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Consultancy Ref.: AFCD/FIS/02/19 Consultancy Service for Environmental
Impact Assessment Study for Designation of New Fish Culture Zones
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual for Establishment
of Fish Culture Zone at Outer Tap Mun
November
2022
|
This Environmental
Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual (“the Manual”) is a
supplementary document to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for
Establishment of Fish Culture Zone at Outer Tap Mun (hereafter referred to as
the Project).
The Manual
has been prepared in accordance with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-325/2019) and
the Technical Memorandum of the
Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). The purpose of the Manual is to provide
information, guidance and instruction to personnel charged with environmental
duties and those responsible for undertaking EM&A work during construction
and operation of the Project. It
provides systematic procedures for monitoring and auditing the environmental
performance of the Project.
This Manual
contains the following information:
§ Responsibilities
of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Contractor(s)
for Project construction and operation, the Environmental Team (ET) and the
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) with respect to the EM&A
requirements during the course of the Project;
§ Project
organisation;
§ Requirements
with respect to the construction and operational programme schedule and the
necessary EM&A programme to track the environmental performance of the
Project;
§ Details
of the methodologies to be adopted including field, laboratory and analytical
procedures, and details on quality assurance and quality control programme;
§ Requirements
for reviewing pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of
exceedances of applicable environmental criteria and / or receipt of
complaints;
§ Requirements
for presentation of EM&A data and appropriate reporting procedures; and
§ Requirements
for review of EIA predictions and the effectiveness of the recommended
mitigation measures / environmental management systems and the EM&A
programme.
The
remainder of the Manual is set out as follows:
§ Section 1 describes the scope and location
of the Project, as well as the objective, scope and organisation of the
EM&A programme;
§ Section 2 details the EM&A requirements
for water quality monitoring, and lists relevant monitoring equipment,
compliance and Event and Action Plans (EAPs);
§ Section 3 describes the EM&A
requirements for marine ecology;
§ Section 4 describes the EM&A
requirements for fisheries;
§ Section 5 sets out the auditing
requirements for waste management;
§ Section 6 describes the EM&A
requirements for visual;
§ Section 7 describes the EM&A
requirements for air quality;
§ Section 8 sets out the EM&A
requirements for cultural heritage;
§ Section 9 describes the scope and frequency
of site environmental inspection;
§ Section 10 details the reporting
requirements for the EM&A;
§ Appendix A contains the implementation
schedule summarising all mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report; and
§ Appendix B provides a sample of the regular
water quality monitoring data record sheet.
Marine
fish culture has been an important activity for fisheries production in Hong
Kong over decades. Mariculture activities are required to operate under licence in
designated Fish Culture Zones (FCZs) under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (MFCO) (Cap. 353). In view of the environmental impact resulting
from mariculture, there has been a moratorium on the issue of new marine fish
culture licences (MFCLs) and licensed raft area extensions in the existing FCZs
since 1990, as well as on the designation of new FCZs, except for a limited
number of forced re-sites necessitated by public works. Given the technical advances in fish-farming
techniques and strengthening of regulatory measures together with the changes
in the operation of the sector over the years, the environment of FCZs and
marine environment in the vicinity have improved significantly in the past two
decades.
In
2010, the Committee on Sustainable Fisheries (CSF), which was established by
the Government to study the long-term goals, direction and feasible options for
the sustainable development of local fisheries industry, recommended a review of the moratorium to facilitate fishermen to switch from
capture fisheries to mariculture.
Mariculture is considered a practical alternative for capture fishermen
to make a living as their knowledge on marine environment and fish would be
useful in farming marine fish.
To pave the
way for facilitating the sustainable development of the local mariculture
sector, the AFCD proposed to lift the moratorium by designating new FCZs and
issuing new MFCLs to create room for the mariculture sector to grow further,
including allowing capture fishermen to switch to this sustainable mode of
operation, and attracting new entrants.
In 2014, the AFCD commissioned a consultancy study () to explore suitable sites as new FCZs on the basis
of a list of social and environmental criteria with reference to the latest
international culture practices, and the potential of these sites in
accommodating modernised fish farms for culturing in sheltered areas as well as
farms adopting more advanced-technology for operation in open-sea. Relevant stakeholders, including Government
bureaux / departments and mariculture representatives, have been consulted to
gauge their views on site selection. The
mariculture sector in general supported the designation of new FCZs and agreed
that the sector should be modernised.
Outer Tap Mun FCZ (hereafter referred to as “the Project”) has been
identified as one of the proposed FCZ Sites (i.e. other Shortlisted Sites include
Wong Chuk Kok Hoi FCZ, Mirs Bay FCZ and Po Toi (Southeast) FCZ). The location
plan of the Project is shown in Figure
1.1.
The Chief
Executive announced in the 2018 Policy Address that the Government would recommend
designating new FCZs at suitable locations, which would create room for the
mariculture sector to grow further, including allowing capture fishermen to
switch to this sustainable mode of operation, making it possible for the
development of newer type of deep-water mariculture in the open sea, and
attracting new entrants.
The
Project site is located in the waters to the west of Tap Mun in the Northeast
New Territories (Figure
1.1). The Project area is approximately 55 hectares
(~1,630 m long and ~330 m wide) in size and lies in between two land masses,
Tai Leng Tun and Grass Island (Tap Mun).
The scope of the Project includes:
§ Assembly and anchorage of fish
farm structures which are manufactured off-site, including fish rafts / cages, auxiliary facilities and mooring
system, within the Project site; and
§ Marine fish culture activities within
the Project site regulated under the
Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353).
The
Project is a Designated Project by virtue of Item M.1(a) of Part I of Schedule
2 of the EIAO, which specifies “A fish culture zone more than 5 ha in
size” and requires an Environmental Permit (EP) under the EIAO for its
construction and operation.
In
accordance with the requirements of Section 5(1) of the EIAO, a Project
Profile for application for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study
Brief has been prepared and submitted to Environmental Protection Department
(EPD) on 15 October 2019. The EIA Study
Brief (ESB-325/2019) (hereafter referred to as “the Study Brief”) was issued by
EPD on 27 November 2019.
Construction
activities by licensees are expected to commence in Year 2024, subject to the
timing of application and approval of the new marine fish culture licence. The
construction period of the Project, i.e. from the commencement of the on-site
construction and installation works until the new FCZ has reached its design
capacity, will be subjected to future application and approval process.
Typically, the construction, transfer, and on-site assembly and anchorage of a
modern fish raft / cages with ancillary facilities will take a few weeks to
complete. All Project works will be
conducted within the Project site (Figure
1.1).
The broad objective of this Manual is to
define the procedures of the EM&A programme for evaluating the
environmental performance of the Project.
The construction and operational impacts arising from the implementation
of the Project are described in the EIA Report.
The EIA Report has also recommended mitigation measures and good
construction practices to avoid or minimise the potential environmental impacts
associated with the Project and comply with the appropriate environmental
criteria. These mitigation measures and
their implementation requirements are presented in the Implementation Schedule
of Mitigation Measures (Appendix A).
The main objectives of the EM&A programme
are to:
§ provide a database of
environmental parameters against which to determine any short-term or long-term
environmental impacts;
§ provide an early indication should
any of the environmental control measures or practices fail to achieve the
acceptable standards;
§ confirm that the mitigation
measures recommended in the EIA Report are properly included in the design of
the Project;
§ clarify and identify potential
sources of pollution, impact and nuisance arising from the works for the
responsible parties;
§ confirm compliance with regulatory
requirements, contract specifications and EIA study recommendations;
§ confirm compliance of
environmental designs during the design phase of the Project with the
specifications stated in the EIA Report and the Environmental Permit (EP);
§ monitor performance of the
mitigation measures and to assess their effectiveness;
§ take remedial action(s) if
unexpected issues or unacceptable impacts arise;
§ verify the environmental impacts
predicted in the EIA; and
§ audit environmental performance.
