Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System

Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.22 (For October 2017)

November 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

Executive Summary

1      Introduction

1.1    Background

1.2    Scope of this Report

1.3    Project Organisation

1.4    Summary of Construction Works

1.5    Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

2      Air Quality Monitoring

2.1    Monitoring Stations

2.2    Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

2.3    Monitoring Equipment

2.4    Monitoring Methodology

2.4.1     Measuring Procedure

2.4.2     Maintenance and Calibration

2.5    Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

3      Noise Monitoring

3.1    Monitoring Stations

3.2    Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

3.3    Monitoring Equipment

3.4    Monitoring Methodology

3.4.1     Monitoring Procedure

3.4.2     Maintenance and Calibration

3.5    Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

4      Water Quality Monitoring

4.1    Monitoring Stations

4.2    Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

4.2.1     Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

4.3    Monitoring Equipment

4.4    Monitoring Methodology

4.4.1     Measuring Procedure

4.4.2     Maintenance and Calibration

4.4.3     Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

4.5    Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

4.5.1     Summary of Monitoring Results

4.5.2     Summary of Findings for Investigation of Exceedances

5      Waste Management

5.1    Monitoring Requirements

5.2    Waste Management Status

6      Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

6.1    CWD Monitoring Requirements

6.2    CWD Monitoring Transects and Stations

6.2.1     Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

6.2.2     Land-based Theodolite Tracking

6.3    CWD Monitoring Methodology

6.3.1     Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

6.3.2     Photo Identification

6.3.3     Land-based Theodolite Tracking

6.4    Monitoring Results and Observations

6.4.1     Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

6.4.2     Photo Identification

6.4.3     Land-based Theodolite Tracking

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

6.8    Summary of CWD Monitoring

7      Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

7.1    Environmental Site Inspection

7.2    Audit of Route Diversion and Speed Control of the SkyPier High Speed Ferries

7.3    Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

7.4    Implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone

7.5    Ecological Monitoring

7.6    Status of Submissions under Environmental Permits

7.7    Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

7.8    Analysis and Interpretation of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions

7.8.1     Complaints

7.8.2     Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

7.8.3     Cumulative Statistics

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

9      Conclusion and Recommendation

 

 

 

Tables

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel 5

Table 1.2: Summary of status for all environmental aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual 7

Table 2.1:  Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  10

Table 2.2:  Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP  10

Table 2.3:  Air Quality Monitoring Equipment 10

Table 2.4: Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results  11

Table 3.1: Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  12

Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise  12

Table 3.3: Noise Monitoring Equipment 13

Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results  14

Table 4.1: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring  15

Table 4.2: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  16

Table 4.3: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  17

Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment 17

Table 4.5: Other Monitoring Equipment 17

Table 4.6: Laboratory Measurement/ Analysis of SS and Heavy Metals  19

Table 4.7: Summary of SS Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide) 19

Table 4.8: Summary of Findings from Investigations of SS Exceedances  20

Table 4.9: Summary of SS Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide) 21

Table 5.1: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  22

Table 6.1: Derived Values of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  23

Table 6.2: Coordinates of Transect Lines in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL Survey Areas  24

Table 6.3: Land-based Survey Station Details  25

Table 6.4: Comparison of CWD Encounter Rates of the Whole Survey Area with Action Levels  29

Table 6.5: Summary of Photo Identification  30

Table 6.6: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking  30

Table 7.1: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan  34

Table 7.2: Status of Submissions under Environmental Permit 36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figures

Figure 1.1- 1.2

Key Construction Areas in this Reporting Period

Figure 2.1

Locations of Air and Noise Monitoring Stations and Chek Lap Kok Wind Station

Figure 3.1

Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Figure 6.1

Vessel based Dolphin Monitoring Transects in Construction, Post-construction and Operation Phases

Figure 6.2

Land based Dolphin Monitoring in Baseline and Construction Phases

Figure 6.3

Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

Figure 6.4

Plots of First Sightings of All CWD Groups obtained from Land-based Stations

Figure 6.5

Location for Autonomous Passive Acoustic Monitoring

Figure 7.1

Duration of the SkyPier HSFs travelled through the SCZ for 1 – 31 October 2017

 

Appendices

Appendix A

Contract Description

Appendix B

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix C

Monitoring Schedule

Appendix D

Monitoring Results

Appendix E

Calibration Certificates

Appendix F

Status of Environmental Permits and Licences

Appendix G

Cumulative Statistics on Exceedances, Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions

Appendix H

Data of SkyPier HSF Movements to/from Zhuhai and Macau (between 1 and 31 October 2017)

 

 

 

 

 

 


Executive Summary

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 22nd Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 October 2017.

Key Activities in the Reporting Period  

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-side works. Reclamation works included deep cement mixing (DCM) works, laying of sand blanket, seawall construction and prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) installation. Land-side works included horizontal directional drilling (HDD) works, site office establishment, cable ducting, concrete removal works, 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. During the reporting period, the ET conducted 30 sets of construction dust measurements, 21 sets of construction noise measurements, 13 events of water quality measurements, 1 round of terrestrial ecology monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau Island, 2 complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys and 5 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) monitoring and waste monitoring.

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 Independent Environmental Checker (IEC).  Observations have been recorded in the site inspection checklists and provided to the contractors together with the appropriate follow-up actions where necessary.

On the implementation of Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP), dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for laying of open sea silt curtain and laying of silt curtains for sand blanket in accordance with the plan. On the implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan, dolphin observers at 15 to 19 dolphin observation stations were deployed for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by all contractors for ground improvement works (DCM works and PVD installation) and seawall construction in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with the training records kept by the ET.  From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains or the DEZs in this reporting month. Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were also carried out by the ET. 

On the implementation of the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan), the daily movements of all SkyPier high speed ferries (HSFs) in October 2017 were in the range of 1 to 87 daily movements, which are within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements. A total of 693 HSF movements under the SkyPier Plan were recorded in the reporting period. All HSFs had travelled through the Speed Control Zone (SCZ) with average speeds under 15 knots (9.3 to 14.0 knots), which were in compliance with the SkyPier Plan. Two ferry movements with minor deviation from the diverted route are under investigation by ET. The investigation result will be presented in the next monthly EM&A report. In summary, the ET and IEC have audited the HSF movements against the SkyPier Plan and conducted follow up investigation or actions accordingly.

