Contract No. HY/2012/07

Tuen Mun ¡V Chek Lap Kok Link ¡V Southern Connection Viaduct Section

 

Contract Specific Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual

 

 

 

Contents

 

1     INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background Information

1.2      Policy

1.3      EM&A Programme Objectives

1.4      Scope of the EM&A  Programme

1.5      Project Organisation

1.6      Terminology

2      PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1      Scope of the Project

2.2     Northern Section in Tuen Mun (not applicable)

2.3      Submarine Tunnel (not applicable)

2.4      Southern Section at HKBCF / North Lantau (not applicable)

2.5      Works Areas

2.6      Sewage and Drainage

2.7      Project Programme

2.8      Concurrent Projects

2.9      Traffic Data and Assumptions

3      AIR QUALITY

3.1      Air Quality Parameters

3.2      Monitoring Equipment

3.3      Laboratory Measurement/Analysis

3.4      Monitoring Locations

3.5      Baseline Monitoring

3.6      Impact Monitoring

3.7      Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

3.8      Dust Mitigation Measures

4      NOISE

4.1      Introduction

4.2      Noise Parameters

4.3      Monitoring Equipment

4.4      Monitoring Locations

4.5      Baseline Monitoring

4.6      Construction Phase Impact Monitoring

4.7      Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise

4.8      Noise Mitigation Measures

5      WATER QUALITY

5.1      Introduction

5.2      Mitigation Measures

5.3      Water Quality Parameters

5.4      Monitoring Equipment

5.5      Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

5.6      Monitoring Locations

5.7      Baseline Monitoring for Water Quality

5.8      Efficiency of Silt Curtains (not applicable)

5.9      Impact Monitoring for Water Quality

5.10       Post-construction Monitoring

5.11        Operational Phase Monitoring

5.12       Event and Action Plan

6      ECOLOGY

6.1      Introduction

6.2      Ecology EM&A Procedures

6.3      Design Phase Audit

6.4      Baseline Monitoring

6.5      Construction and Operational Phase EM&A

6.6      Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

7.    LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT

7.1     Introduction

7.2     Relevant Legislation

7.3     Methodology and Criteria

7.4     Baseline Monitoring

7.5     Event and Action Plan

7.6     Mitigation Measures

8      WASTE  MANAGEMENT AND CONTAMINATED LAND

8.1      Waste Issues

8.2      Contaminated Land

8.3      Waste EM&A Requirements

9      CULTURAL HERITAGE

9.1      Introduction

10       Landfill Gas Hazard Assessment

10.1       Introduction

11        SITE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

11.1        Site Inspections

11.2        Compliance with Legal and Contractual Requirements

11.3        Environmental Complaints

11.4        Choice of Construction Metho

12       REPORTING

12.1       General

12.2       Documentation

12.3       Design Audit Report

12.4       Baseline Monitoring Report

12.5       EM&A  Reports

12.6       First EM&A Report

12.7       Subsequent EM&A  Reports

12.8       Quarterly EM&A Summary Reports

12.9       Annual/Final EM&A Review Reports

12.10     Data Keeping

12.11     Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances

 

 

 

Appendices

 

Appendix A     Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedules

Appendix B    Environmental Proformas

 

Annexes

Annex A          Silt Curtain Arrangement & Temporary Staging Preliminary Layout

 

Annex B         Figures

 

Figure 1.1        Design Phase EM&A Procedure and Organisation

Figure 1.2        Construction and Operational Phase Procedure and Organisation

Figure 2.1        General Layout of TM-CLKL

Figure 2.2a      Not applicable

Figure 2.2b      Layout Plan of Southern Landfall

Figure 2.3a      Not applicable

Figure 2.3b      Not applicable

Figure 2.3c      Not applicable

Figure 2.4a      Not applicable

Figure 2.4b      Not applicable

Figure 2.4c      General Layout for Southern Viaduct (1)

Figure 2.4d      General Layout for Southern Viaduct (2)

Figure 2.4e      General Layout for Southern Viaduct (3)

Figure 2.4f       General Layout for Southern Viaduct (4)

Figure 2.4g      General Layout for Southern Viaduct (5)

Figure 2.4h      General Layout for Southern Viaduct (6)

Figure 2.4i       General Layout for Southern Viaduct (7)

Figure 2.4j       General Layout for Southern Viaduct (8)

Figure 2.5a      Geological Section (Sheet 1 of 3)

Figure 2.5b      Not applicable

Figure 2.5c      Not applicable

Figure 2.6a      Not applicable

Figure 2.6b      Not applicable

Figure 2.6c      Not applicable

Figure 2.7        Southern Viaduct Connection and Slip Roads

Figure 2.8a      Not applicable

Figure 2.8b      Proposed Works Areas for TM-CLKL (Lantau Side)

Figure 2.9a      Not applicable

Figure 2.9b      Indicative Construction Programme in North Lantau

Figure 2.9c      Not applicable

Figure 2.9d      Portions of Works in North Lantau

Figure 3.1        Data Sheet for TSP Monitoring (at the end of Section 3)

Figure 3.2        Environmental Monitoring Stations

Figure 4.1        Noise Monitoring Field Record Sheet (at the end of Section 4)

Figure 4.2        Not applicable

Figure 5.1        Not applicable

Figure 5.2        Not applicable

Figure 5.3        Not applicable

Figure 5.4        Not applicable

Figure 5.5a      Not applicable

Figure 5.5b      Not applicable

Figure 5.5c      Not applicable

Figure 5.6a      Not applicable

Figure 5.6b      Not applicable

Figure 5.6c      Not applicable

Figure 5.7        Water Quality Monitoring Data Record Sheet

Figure 5.8        Not applicable

Figure 5.9        Not applicable

Figure 5.10      Not applicable

Figure 6.1        Construction Phase Ecological EM&A Procedure

Figure 6.2        Locations of Coral Colonies identified at Tai Ho Wan and Tai Mo To and Location of Alternative Receptor Site

Figure 6.3        Layout of transect lines of Chinese White Dolphin survey in Northeast and Northwest Lantau survey area

Figure 6.4        Location of Stream NL1

Figure 7.1.1.1 Not applicable

Figure 7.1.1.2 Not applicable

Figure 7.1.1.3 Baseline Landscape Resources with Development Proposal Overlaid (Sheet 3 of 5)

Figure 7.1.1.4 Baseline Landscape Resources with Development Proposal Overlaid (Sheet 4 of 5)

Figure 7.1.1.5 Baseline Landscape Resources with Development Proposal Overlaid (Sheet 5 of 5)

Figure 7.2.1.1 Not applicable

Figure 7.2.1.2 Not applicable

Figure 7.2.1.3  Baseline Landscape Character Areas with Development Proposal Overlaid (Sheet 3 of 5)

Figure 7.2.1.4 Baseline Landscape Character Areas with Development Proposal Overlaid (Sheet 4 of 5)

Figure 7.2.1.5  Baseline Landscape Character Areas with Development Proposal Overlaid (Sheet 5 of 5)

Figure 7.3.1.1 Not applicable

Figure 7.3.1.2 Baseline Key VSRs and Viewpoint at Local Level with Development Proposal Overlaid During Construction (Sheet 2 of 2)

Figure 7.3.1.3 Not applicable

Figure 7.3.1.4 Baseline Key VSRs and Viewpoint at Local Level with Development Proposal Overlaid During Operation (Sheet 2 of 2)

Figure 7.3.2.1 Baseline Key VSRs Viewpoints at Strategic and District Level with Development Proposal Overlaid

Figure 9.1        Not applicable

Figure 12.1      Sample Template for Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limits Exceedances

 

Annex C         Summary of Change

 

 

Tables

 

Table 1.1

Summary of EM&A Requirements

Table 2.1

Not applicable

Table 2.2

Details of TM-CLKL Proposed Works Areas

Table 2.3

Not applicable

Table 3.1a

Method of Derivation of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

Table 3.1b

Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

Table 3.2

Event / Action Plan for Air Quality

Table 4.1

Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise

Table 4.2

Event / Action Plan for Construction Noise

Table 5.1

Laboratory Analysis for SS, Nutrient and Heavy Metals

Table 5.2a

Proposed Water Quality Monitoring Stations (Construction and Post-construction Phases)

Table 5.2b

Proposed Water Quality Monitoring Stations (Operation Phase)

Table 5.3

Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Table 5.4

Event and Action Plan for Water Quality

Table 6.1

Ecological Design Specifications

Table 6.2

Event / Action Plan for Design Phase

Table 6.3

Audit Schedule for Ecological Contract Works

Table 6.4

Not applicable

Table 6.5

Summary of Dolphin Monitoring Equipment Requirements

Table 6.6

Event / Action Plan for General Ecology

Table 6.7

Not applicable

Table 6.8

Not applicable

Table 6.9a

Action and Limit Level for Dolphin Monitoring

Table 6.9b

Event / Action Plan for During and Post Construction Dolphin Monitoring

Table 7.1

Monitoring Programme

Table 7.2

Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact

Table 8.1

Recommended Waste Disposal Sites

Table 8.2

Waste Management Checklist

Table 9.1

Not applicable

Table 9.2

Not applicable

Table 10.1

Not applicable

 

 

 

Note:

 

All information regarding the Mf Related Monitoring are no longer applicable as

recommended in Supporting Document of Variation of EP for TM-CLKL (EP354/2009).

 

 

 

 

 

1                                                                                       INTRODUCTION

 

1.1                    Background Information

 

1.1.1.1             According to the findings of the Northwest New Territories (NWNT) Traffic and Infrastructure Review conducted by the Transport Department, Tuen Mun Road, Ting  Kau  Bridge,  Lantau  Link  and  North  Lantau  Highway  (NLH)  will  be operating beyond capacity after 2016 due to the increase in cross boundary traffic, developments in the NWNT, and possible developments in North Lantau, including  the  Airport  developments,  the  Lantau  Logistics  Park  (LLP)  and  the Hong  Kong  ¡V  Zhuhai  ¡V  Macao  Bridge  (HZMB).  In  order  to  cope  with  the anticipated  traffic  demand,  two  new  connections  between  NWNT  and  North Lantau ¡V Tuen Mun ¡V Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) and Tuen Mun Western Bypass (TMWB) are proposed.

 

1.1.1.2             The proposed TM-CLKL if combined with the TMWB will provide a direct route linking NWNT and North Lantau, from north to south, the Kong Sham Western Highway  (KSWH),  port  back-up  areas  in  NWNT,  Tuen  Mun  River  Trade Terminal, the existing EcoPark in Tuen Mun Area 38, the Airport, the proposed LLP, HZMB and North Lantau developments. The new connection will significantly reduce the travelling time between the KSWH and the NWNT region at its northern side, and North Lantau at its southern side.

 

1.1.1.3             In 2005, Highways  Department  (HyD) commissioned  an engineering  feasibility study (FS),  namely Tuen Mun Chek Lap  Kok  Link  and  Tuen  Mun  Western Bypass ¡V Feasibility Study (Agreement  No. CE 28/2005 (HY)), to evaluate the technical feasibility and impacts of the Project.  The FS recommended that the TM-CLKL should be a dual 2-lane road with a total length of about 9 km with about 4 km long submarine tunnel and 5 km long elevated structure.

 

1.1.1.4             In order to progress this project, Maunsell Consultants Asia Ltd. were appointed by HyD to carry out the Assignment on Tuen Mun ¡V Chek Lap Kok Link - Investigation under Agreement No. CE 52/2007 (HY).  The Assignment commenced on 19 May 2008 and shall be completed within 24 months, i.e. by mid-May 2010.

 

1.1.1.5             The Feasibility Study initially proposed an alignment of the TM-CLKL comprising a toll plaza island at Tai Mo To and this alignment formed the basis of the EIA Study Brief (ESB 175/2007). However, subsequent to these documents being prepared and based upon the proposed schemes for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai- Macao Bridge (HZMB) and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF), it was decided to integrate the TM-CLKL southern landfall reclamation with the HKBCF reclamation.  It was considered that this arrangement would also provide a cost-effective connection between the HKBCF and North Lantau. Following a full option assessment, the preferred scheme was selected, as detailed in Section 2 of this EM&A Manual.

 

1.1.1.6             The project is a designated project under Section A.1 of Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO).  As such, the statutory procedures under the EIAO need to be followed and an environmental permit (EP) will be required prior to the commencement of construction.  Thus, as part of this assignment, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken.

 

1.1.1.7             The EIA for the project has recommended comprehensive Environmental Monitoring and Audit requirements to be undertaken during the design, construction and operational stages of the project.  This Report constitutes the Environmental  Monitoring  and  Audit  (EM&A)  Manual  for  the  proposed  Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) Project, providing details of the EM&A recommendations.

 

1.1.1.8            The  Hong  Kong  SAR  Government¡¦s  applicable  environmental  regulations  for noise,  air  quality,  ecology,  water  quality,  landscape  and  visual  resources  and waste management  and heritage protection, the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines and recommendations  in the TM-CLKL EIA Report have served as guidance documents in the preparation of this Manual. This EM&A Manual fulfills the requirements of the Study Agreement and follows the approach recommended in EPD¡¦s Generic EM&A Manual, Annex 21 of the Technical Memorandum on  the  EIA  Process  and  EM&A  Guidelines  for  Development Projects in Hong Kong.

 

1.2                    Policy

1.2.1.1             The Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative (SOR) and the Contractor shall adopt Environmental Policy Statements in accordance with the requirements of this Manual in order to foster a sound EM&A programme to protect the environment.  The following policy statements shall be adopted:

-      establish  a  commitment to  environmental  excellence  in  all  activities arising from the development project;

-      encourage the  adoption of  environmental management principles to prevent potential impacts and minimise adverse impacts; and

-      commit to the recommendations  in the EIA study report and related EIA process requirements.  

 

1.3                    EM&A Programme Objectives

 

1.3.1.1             The broad objective of this EM&A Manual is to define the procedures of the EM&A programme for monitoring the environmental performance of the TM- CLKL project during design, construction and implementation.

 

1.3.1.2             The manual provides details of the environmental monitoring requirements arising from the EIA including air, noise and water quality, as well as audit recommendations for the noise, air, water quality, ecology, landscape and visual, waste and cultural heritage. The purposes of the defined EM&A programme are as follows:

-      to  ensure  the  specified  mitigation  recommendations of  the  EIA  are included in the design of the project;

-      to clarify and identify sources of pollution,  impact and nuisance  arising from the works;

-      to confirm compliance with legal, contract specifications and EIA study recommendations;

-      to provide an early warning system for impact prevention;

-      to provide a database of environmental parameters against which to determine any short term or long term environmental impacts;

-      to propose timely, cost-effective and viable solutions to actual or potential environmental issues;

-      to  monitor  performance  of the  mitigation  measures  and  to  assess  their effectiveness and, whenever necessary, identify any further need for additional measures;

-      to verify the EIA predicted impacts;

-      to collate information and evidence for use in public, District Council and Government consultation; and

-      to audit environmental performance.

 

1.3.1.3             EM&A procedures are required during the design, construction and operational phases of the project implementation and a summary of the requirements for each of the environmental parameters is detailed in Table 1.1 below.

 

Table 1.1                                Summary of EM&A Requirements

 

Parameter

EM&A  Phase

Design

Construction

Phase

Operational Phase

Air Quality

 

Y

 

Noise

 

Y

 

Ecology

Y

Y

Y

Water Quality

 

Y

Y

Landscape and

Visual

Y

Y

Y

Waste/Contaminated

Land

 

Y

 

Cultural Heritage

Not applicable as cultural heritage resource is not identified for the works area of the Contract.

 

1.4                    Scope of the EM&A  Programme

 

1.4.1.1              The scope of the EM&A programme is to undertake the following, which follows the demarcation of monitoring responsibilities set out in Environmental Project Office¡¦s letter dated 29.10.2013:

 

a)               Implement monitoring and audit activities for each environmental parameter as follows:

 

Dust:

i)            Establish  baseline  dust  levels  at  specified locations and review these levels on a regular basis.

 

ii)           Implement construction dust impact monitoring programme.

Noise:

i)            Establish baseline noise, levels at specified locations and review these levels on  a  regular basis.

 

ii)           Implement  construction  noise  impact  monitoring

Ecology:

i)            Implement design phase audit for ecological dolphin protection specifications, ecological translocation specifications and design integrated ecological mitigation measures.

 

ii)           Implement baseline survey to establish existing ecological conditions.

 

iii)         Implement construction phase monitoring and audit requirements for ecology resources.

 

iv)         Implement operational phase monitoring.

Water Quality:

i)            Establish baseline water quality levels at specified locations and review these levels on a regular basis.

 

ii)           Implement construction water quality impact monitoring programme.

 

iii)         Implement operational phase water quality impact monitoring programme.

 

 

        Landscape and

i)            Design detailed landscape specifications.

        Visual:

ii)           Implement baseline survey to establish/confirm existing landscape and visual conditions.

 

iii)         Implement construction phase audit requirements for landscape and visual resources.

 

iv)         Implement operational phase audit  requirements for landscape and visual aspects.

Waste: 

i)            Implement construction phase audit requirements for waste aspects.

Heritage:

i)            Not applicable

 

 

 

b)            Liaison and provision of advice to construction site staff on the purposes and implementation of the EM&A programme.

 

c)            Identify and resolve environmental issues that may arise from the project.

 

d)            Check and quantify the Contractor¡¦s overall performance, implement Event/Action Plans and recommend and implement remedial actions to mitigate adverse environmental effects as identified by the EM&A programme and EIA.

 

e)            Conduct monthly reviews of monitored  impact data during the construction phase and bi-monthly reviews during the operational phase as the basis for assessing compliance with defined criteria and ensuring that necessary mitigation  measures  are identified,  designed  and implemented and to undertake additional ad hoc monitoring and audit as required by particular circumstances.

 

f)              Evaluate and interpret all environmental monitoring data 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.

 

g)            Manage and liaise with other individuals or parties concerning any relevant environmental issues.

 

h)            Audit the effectiveness of the Environmental Management System (EMS) practices and procedures and implement any changes as appropriate.

 

i)               Conduct regular site audits of formal or informal nature to assess:

-       the level of the Contractor¡¦s general environmental awareness;

-       the Contractor¡¦s implementation of the recommendations in the EIA;

-       the Contractor¡¦s performance as measured by the EM&A;

-       the need for specific mitigation measures to be implemented or the continued usage of those previously agreed; and

-       to  advise  the  site  staff  of  any  identified  potential  environmental issues.

 

j)               Submit EM&A reports which summarise project monitoring and auditing data, with full interpretation, illustrating the acceptability or otherwise of any environmental impacts and identification or assessment of the implementation status of agreed mitigation measures.

 

1.4.1.2                                                  Thus, this EM&A Manual provides the following information:

 

a)               Description of the project.

 

b)               Identification and recommendations for monitoring requirements for all phases of development, including:

-        identification of sensitive receivers;

-       monitoring locations;

-       monitoring parameters and frequencies;

-       monitoring equipment to be used;

-       programmes for baseline monitoring and impact monitoring; and

-       data management of monitoring results.

 

c)        The organisation management structure, and procedures for auditing of the Project and implementation of mitigation measures that are recommended for the Project.

 

d)         The environmental quality performance limits for compliance auditing for each of the recommended monitoring parameters to ensure compliance with relevant environmental quality objectives, statutory or planning standards.

 

e)        Organisation and management structure, and procedures for reviewing the design submissions, monitoring results and auditing the compliance of the monitoring data with the environmental quality performance limits, contractual and regulatory requirements, and environmental policies and standards.

 

f)          Event and Action plans for impact and compliance procedures.

 

g)                                Complaints handling, liaison and consultation procedures.

 

h)        Interim notification of exceedances,  reporting procedures,  report formats and  reporting  frequency  including  periodical  quarterly summary  reports and annual reviews to cover all construction, post-Project and operational phases of the development.

 

i)         Implementation schedules, summarising all recommended mitigation measures.

 

1.4.1.3             This Manual is considered to be a working document and should be reviewed periodically and revised once substantial changes have been made.

 

1.5                    Project Organisation

 

1.5.1.1             For the purpose of this EM&A Manual, the Highways Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government is referred to as the ¡§Employer¡¨ and the Project ¡§Supervising Officer¡¨ defined as the Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative (SOR), who will be responsible for the supervision of the construction of the Project.

 

1.5.1.2             The mitigation/enhancement measures recommended by the TM-CLKL EIA that will require a design audit or preparation of specifications during the detailed design phase of the project will include:

-      bored piling monitoring programme;

-      pre, during and post construction dolphin monitoring;

-      250m dolphin exclusion zone for use during dredging, reclamation, sheet, bored piling works and temporary staging construction;

-      acoustic  decoupling  methods  for  use  during  reclamation  and  dredging works;

-      marine vessel control specifications;

-      deployment of an artificial reef (Not applicable);

-      installation  of  hoarding  for  the  protection  of  the  pitcher  plants  and surrounding habitat (Not applicable);

-      coral translocation;

-      design of toll plaza for grave G1 set back and protection (Not applicable); and

-      landscape design drawings.

