The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) serves to connect the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Boundary and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) located at the north eastern waters of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

The HKLR project has been separated into two contracts. They are Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (hereafter referred to as the Contract) and Contract No. HY/2011/09 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between HKSAR Boundary and Scenic Hill.

China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was awarded by Highways Department as the Contractor to undertake the construction works of Contract No. HY/2011/03. The main works of the Contract include land tunnel at Scenic Hill, tunnel underneath Airport Road and Airport Express Line, reclamation and tunnel to the east coast of the Airport Island, at-grade road connecting to the HKBCF and highway works of the HKBCF within the Airport Island and in the vicinity of the HKLR reclamation. The Contract is part of the HKLR Project and HKBCF Project, these projects are considered to be “Designated Projects”, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports (Register No. AEIAR-144/2009 and AEIAR-145/2009) were prepared for the Project. The current Environmental Permit (EP) EP-352/2009/D for HKLR and EP-353/2009/K for HKBCF were issued on 22 December 2014 and 11 April 2016, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012.

BMT Hong Kong Limited was appointed by the Contractor to implement the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) and provided environmental team services to the Contract until 31 July 2020.

Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited has been appointed by the Contractor to implement the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) and provide environmental team services to the Contract with effective from 1 August 2020.

Ramboll Hong Kong Limited was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) for the Project.

ANewR Consulting Limited has been employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Offer (ENPO) for the Project with effective from 1 October 2022.

This is the 148^th Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 January 2025.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress

The monthly EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0). A summary of the monitoring activities during this reporting month is listed below:

1-hr TSP Monitoring at AMS5	3, 9, 15, 20, 24 and 28 January 2025
1-hr TSP Monitoring at AMS6	3, 9, 15, 20, 24 and 28 January 2025
24-hr TSP Monitoring at AMS5	2, 8, 14, 17, 23 and 27 January 2025
24-hr TSP Monitoring at AMS6	2, 8, 14, 17, 23 and 27 January 2025
Noise Monitoring	9, 15, 20 and 28 January 2025
Water Quality Monitoring	1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24 and 27 January 2025
Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring	2, 3, 7 and 14 January 2025
Site Inspection	8, 15, 24 and 28 January 2025
The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended during 1 April 2021 to 7 August 2024. The site was closed on 29-31 January 2025, hence no water quality monitoring was arranged.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels

A summary of environmental exceedances for this reporting month is as follows:

Environmental Monitoring	Parameters	Action Level (AL)	Limit Level (LL)
Air Quality	1-hr TSP	0	0
Air Quality	24-hr TSP	0	0
Noise	L_eq_{(30 min)}	0	0
Water Quality	Suspended solids level (SS)	0	0
	Turbidity level	0	0
	Dissolved oxygen level (DO)	0	0

Complaint Log

There was no complaint received in relation to the environmental impacts during this reporting month.

Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

There were no notifications of summons or prosecutions received during this reporting month.

Reporting Changes

This report has been developed in compliance with the reporting requirements for the subsequent EM&A reports as required by the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0).

The proposal for the change of Action Level and Limit Level for suspended solid and turbidity was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013.

The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin monitoring was approved by EPD on 6 May 2013.

The original monitoring station at IS(Mf)9 (Coordinate: 813273E, 818850N) was observed inside the perimeter silt curtain of Contract HY/2010/02 on 1 July 2013, as such the original impact water quality monitoring location at IS(Mf)9 was temporarily shifted outside the silt curtain. As advised by the Contractor of HY/2010/02 in August 2013, the perimeter silt curtain was shifted to facilitate safe anchorage zone of construction barges/vessels until end of 2013 subject to construction progress. Therefore, water quality monitoring station IS(Mf)9 was shifted to 813226E and 818708N since 1 July 2013. According to the water quality monitoring team’s observation on 24 March 2014, the original monitoring location of IS(Mf)9 was no longer enclosed by the perimeter silt curtain of Contract HY/2010/02. Thus, the impact water quality monitoring works at the original monitoring location of IS(Mf)9 has been resumed since 24 March 2014.

Transect lines 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 11 for dolphin monitoring have been revised due to the obstruction of the permanent structures associated with the construction works of HKLR and the southern viaduct of TM-CLKL, as well as provision of adequate buffer distance from the Airport Restricted Areas. The EPD issued a memo and confirmed that they had no objection on the revised transect lines on 19 August 2015.

The water quality monitoring stations at IS10 (Coordinate: 812577E, 820670N) and SR5 (811489E, 820455N) are located inside Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Approach Restricted Areas. The previously granted Vessel's Entry Permit for accessing stations IS10 and SR5 were expired on 31 December 2016. During the permit renewing process, the water quality monitoring location was shifted to IS10(N) (Coordinate: 813060E, 820540N) and SR5(N) (Coordinate: 811430E, 820978N) on 2, 4 and 6 January 2017 temporarily. The permit has been granted by Marine Department on 6 January 2017. Thus, the impact water quality monitoring works at original monitoring location of IS10 and SR5 has been resumed since 9 January 2017.

Transect lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 for dolphin monitoring have been revised and transect line 24 has been added due to the presence of a work zone to the north of the airport platform with intense construction activities in association with the construction of the third runway expansion for the Hong Kong International Airport. The EPD issued a memo and confirmed that they had no objection on the revised transect lines on 28 July 2017. The alternative dolphin transect lines are adopted starting from August’s dolphin monitoring.

A new water quality monitoring team has been employed for carrying out water quality monitoring work for the Contract starting from 23 August 2017. Due to marine work of the Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS Project), original locations of water quality monitoring stations CS2, SR5 and IS10 are enclosed by works boundary of 3RS Project. Alternative impact water quality monitoring stations, naming as CS2(A), SR5(N) and IS10(N) was approved on 28 July 2017 and were adopted starting from 23 August 2017 to replace the original locations of water quality monitoring for the Contract.

The role and responsibilities as the ET Leader of the Contract was temporarily taken up by Mr Willie Wong instead of Ms Claudine Lee from 25 September 2017 to 31 December 2017.

Water quality monitoring station SR10A(N) (Coordinate: 823644E, 823484N) was unreachable on 4 October 2017 during flood tide as fishing activities were observed. As such, the water monitoring at station SR10A(N) was conducted at Coordinate: 823484E, 823593N during flood tide on 4 October 2017 temporarily.

The topographical condition of the water monitoring stations SR3 (Coordinate: 810525E, 816456N), SR4 (Coordinate: 814760E, 817867N), SR10A (Coordinate: 823741E, 823495N) and SR10B (Coordinate: 823686E, 823213N) cannot be accessed safely for undertaking water quality monitoring. The water quality monitoring has been temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR3(N) (Coordinate 810689E, 816591N), SR4(N) (Coordinate: 814705E, 817859N) and SR10A(N) (Coordinate: 823644E, 823484N) since 1 September 2017. The water quality monitoring at station SR10B was temporarily conducted at Coordinate: 823683E, 823187N on 1, 4, 6, 8 September 2017 and has been temporarily fine-tuned to alternative station SR10B(N2) (Coordinate: 823689E, 823159N) since 11 September 2017. Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 8 January 2018.