This EM&A Manual is a working document which
will be reviewed periodically and updated if necessary during the
implementation of the Project.
The scope of this EM&A programme is to:
§ establish baseline water quality
levels at specified locations and implement monitoring requirements for water
quality monitoring programme;
§ implement inspection and audit
requirements for waste management;
§ liaise with, and provide
environmental advice (as requested or when otherwise necessary) to construction
site staff on the significance and implications of the environmental monitoring
data (if any);
§ identify and resolve environmental
issues and other functions as they may arise from the works;
§ check and quantify the
Contractor(s)’s overall environmental performance, implementation of Event and
Action Plans (EAPs), and remedial actions taken to mitigate adverse
environmental effects as they may arise from the works;
§ conduct regular reviews of
monitored impact data / information as the basis for assessing compliance with
the defined criteria and to verify that necessary mitigation measures are
identified and implemented, and to undertake additional ad hoc monitoring (if required) and / or auditing as required by
special circumstances;
§ evaluate and interpret
environmental monitoring data (if any) to provide an early indication should
any of the environmental control measures or practices fail to achieve the
acceptable standards, and to verify the environmental impacts predicted in the
EIA;
§ manage and liaise with other
individuals or parties concerning other environmental issues deemed to be
relevant to the construction process;
§ conduct site inspections and
audits of a formal or informal nature to assess:
(i) the level of the Contractor(s)’s
general environmental awareness;
(ii) the Contractor(s)’s implementation
of the recommendations in the EIA and their contractual obligations;
(iii) the Contractor(s)’s performance as
measured by the EM&A;
(iv) the need for additional mitigation
measures to be implemented or the continued implementation of those recommended
in the EIA Report;
(v) to advise the site staff of any
identified potential environmental issues; and
§ produce monitoring reports and /
or audit records which summarise Project monitoring (if any) and / or auditing
data, with full interpretation illustrating the acceptability or otherwise of
any environmental impacts and identification or assessment of the
implementation status of recommended mitigation measures.
The
EM&A will require the involvement of AFCD (as Project Proponent), and
Environmental Team (ET), an Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and the
Contractor(s) (i.e. licensee(s) and the contractor(s)
supporting the construction of fish raft structures). The roles and responsibilities of the various
parties involved in the EM&A process are further expanded in the following
sections and in Figure 1.2.
Figure 1.2 Indicative Project Organisation Chart
AFCD will appoint an ET for duties defined in
the EM&A Manual, including implementation of the EM&A programme in
accordance with the EM&A requirements as contained in the EM&A Manual of
the Project; and site inspections to audit the Contractor’s site practice with
respect to environmental mitigation measures contained in the EM&A Manual
of the Project. The ET will be led and
managed by the ET Leader. The ET Leader
shall not be in any way an associated body of the Contractor(s) or the IEC for
the Project and shall be a person who has at least 7 years of experience in
EM&A or environmental management. Suitably qualified staff will be included
in the ET. For the purpose of this
Manual, the ET Leader, who will be responsible for, and in charge of, the ET,
is referred to as the person delegated the role of executing the EM&A
requirements.
To maintain strict control of the EM&A
process, AFCD will appoint an independent environmental consultant to act as an
IEC to verify and validate / audit the environmental performance of the Project
and effectiveness of ET. The IEC shall
be a person who has at least 7 years of experience in EM&A or environmental
management. The IEC shall be an
independent party from the Contractor(s) and the ET for the Project. Sufficient and suitably qualified
professional and technical staff will be employed by the IEC, as required under
the EM&A programme for the duration of the Project.
AFCD will:
§ appoint an ET as described above;
§ appoint an IEC as described above;
§ review the Contractor(s)’s working
programme and fish farm operational plan from the Contractor(s) (i.e.
licensee(s)), and comment as necessary;
§ oversee/ supervise the
Contractor(s)’ activities and confirm that the requirements in the
Environmental Permit, approved EIA Report, EM&A Manual are fully complied
with;
§ inform the Contractor(s) on the
appropriate mitigation measures to be taken in case of environmental incidents.
The ET will:
§ monitor various environmental
parameters as required in this EM&A Manual;
§ assess the EM&A data (if any)
and review the success of the EM&A programme determining the adequacy of
the mitigation measures implemented and the validity of the EIA predictions as
well as identify any adverse environmental impacts before they arise;
§ review and prepare reports on the
environmental monitoring data (if any) and site environmental conditions;
§ report on the environmental
monitoring results (if any) and conditions to the IEC, Contractor(s), EPD and
AFCD;
§ identify and recommend suitable
mitigation measures in consultation with the Contractor(s) and IEC and AFCD in
the case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event
and Action Plans;
§ inform the Contractor(s) when
action is required to reduce impacts in accordance with the Event and Action
Plans;
§ adhere to the procedures for
carrying out complaint investigation; and
§ conduct site inspections to
investigate the Contractor(s)’s site practice, equipment and work methodologies
with respect to pollution control and environmental mitigation, and effect
proactive action to pre-empt issues.
The Contractor(s) for Project construction
will:
§ implement the EIA recommendations
and requirements, where applicable;
§ provide assistance to the ET in
carrying out water quality monitoring
and site inspections;
§ implement measures to reduce
impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded;
§ implement the corrective actions
instructed by the ET / IEC;
§ participate in the site
inspections undertaken by the ET / IEC, as required, and undertake any
corrective actions instructed by the ET / IEC; and
§ adhere to the procedures for
carrying out complaint investigation.
The IEC will:
§ review and audit the implementation
of the EM&A programme and the overall level of environmental performance
being achieved;
§ arrange and conduct regular
independent site audits of the works;
§ validate and confirm the accuracy
of monitoring results (if any), monitoring equipment, monitoring stations,
monitoring procedures and locations of sensitive receivers;
§ audit the EIA recommendations and
requirements against the status of implementation of environmental protection
measures on site;
§ adhere to the procedures for
carrying out complaint investigation;
§ review the effectiveness of
environmental mitigation measures and project environmental performance
including the proposed corrective measures;
§ review monitoring reports and / or
audit records submitted by the ET and feedback audit results to the AFCD by
signing off relevant EM&A proformas; and
§ report the findings of site audits
and other environmental performance reviews to the AFCD, EPD ET and the
Contractor(s).
Potential water quality impacts arising from the construction and
operation of the Project were assessed in Section 3 of the EIA Report. A number of mitigation measures and
standard site practice measures for construction and operation activities of
the Project have been recommended to reduce potential impacts to water quality
sensitive receivers (WSRs).
With the implementation of proposed mitigation / precautionary measures,
the construction and operation of the Project would not result in unacceptable
change water quality at and around the proposed site at Outer Tap Mun.
The
mitigation
measures
are summarised in the Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix
A. As the authority of MFCO, AFCD will ensure the proper implementation of
the mitigation measures listed in the Implementation Schedule of
Mitigation Measures through fish farm operation and licensing control under
MFCO.
In
accordance with the recommendations of the EIA, no unacceptable water quality
impacts would be anticipated during operation of the Project at full scale
(i.e. at the estimated carrying capacity).
Carrying capacity estimation at the Project site
has been conducted in the EIA Report to determine the carrying capacity (i.e.
maximum standing stock) that would not result in an unacceptable change in
water quality. To verify EIA
prediction, marine water quality monitoring at selected WSRs is recommended as
part of the EM&A during the operation phase of the Project when the
standing stock of the FCZ is expected to achieve 75% of estimated carrying capacity (i.e. 684.5 ton x 75% = 513.4 ton) (), or when the standing stock is expected to achieve 95%% of the carrying
capacity (i.e. 684.5 ton x 95% = 650.3 ton) for
at least a month in a fish farming cycle.
