues
2. environmental status:
advice on status of compliance with EP including the status of submissions under the EP
3. implementation status:
implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report
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
weather conditions during the period / monitoring
graphical plots of the monitored parameters in the month annotated against:
i. the major activities being carried out on site during the period
ii. weather conditions that may affect the monitoring results
iii. any other factors which might affect the monitoring results
iv. QA / QC results and detection limits
5. analysis of monitoring results, non-compliance, complaints, and notifications of summons and status of prosecutions:
analysis and interpretation of monitoring results in the month
any non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
changes made that affect the EM&A during the month
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
notification of summons and status of 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
reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures
actions taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency, and follow-up actions related to earlier non-compliance
6. others
an account of the future key issues as reviewed from the works programme and work method statements
comment on the solid and liquid waste management status during the month including waste generation and disposal records
outstanding issues and deficiencies
comments on effectiveness of the environmental management systems, practices, procedures and mitigation measures, recommendations (for example, any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions
7. appendix
monitoring schedule for the present and next reporting period
cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions
outstanding issues and deficiencies
A quarterly EM&A report should be produced and should contain at least the following information. In addition, the first quarterly summary report should also confirm if the monitoring work is proving effective and that it is generating data with the necessary statistical power to categorically identify or confirm the absence of impact attributable to the works.
1. up to half a page executive summary
2. basic project information including a synopsis of the Project organisation and programme, and a synopsis of works undertaken during the quarter
3. a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
monitoring parameters
environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA Final Report
4. drawings showing the Project area, environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations
5. implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report
6. graphical plots of the monitored parameters over the past four months (the last month of the previous quarter and the present quarter) for representative monitoring stations annotated against:
the major activities being carried out on site during the period
weather conditions during the period
any other factors which might affect the monitoring results
7. advice on the solid and liquid waste management during the quarter including waste generation and disposal records
8. a summary of non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
9. a brief review of the reasons for and the implications of any non-compliance, including a review of pollution sources and working procedures
10. a summary description of actions taken in the event of non-compliance and any follow-up procedures related to any earlier non-compliance
11. a summary of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken
12. comments on the effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures; recommendations on any improvements in the EM&A programme and conclusions for the quarter
13. proponents contacts and any hotline telephone number for the public to make enquiries.
The EM&A program could be terminated (for individual works sites / construction contracts) upon completion of those construction activities that have the potential to cause significant environmental impacts.
The proposed termination by the Contractor should only be implemented after the proposal has been endorsed by the IEC and the ER followed by final approval from the DEP.
The final EM&A report should include, inter alia, the following information:
1. an executive summary
2. basic project information including a synopsis of the Project organisation and programme, contacts of key management, and a synopsis of work undertaken during the entire construction period
3. a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
monitoring parameters
environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report
4. drawings showing the Project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations
5. advice on the implementation status of environmental and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report, summarised in the updated implementation status pro forma
6. graphical plots of the monitoring parameters over the construction period for representative monitoring stations, including the post-project monitoring annotated against:
the major activities being carried out on site during the period
weather conditions during the period
any other factors which might affect the monitoring results
the baseline condition
7. compare the EM&A data with the EIA predictions
8. effectiveness of the solid and liquid waste management
9. a summary of non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
10. a brief account of the reasons the non-compliance including a review of pollution sources and working procedures
11. a summary of the actions taken against the non-compliance
12. a summary of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken
13. a review of the monitoring methodology adopted and with the benefit of hindsight, comment on its effectiveness (including cost effectiveness)
14. a summary of notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental protection / pollution control legislations, locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken and results
15. a review of the practicality and effectiveness of the EM&A programme (e.g. effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), and recommendation on any improvement in the EM&A programme
16. a conclusion to state the return of ambient and / or the predicted scenario as per EIA findings
No site-based documents (such as monitoring field records, laboratory analysis records, site inspection forms, etc.) are required to be included in the EM&A reporting documents. However, any such document should be retained by the ET and be ready for inspection upon request. All relevant information should be clearly and systematically recorded in the document. Monitoring data should also be recorded in digital format, and the soft copy must be available upon request. Data format should be agreed with the IEC, the ER and EPD. All documents and data should be kept for at least one year following completion of the construction contract and one year after the completion of operation phase monitoring for construction phase EM&A and operational phase EM&A respectively.
For construction phase EM&A, with reference to the Event and Action Plan, when the environmental quality performance limits are exceeded, the ET Leader should immediately notify the IEC, the ER and EPD, as appropriate and should keep them informed of the results of the investigation, proposed remedial measures, actions taken, updated situation on site, need for further follow-up proposals, etc. A sample template for the interim notifications is shown in Appendix B. The ET Leader may modify the interim notification form for this EM&A programme, the format of which should be approved by the ER and agreed by the IEC.
During operation phase, the monitoring activities specified in this EM&A Manual shall be reported by the Environmental Monitoring Team in an operation phase monitoring report. This report shall be submitted to EPD and other authorities which may be required in the EP/ licence.
For reclaimed water supply and use monitoring, the requirements specified in Section 4.3.1.6, including the final monitoring locations, monitoring results, and the events and actions taken according to Table 4.2 shall be reported in the monthly operation phase monitoring report. For operation phase landscape monitoring, the requirements specified in Section 7.4 shall be reported.
The operation phase monitoring report should be submitted monthly for the duration of operation phase monitoring (until decommissioning of the onsite STP). A final monitoring report which shall summarise all the monitoring activities and the findings of the operation phase monitoring shall be submitted to EPD upon completion of all operation phase monitoring activities.