On the implementation of the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel (MTRMP-CAV), the Marine Surveillance System (MSS) automatically recorded the deviation case such as speeding, entering no entry zone, not traveling through the designated gate. ET conducted checking to ensure the MSS records all deviation cases accurately. Training has 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, entry from non-designated gates, and entering no-entry zones were reviewed by ET. All the concerned captains were reminded by the contractor’s Marine Traffic Control Centre (MTCC) representative to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. ET reminded contractors that all vessels shall avoid entering the no-entry zone, in particular the Brothers Marine Park. 3-month rolling programmes for construction vessel activities, which ensures the proposed vessels are necessary and minimal through good planning, were also received from contractors.

Results of Impact Monitoring

The monitoring works for construction dust, construction noise, water quality, construction waste, terrestrial ecology, and CWD were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Manual.

No exceedance of the Action or Limit Levels in relation to construction dust, construction noise, construction waste, and CWD monitoring was recorded in the reporting period. 

The water quality monitoring results for DO, turbidity, total alkalinity, chromium, and nickel obtained during the reporting period did not trigger their corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme if being exceeded. For SS, some of the testing results exceeded the relevant Action Levels, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the exceedances were not due to the Project.

The monthly terrestrial ecology monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau observed that HDD works were conducted at the daylighting location and there was no encroachment upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the egrets foraging at Sheung Sha Chau by the works.

Summary of Upcoming Key Issues

Key activities anticipated in the next reporting period of the Project include the following:

Advanced Works:

Contract P560 (R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works

    HDD works; and

    Stockpiling of excavated materials from HDD operation.

 

DCM Works:

Contract 3201 to 3205 DCM Works

    Laying of sand blanket;

    DCM works; and

    Seawall construction.

Reclamation Works:

Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works

    Laying of sand blanket; and

    Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) installation.

Airfield Works:

Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway

    CLP cable ducting work; and

    Precast of duct bank and fabrication of steel works.

Terminal 2 Expansion Works:

Contract 3501 Antenna Farm and Sewage Pumping Station

    Excavation and piling works.

Contract 3502 Terminal 2 Automated People Mover (APM) Depot Modification Works

    Removal of existing concrete.

APM works:

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

    Site office establishment.

Airport Support Infrastructure & Logistic Works:

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

    Erection of hoarding.

The key environmental issues will be associated with construction dust, construction noise, water quality, construction waste management, CWD and terrestrial ecology on Sheung Sha Chau. The implementation of required mitigation measures by the contractor will be monitored by the ET.

Terrestrial Ecological Monitoring

Environmental Training provided by the Contractor

Land-Based Theodolite Tracking Survey for CWD at Sha Chau

 

Summary Table

The following table summarizes the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period:

 

Yes

No

Details

Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions

Exceedance of Limit Level^

 

ü

No exceedance of project-related limit level was recorded.

Nil

Exceedance of Action Level^

 

ü

No exceedance of project-related action level was recorded.

Nil

Complaints Received

 

ü

No construction activities-related complaint was received.

Nil

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

ü

No notification of summon or prosecution was received.

Nil

Changes that affect the EM&A

 

ü

There was no change to the construction works that may affect the EM&A

Nil

Remark: ^Only exceedance of Action or Limit Level related to Project works is counted as Breaches 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.  The Manual is available on the Project’s dedicated website (accessible at: http://env.threerunwaysystem.com/en/index.html). 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 existing 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 updated overall phasing programme of all construction works was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 7 and the contract information was presented in Appendix A.

1.2         Scope of this Report

This is the 22nd Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 October 2017.

1.3         Project Organisation

The Project’s organization 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 have been updated and is 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, Environment

Lawrence Tsui

2183 2734

Environmental Team (ET)

(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Terence Kong

2828 5919

 

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Heidi Yu

2828 5704

 

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Keith Chau

2972 1721

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

Independent Environmental Checker

Jackel Law

3922 9376

 

 

Deputy Independent Environmental Checker

Roy Man

3922 9376

Advanced Works:

 

 

 

Contract P560(R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works

(Langfang Huayuan Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

 

Wei Shih

 

2117 0566

 

 

Environmental Officer

Lyn Liu

 

5172 6543

 

Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Works:

Contract 3201 DCM (Package 1)

(Penta-Ocean-China State-Dong-Ah Joint Venture)

Project Director

 

Tsugunari Suzuki

 

9178 9689

 

Environmental Officer

 

Alan Tam

 

6119 3107

Contract 3202 DCM (Package 2)

(Samsung-BuildKing Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Ilkwon Nam

 

9643 3117

 

Environmental Officer

 

Dickson Mak

 

9525 8408

Contract 3203 DCM  (Package 3)

(Sambo E&C Co., Ltd)

Project Manager

 

Eric Kan

 

9014 6758

 

Environmental Officer

 

David Hung

 

9765 6151

Contract 3204 DCM  (Package 4)

(CRBC-SAMBO Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Kyung-Sik Yoo

 

9683 8697

 

 

Environmental Officer

Kanny Cho

6799 8226

Contract 3205 DCM (Package 5)

(Bachy Soletanche - Sambo Joint Venture)

Deputy Project Director

Min Park

9683 0765

 

Environmental Officer

Margaret Chung

9130 3696

Reclamation Works:

 

 

 

Contract 3206

(ZHEC-CCCC-CDC Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Kim Chuan Lim

 

3693 2288

 

Environmental Officer

Kwai Fung Wong

3693 2252

Airfield Works

 

 

 

Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway (FJT-CHEC-ZHEC Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Kin Hang Chung

9412 1386

Terminal 2 (T2) Expansion Works:

Contract 3501 Antenna Farm and Sewage Pumping Station

(Build King Construction Ltd.)