The
objective of the water quality monitoring is to investigate potential water
quality impacts to the surrounding sensitive receivers due to the operation of
the Project. The recommended details of
the water quality monitoring under EM&A are presented in the following
sections, which comprises baseline water quality monitoring and operational
water quality monitoring. The status and
locations of water quality sensitive receivers and the monitoring sites may
change after issuing this Manual. If
such cases exist, updated monitoring locations will be proposed by the ET in
consultation with the IEC and approval from EPD will then be sought.
When
alternative monitoring locations are proposed, they shall be chosen based on
the following criteria:
§ at locations close to and
preferably at the boundary of the site activities as indicated in the EIA
Report, 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
§ control stations which are at
locations representative of the project site in its undisturbed condition.
Locations
of the monitoring stations of the three types of marine water quality
monitoring are presented in Figure
2.1 and the coordinates are shown in Table 2.1. In case of any changes to the monitoring
locations, the ET shall propose with justification in consultation with the IEC
and seek approval from EPD before commencement of monitoring.
Table 2.1 Coordinates of Marine Water Quality Monitoring
|
Monitoring
Stations*
|
Monitoring
Station ID
|
Easting
|
Northing
|
|
Control Station during Ebb Tide
|
CE
|
853057
|
839091
|
|
Control Station during Flood Tide
|
CF
|
856112
|
835788
|
|
Sensitive
Receiver Station for Tap Mun Fish Culture Zone (North)
|
IM1
|
854559
|
837514
|
|
Sensitive
Receiver Station for Tap Mun Fish Culture Zone (South)
|
IM2
|
854762
|
836654
|
|
Sensitive
Receiver Station for Kau Lau Wan Fish Culture Zone
|
IM3
|
855117
|
835552
|
|
Sensitive
Receiver Station for Coral at Hoi Ha Wan Moon Island
|
IM4
|
853236
|
837801
|
|
Sensitive Receiver
Station for Artificial
Reef in Long Harbour
|
IM5
|
854143
|
835473
|
|
Gradient
Station at north of the Project
|
G1
|
853787
|
837785
|
|
Gradient
Station at east of the Project
|
G2
|
854580
|
837031
|
|
Gradient
Station at south of the Project
|
G3
|
854853
|
835820
|
*Gradient station(s) is proposed to be located
between water sensitive receivers and the Project to gather additional water
quality monitoring data for investigation of the cause of Action/Limit Level
exceedances.
The monitoring
parameters as presented in Table 2.2 should be measured for
baseline and operation phase marine water quality monitoring at all monitoring
stations.
Table 2.2 Monitoring Parameters for all Water Quality Monitoring Stations
|
Parameters
|
Unit
|
Standard
Method
|
Detection
Limit
|
|
|
In-situ
Parameters
|
|
Dissolved oxygen
|
mg L-1
|
Instrumental, CTD
|
0.1
|
|
|
Temperature
|
°C
|
Instrumental, CTD
|
0.1
|
|
|
pH
|
-
|
Instrumental, CTD
|
0.1
|
|
|
Turbidity
|
NTU
|
Instrumental, CTD
|
0.1
|
|
|
Salinity
|
ppt
|
Instrumental, CTD
|
0.1
|
|
|
Laboratory Analysis
|
|
Suspended Solids (SS)
|
mg L-1
|
APHA 2540D
|
0.5
|
|
|
Unionized Ammonia (NH3)
|
mg L-1
|
By calculation
(APHA 22ed 4500-NO2-
B (FIA), APHA 22ed 4500-NO3- I(FIA), ASTM D3590-11 B
(FIA))
|
0.001
|
|
|
Total Inorganic Nitrogen (TIN)
|
mg L-1
|
0.01
|
|
|
Chlorophyll-a
|
μg/L
|
APHA 20ed 10200H 2 (spectrophotometric)
|
0.2
|
|
In addition
to the water quality parameters, other relevant data will also be measured and recorded
in water quality monitoring logs, including the location of the monitoring
stations, water depth, time, weather conditions, sea conditions, tidal state,
special phenomena and work activities undertaken around the monitoring and
works area that may influence the monitoring results. A sample data record sheet is shown in Appendix B for reference.
For water
quality monitoring, the following equipment will be used:
n
Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature
Measuring Equipment - The instrument will be a
portable, weatherproof dissolved oxygen measuring instrument complete with
cable, sensor, comprehensive operation manuals, and will be operable from a DC
power source. It will be capable of
measuring: dissolved oxygen levels in the range of 0 - 20 mg L-1 and
0 - 200% saturation; and a temperature of 0 - 45 degrees Celsius. It will have a membrane electrode with
automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable of not less than 35 m
in length. Sufficient stocks of spare
electrodes and cables will be available for replacement where necessary. Should salinity compensation not be built-in
in the DO equipment, in-situ salinity
shall be measured to calibrate the DO equipment prior to each DO measurement.
n
Turbidity Measurement Equipment
- The instrument will be a portable, weatherproof turbidity-measuring unit
complete with cable, sensor and comprehensive operation manuals. The equipment will be operated from a DC
power source, it will have a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring
turbidity between 0 - 1000NTU and will be complete with a cable with at least
35 m in length.
n
pH Measurement Instrument
- A portable pH meter capable of measuring a range between 0.0 and 14.0 will be
provided for measuring pH.
n
Salinity Measurement Instrument
- A portable salinometer capable of measuring salinity in the range of 0 - 40‰
will be provided for measuring salinity of the water at each monitoring
location.
n
Water Depth Gauge
– A portable, battery-operated echo sounder will be used for the determination
of water depth at each designated monitoring station. This unit will preferably be affixed to the
bottom of the work boat if the same vessel is to be used throughout the
monitoring programme.
n
Positioning Device
– A hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) or boat-fixed type differential
Global Positioning System (dGPS) with way point bearing indication or other equivalent
instrument of similar accuracy will be used to check that the monitoring vessel
is at the correct location before taking measurements.
n
Water Sampling Equipment
- A water sampler, consisting of a PVC or glass cylinder of not less than two
litres, which can be effectively sealed with cups at both ends, will be
used. The water sampler will 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. A rosette multi-bottle (each bottle with no
less than two litres volume) array water sampler could be used for the
monitoring. With the use of this
equipment, the sonde for measuring in
situ water quality parameters could be attached together and the closure of
each water sampler could be controlled remotely at the required sampling depth
without the need to release messenger physically. This could enhance safety of the water
quality monitoring especially at offshore locations where the sea condition
could be rough.
The
following general monitoring requirements are applicable to baseline and
operation phase marine water quality monitoring.
Each
station will be sampled and measurements will be taken at three depths, 1 m
below the sea surface, mid depth and 1 m above the seabed. Where the water depth is less than 6 m the
mid-depth station may be omitted. If the
water depth is less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station will be
monitored. The interval between two sets
of monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours.
For in situ measurements, duplicate
measurements shall be made at each water depth at each station. Duplicate water samples shall be collected at
each water depth at each station for laboratory measurements.
In situ monitoring equipment for the
measurement of temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH and salinity will
be checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under the Hong
Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) or any other international
accreditation scheme before use. The in situ monitoring equipment for the
measurement of temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH and salinity will be subsequently
re-calibrated every three months throughout the stages of the water quality
monitoring. Responses of sensors and
electrodes will be checked with certified standard solutions before each
use. Wet bulb calibration for dissolved
oxygen meter will be carried out before commencement of monitoring and after
completion of all measurements each day.