The works area WA5 was handed over to other party on 22 June 2013.

According to latest information received in July 2018, the works area WA7 was handed over to other party on 28 February 2018 instead of 31 January 2018.

Original WQM stations IS8 and SR4(N) are located within the active work area of TCNTE project and the access to the WQM stations IS8 (Coordinate: E814251, N818412) and SR4(N) (Coordinate: E814705, N817859) are blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Alternative monitoring stations IS8(N) (Coordinate: E814413, N818570) and SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) are proposed to replace the original monitoring stations IS8 and SR4(N). Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 20 August 2019. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations IS8(N) and SR4(N2) on 21 August 2019.

There were no marine works conducted by Contract No. HY/2011/03 since July 2019. A proposal for temporary suspension of marine related environmental monitoring (water quality monitoring and dolphin monitoring for the Contract No. HY/2011/03) was justified by the ET leader and verified by IEC in mid of September 2019 and it was approved by EPD on 24 September 2019. Water quality monitoring and dolphin monitoring for the Contract will not be conducted starting from 1 October 2019 until marine works (i.e. toe loading removal works) be resumed. As discussed with Contract No. HY/2012/08, they will take up the responsibility from Contract No. HY/2011/03 for the dolphin monitoring works starting from 1 October 2019.

According to information received in January 2020, the works area WA3 and WA4 were handed over to Highways Department on 23 December 2019 and 14 March 2019 respectively.

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Manson Yeung instead of Mr Ray Yan since 18 May 2020.

Mr. Leslie Leung was Environmental Team Leader of the Contract for July 2020. The role and responsibilities as the Environmental Team Leader of the Contract has been taken up by Ms. Claudine Lee with effective from 1 August 2020.

The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended starting from 1 April 2021. A new alternative air quality monitoring location is still under processing.

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Brian Tam instead of Mr Manson Yeung since 12 April 2021.

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Adi Lee instead of Mr Brian Tam since 3 May 2022.

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Brian Tam instead of Mr Adi Lee since 25 July 2022.

The role and responsibilities as the ENPO Leader of the Contract has been taken up by Mr Louis Kwan from ANewR Consulting Limited instead of Mr H.Y. Hui from Ramboll Hong Kong Limited since 1 October 2022.

The role and responsibilities as the IEC of the Contract has been taken up by Mr James Choi from ANewR Consulting Limited instead of Mr Brian Tam Ramboll Hong Kong Limited since 1 October 2022.

The access to the WQM station SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) is blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Water quality monitoring was temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032) on 1 March 2023. Proposal for permanently relocating the SR4(N2) was approved by EPD on 3 March 2023. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations SR4(N3) since 3 March 2023.

The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1-hr and 24-hr air quality monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended starting from 1 April 2021 and resumed on 7 August 2024. 24-hr monitoring results at AMS6 are not available due to unstable electricity supply on site and the solution for stable electricity supply is under investigation, the monitoring has been resumed on 19 September 2024.

Future Key Issues

The future key issues include potential noise, air quality, water quality and ecological impacts and waste management arising from the following construction activities to be undertaken in the upcoming month:

· Removal of Temporary Toe Loading Platform at Portion X.

1 Introduction

1.1 Basic Project Information

1.1.1 The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) serves to connect the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Boundary and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) located at the north eastern waters of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

1.1.2 The HKLR project has been separated into two contracts. They are Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (hereafter referred to as the Contract) and Contract No. HY/2011/09 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between HKSAR Boundary and Scenic Hill.

1.1.3 China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was awarded by Highways Department (Heed) as the Contractor to undertake the construction works of Contract No. HY/2011/03. The Contract is part of the HKLR Project and HKBCF Project, these projects are considered to be “Designated Projects”, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports (Register No. AEIAR-144/2009 and AEIAR-145/2009) were prepared for the Project. The current Environmental Permit (EP) EP-352/2009/D for HKLR and EP-353/2009/K for HKBCF were issued on 22 December 2014 and 11 April 2016, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012. The works area WA5 and WA7 were handed over to other party on 22 June 2013 and 28 February 2018 respectively. The works area WA3 and WA4 were handed over to Highways Department on 23 December 2019 and 14 March 2019 respectively. Figure 1.1 shows the project site boundary. The works areas are shown in Appendix N.

1.1.4 The Contract includes the following key aspects:

· New reclamation along the east coast of the approximately 23 hectares.

· Tunnel of Scenic Hill (Tunnel SHT) from Scenic Hill to the new reclamation, of approximately 1km in length with three (3) lanes for the east bound carriageway heading to the HKBCF and four (4) lanes for the westbound carriageway heading to the HZMB Main Bridge.

· An abutment of the viaduct portion of the HKLR at the west portal of Tunnel SHT and associated road works at the west portal of Tunnel SHT.

· An at grade road on the new reclamation along the east coast of the HKIA to connect with the HKBCF, of approximately 1.6 km along dual 3-lane carriageway with hard shoulder for each bound.

· Road links between the HKBCF and the HKIA including new roads and the modification of existing roads at the HKIA, involving viaducts, at grade roads and a Tunnel HAT.

· A highway operation and maintenance area (HMA) located on the new reclamation, south of the Dragonair Headquarters Building, including the construction of buildings, connection roads and other associated facilities.

· Associated civil, structural, building, geotechnical, marine, environmental protection, landscaping, drainage and sewerage, tunnel and highway electrical and mechanical works, together with the installation of street lightings, traffic aids and sign gantries, water mains and fire hydrants, provision of facilities for installation of traffic control and surveillance system (TCSS), reprovisioning works of affected existing facilities, implementation of transplanting, compensatory planting and protection of existing trees, and implementation of an environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) program.

1.1.5 This is the 148^th Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 January 2025.

1.1.6 BMT Hong Kong Limited was appointed by the Contractor to implement the EM&A programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) and provided environmental team services to the Contract until 31 July 2020.

1.1.7 Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited has been appointed by the Contractor to implement the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) and provide environmental team services to the Contract with effective from 1 August 2020. Ramboll Hong Kong Limited was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) for the Project until 30 September 2022. ANewR Consulting Limited has been appointed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) for the Project since 1 October 2022. The project organization with regard to the environmental works is as follows.

