|
|
Contents
1.4 Summary of Construction Works
1.5 Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements
2.3.2 Maintenance and Calibration
2.4 Summary of Monitoring Results
3.3.2 Maintenance and Calibration
3.4 Summary of Monitoring Results
4.3.2 Maintenance and Calibration
4.3.3 Laboratory Measurement / Analysis
4.4 Summary of Monitoring Results
5.3 Marine Sediment Management
6 Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring
6.2 CWD Monitoring Transects and Stations
6.2.1 Small Vessel Line-transect Survey
6.2.2 Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey
6.3 CWD Monitoring Methodology
6.3.1 Small Vessel Line-transect Survey
6.3.3 Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey
6.4 Monitoring Results and Observations
6.4.1 Small Vessel Line-transect Survey
6.4.3 Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey
6.5 Progress Update on Passive Acoustic Monitoring
6.6 Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures
6.7 Timing of reporting CWD Monitoring Results
7 Environmental Site Inspection and Audit
7.1 Environmental Site Inspection
7.2 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
7.3 Land Contamination Assessment
7.4 Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries
7.5 Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels
7.6 Implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone
7.7 Status of Submissions under Environmental Permits
7.8 Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements
7.9 Analysis and Interpretation of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions
7.9.2 Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution
8 Future Key Issues and Other EIA & EM&A Issues
8.1 Construction Programme for the Coming Reporting Period
8.2 Key Environmental Issues for the Coming Reporting Period
8.3 Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Reporting Period
8.4 Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report
9 Conclusion and Recommendation
Tables
Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel
Table 1.2: Summary of Status of All Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual
Table 2.1: Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations
Table 2.2: Action and Limit Levels of Air Quality Monitoring
Table 2.3: Air Quality Monitoring Equipment
Table 2.4: Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Results
Table 3.1: Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations
Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Noise Monitoring
Table 3.3: Noise Monitoring Equipment
Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results
Table 4.1: Monitoring Locations of Impact Water Quality Monitoring
Table 4.2: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring
Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment
Table 4.5: Other Monitoring Equipment
Table 4.6: Laboratory Measurement/ Analysis of SS
Table 4.7: Summary of DO (Surface + Middle) Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)
Table 4.8: Summary of DO (Bottom) Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)
Table 4.9: Summary of DO (Surface + Middle) Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide)
Table 4.10: Summary of DO (Bottom) Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide)
Table 4.11: Summary of Findings from Investigation of DO Monitoring Results 28
Table 5.1: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste
Table 5.2: Construction Waste Statistics
Table 6.1: Derived Values of Action and Limit Levels for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring
Table 6.2: Coordinates of Transect Lines in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL Survey Areas
Table 6.3: Land-based Theodolite Survey Station Details
Table 6.4: Comparison of CWD Encounter Rates of the Whole Survey Area with Action Levels
Table 6.5: Summary of Photo Identification
Table 6.6: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking
Table 7.1: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary
Table 7.2: Examples of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in the Reporting Periods
Table 7.3: Monitoring Programme for Landscape and Visual
Table 7.4: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual
Table 7.6: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period 46
Table 7.7: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees Inspected in this Reporting Month
Table 7.8: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan
Table 7.9: Status of Submissions under Environmental Permit
Figures
Appendices
|
Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase |
|
|
3RS |
Three-Runway System |
|
AAHK |
Airport Authority Hong Kong |
|
AECOM |
AECOM Asia Company Limited |
|
AFCD |
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
|
AIS |
Automatic Information System |
|
ANI |
Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphins |
|
APM |
Automated People Mover |
|
AW |
Airport West |
|
BHS |
Baggage Handling System |
|
C&D |
Construction and Demolition |
|
CAP |
Contamination Assessment Plan |
|
CAR |
Contamination Assessment Report |
|
CTCC |
Construction Traffic Control Centre |
|
CWD |
Chinese White Dolphin |
|
DCM |
Deep Cement Mixing |
|
DEZ |
Dolphin Exclusion Zone |
|
DO |
Dissolved Oxygen |
|
EIA |
Environmental Impact Assessment |
|
EM&A |
Environmental Monitoring & Audit |
|
EP |
Environmental Permit |
|
EPD |
Environmental Protection Department |
|
EPSS |
Emergency Power Supply Systems |
|
ET |
Environmental Team |
|
FCZ |
Fish Culture Zone |
|
HKBCF |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities |
|
HKIA |
Hong Kong International Airport |
|
HOKLAS |
Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme |
|
HSF |
High Speed Ferry |
|
HVS |
High Volume Sampler |
|
IEC |
Independent Environmental Checker |
|
LKC |
Lung Kwu Chau |
|
MMHK |
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited |
|
MMWP |
Marine Mammal Watching Plan |
|
MSS |
Maritime Surveillance System |
|
MTRMP-CAV |
Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel |
|
NEL |
Northeast Lantau |
|
NWL |
Northwest Lantau |
|
PAM |
Passive Acoustic Monitoring |
|
PM |
Project Manager |
|
SC |
Sha Chau |
|
SCZ |
Speed Control Zone |
|
SCLKCMP |
Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park |
|
SS |
Suspended Solids |
|
SSSI |
Site of Special Scientific Interest |
|
STG |
Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings |
|
SWL |
Southwest Lantau |
|
T2 |
Terminal 2 |
|
The Project |
The Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System |
|
The SkyPier Plan |
Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier |
|
The Manual |
The Updated EM&A Manual |
|
TSP |
Total Suspended Particulates |
|
WL |
West Lantau |
|
WMP |
Waste Management Plan |
The “Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System” (the Project) serves to meet the future air traffic demands at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). On 7 November 2014, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (Register No.: AEIAR-185/2014) for the Project was approved and an Environmental Permit (EP) (Permit No.: EP-489/2014) was issued for the construction and operation of the Project.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) commissioned Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for carrying out the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) works during the construction phase of the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual (the Manual).
This is the 79th Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 July 2022.
Key Activities in the Reporting Period
The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period are located in reclamation areas and existing airport island respectively. Works in the reclamation areas included seawall construction, filling and land-based ground improvement works, together with runway, concourse and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works, Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities include road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition, piling, and excavation works.
EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period
The monthly EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the Manual of the Project. Summary of the monitoring activities during this reporting period is presented as below:
|
Monitoring Activities |
Number of Sessions |
|
1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) air quality monitoring |
30 |
|
Noise monitoring |
16 |
|
Water quality monitoring |
12 |
|
Vessel line-transect surveys for Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) monitoring |
2 |
|
Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring |
2 |
Environmental auditing works, including weekly site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET and bi-weekly site inspections conducted by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC), audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF), audit of construction and associated vessels, and audit of implementation of Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) and Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan, were conducted in the reporting period. Based on the information including ET’s observations, records of Maritime Surveillance System (MSS), and contractors’ site records, it is noted that environmental pollution control and mitigation measures were properly implemented and construction activities of the Project in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impacts to the sensitive receivers.
Snapshots of EM&A Activities in the Reporting Period
|
|
|
|
|
Impact Water Quality Monitoring conducted by ET |
Dust Suppression measure conducted by Contractor |
Inspection of Contractor’s Wastewater Treatment Facility by ET |
Results of Impact Monitoring
The monitoring works for construction dust, construction noise, water quality, construction waste, landscape & visual, and CWD were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Manual.
Monitoring results of construction dust, construction noise, construction waste and CWD did not trigger the corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.
The water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except dissolved oxygen (DO), obtained during the reporting period were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. Relevant investigation and follow-up actions will be conducted according to the EM&A programme if the corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For DO, some of the testing results triggered the relevant Action and/or Limit Levels, and corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings revealed that the cases were not related to the Project. To conclude the construction activities in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.
Summary of Upcoming Key Issues
Reclamation Works:
Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works
● Seawall construction; and
● Backfilling works.
Airfield Works
Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works
● Construction of tunnel structure;
● Pipe and drainage diversion works;
● Excavation and lateral support systems installation; and
● Stockpiling.
Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works
● Architectural, builder's and finishing works;
● Footing and utilities work;
● Box culvert construction;
● Operation of asphalt plant; and
● Cable laying and ducting works.
Contract 3305 Airfield Ground Lighting System
● Enhanced vehicular warning light hardware installation; and
● Software development.
Contract 3306 Observation Facility Control System Supporting Interim 2RS and 3RS
● Equipment installation.
Contract 3307 Fire Training Facility
● Architectural, builder's and finishing works;
● Drainage and utilities works; and
● Building construction.
Contract 3308 Foreign Object Debris Detection System
● Calibration and site acceptance test for foreign object debris detection sensor;
● Rectification work for handover sensor system; and
● Drilling of earthing and lightning pit.
Contract 3310 North Runway Modification Works
● Architectural, builder's work and finishing works;
● Excavation works;
● Construction of walls and slabs;
● Installation of pipe piles;
● Land-based ground improvement works; and
● Backfilling works.
Third Runway Concourse:
Contract 3403 New Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works
● Architectural, builder's work and finishing works; and
● Defects and outstanding works.
Contract 3404 Integrated Airport Control System
● System maintenance.
Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works
● Bored piling;
● Structure works;
● Excavation; and
● Road formation.
Contract 3408 Third Runway Concourse and Apron Works
● Reinforced concrete works;
● Site setup works; and
● Excavation.
Terminal 2 Expansion:
Contract 3508 Terminal 2 Expansion Works
● Excavation and footing construction;
● Block wall construction;
● Drainage works;
● Bridge demolition;
● Backfilling;
● Temporary road construction; and
● Architectural, builder's work and finishing works.
Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS):
Contract 3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line)
● Guidebeam installation.
Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works
● Erection of guide rail; and
● Concrete plinth and stitch construction.
Contract 3603 Baggage Handling System (BHS)
● BHS installation.
Construction Support (Facilities):
Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works
● Laying of water mains;
● Paving works; and
● Road works.
Contract 3723 Construction Support Facilities
● Clearance works.
Airport Support Infrastructure:
Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island
● Excavation;
● Falseworks and formworks; and
● Backfilling.
Contract 3802 APM and BHS Tunnels and Related Works
● Installation of dewatering well;
● Excavation and lateral supports; and
● Tunnel construction.
Construction Support (Services / Licences):
Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility
● Operation of concrete batching plant and material conveyor belt.
Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility
● Operation of
concrete batching plant.
Summary Table
The following table summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period:
|
Yes |
No |
Details |
Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions |
|
|
Breach of Limit Level^ |
|
√ |
No breach of Limit Level was recorded. |
Nil |
|
Breach of Action Level^ |
|
√ |
No breach of Action Level was recorded. |
Nil |
|
Complaint Received |
|
√ |
No construction activities-related complaint was received during the reporting period. |
Nil |
|
|
√ |
In the previous reporting period, a complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received on 28 June 2022. |
ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. During regular site inspections, dust was observed when there were vehicle movements on haul roads and was rectified by the relevant contractor. A joint site inspection was conducted subsequently in which no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads was wet during the inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed. |
|
|
|
In the previous reporting period, a complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received on 28 June 2022. |
ET requested the relevant contractor to provide information related to the complaint. During regular site inspections, dust was observed when there were vehicle movements on haul roads and was rectified by the relevant contractor. A joint site inspection was conducted subsequently in which no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads was wet during the inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed. |
||
|
|
In the previous reporting period, a complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received on 30 June 2022. |
The complaint is under investigation. Findings will be reported in the next Monthly EM&A Report. |
||
|
Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions |
|
√ |
No notification of summons nor prosecution was received. |
Nil |
|
Change that affect the EM&A |
|
√ |
There was no change to the construction works that may affect the EM&A. |
Nil |
Note:
^ Only triggering of Action or Limit Level found related to Project works is counted as Breach of Action or Limit Level.