The
monitoring team will record all data from in
situ testing and from any analysis carried out on the boat in a field
log. All samples will be identified with
a unique date / time / location / depth / sample type code which will be
attached to the sample container or written in indelible ink directly on the
container. In order to avoid
contamination of the samples, all containers will be new and unused and of
analytical grade quality. Sources of
contamination will be isolated from the working area (for example, vessel fuel
and exhaust fames) and any sample contaminated by local material (such as
printed circuit boards) will be discarded and the sampling repeated.
On-site
calibration of field equipment will follow the “Guide to On-Site Test Methods for the Analysis of Waters”, BS 1427:
2009. Sufficient stocks of spare parts
will be maintained for replacements when necessary. Backup monitoring equipment will also be made
available so that monitoring can proceed uninterrupted even when equipment is
under maintenance, calibration etc.
As the QA / QC procedures for the in-situ measurement of DO and turbidity, where the difference in
value between the first and subsequent measurements at a certain depth is more
than 25% of the value of the first measurement, the measurements should be
discarded and further measurements should be taken to confirm the values.
Water
samples for laboratory measurement will be collected in high density polythene
bottles or other suitable containers as advised by the HOKLAS accredited
laboratory, packed in ice (cooled to 4° C without being frozen), and delivered
to a HOKLAS laboratory as soon as possible after collection.
All
laboratory work shall be carried out in a HOKLAS accredited laboratory. Sufficient volume of each water sample shall
be collected at the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory
analyses. Using chain of custody forms,
collected water samples will be transferred to an HOKLAS accredited laboratory
for immediate processing. The
determination work for SS, ammonia, TIN and chlorophyll-a
shall start within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. Analytical methodology and sample
preservation of monitoring parameters will be based on the latest edition of
Standard Methods for the Examination of Waste and Wastewater published by
American Public Health Association (APHA), American Water Works Association
(AWWA) and methods by USEPA, or suitable method in accordance with requirements
of HOKLAS or another internationally accredited scheme. The submitted information should include
pre-treatment procedures, instrument use, Quality Assurance / Quality Control
(QA / QC) details (such as blank, spike recovery, number of duplicate samples
per-batch etc.), detection limits and accuracy.
The QA / QC details shall be in accordance with requirements of HOKLAS
or another internationally accredited scheme.
The
measurements shall be taken at all designated monitoring stations including
control stations, for a minimum of three days per week for four weeks prior to
the commencement of the construction and operation activities of the
Project.
No
construction activities of the Project shall be on-going in the vicinity of the
stations during the baseline monitoring.
The ET shall be responsible for undertaking the baseline monitoring and
shall consider if baseline monitoring needs to be extended or repeated to take
into account the seasonal variations in water quality, and seek agreement with
the IEC and EPD. In exceptional cases
when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are
obtained, agreement shall be sought with the IEC and the EPD on an appropriate
set of data to be used as baseline reference.
The
baseline monitoring schedule shall be issued to the IEC and EPD at least 2
weeks before the first day of the monitoring event for agreement. The baseline water quality conditions shall
be established and agreed with EPD before commencement of the construction and
operation activities of the Project. EPD
shall also be notified immediately for any changes in schedule.
No
marine water quality monitoring is required during construction phase.
2.3.5.3
Marine Water Quality Monitoring for
Operation Phase
AFCD is
responsible for reviewing the business / operation plan from each licensee from
time to time and estimating the expected production levels for the
Project. Marine water quality monitoring
for operation phase is recommended to investigate potential water quality
impacts to the surrounding sensitive receivers due to the operation of the
Project. To ensure the water quality
monitoring would be representative to demonstrate the environmental
acceptability of the Project at full scale, it is proposed to conduct a set of
operation phase marine water quality monitoring when any of the following
situations occur.
n
When mariculture operation of the
FCZ is expected to achieve a standing stock of 75% of the estimated carrying
capacity, i.e. 684.5 ton x 75% = 513.4 ton,
in a fish farming cycle.
n
When mariculture operation of the
FCZ is expected to achieve a standing stock of 95-100% of the estimated
carrying capacity, i.e. 650.3 – 684.5 ton,
for at least a month in a fish farming cycle.
A set of
operation phase marine water quality monitoring shall consist of a 1-year
monitoring at a frequency of once per week taking into account seasonal
variation of water quality in the vicinity of the Project. The monitoring will be conducted continuously
for a whole year (i.e. 52 monitoring days) once AFCD confirms the expected
production levels for the Project will achieve any of the abovementioned
situations. The measurements shall be
taken at all designated monitoring stations including control stations.
AFCD
and EPD will review whether it is necessary to conduct further operation phase
water quality monitoring after completion of a set of operational phase water
quality monitoring. Suspension of Marine
Water Quality Monitoring for Operation Phase shall only be considered upon
demonstration of no adverse quality impact due to the Project at both
situations.
Water
quality monitoring for operation phase will be generally evaluated against
Action and Limit Levels determined from the baseline marine water quality
monitoring or against the relevant water quality objectives (WQOs). The proposed Action and Limit Levels are shown
in Table 2.3.
Action and
Limit levels are used to determine whether operational modifications are
necessary to mitigate impacts to water quality.
In the event that the levels are exceeded, appropriate actions in Event
and Action Plan (Table 2.4) should be undertaken and a review of works will be
carried out by the Contractor(s). Due to the fact that seasonal variation in
water quality would occur during the operation of the Project, the change in
water quality recorded in a single monitoring might not imply potential impacts
from the FCZ operation. The suitability
of Action and Limit levels and Event and Action Plan will be reviewed, in
consultation with IEC, during the operational water quality monitoring on an
as-needed basis.
Any
noticeable change to water quality will be recorded and will be investigated
and remedial actions will be undertaken to reduce impacts. Particular attention will be paid to the
Contractor(s)’s implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.
Table 2.3 Action and Limit
Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring for Operation Phase
|
Parameter
|
Sensitive
Receiver Monitoring Stations –
IM1,
IM2, IM3
|
Other
Sensitive Receiver Monitoring Stations –
IM4, IM5
|
|
Action Level
|
Limit Level
|
Action Level
|
Limit Level
|
|
DO in mg L-1
a
|
Depth-averaged
5th%-ile of baseline data
|
Depth-averaged
5
mg L-1 or 1st%-ile of baseline data, whichever is lower
|
Surface and Middle
5th%-ile
of baseline data for surface and middle (S&M) layers
Bottom
5th%-ile of baseline data for
bottom layer
|
Surface and Middle
4
mg L-1 or 1st%-ile of baseline for S&M layers,
whichever is lower
Bottom
2 mg L-1 or 1st%-ile of
baseline for bottom layer, whichever is lower
|
|
Turbidity in NTU
(Depth-averaged
b) c
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's turbidity of the same day, whichever is
higher
|
99th%-ile
of baseline data, or
130%
of the relevant control station's turbidity of the same day, whichever is
higher
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's turbidity of the same day, whichever is
higher
|
99th%-ile
of baseline data, or
130%
of the relevant control station's turbidity of the same day, whichever is
higher
|
|
SS in mg L-1
(Depth-averaged
b) c
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's SS of the same day, whichever is higher
|
99th%-ile
of baseline data, or
130%
of the relevant control station's SS of the same day, whichever is higher
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station’s SS of the same day, whichever is higher
|
99th%-ile
of baseline data, or
130%
of the relevant control station's SS of the same day, whichever is higher
|
|
Unionized
Ammonia (UIA) in mg L-1
(Depth-averaged b) c
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's UIA of the same day, whichever is higher
|
0.021
mg/L
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's UIA of the same day, whichever is higher
|
0.021
mg/L
|
|
Total
Inorganic Nitrogen (TIN) in mg L-1
(Depth-averaged b) c
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's TIN of the same day, whichever is higher
|
0.3
mg/L
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's TIN of the same day, whichever is higher
|
0.3
mg/L
|
|
Chlorophyll-a in µg L-1
(Depth-averaged b) c
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's chlorophyll-a of the same day, whichever is higher
|
99th%-ile
of baseline data, or
130%
of the relevant control station's chlorophyll-a of the same day, whichever is higher
|
95th%-ile
of baseline data, or
120%
of the relevant control station's chlorophyll-a of the same day, whichever is higher
|
99th%-ile
of baseline data, or
130%
of the relevant control station's chlorophyll-a of the same day, whichever is higher
|
|
Notes:
a. For DO, non-compliance of the
water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.