1.2 Project Organisation

1.2.1 The project organization structure and lines of communication with respect to the on-site environmental management structure is shown in Appendix A. The key personnel contact names and numbers are summarized in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party	Position	Name	Telephone	Fax
Supervising Officer’s Representative (Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited)	(Senior Resident Engineer, SRE)	Eddie Tsang	3968 4802	2109 1882
Environmental Project Office / Independent Environmental Checker (ANewR Consulting Limited)	Environmental Project Office Leader	Louis Kwan	9275 0975	3007 8448
	Independent Environmental Checker	James Choi	6122 5213	3007 8448
Contractor (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.)	Project Manager	S. Y. Tse	3968 7002	2109 2588
	Environmental Officer	Federick Wong	3968 7117	2109 2588
Environmental Team (Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited)	Environmental Team Leader	Claudine Lee	2859 5409	2559 0738
24 hours complaint hotline	---	---	5699 5730	---

1.3 Construction Programme

1.3.1 A copy of the Contractor’s construction programme is provided in Appendix B.

1.4 Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Month

1.4.1 A summary of the construction activities undertaken during this reporting month is shown in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2 Construction Activities During Reporting Month

Description of Activities	Site Area
Reinstatement Works	Portion X

2 Air Quality Monitoring

2.1 Monitoring Requirements

2.1.1 In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, baseline 1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels at two air quality monitoring stations were established. Impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted for at least three times every 6 days, while impact 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out for at least once every 6 days. The Action and Limit Level for 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP are provided in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2, respectively.

Table 2.1 Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Monitoring Station	Action Level, µg/m³	Limit Level, µg/m³
AMS 5 – Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)	352	500
AMS 6 – Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)	360	500

Table 2.2 Action and Limit Levels for 24-hour TSP

Monitoring Station	Action Level, µg/m³	Limit Level, µg/m³
AMS 5 – Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)	164	260
AMS 6 – Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)	173	260

2.2 Monitoring Equipment

2.2.1 24-hour TSP air quality monitoring was performed using High Volume Sampler (HVS) located at each designated monitoring station. The HVS meets all the requirements of the Contract Specific EM&A Manual. Portable direct reading dust meters were used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring. Brand and model of the equipment is given in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3 Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment	Brand and Model
Portable direct reading dust meter (1-hour TSP)	Sibata Digital Dust Indicator (Model No. LD-5R)
High Volume Sampler (24-hour TSP)	Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) High Volume Air Sampler (Model No. TE-5170)

2.3 Monitoring Locations

2.3.1 Monitoring locations AMS5 was set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

2.3.2 Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 2.4 describes the details of the monitoring stations. The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1 hr and 24 hr air quality monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended starting from 1 April 2021. A new alternative air quality monitoring location is still under processing.

Table 2.4 Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station	Location
AMS5	Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)
AMS6	Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

2.4 Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

2.4.1 Table 2.5 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact TSP monitoring.

Table 2.5 Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter	Frequency and Duration
1-hour TSP	Three times every 6 days while the highest dust impact was expected
24-hour TSP	Once every 6 days

2.5 Monitoring Methodology

2.5.1 24-hour TSP Monitoring

(a) The HVS was installed in the vicinity of the air sensitive receivers. The following criteria were considered in the installation of the HVS.

(i) A horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.

(ii) The distance between the HVS and any obstacles, such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the HVS.

(iii) A minimum of 2 meters separation from walls, parapets and penthouse for rooftop sampler was provided.

(iv) No furnace or incinerator flues are nearby.

(v) Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.

(vi) Permission was obtained to set up the samplers and access to the monitoring stations.

(vii) A secured supply of electricity was obtained to operate the samplers.

(viii) The sampler was located more than 20 meters from any dripline.

(ix) Any wire fence and gate, required to protect the sampler, did not obstruct the monitoring process.

(x) Flow control accuracy was kept within ±2.5% deviation over 24-hour sampling period.

(b) Preparation of Filter Papers

(i) Glass fibre filters, G810 were labelled and sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.

(ii) All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment temperature was around 25 °C and not variable by more than ±3 °C; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ±5%. A convenient working RH was 40%.

(iii) All filter papers were prepared and analysed by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd., which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

(i) The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.

(ii) The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.

(iii) The filter holder was removed by loosening the four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen was aligned carefully.

(iv) The filter was properly aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.

(v) The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter holder down to the frame. The pressure applied was sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.

(vi) Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminium strip.

(vii) The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.

(viii) A new flow rate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.

(ix) On site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the flow rate of the HVS was checked and adjusted at around 1.1 m³/min, and complied with the range specified in the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) (i.e. 0.6-1.7 m³/min).

(x) The programmable digital timer was set for a sampling period of 24 hours, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were recorded.

(xi) The initial elapsed time was recorded.

(xii) At the end of sampling, on site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the final flow rate of the HVS was checked and recorded.

(xiii) The final elapsed time was recorded.

(xiv) The sampled filter was removed carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in contact.

(xv) It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and sealed.

(xvi) All monitoring information was recorded on a standard data sheet.

(xvii) Filters were then sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for analysis.

(d) Maintenance and Calibration

(i) The HVS and its accessories were maintained in good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.

(ii) 5-point calibration of the HVS was conducted using TE-5025A Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. Bi-monthly 5-point calibration of the HVS will be carried out during impact monitoring.

(iii) Calibration certificate of the HVSs are provided in Appendix C.

2.5.2 1-hour TSP Monitoring

(a) Measuring Procedures

The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter were in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual as follows:-

(i) Turn the power on.

(ii) Close the air collecting opening cover.

(iii) Push the “TIME SETTING” switch to [BG].

(iv) Push “START/STOP” switch to perform background measurement for 6 seconds.

(v) Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to insert the light scattering plate.

(vi) Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon “SPAN CHECK” is indicated in the display.

(vii) Push “START/STOP” switch to perform automatic sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.

(viii) Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE position.

(ix) Push the “TIME SETTING” switch the time set in the display to 3 hours.

(x) Lower down the air collection opening cover.

(xi) Push “START/STOP” switch to start measurement.

(b) Maintenance and Calibration

(i) The 1-hour TSP meter was calibrated at 1-year intervals against a Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) High Volume Air Sampler. Calibration certificates of the Laser Dust Monitors are provided in Appendix C.

2.6 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

2.6.1 The schedule for air quality monitoring in January 2025 is provided in Appendix D.

2.7 Monitoring Results

2.7.1 The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarised in Tables 2.6 and 2.7 respectively. Detailed impact air quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are presented in Appendix E. The existing air quality monitoring location AMS6 - Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA) was handed over to Airport Authority Hong Kong on 31 March 2021. 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring at AMS6 was temporarily suspended starting from 1 May 2021 and resumed on 7 August 2024.