1
Introduction
1.1
Background
On 7 November 2014, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (Register No.: AEIAR-185/2014) for the “Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System” (the Project) was approved and an Environmental Permit (EP) (Permit No.: EP-489/2014) was issued for the construction and operation of the Project.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) commissioned Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for carrying out the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) works during the construction phase of the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual (the Manual) submitted under EP Condition 3.1[1]. AECOM Asia Company Limited (AECOM) was employed by AAHK as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) for the Project.
The Project covers the expansion of the existing airport into a three-runway system (3RS) with key project components comprising land formation of about 650 ha and all associated facilities and infrastructure including taxiways, aprons, aircraft stands, a passenger concourse, an expanded Terminal 2, all related airside and landside works and associated ancillary and supporting facilities. The submarine aviation fuel pipelines and submarine power cables also require diversion as part of the works.
Construction of the Project is to proceed in the general order of diversion of the submarine aviation fuel pipelines, diversion of the submarine power cables, land formation, and construction of infrastructure, followed by construction of superstructures.
The summary of construction works programme can be referred to Section 1.4.
1.2
Scope of this Report
This is the 79th Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 July 2022.
1.3
Project Organisation
The Project’s organisation structure presented in Appendix B of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.1 remained unchanged during the reporting period. Contact details of the key personnel are presented in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Project Manager’s Representative (Airport Authority Hong Kong) |
Principal Manager, Environmental Compliance, Sustainability |
Lawrence Tsui |
2183 2734 |
|
Environmental Team (ET) (Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited) |
Environmental Team Leader |
Terence Kong |
2828 5919 |
|
Deputy Environmental Team Leaders |
Heidi Yu |
2828 5704 |
|
|
Ken Wong |
2828 5817 |
||
|
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) (AECOM Asia Company Limited) |
Independent Environmental Checker |
Jackel Law |
3922 9376
|
|
|
Deputy Independent Environmental Checker |
Roy Man |
3922 9141 |
Reclamation Works:
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works (ZHEC-CCCC-CDC Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Alan Mong |
3763 1352
|
|
Environmental Officer |
Zhang Bin Wang |
3763 1451 |
Airfield Works:
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works (China Road and Bridge Corporation) |
Project Manager |
Dickey Yau |
5699 4503 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Dennis Ho |
5645 0563 |
|
|
Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works (SAPR Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Andrew Keung |
6277 6628 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Gabriel Wong |
6114 9590 |
|
|
Contract 3305 Airfield Ground Lighting System (ADB Safegate Hong Kong Limited) |
Project Manager |
Allam Al-Turk |
2944 9725 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Calvin Sze |
9205 9277 |
|
|
Contract 3306 Observation Facility Control System Supporting Interim 2RS and 3RS (Chinney Alliance Engineering Limited) |
Project Director |
Dennis Yam |
9551 9920 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Richard Liu |
9216 8990 |
|
|
Contract 3307 Fire Training Facility (Paul Y. Construction Company Limited) |
Project Manager |
Ken Tang |
9640 5397 |
|
Environmental Officer
|
Albert Chan |
9700 1083 |
|
|
Contract 3308 Foreign Object Debris Detection System (DAS Aviation Services Group) |
Project Manager |
Jeffrey Yau |
9873 7422 |
|
Contract 3310 North Runway Modification Works (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
Kingsley Chiang |
9424 8437 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Federick Wong |
9842 2703 |
Third Runway Concourse:
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Contract 3402 New Integrated Airport Centres Enabling Works (Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
Wyman Lau |
6112 9753 |
|
Health Safety Environmental Manager |
Mike Leung |
6625 2550 |
|
|
Contract 3403 New Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works (Sun Fook Kong Construction Limited) |
Project Manager |
Alice Leung |
9220 3162 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Ray Cheung |
9785 1566 |
|
|
Contract 3404 Integrated Airport Control System (Shun Hing Systems Integration Co., Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
Andy Ng |
9102 2739 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Richard Ng |
9802 9577 |
|
|
Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works (China Road and Bridge Corporation – Bachy Soletanche Group Limited – LT Sambo Co., Ltd. Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Francis Choi |
9423 3469 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Jacky Lai |
9028 8975 |
|
|
Contract 3408 Third Runway Concourse and Apron Works (Beijing Urban Construction Group Company Limited and Chevalier (Construction) Company Limited Joint Venture) |
Assistant Project Manager |
Qian Zhang |
5377 7976 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Malcolm Leung |
7073 7559 |
Terminal 2 (T2) Expansion:
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Contract 3508 Terminal 2 Expansion Works (Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited) |
Project Director |
Richard Ellis |
6201 5637 |
|
Environmental Officer
|
Fanny Law |
6184 4650 |
Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS):
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Contract 3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line) (CRRC Puzhen Bombardier Transportation Systems Limited and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd. Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Hongdan Wei |
158 6180 9450 |
|
Environmental Officer
|
H Y Yue
|
9185 8186 |
|
|
Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works (Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
Kunihiro Tatecho |
9755 0351 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Y M Tong |
5316 9801 |
|
|
Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System (VISH Consortium) |
Project Manager |
K C Ho |
9272 9626 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Eric Ha |
9215 3432 |
Construction Support (Facilities):
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.) |
Site Agent |
Thomas Lui |
9011 5340 |
|
Environmental Officer |
John Mak |
6273 8703 |
|
|
Contract 3723 Eastern Support Area – Construction Support Facilities (Tapbo Construction Company Limited and Konwo Modular House Ltd. Joint Venture.) |
Deputy Project Director |
Philip Kong |
9337 8700 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Eddie Suen
|
6338 8862 |
|
|
Contract 3728 Minor Site Works (Shun Yuen Construction Company Limited) |
Contract Manager |
C K Liu |
9194 8739 |
|
Environmental Officer
|
Dan Leung |
6856 5899 |
|
|
Contract 3733 Emergency Repair Service (Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.)
|
Project Manager
|
Michael Kan |
9206 0550 |
|
SHE Manager |
Mike Leung |
6625 2550 |
Airport Support Infrastructure:
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
Kingsley Chiang |
9424 8437 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Eunice Kwok |
9243 1331 |
|
|
Contract 3802 APM and BHS Tunnels and Related Works (Gammon Construction Limited) |
Project Director |
John Adams |
6111 6989 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Phoebe Ng |
9869 1105 |
Construction Support (Services / Licences):
|
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
|
Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility (K. Wah Concrete Company Limited) |
Project Manager |
Benedict Wong |
9553 2806 |
|
Environmental Officer |
C P Fung |
9874 2872 |
|
|
Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility (Gammon Construction Limited) |
General Manager |
Gabriel Chan |
2435 3260 |
|
Environmental Officer |
Rex Wong |
2695 6319 |
1.4
Summary of
Construction Works
The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period are located in reclamation areas and existing airport island respectively. Works in the reclamation areas included seawall construction, filling and ground improvement works, together with runway, concourse and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works, Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities include road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition, piling, and excavation works.
The locations of key construction activities are presented in Figure 1.1.
1.5
Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements
The status for all environmental aspects are presented in Table 1.2. The EM&A requirements remained unchanged during the reporting period.
Table 1.2: Summary of Status of All Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual
|
Parameters |
EM&A Requirements |
Status |
|
Air Quality |
||
|
Baseline Monitoring |
At least 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction work |
The baseline air quality monitoring result was reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4. |
|
Impact Monitoring |
At least 3 times every 6 days |
On-going |
|
Noise |
||
|
Baseline Monitoring |
Daily for a period of at least two weeks prior to the commencement of construction works |
The baseline noise monitoring result was reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4. |
|
Impact Monitoring |
Weekly |
On-going |
|
Water Quality |
||
|
General Baseline Water Quality Monitoring for reclamation, water jetting and field joint works |
Three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, for at least four weeks prior to the commencement of marine works. |
The baseline water quality monitoring result was reported in Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4. |
|
General Impact Water Quality Monitoring for reclamation, water jetting and field joint works |
Three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides. |
On-going for reclamation works. General impact water quality monitoring for water jetting works was completed on 23 May 2017. |
|
Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring |
At least four weeks |
The Initial Intensive DCM Monitoring Report was submitted and approved by EPD in accordance with the Detailed Plan on DCM. |
|
Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring |
Three times per week until completion of DCM works. |
Due to the completion of all marine-based DCM works within April 2022, regular DCM monitoring was ceased at all monitoring stations starting from 28 April 2022 and would be resumed if there are marine-based DCM works in the coming future. |
|
Sewerage and Sewage Treatment |
||
|
Methodology for carrying out annual sewage flow monitoring for concerned gravity sewer |
Methodology to be prepared and submitted to EPD one year before the scheduled commencement of operation of the proposed third runway |
The proposed methodology of the annual sewage flow monitoring was approved by EPD. The annual flow monitoring has been started since June 2021. |
|
Details of the routine H2S monitoring system for the sewerage system of 3RS |
Details to be prepared and submitted to EPD at least one year before commencement of the operation of 3RS |
The details of the routine H2S monitoring system will be prepared and submitted to EPD at least one year before commencement of operation of 3RS. |
|
Waste Management |
||
|
Waste Monitoring |
At least weekly |
On-going |
|
Land Contamination |
||
|
Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP) |
At least 3 months before commencement of any soil remediation works. |
The Supplementary CAP was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.20. |
|
Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Golf Course |
CAR to be submitted for golf course |
The CAR for Golf Course was submitted and accepted by EPD. |
|
Contamination Assessment Reports (CAR) for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems |
CAR to be submitted for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems |
The CARs for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems were submitted and accepted by EPD. |
|
Terrestrial Ecology |
||
|
Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan |
Once per month in the breeding season between April and July, prior to the commencement of HDD drilling works. |
The Egretry Survey Plan was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.14. |
|
Ecological Monitoring |
Monthly monitoring during the HDD construction works period from August to March. |
The terrestrial ecological monitoring at Sheung Sha Chau was completed in January 2019. |
|
Marine Ecology |
||
|
Pre-Construction Phase Coral Dive Survey |
Prior to marine construction works |
The Coral Translocation Plan was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.12. |
|
Coral Translocation |
- |
The coral translocation was completed. |
|
Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring |
As per an enhanced monitoring programme based on the Coral Translocation Plan |
The post-translocation monitoring programme according to the Coral Translocation Plan was completed in April 2018. |
|
Chinese White Dolphins (CWD) |
||
|
Baseline Monitoring |
6 months of baseline surveys before the commencement of land formation related construction works. Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month; Land-based theodolite tracking surveys: Two days per month at the Sha Chau station and two days per month at the Lung Kwu Chau station; and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM): For the whole duration of baseline period. |
Baseline CWD results were reported in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD in accordance with EP Condition 3.4. |
|
Impact Monitoring |
Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month; Land-based theodolite tracking surveys: One day per month at the Sha Chau station and one day per month at the Lung Kwu Chau station; and PAM: For the whole duration for land formation related construction works. |
On-going |
|
Landscape & Visual |
|
|
|
Landscape & Visual Plan |
At least 3 months before the commencement of construction works on the formed land of the Project. |
The Landscape & Visual Plan was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.18 |
|
Baseline Monitoring |
One-off survey within the Project site boundary prior to commencement of any construction works |
The baseline landscape & visual monitoring result was reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4. |
|
Impact Monitoring |
Weekly |
On-going |
|
Environmental Auditing |
|
|
|
Regular site inspection |
Weekly |
On-going |
|
Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
|
Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
|
SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF) implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
|
Construction and Associated Vessels Implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
|
Silt Curtain Deployment Plan implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
|
Spill Response Plan implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
|
Complaint Hotline and Email channel |
Construction phase |
On-going |
|
Environmental Log Book |
Construction phase |
On-going |
Taking into account the construction works in this reporting period, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, landscape & visual, and CWD were carried out in the reporting period.