b. “Depth-averaged” is calculated
by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.
c. For turbidity, SS, unionized
ammonia, total inorganic nitrogen and chlorophyll-a, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when
monitoring result is higher than the limits.
|
Table
2.4 Event and Action Plan for Marine Water Quality
Monitoring
for Operation Phase
|
Event
|
Action
|
|
ET
|
IEC
|
Contractor(s)
|
Project Proponent
|
|
Action Level being exceeded by one sampling day
|
1. Repeat in-situ measurement on the same sampling day to confirm findings;
2. Check monitoring data and
Contractor(s)’s operation method / arrangement;
3. Identify source(s) of impact and
record in notification of exceedance;
4. Inform IEC, Contractor(s), Project
Proponent and EPD within 1 working day.
|
1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET
and Contractor(s)’s operation method / arrangement.
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedance in writing;
2. Check operation method / arrangement
and rectify unacceptable practice.
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedance in writing.
|
|
Action Level being exceeded by two or more consecutive sampling
days
|
1. Repeat in-situ measurement on the same sampling day to confirm findings;
2. Check monitoring data and
Contractor(s)’s operation method / arrangement;
3. Identify source(s) of impact and record
in notification of exceedance;
4. Inform IEC, Contractor(s), Project
Proponent and EPD within 1 working day;
5.
Discuss with IEC and Contractor(s) on additional
mitigation measures and ensure that they are implemented.
|
1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET
and Contractor(s)’s operation method / arrangement;
2. Discuss with ET and Contractor(s) on
additional mitigation measures and advise Project Proponent accordingly;
3. Assess the effectiveness of the
implemented mitigation measures.
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedance in writing;
2. Check operation method / arrangement
and rectify unacceptable practice;
3. Consider changes of operation method
/ arrangement;
4. Discuss with ET and IEC on additional
mitigation measures and propose them to Project Proponent within 3 working
days;
5. Implement the agreed mitigation
measures.
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedance in writing;
2. Discuss with the IEC on the proposed
additional mitigation measures and agree on the mitigation measures to be
implemented;
3. Ensure additional mitigation measures
are properly implemented.
|
|
Limit Level being exceeded by one sampling day
|
1. Repeat in-situ measurement on the same sampling day to confirm findings;
2. Check monitoring data, plant,
equipment and Contractor(s)’s operation method / arrangement;
3. Identify source(s) of impact and
record in notification of exceedance;
4. Inform IEC, Contractor(s), Project
Proponent and EPD within 1 working day;
5. Discuss with IEC and Contractor(s) on
additional mitigation measures and ensure that they are implemented.
|
1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET
and Contractor(s)’s operation method / arrangement;
2. Discuss with ET and Contractor(s) on
additional mitigation measures and advise Project Proponent accordingly;
3. Assess the effectiveness of the
implemented mitigation measures.
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedance in writing;
2. Check operation method / arrangement
and rectify unacceptable practice;
3. Critically review the need to change
operation method / arrangement;
4. Discuss with ET and IEC on additional
mitigation measures and submit a mitigation measure proposal to Project
Proponent within 3 working days;
5. Implement the agreed mitigation
measures.
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedance in writing;
2. Discuss with the IEC on the proposed
additional mitigation measures and agree on the mitigation measures to be
implemented;
3. Ensure additional mitigation measures
are properly implemented;
4. Request Contractor(s) to critically
review the operation method / arrangement.
|
|
Limit Level being exceeded by two or more consecutive sampling
days
|
1. Repeat in-situ measurement on the same sampling day to confirm findings;
2. Check monitoring data, plant,
equipment and Contractor(s)’s operation method / arrangement;
3. Identify source(s) of impact and
record in notification of exceedance;
4. Inform IEC, Contractor(s), Project
Proponent and EPD within 1 working day;
5. Discuss with IEC and Contractor(s) on
additional mitigation measures and ensure that they are implemented.
|
1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET
and Contractor(s)’s operation method / arrangement;
2. Discuss with ET and Contractor(s) on
additional mitigation measures and advise Project Proponent accordingly;
3. Assess the effectiveness of the
implemented mitigation measures.
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedance in writing;
2. Check operation method / arrangement
and rectify unacceptable practice;
3. Critically review the need to change
operation method / arrangement;
4. Discuss with ET and IEC on additional
mitigation measures and submit a mitigation measure proposal to Project
Proponent within 3 working days;
5. Implement the agreed mitigation
measures.
6. Resubmit proposals if problem still
not under control.
|
1. Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedance in writing;
2. Discuss with the IEC on the proposed
additional mitigation measures and agree on the mitigation measures to be
implemented;
3. Ensure additional mitigation measures
are properly implemented;
4. Request Contractor(s) to critically
review the operation method / arrangement.
|
2.4
Audit Requirements
Site inspections at the Project
site (on marine vessels) are recommended on a regular basis at bi-weekly
interval by the ET to check if the recommended mitigation measures are properly
implemented during the construction phase as part of the audit. The IEC will also undertake site audit to
assess the performance of the Contractor(s) on a regular basis at no less than
quarterly interval during the construction phase of the Project.
During operation phase, the
recommended mitigation measures of the Project will be controlled by licensing
under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353). Site inspections and audits are not required
to be conducted by the ET and IEC during operation phase of the Project.
Potential marine ecological impact arising from the construction and
operation of the Project were assessed in Section 4 of the EIA Report. The
EIA Study concluded that unacceptable construction and operation phase impacts
are not expected to occur to marine ecological resources. Consequently, no marine ecology-specific
EM&A measures are considered necessary.
The
mitigation measures are summarised in the Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix
A. As the authority of MFCO, AFCD will ensure the proper implementation of the mitigation measures listed in
the Implementation Schedule of Mitigation Measures
through fish farm operation and licensing control under MFCO.
Monitoring
activities designed to detect and mitigate impacts to water quality during
operation activities are also expected to serve to protect against impacts to
marine ecological resources. Details of
the water quality monitoring programme are presented in this EM&A Manual (Section
2.3). No
marine ecology-specific monitoring is required during construction and
operation phases.
Site inspections
at the Project site (on marine vessels) are recommended on a regular basis at
bi-weekly interval by the ET to check if the recommended mitigation measures
are properly implemented during the construction phase as part of the audit. The IEC will also undertake site audit to
assess the performance of the Contractor(s) on a regular basis at no less than
quarterly interval during the construction phase of the Project.
During
operation phase, the recommended mitigation measures of the Project will be controlled
by licensing under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353). Site inspections and audits are not required
to be conducted by the ET and IEC during operation phase of the Project.
Potential fisheries impact arising from the construction and operation
of the Project were assessed in Section 5 of the EIA Report. The
EIA Study concluded that unacceptable construction and operational phase
impacts are not expected to occur to fisheries.