Project Manager

 

Osbert Sit

 

9079 7030

 

 

Environmental Officer

Kelvin Cheung

9305 6081

Contract 3502 Terminal 2 APM Depot Modification Works

(Build King Construction Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kivin Cheng

9380 3635

 

Environmental Officer

Chun Pong Chan

9187 7118

Automated People Mover (APM) Works:

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

(Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kunihiro Tatecho

9755 0351

 

Environmental Officer

Arthur Wong

9170 3394

Airport Support Infrastructure and Logistic Works:

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

(China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.)

Project Manager

Tony Wong

9642 8672

 

Environmental Officer

Fredrick Wong

9842 2703

 

1.4         Summary of Construction Works

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-side works. Reclamation works included deep cement mixing (DCM) works, laying of sand blanket, seawall construction and prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) installation. Land-side works included horizontal directional drilling (HDD) works, site office establishment, cable ducting, concrete removal works, piling and excavation works.

1.5         Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status for all environmental aspects is presented in Table 1.2. The EM&A requirements remained unchanged during the reporting period and details can be referred to Table 1.2 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 1.

Table 1.2: Summary of status for all environmental aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual        

Parameters

Status

Air Quality

 

Baseline Monitoring

The baseline air quality monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4.

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Noise

 

Baseline Monitoring

The baseline noise monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4.

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Water Quality

 

General Baseline Water Quality Monitoring for reclamation, water jetting and field joint works

The baseline water quality monitoring result has been 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

On-going

Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring

Completed in May 2017 and data analysis in-progress.

Early/ Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring

On-going

Waste Management

 

Waste Monitoring

On-going

Land Contamination

 

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

The Supplementary CAP was submitted to EPD pursuant to EP condition 2.20.

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Golf Course

The CAR for Golf Course was submitted to EPD.

Terrestrial Ecology

 

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

The Egretry Survey Plan was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.14.

Ecological Monitoring

On-going

Marine Ecology

 

Pre-Construction Phase Coral Dive Survey

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

On-going

Chinese White Dolphins (CWD)

 

Vessel Survey, Land-based Theodolite Tracking and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)

 

Baseline Monitoring

Baseline CWD results were reported in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD in accordance with EP Condition 3.4.

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Landscape & Visual

 

Baseline Monitoring

The baseline landscape & visual monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4.

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Environmental Auditing

 

Regular site inspection

On-going

Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures

On-going

Dolphin Exclusion Zone Plan (DEZP) implementation measures

On-going

SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF) implementation measures

On-going

Construction and Associated Vessels Implementation measures

On-going

Complaint Hotline and Email channel

On-going

Environmental Log Book

On-going

Taking into account the construction works in this reporting period, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, terrestrial ecology, 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.  In order to enhance environmental awareness and closely monitor the environmental performance of the contractors, environmental briefings and regular environmental management meetings were conducted.

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 B.

 

2        Air Quality Monitoring

2.1         Monitoring Stations

Air quality monitoring was conducted at 2 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

2.2         Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

In accordance with the Manual, baseline 1-hour total suspended particulate (TSP) levels at the two air quality monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. Impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted for three times every 6 days. 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.  

The air quality monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is provided in Appendix C.

Table 2.2:  Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

306

500

AR2

298

2.3         Monitoring Equipment

Portable direct reading dust meter was used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring. Details of equipment are given in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3:  Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model                  

Last Calibration Date                  

Calibration Certificate Provided in

Portable direct reading dust meter (Laser dust monitor)

SIBATA LD-3B-001 (Serial No. 934393)

11 Oct 2017

Appendix E

SIBATA LD-3B-002 (Serial No. 974350)

11 Sep 2017

SIBATA LD-3B-003 (Serial No. 276018)

11 Sep 2017

2.4         Monitoring Methodology

2.4.1      Measuring Procedure

The measurement procedures involved in the impact 1-hr TSP monitoring can be summarised as follows: 

a.   The portable direct reading dust meter was mounted on a tripod at a height of 1.2 m 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.

2.4.2      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 is provided in Appendix E. The calibration certificates of portable direct reading dust meters listed in Table 2.3 are also provided in Appendix E.

2.5         Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP are summarized in Table 2.4. Detailed impact monitoring results are presented in Appendix D.

Table 2.4: Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results

Monitoring Station

1-hr TSP Concentration Range (mg/m3)

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

17 – 70

306

500

AR2

21 – 93

298

No exceedance of the Action or Limit Level was recorded 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.

 

3        Noise Monitoring

3.1         Monitoring Stations

Noise monitoring was conducted at 5 representative monitoring stations in the vicinity of noise sensitive receivers in Tung Chung and villages in North Lantau in accordance with the Manual. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations and these are described in Table 3.1 below. As described in Section 4.3.3 of the Manual, monitoring at NM2 will commence when the future residential buildings in Tung Chung West Development become occupied.

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

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

Note: (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.

3.2         Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

In accordance with the Manual, baseline noise levels at the noise monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. Impact noise monitoring was conducted once per week in the form of 30-minute measurements of Leq, L10 and L90 levels recorded at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays. 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. The construction noise monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is provided in Appendix C.

Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise

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

75 dB(A)(i)

Note: (i) Reduced to 70dB(A) for school and 65dB(A) during school examination periods.

3.3         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 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

B&K 2238 (Serial No. 2800932)

17 Jul 2017

Monthly EM&A Report No. 19, Appendix E

B&K 2238 (Serial No. 2808432)

30 Aug 2017

Monthly EM&A Report No. 21, Appendix E

B&K 2238 (Serial No. 2684503)

30 Aug 2017

Monthly EM&A Report No. 21, Appendix E

Acoustic Calibrator

B&K 4231 (Serial No. 3003246)

16 May 2017

Monthly EM&A Report No. 17, Appendix D

B&K 4231 (Serial No. 3004068)

17 Jul 2017

Monthly EM&A Report No. 19, Appendix E

3.4         Monitoring Methodology

3.4.1      Monitoring Procedure

The monitoring procedures involved in the noise impact monitoring can be summarised as follows: 

a.   The sound level meter was set on a tripod at least a height of 1.2 m above the ground for free-field measurements at monitoring stations NM1A, NM4, NM5 and NM6. A correction of +3 dB(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 1 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

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

f.    Noise measurement results 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.