 

1.5.1.3             In respect of the design phase EM&A, the Consultant commissioned to undertake the  Detailed  Design  contract  will  be  required  to  designate  an  auditor(s)  to undertake  the  preparation  of  the  design  specifications  as  detailed  above,  in addition  to  an  environmental  audit  of  the  design  of  the  specified  landscape measures in order to ensure that the recommendations of the EIA have been fully and  properly  specified.  The Consultant shall use suitably qualified staff to undertake the audit requirements to the satisfaction of the EPD and the AFCD as appropriate. A flow chart of the design phase EM&A procedures is shown in Figure 1.1.

 

1.5.1.4             During the construction and operational phases of the project, an Environmental Team (ET) is to be employed by the Contractor. The ET will be headed by an Environmental Team Leader (ETL).  He shall ensure the Contractor¡¦s compliance with the project¡¦s  environmental  performance  requirements  during construction and undertake the post construction EM&A works and his responsibilities will include  field  measurements,  sampling,  analysis  of monitoring  results,  reporting and auditing.  The ETL shall be approved by the SOR and the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) and shall be competent and shall have at least 7 years relevant environmental monitoring and audit experience  on projects of a similar scale and nature.

 

1.5.1.5             The ET will comprise suitably qualified support staff to carrying out the EM&A programme. The ET shall be independent and shall not be in any way connected to the Contractor¡¦s company.  Due to the specialist nature of some of the EM&A works required for this project, the ET should comprise professionals proficient to undertake the tasks involved.  Thus, the ET should include personnel experienced in noise, dust and water quality monitoring and mitigation, supervision of waste management, compensatory tree planting, coral relocation and dolphin monitoring and supervision.

 

1.5.1.6             Accordingly, a qualified dolphin specialist(s), together with a suitably experienced team of dolphin spotters, and a coral specialist, to the satisfaction of AFCD, will be required as part of the ET to undertake the dolphin abundance monitoring, implement the dolphin exclusion zones and undertake the coral relocation process. In addition, a Registered Landscape Architect, as defined by the Landscape Architect¡¦s Registration Board, will be required on the ET to monitor and audit the landscaping installation works and assist in the audit of the ecological transplantation and restoration works.

 

1.5.1.7                                                   The overall duties of ETL and the team are as follows:

-      Sampling,  analysis  and  statistical  evaluation  of  monitoring  parameters with  reference  to  the  EIA  study recommendations  and  requirements  in respect of noise, dust and water quality.

-      Environmental site surveillance

-      Audit of compliance with environmental protection and pollution prevention and control regulations.

-      Monitor the implementation of environmental mitigation measures.

-      Monitor compliance with   the   environmental protection clauses/specifications in the Contract.

-      Review construction programme and comment as necessary.

-      Review construction methodology and comment as necessary.

-      Complaint investigation, evaluation and identification of corrective measures.

-      Audit  of  the  EMS  and  recommend  and  implement any  changes  as appropriate.

-      Liaison with the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) on all environmental performance matters.

-      Advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness, enhancement matter, etc., on site.

-      Timely submission of the designated EM&A reports to the SOR, the IEC, the DEP, the AFCD and the AMO as appropriate.

 

1.5.1.8             In addition to the ETL and ET, an Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) shall be employed to advise the SOR on environmental issues related to the project. The role of the IEC shall be independent from the management of construction works, but the IEC shall be empowered to audit the environmental performance of the construction activities and operational mitigation.  The IEC shall have project management experience in addition to the requirements of the ET specified above and the appointment of the IEC will be subject to the approval of the SOR and the DEP.  The IEC may require specialist support staff in order to properly carry out his duties, which shall include the following:

-            Review and audit all aspects of the EM&A programme.

-            Validate and confirm the accuracy of monitoring results, monitoring equipment, monitoring locations, monitoring procedures and locations of sensitive receivers.

-            Carry  out  random  sample  check  and  audit  on  monitoring  data  and sampling procedures, etc.

-            Conduct random site inspection.

-            Audit the EIA recommendations and requirements against the status of implementation of environmental protection measures on site.

-            Review the effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures and project environmental performance.

-            Audit the Contractor¡¦s construction methodology and agree the least impact alternative in consultation with the ET and the Contractor.

-            Check complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures.

-            Review EM&A report submitted by the ET.

-            Feedback audit results to ET by signing off relevant EM&A proformas.

 

1.5.1.9             An  organisation  chart  showing  the  lines  of  communication  between  the  key parties with respect to the EM&A works is provided on Figure 1.2.  Both the ET and IEC shall be retained for the duration of the EM&A works which will span both the construction phase and one year into the operational phase of the project. The operational EM&A works will be the responsibility of the Contractor and will be undertaken in parallel to the maintenance period after the completion of construction.

 

1.5.1.10           Notwithstanding the above, given that the TM-CLKL, HKBCF and HKLR will be constructed concurrently, an Environmental Protection Office (ENPO) or equivalent to oversee the cumulative construction projects in North Lantau area will be established  by the Project  Proponent. The responsibility of the ENPO would be similar to that of the IEC but should also include:

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

-            identify and assess cumulative impacts including possible sources/causes of exceedance and recommending suitable remedial actions;

-            undertake liaison with the mainland project teams counterparts to identify and assess any cross-boundary cumulative impacts; and

-            coordinate the assessment and response to complaints/enquires from locals, green groups, district councils or the public at large.

 

1.5.1.11           The exact responsibilities and organisation of the ENPO will be defined during the detailed design stage.

1.6                    Terminology

 

1.6.1.1             To clarify the terminology for impact monitoring and audit, key definitions are specified below and are used throughout this Manual.

 

1.6.1.2             Monitoring refers to the systematic collection of data through a series of repetitive measurements. The stages of monitoring are defined in this document as follows:

 

a)   Baseline  Monitoring  refers  to  the  measurement  of parameters,  such  as noise and air quality impact parameters, during a representative pre-project period for the purpose of determining the nature and ranges of natural variation and to establish, where appropriate, the nature of change.

 

b)   Impact Monitoring involves the measurement of environmental impact parameters, such as noise and air quality, during Project construction and implementation so as to detect changes in these parameters which can be attributed to the Project.

 

1.6.1.3                                                   Audit is a term that infers the verification of a practice and certification of data.

The types of audit are defined below:

 

a)               Compliance audit is defined as follows:

 

-       the process of verification that all or selected parameters measured by a noise or air quality impact monitoring programme or levels of an operation are in compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies and standards; and

 

-       the determination of  the degree and scope of  any necessary remediation in the event of exceedance of compliance.

 

b)   Post Project Audit is carried out  after  the  implementation  and commissioning of a Project.

 

1.6.1.4                                                   For the purpose of noise, air and water quality impact monitoring and audit, the

Action and Limit Levels are defined as follows:

 

a)        The Action Level is the level defined in which there is an indication of a deteriorating  ambient  level  for  which  a  typical  response  could  be  an increase in the monitoring frequency.

 

b)        The Limit  Level  is the level beyond  the appropriate  remedial  pollution control ordinances, noise and air quality impact objectives or Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines established by the EPD for a particular project,  such  that  the  works  should  not  proceed  without  appropriate remedial action, including a critical review of plant and work methods.


2                       PROJECT DESCRIPTION

 

2.1                    Scope of the Project

 

2.1.1.1             Further  to  the  recommendations of  the  Option  Assessment and  subsequent alignment developments detailed in Section 2 of the EIA report, the preferred TM- CLKL  scheme  comprises  Northern  Connection  Option  N1b,  Main  Connection Option  M3  and  Southern  Connection  Option  S1. This preferred alignment is shown in Figure 2.1 and will comprise:

 

a)        construction of approximately 5.0 km long dual 2-lane road tunnel between Tuen Mun Area 40 and the HZMB HKBCF at north-east of HKIA;

b)        construction of approximately 4.2km seawalls and approximately  35.6 ha of reclamation  to the  Government  foreshore  and  sea-bed  at  Tuen  Mun Area  40  and Lantau  for the tunnel portals  and the associated  roads,  as shown in Figures 2.2a and 2.2b;

c)        construction of approximately 1.6km  long  dual  2-lane  viaduct  between HZMB HKBCF and NLH and the associated roads at Tai Ho;

 

d)        construction of a toll plaza at Tuen Mun Area 46 and the associated roads at Tuen Mun;

 

e)        construction of footpaths areas;

 

f)          construction  of administration  building,  ventilation  buildings  and  other ancillary buildings to facilitate ventilation and tunnel control operation serving the proposed road tunnel in (a) above and toll plaza in (d) above;

 

g)        modification and realignment of sections of Lung Fu Road and Lung Mun Road at Tuen Mun;

 

h)        modification  and realignment  of sections of North Lantau Highway and Cheung Tung Road at Tai Ho;

 

i)           permanent closure and demolition of sections of existing at-grade carriageways, footpaths and central median/refuge islands;

 

j)           temporary closure and reconstruction/modifications  of sections of existing at-grade carriageways, footpaths and central median/refuge islands;

 

(k)    ancillary works including site formation, slope, drainage, utilities, footbridge, noise barriers, retaining walls, berths and temporary pontoon;

 

(l)   temporary staging construction for the viaduct construction between HKBCF and North Lantau.

 

2.1.1.2             Details of the various elements of the selected TM-CLKL alignment are detailed in the sections below.

 

2.2                   Northern Section in Tuen Mun (not applicable)

 

2.3                    Submarine Tunnel (not applicable)

 

 

2.4                    Southern Section at HKBCF / North Lantau (not applicable)

 

2.4.2                 Viaduct Connection  and Slip Roads

Marine Viaduct

2.4.2.1           The marine viaduct comprises a dual 2-lane carriageway with a straight alignment connecting the TM-CLKL southern landfall to North Lantau, connecting at Tai Ho Wan, as shown in Figures 2.4c-j and 2.7. The structural form will consist of a pair of prestressed concrete box girders supported on reinforced concrete piers.  Each box girder will be around 14.6m wide.  The  vertical  profile  will  involve  rising gradients  from both  ends  of the  viaduct  to  a high  point  above  the  navigation channel.

2.4.2.2              Span lengths will typically be 60m using a constant structural deck depth of 3.2m.

At the navigation channel off the south-east corner of the southern landfall, a 160m span with a haunched deck will be used to achieve the minimum navigation clearance of 100m horizontally and a minimum of +26.25mPD vertically.  The haunched segment at pier will be about 11m deep.  The spans adjacent to the navigation span will be 100m long to provide a transition to the typical 60m spans. In total about 50 piers will be constructed in the marine environment, with a predicted loss of seabed of about 0.2ha.  The piers supporting the viaduct will sit on bored piles founded on rock at some 40m below seabed level.  Pile caps will be positioned above the high water level for marine safety.

Land  Connections and Slip Roads

2.4.2.3           There  are  four  slip  roads  connecting  the  marine  viaduct  to  the  North  Lantau Highway (NLH) for eastbound and westbound traffic on the highway connecting to and from the marine crossing. The slip roads comprise four viaducts curving out from the marine viaduct and crossing over the MTR Airport Express Railway before  ramping  down  to  connect  with  the  North  Lantau  Highway.  The two viaducts on the west provide for a 1-lane carriageway and the two viaducts on the east provide for 2-lane carriageways.

2.4.2.4             The viaducts are all prestressed concrete box girders supported on reinforced concrete piers.  The viaducts for a 1-lane carriageway will each be around 11.3m wide, and the viaducts for the 2-lane carriageways, around 14.6m wide. Span lengths will typically be 60m using a constant structural deck depth of 3.2m, while for  crossings  over  the  MTR  Airport  Express  Railway  and  the  North  Lantau Highway, larger spans of 90m are required, together with a haunched deck of a depth of around 6m at piers.

2.4.2.5           The piers supporting the viaducts will all be constructed within the disturbed area of the NLH transport corridor, and sit on bored piles founded on rock at some 20m below ground level, or deeper if underground cavities are encountered (as the site falls within the Designated Area of Northshore Lantau with regards to foundation works).  In order to accommodate the viaduct connections to the North Lantau Highway, diversion of Cheung Tung Road including some of the existing utilities below this road will be required, with associated slope cutting works at the west.

2.4.3                 Slope Works

 

2.4.3.1             Diversion of the existing Cheung Tung Road will require cutting back the road side slope features 9SE-B/C8 and 9SE-B/C9.  The features comprise soil and rock cut slopes, and a similar cut slope profile to the existing would be proposed. If necessary, soil nails will be installed to ensure adequate current safety standard. Some streams pass through the existing slopes works in the form of U shaped channels, and these existing channels will need to be extended up hill to accommodate the new slope extent and profile.

 

2.4.4A                          Temporary Staging Construction

 

2.4.4.1A          Temporary staging is required to provide a stable working platform and transfer of materials for the piling work in connection of the viaduct construction between HKBCF and North Lantau. 

 

The proposed temporary staging scheme comprises a combination of temporary
access bridges (TABs) and isolated working platforms.  Such design scheme can facilitate the transfer of material and hence save time for the construction work.  Moreover, the use of a combination of TABs and isolated working platforms can minimise obstructions to the navigation channel/marine traffic around the works area and minimise propeller wash in shallow waters offshore.  The temporary staging works also require construction of three landing platforms along the seawall as the landing points of the TABs and for the temporary storage and transfer of material from land to the staging platforms. 

 

The preliminary layout plan of the proposed temporary staging is shown in Figure 2.1A in Annex A, which corresponds to the permanent bridge pile layout.  The temporary staging consists of 12 isolated working platforms (spaced from approximately 73m to approximately 195m apart, centre to centre) and two TABs with three landing points near the North Lantau Highway.  The typical pile configurations and details of the temporary staging are provided in Figures 2.2A and 2.3A in Annex A.  The landing point of the TABs comprises three landing platforms to be formed along the seawall near the NLH as shown in Figure 2.4A in Annex A.  Design drawings of these landing platforms are shown in Figure 2.5A to 2.8A in Annex A.  These platforms will be removed and the seawall will be reinstated upon completion of the TM-CLKL construction works.

 

2.5                    Works Areas

 

2.5.1.1             Six works areas have been identified for use during the construction period of TM-CLKL, and will be used for locating site offices and for storage of materials and viaduct segments, etc.  The locations of the works areas are shown in Figure 2.8b and described in Table 2.2 below.

 


Table 2.2     Details of TM-CLKL Proposed Works Areas

 

Works Area

Location

Proposed Use

Lantau

WA4

At the existing reclaimed land

near Tai Ho Offtake and Pigging Station at Cheung Tung Road in Lantau

 

Works area for storage of materials and viaduct segment and site office

WA5

At the existing site offices for

Yam O Road Watermains near Yam O Wan at Cheung Tung Road in Lantau

 

Works area for storage of materials and viaduct segment and site office

WA6

At the existing site offices and

storage yard for Penny¡¦s bay Reclamation near Yam O Wan at Cheung Tung Road in Lantau

 

Works area for storage of materials and viaduct segment and site office

WA23

At the existing reclaimed land

at Wok Tai Wan in Tsing Yi

Casting yard for fabrication of precast units, storage of work boats, materials and site office

 

Tuen Mun*

                        * Note: Not applicable

 

2.5.1.2             All the works areas are currently formed on developed land, with some already being used as works areas for on-going construction projects.

 

2.6                    Sewage and Drainage

 

2.6.1.1             Stormwater drainage systems will be provided to collect stormwater from the carriageway surfaces. The stormwater will enter into gullies along the kerb lines. The gullies will be fitted with sumps to trap silt and grit prior to discharging the stormwater into the stormwater drainage systems. The drainage systems will eventually discharge the stormwater into the sea at discrete locations.  Similar systems will be provided along the marine viaduct. Sump traps will be built into the deck structure, and the collected stormwater will discharge into the sea at the column locations.

 

2.6.1.2             Not applicable

 

2.6.1.3             Not applicable

 

2.6.1.4             Not applicable

 

2.7                    Project Programme

 

2.7.1.1             The Design and Construction Contract of the Southern Connection Viaduct Section of TM-CLKL commenced in June 2013.  An indicative construction programme showing the key activities in different major construction areas is shown in Figure 2.9b.  Locations of the construction areas are shown in Figure 2.9d. This is based upon working 12 hours per day for all land works and 16 hours per day for the marine works, although piling works for the marine sheet piled wall will, also, be restricted to 12 hours per day.

 

2.7.1.2             Not applicable

 

2.7.1.3             Not applicable

 

2.7.1.4             Not applicable

 

2.7.1.5             Not applicable

2.8                    Concurrent Projects

2.8.1                 Interface with HKBCF and HZMB HKLR

 

2.8.1.1             The southern landfall reclamation of the TM-CLKL forms an integrated part of the  HKBCF  reclamation  and  interfaces  with  the  latter  at  a temporary  seawall along its eastern edge.  Reclamation works sequencing and programme have been planned to  match  those  of  the  HKBCF in  order  to  achieve its  Phase  1 commissioning date target in 2014. HKLR is also scheduled to open in 2014 in matching the Phase 1 commissioning date of HKBCF. Detailed coordination of the  interfacing  construction  activities  will  be  required,  including  construction access, layout of  mitigation measures to  control  water  quality  during the construction stage, joint water quality monitoring system, and engineering and construction details at the interface. The layout of the TM-CLKL, HKBCF and HKLR in relation to each other is shown in Figure 2.1.

 

2.8.1.2             As  the  projects are  proposed  to  be  constructed concurrently and  will  be operational  at  the  same  time,  cumulative  impacts  are  possible  and  have  been assessed.

 

2.8.2                 Interface with Tuen Mun Western By-pass (not applicable)

2.8.3                 Other Concurrent Projects

 

2.8.3.1             In addition to the interface with the major concurrent projects described above, details of other concurrent projects during either the construction and/or the operational phases, together with details of how these are assessed in the EIA, are described in the summary table of concurrent projects included as Appendix A2 of the EIA report.

 

2.9                    Traffic Data and Assumptions

 

2.9.1.1             A Local Area Model was developed to provide traffic forecasts for EIA purposes.

The  EIA  requires  cumulative  traffic  forecasts  and,  hence,  EIA  flows  were produced assuming the HZMB, HKLR, HKBCF, TMWB and TM-CLKL were all in  place.  In  order  to  achieve  consistency,  a  consistent  set  of  model  input assumptions have been adopted for the interfacing studies of TM-CLKL, HKBCF, HKLR and TMWB.

 

2.9.1.2             The TMWB was assumed to be ¡§non tolled¡¨ for the purposes of the TM-CLKL EIA forecasts.  This would  make  a  marginal  difference  to the  predicted  TM- CLKL traffic forecasts, increasing the traffic flows slightly and, therefore, would represent a potentially worst case for assessing the environmental impacts. The traffic flows have been divided into the 16 vehicle classes required to determine the emissions of the traffic.

 

2.9.1.3             The opening year for the whole TM-CLKL, i.e.  both northern  and  southern sections, is 2016.  Design year peak hour traffic forecasts have, therefore, been prepared for the years 2016, 2021 and 2031 which reflect the full operation of the TM-CLKL.  In addition, to assess the environmental impacts at the interim year of 2014,  when the southern  section will be opened  to form part of the new road network  servicing  the  HKBCF  Phase  1  commissioning, the  relevant  traffic forecasts for this year have also been prepared.  A summary of the traffic data for the prevailing year of 2007 and the future years of 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2031 and the road links are included in the EIA Report.

 


3                       AIR QUALITY

 

3.1                    Air Quality Parameters

 

3.1.1.1             Monitoring of the Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) levels shall be carried out by the Environmental Specialist (ET) (see Section 1) to ensure that construction works are not generating dust which exceeds the acceptable level.  Timely action should be taken to rectify the situation if an exceedance is detected.

 

3.1.1.2             1-hour  and  24-hour  TSP  levels  shall  be  measured  to  indicate  the  impacts  of construction dust on air quality. The TSP levels shall be measured by following the standard high volume sampling method as set out in the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B.  Upon approval by the Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative (SOR) and the Environmental Protection Department (DEP), 1-hour TSP levels may be measured by direct reading methods for ad hoc measurements.

 

3.1.1.3             All relevant  data  including  temperature,  pressure,  weather  conditions,  elapsed- time meter reading for the start and stop of the sampler, identification and weight of  the  filter  paper,  any  other  special  phenomena  and  work  progress  of  the concerned site shall be recorded in detail by the ET.  A sample data sheet is shown in Figure 3.1 (at the end of Section 3).