Consequently, no fisheries-specific EM&A measures are considered
necessary for the construction and operation phases.
The
mitigation measures are summarised in the Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix
A. As the authority of MFCO, AFCD will ensure the proper implementation of the mitigation measures listed in
the Implementation Schedule of Mitigation
Measures through fish farm operation and licensing control under MFCO.
Monitoring
activities designed to detect and mitigate impacts to water quality during
operation activities are also expected to serve to protect against impacts to
fisheries. Details of the water quality
monitoring programme are presented in this EM&A Manual (Section
2.3). No fisheries-specific
monitoring is required during construction and operation phases.
Site
inspections at the Project site (on marine vessels) are recommended on a
regular basis at bi-weekly interval by the ET to check if the recommended
mitigation measures are properly implemented during the construction phase as
part of the audit. The IEC will also
undertake site audit to assess the performance of the Contractor(s) on a regular
basis at no less than quarterly interval during the construction phase of the
Project.
During
operation phase, the recommended mitigation measures of the Project will be
controlled by licensing under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap.
353). Site inspections and audits are
not required to be conducted by the ET and IEC during operation phase of the
Project.
Potential
waste management implications arising from the construction and operation of
the Project were assessed in Section 6 of the EIA Report. The EIA study concluded that
with the implementation of good site practices, adverse environmental impacts
arising from the management and disposal of waste during the construction and
operation phases are not anticipated.
Waste
management mitigation measures as required under the relevant regulations and
those recommended in Section 6.5 of the EIA Report should be implemented where
appropriate throughout the construction and operation phases of the
Project. These measures are summarised
in the Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix
A.
To ensure
the waste management performance during construction phase of the Project, site
inspections at the Project site (on marine vessels) are recommended on a
regular basis at bi-weekly interval during the time of construction activities
by the Environmental Team (ET) to check if wastes are being managed in
accordance with good site practices and the recommended mitigation measures
during the construction phase. The IEC
will also undertake site audit to assess the performance of the Contractor(s)
on a regular basis at no less than quarterly interval during the construction
phase of the Project.
The
suggested waste management inspection checklist is shown in .
If non-compliance noted, AFCD will inform the contractors to undertake corrective
/ remedial actions. Warning may be given
to the contractors if the corrective / remedial actions are not taken within
the agreed timeline.
Table 5.1 Waste Management Inspection Checklist
|
Activities
|
Actions
to be taken by the ET (for Construction Phase) / AFCD (for Operation Phase)
during inspection
|
|
Construction Phase:
|
|
Necessary waste disposal permits or
licences have been obtained (e.g. registration as a chemical waste producer).
|
Check that the necessary permits or
licences have been obtained.
|
|
General refuse and floating refuse
are stored in enclosed bins, and are
delivered to the on-shore refuse collection points on a regular basis.
|
Check if general refuse and floating
refuse have been properly disposed in the enclosed bins and are delivered to
the on-shore refuse collection points accordingly.
|
|
Designated garbage bags are procured
to store general refuse and floating refuse that require disposal after the
official implementation of MSW charging scheme.
|
Check if the waste materials are
stored in the designated bags.
|
|
Recycling bins are provided at
appropriate locations within the Project Site to facilitate recovery of
recyclable materials (including aluminium can, waste paper, glass bottles and
plastic bottles) from the Project Site.
|
Check if recycling bins are used to
collect recyclable
materials in the
appropriate containers.
|
|
Waste storage areas are properly
cleaned and do not cause windblown litter and dust nuisance. Appropriate measures to reduce windblown
litter and dust nuisance of waste will be adopted, e.g. by either covering
vessels or by transporting wastes in enclosed containers.
|
Check if the storage areas are properly
cleaned and if appropriate measures have been implemented to reduce windblown
litter and dust nuisance of waste.
|
|
Operation Phase:
|
|
General refuse, floating refuse and organic waste
are stored in enclosed bins, and are delivered to the on-shore refuse
collection points on a regular basis.
|
Check if general refuse, floating
refuse and organic wastes have been properly disposed in the enclosed bins
and are delivered to the on-shore refuse collection points accordingly.
|
|
Designated garbage bags are procured to store
general refuse, floating refuse and organic waste that require disposal after
the official implementation of MSW charging scheme.
|
Check if the waste materials are
stored in the designated garbage bags.
|
|
Recycling bins are provided at appropriate
locations within the Project Site to facilitate recovery of recyclable
materials (including aluminium can, waste paper, glass bottles and plastic
bottles) from the Project Site.
|
Check if recycling bins are used to
collect recyclable
materials in the
appropriate containers.
|
|
Waste storage areas are properly
cleaned and do not cause windblown litter and dust nuisance. Appropriate measures to reduce windblown
litter and dust nuisance of waste will be adopted, e.g. by either covering
vessels or by transporting wastes in enclosed containers.
|
Check if the storage areas are
properly cleaned and if appropriate measures have been implemented to reduce
windblown litter and dust nuisance of waste.
|
|
Chemical wastes are stored,
handled and disposed of in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical
Wastes, published by the EPD.
Chemical wastes are separated for special handling and appropriate
treatment at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre at Tsing Yi.
|
Check if chemical wastes are
properly managed. Warning will be
given to the contractor(s) if corrective actions are not taken within 24 hrs.
|
|
Fish pellets are stored in covered areas to
prevent unnecessary spoilage and spillage to adjacent waters.
|
Check if fish pellets are stored
in a covered area.
|
During
operation phase, the waste management issues of the Project will be controlled
by licensing under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353). Site inspections and audits are not required
to be conducted by the ET and IEC during operation phase of the Project. AFCD will
conduct regular inspections at monthly interval and review on FCZ operation to
check if wastes are being managed in accordance with good site practices and
the recommended mitigation measures.
6.
visual
Potential
visual impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project were
assessed in Section 7 of the EIA Report.
The EIA Study concluded the visual impacts from the Project
are acceptable with mitigation measures.
The VIA
recommended a series of measures for the design, construction and operation
phase to further enhance the visual impacts of the Project. Details of all the recommended mitigation
measures are summarised in the Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix
A.
No
environmental monitoring for visual is required during
construction and operation phases of the Project.
Site
inspections at the Project site (on marine vessels) are recommended on a
regular basis at bi-weekly interval by the ET to check if the recommended
mitigation measures are properly implemented during the construction phase as
part of the audit. The IEC will also
undertake site audit to assess the performance of the Contractor(s) on a
regular basis at no less than quarterly interval during the construction phase
of the Project.
During
operation phase, the recommended mitigation measures of the Project will be
controlled by licensing under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap.
353). Site inspections and audits are
not required to be conducted by the ET and IEC during operation phase of the Project.
Potential
air quality impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project
were assessed in Section 8 of the EIA Report.
The EIA Study concluded that no
adverse air quality impacts are anticipated during construction and
operation of the Project.
Relevant
air quality mitigation measures as required under the relevant regulations of
the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) and those recommended in Section
8.8 of the EIA Report should be implemented where appropriate throughout
the construction and operation phases of the Project. These measures are also summarised in the
Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix A.
No air
quality monitoring is required during construction and operation phases of the
Project.
Site
inspections at the Project site (on marine vessels) are recommended on a
regular basis at bi-weekly interval by the ET to check if the recommended
mitigation measures are properly implemented during the construction phase as
part of the audit. The IEC will also
undertake site audit to assess the performance of the Contractor(s) on a
regular basis at no less than quarterly interval during the construction phase
of the Project.
During
operation phase, the recommended mitigation measures of the Project will be
controlled by licensing under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap.
353). Site inspections and audits are
not required to be conducted by the ET and IEC during operation phase of the
Project.