The EM&A programme also involved weekly site inspections and related auditing conducted by the ET for checking the implementation of the required environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report. To promote the environmental awareness and enhance the environmental performance of the contractors, regular environmental management meetings were conducted during the reporting period, which are summarised as below:
● Eighteen environmental management meetings for EM&A review with works contracts: 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27 and 28 July 2022.
The EM&A programme has been following the recommendations presented in the approved EIA Report and the Manual. A summary of implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures for the construction phase of the Project during the reporting period is provided in Appendix A.
2
Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitoring of 1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) was conducted three times every six days at two representative monitoring stations in the vicinity of air sensitive receivers in Tung Chung and villages in North Lantau in accordance with the Manual. Table 2.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.
Table 2.1: Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station |
Location |
|
AR1A |
Man Tung Road Park |
|
AR2 |
Village House at Tin Sum |
2.1
Action and Limit Levels
In accordance with the Manual, baseline air quality monitoring of 1-hour TSP levels at the two air quality monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2: Action and Limit Levels of Air Quality Monitoring
|
Monitoring Station |
Action Level (mg/m3) |
Limit Level (mg/m3) |
|
AR1A |
306 |
500 |
|
AR2 |
298 |
2.2
Monitoring Equipment
Portable direct reading dust meter was used to carry out the air quality monitoring. Details of equipment used in the reporting period are given in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3: Air Quality Monitoring Equipment
|
Brand and Model |
Last Calibration Date |
Calibration Certificate Provided in |
|
|
Portable direct reading dust meter (Laser dust monitor) |
SIBATA LD-3B-2 (Serial No. 296098) |
20 Oct 2021 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 70, Appendix E |
|
SIBATA LD-3B-1 (Serial No. 597337) |
11 May 2022 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 77, Appendix D |
2.3
Monitoring Methodology
2.3.1
Measuring Procedure
The measurement procedures involved in the impact air quality monitoring can be summarised as follows:
a. The portable direct reading dust meter was mounted on a tripod at a height of 1.2m above the ground.
b. Prior to the measurement, the equipment was set up for 1 minute span check and 6 second background check.
c. The one hour dust measurement was started. Site conditions and dust sources at the nearby area were recorded on a record sheet.
d. When the measurement completed, the “Count” reading per hour was recorded for result calculation.
2.3.2
Maintenance and Calibration
The portable direct reading dust meter is calibrated every year against high volume sampler (HVS) to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method. The calibration record of the HVS provided in Appendix D, and the calibration certificates of portable direct reading dust meters listed in Table 2.3 are valid in the reporting period.
2.4
Summary of Monitoring Results
The air quality monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is provided in Appendix B.
The air quality monitoring results in the reporting period are summarised in Table 2.4. Detailed impact monitoring results are presented in Appendix C.
Table 2.4: Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Results
|
Monitoring Station |
1-hr TSP Concentration Range (mg/m3) |
Action Level (mg/m3) |
Limit Level (mg/m3) |
|
AR1A |
18 - 80 |
306 |
500 |
|
AR2 |
15 - 95 |
298 |
The monitoring results were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.
General meteorological conditions throughout the impact monitoring period were recorded. Wind data including wind speed and wind direction for each monitoring day were collected from the Chek Lap Kok Wind Station.
2.5
Conclusion
No dust emission source was observed at the monitoring stations during the monitoring sessions. As the sensitive receivers were far away from the construction activities, with the implementation of dust control measures, there was no adverse impact at the sensitive receivers attributable to the works of the Project.
3
Noise Monitoring
Noise monitoring in the form of 30-minute measurements of Leq, L10, and L90 levels was conducted once per week between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays at four representative monitoring stations in the vicinity of noise sensitive receivers in Tung Chung and villages in North Lantau in accordance with the Manual. Table 3.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.
Table 3.1: Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station |
Location |
Type of measurement |
|
NM1A |
Man Tung Road Park |
Free field |
|
NM2(1) |
Tung Chung West Development |
To be determined |
|
NM3A(2) |
Site Office |
Facade |
|
NM4 |
Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School |
Free field |
|
NM5 |
Village House in Tin Sum |
Free field |
|
NM6 |
House No. 1, Sha Lo Wan |
Free field |
Notes:
(1) As described in Section 4.3.3 of the Manual, noise monitoring at NM2 will only commence after occupation of the future Tung Chung West Development.
(2) According to Section 4.3.3 of the Manual, the noise monitoring at NM3A was temporarily suspended starting from 1 September 2018 and would be resumed with the completion of the Tung Chung East Development.
3.1
Action and Limit Levels
In accordance with the Manual, baseline noise levels at the noise monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. The Action and Limit Levels of the noise monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Noise Monitoring
|
Monitoring Stations |
Time Period |
Action Level |
Limit Level, Leq(30mins) dB(A) |
|
NM1A, NM2, NM3A, NM4, NM5 and NM6 |
0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays |
When one documented complaint is received from any one of the sensitive receivers |
75dB(A)(1) |
Note:
(1) The Limit Level for NM4 is reduced to 70dB(A) for being an educational institution. During school examination period, the Limit Level is further reduced to 65dB(A).
3.2
Monitoring Equipment
Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meter at each designated monitoring station. The sound level meters deployed comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications. Acoustic calibrator was used to check the sound level meters by a known sound pressure level for field measurement. Details of equipment used in the reporting period are given in Table 3.3.
Table 3.3: Noise Monitoring Equipment
|
Equipment |
Brand and Model |
Last Calibration Date |
Calibration Certificate Provided in |
|
Integrated Sound Level Meter |
Rion NL-52 (Serial No. 00998505) |
22 Mar 2022 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 75, Appendix D |
|
Acoustic Calibrator |
Casella CEL-120/1 (Serial No. 2383737) |
18 Jun 2022 |
|
|
Castle GA607 (Serial No. 040162) |
22 Mar 2022 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 75, Appendix D |
3.3
Monitoring Methodology
3.3.1
Monitoring Procedure
The monitoring procedures involved in the noise monitoring can be summarised as follows:
a. The sound level meter was set on a tripod at least a height of 1.2m above the ground for free-field measurements at monitoring stations NM1A, NM4, NM5 and NM6. A correction of +3dB(A) was applied to the free field measurements.
b. Façade measurements were made at the monitoring station NM3A.
c. Parameters such as frequency weighting, time weighting and measurement time were set.
d. Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator. If the difference in the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.
e. During the monitoring period, Leq, L10 and L90 were recorded. In addition, site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a record sheet.
f. Noise measurement results, when higher than the baseline monitoring levels, were corrected with reference to the baseline monitoring levels.
g. Observations were recorded when high intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) was observed during the monitoring.
3.3.2
Maintenance and Calibration
The maintenance and calibration procedures are summarised below:
h. The microphone head of the sound level meter was cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.
i. The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier or laboratory accredited under Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.
Calibration certificates of the sound level meters and acoustic calibrators used in the noise monitoring listed in Table 3.3 are valid in the reporting period.
3.4
Summary of Monitoring Results
The noise monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is provided in Appendix B.
The noise monitoring results in the reporting period are summarised in Table 3.4. Detailed impact monitoring results are presented in Appendix C.
Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results
|
Monitoring Station |
Noise Level Range, dB(A) Leq (30mins) |
Limit Level, dB(A) Leq (30mins) |
|
NM1A(1) |
63 - 67 |
75 |
|
NM4(1) |
62 - 65 |
70(2) |
|
NM5(1) |
54 - 59 |
75 |
|
NM6(1) (3) |
62 - 67 |
75 |
Notes:
(1) +3dB(A) Façade correction included;
(2) The limit level will be reduced to 65dB(A) during school examination periods at NM4. No school examination took place during this reporting period.
(3) Some of the noise measurement results were higher than the baseline monitoring levels. In order to reduce the influence of non-Project related noise on the monitoring results, these measurement results were corrected with reference to the baseline monitoring results.
No complaints were received from any sensitive receiver that triggered the Action Level. All monitoring results were also within the corresponding Limit Levels at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.
3.5
Conclusion
As the construction activities were far away from the monitoring stations, major sources of noise dominating the monitoring stations observed during the construction noise impact monitoring were traffic noise near NM1A and aircraft noise near NM6 during this reporting period. It is considered that the monitoring work during the reporting period was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to the Project activities.
4
Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring of DO, pH, temperature, salinity, turbidity, and suspended solids (SS) was conducted three days per week, at mid-ebb and mid-flood tides, at a total of 14 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 6 impact (IM) stations, 5 sensitive receiver (SR) stations and 3 control (C) stations in the vicinity of water quality sensitive receivers around the airport island in accordance with the Manual. The purpose of water quality monitoring at the IM stations is to promptly capture any potential water quality impact from the Project before it could become apparent at sensitive receivers (represented by the SR stations). Table 4.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 4.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.
Table 4.1: Monitoring Locations of Impact Water Quality Monitoring
|
Monitoring Station |
Description |
Coordinates |
Parameters |
|
|
|
|
Easting |
Northing |
|
|
C1 |
Control Station |
804247 |
815620 |
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
|
|
C2 |
Control Station |
806945 |
825682 |
|
|
C3(2) |
Control Station |
817803 |
822109 |
|
|
IM1(4) |
Impact Station |
806458 |
818351 |
|
|
IM2(4) |
Impact Station |
806236 |
819183 |
|
|
IM7(4) |
Impact Station |
806835 |
821349 |
|
|
IM10(4) |
Impact Station |
809838 |
822240 |
|
|
IM11(4) |
Impact Station |
810545 |
821501 |
|
|
IM12(4) |
Impact Station |
811519 |
821162 |
|
|
SR1A(1) |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) Seawater Intake for cooling |
812660 |
819977 |
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS |
|
SR2 |
Planned marine park / hard corals at The Brothers / Tai Mo To |
814166 |
821463 |
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
|
|
SR3 |
Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park / fishing and spawning grounds in North Lantau |
807571 |
822147 |
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
|
|
SR4A |
Sha Lo Wan |
807810 |
817189 |
|
|
SR8(3) |
Seawater Intake for cooling at Hong Kong International Airport (East) |
811623 |
820390 |
|
Notes:
(1) With the operation of HKBCF, water quality monitoring at SR1A station was commenced on 25 October 2018. To better reflect the water quality in the immediate vicinity of the intake, the monitoring location of SR1A has been shifted closer to the intake starting from 5 January 2019.
(2) According to the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report, C3 station is not adequately representative as a control station of impact/ SR stations during the flood tide. The control reference has been changed from C3 to SR2 from 1 September 2016 onwards.
(3) The monitoring location for SR8 is subject to further changes due to silt curtain arrangements and the progressive relocation of this seawater intake.
(4) With the seawall completion and removal of enhanced open sea silt curtains, these monitoring stations were relocated back to their original locations. For IM2, there was minor adjustment of the monitoring location.
4.1
Action and Limit Levels
In accordance with the Manual, baseline water quality levels at the representative water quality monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report. The Action and Limit Levels of general water quality monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 4.2. The control and impact stations during ebb tide and flood tide for general water quality monitoring are presented in Table 4.3.
Table 4.2: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring
|
Parameters |
Action Level (AL) |
Limit Level (LL) |
|||
|
Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring (excluding SR1A & SR8) |
|||||
|
General Water Quality Monitoring |
DO in mg/l (Surface, Middle & Bottom) |
Surface and Middle 4.5mg/l |
Surface and Middle 4.1mg/l |
||
|
Bottom 3.4mg/l |
Bottom 2.7mg/l |
||||
|
Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/l |
23 |
or 120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher |
37 |
or 130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher |
|
|
Turbidity in NTU |
22.6 |
36.1 |
|||
|
Action and Limit Levels SR1A |
|
|
|
||
|
SS (mg/l)) |
33 |
|
42 |
|
|
|
Action and Limit Levels SR8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SS (mg/l) |
52 |
|
60 |
|
|
Notes:
(1) For DO measurement, non-compliance occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.