 

3.2                    Monitoring Equipment

 

3.2.1.1             A high volume sampler in compliance with the following specifications shall be used for carrying out the 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring:

 

i)           0.6-1.7 m3/min (20-60 SCFM) adjustable flow range;

ii)         equipped with a timing/control device with +/- 5 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;

iii)        installed with elapsed-time meter with +/- 2 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;

iv)    capable of providing a minimum exposed area of 406 cm2 (63 in2);

v)         flow control accuracy: +/- 2.5% deviation over 24-hr sampling period;

vi)        equipped with a shelter to protect the filter and sampler;

vii)      incorporated with  an  electronic mass flow rate  controller or  other equivalent devices;

viii)    equipped with a flow recorder for continuous monitoring;

ix)       provided with a peaked roof inlet;

x)         equipped with a manometer;

xi)       able to hold and seal the filter paper to the sampler housing in a horizontal position;

xii)      easy to change the filter; and

xiii)    capable of operating continuously for 24-hr period.

 

3.2.1.2             The Contractor is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment and shall ensure that sufficient number of high volume samplers with an appropriate calibration kit are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. The high volume samplers shall be equipped with  an  electronic  mass  flow  controller  and  be  calibrated  against  a traceable standard at regular intervals. All the equipment, calibration kit, filter papers, etc. shall be clearly labeled by the ET.

 

3.2.1.3             Calibration of dust monitoring equipment shall be conducted by the ET upon installation and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals. The transfer standard shall be traceable to the internationally recognised primary standard and be calibrated annually. The calibration data shall be properly documented for future reference by concerned  parties,  such  as  the  IEC.  All the data shall be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.

 

3.2.1.4             The flow-rate of the sampler before and after the sampling exercise with the filter in  position  shall  be verified  to  be  constant  and  recorded  in the  data  sheet  as described in Section 3.1.

 

3.2.1.5             If the ET proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure 1-hr TSP levels on an ad hoc basis, he shall submit sufficient information to the IEC to prove that the  instrument  is  capable  of  achieving  a  comparable  result  as  that  the  High Volume Sampler (HVS) and may be used for the 1-hr sampling. The instrument should also be calibrated regularly and the 1-hr sampling shall be checked periodically  by  the  HVS  to  check  the  validity  and  accuracy  of  the  results measured by the direct reading method.

 

3.2.1.6             Wind data monitoring equipment shall also be provided and set up at suitable locations for logging wind speed and wind direction near to the dust monitoring locations.  The equipment installation location shall be proposed by the ET and agreed with the SOR, in consultation with the IEC.

 

3.2.1.7             For installation and operation of wind data monitoring equipment, the following points shall be observed:

 

i)           the wind sensors should be installed on masts at an elevated level 10 m above ground so that they are clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by the buildings;

ii)         the wind data should be captured by a data logger to be down-loaded for processing at least once a month;

iii)        the wind data monitoring equipment should be re-calibrated at least once every six months; and

iv)       wind direction should be divided into 16 sectors of 22.5 degrees each.

 

3.2.1.8             In exceptional situations, the ET may propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon approval from the SOR and agreement from the IEC.

 

3.3                    Laboratory Measurement/Analysis

 

3.3.1.1             A clean laboratory with constant temperature and humidity control and equipped with necessary measuring and conditioning instruments shall be used for sample analysis and equipment calibration and maintenance. The laboratory shall be HOKLAS accredited.

 

3.3.1.2             If a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment shall be approved by the SOR, in consultation with the IEC.  Measurement performed by the laboratory shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the SOR and the IEC. The IEC shall conduct regular audits of the measurements performed by the laboratory to ensure the accuracy of the results. The ES shall provide the SOR and the IEC with one copy each of the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B for reference.

 

3.3.1.3           Filter paper of size 8"x10" shall be labeled before sampling. It shall be a clean filter paper with no pin holes and shall be conditioned in a humidity controlled chamber for over 24-hr and be pre-weighed before use for the sampling.

 

3.3.1.4             After sampling, the filter paper loaded with dust shall be kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag.  The filter paper shall then be returned to the laboratory for  reconditioning  in  the  humidity  controlled  chamber  followed  by  accurate weighing by an electronic balance with a readout down to 0.1 mg. The balance shall be regularly calibrated against a traceable standard.

 

3.3.1.5           All the collected samples shall be kept in a good condition for 6 months before disposal.

 

3.4                    Monitoring Locations

 

3.4.1.1             The air quality sensitive receivers, as determined by the EIA, are shown in Figure 3.2 and these will also form the recommended dust monitoring locations. The status and locations of dust sensitive receivers may change after issue of this manual. If this happens, the ET shall propose updated monitoring locations and seek approval from the SOR and agreement from IEC.

 

3.4.1.2             When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the following preferred locations and factors shall be considered:

 

i)         the site boundary or locations close to the major dust emission source;

ii)        close to the sensitive receptors; and

iii)      the prevailing meteorological conditions.

 

3.4.1.3             The ET shall agree with the SOR, in consultation with the IEC, the position of the high volume samplers.  When positioning the samplers, the following points shall be noted:

i)         a  horizontal  platform  with  appropriate  support  to  secure  the  samplers against gusty wind shall be provided;

ii)        the distance between the sampler and an obstacle, such as buildings, shall be at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the sampler;

iii)      a minimum of 2 metres of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop samplers;

iv)      a minimum of  2  metres separation from  any  supporting structure, measured horizontally is required;

v)       no furnace or incinerator flue is nearby;

vi)      airflow around the sampler is unrestricted;

vii)    the sampler is more than 20 metres from the dripline;

viii)   any  wire  fence  and  gate,  to  protect  the  sampler,  shall  not  cause  any obstruction during monitoring;

ix)      permission must be obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring stations;

x)       a secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers; and

xi)      no two samplers should be placed less than 2 metres apart.

 

3.4.1.4             Prior to construction, the dust monitoring schedule shall be developed by the ET based upon the construction schedule supplied by the Contractor. The ET shall inform the IEC of the impact monitoring programme such that he can conduct on- site audits to ensure accuracy of the impact monitoring results. The environmental monitoring schedule shall be approved by the SOR.

 

3.5                    Baseline Monitoring

 

3.5.1.1             The ET shall carry out baseline monitoring at two representative dust monitoring locations (ASR9A and ASR9C).  The monitoring at these locations shall be undertaken for at least 14 consecutive days prior to the start of the construction works to obtain daily 24-hr TSP samples.  1-hr sampling shall also be carried out at least 3 times per day during the same period. Monitoring shall take place within a 3 week period prior to the commencement of construction works.

 

3.5.1.2           During  the  baseline  monitoring,  there  should  not  be  any construction  or  dust generation activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations.

 

3.5.1.3             In case the baseline monitoring cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring locations  during  the  baseline  monitoring  period,  the  ET  shall  carry  out  the monitoring at alternative locations which can effectively represent the baseline conditions at the impact monitoring locations. The alternative baseline monitoring locations shall be approved by the SOR, IEC and agreed with DEP.

 

3.5.1.4             In the event that insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with the DEP to agree on an appropriate set of data to be  used  as  a  baseline  reference  and  submit  this  data  to  the  SOR  and  IEC  for approval.

 

3.5.1.5             Ambient conditions may vary seasonally and shall be reviewed at three monthly intervals. If the ET considers that the ambient conditions  have changed and a repeat  of  the  baseline  monitoring  is  required  to  be  carried  out  for  obtaining updated baseline levels, the monitoring should be at times when the Contractor's activities  are  not  generating  dust,  at  least  in  the  proximity  of the  monitoring stations. Should a change in ambient conditions be determined, the baseline levels and, in turn, the air quality criteria, shall be revised. The revised baseline levels and air quality criteria shall be agreed with the DEP and supplied to the IEC.

 

3.5.1.7             The Baseline Air Quality Monitoring at ASR9A and ASR9C was conducted during October 2011.  Monitoring results are presented in the Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects ¡V Investigation ([1]).  The baseline data will be adopted in the current EM&A Programme.

 

3.6                    Impact Monitoring

 

3.6.1.1             The ET shall carry out impact monitoring during the course of the works. For regular impact monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least once in every six days shall be strictly observed at two of the designated monitoring stations for 24-hr TSP monitoring (ASR9A and ASR9C). For 1-hr TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every six days should be undertaken at two locations (ASR9A and ASR9C) when the highest dust impact occurs.  The stations to be monitored should be selected based on the prevailing wind direction and their proximity to the active construction works.

 

3.6.1.2             The specific time to start and stop the 24-hr TSP monitoring shall be clearly defined for each location and be strictly followed by the operator.

 

3.6.1.3              In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in the Action Plan in Section 3.7, shall be conducted within 24 hours after the non-compliance is detected. This additional monitoring shall be continued until the excessive dust emission or the deterioration in air quality is rectified.

 

3.7                    Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

 

3.7.1.1             The baseline monitoring results formed the basis for determining the air quality  criteria for the impact monitoring. The ET shall compare the impact monitoring results with air quality criteria set up for 24-hour TSP and 1-hour TSP.  Table 3.1a and Table 3.1b show the method of derivation and the Action and Limit levels to be used, respectively.  Should non-compliance with the air quality criteria occur, the ET, the IEC and the SOR and the  Contractor  shall  undertake  their  specified  actions  in  accordance  with  the Action Plan shown in Table 3.2.

 

Table 3.1a      Method of Derivation of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

Parameter

Action Level

Limit Level

24-hour TSP Level in mg/m3

For baseline level ≤ 200 mg/m³

Action level = (Baseline*1.3+ Limit level )/2

 

260

 

For baseline level >200 mg/m³

Action level = Limit level

 

1-hour TSP Level in mg/m3

For baseline level ≤ 384 mg/m³

Action level = (Baseline*1.3+ Limit level )/2

 

500

 

For baseline level > 384 mg/m³

Action level = Limit level

 

 

Table 3.1b       Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

 

Parameters

Action

Limit

24 Hour TSP Level in

µg/m³

 

ASR9A = 178

ASR9C = 178

260

1 Hour

TSP Level in µg /m³

 

ASR9A = 394

ASR9C = 393

500

 

3.7.1.2             In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring exercise, shall be conducted within 24 hours after the result is obtained. This additional monitoring shall be continued until the excessive dust emission or the deterioration in air quality is rectified.  The Event/Action Plan for air quality is given in the attached Table 3.2.

 

3.7.1.3             The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) shall be empowered to audit the environmental performance of construction, all aspects of the EM&A programme, validate and confirm the accuracy of monitoring  results, monitoring  equipment, monitoring  locations  and procedures. If any exceedances occur, the IEC shall follow the actions stated in the Event and Action Plan in Table 3.2.

 

3.8                    Dust Mitigation Measures

 

3.8.1.1             The EIA report has recommended dust control and mitigation measures.  The Contractor shall be responsible for the design and implementation of the following measures.  The recommended construction dust mitigation measures are summarised in the Air Quality Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule provided in Appendix A.

 

i)           All unpaved roads/exposed area shall be watered which results in dust suppression by forming moist cohesive films among the discrete grains of road surface material.  An effective watering programme of twice daily watering with complete coverage, is estimated to reduce by 50%. This is recommended for all areas in order to reduce dust levels to a minimum;

ii)         Watering  of the  construction  area  8  times  per  day  is  recommended  to reduce dust emissions by 87.5% and shall be undertaken;

iii)        The Contractor shall, to the satisfaction of the Supervising Officer, install effective dust  suppression  measures  and  take  such  other  measures  as  may  be necessary to ensure that at the Site boundary and any nearby sensitive receiver, dust levels are kept to acceptable levels;

iv)       The Contractor shall not burn debris or other materials on the works areas;

v)         In hot, dry or windy weather, the watering programme shall maintain all exposed road surfaces and dust sources wet;

vi)       Where breaking of oversize rock/concrete is required, watering shall be implemented to control dust. Water spray shall be used during the handling of fill material at the site and at active cuts, excavation and fill sites where dust is likely to be created;

vii)      Open  dropping  heights  for  excavated  materials  shall  be  controlled  to  a maximum  height  of  2m  to  minimise  the  fugitive  dust  arising  from unloading;

viii)    During transportation by truck, materials shall not be loaded to a level higher than the side and tail boards, and shall be dampened or covered before transport.  Materials having the potential to create dust shall not be loaded to a level higher than the side and tail boards, and shall be covered by a clean tarpaulin. The tarpaulin shall be properly secured and shall extend at least 300mm over the edges of the side and tail boards;

ix)       No earth, mud, debris, dust and the like shall be deposited on public roads.

x)         Wheel washing facility shall be usable prior to any earthworks excavation activity on the site;

xi)       Areas of exposed soil shall be minimised to areas in which works have been completed shall be restored as soon as is practicable; and

xii)      All stockpiles of aggregate or spoil shall be enclosed or covered and water applied in dry or windy condition.

 

3.8.1.2             If the above measures are not sufficient to restore the air quality to acceptable levels upon the advice of the ET, the Contractor shall liaise with the ET regarding other mitigation measures and consult the IEC for their effectiveness, and then propose these measures to the SOR for approval prior to the implementation of the measures.


 

Table 3.2        Event / Action Plan for Air Quality

 

EVENT

ACTION

ET (1)

IEC (1)

                   SOR(1)

Contractor

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

1. Exceedance for one sample

 

1. Identify the source.

2. Inform the IEC and the SOR.

3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding.

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily.

 

1.  Check monitoring data submitted by the ET.

2.  Check Contractor¡¦s working method.

 

1.  Notify Contractor.

 

1. Rectify any unacceptable practice

2.  Amend working methods if appropriate

 

2. Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples

 

1. Identify the source.

2. Inform the IEC and the SOR.

3. Repeat measurements to confirm findings.

4. Increase monitoring frequency

to daily.

5. Discuss with the IEC and the Contractor on remedial actions required.

6. If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with the IEC and the SOR.

7. If exceedance stops, cease

additional monitoring.

 

1.  Check monitoring data submitted by the ET.

2.  Check the Contractor¡¦s working method.

3.  Discuss with the ET and the

Contractor on possible remedial measures.

4.  Advise the SOR on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures.

5.  Supervisor implementation of remedial measures.

 

1.  Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing.

2.  Notify the Contractor.

3.  Ensure remedial measures properly implemented.

 

1.  Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification

2.  Implement the agreed proposals

3.  Amend proposal if appropriate


 

EVENT

ACTION

Limit Level

ET (1)

IEC (1)

                     SOR(1)

Contractor

 

1.  Exceedance

for one sample

 

1.  Identify the source.

2.  Inform the SOR and the DEP.

3.  Repeat measurement to confirm finding.

4.  Increase monitoring frequency to daily.

5.  Assess effectiveness of Contractor¡¦s remedial actions and keep the IEC, the DEP and the SOR informed of the results.

 

1.  Check monitoring data submitted by the ET.

2.  Check Contractor¡¦s working method.

3.  Discuss with the ET and the Contractor on possible remedial measures.

4.  Advise the SOR on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures.

5.  Supervisor implementation of remedial measures.

 

1.  Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing.

2.  Notify the Contractor.

3.  Ensure remedial measures are

properly mplemented.

 

1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance

2.  Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification

3.  Implement the agreed proposals

4.  Amend proposal if appropriate

 

2.  Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples

 

1.  Notify the IEC, the SOR, the DEP

And the Contractor.

2.  Identify the source.

3.  Repeat measurements to confirm findings.

4.  Increase monitoring frequency to daily.

5.  Carry out analysis of the Contractor¡¦s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented.

6.  Arrange meeting with the IEC and the SOR to discuss the remedial actions to be taken.

7.  Assess effectiveness of he

Contractor¡¦s remedial actions and keep the IEC, the DEP and the SOR informed of the results.

8.  If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

 

1.  Discuss amongst the SOR, ET and the Contractor on the potential remedial actions.

2.  Review the Contractor¡¦s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the SOR accordingly.

3.  Supervise the implementation of remedial measures.

 

1.  Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing.

2.  Notify the Contractor.

3.  In consultation with the IEC, agree with the Contractor on the remedial measures to be implemented.

4.  Ensure remedial measures are

properly implemented.

5.  If exceedance continues, consider what activity of the work is responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that activity of work until the exceedance is abated.

 

1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance.

2.  Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification.

3.  Implement the agreed proposals.

4.  Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control.

5. Stop the relevant activity of works as determined by the SOR until the exceedance is abated.

Note:  ET ¡V Environmental Team, IEC ¡V Independent Environmental Checker, SOR ¡V Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative


Figure 3.1     Data Sheet for TSP Monitoring

 

 

 


4                       NOISE

 

4.1                    Introduction

 

4.1.1.1             Based upon the EIA Report, while impacts are not predicted, as the results are marginally within the criteria, EM&A is recommended at existing Noise Sensitive Receivers (NSRs) in North Lantau during the construction phase to ensure the noise levels are reduced to acceptable levels.

 

4.2                    Noise Parameters

 

4.2.1.1             The construction noise level shall be monitored by the ET and shall be measured in terms of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq). Leq (30 min) shall  be used  as the monitoring  parameter  for the time  period  between 0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays.  In respect of all other time periods, Leq(5 min) shall be employed for comparison with the Noise Control Ordinance criteria.

 

4.2.1.2           As supplementary information for data auditing, statistical results such as L10 and L90 shall also be obtained for reference and shall be recorded by the ES. A sample data record sheet is shown in Figure 4.1 (at the end of Section 4) for reference.

 

4.3                    Monitoring Equipment

 

4.3.1.1             As  referred  to  in  the  Technical  Memorandum  (TM)  issued  under  the  Noise Control Ordinance (NCO), sound level meters in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651: 1979 (Type 1) and  804:  1985  (Type  1)  specifications  shall  be  used  for  carrying  out  the  noise monitoring.

 

4.3.1.2             Immediately prior to and following each noise measurement the accuracy of the sound  level  meter  shall  be  checked  using  an  acoustic  calibrator  generating  a known  sound  pressure  level  at  a  known  frequency.  Measurements may be accepted as valid only if the calibration level from before and after the noise measurement agree to within 1.0dB.

 

4.3.1.3             Noise measurements shall not be made in 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.

 

4.3.1.4             The Contractor shall ensure that sufficient noise measuring equipment and associated instrumentation are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, construction phase impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. All the equipment and associated instrumentation shall be clearly labeled.

 

4.4                    Monitoring Locations

 

4.4.1.1             The  representative  noise  monitoring  stations/sensitive  receiver at Pak Mong Village (NSR1)  is  shown  in Figure 3.2. If the status or locations of noise sensitive receiver changes after issuing this manual, the ET shall propose the updated monitoring location and seek approval from the Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative (SOR) and agreement from the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Protection  Department (DEP) of the proposal to amend the monitoring location.

 

4.4.1.2             When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the monitoring locations shall be chosen based on the following criteria:

 

a) monitoring at sensitive receivers close to the major site activities which are likely to have noise impacts;

 

b)   monitoring at the  noise  sensitive  receivers  as  defined  in the  Technical

 Memorandom; and

 

c)   assurance of minimal disturbance to the occupants during monitoring.

 

4.4.1.3          The monitoring station shall normally be at a point 1m from the exterior of the sensitive receivers building facade and, in the case the measurement is not being carried out at a building, be at a position 1.2m above the ground. If there is problem with access to the normal monitoring position, an alternative position may be chosen and a correction to the measurements shall be made.

 

4.4.1.4           For reference, a correction of  +3dB(A) shall be made to  the  free field measurements. Noise levels shall be corrected in accordance with Section 2.10, 2.11  and  2.13  of  the  ¡§Technical  Memorandum  on  Noise  From  Construction Works Other Than Percussive Piling¡¨. The ET shall agree with the IEC on the monitoring position and the corrections adopted prior to the commencement of the works.

 

4.4.1.5           Once the positions for the monitoring stations are chosen, the baseline monitoring and the construction phase impact monitoring shall be carried out at the same positions.

 

4.4.1.6          The Contractor shall establish the construction equipment list and construction schedule which shall be checked and approved by the SOR and agreed by the IEC. The timing of the noise impact monitoring work shall be developed by the ES based upon the construction schedule prepared by the Contractor.  The monitoring programme  shall  be approved  by the SOR,  the IEC and the DEP  and shall  be reviewed on  a  regular basis  in  light  of  any  changes to  the  Contractor¡¦s construction schedule.

 

 

4.5                    Baseline Monitoring

 

4.5.1.1             The Baseline Noise Monitoring was conducted at NSR1 during the period of 18 October and 1 November 2011. Monitoring results are presented in the Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects - Investigation([2]).  The baseline data will be adopted for analysis in the current EM&A Programme.

 

4.5.1.2             Not applicable

 

4.5.1.3             Not applicable

 

4.6                    Construction Phase Impact Monitoring

 

4.6.1.1             Noise  monitoring  shall  be  carried  out  at  the  designated  monitoring station (NSR1) directly affected by the construction works once every 6 days after the commencement of construction.  During construction works between 0700-1900 hours, one set of Leq (30 mins) measurements on normal weekdays shall be taken. If construction works are extended to include works during the hours of 1900-0700, additional weekly impact monitoring comprising 3 consecutive Leq(5 mins) shall be carried out during evening and nighttime works and applicable permits shall be obtained by the Contractor in accordance with the NCO.