3.4.2      Maintenance and Calibration

The maintenance and calibration procedures are summarised below:

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

b.   The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier or 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 still valid.

3.5         Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

The construction noise monitoring results are summarized in Table 3.4 and the detailed monitoring data are provided in Appendix D.

Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results

Monitoring Station

Noise Level Range, dB(A)

Leq (30 mins)

Limit Level, dB(A)

Leq (30 mins)

NM1A(i)

72

75

NM3A

61

75

NM4(i)

60 – 65

70(ii)

NM5(i)

53 – 58

75

NM6(i)

66 – 70

75

Notes:    (i) +3 dB(A) Façade correction included;

               (ii) Reduced to 65 dB(A) during school examination periods at NM4. School examination took place from 23 to  27 October 2017 in the reporting period.

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 road traffic noise at NM1A, aircraft noise at NM3A, road traffic noise and student activities at NM4, aircraft and helicopter noise at NM5, and noise from aircraft, helicopter, marine vessel, and construction activities from other projects at NM6 in this reporting period. 

No exceedance of the Action or Limit Level was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.

 

4        Water Quality Monitoring

4.1         Monitoring Stations

Water quality monitoring was conducted at a total of 22 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 12 impact (IM) stations, 7 sensitive receiver (SR) stations and 3 control stations in the vicinity of water quality sensitive receivers around the airport island in accordance with the Manual. Table 4.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 3.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations. 

Table 4.1: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring

 

Monitoring

Description

Coordinates

Parameters

Station

 

Easting

Northing

 

C1

Control

804247

815620

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS, Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)

C2

Control

806945

825682

C3(3)

Control

817803

822109

IM1

Impact

806458

818351

IM2

Impact

806193

818852

IM3

Impact

806019

819411

IM4

Impact

805039

819570

IM5

Impact

804924

820564

IM6

Impact

805828

821060

IM7

Impact

806835

821349

IM8

Impact

807838

821695

IM9

Impact

808811

822094

IM10

Impact

809838

822240

IM11

Impact

810545

821501

IM12

Impact

811519

821162

SR1(1)

Future Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) Seawater Intake for cooling

812586

820069

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

SR2(3)

Planned marine park / hard corals at The Brothers / Tai Mo To

814166

821463

SR3

Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park / fishing and spawning grounds in North Lantau

807571

822147

SR4A

Sha Lo Wan

807810

817189

SR5A

San Tau Beach SSSI

810696

816593

SR6

Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI

814663

817899

SR7

Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)

823742

823636

SR8(4)

Seawater Intake for cooling at Hong Kong International Airport (East)

811418

(from July 2017 onwards)

820246

Notes:   

(1) The seawater intakes of SR1 for the future HKBCF is not yet in operation, hence no water quality impact monitoring was conducted at this station. The future permanent location for SR1 during impact monitoring is subject to finalisation after the HKBCF seawater is commissioned.

(2) Details of selection criteria for the two heavy metals for early regular DCM monitoring refer to the Detailed Plan on Deep Cement Mixing available on the dedicated 3RS website (http://env.threerunwaysystem.com/en/ep-submissions.html). DCM specific water quality monitoring parameters (total alkalinity and heavy metals) were only conducted at C1 to C3, SR2, and IM1 to IM12.

(3) 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.

(4) The monitoring location for SR8 is subject to further changes due to silt curtain arrangements and the progressive relocation of this seawater intake.

 

4.2      Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

In accordance with the Manual, baseline water quality levels at the abovementioned representative water quality monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report.

General water quality monitoring and early regular DCM water quality monitoring were conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, at the 22 water quality monitoring stations during the reporting period. The sea conditions varied from calm to rough, and the weather conditions varied from sunny to rainy during the monitoring period.

The water quality monitoring schedule for the reporting period is updated and provided in Appendix C.

4.2.1       Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

The Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are presented in Table 4.2. The control and impact stations during flood tide and ebb tide for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring are presented in Table 4.3.

Table 4.2: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring

(excluding SR1& SR8)

DO in mg/L

(Surface, Middle & Bottom)

Surface and Middle

4.5 mg/L

Surface and Middle

4.1 mg/L

5 mg/L for Fish Culture Zone (SR7) only

Bottom

3.4 mg/L

Bottom

2.7 mg/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

Total Alkalinity in ppm

95

99

Representative Heavy Metals for early regular DCM monitoring

(Chromium)

0.2

0.2

Representative Heavy Metals for early regular DCM monitoring

(Nickel)

3.2

 

3.6

 

Action and Limit Levels SR1

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

To be determined prior to its commissioning

To be determined prior to its commissioning

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.

(4)     Details of selection criteria for the two heavy metals for early regular DCM monitoring refer to the Detailed Plan on Deep Cement Mixing available on the dedicated 3RS website (http://env.threerunwaysystem.com/en/ep-submissions.html)

(5)     The Action and Limit Levels for the two representative heavy metals chosen will be the same as that for the intensive DCM monitoring.

Table 4.3: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

 

Control Station

Impact Stations

Flood Tide

 

C1

IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4, IM5, IM6, IM7, IM8, SR3

SR2^1

IM7, IM8, IM9, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR3, SR4A, SR5A, SR6, SR8

Ebb Tide

 

C1

SR4A, SR5A, SR6

C2

IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4, IM5, IM6, IM7, IM8, IM9, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR2, SR3, SR7, SR8

^1 As per findings of Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report, the control reference has been changed from C3 to SR2 from 1 Sep 2016 onwards.

4.3         Monitoring Equipment

Table 4.4 summarises the equipment used for monitoring of specific water quality parameters under the impact water quality monitoring programme.

Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

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. 16J101716)

12 Sep 2017

Monthly EM&A Report No. 21, Appendix E

YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 17E102521)

12 Sep 2017

YSI 6920 V2 (Serial No. 00019CB2)

12 Sep 2017

YSI 6920 V2 (Serial No. 000109DF)

12 Sep 2017

Digital Titrator (measurement of total alkalinity)

Titrette Digital Burette 50ml Class A

(Serial No.10N64701)

18 Sep 2017

Monthly EM&A Report No. 21, Appendix E

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

4.4         Monitoring Methodology

4.4.1      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 heavy metals and SS analysis were stored in high density polythene bottles with no preservative added, packed in ice (cooled to 4 ºC without being frozen), delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

4.4.2      Maintenance and Calibration

Calibration of In-situ Instruments

All in-situ monitoring instrument were checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS before use. Responses of sensors and electrodes were checked with certified standard solutions before each use.

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 suspended solids (in mg/L).  Accuracy check of the digital titrator was performed at least once per monitoring day.

Calibration certificates of the monitoring equipment used in the reporting period listed in Table 4.4 are still valid.

4.4.3      Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

Analysis of SS and heavy metals 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 and heavy metals determination. The SS and heavy metals determination works were started within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. The analysis of SS and heavy metals have followed the standard methods summarised in Table 4.6. The QA/QC procedures for laboratory measurement/ analysis of SS and heavy metals were presented in Appendix F of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.8.

Table 4.6: Laboratory Measurement/ Analysis of SS and Heavy Metals

Parameters

Instrumentation

Analytical Method

Reporting Limit

Suspended Solid (SS)

Analytical Balance

APHA 2540D

2 mg/L

Heavy Metals

 

 

 

Chromium (Cr)

ICP-MS

USEPA 6020A

0.2 µg/L

Nickel (Ni)

ICP-MS

USEPA 6020A

0.2 µg/L

4.5         Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

4.5.1      Summary of Monitoring Results 

The water quality monitoring results for DO, turbidity, total alkalinity, chromium, and nickel obtained during the reporting period did not trigger their corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme if being exceeded. For SS, some of the testing results exceeded the relevant Action Levels, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. It should be noted that Severe Typhoon Khanun hit Hong Kong during the reporting period. The water quality monitoring results might be affected by this weather event. Detailed analysis of the exceedances are presented in Section 4.5.2.

4.5.2      Summary of Findings for Investigation of Exceedances

During the reporting period, water quality monitoring was conducted at 12 IM stations, 7 SR stations, and 3 control stations 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).

During the monitoring period, testing results exceeding the corresponding Action or Limit Levels were recorded on 3 monitoring days. Details of the exceedance cases are presented below.

Findings for SS Exceedances (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Table 4.7 presents a summary of the SS compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-ebb tide for the reporting period.

Table 4.7: Summary of SS Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Note: Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

 

No exceedance of Action and Limit Level

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located downstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located upstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Upstream station with respect to the Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow

Exceedances of Action Level was recorded on three monitoring days. As some of the exceedances occurred at a station located downstream of the Project, which might be affected by Project’s construction activities, exceedance investigation focused on these events was carried out.

As part of the investigation on downstream exceedance events, details of the Project’s marine construction activities on the concerned monitoring days were collected, as well as any observations during the monitoring. The findings are summarized in Table 4.8.

Table 4.8: Summary of Findings from Investigations of SS Exceedances

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

Exceedance due to Project

19/10/2017

DCM works

Sand blanket laying

Around 500m

Silt curtain deployed

No

No

No

24/10/2017

DCM works

Around 500m

Silt curtain deployed

No

No

No

* This refers to the approximate distance between the marine construction works and the nearest monitoring stations with exceedance.

According to the investigation findings, it was confirmed that both DCM and sand blanket laying activities were operating normally with silt curtains deployed as additional measures. The silt curtains were maintained properly.

For the exceedances at IM11 on 19 and 24 October 2017, the exceedances appeared to be isolated cases with no observable temporal and spatial trend to indicate any effect due to Project activities. As there was no evidence of SS release due to project activities from site observations and all mitigation measures were carried out properly, the exceedances were possibly due to natural fluctuation in the vicinity of the monitoring station, and considered not due to the Project.

Findings for SS Exceedances (Mid-Flood Tide)

Table 4.9 presents a summary of the SS compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-flood tide for the reporting period.

Table 4.9: Summary of SS Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide)

Note: Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

 

No exceedance of Action and Limit Level

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located upstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Upstream station with respect to the Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow

An exceedance of Action Level was recorded on one monitoring day. However, the exceedance occurred at a monitoring station which was located upstream of the Project during flood tide, that would unlikely be affected by the Project. Therefore, the exceedance was possibly due to natural fluctuation in the vicinity of the monitoring station, and considered not due to the Project.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the exceedance investigations, it is concluded that the exceedances were not due to the Project. Hence no SR was adversely affected by the Project. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan were followed. Exceedances appeared to be due to natural fluctuation or other sources not related to the Project.

Nevertheless, recognising that the IM stations represent a ‘first line of defence’, the non-project related exceedances identified at IM stations were attended to as a precautionary measure. 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 during weekly site inspection and regular environmental management meetings. These include maintaining mitigation measures for DCM works and sand blanket laying works properly as recommended in the Manual.

 

5        Waste Management

5.1         Monitoring Requirements

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. 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 including provision and maintenance of drip trays, as well as regular segregation and removal of waste. The contractors had taken actions to implement the recommended measures.

Based on the updated information, 200kg and 1,200L of chemical waste were collected by licensed chemical waste collector, and around 138 tonnes of general refuse was disposed of to the designated landfill in September 2017. Also, around 20m3 of Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials was reused in another contract in September 2017.

According to the Contractor’s information, about 371m3 of excavated materials were produced from the HDD and excavation works in the reporting period. The generated excavated materials were temporarily stored at the stockpiling area. The excavated material will be reused in the Project.