Table 2.6 Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station	Average (mg/m³)	Range (mg/m³)	Action Level (mg/m³)	Limit Level (mg/m³)
AMS5	106	56-143	352	500
AMS6	91	40-137	360	500

Table 2.7 Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station	Average (mg/m³)	Range (mg/m³)	Action Level (mg/m³)	Limit Level (mg/m³)
AMS5	54	29-73	164	260
AMS6	95	44-121	173	260

2.7.2 No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at station AMS5 and AMS6 during the reporting month. The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

2.7.3 On-site wind meter was irreparably damaged and the wind data could not be retrieved since August 2019. As the wind data could not be monitored, the wind data during this reporting month were reference to the wind data obtained from Hong Kong Observatory’s Chek Lap Kok weather station. The wind data obtained from Chek Lap Kok weather station are shown in Appendix G.

3 Noise Monitoring

3.1 Monitoring Requirements

3.1.1 In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, impact noise monitoring was conducted for at least once per week during the construction phase of the Project. The Action and Limit level of the noise monitoring is provided in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Action and Limit Levels for Noise during Construction Period

Monitoring Station	Time Period	Action Level	Limit Level
NMS5 – Ma Wan Chung Village (Ma Wan Chung Resident Association) (Tung Chung)	0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays	When one documented complaint is received	75 dB(A)

3.2 Monitoring Equipment

3.2.1 Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meters at each designated monitoring station. The sound level meters deployed comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications (IEC) 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications. Acoustic calibrator was deployed to check the sound level meters at a known sound pressure level. Brand and model of the equipment are given in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment	Brand and Model
Integrated Sound Level Meter	NL-52
Acoustic Calibrator	NC-74

3.3 Monitoring Locations

3.3.1 Monitoring location NMS5 was set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

3.3.2 Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 3.3 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

Table 3.3 Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station	Location
NMS5	Ma Wan Chung Village (Ma Wan Chung Resident Association) (Tung Chung)

3.4 Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

3.4.1 Table 3.4 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact noise monitoring.

Table 3.4 Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter	Frequency and Duration
30-mins measurement at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays (Monday to Saturday). L_eq, L₁₀ and L₉₀ would be recorded.	At least once per week

3.5 Monitoring Methodology

3.5.1 Monitoring Procedure

(a) The sound level meter was set on a tripod at a height of 1.2 m above the podium for free-field measurements at NMS5. A correction of +3 dB(A) shall be made to the free field measurements.

(b) The battery condition was checked to ensure the correct functioning of the meter.

(i) frequency weighting: A

(ii) time weighting: Fast

(iii) time measurement: L_eq_(30-minutes) during non-restricted hours i.e. 07:00 – 1900 on normal weekdays

(d) Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator for 94.0 dB(A) at 1000 Hz. If the difference in the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1.0 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

(e) During the monitoring period, the L_eq, L₁₀ and L₉₀ were recorded. In addition, site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.

(f) Noise measurement was paused during periods of high intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) if possible. Observations were recorded when intrusive noise was unavoidable.

(g) Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s. The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s.

3.5.2 Maintenance and Calibration

(a) The microphone head of the sound level meter was cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.

(b) The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.

3.6 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

3.6.1 The schedule for construction noise monitoring in January 2025 is provided in Appendix D.

3.7 Monitoring Results

3.7.1 The monitoring results for construction noise are summarised in Table 3.5 and the monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

Table 3.5 Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station	Average L_eq_{(30 mins)}, dB(A)	Range of L_eq_{(30 mins)}, dB(A)	Limit Level L_eq_{(30 mins)}, dB(A)
NMS5	60	56-64	75

*A correction factor of +3dB(A) from free field to facade measurement was included.

3.7.2 There were no Action and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting month

3.7.3 Other noise sources during the noise monitoring included aircraft noise, helicopter noise, construction activities by other parties and human activities nearby.

3.7.4 The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

4 Water Quality Monitoring

4.1 Monitoring Requirements

4.1.1 Impact water quality monitoring was carried out to ensure that any deterioration of water quality is detected, and that timely action is taken to rectify the situation. For impact water quality monitoring, measurements were taken in accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual. Table 4.1 shows the established Action/Limit Levels for the environmental monitoring works. The ET proposed to amend the Acton Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid and EPD approved ET’s proposal on 25 March 2013. Therefore, Action Level and Limit Level for the Contract have been changed since 25 March 2013.

4.1.2 The original and revised Action Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid are shown in Table 4.1. The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

Table 4.1 Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameter (unit)	Water Depth	Action Level	Limit Level
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) (surface, middle and bottom)	Surface and Middle	5.0	4.2 except 5 for Fish Culture Zone
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) (surface, middle and bottom)	Bottom	4.7	3.6
Turbidity (NTU)	Depth average	27.5 or 120% of upstream control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day; The action level has been amended to “27.5 *and* 120% of upstream control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day” since 25 March 2013.	47.0 or 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day; The limit level has been amended to “47.0 *and* 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day” since 25 March 2013.
Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L)	Depth average	23.5 or 120% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day; The action level has been amended to “23.5 *and* 120% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day” since 25 March 2013.	34.4 or 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes; The limit level has been amended to “34.4 *and* 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes” since 25 March 2013

Notes:

(1) Depth-averaged is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.

(2) For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limit occurs when monitoring result is lower that the limit.

(3) For SS & turbidity non-compliance of the water quality limits occur when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

(4) The change to the Action and limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring for the EM&A works was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013.

4.2 Monitoring Equipment

4.2.1 Table 4.2 summarises the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring programme.

Table 4.2 Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment	Brand and Model
DO and Temperature Meter, Salinity Meter, Turbidimeter and pH Meter	YSI Model 6820 (V2) YSI Pro Quatro
Positioning Equipment	Garmin GPS72H
Water Depth Detector	Lowrance x-4
Water Sampler	Kahlsio Water Sampler (Vertical) 2.2 L with messenger

4.3 Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

4.3.1 Table 4.3 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and monitoring depths of impact water quality monitoring as required in the Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

Table 4.3 Impact Water Quality Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

Monitoring Stations

Parameter, unit

Frequency

No. of depth

Impact Stations:
IS5, IS(Mf)6, IS7, IS8(N), IS(Mf)9 & IS10(N)

Control/Far Field Stations:
CS2(A) & CS(Mf)5,

Sensitive Receiver Stations:
SR3(N), SR4(N3), SR5(N), SR10A(N) & SR10B(N2)

· Depth, m

· Temperature, ^oC

· Salinity, ppt

· Dissolved Oxygen (DO), mg/L

· DO Saturation, %

· Turbidity, NTU

· pH

· Suspended Solids (SS), mg/L

Three times per week during mid-ebb and mid-flood tides (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted time)

(1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth is less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station may be omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored).

Remark:

1) Original WQM stations IS8 and SR4(N) are located within the active work area of Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project and the access to the WQM stations IS8 (Coordinate: E814251, N818412) and SR4(N) (Coordinate: E814705, N817859) are blocked by the silt curtains of the TCNTE project. Alternative monitoring stations IS8(N) (Coordinate: E814413, N818570) and SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) were proposed to replace the original monitoring stations IS8 and SR4(N). Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 20 August 2019. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations IS8(N) and SR4(N2) since 21 August 2019.