 

4.6.1.2             In case of non-compliance with the construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring as specified in the Event/Action Plan in Table 4.2 shall be carried out. This additional  monitoring  shall  be  continued  until  the  recorded  noise  levels  are rectified or proved to be unrelated to the construction activities.

 

4.7                    Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise

 

4.7.1.1             The  Action  and  Limit  levels  for  construction  noise  are  defined  in Table 4.1. Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, the ET, the IEC, the SOR and the Contractor shall undertake their specified actions in accordance with the Action Plan shown in Table 4.2.

 

Table 4.1  Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise

Time Period

Action

Limit

 

0700-1900 hrs on normal weekdays

 

When one documented complaint is received

 

75* dB(A)

Note:

If works are to be carried during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the construction noise permit issued by the Noise Control Authority have to be followed.

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

 


4.8                    Noise Mitigation Measures

 

4.8.1.1             As no impacts are predicted during the construction stage at the existing NSRs in north Lantau, no specific mitigation measures have been recommended. However,  the  Contractor  will  be  responsible  for  ensuring  noise  levels  are minimized  as  far  as  possible  through  the  application  of  good  site  practices, including maintenance of equipment. During the operational phase, no mitigation is required.


Table  4.2        Event  / Action Plan for Construction Noise

 

EVENT

ACTION

ET

IEC

SOR

Contractor

 

Action Level

 

1.    Notify the IEC and the Contractor.

2.   Carry out investigation.

3.    Report the results of investigation to the IEC and the Contractor.

4.    Discuss with the Contractor and formulate remedial measures.

5.    Increase monitoring frequency to check mitigation effectiveness.

 

1.    Review the analysed  results submitted by the ET.

2.    Review the proposed remedial measures by the Contractor and advise the SOR accordingly.

3.    Supervise the implementation of remedial measures.

 

1.    Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing.

2.    Notify the Contractor.

3.    Require the Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem.

4.    Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented.

 

1.    Submit noise mitigation proposals to IEC

2.    Implement noise mitigation proposals

 

Limit Level

 

1.    Notify the IEC, the SOR, the DEP

and the Contractor.

2.    Identify the source.

3.  Repeat measurement to confirm findings.

4.    Increase monitoring frequency.

5.    Carry out analysis of Contractor¡¦s

working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented.

6.  Inform the IEC, the SOR and the DEP the causes & actions taken for the exceedances.

7.    Assess effectiveness of the

Contractor¡¦s remedial actions and

keep the IEC, the DEP and the SOR

informed of the results.

8.    If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

 

1.  Discuss amongst the SOR, the ET and the Contractor on the potential remedial actions.

2.    Review the Contractor¡¦s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their

effectiveness and advise the

SOR accordingly.

3.    Supervise the implementation of remedial measures.

 

1.    Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing.

2.    Notify the Contractor.

3.    Require the Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem.

4.    Ensure remedial measures are

properly implemented.

5.    If exceedance continues, consider what activity of the work is responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that activity of work until the exceedance is abated.

 

1.    Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance

2.    Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification

3.    Implement the agreed proposals

4.    Resubmit proposals if       problem

still not under control

5.    Stop the relevant activity of works as determined by the SOR until the exceedance is abated.

Note:  ET ¡V Environmental Team, IEC ¡V Independent Environmental Checker, SOR ¡V Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative


Figure 4.1        Noise Monitoring Field Record Sheet

 

 

Monitoring Location:

 

Description of Location:

 

Date of Monitoring:

 

Measurement Start Time (hh:mm):

 

Measurement Time Length (min.):

 

Noise Meter Model/Identification:

 

Calibrator Model/Identification:

 

 

Measurement

Results

 

L90 (dB(A)):

 

L10 (dB(A)):

 

Leq (dB(A)):

 

Major Construction Noise Source(s) During Monitoring:

 

Other Noise Source(s) During Monitoring:

 

Remarks:

 

5                       WATER QUALITY

5.1                    Introduction

 

5.1.1.1              Since the marine works of TM-CLKL will be concurrent with HKBCF and HKLR and the southern landfall of TM-CLKL is indeed an integrated part of the HKBCF The potential water quality impacts of TM-CLKL has been assessed jointly with HKBCF and HKLR. The EIA has, therefore, recommended that the water quality monitoring works of the three concurrent projects, also by the same project proponent, be conducted as a whole to enhance the efficiency and cost- effectiveness of the monitoring programme. Based on this, the water quality monitoring scheme designed assuming the monitoring will be implemented jointly and be coordinated with a project ENPO office.

5.2                    Mitigation Measures

 

5.2.1.1              The EIA Report has assessed the water quality impacts caused by the construction and operation stages.  Mitigation measures have been recommended in the EIA to ensure compliance with the relevant legislative requirements.  These mitigation measures are summarised below.

                       

                        For construction of the marine viaduct:

 

   Bored piling shall be undertaken within a metal casing for the construction of marine viaducts; and

 

   The minimum distance between two pile cap construction sites shall be 50m and maximum pier sites simultaneously under construction shall be limited to 15 piers. The pier locations shall be enclosed by cofferdams.

 

Additional mitigation measures regarding the temporary staging works are listed as follow:

 

   Regular inspection for the accumulation of floating refuse and collection of floating refuse if required;

  Provision of temporary drainage system on the temporary staging for collection of construction site runoff to allow appropriate treatment before discharge into the sea;

  Wastewater generated from construction works such as bored / drilling water will be collected, treated, neutralized and de-silted through silt trap or sedimentation tank before disposal; and

  One additional water quality monitoring station for EM&A is proposed at the coral communities in the proximity of the temporary staging (station SR4a as shown in Figure 3.2), as some coral colonies are not feasible to be translocated.  In case elevated SS or turbidity is identified during the water quality monitoring, the source of pollution will be tracked down and be removed as soon as possible.  In case depletion of dissolved oxygen is identified, artificial aeration will be arranged at the monitoring station SR4a where corals are identified. 

  

5.2.1.2              Prior to the commencement of the construction work, a detailed site drainage management plan should be submitted to EPD. The plan should cover measures to minimize all potential water quality impact arising from the surface runoffs of all the related constructions.

 

5.2.1.3              The guidelines outlined in the Practice Note for Professional Persons (ProPECC), Construction Site Drainage (PN 1/94) should be adopted to control construction site runoff.  Mitigation measures to minimise water quality impacts from construction site runoff and wastewater and sewage generated from construction activities are:

 

   Provision of site drainage systems over the entire construction site with sediment control facilities.  Regular inspection and maintenance of the site drainage systems are required to ensure proper and efficient operation at all times.

 

   Sedimentation tanks or package treatment systems are required to treat the large amount of sediment-laden wastewater generated from foundation construction work, wheel washing, site runoff.  Any construction activities that generate wastewater with high concentrations of SS should also be collected to these facilities for proper treatment prior to disposal.  Treated wastewater can be  reused  for  vehicle  washing,  dust  suppression  and general cleaning.  Bentonite slurry used in bore-pile construction should be reconditioned and reused to minimise the disposal volume of the used slurry.

 

   The construction programme should be properly planned to avoid soil excavation in rainy seasons.  Exposed stockpiles of excavated soils or construction materials should be covered with tarpaulin or impervious sheets to avoid release of pollutants into the drainage channels.

 

   Sewage generated from site toilets and canteen should be collected using a temporary storage system.  Chemical toilets should be provided at different locations for use by the workers on site.  Licensed waste collectors should be employed for collection and disposal of the sewage. The drainage system for collection of wastewater generated from canteen, if any, should be equipped with grease trap capable of providing at least 20 minutes retention during peak flow.

 

   Wheel washing facilities should be installed at all site entrances/exits.

 

   An emergency plan should be developed by the contractors to deal with accidental spillage of chemicals.

 

5.2.1.4              Upon completion of the TM-CLKL / HKLR / HKBCF development, stormwater drainage systems would be completed to collect stormwater generated from the whole area including new roads.  Sewage generated from the TM-CLKL southern landfall and HKBCF development would be treated on site to fulfill effluent limit for discharge.  Additional mitigation measures would not be required.

 

5.2.1.5              Not applicable

 

5.2.1.6              The EIA Report has recommended construction and operational phase mitigation measures. All the prepared mitigation measures are summarised in the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedules in Appendix A.

 

5.3                    Water Quality Parameters

 

5.3.1.1              As  identified  in  the  EIA  Report,  key water  quality  issues  during  construction phase will be dredging and filling works for the reclamation.  Marine water quality monitoring shall be carried out during the construction phase to ensure that any unacceptable increase in suspended solids / turbidity and decrease in dissolved oxygen due to dredging and filling activities could be readily detected and timely action be taken to rectify the situation.

 

5.3.1.2              Dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity (NTU), suspended solids (SS) levels and other general  in-situ  parameters  shall  be  monitored  at  all  designated  marine  water quality monitoring stations during the whole construction phase.  DO and turbidity should be measured in-situ whereas SS should be determined by an accredited laboratory.

 

5.3.1.3              Other relevant data shall also be recorded in a Water Quality Monitoring Logs, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, pH value, salinity, temperature, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site.  A sample monitoring record sheet is shown in Figure 5.7.

 

5.3.1.4              According to the EIA report, there is low concentration for PAH, PCB, TBT, and chlorinated pesticides. Monitoring of these chemicals would not be required during the construction stage.

 

5.3.1.5              The proposed water quality monitoring schedule shall be submitted to EPD at least 2 weeks before the first day of the monitoring month.  EPD shall also be notified immediately for any changes in schedule by fax.

 

5.3.1.6              For TM-CLKL southern viaducts, surveys of the watercourse NL1 in North Lantau (Figure 6.4) which may be affected by slope works or gabion wall construction shall, also, be undertaken. The surveys shall include a description of the stream course/bay, influencing factors, photographs and a map showing areas of active project construction works and areas of stockpiled materials.

 

5.4                    Monitoring Equipment

5.4.1                 Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Measuring Equipment

 

5.4.1.1              The instrument  should  be a portable  and weatherproof  dissolved  oxygen  (DO) measuring  instrument  complete  with  cable  and  sensor,  and  use  a  DC  power source.  The equipment should be capable of measuring:

 

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

 

   Temperature of 0 - 45 degree Celsius.

 

5.4.1.2              It should have a membrane electrode with automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable.

 

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

5.4.2                 Turbidity Measurement Instrument

 

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

 

5.4.3                 Sampler

 

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

5.4.4                 Water Depth Detector

 

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

5.4.5                 Salinity

 

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

5.4.6                 pH Measuring Equipment

 

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

5.4.7                 Sample Containers and Storage

 

5.4.7.1              Water samples for SS should be stored in high density polythene bottles, packed in ice (cooled to 4¢XC without being frozen) and keep in dark during both on-site temporary storage and shipment to the testing laboratory. The samples shall be delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection and be analysed as soon as possible after collection.

5.4.8                 Monitoring Position Equipment

 

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

5.4.9                 Calibration of In-Situ Instruments

 

5.4.9.1              The pH meter, DO meter and turbidimeter shall be checked and calibrated before use.  DO meter and turbidimeter shall be certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or any other international accreditation scheme, and subsequently re- calibrated at 3 monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring.  Responses of sensors and electrodes should be checked with certified standard solutions before each use.  Wet bulb calibration for a DO meter shall be carried out before measurement at each monitoring location.

 

5.4.10               Back-up Equipment and Vessels

 

5.4.10.1            Sufficient  stocks  of  spare  parts  shall  be  maintained  for  replacements  when necessary.  Backup monitoring equipment shall also be made available so that monitoring can proceed uninterrupted even when some equipment is under maintenance, calibration, etc.  For the on site calibration of field equipment, the BS127:1993, "Guide to Field and on-site test methods for the analysis of waters" shall be observed.

 

5.4.10.2            The Water Quality Monitoring will involve a large number of monitoring stations and  measurements  should  be  conducted  within  the  prescribed  tidal  conditions (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted mid-ebb or mid-flood tides) in order to ensure the measurement/samples are representative. A multi-probe monitoring equipment set integrated with water sampler(s) is highly recommended to improve the monitoring efficiency. It is, also, likely that more than one field survey vessels will be required simultaneously to ensure the monitoring are conducted within the acceptable monitoring windows.  The ET shall also consider the use of unattended automatic sampling/monitoring devices at fixed stations where monitoring are required throughout the construction period.  The use of such unattended automatic devices, however, shall be subject to the approval of the SOR, IEC and EPD.

5.5                    Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

 

5.5.1.1              Duplicate samples from each independent sampling event are required for all the suspended solids measurement, which shall be carried in a HOKLAS or other international accredited laboratory.  Sufficient water samples shall be collected at the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory measurement and analysis. The laboratory determination work shall start within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. The analysis for SS is summarized in Table 5.1.

 

Table 5.1   Laboratory Analysis for SS

 

Parameters

Instrumentation

Reference Method

Reporting

Limit

Detection

Limit

Suspended Solid (SS)

Weighting

APHA 2540-D

0.5 mg/L

0.5 mg/L

 

5.5.1.2              If a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS and non-international  accredited laboratory  is  hired  for  carrying  out  the  laboratory  analysis,  the  laboratory equipment,  analytical  procedures,  and  quality  control  shall  be  approved  by EPD. All  the  analysis  shall  be  witnessed  by  the  SOR. The  ET  Leader  shall provide the SOR with one copy of the relevant chapters of the ¡§APHA Standard Methods  for the Examination  of Water and Wastewater¡¨  19th edition  and any other relevant document for his reference.

5.6                    Monitoring Locations

 

5.6.1.1              Locations of the seven (7) water quality monitoring stations are shown in Figure 3.2.  The demarcation of the monitoring stations for different projects will be further determined by the ENPO before the commencement of the construction.  The selection of these stations is based on the following criteria:

 

ii)         Impact stations (IS/GG) within 250m ¡V 500m envelope of the construction works  and  within  the  Mf  sediment  backfilling  sites  (i.e.,  3  impact locations).

iii)        Sensitive  receiver  (SR)  stations  near  to  key  sensitive  receivers  (i.e. 2 SR stations).

iv)       Control stations  at  representative  locations  with  less influence by the projects (i.e. 2 Control stations).  Control stations should be located, as far as practicable, both upstream and downstream of the works area.

v)        Not applicable

vi)       Not applicable

vii)      Mf receiving pit are not required based on the supporting documents for application for variation  of  environmental  permit  (EP  354/2009). Therefore, monitoring of nutrients and heavy metals of Mf Stations are no longer required.

 

5.6.1.2              The co-ordinates of the proposed monitoring stations during construction, post-construction and operation phases are listed in Tables 5.2a and 5.2b and their distribution shown in Figure 3.2. As shown in Figure 3.2, the proposed locations for the sensitive receiver monitoring stations represent the typical sensitive receivers around the project works.

 

Table  5.2a      Proposed  Water  Quality  Monitoring Stations  (Construction  and Post-construction Phases)

Station

Description

Easting

Northing

Parameters to be measured

IS(Mf)9

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

813273

818850

DO, Turbidity, SS

IS(Mf)16

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814328

819497

DO, Turbidity, SS

IS8

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814251

818412

DO, Turbidity, SS

SR4

Sensitive receiver
(Tai Ho Inlet)

814760

817867

DO, Turbidity, SS

SR4a

Sensitive receiver

815247

818067

DO, Turbidity, SS

CS(Mf)3

Control Station

809989

821117

DO, Turbidity, SS

CS(Mf)5

Control Station

817990

821129

DO, Turbidity, SS

Notes:

DO = Dissolved Oxygen;

SS = Suspended Solid;

 

 

Table  5.2b     Proposed  Water  Quality  Monitoring Stations  (Operation Phase)

Station

Description

Easting

Northing

Parameters to be measured

SR3

Sensitive receivers (San Tau Beach SSSI)

810525

816456

DO, Turbidity, SS, pH, Salinity, Temperature

SR4

Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho Wan)

814760

817867

DO, Turbidity, SS, pH, Salinity, Temperature

CS2

Control Station

805849

818780

DO, Turbidity, SS, pH, Salinity, Temperature

CS(Mf)5

Control Station

817990

821129

DO, Turbidity, SS, pH, Salinity, Temperature

Notes:

DO = Dissolved Oxygen;

SS = Suspended Solid;

 

 

5.6.1.3              Control stations (CS(Mf)3 and CS(Mf)5) are necessary to compare the water quality from potentially impacted sites with the ambient water quality.  Control stations shall be located within the same body of water as the impact  monitoring  stations  but  should  be outside  the  area  of influence  of the works and, as far as practicable, not affected by any other works.  The Control stations shown in Figure 3.2 are indicative subject to further review before construction phase. During the review, the location of the Impact stations for boundary of mixing zones will also be re-visited.  If there are any changes to the monitoring locations, these shall be submitted 4 weeks before commencement of baseline monitoring for EPD approval.

 

5.6.1.4              In-situ monitoring (DO, temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity) and water sample for SS shall be taken at 3 water depths, namely, 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. No marine construction activities should be conducted in the vicinity of the stations during the Baseline Monitoring period. The status and locations of water sensitive receivers and the marine activities may change after issuing this Manual.  If such cases exist, the ET Leader shall propose with justification for changes to monitoring locations or other requirements of the EM&A programme, and seek approval from the IEC and EPD.

 

5.6.1.5              The ENPO may, depending on site conditions and monitoring  results,  decides whether additional monitoring locations shall be included or any monitoring locations could be removed/relocated during any stage of the construction phase, after getting approval from EPD.

 

 

5.7                    Baseline Monitoring for Water Quality

 

5.7.1.1              Baseline conditions for marine water quality shall be established and agreed with EPD prior to the commencement of works. The purpose of the baseline monitoring is to establish ambient conditions prior to the commencement of the works and to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed impact and control monitoring stations.  The baseline conditions  shall  normally  be  established  by measuring the DO, temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity and SS at all designated locations specified in Section  5.6 above.  The measurements shall be taken at all designated monitoring stations including control stations, 3 days per week, at mid- flood (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) and mid-ebb (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) tides, for at least 4 weeks prior to the commencement  of marine works.  Replicate in-situ measurements and samples collected from each independent sampling event shall be collected to ensure a robust statistically interpretable database. 

 

5.7.1.2              Baseline  monitoring  programme  may  overlap  with  other  reclamation activities.  The monitoring exercise should be scheduled as far as possible to avoid concurrent  dredging / backfilling  activities  around the monitoring  stations such that representative ambient data could be sampled.

 

5.7.1.3              Other relevant data shall also be recorded, such as monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena underway near the monitoring station.  There shall not be any marine construction activities in the vicinity of the stations during the baseline monitoring.

 

5.7.1.4              As this project will last for a few years, the ET Leader should seek approval from the IEC and EPD on an appropriate set of data to be used with the baseline data collected by this study to establish two set of AL levels respectively for the wet and dry season.

 

5.7.1.5              Baseline  monitoring  schedule  shall  be  faxed  to  EPD  2  weeks  prior  to  the commencement of  baseline  monitoring.  The interval between  two  sets  of monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours.

 

5.7.1.6 A           Baseline Water Quality Monitoring was conducted at sensitive receiver SR4a from 29 August to 24 September 2013.

 

5.7.1.7  A                                               For the other six water quality monitoring stations, baseline monitoring was conducted during the period of 6 October and 31 October 2011.  Monitoring results are presented in the Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects ¡V Investigation ([3]).  The baseline data will be adopted for analysis in the current EM&A Programme.

 

5.8                    Efficiency of Silt Curtains (not applicable)

 

5.9                    Impact Monitoring for Water Quality

5.9.1                 Reclamation (not applicable)

5.9.2                 Relocation of Mf Sediment with Reclamation Area

 

5.9.2.1              The preliminary ground investigation conducted for TM-CLKL did not detect Mf material (ie. Category M Sediment which fails the biological test as per ETWB TC  34/2002)  in  the  project  site  and  no  handling  of  Mf  has  been  predicted. Therefore, this sub-section is only relevant to HKBCF and HKLR projects.

 

5.9.2.2             Not applicable

 

5.9.2.3             Not applicable

 

5.9.3                 Water  Quality  Monitoring along  the  Water  Boundary of  Hong  Kong and Mainland (not applicable)

 

5.9.4A              Water Quality Monitoring for TM-CLKL Southern Connection

 

5.9.4.1             During the course of construction works, impact monitoring should be undertaken at

                        seven (7) monitoring stations in Table 5.2a three days per week, at mid-ebb and mid-flood tides, with sampling/ measurement.  Replicate in-situ measurements and samples collected from each independent sampling event shall be collected  to ensure a robust statistically interpretable database.  The measurement parameters for Post- construction monitoring shall include DO, temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity and SS.  The  measurement shall  be  taken  at  all  designated  monitoring  stations including control stations, 3 days per week, at mid-flood (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) and mid-ebb (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) tides.