In addition, metal and paper were recycled in the reporting month. Around 149 tonnes of general refuse was disposed of to the designated landfill, 30kg and 11,400L of chemical waste were collected by licensed chemical waste collector in October 2017. Besides, around 50m3 of Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials was reused in another contract and around 3m3 of C&D material was disposed of as public fill in the reporting period.

No exceedances of the Action or Limit Levels were recorded in the reporting period.

 

6        Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

6.1         CWD Monitoring Requirements

In accordance with the Manual, CWD monitoring by small vessel line-transect survey supplemented by land-based theodolite tracking and passive acoustic monitoring should be conducted during construction phase.

The small vessel line-transect survey as proposed in the Manual should be conducted at a frequency of two full surveys per month while land-based theodolite tracking should be conducted at a frequency of one day per month per station during the construction phase. In addition to the land-based theodolite tracking required for impact monitoring as stipulated in the Manual, supplemental theodolite tracking surveys have also been conducted during the implementation for the SkyPier HSF diversion and speed control in order to assist in monitoring the effectiveness of these measures, i.e. in total twice per month at the Sha Chau station and three times per month at the Lung Kwu Chau station.

The Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) 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 AL and LL for CWD monitoring were summarized in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1: Derived Values of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

 

NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL as a Whole

Action Level

Running quarterly* STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35

Limit Level

Two consecutive running quarterly^ (3-month) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35

[Notes for Table 6.1 (referring to the baseline monitoring report):

*Action Level – running quarterly STG & ANI will be calculated from the three preceding survey months. For CWD monitoring for October 2017, data from 1 August 2017 to 31 October 2017 will be used to calculate the running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI; 

^Limit Level – two consecutive running quarters mean both the running quarterly encounter rates of the preceding month September 2017 (calculated by data from July 2017 to September 2017) and the running quarterly encounter rates of this month (calculated by data from August 2017 to October 2017).

AL and/or LL will be exceeded 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 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 follow the waypoints set for construction phase monitoring as proposed in the Manual and 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

Land-based theodolite tracking 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 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 covering the AW, WL and SWL areas as proposed in the Manual and 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 crossing 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 pair. Only on-effort data collected under conditions of Beaufort 0-3 and visibility of approximately 1200 m or beyond were used for analysis of the CWD encounter rates.

A 15-20 m vessel with a flying bridge observation platform about 4 to 5 m 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 same location of the survey line where dolphins were spotted as far as practicable and began to survey on effort again. 

Focal follows of dolphins were conducted 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 involved the boat following (at an appropriate distance to minimize 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 photo 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 during the baseline monitoring stage.

6.3.3      Land-based Theodolite Tracking

Land-based monitoring 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 (>1-3 km, 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 2-3 km 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 9th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th October 2017, covering all transects in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL survey areas for twice.

A total of around 457.94 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 91.30% of the total survey effort 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 D.

Sighting Distribution

In October 2017, 19 sightings of CWDs with 67 individuals were sighted. All these sightings were recorded during on-effort search under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility). Details of cetacean sightings are presented in Appendix D.

Distribution of all CWD sightings recorded in October 2017 is illustrated in Figure 6.3. In NWL, three sightings of CWD were recorded within SCLKCMP. In WL, CWDs were recorded from northern part of the survey area to Fan Lau, with more sightings located around Tai O and Yi O. In SWL, there were four CWD sightings recorded in coastal waters, one was recorded around Fan Lau Tung Wan while others were found at Lo Kei Wan. No sightings of CWDs were recorded in NEL and also the vicinity of or within the 3RS land-formation footprint.

 

Figure 6.3: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins


[Pink circle: Sighting locations of CWD; Black line: Vessel survey transects; Blue polygon: Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP); Green polygon: Brothers Marine Park (BMP); Red polygon: 3RS land-formation footprint; Yellow line: 3RS temporary works area boundary]

Remarks: Please note that there are 19 pink circles on the map indicating the sighting locations of CWD. Some of them were very close to each other and therefore appear overlapped on this distribution map.

Encounter Rate

Two types of dolphin encounter rates were calculated based on the data from October 2017. 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 was used)

In October 2017, a total of around 418.11 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 19 on-effort sightings with a total number of 67 dolphins from on-effort sightings were obtained under such condition. Calculation of the encounter rates in October 2017 are shown in Appendix D.

For the running quarter of the reporting period (i.e., from August 2017 to October 2017), a total of around 1170.33 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 69 on-effort sightings and a total number of 223 dolphins from on-effort sightings were obtained under such condition. Calculation of the running quarterly encounter rates are shown in Appendix D.

The STG and ANI of CWD in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL) during the month of October 2017 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 did not trigger the Action Level (i.e., remained above the Action Level).

Table 6.4: Comparison of CWD Encounter Rates of the Whole Survey Area with Action Levels

 

Encounter Rate (STG)

Encounter Rate (ANI)

October 2017

4.54

16.02

Running Quarter from August 2017 to October 2017*

5.90

19.05

Action Level

Running quarterly* < 1.86

Running quarterly* < 9.35

*Running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI were calculated from data collected in the reporting period and the two preceding survey months, i.e. the data from August 2017 to October 2017, containing six sets of transect surveys for all monitoring areas.

Group Size

In October 2017, 19 groups of CWDs with 67 individuals were sighted, and the average group size of CWDs was 3.53 individuals per group. Sightings with medium group size (i.e. 3-9) was dominated. No sighting with large group size (i.e. 10 or more individuals) was recorded in this reporting period.  

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

Eight out of 19 sightings of CWDs were recorded engaging in feeding activities in October 2017. Amongst these eight sightings, two were associated with operating gillnetter in WL and SWL whilst another one was associated with operating shrimp trawler near Hong Kong boundary in WL.

Mother-calf Pair

In October 2017, five sightings of CWDs were recorded with the presence of mother-and-spotted calf or mother-and-unspotted juvenile pairs. Four of these sightings were recorded in WL while the remaining one was recorded in SWL.

6.4.2      Photo Identification

In October 2017, a total number of 33 different CWD individuals were identified for totally 39 times. A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 6.5. Representative photos of these individuals are given in Appendix D.