2) The access to the WQM station SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) is blocked by the silt curtains of the TCNTE project. Water quality monitoring was temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032). Proposal for permanently relocating the SR4(N2) was approved by EPD on 3 March 2023. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations SR4(N3) since 3 March 2023.

4.4 .Monitoring Locations

4.4.1 In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, thirteen stations (6 Impact Stations, 5 Sensitive Receiver Stations and 2 Control Stations) were designated for impact water quality monitoring. The six Impact Stations (IS) were chosen on the basis of their proximity to the reclamation and thus the greatest potential for water quality impacts, the five Sensitive Receiver Stations (SR) were chosen as they are close to the key sensitive receives and the two Control Stations (CS) were chosen to facilitate comparison of the water quality of the IS stations with less influence by the Project/ ambient water quality conditions.

4.4.2 A new water quality monitoring team has been employed for carrying out water quality monitoring work for the Contract starting from 23 August 2017. Due to marine work of the Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS Project), original locations of water quality monitoring stations CS2, SR5 and IS10 are enclosed by works boundary of 3RS Project. Alternative impact water quality monitoring stations, naming as CS2(A), SR5(N) and IS10(N) was approved on 28 July 2017 and were adopted starting from 23 August 2017 to replace the original locations of water quality monitoring for the Contract.

4.4.3 The topographical condition of the water monitoring stations SR3(N) (Coordinate: 810525E, 816456N), SR4(N) (Coordinate: 814760E, 817867N), SR10A(N) (Coordinate: 823741E, 823495N) and SR10B(N2) (Coordinate: 823686E, 823213N) cannot be accessed safely for undertaking water quality monitoring. The water quality monitoring has been temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR3(N) (Coordinate 810689E, 816591N), SR4(N) (Coordinate: 814705E, 817859N) and SR10A(N) (Coordinate: 823644E, 823484N) since 1 September 2017. The water quality monitoring at station SR10B was temporarily conducted at Coordinate: 823683E, 823187N on 1, 4, 6, 8 September 2017 and has been temporarily fine-tuned to alternative station SR10B(N2) (Coordinate: 823689E, 823159N) since 11 September 2017. Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 8 January 2018.

4.4.4 Original WQM stations IS8 and SR4(N) are located within the active work area of Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project and the access to the WQM stations IS8 (Coordinate: E814251, N818412) and SR4(N) (Coordinate: E814705, N817859) are blocked by the silt curtains of the TCNTE project. Alternative monitoring stations IS8(N) (Coordinate: E814413, N818570) and SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) were proposed to replace the original monitoring stations IS8 and SR4(N). Proposal for permanently relocating the aforementioned stations was approved by EPD on 20 August 2019. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations IS8(N) and SR4(N2) since 21 August 2019.

4.4.5 The access to the WQM station SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) is blocked by the silt curtains of the TCNTE project. Water quality monitoring was temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032) on 1 March 2023. Proposal for permanently relocating the SR4(N2) was approved by EPD on 3 March 2023. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations SR4(N3) since 3 March 2023.

4.4.6 The locations of water quality monitoring stations are summarised in Table 4.4 and shown in Figure 2.1.

Table 4.4 Impact Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Stations	Description	Coordinates
Monitoring Stations	Description	Easting	Northing
IS5	Impact Station (Close to HKLR construction site)	811579	817106
IS(Mf)6	Impact Station (Close to HKLR construction site)	812101	817873
IS7	Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)	812244	818777
IS8(N)	Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)	814413	818570
IS(Mf)9	Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)	813273	818850
IS10(N)	Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)	812942	820881
SR3(N)	Sensitive receivers (San Tau SSSI)	810689	816591
SR4(N3)*	Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho Inlet)	814779	818032
SR5(N)	Sensitive Receivers (Artificial Reef in NE Airport)	812569	821475
SR10A(N)	Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)	823644	823484
SR10B(N2)	Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)	823689	823159
CS2(A)	Control Station (Mid-Ebb)	805232	818606
CS(Mf)5	Control Station (Mid-Flood)	817990	821129
Remark: * The access to the WQM station SR4(N2) (Coordinate: E814688, N817996) is blocked by the silt curtains of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project. Water quality monitoring was temporarily conducted at alternative stations, namely SR4(N3) (Coordinate: E814779, N818032) on 1 March 2023. Proposal for permanently relocating the SR4(N2) was approved by EPD on 3 March 2023. The water quality monitoring has been conducted at stations SR4(N3) since 3 March 2023.

4.5 Monitoring Methodology

4.5.1 Instrumentation

(a) The in-situ water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and turbidity, pH were measured by multi-parameter meters.

4.5.2 Operating/Analytical Procedures

(a) Digital Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) were used to ensure that the correct location was selected prior to sample collection.

(b) Portable, battery-operated echo sounders were used for the determination of water depth at each designated monitoring station.

(c) All in-situ measurements were taken at 3 water depths, 1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth was less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station was omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station was monitored.

(d) At each measurement/sampling depth, two consecutive in-situ monitoring (DO concentration and saturation, temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity) and water sample for SS. The probes were retrieved out of the water after the first measurement and then re-deployed for the second measurement. Where the difference in the value between the first and second readings of DO or turbidity parameters was more than 25% of the value of the first reading, the reading was discarded and further readings were taken.

(e) Duplicate samples from each independent sampling event were collected for SS measurement. Water samples were collected using the water samplers and the samples were stored in high-density polythene bottles. Water samples collected were well-mixed in the water sampler prior to pre-rinsing and transferring to sample bottles. Sample bottles were pre-rinsed with the same water samples. The sample bottles were then be packed in cool-boxes (cooled at 4^oC without being frozen), and delivered to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for the analysis of suspended solids concentrations. The laboratory determination work would be started within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

(f) The analysis method and detection limit for SS is shown in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5 Laboratory Analysis for Suspended Solids

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

(g) Other relevant data were recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site in the field log sheet for information.

4.5.3 Maintenance and Calibrations

(a) All in situ monitoring instruments would be calibrated by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. before use and at 3-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring programme.

4.6 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

4.6.1 The schedule for impact water quality monitoring in January 2025 is provided in Appendix D.

4.7 Monitoring Results

4.7.1 Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations in January 2025 during the reporting month. Impact water quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

4.7.2 As the site was closed on 29-31 January 2025, no water quality monitoring was arranged.

4.7.3 Water quality impact sources during water quality monitoring were nearby construction activities by other parties and nearby operating vessels by other parties

4.7.4 For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level, turbidity level and suspended solid level were recorded during the reporting month.