 

5.10                  Post-construction Monitoring

 

5.10.1.1            Upon completion of all marine-based construction activities, a post-project monitoring exercise on water quality shall be carried out for 4 weeks in the same manner as the Baseline Monitoring. Replicate in-situ measurements and samples collected from each independent sampling event shall be collected  to ensure a robust statistically interpretable database.  The measurement parameters for Post- construction monitoring shall include DO, temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity and SS.  The  measurement shall  be  taken  at  all  designated  monitoring  stations including control stations, 3 days per week, at mid-flood (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) and mid-ebb (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) tides, for at least 4 weeks.

 

5.10.1.2            Not applicable

 

5.11                  Operational Phase Monitoring

 

5.11.1.1           The marine water quality monitoring shall be performed monthly during the first year of Project operation at all designated monitoring stations including control stations.  Each monthly monitoring event shall consist of one monitoring and sampling event during both mid-ebb (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) and mid-flood (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) tides of the same monitoring day.  The operation phase monitoring shall be ceased after the first year of operation of the Project subject to the first year review.  No marine construction activities should be conducted in the vicinity of the stations during the Operational Phase monitoring period.

 

5.11.1.2         Sampling shall be taken at three water depths, namely, 1m below water surface, mid-depth and 1m above sea bed, except where the water depth is less than 6m, in which case the mid-depth station may be omitted.  If the water depth be less than 3m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored.  In-situ measurements at DO, turbidity, SS, pH, salinity and temperature shall be taken at all the monitoring stations SR2, SR3, CS2 and CS(Mf)5 (refer to Table 5.2b).  A full set of in duplicated situ measurement and water samples shall be collected during each of the mid-ebb (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) and mid-flood (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time) tides.

 

5.12                  Event and Action Plan

 

5.12.1.1           The Action and Limit levels for water quality are defined in Table 5.3.  Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the Action Plan in Table 5.4 shall be carried out.

 

5.12.1.2           Not applicable


Table 5.3 Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameters

Action#

Limit#

DO in mg L-1

 

(Surface, Middle & Bottom)

Surface and Middle

   5.0 mg/L

 

Bottom

4.7 mg/L

Surface and Middle

4.2 mg/L

 

Bottom

 

3.6mg/L

 

SS in mg L-1 (depth- averaged) at all monitoring stations and control stations

120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day and 95%-ile of baseline data, i.e.,

23.5 mg/L

 

 

130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day and and 99%-ile of baseline data, i.e.,

34.4 mg/L

Turbidity in NTU

(depth-averaged)

120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day and 95%-ile of baseline data, i.e.,

27.5 NTU

130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day and 99%-ile of baseline data, i.e.,

47.0 NTU

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

# Baseline data: data from HKZMB Baseline Water Quality Monitoring between 6 and 31 October 2011.

(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 and SS, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

(d)     All figures given in the table are used for reference only, and EPD may amend the figures whenever it is considered as necessary

(e)     The 1%-ile of baseline data for surface and middle DO is 4.2 mg/L, whilst for bottom DO is 3.6 mg/L.

 


Table 5.4  Event and Action Plan for Water Quality

 

Event

ET Leader

         IEC

               SOR

             Contractor

Action level being exceeded by one sampling day

1.           Repeat in situ measurement on next day of exceedance to confirm findings;

 

2.           Identify source(s) of impact;

 

3.           Inform IEC, contractor and SOR;

 

4.           Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor's working methods.

 

1.           Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor¡¦s working methods.

1.           Confirm receipt of notification of non-compliance  in writing;

 

2.           Notify Contractor.

1.           Inform the SOR and confirm notification of the non-compliance  in writing;

 

2.           Rectify unacceptable practice;

 

3.           Amend working methods if appropriate.

Action level being exceeded by two or more  consecutive sampling days

1.           Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance to confirm findings;

 

2.           Identify source(s) of impact;

 

3.           Inform IEC, contractor, SOR and EPD;

 

4.           Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor's working methods;

 

5.           Discuss mitigation measures with IEC, SOR and Contractor;

 

6.           Ensure mitigation measures are implemented;

 

7.           Increase the monitoring frequency to daily until no exceedance of Action level;

1.           Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor¡¦s working method;

 

2.           Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial actions;

 

3.           Review the proposed mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the SOR accordingly;

 

4.           Supervise the implementation of mitigation measures.

1.           Discuss with IEC on the proposed mitigation measures;

 

2.           Ensure mitigation measures are properly implemented;

 

3.           Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.

1.           Inform the Supervising Officer and confirm notification of the non-compliance  in writing;

 

2.           Rectify unacceptable practice;

 

3.           Check all plant and equipment and consider changes of working methods;

 

4.           Submit proposal of additional mitigation measures to SOR within 3 working days of notification and discuss with ET, IEC and SOR;

 

5.           Implement the agreed mitigation measures.

Limit level being exceeded by one sampling day

1.           Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance to confirm findings;

 

2.           Identify source(s) of impact;

 

3.           Inform IEC, contractor, SOR and EPD;

 

4.           Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor's working methods;

 

5.           Discuss mitigation measures with

6.           IEC, SOR and Contractor;

1.           Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor¡¦s working method;

 

2.           Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial actions;

 

3.           Review the proposed mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the SOR accordingly.

1.           Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

 

2.           Discuss with IEC, ET and Contractor on the proposed mitigation measures;

 

3.           Request Contractor to review the working methods.

1.           Inform the SOR and confirm notification of the non-compliance  in writing;

 

2.           Rectify unacceptable practice;

 

3.           Check all plant and equipment and consider changes of working methods;

 

4.           Submit proposal of mitigation measures to SOR within 3 working days of notification and discuss with ET, IEC and SOR.

 

 

 

Limit level being exceeded by two or more consecutive sampling days

1.           Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance to confirm findings;

 

2.           Identify source(s) of impact;

 

3.           Inform IEC, contractor, SOR and EPD;

 

4.           Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor's working methods;

 

5.           Discuss mitigation measures with  IEC, SOR and Contractor;

 

6.           Ensure mitigation measures are implemented;

 

7.           Increase the monitoring frequency to daily until no exceedance of Limit level for two consecutive days;

1.           Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor¡¦s working method;

 

2.           Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial actions;

 

3.           Review the Contractor¡¦s mitigation measures whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the SOR accordingly;

 

4.           Supervise the implementation of mitigation measures.

1.           Discuss with IEC, ET and Contractor on the proposed mitigation measures;

 

2.           Request Contractor to critically review the working methods;

 

3.           Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented;

 

4.           Ensure mitigation measures are properly implemented;

 

5.           Consider and instruct, if necessary, the Contractor to slow down or to stop all or part of the construction activities until no exceedance of Limit level.

1.           Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance;

 

2.           Submit proposal of mitigation measures to SOR within 3 working days of notification and discuss with ET, IEC and SOR;

 

3.           Implement the agreed mitigation measures;

 

4.           Resubmit proposals of mitigation measures if problem still not under control;

 

5.           As directed by the Supervising Officer, to slow down or to stop all or part of the construction activities until no exceedance of Limit level.

 


6                       ECOLOGY

 

6.1                    Introduction

 

6.1.1.1             The EIA has recommended that an EM&A for ecology is undertaken during the design, construction and operational phases of the project.  The objectives of the design phase EM&A are to prepare detailed specifications for translocation works to be undertaken prior to construction. The construction and operational EM&A objectives are to ensure that the ecological contract works and construction mitigation procedures recommended in the EIA are carried out as specified and are effective. The construction and operational phase EM&A will be carried out as part of the site monitoring and audit programme.

 

 

6.2                    Ecology EM&A Procedures

 

6.2.1.1              The design phase audit procedures are detailed in Section 1.5.3 and Figure 1.1.

Ecological specifications for species translocation will be designed as part of the project detailed design phase.  The specifications and designs will be reviewed as and when they are produced.  The final ecological specifications and designs shall be  signed  off  by  the  design  auditor(s)  using  the  appropriate  proforma  (see Appendix B).

 

6.2.1.2             The construction phase ecological audit is concerned with checking the effectiveness of the implementation of the ecology contract works, together with auditing the effectiveness of site mitigation.  Operational phase EM&A will comprise the audit of the reestablishment of habitat areas and the on-going effectiveness of mitigation measures as appropriate.   The operational phase EM&A shall be undertaken during the Contractor¡¦s one year maintenance period. The overall procedures for the ecological EM&A during construction and operation are shown in Figures 1.2 and 6.1.

 

 

6.3                    Design Phase Audit

 

6.3.1.1             Ecological measures proposed by the EIA to mitigate the ecology impacts of the scheme will be incorporated into the detailed design of the project.  In particular, ecology specifications will be produced for the elements detailed in Table  6.1 below.

 


Table 6.1  Ecological Design Specifications

 

Number

Specification

1

Hoarding along the works boundary for protecting the pitcher plants and its surrounding habitat (Not applicable to the current EM&A Programme)

2

Translocation specifications for corals

3

Pre, during and post construction dolphin monitoring.

4

Vessel speed limits and restrictions specification

5

Bored piling monitoring programme specification

6

Design of dredging and reclamation works acoustic decoupling methods  (Not applicable)

7

Specification for dolphin exclusion zone during dredging, reclamation, sheet, bored piling and temporary staging const

8

Artificial reef deployment (Not applicable)

 

6.3.1.2             The specifications should be issued to the EPD and AFCD and other relevant

Authorities for approval before being implemented prior to construction.

 

6.3.1.3             Designs and specifications will be prepared during the detailed design stage by suitably qualified staff on the design team.  The  designs  will  be checked  by a design  auditor(s)  to  ensure  that  the  measures  are  fully  incorporated  and  that potential conflicts with the engineering are resolved prior to construction. In the event of a non conformity, the Event/Action plan detailed in Table 6.2 below shall be followed by the relevant parties.

 

 

Table 6.2         Event / Action Plan for Design Phase

 

Action Level

Ecology Auditor

Project Engineer (PE)

Project Ecologist

(PEC)

Non Conformity (with Design Standards and Specification)

-    Identify Source

-    Inform PE and PEC

-    Discuss remedial actions with PE, and PEC

-    Verify remedial actions when complete

-    Notify PEC

-    Discuss remedial actions with PEC

-    Ensure remedial designs are fully incorporated

-    Amend designs

-    Discuss remedial actions with PE

 

 


6.4                    Baseline Monitoring

 

6.4.1                 Background

 

6.4.1.1              Ecological baseline EM&A will consist of undertaking the following:

 

¡P       Walk-over survey, prior to construction works, of the land and streams where works will be undertaken.  It may be necessary  to rope off and protect specific habitats or species of special interest identified during the ecological surveys;

¡P       Audit of species translocation works (corals);

¡P       Pre-construction dolphin monitoring; and

¡P       Bored piling monitoring.

 

6.4.2                 Baseline Walkover Survey

 

6.4.2.1             The purpose of the walk over survey will be to confirm the existing ecological conditions, with reference to the habitat maps included in the EIA Report and the established  baseline  conditions,  in  relation  to  the  extent  and  condition  of  the habitats  and  species  noted  during  the walkover  survey.  No detailed ecological surveys of flora and fauna will be required at this stage.

 

6.4.3                 Baseline Translocation Works

 

6.4.3.1             In respect of translocation works, the ET will be required to audit the effectiveness of the implementation of the ecology translocation contract works, item 2 detailed in Table 6.1 above.  Prior to the translocation works, pre-construction surveys of corals were conducted at Tai Ho Wan and the potential receptor site of Tai Mo To (Figure 6.2).  An alternative receptor site at Yam Tsui Wan is proposed for the translocated coral from Tai Ho Wan.  Finding of the pre-construction survey are included in the Detailed Coral Translocation Methodology which was submitted to the EPD in accordance with Condition 2.6 of the EP-354/2009A.  The implementation  of the specification for translocation of the corals should be undertaken prior to any major  relevant  construction  works  and  thus,  the  EM&A  for  these  will  be undertaken early in the Contract. The audit will continue into the construction phase after the translocations have been completed.

 

6.4.3.2           A qualified ecologist(s), as part of the ET, will carry out the audit.  The ecological contract works, detailed in Table 6.1, shall be audited with reference to the audit schedule detailed in Table 6.3 below.

 


Table 6.3   Audit Schedule for Ecological Contract Works

 

Specification

Number

(Table 6.1)

Baseline Phase

Construction Phase

2

Audit compliance at least once per week during implementation which will be prior to the start of the main construction activities.

 

After translocation is complete, carry out audit survey to determine if all corals have been moved.

 

Audit success of translocation once every 3 months after completion by assessing survival of transplanted species.  Continue for a period of 12 months.

 

6.4.4                 Baseline Dolphin Monitoring

 

6.4.4.1             Perhaps the most important ecological measure of all is to conduct surveys to monitor the density and behavior of the animals before, during, and after the period of the potential disturbance.  This objective is to determine if the other mitigation measures have been effective in protecting the animals from disturbance and maintaining their habitat quality. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the effects of the construction works on the use of dolphin travelling corridors.  While there is not expected to be a complete physical blockage of the travelling  corridors,  the  works  may  have  some  impacts  in  terms  of  reducing dolphin use of these corridors. As data on this is scarce, dolphin monitoring is, also, required to monitor the use of the travel corridors and if the dolphins stop using the corridors, then it will be necessary to provide some remediation to deal with this, in the form of adaptive management.

 

6.4.4.2             In order for such monitoring to be effective, it needs to be divided into three phases: pre-disturbance (i.e., baseline phase), disturbance (i.e, construction phase), and post-disturbance (i.e., operational phase).  Survey techniques must be held constant from phase to phase and survey equipment and personnel should ideally be the same as well.

 

6.4.4.3             Project-specific  dolphin  monitoring  using  line  transect  surveys  combined  with photo-identification studies, also, have the advantage of being able to provide evaluation of dolphin fine-scale  habitat use patterns. This includes 1 km2 per grid densities and grid-based patterns of feeding, socializing and calving, as well as individual ranging patterns, allowing the detection of any smaller-scale impacts and changes in core area use (see Hung 2008).

 

6.4.4.4             Considering that AFCD monitoring provides useful data, the monitoring programme should comprise undertaking surveys, 2 days per month for a period of 12 months during each phase.  Notwithstanding,  as  9  months  of  baseline surveys have been undertaken  for the purposes of this EIA, a further 3 months only would be required for the pre-construction phase.  In summary, the following monitoring would be required:

 

¡P       Six, one-day survey events to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month over a period of 3 months before commencement of construction;

¡P       One-day survey events to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month for the duration of the marine works construction period; and

¡P       Forty-eight, one-day survey events to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month over a period of 24 months following cessation of the construction.

 

6.4.4.5             The period required for the monitoring is considered to be adequate to derive a reasonably  large  amount  of  data,  thereby  allowing  any  significant  trends  in dolphin distribution to be detected (Jefferson pers. comm.).

 

6.4.4.6           The  monitoring  should  also  be  undertaken  by  a  suitably  qualified  person  (in biology)  and  should  be  independent  of the  construction  contractor  and  should form part of the independent Environmental Team (ET).  The IEC may audit the work of the ET if deemed necessary.  Monitoring should be conducted following the methodology detailed below:

 

Vessel-based Observations

 

6.4.4.7             Line transect surveying techniques have now been standardized in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Waters so that data from all surveys are directly comparable. The study area with line transects is presented in Figure 6.3 which covers the Northeast Lantau (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL). In order to provide a suitable long-term dataset for comparison, pre-, during and post-construction phase dolphin monitoring will employ an identical methodology and follow the same line transects as those in the EIA Report.  Additional transect lines that are used in the AFCD long-term dolphin monitoring are also included, such that the monitoring data collected in this project is comparable to the long-term databases maintained by AFCD.

 

6.4.4.8              On each survey day, the survey vessel will depart from Tung Chung New Pier.  Observation for incidental sighting will begin immediately on departure from the assigned pier and continue until the vessel reaches the survey area. The survey vessel shall have an open upper deck, allowing for observer eye heights of 4 to 5m above water level and relatively unobstructed forward visibility between 270º and 90º. When on-effort, the vessel shall travel along the survey lines at a speed of approximately 7 to 8 knots (13 to 15 km/hr).  The direction of the survey shall be alternated on different days to avoid possible biases related to the timing of the survey coverage.

 

6.4.4.9             Vessel-based transect observations by a three-person team shall be conducted by searching the 180q swath in front of the survey vessel (270º to 90º). The area behind the vessel need not be searched, although dolphins observed in this area should be recorded as off-effort sightings. The primary observer will scan the entire search path (270º to 90º) continuously with Fujinon 7x50 marine binoculars or equivalent as the second member of the team, designated the data ¡§recorder¡¨, scans the same area with the naked eye and occasional binocular check.  The third observer on the boat is required to rotate into the observation team after half an hour, thus relieving one of the initial team.  Observers should rotate every half an hour. While on-effort, observers shall ignore potential sighting cues that could bias the sighting distance calibration (eg pair-trawl fishing vessels).

 

6.4.4.10           A critical consideration in the survey will be to ensure a strict timed quantification of ¡§sighting effort¡¨ in order to maximise the comparative value of the field survey results. The time and position for the start and end of a period of intensive, uninterrupted  effort,  and  the  sighting  conditions  such  as  visibility  range  and Beaufort scale associated with it shall be recorded. The collection of effort data allows  comparisons  within  a  single  study  as  well  as  between  studies.  Strict recording of time and speed travelling along the assigned transect (¡§on-effort¡¨) shall, therefore, be recorded. Time spent during any deviation from the transect will be recorded as ¡§off-effort¡¨.

 

6.4.4.11           During periods of poor weather, when visibility is hindered (e.g., below 1km) or when a Beaufort force 5 is reached, the survey should normally be postponed.

 

6.4.4.12           Sightings distant to 500m perpendicular distance and sightings of single dolphins that were hard to track should not be pursued (although those distant to 500m ahead of the vessel should be pursued).  The initial sighting distance between the dolphin and the survey vessel and sighting angle shall be recorded in order to estimate the positions of the dolphins.  These and other details of the sighting, including the exact location of the sighting and number of individuals should be agreed among the observation team and recorded immediately.  Distances and angles shall be as accurate as possible.

 

6.4.4.13           A global positioning system shall be used during the surveys. A sighting record shall be filled out at the initial sighting with time, position, distance and angle data filled in immediately and verified between primary observer and recorder. All other information on sea state, weather conditions (Beaufort Scale), as well as notes on dolphin appearance, behaviour, and any other information shall also be completed.

 

6.4.4.14            A summary of equipment requirement is summarized in Table 6.5 below.

 


Table 6.5         Summary of Dolphin Monitoring Equipment Requirements

 

Equipment

Type

Vessel for Monitoring

A monitoring boat which should have a flying bridge or upper deck

with a relatively unobstructed forward visibility (270o ¡V 90o)

allowing for observer eye height of 4-5m above water

 

Observation

Fujinon 7x50 marine binoculars (or similar) with compass/reticule

 

Calibration

Leica Geovid laser range finder binnacles or equivalent

 

Navigation and Positioning

Global Positioning System Device (Magellen NAV 5000D or

similar approved) (+ spare batteries)

 

 

6.4.4.15 A         The three-month vessel-based Baseline Dolphin Monitoring was conducted between 5 September and 7 November 2011.  The monitoring results are presented in the Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects ¡V Investigation ([4]).  The baseline data will be adopted for analysis in the current EM&A Programme.

 

6.4.5                 Bored Piling Monitoring Programme

 

6.4.5.1             Based upon the specification prepared during the detailed design phase (Item 5 in Table 6.1 above), a comprehensive monitoring plan should be  implemented  before, during and after the bored piling works is proposed.  The monitoring plan would include both underwater acoustic monitoring, the study the acoustic behaviour of dolphins near the bored piling works site and theodolite tracking of dolphin movement from land in order to determine the actual magnitude of impacts.

 

Acoustic Monitoring

 

6.4.5.2             In  order  to  ensure  that  bored  piling  noise  will  not  affect  the  Chinese  White Dolphins,  noise  levels  from  bored  piling  activities  should  be  measured,  with details of frequency/intensity spectra to be evaluated.  The acoustic results of the monitoring should be analysed in terms of both the Broadband range (100 Hz to 25.6  kHz)  and,  also,  the  dolphin  sensitive  range  (400  Hz to  12.6  kHz). The monitoring will study the acoustic behaviour of dolphins near the bored piling works site and at a control site for comparison, to determine whether foraging behaviour is affected by the bored piling activities and whether dolphin echolocation clicks are masked by bored piling activity noise.

 

6.4.5.3           The specification and detailed methodology for the bored piling acoustic monitoring should be prepared as part of the detailed design and submitted to the EPD and AFCD for approval.