Potential
cultural heritage impacts arising from the construction and operation of the
Project were assessed in Section 9 of the EIA Report. The EIA Study identified no sites of archaeological
interest, declared monuments, proposed monuments, graded historic
sites/buildings/structures and government historic sites identified by AMO
within the assessment area and therefore no impact to these cultural heritage
resources are expected. No construction
and operation phase mitigation measure for terrestrial cultural heritage is
required.
Potential
impact to 3 sonar contacts (B-SC001, B-SC011 and B-SC021) that may have marine
archaeological potential is identified.
A buffer area of
20 m radius from each of B-SC001, B-SC011 and B-SC021 is
recommended to avoid any tug boat anchoring, and anchoring of the fish
rafts/cages in the area so as to avoid any impact to these sonar contacts
during both the construction and operation phases of the Project. The locations
and relocations of fish rafts/cages are regulated by the Marine Fish Culture
Ordinance (Cap. 353), and AFCD will ensure the locations of anchoring of
vessels and fish rafts/cages will not be located within the buffer area. These
are summarised in the Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix
A.
No
environmental monitoring for cultural heritage is required during construction
and operation phases of the Project.
Site
inspections at the Project site (on marine vessels) are recommended on a
regular basis at bi-weekly interval by the ET to check if any seabed
disturbance work is conducted in the buffer areas during construction phase of the
Project. The IEC will also undertake
site audit to assess the performance of the Contractor(s) on a regular basis at
no less than quarterly interval during the construction phase of the Project.
During
operation phase, the recommended mitigation measures of the Project will be
controlled by licensing under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap.
353). Site inspections and audits are
not required to be conducted by the ET and IEC during operation phase of the Project. AFCD will conduct regular inspections at
monthly interval to check if any seabed disturbance work is conducted in the
buffer areas during operation phase of the Project.
Site inspections
provide direct means to assess and confirm that the Contractor(s)’s
environmental protection and pollution control measures are in compliance with
the EIA recommendations. Bi-weekly site
inspections will be conducted by the ET during the construction phase of the
Project ()
to verify that appropriate environmental protection and pollution control
mitigation measures are properly implemented in accordance with the EIA with
reference to the Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix
A. In addition, the ET will
be responsible for defining the scope of the inspections, detailing any
deficiencies that are identified, and reporting any necessary action or
additional mitigation measures that were implemented as a result of the
inspection.
The IEC
will also undertake site audit to assess the performance of the Contractor(s)
on a regular basis at no less than quarterly interval during the construction
phase of the Project with reference to the Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix A. The areas of inspection will not be limited
to the site area and should also include the environmental conditions outside
the site which are likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, by the site
activities. The ET will make reference
to the following information while conducting the inspections:
§ the
EIA and EM&A recommendations on environmental protection and pollution
control mitigation measures;
§ ongoing
results of the EM&A programme;
§ work
progress and programme;
§ the
relevant environmental protection and pollution control laws; and
§ previous
site inspection results.
The
Contractor(s) will update the ET with relevant information on the works prior
to carrying out the site inspections.
The site inspection results will be submitted to the IEC in two working
days. Should actions be necessary, the
ET will follow up with recommendations on improvements to the environmental
protection and pollution control works and will submit these recommendations in
a timely manner to the AFCD, IEC and the Contractor(s). They will also be presented, along with the
remedial actions taken, in the audit records.
The Contractor(s) will follow the procedures and time frame stipulated
in the environmental site inspection for the implementation of mitigation
proposal. An action reporting system
will be formulated and implemented to report on any remedial measures
implemented subsequent to the site inspections.
Ad hoc site inspections will also be
carried out by the ET and site audits by the IEC if significant environmental
issues are identified. Inspections and
audits may also be required subsequent to receipt of an environmental complaint
or as part of the investigation work as specified in the Action Plan for
environmental monitoring and audit.
During
operation phase, the recommended mitigation measures of the Project will be
controlled by licensing under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap.
353). Site inspections and audits are
not required to be conducted by the ET and IEC during operation phase of the
Project.
There are
contractual environmental protection and pollution control requirements as well
as environmental protection and pollution control laws in Hong Kong with which
the construction activities will comply.
In order
that the works are in compliance with the contractual requirements, the ET will
review the progress and programme of the works of the Contractor(s) to check
the regulatory compliance.
The
Contractor(s) will regularly copy relevant documents to the ET so that the
checking and auditing work can be carried out.
After reviewing the document, the ET will advise AFCD, IEC and the
Contractor(s) of any non-compliance from the contractual and legislative
requirements on environmental protection and pollution control for follow-up
actions.
Upon
receipt of the advice, the Contractor(s) will undertake immediate action to
remedy the situation.
The ET will
follow up to confirm that appropriate action will be taken by the Contractor(s)
in order to satisfy the environmental protection and pollution control
requirements.
The ET will undertake the following procedures (see Figure
9.1) upon receipt of a complaint:
(1)
log complaint and date of receipt
into the complaint database and inform the IEC and AFCD immediately;
(2)
investigate the complaint and
discuss with AFCD and the Contractor(s) to determine its validity and to assess
whether the source of the issue is due to works activities;
(3)
if a complaint is considered valid
due to the works, the ET will recommend and identify mitigation measures in
consultation with AFCD, the Contractor(s) and IEC;
(4)
if mitigation measures are
required, the ET will advise AFCD and the Contractor(s) accordingly;
(5)
review the Contractor(s)'s response
on the identified mitigation measures and the updated situation;
(6)
undertake additional monitoring (if
required) and audit to verify the situation if necessary and confirm that any
valid reason for complaint does not recur;
(7)
if the complaint is referred by
EPD, an interim report will be submitted to AFCD and EPD on the status of the
complaint investigation and follow-up action within the time frame assigned by
EPD;
(8)
report the investigation results
and the subsequent actions on the source of the complaint for responding to
complainant. If the source of complaint
is EPD, the results should be reported within the time frame assigned by EPD;
and
(9)
record the complaint,
investigation, the subsequent actions and the results in the audit records.
During the
complaint investigation work, the ET and Contractor(s) will cooperate with the
IEC in providing the necessary information and assistance for completion of the
investigation. If mitigation measures
are identified in the investigation, the Contractor(s) will promptly carry out
the mitigation measures and IEC will check that if the measures have been
properly implemented by the Contractor(s).
The ET will
keep a contemporaneous log-book of each and every instance or circumstance or
change of circumstances which may affect the EIA and every non-compliance from
the recommendations of the EIA Report or the EP. The ET will notify the AFCD and IEC within
one working day of the occurrence of any such instance or circumstance or
change of circumstance. The log-book
will be kept readily available for inspection by persons assisting in
supervision of the implementation of the EIA Report recommendations (such as
the AFCD, IEC and Contractor(s)) or by EPD or his authorised officers.
Upon
agreeing the format with EPD, reports can be provided in an electronic medium to
be made available through a dedicated internet website under the EM&A
programme.
Types of
reports to be submitted include baseline water quality monitoring report,
monthly EM&A report and operational water quality monitoring report. In accordance with Annex 21 of the EIAO-TM,
copies of the monitoring reports will be made available to the Director of
Environmental Protection.
For the baseline marine water
quality monitoring described in Section
2.6.1, the ET will prepare and submit a Baseline Water Quality Monitoring
Report no less than 2 weeks before commencement of the construction works of
the Project to EPD for agreement on the Action / Limit Levels. The report shall be certified by the ET
Leader and shall be verified by the IEC.
Copies of the Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report will be submitted
to the following: the AFCD, IEC and EPD as appropriate. The ET will liaise with the relevant parties
on the exact number of copies required.