Table 6.5: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of Sighting (dd/mm/yyyy)

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

Individual ID

Date of Sighting (dd/mm/yyyy)

Sighting Group No.

Area

NLMM002

25/10/2017

1

NWL

WLMM030

25/10/2017

2

NWL

NLMM010

25/10/2017

1

NWL

WLMM054

26/10/2017

1

WL

NLMM015

27/10/2017

3

WL

WLMM056

27/10/2017

1

WL

NLMM027

25/10/2017

1

NWL

WLMM062

26/10/2017

5

WL

NLMM028

25/10/2017

1

NWL

WLMM065

26/10/2017

4

WL

NLMM033

25/10/2017

2

NWL

6

WL

NLMM051

25/10/2017

2

NWL

27/10/2017

2

WL

SLMM015

19/10/2017

2

SWL

WLMM066

26/10/2017

4

WL

SLMM018

23/10/2017

2

SWL

6

WL

SLMM021

19/10/2017

2

SWL

27/10/2017

2

WL

SLMM023

26/10/2017

8

WL

WLMM075

27/10/2017

2

WL

SLMM030

19/10/2017

1

SWL

WLMM091

26/10/2017

7

WL

26/10/2017

1

WL

WLMM093

26/10/2017

7

WL

SLMM031

26/10/2017

10

SWL

WLMM094

26/10/2017

7

WL

SLMM037

26/10/2017

2

WL

WLMM100

24/10/2017

1

NWL

WLMM019

24/10/2017

1

NWL

WLMM104

26/10/2017

2

WL

25/10/2017

1

NWL

WLMM105

26/10/2017

8

WL

WLMM021

27/10/2017

1

WL

WLMM106

26/10/2017

8

WL

WLMM026

26/10/2017

1

WL

WLMM107

26/10/2017

8

WL

WLMM027

26/10/2017

1

WL

 

 

 

 

 

6.4.3      Land-based Theodolite Tracking

Survey Effort

Land-based theodolite tracking surveys were conducted at LKC on 20th, 23rd and 27th October 2017 and at SC on 25th and 27th October 2017, with a total of five days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort accomplished in this reporting period. A total number of 16 CWD groups were tracked at LKC station during the surveys. Information of survey effort and CWD groups sighted during these land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 6.6. Details of the survey effort and CWD groups tracked are presented in Appendix D. The first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked at LKC station during land-based theodolite tracking surveys in October 2017 were depicted in Figure 6.4. No CWD group was sighted from SC station in this reporting month.

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

3

18:00

16

0.89

Sha Chau

2

12:00

0

0

TOTAL

5

30:00

16

0.53

Figure 6.4: Plots of First Sightings of All CWD Groups obtained from Land-based Stations

[Green triangle: LKC station; Green circle: CWD group off LKC; Blue line: SCLKCMP boundary]

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. In this reporting period, the Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) has been retrieved and re-deployed on 6 October 2017 and positioned at south of Sha Chau Island inside the SCLKCMP with 20% duty cycle (Figure 6.5). The EAR deployment is generally for 4-6 weeks prior to data retrieval for analysis. Acoustic data is reviewed to give an indication of CWDs occurrence patterns and to obtain anthropogenic noise information simultaneously. Analysis (by a specialized team of acousticians) involved manually browsing through every acoustic recording and logging the occurrence of dolphin signals. All data will be re-played by computer as well as listened to by human ears for accurate assessment of dolphin group presence. As the period of data collection and analysis takes more than two months, PAM results could not be reported in monthly intervals.

6.6         Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

During the reporting period, silt curtains were in place by the contractors for sand blanket laying works, in which dolphin observers were deployed by each contractor in accordance with the Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP). Teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed at 15 to 19 dolphin observation stations by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) by all contractors for ground improvement works  (DCM works and PVD installation) and seawall construction 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 493 individuals being trained and the training records kept by the ET. Observations were recorded on DEZ monitoring in this reporting period during site inspection by the ET and IEC. The contractors had taken actions to implement the recommended measures. From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains or the DEZs in this reporting month. These contractors’ records were also audited by the ET during site inspection.

Audits of acoustic decoupling 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 7.2 and Section 7.3 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 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 five days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort as scheduled.  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

Weekly site inspections of construction works were carried out by the ET to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. The weekly site inspection schedule of the construction works is provided in Appendix C. Bi-weekly site inspections were also conducted by the IEC.  Observations have been recorded in the site inspection checklists and provided to the contractors together with the appropriate follow-up actions where necessary.

The key observations from site inspection and associated recommendations were related to display of licenses and permits at works area, provision and maintenance of drip trays, proper implementation of noise mitigation, dust suppression, wastewater treatment, tree protection, and runoff prevention measures, as well as regular segregation and disposal of waste. In addition, recommendations were also provided during site inspection on barges, which included provision and maintenance of drip trays and chemical storage area, implementation of dust suppression, acoustic decoupling, and runoff prevention measures, implementation of silt plume mitigation and prevention measures, ensuring the effectiveness of silt curtains, and implementation of wastewater collection and treatment.

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 B.

7.2         Audit of Route Diversion and Speed Control of the 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 (ACE) 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 implementing the mitigation measure of requiring high speed ferries (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.

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 summarized in Table 7.1.  The daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in October 2017 (i.e., 1 to 87 daily movements) were within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements. There was only one ferry movement on 15 October 2017 due to typhoon. Status of compliance with the annual daily average of 99 movements will be further reviewed in the annual EM&A Report.

In total, 693 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai / Macau were recorded in October 2017 and the data are presented in Appendix H. The time spent by the SkyPier HSFs travelling through the SCZ in October 2017 were presented in Figure 7.1.  It will take 9.6 minutes to travel through the SCZ when the SkyPier HSFs adopt the maximum allowable speed of 15 knots within the SCZ. Figure 7.1 shows that all of the SkyPier HSFs spent more than 9.6 minutes to travel through the SCZ.