 

6.4.5.4             The acoustic monitoring will be undertaken during the construction phase and commence at the start of the bored piling works.  The exact monitoring period will be determined and detailed in the specification to be prepared during the detailed design stage but is likely to comprise as a minimum:

 

¡P     underwater noise levels measurements from bored piling activities for 10 days from the start of bored piling activities; and

¡P     study the acoustic behaviour of dolphins from a small boat during periods with and without bored piling for 30 days from the start of bored piling activities.

 

6.4.5.5             The monitoring works will consist of data acquisition and analysis of sound to be gathered by  an  experienced bio-acoustician with  specialised experience in processing of appropriate low frequency (to infrasound, down to 20 Hz) and high frequency (into ultrasound, to at least 100 kHz) hydrophone and digital recording equipment, as well as the appropriate analysis devices and programmes. The bio- acoustician should have at least ten years of dolphin sound data gathering and analysis experience, at least three technical publications related to dolphin sounds.

 

6.4.5.6             As bored piling will also be undertaken for the HKLR project, it is possible that a combined monitoring could be undertaken. The monitoring should be conducted at a location at which significant impacts on dolphins are unlikely.

 

Land-based Theodolite Tracking

 

6.4.5.7             The objective of the land-based theodolite tracking of dolphins is to monitor their movements  and behaviour  near the bored piling  works site before,  during  and after the works and record and note any changes in response to the bored piling noise.  The details of the land-based dolphin tracking methodology and frequency will be defined in a specification prepared during detailed design phase.  However, as a minimum the monitoring is likely to comprise 30 days before, 30 days during and 30 days after bored piling works

 

6.4.5.8             This monitoring would consist of data acquisition and analyses of movement and behavioural information of CWD, as gained from a 5-sec. resolution conventional theodolite  and  a  5-sec.  resolution  ¡§total  station¡¨  theodolite  with  laser  range- finding capability, appropriate hand-held range finders, binoculars with distance- measuring reticles and built-in compass, recording gear of digital voice recorder, data sheets, and computer slaved to theodolites.

 

6.4.5.9           Two experienced theodolite/behavioural data gathering operators should undertake the monitoring.  The primary and secondary theodolite operators should have at least ten years of theodolite and behavioural data gathering and analysis experience, at least three technical publications to cover the subject, and appropriate long-term familiarity with the latest version of the tracking program ¡§Pythagoras¡¨.  These  experienced  operators  need  to  have  further  experience  in detailed power analyses for efficient evaluation of number of samples and time/energy needed for statistical evaluations.

 

6.5                    Construction and Operational Phase EM&A

 

6.5.1                 Background

 

6.5.1.1             During  the  construction  and  operational  phases  the  ET  will  be  required  to undertake the following:

 

-       continued  audit  of  the  translocation  works  as  per  the requirements  in Table 6.3 above;

 

-       audit of habitat protection measures as follows:

 

¡±      ensure  that  work  site boundaries  are not  breached  and that  damage does not occur to surrounding areas;

¡±      provided  and scheduled  environmental  briefing/training  sessions  for site staff to raise their awareness on environmental protection;

¡±      ensure placement  of equipment  is within designated areas within the existing disturbed land;

¡±      ensure  construction  activities  are  restricted  to  within  the  proposed works boundary;

¡±      ensure spoil heaps are be covered at all times;

¡±      ensure that disturbed areas are reinstated immediately after completion of the works; and

¡±      ensure temporary disturbance and gabion wall works of steam NL1 in North  Lantau  (if  required)  are  undertaken  during  the  dry  season (Figure 6.4)

¡±      ensure enhancement planting works undertaken.

 

-       audit of acoustic decoupling  for dredging and reclamation work and the vessel restrictions requirements, as specified by the specifications prepared during the design stage (items 4 and 6 in Table 6.1 above);

 

-       implement any further recommendations, if any, of the bored piling monitoring;

 

-       implementation  of the  dolphin  exclusion  zone  during  dredging, reclamation , sheet, piling works and temporary staging construction;

 

-       audit the avoidance  of peak CWD calving  season  in May and June  for driving of metal caissons during bored piling works; and

 

-       audit the  pre-construction,  construction  and  operational  phase  dolphin monitoring.

 

6.5.2                 Construction Ecological Audit

 

6.5.2.1          A  dolphin  exclusion zone  within  a  radius  of  250m  around  the  dredging, reclamation, sheet, bored piling works as well as temporary staging construction should be implemented and the area visually inspected for dolphins prior to commencement of the marine works.  The principles of the exclusion zone are that, during daylight hours, the area should be visually inspected for dolphins prior to commencement of dredging, reclamation or sheet piling works.  The sheet piling works will be restricted to 12 hours a day and visual inspection will be possible.  However, it  is possible  that  the  other marine works for the TM-CLKL would continue for 16 hours per day.  As such, as the visual exclusion zone relies on the visual detection of dolphins, it would not suitable during evening or nighttime periods.  Based upon this, an alternative method using Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) would be required for any dredging and reclamation works undertaken outside daylight hours.  PAM involves the use of hydrophones or cetacean detectors.  The specification prepared during the detailed design should further specify the use of PAM.

 

6.5.2.2             The dolphin exclusion zone should be monitored by independent dolphin observers with an unobstructed, elevated view of the area. Piling should not begin until the observer certifies that the area is continuously clear of dolphins for a period of 30 minutes (thereby adequately spanning the approximate maximum dive time of the dolphins of 4 minutes). The observers must be suitably trained in biology and should be independent of the construction contractor and should form part  of  the  independent  Environmental  Team  (ET)  to  be  employed  by  the Contractor. An Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) would be required to audit the work of the ET.

 

6.5.2.3             For the overall audit of habitat protection, acoustic decoupling, dolphin exclusion zone and the vessel restrictions requirements, in the event of non-compliance, the Event /Action plan detailed in Table 6.6 below should be implemented. 


Table 6.6         Event / Action Plan for General Ecology

 

Action Level

ET

IEC

SOR

Contractor

Non-conformity on one occasion

1.           Identify Source

2.           Inform the IEC and the SOR

3.           Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, the SOR and the Contractor

4.           Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed

1.           Check report

2.           Check the Contractor's working method

3.           Discuss with the ET and the  Contractor on possible remedial measures

4.           Advise the SOR on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures.

5.           Check implementation of remedial measures.

1.           Notify Contractor Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

2.           Consider and instruct, if necessary, the Contractor to slow down or to stop all or part of the works in the case of a serious non- conformity until situation rectified.

1.           Amend working methods

2.           Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement

Repeated Non conformity

1.           Identify Source Inform the IC(E) and the SOR

2.           Increase monitoring frequency Discuss remedial actions with the IC(E), the SOR and the Contractor

3.           Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed

4.           If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring

1.           Check monitoring report

2.           Check the Contractor's working method

3.           Discuss with the ES and the Contractor on possible remedial measures

4.           Advise the SOR on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures

5.           Supervise implementation of remedial measures

1.           Notify the Contractor

2.           Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

3.           Consider and instruct, if necessary, the Contractor to slow down or to stop all or part of the works in the case of a serious non- conformity until situation rectified.

1.           Amend working methods

2.           Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement

Note: ET  ¡V  Environmental Specialist, IC(E)  ¡V  Independent Checker  (Environmental),

SOR  ¡V  Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative


 

6.5.3                 Construction and Operational Phase Dolphin Monitoring

 

6.5.3.1             The dolphin monitoring methodology is described in Section 6.4 above and this should be continued both during construction and post construction (operational) phase based using the same transect, method and survey techniques, based upon the following frequency:

 

-           one-day surveys to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month for the duration of the marine works construction; and

 

-           forty-eight, one-day survey events to be undertaken at a frequency of 2 per month over a period of 24 months following cessation of the construction.

 

6.5.3.2             The  data  after  each  phase  should  be  compared  the  pre-construction  baseline findings. Any apparent differences in density among survey phases should be analysed for trends and the statistical power of the analysis to detect effects of the desired size should be tested. Comparison  of the during and post construction dolphin monitoring with that of over the pre-construction dolphin monitoring will allow the assessment of the overall efficacy of the project-specific mitigation measures through the implementation of an Event and Action Plan detailed in the Table 6.9b below. Statistical procedures shall be used for data comparison. A range of applicable statistical procedures exist (e.g., t-test, ANOVA and ANCOVA, etc.) and the ET shall propose the procedure to be applied as part of the during and post-construction phase dolphin monitoring programme design to be agreed with AFCD prior to the monitoring being undertaken.

 

6.5.3.3             Should dolphin sighting numbers in the construction or post-construction phases be significantly different (taking into account naturally occurring alterations to distribution  patterns  such  as  due  to  seasonal  change)  to  the  pre-construction activity, recommendations  for a further post-construction  monitoring survey will be made.  Data should then be re-assessed and the need for any further monitoring established. Comparison of the pre-construction dolphin monitoring with that of the during and post- construction dolphin monitoring will allow the assessment of the overall efficacy of the project-specific mitigation measures and an Event and Action Plan for the dolphin is provided in Table  6.9b below.

 

6.5.3.4           An  action  plan  should be defined  to  indicate  that  should  dolphin  numbers  be significantly different (taking into account naturally occurring alterations to distribution  patterns  such  as  due  to  seasonal  change)  to  the  pre-construction activity following the during and post-construction monitoring, recommendations for further  monitoring and mitigation will be required. The Action and Limit level which will trigger the Event and Action Plan is proposed for the EM&A programme of the HKBCF.  The Action and Limit Level and the Event and Action Plan of the HKBCF EM&A Programme will both be adopted for the current EM&A Programme given the same area of dolphin monitoring of the two programmes (ie Northeast Lantau (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL)).

 

Table 6.9a       Action and Limit Level for Dolphin Monitoring

 

 

NEL

NWL

Action Level

(STG < 4.2) & (ANI < 15.5)

 

(STG < 6.9) & (ANI < 31.3)

Limit Level

(STG < 2.4) & (ANI <8.9)

(STG < 3.9) & (ANI < 17.9)

Note:

(1)           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

 

Table 6.9b      Event / Action Plan for During and Post Construction Dolphin Monitoring

 

 

Event

ET Leader

IEC

SOR

Contractor

Action Level

1.   Repeat statistical data analysis to confirm findings;

 

2.   Review all available and relevant data, including raw data and statistical analysis results of other parameters covered in the EM&A, to ascertain if differences are as a result of natural variation or previously observed seasonal differences;

 

3.   Identify source(s) of impact;

 

4.   Inform the IEC, SOR and Contractor;

 

5.   Check monitoring data.

 

6.   Review to ensure all the dolphin protective measures are fully and properly implemented and advise on additional measures if necessary.

 

1.   Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor;

 

2.   Discuss monitoring results and findings with the ET and the Contractor.

1.    Discuss monitoring with the IEC and any other measures proposed by the ET;

 

2.    If SOR is satisfied with the proposal of any other measures, SOR to signify the agreement in writing on the measures to be implemented.

1.  Inform the SOR and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing;

 

2.  Discuss with the ET and the IEC and propose measures to the IEC and the SOR;

 

3.  Implement the agreed measures.

Limit Level

1.   Repeat statistical data analysis to confirm findings;

2.   Review all available and relevant data, including raw data and statistical analysis results of other parameters covered in the EM&A, to ascertain if differences are as a result of natural variation or previously observed seasonal differences;

3.   Identify source(s) of impact;

4.   Inform the IEC, ER/SOR and Contractor of findings;

5.   Check monitoring data;

6.   Repeat review to ensure all the dolphin protective measures are fully and properly implemented and advise on additional measures if necessary;

7.   If ET proves that the source of impact is caused by any of the construction activity by the works contract, ET to arrange a meeting to discuss with IEC, ER/SOR and Contractor the necessity of additional dolphin monitoring and/or any other potential mitigation measures (e.g., consider to modify the perimeter silt curtain or consider to control/temporarily stop relevant construction activity etc.) and submit to IEC a proposal of additional dolphin monitoring and/or mitigation measures where necessary.

 

1.   Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor;

2.   Discuss monitoring results and findings with the ET and the Contractor;

3.   Attend the meeting to discuss with ET, ER/SOR and Contractor the necessity of additional dolphin monitoring and any other potential mitigation measures;

4.   Review proposals for additional monitoring and any other mitigation measures submitted by ET and Contractor and advise ER/SOR of the results and findings accordingly;

5.   Supervise / Audit the implementation of additional monitoring and/or any other mitigation measures and advise ER/SOR the results and findings accordingly.

1.    Attend the meeting to discuss with ET, IEC and Contractor the necessity of additional dolphin monitoring and any other potential mitigation measures;

2.    If ER/SOR is satisfied with the proposals for additional dolphin monitoring and/or any other mitigation measures submitted by ET and Contractor and verified by IEC, ER/SOR to signify the agreement in writing on such proposals and any other mitigation measures;

3.    Supervise the implementation of additional monitoring and/or any other mitigation measures.

1.  Inform the ER/SOR and confirm notification of the non- compliance in writing;

2.  Attend the meeting to discuss with ET, IEC and ER/SOR the necessity of additional dolphin monitoring and any other potential mitigation measures;

3.  Jointly submit with ET to IEC a proposal of additional dolphin monitoring and/or any other mitigation measures when necessary;

4.   Implement the agreed additional dolphin monitoring and/or any other mitigation measures.

 

6.5.3.5A        It should be noted that the current Southern Connection Viaduct Section EM&A programme is exempted from carrying out the vessel-based line transect dolphin monitoring until the completion of the dolphin monitoring carried out under the HKBCF Reclamation Contract and the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section Contract.   Vessel-based line transect dolphin monitoring data from the impact monitoring of Contract No. HY/2011/03 - HZMB HKLR - Section between Scenic Hill and HKBCF will be adopted for the current Southern Connection Viaduct Section EM&A programme.

 

6.6                    Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

 

6.6.1.1                  Ecological mitigation and enhancement  measures recommended  by the EIA are largely  related  to  the  protection  of  key  floral  and  fauna  species  and  are summarized below.  In addition, measures recommended to minimise impacts on water quality will, also, reduce impacts on marine ecological resources. The ecological mitigation and enhancement measures to be implemented during the construction phase are as follows:

 

l      use  acoustic  decoupling methods  to  minimise  noise  being  transmitted through the dredging and reclamation barges;

 

Ÿ      Vessel speed limit and restrictions required for other parts of the works under the TM-CLKL will be implemented;

 

Ÿ      250m  dolphin  exclusion  zone  during  dredging,  reclamation,  sheet, bored
piling works and temporary staging work;

 

l      avoidance of the peak calving season of May and June for  installation of metal caisson during bored piling works;

 

l      survey and translocation of corals before the temporary staging construction as an enhancement measure;

 

l      regularly  check  the  work  site  boundaries  to  ensure  that  they  are  not breached and that damage does not occur to surrounding areas;

 

l      provided environmental briefing/training sessions for site staff;

 

l      planting of approximately 33ha as an enhancement measure for vegetation loss; and

 

l      gabion wall works in steam NL1 in Lantau to be undertaken in the dry season.

 

6.6.1.2             The mitigation measures shall be audited at least once every week as part of the site audit programme. In the event of a non-compliance, the Event /Action plan detailed above shall be followed by the relevant parties.

 

6.6.1.3             In addition, in order to address the cumulative impacts from all the projects and compensate for the cumulative Chinese White Dolphin and fisheries habitat loss, the Government has made a firm commitment to seek to designate the Brothers Islands as a marine park for enhancing the CWD habitat in accordance with the statutory process stipulated in the Marine Parks Ordinance. The designation of the proposed marine park would proceed after the completion of these projects. A study will be conducted to confirm the details of the proposed marine park before the commencement of the statutory procedures as stipulated in the Marine Parks Ordinance.  The Government¡¦s commitment to the marine park and its control and management  in  accordance  with  the  Marine  Parks  Ordinance,  as  well  as  the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Regulations, would significantly help conserve the CWD,  and hence serves as an effective  mitigation  measure  for the loss of CWD  habitat  arising  from  these  projects.  With this committed measures, the residual cumulative impacts to the CWD in terms of permanent habitat loss would be acceptable.


7.                     LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT

 

7.1                   Introduction

 

7.1.1.1             The  EIA  has  recommended  landscape  and  visual  mitigation  measures  to  be undertaken during both the construction and operational phases of the project.  This section outlines the monitoring and audit of these measures.

 

7.1.1.2             The sensitive receivers are shown in Figures 7.1.1.3 to 7.1.1.5, 7.2.1.3 to 7.2.1.5, 7.3.1.2, 7.3.1.4 and 7.3.2.1.

 

 

7.2                   Relevant Legislation

 

7.2.1.1             The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the project:

¡P       Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499.S.16) and the Technical

¡P       Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO TM), particularly Annexes 10 and 18

¡P       Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note 8/2002

¡P       ETWB No. 36/ 2004 - Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS)

¡P       ETWB TCW No. 10/2005 - Planting on Footbridges and Flyovers

¡P       ETWB  TCW No.  2/2004  -  Maintenance  of  Vegetation and  Hard  Landscape Features

¡P       ETWB  TCW  No.  29/2004  -  Registration  of  Old  and  Valuable  Trees,  and Guidelines for their Preservation

¡P       ETWB TCW No. 3/2006 - Tree Preservation

¡P       ETWB TCW No. 5/2005 on Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising from construction works

¡P       Hong Kong International Airport Approved Plant Species List (Revision 3: June 2007)

¡P       Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, particular Chapter 4, Chapter 8, Chapter 10 and Chapter 11

¡P       HQ/GN/13 - Interim Guidelines for Tree Transplanting Works under Highways Department¡¦s Vegetation Maintenance Ambit

¡P       HyDTC No. 3/2008 - Independent Vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of Highways Department

¡P       HyDTC No. 5/2000 on Control in the Use of Shotcrete (Sprayed Concrete) in Slope Works

¡P       Protection of Endangered Species of Animals And Plants Ordinance (Cap 586)

¡P       Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong

¡P       Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131)

¡P       WBTC No. 17/2000 on Improvement to the Appearance of Slopes

¡P       WBTC No. 25/92 - Allocation of Space for Urban Street Trees

¡P       WBTC No. 25/93 on Control of Visual Impact of Slopes

¡P       WBTC No. 7/2002 - Tree Planting in Public Works

 

 

7.3                   Methodology and Criteria

 

7.3.1.1             The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures should be checked to ensure that they are fully realised and that potential conflicts between the proposed landscape measures and any other project works and operational requirements are resolved at the earliest possible date and without compromise to the intention of the mitigation measures.

 

7.3.1.2             Site inspection and audit is necessary in the operation stage.

 


Table 7.1        Monitoring Programme

Stage

Monitoring Task

Monitoring

Report

Form of

Approval

Frequency

Design

Monitoring  of  design  works against  the  recommendations of  the  landscape  and  visual impact assessments within the EIA should

  be  undertaken during detailed design and tender  stages,  to  ensure  that they fulfil the intentions of the mitigation measures. Any changes  to  the design, including design changes on site should also be checked.

 

Report by SOR confirming that the design conforms  to requirements of EP

Approved by Client

At Completion of Design Stage

Construction

Monitoring of the contractor¡¦s operations   during the construction period.

Report  on Contractor's compliance, by ET

Counter-signature of report by IEC

Weekly

Establishment

Works

Monitoring of the planting works during the 24-month establishment           period  after completion of the construction works.

Report  on Contractor's compliance, by ET

Counter-signature of report by IEC

3 months

 

Design Phase

 

7.3.1.3       The mitigation measures proposed within the EIA to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts of the scheme should be embodied into the detailed engineering design and landscape design drawings and contract documents.  Detailed landscaping drawings and specification should be checked during detailed design stage and before tender stage by a Registered Landscape Architect to ensure that the measures are fully incorporated and that potential conflicts with civil engineering, geo-technical, structural, lighting, signage, drainage, underground utility and operational requirements are resolved prior to construction. Monitoring of design works against the recommendations of the landscape and visual impact assessments within the EIA should be undertaken when the designs are produced to ensure that they fulfill the intentions of mitigation measures.

 

Construction & Establishment Period

 

7.3.1.4           The implementation of landscape construction works and subsequent maintenance operations during the 12-month establishment period must be supervised by fully qualified Landscape Resident Site Staff (Registered Landscape Architect or Professional Member of the Hong Kong Institute of landscape Architects).

 

7.3.1.5       Measures to mitigate landscape and visual impacts during construction should be checked and monitored by a Registered Landscape Architect to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the mitigation measures.

 

7.3.1.6       The progress of the engineering works shall be regularly reviewed on site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for the landscape works to be undertaken.

 

7.4                   Baseline Monitoring

 

7.4.1.1             A one off survey shall be conducted prior to commencement of any construction works. A photographic record of the site at the time of the contractor¡¦s possession of the site shall be prepared by the Contractor and approved by the SOR.  The approved photographic Record shall be submitted to the Project proponent, ET, IEC and EPD for record.