(2) For parameters other than DO, non-compliance of water quality results when monitoring results is higher than the limits.
(3) Depth-averaged results are used unless specified otherwise.
Table 4.3: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring
|
Control Station |
Impact Stations |
|
Flood Tide |
|
|
C1 |
IM1, IM2, IM7, SR3 |
|
SR2(1) |
IM7, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR3, SR4A, SR8 |
|
Ebb Tide |
|
|
C1 |
SR4A |
|
C2 |
IM1, IM2, IM7, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR2, SR3, SR8 |
(1) As per findings of Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report, the control reference has been changed from C3 to SR2 from 1 September 2016 onwards.
4.2
Monitoring Equipment
Table 4.4 summarises the equipment used in the reporting period for monitoring of specific water quality parameters under the water quality monitoring programme.
Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment
|
Brand and Model |
Last Calibration Date |
Calibration Certificate Provided in |
|
|
Multifunctional Meter (measurement of DO, pH, temperature, salinity and turbidity) |
YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 21G105356) |
28 Jul 2022 |
|
|
YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 15M100005) |
28 Jul 2022 |
||
|
YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 16H104233) |
10 Jun 2022 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 78, Appendix D |
|
|
YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 17E100747) |
10 Jun 2022 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 78, Appendix D |
|
Other equipment used as part of the impact water quality monitoring programme are listed in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5: Other Monitoring Equipment
|
Equipment |
Brand and Model |
|
Water Sampler |
Van Dorn Water Sampler |
|
Positioning Device (measurement of GPS) |
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx |
|
Current Meter (measurement of current speed and direction, and water depth) |
Sontek HydroSurveyor |
4.3
Monitoring Methodology
4.3.1
Measuring Procedure
Water quality monitoring samples were taken at three depths (at 1m below surface, at mid-depth, and at 1m above bottom) for locations with water depth >6m. For locations with water depth between 3m and 6m, water samples were taken at two depths (surface and bottom). For locations with water depth <3m, only the mid-depth was taken. Duplicate water samples were taken and analysed.
The water samples for all monitoring parameters were collected, stored, preserved and analysed according to the Standard Methods, APHA 22nd ed. and/or other methods as agreed by the EPD. In-situ measurements at monitoring locations including temperature, pH, DO, turbidity, salinity, and water depth were collected by equipment listed in Table 4.4 and Table 4.5. Water samples for SS analysis were stored in high density polythene bottles with no preservative added, packed in ice (cooled to 4ºC without being frozen), delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
4.3.2
Maintenance and Calibration
Calibration of In-situ Instruments
Wet bulb calibration for a DO meter was carried out before commencement of monitoring and after completion of all measurements each day. Calibration was not conducted at each monitoring location as daily calibration is adequate for the type of DO meter employed. A zero check in distilled water was performed with the turbidity probe at least once per monitoring day. The probe was then calibrated with a solution of known NTU. In addition, the turbidity probe was calibrated at least twice per month to establish the relationship between turbidity readings (in NTU) and levels of SS (in mg/l).
Calibration certificates of the monitoring equipment used in the reporting period are listed in Table 4.4.
4.3.3
Laboratory Measurement / Analysis
Analysis of SS have been carried out by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory, ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd (Reg. No. HOKLAS 066). Sufficient water samples were collected at all the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory SS determination. The SS determination works were started within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. The analysis of SS have followed the standard methods summarised in Table 4.6. The QA/QC procedures for laboratory measurement/ analysis of SS were presented in Appendix F of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.8.
Table 4.6: Laboratory Measurement/ Analysis of SS
|
Parameters |
Instrumentation |
Analytical Method |
Reporting Limit |
|
SS |
Analytical Balance |
APHA 2540D |
2mg/l |
4.4
Summary of
Monitoring Results
The water quality monitoring schedule for the reporting period is updated and provided in Appendix B. Monitoring for both ebb and flood tides on 2 July 2022 was cancelled due to No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal in force.
The water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except DO, obtained during the reporting period were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels. The detailed monitoring results are presented in Appendix C.
For DO, some of the testing results triggered the corresponding Action and/or Limit Levels, and investigations were conducted accordingly.
Table 4.7 to Table 4.10 present the summary of the DO compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-ebb and mid-flood tides for the reporting period.
Table 4.7: Summary of DO (Surface + Middle) Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)
Table 4.8: Summary of DO (Bottom) Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)
Table 4.9: Summary of DO (Surface + Middle) Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide)
Table 4.10: Summary of DO (Bottom) Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide)
|
Note: Detailed results are presented in Appendix C. |
|
|
Legend: |
|
|
|
The monitoring results were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels |
|
|
Monitoring result triggered the Action Level at monitoring station located upstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow |
|
D |
Monitoring result triggered the Action Level at monitoring station located downstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow |
|
|
Monitoring result triggered the Limit Level at monitoring station located upstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow |
|
D |
Monitoring result triggered the Limit Level at monitoring station located downstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow |
|
|
Upstream station with respect to the Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow |
Monitoring results triggered the corresponding Action and/or Limit Levels on four monitoring days. Some cases occurred at monitoring stations upstream of the Project during ebb and flood tide and would unlikely be affected by the Project.
In accordance with Event and Action Plan stipulated in the Manual, EPD was informed when the corresponding Limit Levels were triggered, while IEC and Contractors were informed when the corresponding Action and/or Limit Levels were triggered. Repeat in-situ measurements were conducted on 24, 25, 27 and 29 July 2022 according to the requirements as stipulated in the Manual.
Investigation focusing on the cases which occurred at monitoring stations located downstream of the Project was carried out. Details of the Project’s marine construction activities and site observations of the concerned monitoring days were collected. Findings were summarised in Table 4.11.
Table 4.11: Summary of Findings from Investigation of DO Monitoring Results
|
|
Date |
Marine construction works nearby |
Approximate distance from marine construction works
|
Status of water quality measures (if applicable) |
Construction vessels in the vicinity |
Turbidity / Silt plume observed near the monitoring station |
Action or Limit Level triggered due to Project |
|
23/07/2022 |
Seawall construction |
At least 1 km |
Silt curtain deployed |
No |
No |
No |
|
|
26/07/2022 |
Seawall construction |
At least 1 km |
Silt curtain deployed |
No |
No |
No |
|
|
28/07/2022 |
Seawall construction |
At least 1 km |
Silt curtain deployed |
No |
No |
No |
|
|
30/07/2022 |
Seawall construction |
At least 3 km |
Silt curtain deployed |
No |
No |
No |
|
The investigation confirmed that marine construction works were conducted with silt curtains deployed during the concerned monitoring days. The silt curtains were maintained properly and checked by ET regularly. No muddy water discharges from outfalls of the reclaimed land were observed. The cases triggering the respective Action and/or Limit Levels at different water depths, namely surface & middle (S+M) and bottom (B), will be discussed in the following paragraphs.
For the DO results recorded at the Surface and Middle water depth during mid-ebb tide (please refer to Table 4.7), the DO results at some of the downstream stations triggered Action and/or Limit Levels on 28 July 2022. For both IM1 and SR4A, it is noted that these stations are located in the western side of the Project, which have had similar previous records of widespread low DO during wet season. Also, similar low DO concentrations were also recorded at the control stations, suggesting the presence of external factors affecting the DO concentration in that area.
For the DO results recorded at the Bottom water depth during mid-ebb tide (please refer to Table 4.8), the DO results at some of the downstream stations triggered Action and/or Limit Levels on 23, 26 and 28 July 2022. For IM1, IM2 and SR4A, it is noted that these stations are located in the western side of the Project, which have had similar previous records of widespread low DO during wet season. Also, similar low DO concentrations were also recorded at the control stations C1 and C2 on multiple monitoring days, suggesting the presence of external factors affecting the DO concentration in that area. For IM11, low DO concentration was also recorded at its control station and the nearest upstream station, which might possibly suggest the presence of external factors affecting the DO concentration on 26 July 2022.
For the DO results recorded at the Bottom water depth during mid-flood tide (please refer to Table 4.10), the DO results at some of the downstream stations triggered Action Levels on 23, 26 and 28 July 2022. For the cases on 26 July 2022 at IM10 and SR3, low DO concentrations were also recorded at their respective control stations and their nearest upstream stations, which might possibly suggest the presence of external factors affecting the DO concentration on that day. For the cases on 23 and 28 July 2022 at SR3, it is noted that SR3 was the only downstream station triggering the Action Level on these monitoring days, with no proximate stations triggering Action and/or Limit Levels, suggesting the possibility of external factors affecting the DO concentration in that area.
No silt plume, construction vessel, spillage incident or specific observation at outfalls were observed in the vicinity when monitoring was undertaken at the monitoring station. Therefore, the cases were considered unlikely due to the Project.
4.5
Conclusion
During the reporting period, it is noted that most of the monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while some DO measurement results triggered the corresponding Action and/or Limit Levels, investigations were conducted accordingly.
Based on the investigation findings, all results that triggered the corresponding Action and/or Limit Levels were not due to the project. Therefore, the Project did not cause adverse impact at the water quality sensitive receivers. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan were followed. These cases appeared to be due to natural fluctuation or other sources not related to the Project.
Nevertheless, as part of the EM&A programme, the construction methods and mitigation measures for water quality will continue to be monitored and opportunities for further enhancement will continue to be explored and implemented where possible, to strive for better protection of water quality and the marine environment.
In the meantime, the contractors
were reminded to implement and maintain all mitigation measures as recommended
in the Manual during weekly site inspection and regular environmental
management meetings.
5
Waste Management
In accordance with the Manual, the waste generated from construction activities was audited once per week to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with the Waste Management Plan (WMP) prepared for the Project, contract-specific WMP, and any statutory and contractual requirements. All aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage, transportation and disposal were assessed during the audits.
5.1
Action and Limit Levels
The Action and Limit Levels of the construction waste are provided in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste
|
Monitoring Stations |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
Construction Area |
When one valid documented complaint is received |
Non-compliance of the WMP, contract-specific WMPs, any statutory and contractual requirements |
5.2
Waste Management Status
Weekly monitoring on all works contracts were carried out by the ET to check and monitor the implementation of proper waste management practices during the construction phase.
Recommendations made included provision and maintenance of proper chemical waste storage area, as well as handling, segregation, and regular disposal of general refuse. The contractors have taken actions to implement the recommended measures. Waste management audits were carried out by ET according to the requirement of the Waste Management Plan, Updated EM&A Manual and the implementation schedule of the waste management mitigation measures in Appendix A.
Based on updated contractors’ information, construction waste generated in the reporting period is summarised in Table 5.2. ET and IEC have carried out site audits regularly and reviewed the trip ticket system. Dedicated areas for sorting of materials are established on site. Recyclable materials such as steel, reinforcement bar, structural steel, aluminium, copper, other metals, paper and plastic are sorted on-site and transported off-site for recycling during this reporting period.
Table 5.2: Construction Waste Statistics
|
|
C&D Material Stockpiled for Reuse or Recycle(1) (m3) |
C&D Material Reused in the Project (m3) |
C&D Material Reused in other Projects (m3) |
C&D Material Transferred to Public Fill (m3) |
Chemical Waste (kg) |
Chemical Waste (l) |
General Refuse (tonne) |
|
|
June 2022(2) |
34,177 |
3,209 |
*40,846 |
10,305 |
1,000 |
0 |
2,679 |
|
|
July 2022(3) |
44,288 |
4,682 |
30,029 |
11,485 |
0 |
0 |
1,953 |
|
|
Notes: (1) C&D refers to Construction and Demolition. (2) Updated figure for the previous month is reported and marked with an asterisk (*). Updated figures for earlier months will be reported in the forthcoming Quarterly and Annual EM&A Reports. (3) The data was based on the information provided by contractors up to the submission date of this Monthly EM&A Report, and might be updated in the forthcoming Monthly EM&A Report. |
||||||||
There were no complaints, non-compliance of the WMP, contract-specific WMPs, statutory and contractual requirements that triggered Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.