4.7.5 The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

5 Dolphin Monitoring

5.1 Monitoring Requirements

5.1.1 Impact dolphin monitoring is required to be conducted by a qualified dolphin specialist team to evaluate whether there have been any effects on the dolphins.

5.1.2 The Action Level and Limit Level for dolphin monitoring are shown in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Action and Limit Levels for Dolphin Monitoring

	North Lantau Social Cluster
	NEL	NWL
Action Level	STG < 4.2 & ANI < 15.5	STG < 6.9 & ANI < 31.3
Limit Level	(STG < 2.4 & ANI < 8.9) and (STG < 3.9 & ANI < 17.9)

Remarks:

1. STG means quarterly encounter rate of number of dolphin sightings.

2. ANI means quarterly encounter rate of total number of dolphins.

3. For North Lantau Social Cluster, AL will be trigger if either NEL or NWL fall below the criteria; LL will be triggered if both NEL and NWL fall below the criteria.

5.1.3 The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin Monitoring was approved by EPD in 6 May 2013. The revised Event and Action Plan is annexed in Appendix F.

5.2 Monitoring Methodology

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.2.1 According to the requirement of the updated EM&A manual, dolphin monitoring programme should cover all transect lines in NEL and NWL survey areas (see Figure 2.2) twice per month throughout the entire construction period. The co-ordinates of all transect lines are shown in Table 5.2. The coordinates of several starting and ending points have been revised due to the presence of a work zone to the north of the airport platform with intense construction activities in association with the construction of the third runway expansion for the Hong Kong International Airport. The EPD issued a memo and confirmed that they had no objection on the revised transect lines on 28 July 2017, and the revised coordinates are in red and marked with an asterisk in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2 Co-ordinates of Transect Lines

Line No.		Easting	Northing	Line No.		Easting	Northing
1	Start Point	804671	815456	13	Start Point	816506	819480
1	End Point	804671	831404	13	End Point	816506	824859
2	Start Point	805476	820800*	14	Start Point	817537	820220
2	End Point	805476	826654	14	End Point	817537	824613
3	Start Point	806464	821150*	15	Start Point	818568	820735
3	End Point	806464	822911	15	End Point	818568	824433
4	Start Point	807518	821500*	16	Start Point	819532	821420
4	End Point	807518	829230	16	End Point	819532	824209
5	Start Point	808504	821850*	17	Start Point	820451	822125
5	End Point	808504	828602	17	End Point	820451	823671
6	Start Point	809490	822150*	18	Start Point	821504	822371
6	End Point	809490	825352	18	End Point	821504	823761
7	Start Point	810499	822000*	19	Start Point	822513	823268
7	End Point	810499	824613	19	End Point	822513	824321
8	Start Point	811508	821123	20	Start Point	823477	823402
8	End Point	811508	824254	20	End Point	823477	824613
9	Start Point	812516	821303	21	Start Point	805476	827081
9	End Point	812516	824254	21	End Point	805476	830562
10	Start Point	813425	821176	22	Start Point	806464	824033
10	End Point	813425	824657	22	End Point	806464	829598
11	Start Point	814556	818853	23	Start Point	814559	821739
11	End Point	814556	820992	23	End Point	814559	824768
12	Start Point	815542	818807	24*	Start Point	805476*	815900*
12	End Point	815542	824882	24*	End Point	805476*	819100*

Note:
Co-ordinates in red and marked with asterisk are revised co-ordinates of transect line.

5.2.2 The survey team used standard line-transect methods (Buckland et al. 2001) to conduct the systematic vessel surveys, and followed the same technique of data collection that has been adopted over the last 22 years of marine mammal monitoring surveys in Hong Kong developed by HKCRP (see Hung 2021). For each monitoring vessel survey, a 15-m inboard vessel with an open upper deck (about 4.5 m above water surface) was used to make observations from the flying bridge area.

5.2.3 Two experienced observers (a data recorder and a primary observer) made up the on-effort survey team, and the survey vessel transited different transect lines at a constant speed of 13-15 km per hour. The data recorder searched with unaided eyes and filled out the datasheets, while the primary observer searched for dolphins and porpoises continuously through 7 x 50 Fujinon marine binoculars. Both observers searched the sea ahead of the vessel, between 270^o and 90^o (in relation to the bow, which is defined as 0^o). One to two additional experienced observers were available on the boat to work in shift (i.e. rotate every 30 minutes) in order to minimize fatigue of the survey team members. All observers were experienced in small cetacean survey techniques and identifying local cetacean species.

5.2.4 During on-effort survey periods, the survey team recorded effort data including time, position (latitude and longitude), weather conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility), and distance traveled in each series (a continuous period of search effort) with the assistance of a handheld GPS (Garmin eTrex Legend).

5.2.5 Data including time, position and vessel speed were also automatically and continuously logged by handheld GPS throughout the entire survey for subsequent review.

5.2.6 When dolphins were sighted, the survey team would end the survey effort, and immediately record the initial sighting distance and angle of the dolphin group from the survey vessel, as well as the sighting time and position. Then the research vessel was diverted from its course to approach the animals for species identification, group size estimation, assessment of group composition, and behavioural observations. The perpendicular distance (PSD) of the dolphin group to the transect line was later calculated from the initial sighting distance and angle.

5.2.7 Survey effort being conducted along the parallel transect lines that were perpendicular to the coastlines (as indicated in Figure 2.2) was labeled as “primary” survey effort, while the survey effort conducted along the connecting lines between parallel lines was labeled as “secondary” survey effort. According to HKCRP long-term dolphin monitoring data, encounter rates of Chinese white dolphins deduced from effort and sighting data collected along primary and secondary lines were similar in NEL and NWL survey areas. Therefore, both primary and secondary survey effort were presented as on-effort survey effort in this report.

5.2.8 Encounter rates of Chinese white dolphins (number of on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort and number of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort) were calculated in NEL and NWL survey areas in relation to the amount of survey effort conducted during each month of monitoring survey. Only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition would be used for encounter rate analysis. Dolphin encounter rates were calculated using primary survey effort alone, as well as the combined survey effort from both primary and secondary lines.

Photo-identification Work

5.2.9 When a group of Chinese White Dolphins were sighted during the line-transect survey, the survey team would end effort and approach the group slowly from the side and behind to take photographs of them. Every attempt was made to photograph every dolphin in the group, and even photograph both sides of the dolphins, since the colouration and markings on both sides may not be symmetrical.

5.2.10 A professional digital camera (Canon EOS 7D model), equipped with long telephoto lenses (100-400 mm zoom), were available on board for researchers to take sharp, close-up photographs of dolphins as they surfaced. The images were shot at the highest available resolution and stored on Compact Flash memory cards for downloading onto a computer.