 

7.5                   Event and Action Plan

 

7.5.1.1             Should  non-compliance  of  the  landscape  and  visual  impacts  occur,  actions  in accordance with the action plan stated in Table 7.2 should be carried out.

 


Table 7.2        Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact

EVENT ACTION LEVEL

¡@

Action

ET

IEC

SOR

Contractor

Design Check

¡P Check  final design conforms to the requirements of EP and prepare report.

¡P Check report.

¡P Undertake remedial design if necessary

¡@

¡@

¡@

¡P  Recommend remedial design if necessary

¡@

¡@

Non-conformity on one occasion

¡P Identify Source

¡P Check report

¡P Notify Contractor

¡P Amend working methods

¡@

¡P Inform IEC and

¡P Check Contractor's working method

¡P Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

¡P Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement

¡@

¡P Discuss remedial actions with IEC, SOR and Contractor

¡P Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures

¡@

¡@

¡@

¡P Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed

¡P Advise SOR on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures.

¡@

¡@

¡@

 

¡P Check implementation of remedial measures.

¡@

¡@

Repeated Non-conformity

¡P Identify Source

¡P Check monitoring report

¡P Notify Contractor

¡P Amend working methods

¡@

¡P Inform IEC and SOR

¡P Check Contractor's working method

¡P Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

¡P Rectify damage and undertake any necessary replacement

¡@

¡P Increase monitoring frequency

¡P Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures

 

¡@

¡@

¡P Discuss remedial actions with IEC, SOR and Contractor

¡P Advise SOR on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures

¡@

¡@

¡@

¡P Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed

¡P Supervise implementation of remedial measures.

¡@

¡@

¡@

¡P If non-conformity stops, cease additional monitoring

¡@

¡@

¡@

 

 


7.6                   Mitigation Measures

 

7.6.1.1             The landscape and visual impact assessment of the EIA recommends a series on mitigation measures, as noted below:

 

Design Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

 

 

 

„h

 

„h

¡P             Round angle, patterned finishes, and oval shaped pier were considered in the viaduct design, and further details will be developed under ACABAS submission (DM3);

„h

¡P             Details  of  the  street  furniture  will be  developed  in the  detailed design  stage (DM4); and

„h

¡P             Aesthetic  design  of  the  viaduct,  retaining  wall  and  other  structures  will  be developed under ACABAS submission (DM5).

 

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures during Construction Phase

 

„h

¡P             Existing trees on boundary of the Project Area shall be carefully protected during construction. Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification. Under this specification, the Contractor shall be required to submit, for approval, a detailed working method statement for the protection of trees prior to undertaking any works adjacent to all retained trees, including trees in contractor¡¦s works areas. (Tree protection measures will be detailed at Tree Removal Application stage) (CM1),

„h

¡P             Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical.  Trees will be transplanted straight to their final receptor site and in the Contract Specification. Sufficient time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed in the project programme (CM2),not held in a temporary nursery. A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification shall be provided

„h

¡P             Hillside and roadside screen planting to proposed roads, associated structures and slope works (CM3),

„h

¡P             Hydroseeding or sheeting of soil stockpiles with visually unobtrusive material (in earth tone) (CM4),

„h

¡P             Screening of construction works by hoardings  around  works  area in visually unobtrusive colours, to screen works (CM5),

„h

¡P             Control night-time lighting and glare by hooding all lights (CM6),

 

¡P             Ensure no run-off into water body adjacent to the Project Area (CM7),

„h

¡P             Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of buildings and structures (CM8),

„h

¡P             Recycle/Reuse all felled trees and vegetation, e.g. mulching (CM9),

„h

¡P             Compensatory tree planting  shall  be  provided  to  the  satisfaction  of  relevant Government departments. Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Felling Application process under ETWBTC 3/2006 (CM10).

 

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures during Operation Phase

 

„h

¡P             Re-vegetation of affected woodland/shrubland with native species (OM1),

„h

¡P             Tall buffer screen tree / shrub / climber planting should be incorporated to soften hard engineering structures and facilities (OM2),

„h

¡P             Streetscape elements (e.g. paving, signage, street furniture, lighting etc.) shall be sensitively designed in a manner that responds to the local context, and minimises potential negative landscape and visual impacts. Lighting units should be directional and minimise unnecessary light spill (OM3),

„h

¡P             Structure, ornamental tree / shrub / climber planting should be provided along roadside amenity strips, central dividers and newly formed slopes to enhance the townscape quality and further greenery enhancement (OM4),

„h

¡P             Aesthetically pleasing design (visually unobtrusive and non-reflective) as regard to  the  form,  material  and  finishes  shall  be  incorporated  to  all  buildings, engineering structures and associated infrastructure facilities (OM5),

„h

¡P             Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of buildings and structures (OM6).


8                       WASTE  MANAGEMENT AND CONTAMINATED LAND

 

8.1                    Waste Issues

 

8.1.1                 Summary of Waste Arisings

 

8.1.1.1             The  Contractor  is  responsible  for  waste  control  within  the  construction  site, removal of waste material produced from the site and to implement any mitigation measures to minimise waste or redress problems arising from the waste from the site. Activities during the construction phase will result in the generation of a variety of wastes which can broadly be classified into distinct categories based on their nature and the options for their disposal.  These include:

¡P       Marine dredged sediment;

¡P       Excavated  construction  and  demolition  (C&D) materials  suitable for public fill, including the alluvium from the tunnel construction;

¡P       Construction and demolition waste, including cleared vegetation, which is not suitable for public fill;

¡P       Chemical waste;

¡P       Sewage; and

¡P       General refuse.

 

 

8.1.1.2             Not applicable

 

8.1.1.3             Not applicable

 

8.1.1.4             A  total  of  0.028Mm3  of  dredged  material  is  predicted  to  be  generated, comprising approximately 0.02Mm3 of Category L, 0.005 Mm3 of Category Mp and 0.003 Mm3 of Category Mf  materials.

 

8.1.1.5              The Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials generated from the TM-CLKL project will comprise the following:

¡P          Alluvium and CDG from the submarine tunnel and deep sections of the marine viaduct bridge piers and building foundations;

¡P          Excavation  materials  from the  land  viaduct  construction,  slope  cutting, utility  diversions,  site  formation  of  the  toll  plaza  and  administration buildings formation; and

¡P          Road and pavement demolition waste from the modification of the existing roads for new roads connections.

 

8.1.1.6             In accordance with the waste hierarchy, the amounts of materials to be generated has been minimised by optimizing the slope profiles. However, a total of 141,994 m3 of soft C&D material will be generated  and will require off site disposal or to be reused.  All the material will be suitable for public fill, although alluvium and small amounts of CDG generated by the deeper sections of the marine  viaduct  piles will require to be treated at a slurry treatment plant and suitably dried before transfer to a fill bank. The by- product of the treatment comprises both a coarser, dry material and a wet spoil, and, where required, the spoil material shall be scarified to ensure it is "suitably" dried before it can be disposed of to the fill bank.  This principle of disposal has been agreed by the Public Fill Committee.

 

8.1.1.7             An estimated total of 129,006 m3 of C&D materials will be reused on site. In addition, 1,249 m3 of various new material will, also, required importing.  The onsite transfer and off site removal of the material has the potential for impacting any local residents associated with the possible dust generation  from  the  exported  fill,  deposition  of  material  on  public  roads  and emissions and  noise  from  the  construction  vehicles.  However, the additional traffic is not expected to cause any additional impacts to sensitive receivers along this route.  It should be noted that the forecast of the volume of generated C&D materials would be updated upon completion of the Design works for the Project

 

8.1.1.8             The volumes C&D waste, are expected to be limited but the material, not being suitable for public fill, will require disposal to landfill. It is, also, unlikely that any large quantities of chemical wastes will be generated during the construction of  this  project  but  any  materials  should  be  handled,  stored,  transported  and disposed of in an appropriate manner.  Other wastes including sewage and general refuse will be generated  and these will also need to be collected and disposed offsite appropriately.

 

8.1.2                 Mitigation Measures

 

8.1.2.1             Based on the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report, the following measures, as  summarized in  the  Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule  in  Appendix A,  shall  be  undertaken  when  handling  waste  material during construction phase:

 

i)          The  requirements as  stipulated in  the  ETWB TC(W) No.19/2005 Environmental Management on Construction Sites and the other relevant guidelines should be included in the Particular Specification for the Contractor as appropriate.

 

ii)         The  TM-CLKL  Contractor  should  be  requested  to  submit  an  outline Waste Management Plan (WMP) prior to the commencement of construction work, in accordance with the ETWB TC(W) No.19/2005 so as to provide an overall framework of waste management and reduction. The WMP should include:

 

¡P        Waste management policy;

 

¡P        Record of generated waste;

 

¡P        Waste reduction target;

 

¡P        Waste reduction programme;

 

¡P        Role and responsibility of waste management team;

 

¡P        Benefit of waste management;

 

¡P        Analysis of waste materials;

 

¡P        Reuse, recycling and disposal plans;

 

¡P        Transportation process of waste products; and

 

¡P        Monitoring and action plan.

 

iii)       The  waste  management  hierarchy  below  should  be  strictly  followed.  This hierarchy should be adopted to evaluate the waste management options in order to maximise the extent of waste reduction and cost reduction.  The records of quantities of waste generated, recycled and disposed (locations) should be properly documented.

iv)       A trip-ticket system should be established in accordance with ETWB(W) 31/2004  and  Waste  Disposal  (Charges  for  Disposal  of  Construction Waste) Regulation to monitor the disposal of public fill and solid wastes at public filling facilities and landfills, and to control fly-tipping.  A trip- ticket system would be included as one of the contractual requirements for  the  Contractor  to  strictly  implement.  The  Supervising Officer  would  also regularly audit the effectiveness of the system.

v)        A recording  system  for  the amount  of waste  generated,  recycled  and disposed (locations) should be established.  The future Contractor should also  provide proper  training to  workers regarding the  appropriate concepts  of  site  cleanliness  and  waste  management  procedures,  e.g. waste reduction, reuse and recycling all the time.

vi)       The CEDD should be timely notified of the estimated spoil volumes to be generated and the Public Fill Committee should be notified and agreement sort on the disposal of surplus inert C&D materials e.g. good quality rock during detailed design of the TM-CLKL project.  Wherever practicable,  C&D materials should be segregated from other wastes to avoid contamination and to ensure acceptability at public filling areas or reclamation sites.

vii)     The extent of cutting operation should be optimised where possible.  Earth  retaining  structures  and bored  pile walls  should  be proposed  to minimise the extent of cutting.

viii)    Inert C&D materials from slopes and road pavement will be reused for construction of the raised platform for the toll plaza.

ix)       C&D materials  generated  by construction  of cut slopes along NLH at North Lantau shall be reused in reclamation works where possible.

x)        The surplus surcharge should be transferred to a fill bank.

xi)       TMB generated alluvium and CDG material should be treated at a slurry treatment plant prior to transfer to a fill bank (Not applicable).

xii)     Rock  armour  from the existing  seawall  should  be reused  on the new sloping seawall as far as possible.

xiii)    The site and surroundings shall be kept tidy and litter free.

xiv)   No waste shall be burnt on site.

xv)     Make provisions in contract documents to allow and promote the use of recycled aggregates where appropriate.

xvi)   Prohibit  the Contractor  to dispose  of C&D  materials  at any  sensitive locations e.g. natural habitat,, etc. The Contractor should propose the final disposal sites in the EMP and WMP for approval before implementation.

xvii)  Stockpiled material shall be covered by tarpaulin and /or watered as appropriate to prevent windblown dust and surface run off.

xviii)Excavated material in trucks shall be covered by tarpaulins to reduce the potential for spillage and dust generation.

xix)   Wheel washing facilities shall be used by all trucks leaving the site to prevent transfer of mud onto public roads.

xx)     Dredged marine mud shall be disposed of in a gazetted marine disposal ground under the requirements of the Dumping at Seas Ordinance.

xxi)   Standard formwork or pre-fabrication should be used as far as practicable  so as to minimise  the C&D materials  arising. The use of more durable formwork or plastic facing for construction works should also be considered.  The use of wooden hoardings should be avoided and metal hoarding should be used to facilitate recycling. Purchasing of construction  materials  should  be  carefully  planned  in  order  to  avoid over-ordering and wastage.

xxii)  The Contractor should recycle as many C&D materials (this is a waste section) as possible on-site. The public fill and C&D waste should be segregated  and  stored  in separate  containers  or skips  to  facilitate  the reuse or recycling of materials and proper disposal. Where practicable, the concrete and masonry should be crushed and used as fill materials. Steel reinforcement bar should be collected for use by scrap steel mills. Different  areas  of the  sites  should  be  considered  for  segregation  and storage activities.

xxiii)All falsework will be steel instead of wood.

xxiv)          Chemical  waste  producers  should  register  with  the  EPD.  Chemical waste should be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Handling and Storage of Chemical Wastes as follows:

 

¡P       Suitable for the  substance to be  held, resistant to corrosion, maintained in good conditions and securely closed;

 

¡P       Having a capacity of <450L unless the specifications have been approved by the EPD; and

 

¡P       Displaying a label in English and Chinese according to the instructions prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.

 

¡P       Clearly labelled and used solely for the storage of chemical wastes;

 

¡P       Enclosed with at least 3 sides;

 

¡P       Impermeable floor and bund with capacity to accommodate 110% of the  volume  of  the  largest  container  or  20%  by  volume  of  the chemical waste stored in the area, whichever is greatest;

 

¡P       Adequate ventilation;

 

¡P       Sufficiently  covered  to  prevent  rainfall  entering  (water  collected within the bund must be tested and disposed of as chemical waste, if necessary); and

 

¡P       Incompatible materials are adequately separated.

 

xxv)      Waste oils, chemicals or solvents shall not be disposed of to drain;

xxvi)    Adequate  numbers  of  portable  toilets  should  be  provided  for  on-site workers.  Portable  toilets  should  be  maintained  in  reasonable  states, which will not deter the workers from utilising them.  Night soil should be regularly collected by licensed collectors.

xxvii)   General  refuse  arising  on-site  should  be  stored  in  enclosed  bins  or compaction units separately from C&D and chemical wastes.  Sufficient dustbins  shall be provided  for storage  of waste  as required  under  the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances By-laws. In addition, general  refuse  shall  be  cleared  daily and  shall  be  disposed  of to  the nearest licensed landfill or refuse transfer station. Burning of refuse on construction sites is prohibited.

xxviii) All waste containers shall be in a secure area on hardstanding;

xxix)    Aluminum  cans  are  usually  collected  and  recovered  from  the  waste stream  by  individual collectors if  they  are  segregated and easily accessible.   Separately  labelled  bins  for  their  deposition  should  be provided as far as practicable.

xxx)      Office wastes can be reduced by recycling of paper if such volume is sufficiently large to warrant collection.  Participation in a local collection scheme  by  the  Contractor  should  be  advocated.   Waste  separation facilities for  paper,  aluminum cans,  plastic  bottles,  etc  should  be provided on-site.

xxxi)    Training  shall  be  provided  to  workers  about  the  concepts  of  site cleanliness  and  appropriate  waste  management  procedure,  including waste reduction, reuse and recycling.

 

8.1.3                 Waste Disposal Recommendations

 

8.1.3.1              The recommended  disposal sites for the different types of waste are detailed in Table  8.1 below:

 

 

Table 8.1 Recommended Waste Disposal Sites

 

Type of Waste

Disposal Site

Marine Dredged Mud (1)

Category L and Mp ¡V South Dangan Liedao, South Cheung Chau Open Sea Sediment Disposal Area and ESC/SB Contaminated Mud Pits.

 

Category Mf  ¡V  ESC/SB Contaminated Mud Pits. 

C&D materials

Tuen Mun Areas 38 public fill bank

C&D waste (plastics, glass, wood,

including cleared vegetation etc.)

North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station; or

NWNT Refuse Transfer Station

Chemical waste (as defined under

Schedule 1 of the Waste Disposal

(Chemical Waste) Regulation)

Chemical Treatment Facility at Tsing Yi:

or

Other approved facility

General refuse

North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station; or

NWNT Refuse Transfer Station

Note: (1) Subject to DASO application

 

8.2                    Contaminated Land

 

8.2.1.1             The results of the contaminated land assessment did not reveal any contamination hotspots that might be affected by the proposed TM-CLKL works and as such no mitigation measures in the form of contaminated land remediation is required. Therefore, no EM&A activities for the construction nor operational phases have been recommended as no significant impacts are predicted.

 

8.3                    Waste EM&A Requirements

 

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

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

¡P       to encourage the reuse and recycling of material.

 

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

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

¡P       Public  Dumping  Licence  under  the  Land  (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap 28);

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

¡P       Effluent Discharge Licence under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.

 

8.3.1.3           The  Contractor  shall  refer  to  the  relevant  booklets  issued  by  the  DEP  when applying for the licence/permit and the Environmental Team (ET) (see Section 1) shall refer to these booklets for auditing purposes.

 

8.3.1.4             During the site inspections and the document review procedures as mentioned in Chapter 10 of this Manual, the ET shall pay special attention to the issues relating to waste management and check whether the Contractor has followed the relevant contract specifications and the procedures specified under the laws of Hong Kong. In  addition  to  the  site  inspections,  the  ET  shall  review  the  documentation procedures  prepared  by the  Waste  Coordinator  once  a week  to  ensure  proper records are being maintained and procedures undertaken in accordance with the Waste Management Plan.

 

8.3.1.5           The Contractor¡¦s waste management practices should be audited with reference to the checklist detailed in Table  8.2 below:

 

 

Table 8.2         Waste Management Checklist

 

Activities

Timing

Monitoring

Frequency

If non-compliance,  Action

Required

All necessary waste

disposal permits or licences have been obtained

Before the

commencement of demolition works

Once

Apply for the necessary

permits/ licences prior to disposal of the waste. The ET shall ensure that corrective action has been taken.

Only licensed waste

haulier are used for waste collection.

Throughout

the works

Weekly

The ET shall inform the SOR

and IEC of the non- compliance. The SOR shall instruct the Contractor to use a licensed waste haulier. The Contractor shall temporarily suspend waste collection of that particular waste until a licensed waste haulier is used. Corrective action shall be undertaken within 48 hours.

Records of quantities

of wastes generated, recycled and disposed are properly kept. For demolition material/waste, the number of loads for each day shall be recorded (quantity of waste can then be estimated based on average truck load. Should landfill charging be implemented, the receipts of the charge could be used for estimating the quantity).

Throughout

the works

Weekly

The Contractor shall estimate

the missing data based on previous records and the activities carried out. The ET shall audit the results and forward to the SOR and IEC for approval.

Wastes are removed

from site in a timely manner. General refuse is collected on a daily basis.

Throughout

the works

Weekly

The ET shall inform the SOR

and IEC of the non- compliance. The SOR shall instruct the Contractor to remove waste accordingly.

Waste storage areas

are properly cleaned and do not cause windblown litter and dust nuisance.

Throughout

the works

Weekly

The ET shall inform the SOR

and IEC of the non- compliance. The SOR shall instruct the Contractor to clean the storage area and/or cover the waste.

Different types of

waste are segregated in different containers or skip to enhance recycling of material and proper disposal of waste.

Throughout

the works

Weekly

The ET shall inform the SOR

and IEC of the non- compliance. The SOR shall instruct the Contractor to provide separate skips/ containers. The Contractor shall ensure the workers place the waste in the appropriate containers.

Chemical wastes are

stored, handled and disposed of in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Handling and Storage of Chemical Wastes,

published by the EPD.

Throughout

the works

Weekly

The ET shall inform the SOR

and IEC of the non- compliance. The SOR shall instruct the Contractor to rectify the problems

immediately. Warning shall be given to the Contractor if corrective actions are not taken within 24 hrs and the Waste Control Group of the EPD shall be identified.

Demolition

material/waste in dump trucks are properly covered before leaving the site.

Throughout

the works

Weekly

The ET shall inform the SOR

and IEC of the non- compliance. The SOR shall instruct the Contractor to comply.  The Contractor shall prevent trucks shall leaving the site until the waste are properly covered.

Wastes are disposal of

at licensed sites.

Throughout

the works

Weekly

The ET shall inform the SOR

and IEC of the non- compliance. The SOR shall warn the Contractor and instruct the Contractor to ensure the wastes are disposed

of at the licensed sites.  Should it involve chemical waste, the Waste Control Group of EPD shall be notified.

Note:  ET ¡V Environmental Team, IEC ¡V Independent Environmental Checker, SOR ¡V Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative


9                       CULTURAL HERITAGE

 

9.1                    Introduction

 

9.1.1.1             Cultural heritage resources are not identified within the works area of TM-CLKL Southern Connection Viaduct Section.  As such, EM&A requirements for cultural heritage are Not applicable to the Southern Connection Viaduct Section.