5.3
Marine Sediment Management
Marine sediment is managed according to the EIA Report, Updated EM&A Manual, Waste Management Plan and the proposal of Further Development on Treatment Level / Details and the Reuse Mode for Marine Sediment (hereinafter referred to as “Further Development Proposal”) of the Project. The sampling process, storage conditions of the excavated marine sediment, treatment process, final backfilling location as well as associated records were inspected and checked by ET and verified by IEC to ensure they were in compliance with the requirements as stipulated in the Waste Management Plan and Further Development Proposal.
Sampling works for marine sediment generated from the reclaimed land area was on-going during the reporting period. The details of the marine sediment sampling, treatment and backfilling will be reported in the Annual EM&A Reports.
6
Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring
In accordance with the Manual, CWD monitoring by small vessel line-transect survey supplemented by land-based theodolite tracking survey and passive acoustic monitoring should be conducted during construction phase.
The small vessel line-transect survey should be conducted at a frequency of two full surveys per month, while land-based theodolite tracking survey should be conducted at a frequency of one day per month per station at Sha Chau (SC) and Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) during the construction phase as stipulated in the Manual.
6.1
Action and Limit Levels
The Action and Limit Levels for CWD monitoring were formulated by the action response approach using the running quarterly dolphin encounter rates STG and ANI derived from the baseline monitoring data, as presented in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report. The derived values of Action and Limit Levels for CWD monitoring were summarised in Table 6.1.
Table 6.1: Derived Values of Action and Limit Levels for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring
|
|
NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL as a Whole |
|
Action Level(3) |
Running quarterly(1) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35 |
|
Limit Level(3) |
Two consecutive running quarterly(2) (3-month) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35 |
|
Notes: (referring to the baseline monitoring report) (1) Action Level – running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI of this month will be calculated from the reporting period and the two preceding survey months. (2) Limit Level – two consecutive running quarters mean both the running quarterly encounter rates of the preceding month and the running quarterly encounter rates of this month. (3) Action Level and/or Limit Level will be triggered if both STG and ANI fall below the criteria. |
|
6.2
CWD Monitoring Transects and Stations
6.2.1
Small Vessel Line-transect Survey
Small vessel line-transect surveys were conducted along the transects covering Northeast Lantau (NEL), Northwest Lantau (NWL), Airport West (AW), West Lantau (WL) and Southwest Lantau (SWL) areas as proposed in the Manual, which are consistent with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) long-term monitoring programme (except the addition of AW). The AW transect has not been previously surveyed in the AFCD programme due to the restrictions of HKIA Approach Area, nevertheless, this transect was established during the EIA of the 3RS Project and refined in the Manual with the aim to collect project specific baseline information within the HKIA Approach Area to fill the data gap that was not covered by the AFCD programme. This also provided a larger sample size for estimating the density, abundance and patterns of movements in the broader study area of the project.
The planned vessel survey transect lines following the waypoints set for construction phase monitoring as proposed in the Manual are depicted in Figure 6.1 with the waypoint coordinates of all transect lines given in Table 6.2, which are subject to on-site refinement based on the actual survey conditions and constraints.
Table 6.2: Coordinates of Transect Lines in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL Survey Areas
|
Waypoint |
Easting |
Northing |
Waypoint |
Easting |
Northing |
|
NEL |
|||||
|
1S |
813525 |
820900 |
6N |
818568 |
824433 |
|
1N |
813525 |
824657 |
7S |
819532 |
821420 |
|
2S |
814556 |
818449 |
7N |
819532 |
824209 |
|
2N |
814559 |
824768 |
8S |
820451 |
822125 |
|
3S |
815542 |
818807 |
8N |
820451 |
823671 |
|
3N |
815542 |
824882 |
9S |
821504 |
822371 |
|
4S |
816506 |
819480 |
9N |
821504 |
823761 |
|
4N |
816506 |
824859 |
10S |
822513 |
823268 |
|
5S |
817537 |
820220 |
10N |
822513 |
824321 |
|
5N |
817537 |
824613 |
11S |
823477 |
823402 |
|
6S |
818568 |
820735 |
11N |
823477 |
824613 |
|
NWL |
|||||
|
1S |
804671 |
814577 |
5S |
808504 |
821735 |
|
1N |
804671 |
831404 |
5N |
808504 |
828602 |
|
2Sb |
805475 |
815457 |
6S |
809490 |
822075 |
|
2Nb |
805476 |
818571 |
6N |
809490 |
825352 |
|
2Sa |
805476 |
820770 |
7S |
810499 |
822323 |
|
2Na |
805476 |
830562 |
7N |
810499 |
824613 |
|
3S |
806464 |
821033 |
8S |
811508 |
821839 |
|
3N |
806464 |
829598 |
8N |
811508 |
824254 |
|
4S |
807518 |
821395 |
9S |
812516 |
821356 |
|
4N |
807518 |
829230 |
9N |
812516 |
824254 |
|
AW |
|||||
|
1W |
804733 |
818205 |
2W |
805045 |
816912 |
|
1E |
806708 |
818017 |
2E |
805960 |
816633 |
|
WL |
|||||
|
1W |
800600 |
805450 |
7W |
800400 |
811450 |
|
1E |
801760 |
805450 |
7E |
802400 |
811450 |
|
2W |
800300 |
806450 |
8W |
800800 |
812450 |
|
2E |
801750 |
806450 |
8E |
802900 |
812450 |
|
3W |
799600 |
807450 |
9W |
801500 |
813550 |
|
3E |
801500 |
807450 |
9E |
803120 |
813550 |
|
4W |
799400 |
808450 |
10W |
801880 |
814500 |
|
4E |
801430 |
808450 |
10E |
803700 |
814500 |
|
5W |
799500 |
809450 |
11W |
802860 |
815500 |
|
5E |
801300 |
809450 |
12S/11E |
803750 |
815500 |
|
6W |
799800 |
810450 |
12N |
803750 |
818500 |
|
6E |
801400 |
810450 |
|
|
|
|
SWL |
|||||
|
1S |
802494 |
803961 |
6S |
807467 |
801137 |
|
1N |
802494 |
806174 |
6N |
807467 |
808458 |
|
2S |
803489 |
803280 |
7S |
808553 |
800329 |
|
2N |
803489 |
806720 |
7N |
808553 |
807377 |
|
3S |
804484 |
802509 |
8S |
809547 |
800338 |
|
3N |
804484 |
807048 |
8N |
809547 |
807396 |
|
4S |
805478 |
802105 |
9S |
810542 |
800423 |
|
4N |
805478 |
807556 |
9N |
810542 |
807462 |
|
5S |
806473 |
801250 |
10S |
811446 |
801335 |
|
5N |
806473 |
808458 |
10N |
811446 |
809436 |
6.2.2
Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey
Land-based theodolite tracking survey stations were set up at two locations, one facing east/south/west on the southern slopes of Sha Chau (SC), and the other facing north/northeast/northwest at Lung Kwu Chau (LKC). The stations (D and E) are depicted in Figure 6.2 and shown in Table 6.3 with position coordinates, height of station and approximate distance of consistent theodolite tracking capabilities for CWD.
Table 6.3: Land-based Theodolite Survey Station Details
|
Stations |
Location |
Geographical Coordinates |
Station Height (m) |
Approximate Tracking Distance (km) |
|
D |
Sha Chau (SC) |
22° 20’ 43.5” N 113° 53’ 24.66” E |
45.66 |
2 |
|
E |
Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) |
22° 22’ 44.83” N 113° 53’ 0.2” E |
70.40 |
3 |
6.3
CWD Monitoring Methodology
6.3.1
Small Vessel Line-transect Survey
Small vessel line-transect surveys provided data for density and abundance estimation and other assessments using distance-sampling methodologies, specifically, line-transect methods.
The surveys involved small vessel line-transect data collection and have been designed to be similar to, and consistent with, previous surveys for the AFCD for their long-term monitoring of small cetaceans in Hong Kong. The survey was designed to provide systematic, quantitative measurements of density, abundance and habitat use.
As mentioned in Section 6.2.1, the transects covered NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL areas as proposed in the Manual, which are consistent with the AFCD long-term monitoring programme (except AW). There are two types of transect lines:
● Primary transect lines: the parallel and zigzag transect lines as shown in Figure 6.1; and
● Secondary transect lines: transect lines connecting between the primary transect lines and going around islands.
All data collected on both primary and secondary transect lines were used for analysis of sighting distribution, group size, activities including association with fishing boat, and mother-calf pairs. Only on-effort data collected under favourable conditions of Beaufort 0-3 and visibility of approximately 1200 m or beyond were used for analysis of the CWD encounter rates.
A 15-20m vessel with a flying bridge observation platform about 4 to 5m above water level and unobstructed forward view, and a team of three to four observers were deployed to undertake the surveys. Two observers were on search effort at all times when following the transect lines with a constant speed of 7 to 8 knots (i.e. 13 to 15 km per hour), one using 7X handheld binoculars and the other using unaided eyes and recording data.
During on-effort survey periods, the survey team recorded effort data including time, position (waypoints), weather conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility) and distance travelled in each series with assistance of a handheld GPS device. The GPS device also continuously and automatically logged data including time, position (latitude and longitude) and vessel speed throughout the entire survey.
When CWDs were seen, the survey team was taken off-effort, the dolphins were approached and photographed for photo-ID information (using a Canon 7D [or similar] camera and long 300 mm+ telephoto lens), then followed until they were lost from view. At that point, the boat returned (off effort) to the survey line at the closest point after obtaining photo records of the dolphin group and began to survey on effort again.
Focal follows of dolphins would be used for providing supplementary information only where practicable (i.e. when individual dolphins or small stable groups of dolphins with at least one member that could be readily identifiable with unaided eyes during observations and weather conditions are favourable). These would involve the boat following (at an appropriate distance to minimise disturbance) an identifiable individual dolphin for an extended period of time, and collecting detailed data on its location, behaviour, response to vessels, and associates.
6.3.2
Photo Identification
CWDs can be identified by their unique features like presence of scratches, nick marks, cuts, wounds, deformities of their dorsal fin and distinguished colouration and spotting patterns.
When CWDs were observed, the survey team was taken off-effort, the dolphins were approached and photographed for photo-ID information (using a Canon 7D [or similar] camera and long 300 mm+ telephoto lens). The survey team attempted to photograph both sides of every single dolphin in the group as the colouration and spotting pattern on both sides may not be identical. The photos were taken at the highest available resolution and stored on Compact Flash memory cards for transferring into a computer.
All photos taken were initially examined to sort out those containing potentially identifiable individuals. These sorted-out images would then be examined in detail and compared to the CWD photo-identification catalogue established for 3RS Project during the baseline monitoring stage.
6.3.3
Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey
Land-based theodolite tracking survey obtains fine-scale information on the time of day and movement patterns of the CWDs. A digital theodolite (Sokkia/Sokkisha Model DT5 or similar equipment) with 30-power magnification and 5-s precision was used to obtain the vertical and horizontal angle of each dolphin and vessel position. Angles were converted to geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) and data were recorded using Pythagoras software, Version 1.2. This method delivers precise positions of multiple spatially distant targets in a short period of time. The technique is fully non-invasive, and allows for time and cost-effective descriptions of dolphin habitat use patterns at all times of daylight.