5.2.11 All digital images taken in the field were first examined, and those containing potentially identifiable individuals were sorted out. These photographs would then be examined in greater detail and were carefully compared to the existing Chinese White Dolphin photo-identification catalogue maintained by HKCRP since 1995.

5.2.12 Chinese White Dolphins can be identified by their natural markings, such as nicks, cuts, scars and deformities on their dorsal fin and body, and their unique spotting patterns were also used as secondary identifying features (Jefferson 2000).

5.2.13 All photographs of each individual were then compiled and arranged in chronological order, with data including the date and location first identified (initial sighting), re-sightings, associated dolphins, distinctive features, and age classes entered into a computer database.

5.3 Monitoring Results

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.3.1 During the month of January 2025, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on the 2^nd, 3^rd, 7^th and 14^th to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice. The survey routes of each survey day are presented in Figures 2-6 of Appendix H.

5.3.2 From these surveys, a total of 263.83 km of survey effort was collected, with 99.2% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility) (Annex I of Appendix H).

5.3.3 Among the two survey areas, 95.30 km and 168.53 km of survey effort were collected from NEL and NWL survey areas respectively. Moreover, the total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 186.45 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 77.38 km.

5.3.4 During the two sets of monitoring surveys in January 2025, only a single dolphin was sighted (Annex II of Appendix H). The lone dolphin was sighted in NWL, while none was sighted in NEL. Furthermore, the dolphin sighting was made on primary line during on-effort search, and it was not associated with operating fishing vessel.

5.3.5 Distribution of the dolphin sighting made in January 2025 is shown in Figure 6 in Appendix H. Sighting of the lone dolphin was located at the southwestern corner of the NWL survey area, just to the north of the HKLR09 alignment.

5.3.6 For the November’s surveys, encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) are shown in Tables 5.3 & 5.4.

Table 5.3 Dolphin encounter rates deduced from the two sets of surveys (two surveys in each set) in January 2025 in Northeast (NEL) and Northwest Lautau (NWL)

		Encounter rate (STG) (no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)	Encounter rate (ANI) (no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)
		Primary Lines Only	Primary Lines Only
NEL	Set 1: January 2^nd / 3^rd	0.0	0.0
NEL	Set 2: January 7^th / 14^th	0.0	0.0
NWL	Set 1: January 2^nd / 3^rd	1.7	1.7
NWL	Set 2: January 7^th / 14^th	3.4	3.4

Table 5.4 Overall dolphin encounter rates (sighting per 100 km of survey effort) from all surveys conducted in January 2025 on primary lines only as well as both primary lines and secondary lines in Northeast and Northwest Lantau

	Encounter rate (STG) (no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)		Encounter rate (ANI) (no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)
	Primary Lines Only	Both Primary and Secondary Lines	Primary Lines Only	Both Primary and Secondary Lines
Northeast Lantau	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Northwest Lantau	2.6	1.8	2.6	1.8

Photo-identification Work

5.3.7 Among the three dolphins sighted during the monitoring month, only one of them was identified as a knows individual dolphin (NL202) from the photo-identification catalogue (Annex III and IV of Appendix H).

5.3.8 The single individual was sighted only once in January 2025. Notably, the individual, NL202, was one of the most frequently sighted individuals during the HKLR03 surveys in the past decade, but was seldom re-sighted in NWL waters in recent years.

5.4 Conclusion

5.4.1 During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

5.4.2 Due to monthly variation in dolphin occurrence within the study area, it would be more appropriate to draw conclusion on whether any impacts on dolphins have been detected related to the construction activities of this project in the quarterly EM&A report, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period (December 2024 – February 2025) and the 3-month baseline monitoring period will be made.

5.5 References

- Buckland, S. T., Anderson, D. R., Burnham, K. P., Laake, J. L., Borchers, D. L., and Thomas, L. 2001. Introduction to distance sampling: estimating abundance of biological populations. Oxford University Press, London.

- Hung, S. K. 2021. Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong waters: final report (2020-21). An unpublished report submitted to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, 154 pp.

- Jefferson, T. A. 2000. Population biology of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin in Hong Kong waters. Wildlife Monographs 144:1-65.

6 Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

6.1 Site Inspection

6.1.1 Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. During the reporting month, four site inspections were carried out on 8, 15, 24 and 28 January 2025.

6.1.2 A summary of observations found during the site inspections and the follow up actions taken by the Contractor/ recommendation are described in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1 Summary of Environmental Site Inspections

Date of Audit	Observations	Actions Taken by Contractor / Recommendation	Date of Observations Closed
8 January 2025	No particular environmental issue was recorded during the site inspection.	N.A.	N.A.
15 January 2025	No particular environmental issue was recorded during the site inspection.	N.A.	N.A.
24 January 2025	No particular environmental issue was recorded during the site inspection.	N.A.	N.A.
28 January 2025	No particular environmental issue was recorded during the site inspection.	N.A.	N.A.

6.2 Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

6.2.1 The Contractor registered as a chemical waste producer for the Contract. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

6.2.2 Monthly summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix I.

6.2.3 The Contractor was reminded that chemical waste containers should be properly treated and stored temporarily in designated chemical waste storage area on site in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes.

6.3 Environmental Licenses and Permits

6.3.1 The valid environmental licenses and permits during the reporting month are summarized in Appendix K.

6.4 Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

6.4.1 A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix L. Most of the necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly.

6.4.2 Regular marine travel route for marine vessels were implemented properly in accordance to the submitted plan and relevant records were kept properly.

6.4.3 Dolphin Watching Plan was implemented during the reporting month. No dolphins inside the silt curtain were observed. The relevant records were kept properly.

6.5 Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

6.5.1 For air quality, no Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at station AMS5 and AMS6 during the reporting month.

6.5.2 For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at station NMS5 during the reporting month.

6.5.3 For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level, turbidity level and suspended solid level were recorded during the reporting month.

6.6 Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

6.6.1 There was no complaint received in relation to the environmental impacts during this reporting month.

6.6.2 The details of cumulative statistics of Environmental Complaints are provided in Appendix J.

6.6.3 No notification of summons and prosecution was received during the reporting period. Statistics on notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix M.

7 Future Key Issues

7.1 Construction Programme for the Coming Months

7.1.1 As informed by the Contractor, the major construction activities for February 2025 are summarised in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1 Construction Activities for February 2025

Site Area	Description of Activities
Portion X	Reinstatement Works

7.2 Environmental Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month

7.2.1 The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring for February 2025 is provided in Appendix D.

8 Conclusions

8.1 Conclusions

8.1.1 The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Contract commenced on 17 October 2012. This is the 148^th Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 January 2025.

Air Quality

8.1.2 For air quality, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at station AMS5 and AMS6 during the reporting month.

Noise

8.1.3 For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at station NMS5 during the reporting month.

Water Quality

8.1.4 For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level, turbidity level and suspended solid level were recorded during the reporting month.