The Baseline Water Quality
Monitoring Report will 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 electronic
copies) together with the following information:
§ monitoring methodology;
§ name of laboratory and types of
equipment used and calibration details;
§ parameters monitored;
§ monitoring locations (and depth);
§ monitoring date, time, frequency and
duration; and
§ quality assurance (QA) / quality
control (QC) results and detection limits.
(5) Details on 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 the
results.
(6) Determination of the Action and Limit
Levels for each monitoring parameter with reference to Table 2.3;
(7) Revisions for inclusion in the EM&A
Manual; and
(8) Comments, recommendations and
conclusions.
The results and findings of all EM&A work required
in the Manual during construction phase shall be recorded in the Monthly
EM&A Reports prepared by the ET. The
results of marine water quality monitoring for operation
phase shall also be recorded in the
corresponding Monthly EM&A Reports.
The EM&A report will 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. The report shall be certified by the ET
Leader and shall be verified by the IEC.
Copies of the Monthly EM&A Report will be submitted to the
following: the AFCD, IEC and EPD as appropriate. Before submission of the first
EM&A Report, the ET will liaise with the relevant parties on the exact
number of copies required.
The Monthly EM&A Report will
include at least the following:
(1) 1-2 pages executive summary,
comprising:
§ breaches
of Action and Limit levels;
§ complaint
log;
§ notifications
of any summons and successful prosecutions;
§ reporting
changes; and
§ forecast
of impact predictions.
(2) Basic project information
including a synopsis of the project organisation, programme and management
structure, and a drawing of the Project area showing the environmentally
sensitive receivers and the locations of monitoring and control stations,
programme, management structure and the work undertaken during the month.
(3) Environmental status, comprising:
§ works
undertaken during the month (such as location of works, quantities of waste
generated); and
§ drawing
showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations.
(4) A brief summary of EM&A requirements
including:
§ monitoring
parameters;
§ environmental
quality performance limits (i.e. Action and Limit Levels);
§ Event
and Action Plans;
§ environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA Report; and
§ environmental
requirements in contract documents.
(5) Advice on the implementation
status of environmental protection, mitigation and pollution control measures
as recommended in the Project EIA Report and summarised in the updated
implementation schedule.
(6) Monitoring results (in both hard
and electronic copies) together with the following information:
§ monitoring
methodology;
§ name
of laboratory and equipment used and calibration details;
§ parameters
monitored;
§ monitoring
locations (and depth); and
§ monitoring
date, time, frequency, and duration;
(7) Graphical plots of trends of
monitored parameters for representative monitoring stations annotated against
the following:
§ major
activities being carried out on site during the period;
§ weather
conditions during the period; and
§ any
other factors which might affect the monitoring results;
(8) A summary of non-compliance
(exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit
Levels).
(9) A review of the reasons for and
the implications of non-compliance including a review of pollution sources and
working procedures.
(10) A description of the actions taken
in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up
procedures related to earlier non-compliance.
(11) A summary record of complaints
received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and nature of
complaints, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up
procedures taken and summary of complaints.
(12) A summary record of notifications
of summons, successful prosecutions for breaches of environmental protection/pollution
control legislation, and actions to rectify such breaches.
(13) A forecast of the works programme,
impact predictions and monitoring schedule for the next one month.
(14) Comments, recommendations and
conclusions for the monitoring period.
10.4 Operational Water Quality
Monitoring Report
Upon completion of one set of the 12-month
marine water quality monitoring for operation phase as
described in Section 2.6.2, the
ET will prepare and submit an operational water quality monitoring report
to EPD within a month after completion of the 12-month operational water
quality monitoring. The report will
present the data obtained in the operational water quality monitoring and
conclude the environmental acceptability of the Project. The report shall be certified by the ET
leader and verified by the IEC. The
Operational Water Quality Monitoring Report will contain at least the following
information:
(1) Up to half a page executive summary.
(2) Brief project background information.
(3) Drawings showing locations of the
monitoring stations.
(4) Water quality monitoring results (in
both hard and electronic copies) together with the following information:
§ monitoring methodology;
§ name of laboratory and types of
equipment used and calibration details;
§ parameters monitored;
§ monitoring locations (and depth);
§ monitoring date, time, frequency and
duration;
§ environmental quality performance
limits (Action and Limit levels);
§ Event-Action Plans;
§ environmental mitigation measures, as
recommended in the Project EIA;
§ graphical plots of trends of monitored
parameters at key stations over the monitoring; and
§ quality assurance (QA) / quality
control (QC) results and detection limits.
(5) Details on 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 the
results.
(6) Comments (e.g.
effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommendations (e.g. any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions
for the 12-month marine water quality monitoring.
10.5
Suspension of the EM&A
Programme
The
EM&A programme for construction and operation phases should be terminated
upon the completion of the construction activities and operational monitoring. The proposed termination should only be
implemented after the proposal has been endorsed by the IEC and the Project
Proponent followed by approval from EPD.
Suspension of the EM&A programme for construction
activities and operational monitoring shall be justified by the ET Leader and
verified by the IEC before submission to the EPD for approval.
10.6
Final EM&A Report
The ET will prepare and submit a final EM&A
Report to EPD within a month after completion of the construction activities
and operational monitoring. The report
shall be certified by the ET leader and verified by the IEC. The Final EM&A Report will contain at
least the following information:
(1) Executive summary (1-2 pages).
(2) Basic project information
including a synopsis of the project organization, contacts of key management,
and a synopsis of work undertaken during the course of the project.
(3) Drawings showing the project area,
any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and
control stations.
(4) A brief summary of EM&A
requirements including:
§ a summary of the implementation
status of environmental protection / mitigation measures as recommended in the
project EIA Report;
§ environmental impact hypotheses
tested;
§ environmental quality performance
limits (Action and Limit levels);
§ all monitoring parameters;
§ Graphical plots and the
statistical analysis of the trends of monitoring parameters over the course of
the project;
§ Event and Action Plans;
(5) Details on 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
the results.
(6) A summary of non-compliance
(exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit
levels).
(7) A review of the reasons for and
the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution sources and
working procedures as appropriate.
(8) A description of the actions taken
in the event of non-compliance.
(9) A summary record of all complaints
received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation
undertaken, actions and follow-up actions taken and results.
(10) Comments (e.g. effectiveness and
efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommendations and conclusions (e.g. a
review of success of the overall EM&A programme to cost-effectively
demonstrate the environmental acceptability of the project and to initiate
prompt effective mitigatory action when necessary).
Documents such as the monitoring
field records (if any), laboratory analysis records, etc. under the EM&A
programme will be kept by the ET, and be ready for inspection upon
request. Site inspection records will be
kept by the ET. Relevant information
will be clearly and systematically recorded in the documents. The monitoring data will also be recorded in
digital format, and the software copy will be available upon request. The
documents and data will be kept for at least one year after the completion of
the EM&A programme.
To enable the public inspection of the
baseline water quality monitoring report, monthly EM&A report and
operational water quality monitoring report via the EIAO Internet Website and
at the EIAO Register Office, electronic copies of reports will be prepared in
Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or later) and in Portable
Document Format (PDF, version 4.0 or later), unless otherwise agreed with EPD
and will be submitted at the same time as the hard copies. For the HTML version, a content page capable
of providing hyperlink to each section and sub-section of the reports will be
included in the beginning of the document.
Hyperlinks to figures, drawings and tables in the reports will be
provided in the main text where the respective references are made. Graphics in the reports will be in interlaced
GIF format unless otherwise agreed with EPD.
The content of the electronic copies of the reports must be the same as
the hard copies.
The internet address and the environmental
monitoring data will be made available to the public via the EIAO Internet
Website and the EIAO Register Office.