Three surveyors (one theodolite operator, one computer operator, and one observer) were involved in each survey. Observers searched for dolphins using unaided eyes and handheld binoculars (7X50). Theodolite tracking sessions were initiated whenever an individual CWD or group of CWDs was located. Where possible, a distinguishable individual was selected, based on colouration, within the group. The focal individual was then continuously tracked via the theodolite, with a position recorded each time the dolphin surfaced. In case an individual could not be positively distinguished from other members, the group was tracked by recording positions based on a central point within the group whenever the CWD surfaced. Tracking continued until animals were lost from view; moved beyond the range of reliable visibility (>1-3km, depending on station height); or environmental conditions obstructed visibility (e.g., intense haze, Beaufort sea state >4, or sunset), at which time the research effort was terminated. In addition to the tracking of CWD, all vessels that moved within 2-3km of the station were tracked, with effort made to obtain at least two positions for each vessel.
Theodolite tracking included focal follows of CWD groups and vessels. Priority was given to tracking individual or groups of CWD. The survey team also attempted to track all vessels moving within 1 km of the focal CWD.
6.4
Monitoring Results and Observations
6.4.1
Small Vessel Line-transect Survey
Survey Effort
Within this reporting period, two complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys were conducted on the 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 19 and 25 July 2022 covering all transects in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL survey areas for twice.
A total of around 433.24 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys and 428.43 km of the survey effort was being conducted under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility). Details of the survey effort are given in Appendix C.
Sighting Distribution
In the current reporting period, 32 sightings with 88 dolphins were sighted. Amongst these sightings, 31 sightings with 87 dolphins were on-effort records under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility). Details of cetacean sightings are presented in Appendix C.
Distribution of all CWD sightings recorded in the current reporting period is illustrated in Figure 6.3. CWD groups in WL were mainly observed at waters around Peaked Hill and Fan Lau, with two sightings recorded near Tai O and Yi O. In SWL, there was a cluster of CWD groups recorded to the northwest of the Soko Islands. There were also several CWD sightings scattered at inshore waters from Shui Hau to Fan Lau in the SWL survey area, while a few other sightings were recorded at the southwestern part of survey area away from shore. There was no CWD sighting recorded in NWL or NEL survey areas during the reporting period.
Figure 6.3: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins
Remarks: (1) Please note that there are 32 pink circles on the map indicating the sighting locations of CWDs. Some of them were very close to each other and therefore may appear overlapped on this distribution map. (2) Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.
Encounter Rate
Two types of dolphin encounter rates were calculated based on the vessel survey data. They included the number of dolphin sightings per 100 km survey effort (STG) and total number of dolphins per 100 km survey effort (ANI) in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL). In the calculation of dolphin encounter rates, only survey data collected under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility) were used. The formulae used for calculation of the encounter rates are shown below:
Encounter Rate by Number of Dolphin Sightings (STG)
Encounter Rate by Number of Dolphins (ANI)
(Notes: Only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition were used)
In this reporting period, a total of around 428.43 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 31 on-effort sightings with 87 dolphins were sighted under such condition. Calculation of the encounter rates for the month are shown in Appendix C.
For the running quarter of the reporting period (i.e., from May to July 2022), a total of around 1263.20 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 67 on-effort sightings and a total number of 231 dolphins from on-effort sightings were obtained under such condition. Calculation of the running quarterly encounter rates are shown in Appendix C.
The STG and ANI of CWD in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL) during the reporting period and during the running quarter are presented in Table 6.4 below and compared with the Action Level. The running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI remain above the Action Level, thus the Action Level is not triggered.
Table 6.4: Comparison of CWD Encounter Rates of the Whole Survey Area with Action Levels
|
|
Encounter Rate (STG) |
Encounter Rate (ANI) |
|
July 2022 |
7.24 |
20.31 |
|
Running Quarter from May to July 2022(1) |
5.30 |
18.29 |
|
Action Level |
Running quarterly(1) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35 |
|
|
Note: (1) Running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI were calculated from data collected in the reporting period and the two preceding survey months, containing six sets of transect surveys for all monitoring areas. Action Level will be triggered if both STG and ANI fall below the criteria. |
||
Group Size
In the current reporting period, 32 groups of 88 dolphins in total were sighted, and the average group size of CWDs was 2.8 dolphins per group. Over half of the CWD sightings were with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins), while the number of CWD sightings with medium group size (i.e. 3-9 dolphins) were lower. There was also one CWD sighting with large group size (i.e. 10 or more dolphins) recorded near Fan Lau in WL survey area.
Activities and Association with Fishing Boats
There were 10 CWD sightings recorded engaging in foraging activities in the current reporting period. Amongst them, three CWD sightings were observed associated with operating purse seiner in SWL.
Mother-calf Pair
In this reporting period, there were four CWD sightings recorded with mother-and-unspotted juvenile pair(s) and/or mother-and-unspotted calf pair(s) in WL survey area.
6.4.2
Photo
Identification
In the current reporting period, a total number of 28 different CWD individuals were identified for totally 37 times. A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 6.5. Representative photos of these individuals are given in Appendix C.
Table 6.5: Summary of Photo Identification
|
Individual ID |
Date of Sighting (dd-mmm-yy) |
Sighting Group No. |
Area |
|
Individual ID |
Date of Sighting (dd-mmm-yy) |
Sighting Group No. |
Area |
|
NLMM058 |
11-Jul-22 |
2 |
WL |
|
WLMM018 |
8-Jul-22 |
4 |
WL |
|
NLMM061 |
12-Jul-22 |
15 |
SWL |
|
WLMM019 |
11-Jul-22 |
1 |
WL |
|
NLMM063 |
13-Jul-22 |
6 |
SWL |
|
WLMM038 |
8-Jul-22 |
2 |
WL |
|
NLMM085 |
12-Jul-22 |
3 |
SWL |
|
WLMM047 |
12-Jul-22 |
10 |
SWL |
|
|
|
6 |
SWL |
|
WLMM049 |
12-Jul-22 |
13 |
SWL |
|
SLMM002 |
12-Jul-22 |
2 |
SWL |
|
|
13-Jul-22 |
10 |
SWL |
|
|
|
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM052 |
8-Jul-22 |
2 |
WL |
|
|
13-Jul-22 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM076 |
12-Jul-22 |
13 |
SWL |
|
SLMM014 |
12-Jul-22 |
2 |
SWL |
|
WLMM081 |
11-Jul-22 |
2 |
WL |
|
|
|
7 |
SWL |
|
WLMM083 |
8-Jul-22 |
2 |
WL |
|
|
13-Jul-22 |
3 |
SWL |
|
|
|
3 |
WL |
|
SLMM027 |
11-Jul-22 |
2 |
WL |
|
WLMM131 |
12-Jul-22 |
1 |
SWL |
|
SLMM029 |
12-Jul-22 |
8 |
SWL |
|
|
|
4 |
SWL |
|
SLMM037 |
12-Jul-22 |
2 |
SWL |
|
WLMM176 |
8-Jul-22 |
2 |
WL |
|
SLMM050 |
13-Jul-22 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM177 |
8-Jul-22 |
1 |
WL |
|
SLMM060 |
12-Jul-22 |
9 |
SWL |
|
WLMM178 |
8-Jul-22 |
2 |
WL |
|
SLMM074 |
8-Jul-22 |
4 |
WL |
|
WLMM179 |
11-Jul-22 |
4 |
WL |
|
WLMM003 |
11-Jul-22 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM180 |
11-Jul-22 |
4 |
WL |
|
|
13-Jul-22 |
7 |
SWL |
|
|
|
|
|
6.4.3
Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey
Survey Effort
Land-based theodolite tracking surveys were conducted at LKC on 18 July 2022 and at SC on 19 July 2022, with a total of two days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort accomplished in this reporting period. No CWD group was tracked off LKC or SC stations during the reporting period. Information of survey effort and CWD groups are presented in Table 6.6. Details of the survey effort are presented in Appendix C.
Table 6.6: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking
|
Land-based Station |
No. of Survey Sessions |
Survey Effort (hh:mm) |
No. of CWD Groups Sighted |
CWD Group Sighting per Survey Hour |
|
Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) |
1 |
6:00 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sha Chau (SC) |
1 |
6:00 |
0 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
2 |
12:00 |
0 |
0 |
6.5
Progress Update on Passive Acoustic Monitoring
Underwater acoustic monitoring using Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) should be undertaken during land formation related construction works. Both C-POD and F-POD are considered as effective PAM devices in detecting CWD occurrence, and F-POD was the main PAM device deployed where feasible. During this reporting period, the F-POD was remained underwater and positioned at south of Sha Chau Island inside the SCLKCMP (Figure 6.4). The F-POD was last deployed on 16 May 2022 and the next retrieval is scheduled in early August 2022. Acoustic data would be reviewed to give an indication of CWD occurrence patterns and anthropogenic noise information. Analysis would involve use of proprietary software for objective automated data analyses and experienced analysts to perform visual validation for assessment of dolphin detection. As the period of data collection and analysis takes about four months, PAM results could not be reported in monthly intervals but report for supplementing the annual CWD monitoring analysis.
6.6
Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures
During the reporting period, silt curtains were provided by the contractor for marine filling works, in which dolphin observers were also deployed by the contractor in accordance with the MMWP. Overall, 1 to 3 dolphin observation stations and teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for seawall construction works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers on the implementation of MMWP and DEZ monitoring were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with a cumulative total of 704 individuals being trained and the training records kept by the ET. From the contractors’ MMWP and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtain or DEZ during this reporting month. These contractors’ records were also audited by the ET during site inspection.
Audits of acoustic decoupling measures for construction vessels were carried out during weekly site inspection and the observations are summarised in Section 7.1. Audits of SkyPier high speed ferries route diversion and speed control and construction vessel management are presented in Section 7.4 and Section 7.5 respectively.
6.7
Timing of reporting CWD Monitoring Results
Detailed analysis of CWD monitoring results collected by small vessel line-transect survey will be provided in future quarterly reports. Detailed analysis of CWD monitoring results collected by land-based theodolite tracking survey and PAM will be provided in future annual reports after a larger sample size of data has been collected.
6.8
Summary of CWD Monitoring
Monitoring of CWD was conducted with two complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys and two days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort. The running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI in the reporting period did not trigger the Action Level for CWD monitoring.
7
Environmental Site Inspection and
Audit
7.1
Environmental Site Inspection
Site inspections of the construction works to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project were conducted by ET and IEC on a weekly and bi-weekly basis, respectively. The weekly site inspection schedule of the construction works is provided in Appendix B. Besides, physically ad-hoc site inspections were also conducted by ET and IEC if environmental problems were identified, or subsequent to receipt of an environmental complaint, or as part of the investigation work. These site inspections provided a direct means to reinforce the specified environmental protection requirements and pollution control measures in construction sites.
During site inspections, environmental situation, status of implementation of pollution control and mitigation measures were observed. Environmental documents and site records, including waste disposal record, maintenance record of environmental equipment, and relevant environmental permit and licences, were also checked on site. Observations were recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the contractor together with the recommended mitigation measures where necessary in order to advise contractors on environmental improvement, awareness and on-site enhancement measures. The observations were made with reference to the following information during the site inspections:
· The EIA and EM&A requirements;
· Relevant environmental protection laws, guidelines, and practice notes;
· The EP conditions and other submissions under the EP;
· Monitoring results of EM&A programme;
· Works progress and programme;
· Proposal of individual works;
· Contract specifications on environmental protection; and
· Previous site inspection results.
Good site practices were observed in site inspections during the reporting period. Advice was given when necessary to ensure the construction workforce were familiar with relevant procedures, and to maintain good environmental performance on site. Regular toolbox talks on environmental issues were organised for the construction workforce by the contractors to ensure understanding and proper implementation of environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures.
A summary of implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures for the construction phase of the Project during the reporting period is provided in Appendix A.
7.2
Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
Implementation of applicable landscape and visual mitigation measures (reference to the environmental protection measures CM1 – CM10 in Appendix A) was monitored in accordance with the Manual. All measures undertaken by both the contractor and the landscape contractor during the construction phase and first year of the operation phase shall be audited by a landscape architect, as a member of the ET, on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the measures. Site inspections shall be undertaken at least once every two months during the operation phase.