 


10                     Landfill Gas Hazard Assessment

 

 

10.1                  Introduction

 

10.1.1.1           The landfill gas hazard assessment undertaken in the EIA identified the hazards that are likely to be generated from the Pillar Point Valley (PPV) Landfill, during the construction and operation phases of this Project and evaluate the associated risk.  The EIA Report recommended that some precautionary measures are required to protect the proposed TM-CLKL toll plaza from the landfill gas risk due to the PPV Landfill.  As such, the EM&A requirements for landfill gas hazard are Not applicable for the current Southern Connection Viaduct Section EM&A Programme. 

 

 


 

11                     SITE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

 

 

11.1                  Site Inspections

 

11.1.1.1           Site inspections provide a direct means to assess and ensure the Contractor¡¦s environmental protection and pollution control measures are in compliance with the contract specifications. Site inspections shall be undertaken routinely by the Environmental Team (ET) (see Section 1) to inspect the construction activities in order to ensure that appropriate environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures are properly implemented in accordance with the EIA.

 

11.1.1.2           The ET is responsible for the formulation of an environmental site inspection, deficiency and remedial action reporting system and for carrying out the site inspection works. In consultation with the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC), the ET shall prepare a procedure for the site inspection, deficiency and remedial action reporting requirements and submit this to the Contractor for agreement and to the Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative (SOR) for approval within 21 days of commencement to the construction contract.

 

11.1.1.3           Regular site inspections shall be carried out at least once per week. The areas of inspection shall 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.

 

11.1.1.4           The ET shall make reference to the following information while conducting the inspections:

 

i)           the EIA  recommendations on  environmental  protection  and  pollution control mitigation measures as stated in the EIA report;

ii)         work progress and programme;

iii)        individual works methodology proposals;

iv)       the contract specifications on environmental protection;

v)         the relevant environmental protection and pollution control laws;

vi)       previous site inspection results; and

vii)      environmental monitoring data.

 

11.1.1.5         The Contractor  shall update the ET with all relevant information on  the construction works prior to carrying out the site inspections. The site inspection results and associated recommendations on improvements to the environmental protection and pollution control works shall be submitted, in a site inspection proforma (see Appendix B), by the ET to the IEC, the SOR and the Contractor within 24 hours for reference  and for taking immediate  action. The Contractor shall follow the procedures and time-frame, as stipulated in the environmental site inspection,  deficiency  and  remedial  action  reporting  system  to  report  on  any remedial measures subsequent to site inspections.

 

11.1.1.6           Ad hoc site inspections shall also be carried out by the ET and IEC if significant environmental problems are identified. Inspections may also be required subsequent to receipt of an environmental complaint (an example of the complaint log is provided in Appendix B) or as part of the investigation work as specified in the Action Plan for environmental monitoring and audit.

 

11.2                  Compliance with Legal and Contractual Requirements

 

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

 

11.2.1.2         In order that the works are in compliance with the contractual requirements, all the works method statements submitted by the Contractor to the SOR for approval shall be sent to the ET for vetting to see whether sufficient environmental protection and pollution control measures have been included.

 

11.2.1.3           The ET shall also review the progress and programme of the works to check that relevant  environmental  laws  have  not  been  violated  and  that  any  foreseeable potential for violating the laws can be prevented.

 

11.2.1.4           The Contractor shall regularly copy relevant documents to the ET so that the checking work can be carried out. The documents shall include at minimum the updated Work Progress Reports, the updated Works Programme, the application letters for different licence/permits under the environmental protection laws and all valid licence/permit.  The site diaries shall also be available for the ET¡¦s inspection upon request.

 

11.2.1.5         After  reviewing  the  document,  the  ET  shall  advise  the  IEC,  the  SOR  and  the Contractor  of  any  non-compliance  with  the  contractual  and  legislative requirements on environmental protection and pollution control for them to take follow-up actions. The ET shall also advise the IEC, the Contractor and the SOR on the current status on licence/permit applications and any environmental protection and pollution control preparation works that may not be suitable for the works programme or may result in potential violation of environmental protection and pollution control requirements.

 

11.2.1.6           Upon receipt of the advice, the Contractor shall undertake immediate action to remedy the situation.  The ET, IEC and the SOR shall follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken by the Contractor in order that the environmental protection and pollution control requirements are fulfilled.

 

 

 

11.3                  Environmental Complaints

 

11.3.1.1           Complaints shall be referred to the ET for carrying out complaint investigation procedures.   The  ET  shall  prepare  a  flow  chart  of  the  complaint  response procedures  that  addresses,  complaint  receiving  channels,  responsible parties/contacts for information, the investigation process, procedures for the implementation of mitigation/remedial  action, guidelines for communication and public relation with the complainant etc.  The flow chart should be agreed by all parties and issued to the Contractor, SOR and IEC for reference.

 

11.3.1.2           The ET shall undertake the following procedures upon receipt of a complaint:

 

i)          log complaint and date of receipt into the complaint database and inform the IEC immediately;

ii)         investigate the complaint and discuss with the Contractor to determine its validity and to assess whether the source of the problem is due to works activities;

iii)       if a complaint is considered valid by the SOR or EPD and due to the works, the ET shall identify mitigation measures in consultation with the IEC;

iv)       if mitigation measures are required, the ET shall advise the Contractor accordingly;

v)        review the Contractor's response on the identified mitigation measures and the updated situation;

vi)       if  the  complaint  is  transferred  from  EPD,  an  interim  report  shall  be submitted to EPD on the status of the complaint investigation and follow- up action within the time frame assigned by EPD;

vii)     (vii)   undertake additional  monitoring and  audit  to  verify  the  situation if necessary and ensure that any valid reason for complaint does not recur;

viii)    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

ix)       record the complaint, investigation, the subsequent actions and the results in the monthly EM&A reports.

 

11.3.1.3         During the complaint investigation work, the Contractor and SOR shall cooperate with  the  ET  in  providing  all  the  necessary  information  and  assistance  for completion of the investigation.  If mitigation measures are identified in the investigation  by  the  ET,  in  consultation  with  the  IEC,  the  Contractor  shall promptly carry out the mitigation measures. The ET and SOR shall approve the proposed mitigation measures and check that the measures have been carried out by the Contractor.

 

11.4                  Choice of Construction Method

 

11.4.1.1         At  times  during  the  construction  phase  the  Contractor  may  submit  method statements  for various aspects of construction.  This state of affairs would only apply to  those  construction  methods  that  the EIA has  not  imposed  conditions while for construction methods that have been assessed in the EIA, the Contractor is bound to follow the requirements and recommendations in the EIA study.  The Contractor¡¦s options for alternative construction methods may introduce adverse environmental impacts into the project. It is the responsibility of the ET, in accordance  with  established  standards,  guidelines  and  EIA  study recommendations and requirements, to review and determine the adequacy of the environmental  protection  and  pollution  control  measures  in  the  Contractor¡¦s proposal in order to ensure no unacceptable impacts would result. To achieve this end,  the  ET  shall  provide  a  copy  of  the  Proactive  Environmental  Protection Proforma as shown in Appendix B to the IEC for approval.  The IEC should audit the review of the construction method and endorse the proposal on the basis of no adverse environmental impacts.

 


12                     REPORTING

 

12.1                  General

 

12.1.1.1        The following reporting requirements are based upon a paper documented approach.  However, the same information can be provided in an electronic medium upon agreeing the format with the Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative (SOR).  The reports are required to be prepared by the Environmental Team (ET).

 

12.2                  Documentation

 

12.2.1.1           All documentation is required to be filed in a traceable and systematically manner. Site documentation, including monitoring field records, laboratory analysis records, meeting minutes, correspondences etc.(some examples are provided in Appendix B) shall be cross-referenced  by the ET and be ready for inspection upon  request.  All  EM&A  results  and  findings  shall  be  documented  in  the respective construction and operational phase EM&A reports prepared by the ET and endorsed by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) prior to dissemination to the Contractor, the SOR and EPD.  All reports including details of water quality monitoring, ecology, landscape and visual and archaeological EM&A shall also be issued to the AFCD and the AMO as appropriate.

 

12.2.1.2           All documentation shall be in paper form and/or electronic (in an agreed format) upon request.  All documents and data shall be kept for at least one year after the completion of the operational phase EM&A works. All submissions (reports, data and correspondences etc.) shall be liable to free use for the purposes of communicating environmental data and the owner of information shall claim no copyright. Any request to treat all or part of a submission in confidence will be respected, but if no such request is made it will be assumed that the submission is not intended to be confidential.

 

12.3                  Design Audit Report

 

12.3.1.1           The Design Audit Report shall provide the means for the Consultant undertaking the detailed design of the project to certify that environmental design elements and specifications have been completed in accordance with the EIA requirements. The Consultant shall include in the report a signed off proforma (see Appendix B) to confirm that there are no outstanding environmental measures, identified as requiring design phase audit, that require further action.  The Design Audit Report and specifications shall be prepared by the Consultants and issued to EPD, the AFCD and the PlanD, as appropriate, prior to the commencement of the tendering period.

 

12.4                  Baseline Monitoring Report

 

12.4.1.1           In respect  of the  construction  phase  EM&A  works,  the  ET  shall  prepare  and submit a Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report within 10 working days of completion of baseline monitoring. Copies of the Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report shall be submitted to the following: the Contractor, the IEC, the SOR, EPD, the AFCD and the AMO as appropriate. The ET shall liaise with the relevant parties on the exact number of copies required.

 

12.4.1.2         The baseline monitoring reports for both the construction and operational phases

 

12.4.1.2           The baseline monitoring reports for both the construction and operational phases shall include at least the following:

 

i)            Up to half a page executive summary.

ii)           Background information.

iii)         Drawings showing locations of the baseline monitoring stations.

iv)         An  updated  construction  programme  with  milestones  of environmental protection/mitigation activities annotated.

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

¡P        monitoring methodology;

¡P        name of laboratory and equipment used and calibration details;

¡P        parameters monitored;

¡P        monitoring locations (and depth);

¡P        monitoring date, time, frequency and duration; and

¡P        QA/QC results and detection limits.

vi)         Details on influencing factors, including:

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

¡P        weather conditions during the period; and

¡P        other factors which might affect the results.

vii)       Determination of  the  Action  and  Limit  Levels  for  each  monitoring parameter and statistical analysis of the baseline data.

viii)      Revisions for inclusion in the EM&A Manual. (ix)           Comments and conclusions.

 

12.5                  EM&A  Reports

 

12.5.1.1           The results and findings of all construction phase EM&A work required in this Manual shall be recorded in the EM&A Reports prepared by the ET on a monthly basis and endorsed by the IEC.  The  EM&A  Reports  shall  be  prepared  and submitted within 10 working days of the end of each reporting month, with the first report due one month and 10 days after construction commences.

 

12.5.1.2           A maximum of 4 copies of each EM&A Report shall be submitted to each of the following parties: the Contractor, the IEC, the SOR, EPD, the AFCD, the AMO and the PlanD, as appropriate.  Before submission of the first EM&A Report, the ET shall  liaise  with  the  parties  on the  exact  number  of copies  and  format  of the reports in both hard copy and electronic medium.

 

12.5.1.3           Not applicable

 

12.5.1.4         The  ET  shall review  the  monitoring  programme  every  6  months  or on an as needed basis in order to cater for any changes in the surrounding environment and nature of works in progress and shall document all observations in the monthly/bi- monthly reports.

 

 

12.6                  First EM&A Report

 

12.6.1.1         The  first  EM&A  report  for  both the construction  and  operational  phases  shall include at least the following:

 

i)          1-2 pages executive summary, comprising:

-       Breaches of AL levels;

-       complaint Log;

-       notifications of any summons and successful prosecutions;

-       reporting Changes; and

-       future key issues.

 

ii)         Basic Project information including a synopsis of the Project organisation (including key  personnel, contact  names  and  telephone numbers), 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.

 

iii)       Environmental Status, comprising:

 

-       works  undertaken  during  the  month  with  illustrations  (such  as location of works, daily dredging/filling  rates, percentage fines in the fill material used); and

-       drawing  showing  the  project  area,  any  environmental  sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.

 

iv)       A brief summary of EM&A requirements including:

 

-       all monitoring parameters;

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

-       Event-Action Plans;

-       environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report; and

-       environmental requirements in contract documents.

 

v)        Advice on  the  implementation  status  of  environmental  protection  and pollution control/mitigation measures as recommended in the Project EIA study report and summarised in the updated implementation schedule.

 

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

-       monitoring methodology;

-       name of laboratory and equipment used and calibration details;

-       parameters monitored;

-       monitoring locations (and depth);

-       monitoring date, time, frequency, and duration; and

-       QA/QC results and detection limits.

 

vii)     Graphical plots of trends of monitored parameters at the 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;

-       QA/QC results and detection limits.

 

viii)    Advice on the solid and liquid waste management status.

 

ix)       A summary of noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels).

 

x)        A  review  of  the  reasons  for  and  the  implications  of  noncompliance including a review of pollution sources and working procedures.

 

xi)       A  description  of the  actions  taken  in  the  event  of noncompliance  and deficiency reporting and any follow-up procedures related to earlier noncompliance.

 

xii)     A summary record of all 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.

 

xiii)    A  summary  of  notifications  of  summons,  successful  prosecutions  for breaches  of  environmental  protection/pollution control  legislation  and actions to rectify such breaches.

 

xiv)   An account of the future key issues as assessed from the works programme and work method statements.

 

xv)     Advice on the solid and liquid waste management status.

 

xvi)   Comments, recommendations and conclusions for the monitoring period.

 

xvii)  Submission of implementation status proforma, proactive environmental protection proforma, regulatory compliance proforma, site inspection proforma,  data  recovery  schedule  and  complaint  log  summarizing  the EM&A of the period.

 

12.7                  Subsequent EM&A  Reports

 

12.7.1.1            The subsequent EM&A reports prepared by the ES for both the construction and operational phases shall include the following:

 

i)          Title page.

 

ii)         Executive summary (1-2 pages), including:

-       breaches of all Action and Limit levels;

-       complaint log;

-       notifications of any summons and successful prosecutions;

-       reporting changes; and

-       future key issues.

 

iii)       Contents page.

 

iv)       Environmental status, comprising:

 

-       drawing  showing  the  Project  area,  any  environmental  sensitive  receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;

 

-       summary of non-compliance with the environmental quality performance limits; and 

 

-       summary of complaints.

 

v)        Environmental issues and actions, comprising:

-       review issues carried forward and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance (complaints and deficiencies);

-       description of the actions taken in the event of noncompliance and deficiency reporting;

-       recommendations  (should  be  specific  and  target  the  appropriate party for action); and

-       implementation status of the mitigatory measures and the corresponding effectiveness of the measures.

 

vi)       Future key issues.

 

vii)     Appendices, including:

-       action and limit levels;

-       graphical plots of trends of monitored  parameters at key stations over the past four reporting periods 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;

-       monitoring schedule for the present and next reporting period;

-       cumulative complaints statistics; and

-       details of complaints, outstanding issues and deficiencies.

 

 

12.8                  Quarterly EM&A Summary Reports

 

12.8.1.1         The ET shall submit Quarterly EM&A Summary Reports for the construction phase EM&A works only. These reports should be around 5 pages (including about three pages of text and tables and two pages of figures) and shall contain at minimum the following information:

 

i)          Up to half a page executive summary.

 

ii)         Basic Project information including a synopsis of the Project organisation, programme, contacts of  key  management, and  a  synopsis of  work undertaken during the quarter.

 

iii)       A brief summary of EM&A requirements including:

-       monitoring parameters;

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

-       environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report.

 

iv)       Advice on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures as recommended in the Project EIA study report and summarised in the updated implementation schedule.

 

v)        Drawings showing the Project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.

 

vi)       Graphical  plots  of the  trends  of monitored  parameters  over  the  past  4 months (the last month of the previous quarter and the present quarter) for representative monitoring stations annotated against:

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

-       weather conditions during the period; and

-       any other factors which might affect the monitoring results.

 

vii)     Advice on the solid and liquid waste management status.

 

viii)    A summary of noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels).

 

ix)       A brief review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution sources and working procedures. 

 

x)        An assessment of the construction impacts on suspended solids, including but not limited to, a comparison of the difference between the quarterly mean and the 1.3 times the ambient mean value, the latter being defined as a  30%  increase  of  the  baseline  data  or  EPD  data,  using  appropriate statistical  procedures.  Suggestions  of  appropriate  mitigation  measures shall be made  if the quarterly assessment  analytical results  demonstrate that the quarterly mean is significantly higher than the 1.3 ambient mean value (p<0.05).

 

xi)       A summary description of  the  actions  taken  in  the  event of  non- compliance and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non- compliance.

 

xii)     A summary record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken.

 

xiii)    Comments (e.g. effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommendations (e.g. any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions for the quarter.

 

xiv)   Proponents' contacts and any hotline telephone number for the public to make enquiries.

 

 

12.9                  Annual/Final EM&A Review Reports

 

12.9.1.1           An  annual  EM&A  report  should  be  prepared  by  the  ET  at  the  end  of  each construction year during the course of the project. A final EM&A report should be prepared by the ET at the end of both the construction and operational phases. The annual/final EM&A reports should contain at least the following information:

 

i)          Executive Summary (1-2 pages).

 

ii)         Drawings showing the project area any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.

 

iii)       Basic project information including a synopsis of the project organization, contacts  for  key  management  staff and  a  synopsis  of work  undertaken during the course of the project or past twelve months.

 

iv)       A brief summary of EM&A requirements including:

-       environmental mitigation measures as recommended in the project EIA study final report;

-       environmental impact hypotheses tested;

-       environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit Levels);

-       all monitoring parameters; and

-       Event-Action Plans.

 

v)        A summary of the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures as recommended in the project EIA study report and summarised in the updated implementation schedule.

 

vi)       Graphical plots and the statistical analysis of the trends of monitored parameters over the course of the projects including the post-project monitoring (or the  past twelve months for  annual reports) for  all monitoring stations annotated against the following:

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

-       weather conditions during the period;

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

-       the return of ambient environmental conditions in comparison with baseline data.

 

vii)     A summary of noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels).

 

viii)    A  review  of  the  reasons  for  and  the  implications  of  non-compliance including review of pollution sources and working procedures as appropriate.

 

ix)       A description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance.

 

x)        A summary record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken.

 

xi)       A summary record of notifications of summonses and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental protection/pollution control  legislations,  locations  and  nature  of the  breaches  investigation, follow-up actions taken and results.

 

xii)     A  comparison of  the EM&A data with the EIA  predictions with annotations and explanations for any discrepancies, including a review of the validity of EIA predictions and identification of shortcomings  in the EIA recommendations.

 

xiii)    A review of the monitoring methodology adopted and with the benefit of hindsight, comment on its effectiveness, including cost effectiveness;

 

xiv)   A review of the success of the EM&A programme, including a review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures, and recommendations for any improvements in the EM&A programme.

 

xv)     A clear  cut  statement  on the environmental  acceptability  of the project with reference to specific impact hypotheses and a conclusion to state the return to ambient and/or the predicted scenario as the EIA findings.

 

 

12.10                Data Keeping

 

12.10.1.1       The  site  documents  such  as  the  monitoring  field  records,  laboratory  analysis records, site inspection forms, etc. are not required to be included in the EM&A Reports for submission.  However, the documents shall be kept by the ET and be ready for inspection upon request. All relevant information shall be clearly and systematically recorded in the documents.  The monitoring data shall also be recorded in magnetic media, and the software copy shall be available upon request. All the documents and data shall be kept for at least one year after the completion of the operational phase EM&A works.

 

12.11                Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances

 

12.11.1.1         With reference to Event/Action Plans, when the environmental quality limits are exceeded, the ET shall immediately notify the Contractor, the SOR, EPD and the AFCD as appropriate. The notification shall be followed up with advice to each party on the results of the investigation, proposed action and success of the action taken, with any necessary follow-up proposals.  A sample template for the interim notifications is shown in Figure 12.1.


 



([1])     Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP) Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects-Investigation.  http://www.hzmbenpo.com/ep_docs/HKBCF_HY201002/503/Baseline_Report_Version_C.pdf

([2])     Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP) Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects-Investigation.  http://www.hzmbenpo.com/ep_docs/HKBCF_HY201002/503/Baseline_Report_Version_C.pdf

([3])     Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP) Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects-Investigation.  http://www.hzmbenpo.com/ep_docs/HKBCF_HY201002/503/Baseline_Report_Version_C.pdf

([4])           Agreement No. CE 35/2011 (EP) Baseline Environmental Monitoring for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Projects-Investigation. http://www.hzmbenpo.com/ep_docs/HKBCF_HY201002/503/Baseline_Report_Version_C.pdf