Dolphin

8.1.5 During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

8.1.6 Due to monthly variation in dolphin occurrence within the study area, it would be more appropriate to draw conclusion on whether any impacts on dolphins have been detected related to the construction activities of this project in the quarterly EM&A report, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period (December 2024 – February 2025) and the 3-month baseline monitoring period will be made.

Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

8.1.7 Environmental site inspections were carried out on 8, 15, 24 and 28 January 2025. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

Ramboll Hong Kong Limited was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) for the Project.

1.1.4 The Contract includes the following key aspects:

1.1.5 This is the 148th Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 January 2025.

1.1.6 BMT Hong Kong Limited was appointed by the Contractor to implement the EM&A programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) and provided environmental team services to the Contract until 31 July 2020.

1.2.1 The project organization structure and lines of communication with respect to the on-site environmental management structure is shown in Appendix A. The key personnel contact names and numbers are summarized in Table 1.1.

1.3 Construction Programme

1.3.1 A copy of the Contractor’s construction programme is provided in Appendix B.

1.4 Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Month

1.4.1 A summary of the construction activities undertaken during this reporting month is shown in Table 1.2.

2 Air Quality Monitoring

2.1 Monitoring Requirements

2.3.1 Monitoring locations AMS5 was set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

2.4.1 Table 2.5 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact TSP monitoring.

2.5.1 24-hour TSP Monitoring

2.5.2 1-hour TSP Monitoring

2.6.1 The schedule for air quality monitoring in January 2025 is provided in Appendix D.

2.7 Monitoring Results

2.7.2 No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at station AMS5 and AMS6 during the reporting month. The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

3.1.1 In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, impact noise monitoring was conducted for at least once per week during the construction phase of the Project. The Action and Limit level of the noise monitoring is provided in Table 3.1.

3.2 Monitoring Equipment

3.3 Monitoring Locations

3.3.1 Monitoring location NMS5 was set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

3.3.2 Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 3.3 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

3.4.1 Table 3.4 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact noise monitoring.

3.5.1 Monitoring Procedure

3.5.2 Maintenance and Calibration

3.6.1 The schedule for construction noise monitoring in January 2025 is provided in Appendix D.

3.7 Monitoring Results

3.7.1 The monitoring results for construction noise are summarised in Table 3.5 and the monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

*A correction factor of +3dB(A) from free field to facade measurement was included.

3.7.2 There were no Action and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting month

3.7.3 Other noise sources during the noise monitoring included aircraft noise, helicopter noise, construction activities by other parties and human activities nearby.

3.7.4 The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

4 Water Quality Monitoring

4.1.2 The original and revised Action Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid are shown in Table 4.1. The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

4.2.1 Table 4.2 summarises the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring programme.

4.3.1 Table 4.3 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and monitoring depths of impact water quality monitoring as required in the Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

4.4 .Monitoring Locations

4.4.6 The locations of water quality monitoring stations are summarised in Table 4.4 and shown in Figure 2.1.

4.5 Monitoring Methodology

4.5.1 Instrumentation

4.5.2 Operating/Analytical Procedures

4.5.3 Maintenance and Calibrations

(a) All in situ monitoring instruments would be calibrated by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. before use and at 3-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring programme.

4.6.1 The schedule for impact water quality monitoring in January 2025 is provided in Appendix D.

4.7 Monitoring Results

4.7.1 Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations in January 2025 during the reporting month. Impact water quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

4.7.2 As the site was closed on 29-31 January 2025, no water quality monitoring was arranged.

4.7.3 Water quality impact sources during water quality monitoring were nearby construction activities by other parties and nearby operating vessels by other parties

4.7.4 For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level, turbidity level and suspended solid level were recorded during the reporting month.

4.7.5 The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

5.1 Monitoring Requirements

5.1.1 Impact dolphin monitoring is required to be conducted by a qualified dolphin specialist team to evaluate whether there have been any effects on the dolphins.

5.1.2 The Action Level and Limit Level for dolphin monitoring are shown in Table 5.1.

5.1.3 The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin Monitoring was approved by EPD in 6 May 2013. The revised Event and Action Plan is annexed in Appendix F.

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.2.5 Data including time, position and vessel speed were also automatically and continuously logged by handheld GPS throughout the entire survey for subsequent review.

Photo-identification Work

5.2.12 Chinese White Dolphins can be identified by their natural markings, such as nicks, cuts, scars and deformities on their dorsal fin and body, and their unique spotting patterns were also used as secondary identifying features (Jefferson 2000).

5.2.13 All photographs of each individual were then compiled and arranged in chronological order, with data including the date and location first identified (initial sighting), re-sightings, associated dolphins, distinctive features, and age classes entered into a computer database.

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.3.1 During the month of January 2025, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on the 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 14th to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice. The survey routes of each survey day are presented in Figures 2-6 of Appendix H.

5.3.2 From these surveys, a total of 263.83 km of survey effort was collected, with 99.2% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility) (Annex I of Appendix H).

5.3.3 Among the two survey areas, 95.30 km and 168.53 km of survey effort were collected from NEL and NWL survey areas respectively. Moreover, the total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 186.45 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 77.38 km.

5.3.5 Distribution of the dolphin sighting made in January 2025 is shown in Figure 6 in Appendix H. Sighting of the lone dolphin was located at the southwestern corner of the NWL survey area, just to the north of the HKLR09 alignment.

5.3.6 For the November’s surveys, encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) are shown in Tables 5.3 & 5.4.

Photo-identification Work

5.3.7 Among the three dolphins sighted during the monitoring month, only one of them was identified as a knows individual dolphin (NL202) from the photo-identification catalogue (Annex III and IV of Appendix H).

5.3.8 The single individual was sighted only once in January 2025. Notably, the individual, NL202, was one of the most frequently sighted individuals during the HKLR03 surveys in the past decade, but was seldom re-sighted in NWL waters in recent years.

5.4 Conclusion

5.4.1 During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

5.5 References

6 Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

6.1.1 Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. During the reporting month, four site inspections were carried out on 8, 15, 24 and 28 January 2025.

6.1.2 A summary of observations found during the site inspections and the follow up actions taken by the Contractor/ recommendation are described in Table 6.1.

6.2 Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

6.2.1 The Contractor registered as a chemical waste producer for the Contract. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

6.2.2 Monthly summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix I.

6.2.3 The Contractor was reminded that chemical waste containers should be properly treated and stored temporarily in designated chemical waste storage area on site in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes.

6.3.1 The valid environmental licenses and permits during the reporting month are summarized in Appendix K.

1.1.5 This is the 148^th Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 January 2025.

5.3.1 During the month of January 2025, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on the 2^nd, 3^rd, 7^th and 14^th to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice. The survey routes of each survey day are presented in Figures 2-6 of Appendix H.