The implementation status of the environmental protection measures is summarized below in Table 7.1. Examples of landscape and visual mitigation measures are shown in Table 7.2. The monitoring programme for detailed design, construction, establishment works and long term management (10 years) stages is presented in Table 7.3. Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual impacts is stated in Table 7.4.
Table 7.1: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary
|
Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures during Construction |
Implementation Status |
Relevant Contract(s) in the Reporting Period |
|
CM1- The construction area and contractor’s temporary works areas shall be minimised to avoid impacts on adjacent landscape. |
The implementation of mitigation measures was checked by ET during weekly site inspection and reported by the Contractors during the monthly Environmental Management Meetings. Implementation of the measures CM5, CM6 and CM7 by Contractors was observed. |
All works contracts |
|
CM2 – Reduction of construction period to practical minimum |
||
|
CM3 – Phasing of the construction stage to reduce visual impacts during the construction phase. |
||
|
CM4 – Construction traffic (land and sea) including construction plants, construction vessels and barges shall be kept to a practical minimum. |
||
|
CM5 – Erection of decorative mesh screens or construction hoardings around works areas in visually unobtrusive colours. |
||
|
CM6 – Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of site buildings and structures |
||
|
CM7 – Control of night-time lighting by hooding all lights and through minimisation of night working periods |
||
|
CM8 – All existing trees 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 Specifications were provided in the relevant Contract Specifications respectively for implementation by the Contractors under the Project.
The Contractors’ performance on the implementation of the tree maintenance and protection measures were observed and checked by the ET weekly during construction period. |
3302, 3508, 3801
|
|
CM9 – Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical. A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification, if applicable. Sufficient time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed in the project programme |
Tree Transplanting Specifications were provided in the relevant Contract Specifications respectively for implementation by the Contractors under the Project where trees would unavoidably be affected by the construction works.
The Contractors were required to submit Method Statements for tree transplanting prior to the transplanting works. Tree inspections were conducted by ET to check the tree transplanting works implemented by the Contractors on site.
The Contractors’ performance on the implementation of trees maintenance and protection measures on transplanted trees were observed and checked by the ET bi-monthly during the 12-month establishment period after the completion of each batch of transplanting works.
Long term management of the transplanted trees was currently monitored by ET annually. |
3508, 3801
|
|
CM10 – Land formation works shall be followed with advanced hydroseeding around taxiways and runways as soon as practical |
The Contractor’s performance on the implementation of advanced hydroseeding works was observed and checked by the ET during weekly site inspection.
|
3303 |
Table 7.2: Examples of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in the Reporting Periods
|
|
|
|
|
Erection of site hoardings around works area in unobtrusive colours (CM5) |
Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of site buildings (CM6) |
Control of night-time lighting using light hooding and minimisation of night working period (CM7) |
|
|
|
|
|
General view of tree protection zone for retained tree (CM8) |
General view of a transplanted tree (CM9) |
General view of advanced hydroseeding around taxiways and runways (CM10) |
In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, all existing trees shall be protected carefully during construction. Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical. In this reporting period, the cumulative total number of retained trees and transplanted trees under the Project were 36 and 26, respectively. Nine retained trees under Contract 3801 were removed due to the potential safety issues along Airport Express Line (AEL) railway track. Details of the retained trees, transplanted trees and to-be-transplanted trees under the Project are summarized in Table 7.5.
Details of the retained trees are to be discussed in the Quarterly EM&A reports.
Table 7.3: Monitoring Programme for Landscape and Visual
|
Stage |
Monitoring Task |
Monitoring Report |
Form of Approval |
Frequency |
|
Detailed Design |
Checking of design works against the recommendations of the landscape and visual impact assessments within the EIA shall be undertaken during detailed design and tender stage, to ensure that they fulfil the intention of the mitigation measures. Any changes to the design, including design changes on site shall also be checked. |
Report by AAHK / PM confirming that the design conforms to requirements of EP. |
Approved by Client
|
At the end of the Detailed Design Phase |
|
Construction |
Checking 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 |
Checking of the planting works during the twelve-month Establishment Period after completion of each batch of transplanting works. |
Report on Contractor's compliance, by ET |
Counter signature of report by IEC |
Every two months |
|
Long Term Management (10 year) |
Monitoring of the long-term management of the planting works in the period up to 10 years after completion of each batch of transplanting works. |
Report on Compliance by ET or Maintenance Agency as appropriate |
Counter signature of report by Management Agency |
Annually |
Table 7.4: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual
|
Event Action Level |
Action |
|||
|
|
ET |
IEC |
AAHK / PM |
Contractor |
|
Design Check |
Check final design conforms to the requirements of EP and prepare report. |
Check report. Recommend remedial design if necessary. |
Undertake remedial design if necessary. |
|
|
Non-conformity on one occasion |
Identify source. Inform IEC and AAHK / PM. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, AAHK / PM and Contractor. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed. |
Check report. Check Contractor’s working method. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures. Advise AAHK / PM on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures. Check implementation of remedial measures. |
Notify Contractor. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented. |
Amend working methods to prevent recurrence of non-conformity. Rectify damage and undertake additional action necessary. |
|
Repeated Non-conformity |
Identify source. Inform IEC and AAHK / PM. Increase monitoring frequency. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, AAHK / PM and Contractor. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed. If non-conformity stops, cease additional monitoring. |
Check monitoring report. Check Contractor’s working method. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures. Advise AAHK / PM on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures. Supervise implementation of remedial measures. |
Notify Contractor. Ensure remedial measures area properly implemented. |
Amend working methods to prevent recurrence of non-conformity. Rectify damage and undertake additional action necessary. |
Table 7.5: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period
|
Existing |
|
|
|
|
|
Contract |
Retain (nos.) |
Transplanted (nos.) |
To-be-transplanted (nos.) |
|
|
Establishment Period |
Maintenance Period |
|||
|
3302 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
3503 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
|
3508(1) |
24 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
|
3602 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
3801 |
3 |
0 |
5(2) |
0 |
|
Sub-total |
36 |
12 |
14 |
0 |
|
Provisional |
|
|
|
|
|
Contract |
Retain (nos.) |
Transplanted (nos.) |
To-be-transplanted (nos.) |
|
|
3508(1) |
50 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Sub-total |
50 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Grand Total |
86 |
26 |
10 |
|
Notes:
(1) As some of the site areas have been handed over to Contract 3508, Contractor of Contract 3508 is currently managing the trees that are located within their site area. Existing trees to be managed by Contract 3508 is subject to change after initial tree surveys for each batch of site areas have been conducted by the Contractor.
(2) Three transplanted trees (CT1194, CT1794 and CT1795) were subsequently felled after transplantation. Please refer to Table 7.6 for details.
Summary of the updated transplanted trees and photos are presented in Table 7.6 and Table 7.7.
Table 7.6: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period
|
Tree ID |
Transplant Date |
Management Stage |
Management Agency |
Remarks |
|
CT276 |
3 May 2018
|
Long Term Management period Jun 2019 – May 2028 |
Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station |
Establishment Period was completed. Next inspection will be conducted in February 2023. Photos of the last inspection in February 2022 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.74. |
|
CT1253 |
4 May 2018
|
Long Term Management period Jun 2019 – May 2028 |
Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station |
|
|
T835 |
22 Jan 2020 |
Long Term Management period Feb 2021 – Jan 2030 |
AAHK |
Establishment Period was completed. Next inspection will be conducted in February 2023. Photos of the last inspection in February 2022 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.74. |
|
T836 |
13 Dec 2019 |
Long Term Management period Feb 2021 – Jan 2030 |
AAHK
|
|
|
T838 |
22 Jan 2020 |
Long Term Management period Feb 2021 – Jan 2030 |
AAHK
|
|
|
T812 |
21 Dec 2020 |
Long Term Management period Jan 2022 – Dec 2031 |
AAHK
|
Establishment Period was completed. Next inspection will be conducted in December 2022. Photos of the last inspection in December 2021 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.72. |
|
T814 |
20 Dec 2020 |
Long Term Management period Jan 2022 – Dec 2031 |
AAHK
|
|
|
T815 |
15 Dec 2020 |
Long Term Management period Jan 2022 – Dec 2031 |
AAHK
|
|
|
T829 |
18 Dec 2020 |
Long Term Management period Jan 2022 – Dec 2031 |
AAHK
|
|
|
T830 |
14 Dec 2020 |
Long Term Management period Jan 2022 – Dec 2031 |
AAHK
|
|
|
T831 |
19 Dec 2020 |
Long Term Management period Jan 2022 – Dec 2031 |
AAHK
|
|
|
T1493 |
6 Jul 2021
|
Establishment period 7 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
Next inspection will be conducted in September 2022. Photos of the last inspection in July 2022 were shown in Table 7.7. |
|
T1494 |
6 Jul 2021 |
Establishment period 7 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1495 |
10 Jul 2021 |
Establishment period 11 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1496 |
5 Jul 2021 |
Establishment period 6 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1497 |
5 Jul 2021 |
Establishment period 6 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1498 |
29 Jun 2021 |
Establishment period 30 Jun 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1499 |
29 Jun 2021 |
Establishment period 30 Jun 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1500 |
30 Jun 2021 |
Establishment period 1 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1501 |
30 Jun 2021 |
Establishment period 1 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1502 |
5 Jul 2021 |
Establishment period 6 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1503 |
6 Jul 2021 |
Establishment period 7 Jul 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
T1504 |
24 Jun 2021 |
Establishment period 25 Jun 2021 – Jul 2022 |
Contract 3508 |
|
|
CT1194 |
4 May 2018 |
Long Term Management period Jun 2019 – May 2028 |
Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station |
Establishment Period was completed. Uprooted and collapsed due to Typhoon Higos on 18 August 2020. Tree removal was conducted as recommended by tree specialist of the contractor of Southern Landside Petrol Filing Station. |
|
CT1794 |
3 May 2018 |
Long Term Management period Jun 2019 – May 2028 |
AsiaWorld-Expo |
Establishment Period was completed. The tree within the land parcel was acquired by the government for construction of emergency hospital to handle COVID19 pandemic at AsiaWorld-Expo. The tree was felled in late 2020. |
|
CT1795 |
3 May 2018 |
Long Term Management period Jun 2019 – May 2028 |
AsiaWorld-Expo |
Establishment Period was completed. The tree within the land parcel was acquired by the government for construction of emergency hospital to handle COVID19 pandemic at AsiaWorld-Expo. The tree was felled in late 2020. |
Table 7.7: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees Inspected in this Reporting Month
|
Under 12-month Establishment Period: |
||
|
|
|
|
|
T1493 |
T1494 |
T1495 |
|
|
|
|
|
T1496 |
T1497 |
T1498 |
|
|
|
|
|
T1499 |
T1500 |
T1501 |
|
|
|
|
|
T1502 |
T1503 |
T1504 |
7.3
Land Contamination Assessment
The Supplementary CAP was submitted to EPD pursuant to EP Condition 2.20. The CARs for Golf Course and T2 Emergency Power Supply Systems (EPSS) were submitted to EPD in accordance with EP Condition 1.9 and the Supplementary CAP in which no land contamination issues were identified. EPD has issued no further comment for aforesaid CARs. No leakage was found after the removal of underground fuel pipelines of T2 EPSS and all required additional photos have been submitted to EPD.
According to the approved supplementary CAP, there are 3 remaining locations where site re-appraisal / additional site investigation are proposed. Based on the latest construction information, there is no development programme for these locations at this stage. As such, the status of site re-appraisal/ additional site investigation shall be further updated upon latest development programme is available.
7.4
Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries
The Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan) was submitted to the Advisory Council on the Environment for comment and subsequently submitted to and approved by EPD in November 2015 under EP Condition 2.10. The approved SkyPier Plan is available on the dedicated website of the Project. In the SkyPier Plan, AAHK has committed to implement the mitigation measure of requiring HSFs of SkyPier travelling between HKIA and Zhuhai / Macau to start diverting the route with associated speed control across the area, i.e. Speed Control Zone (SCZ), with high CWD abundance. The route diversion and speed restriction at the SCZ have been implemented since 28 December 2015.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all SkyPier HSF services to/from Zhuhai and Macau have been suspended from 25 March 2020 until further notice. No ferry movement between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai and Macau was recorded in July 2022. Key audit findings for the SkyPier HSFs travelling to/from Zhuhai and Macau against the requirements of the SkyPier Plan during the reporting period are summarised in Table 7.8.
The daily movement of all SkyPier HSFs, including those not using the diverted route, in this reporting period (i.e., 3 to 5 daily movements) were within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements. Status of compliance with the annual daily average of 99 movements will be further reviewed in the Annual EM&A Report.
As updated by CLP Power, the construction works of the Hong Kong Offshore LNG Terminal Project may affect the route diversion operation of the SkyPier HSFs from Q1 to Q3 2022. The captains were informed on the issue and ET will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the SkyPier Plan in the period.
Table 7.8: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan
|
Requirements in the SkyPier Plan |
1 to 31 July 2022 |
|
Total number of ferry movements recorded and audited for HSF to/from Zhuhai and Macau |
0 |
|
Use diverted route and enter / leave SCZ through Gate Access Points |
0 deviation |
|
A maximum daily cap of 125 movements for all SkyPier HSFs including those not using diverted route |
3 to 5 daily movement |
7.5
Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels
The updated MTRMP-CAV was approved by EPD on 31 May 2022 under EP Condition 2.9. The approved Plan is available on the dedicated website of the Project.
ET carried out the following actions during the reporting period:
· Four skipper training sessions were held by contractors’ Environmental Officers. Competency tests were subsequently conducted with the trained skippers by ET. The list of all trained skippers was properly recorded and maintained by ET.
· In this reporting period, 8 skippers were trained by contractor’s Environmental Officers. In total, 1871 skippers were trained from August 2016 to July 2022.
· The MSS automatically recorded deviation cases such as speeding, entering no entry zone and not travelling through the designated gate. ET conducted checking to ensure the MSS records deviation cases accurately.
· Deviations such as speeding in the works area, entered no entry zone, and entering from non-designated gates were identified. All the concerned contractors were reminded to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV during the bi-weekly Construction Traffic Control Centre (CTCC) audit.
· Three-month rolling programmes (one month record and three months forecast) for construction vessel activities were received from the contractors in order to help maintain the number of construction and associated vessels on site to a practicable minimal level.
7.6
Implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone
During the reporting period, there were no dolphin sightings within the DEZ.
7.7
Status of Submissions under Environmental Permits
The current status of submissions under the EP up to the reporting period is presented in Table 7.9.
Table 7.9: Status of Submissions under Environmental Permit
|
EP Condition |
Submission |
Status |
|
2.1 |
Complaint Management Plan |
Accepted / approved by EPD
|
|
2.4 |
Management Organizations |
|
|
2.5 |
Construction Works Schedule and Location Plans |
|
|
2.7 |
Marine Park Proposal |
|
|
2.8 |
Marine Ecology Conservation Plan |
|
|
2.9 |
Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessels |
|
|
2.10 |
Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier |
|
|
2.11 |
Marine Mammal Watching Plan |
|
|
2.12 |
Coral Translocation Plan |
|
|
2.13 |
Fisheries Management Plan |
|
|
2.14 |
Egretry Survey Plan |
|
|
2.15 |
Silt Curtain Deployment Plan |
|
|
2.16 |
Spill Response Plan |
|
|
2.17 |
Detailed Plan on Deep Cement Mixing |
|
|
2.18 |
Landscape & Visual Plan |
|
|
2.19 |
Waste Management Plan |
|
|
2.20 |
Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan |
|
|
3.1 |
Updated EM&A Manual |
|
|
3.4 |
Baseline Monitoring Reports |
7.8
Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements
During the reporting period, environmental related licenses and permits required for the construction activities were checked. No non-compliance with environmental statutory requirements was recorded. The latest statuses of the environmental licenses and permits in the reporting period are presented in Appendix E.
7.9
Analysis and Interpretation of Complaints, Notification of
Summons and Status of Prosecutions
7.9.1
Complaints
No construction activities-related complaint was received during the reporting period.
Complaints received in the previous reporting period
A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site area was received on 28 June 2022. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. From the photos provided by the complainant, ET recognized the locations, identified the related contractors and requested them to provide information regarding the complaint. According to the information received, the contractors reported they had assigned water tankers to carry out water spraying to the concerned locations. The contractors also reviewed their dust control layout plan and provided enhanced mitigation measure such as refresher training to their water tanker drivers. At ET’s weekly site inspections, dust was observed when there were vehicle movements on haul roads and was rectified by the related contractor. At a subsequent joint site inspection, no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads were wet during inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance with the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed.
A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site area was received on 28 June 2022. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. From the photos provided by the complainant, ET recognized the location, identified a related contractor and requested them to provide information regarding the complaint. The contractor replied they had arranged water trucks to carry out water spraying at the concerned location. The contractors also reviewed their dust control layout plan and provided enhanced mitigation measures such as refresher training to their water tanker drivers and added water tanker to the fleet. At ET’s weekly site inspections, dust was observed during vehicle movements on main haul roads and was rectified by the related contractor. At a subsequent joint site inspection, no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads were wet during inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance with the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed.
A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received on 30 June 2022. The case is under investigation and findings will be reported in the next Monthly EM&A Report.
7.9.2
Notifications of
Summons or Status of Prosecution
Neither notification of summons nor prosecution was received during the reporting period.
7.9.3
Cumulative
Statistics
Cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and status of prosecutions are summarised in Appendix F.
8
Future Key Issues and Other EIA
& EM&A Issues
8.1
Construction Programme for the Coming Reporting Period
Key activities anticipated in the next reporting period for the Project will include the following:
Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works
● Seawall construction; and
● Backfilling works.
Airfield Works:
Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works
● Construction of tunnel structure;
● Pipe and drainage diversion works;
● Excavation and lateral support systems installation; and
● Stockpiling.
Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works
● Architectural, builder's and finishing works;
● Footing and utilities work;
● Box culvert construction;
● Operation of asphalt plant; and
● Cable laying and ducting works.
Contract 3305 Airfield Ground Lighting System
● Enhanced vehicular warning light hardware installation; and
● Software development.
Contract 3306 Observation Facility Control System Supporting Interim 2RS and 3RS
● Equipment installation.
Contract 3307 Fire Training Facility
● Architectural, builder's and finishing works;
● Drainage and utilities works;
● Building construction.
Contract 3308 Foreign Object Debris Detection System
● Calibration and site acceptance test for foreign object debris detection sensor;
● Rectification work for handover sensor system; and
● Drilling of earthing and lightning pit.
Contract 3310 North Runway Modification Works
● Architectural, builder's work and finishing works;
● Excavation works;
● Construction of walls and slabs;
● Installation of pipe piles;
● Land-based ground improvement works; and
● Backfilling works.
Third Runway Concourse
Contract 3403 New Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works
● Architectural, builder's work and finishing works; and
● Defects and outstanding works.
Contract 3404 Integrated Airport Control System
● System maintenance.
Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works
● Bored piling;
● Structure works;
● Excavation; and
● Road formation.
Contract 3408 Third Runway Concourse and Apron Works
● Reinforced concrete works;
● Site setup works; and
● Excavation.
Terminal 2 Expansion:
Contract 3508 Terminal 2 Expansion Works
● Excavation and footing construction;
● Block wall construction;
● Drainage works;
● Bridge demolition;
● Backfilling;
● Temporary road construction; and
● Architectural, builder's work and finishing works.
Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS):
Contract 3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line)
● Guidebeam installation.
Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works
● Erection of guide rail; and
● Concrete plinth and stitch construction.
Contract 3603 Baggage Handling System (BHS)
● BHS installation.
Construction Support (Facilities):
Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works
● Laying of drainage pipes and water mains;
● Paving works; and
● Road works.
Contract 3723 Construction Support Facilities
● Clearance works; and
● E&M installation.
Airport Support Infrastructure:
Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island
● Excavation;
● Falseworks and formworks; and
● Backfilling.
Contract 3802 APM and BHS Tunnels and Related Works
● Installation of dewatering well;
● Excavation and lateral supports; and
● Tunnel construction.
Construction Support (Services / Licenses):
Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility
● Operation of concrete batching plant and material conveyor belt.
Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility
● Operation of concrete batching plant.
8.2
Key Environmental Issues for the Coming Reporting Period
The key environmental issues for the Project in the coming reporting period expected to be associated with the construction activities include:
● Generation of dust from construction works and stockpiles;
● Noise from operating equipment and machinery on-site;
● Generation of site surface runoffs and wastewater from activities on-site;
● DEZ monitoring for seawall construction;
● Implementation of MMWP for silt curtain deployment;
● Sorting, recycling, storage and disposal of general refuse and construction waste;
● Reuse of treated marine sediments from piling and excavation works;
● Management of chemicals and avoidance of oil spillage on-site; and
● Acoustic decoupling measures for equipment on marine vessels.
The implementation of required mitigation measures by the contractors will be monitored by the ET.
8.3
Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Reporting Period
A tentative schedule of the planned environmental monitoring work in the next reporting period is provided in Appendix B.
8.4
Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report
With reference to Appendix E of the Manual, it is noted that the key assumptions adopted in approved EIA report for the construction phase are still valid and no major changes are involved. The environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report remain applicable and shall be implemented in undertaking construction works for the Project.
9
Conclusion and Recommendation
The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period are located in reclamation areas and existing airport island respectively. Works in the reclamation areas included seawall construction, filling and land-based ground improvement works, together with runway, concourse and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works, Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities include road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition, piling, and excavation works.
All the monitoring works for construction dust, construction noise, water quality, construction waste, landscape & visual, and CWD were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Manual.
The water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except DO, obtained during the reporting period were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. Relevant investigation and follow-up actions will be conducted according to the EM&A programme if the corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For DO, some of the testing results triggered the relevant Action and/or Levels, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the cases were not related to the Project. To conclude, the construction activities in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.
Weekly site inspections of the construction works were carried out by the ET to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. Bi-weekly site inspections were also conducted by the IEC. Site inspection findings were recorded in the site inspection checklists and provided to the contractors to follow up.
On the implementation of the SkyPier Plan, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all SkyPier HSF services to/from Zhuhai and Macau have been suspended from 25 March 2020 until further notice. No HSF movement between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai and Macau was recorded during the reporting period. Therefore, no deviation was recorded in the HSF monitoring in the reporting period. The daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in the reporting period, including those not using the diverted route, were in the range of 3 to 5 daily movements, which are within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements.
On the implementation of MTRMP-CAV, the MSS automatically recorded the deviation case such as speeding, entering no entry zone and not travelling through the designated gates. ET conducted checking to ensure the MSS records all deviation cases accurately. Trainings have been provided for the concerned skippers to facilitate them in familiarising with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. Deviations including speeding in the works area, entered no entry zone, and entry from non-designated gates were reviewed by ET. All the concerned captains were reminded by the contractor’s CTCC representative to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. The ET reminded contractors that all vessels shall avoid entering the no-entry zone, in particular the Brothers Marine Park and the Sha Chau & Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. Three-month rolling programmes for construction vessel activities, which ensures the proposed vessels are necessary and minimal through good planning, were also received from contractors.
[1] The Manual is available on the Project’s dedicated website (accessible at: http://env.threerunwaysystem.com/en/index.html).