Figure 7.1 Duration of the SkyPier HSFs travelling through the SCZ for October 2017

Note: Data above the red line indicated that the time spent by the SkyPier HSFs travelling through the SCZ is more than 9.6 minutes, which is in compliance with the SkyPier Plan. 

Two ferries were recorded with minor deviation from the diverted route on 7 and 30 October 2017. Notices were sent to the ferry operator (FO) and the cases are under investigation by ET. The investigation result will be presented in the next monthly EM&A report.

Table 7.1: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan

Requirements in the SkyPier Plan

1 October to 31 October 2017

Total number of ferry movements recorded and audited

693

 

Use diverted route and enter / leave SCZ through Gate Access Points

2 deviations, which are under investigation.

Speed control in speed control zone

The average speeds taken within the SCZ of all HSFs were within 15 knots (9.3 knots to 14.0 knots), which complied with the SkyPier Plan. The time used by HSFs to travel through SCZ is presented in Figure 7.1.

Daily Cap (including all SkyPier HSFs) 

 

1 to 87 daily movements (within the maximum daily cap  - 125 daily movements).

7.3         Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

The updated Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel (MTRMP-CAV) was submitted and approved in November 2016 by EPD 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:

 

The IEC of the Project had performed audit on the compliance of the requirements as part of the EM&A programme.

7.4         Implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone

The DEZ Plan was submitted in accordance with EP Condition 3.1 (v) requirement and Section 10.3 of the Manual, and approved in April 2016 by EPD. The 24-hour DEZs with a 250m radius for marine works were established and implemented by the contractors for DCM works and seawall construction according to their Method Statement for DEZ Monitoring that followed the specifications and requirements of the DEZ Plan.

During the reporting period, ET has been notified that no dolphin sightings were recorded within the DEZ by the contractors. ET has checked the relevant records by the contractors to audit the implementation of DEZ. Observations were recorded on DEZ monitoring in this reporting period during site inspection by the ET and IEC. The contractors had taken actions to implement the recommended measures.

7.5         Ecological Monitoring

In accordance with the Manual, ecological monitoring shall be undertaken monthly at the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) daylighting location on Sheung Sha Chau Island during the HDD construction works period from August to March to identify and evaluate any impacts with appropriate actions taken as required to address and minimise any adverse impact found. During the reporting period, the monthly ecological monitoring at the HDD daylighting location on Sheung Sha Chau observed that HDD works were ongoing under the Contract P560(R) at the daylighting location, and there was no encroachment of any works upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the egrets on the island by the works. No signs of nursery activities were observed. At the HDD daylighting location, neither nest nor breeding activity of bird were found during the monthly ecological monitoring and weekly site inspections in the reporting period. The site photos and location map regarding the monthly ecological monitoring for the HDD works and egretry area are provided in Appendix D for reference.

7.6         Status of Submissions under Environmental Permits

The current status of submissions under the EP up to the reporting period is presented in Table 7.2

Table 7.2: 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

2.19

Waste Management Plan

3.1

Updated EM&A Manual

3.4

Baseline Monitoring Reports

7.7         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 environmental licenses and permits which are valid in the reporting period are presented in Appendix F.

7.8         Analysis and Interpretation of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions

7.8.1      Complaints

No construction activities-related complaint was received during the reporting period.

7.8.2      Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

Neither notification of summons nor prosecution was received during the reporting period.

7.8.3      Cumulative Statistics

Cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and status of prosecutions are summarized in Appendix G.

 

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:

Advanced Works:

Contract P560 (R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works

    HDD works; and

    Stockpiling of excavated materials from HDD operation.

DCM Works:

Contract 3201 to 3205 DCM Works

    Laying of sand blanket;

    DCM works; and

    Seawall construction

Reclamation Works:

Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works

    Laying of sand blanket; and

    PVD installation.

Airfield Works Contract:

Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway

    CLP cable ducting work; and

    Precast of duct bank and fabrication of steel works.

Terminal 2 Expansion Works:

Contract 3501 Antenna Farm and Sewage Pumping Station

    Excavation and piling works.

Contract 3502 Terminal 2 APM Depot Modification Works

    Removal of existing concrete.

APM Works:

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

    Site office establishment.

Airport Support Infrastructure & Logistic Works:

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

    Erection of hoarding.

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;

    Water quality from laying of sand blankets and DCM works;

    DEZ monitoring for ground improvement works (DCM works and PVD installation) and seawall construction; and implementation of MMWP for silt curtain deployment by the contractors’ dolphin observers;

    Sorting, recycling, storage and disposal of general refuse and construction waste;

    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 C.

 

9        Conclusion and Recommendation

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-side works. Reclamation works included DCM works, laying of sand blanket, seawall construction and PVD installation. Land-side works included HDD works, site office establishment, cable ducting, concrete removal works, piling and excavation works.

All the monitoring works for construction dust, construction noise, water quality, construction waste, terrestrial ecology, and CWD were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Manual.

No exceedance of the Action or Limit Levels in relation to construction dust, construction noise, construction waste and CWD monitoring was recorded in the reporting period. 

The water quality monitoring results for DO, turbidity, total alkalinity, chromium, and nickel obtained during the reporting period did not trigger their corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme if being exceeded. For SS, some of the testing results exceeded the relevant Action Levels, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the exceedances were not due to the Project.

The monthly terrestrial ecology monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau Island observed that HDD works were conducted at the daylighting location and there was no encroachment upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the egrets at Sheung Sha Chau by the works.

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.  Observations have been recorded in the site inspection checklists which have been provided to the contractors together with the appropriate follow-up actions where necessary.

On the implementation of MMWP, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for laying of open sea silt curtain and laying of silt curtains for sand blanket in accordance with the plan. On the implementation of DEZ Plan, dolphin observers at 15 to 19 dolphin observation stations were deployed for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by all contractors for ground improvement works (DCM works and PVD installation) and seawall construction in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with the training records kept by the ET.  From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains or the DEZs in this reporting month. DCM works were suspended in the dolphin sighting events until the DEZ was clear of dolphin for a continuous period of 30 minutes. The contractor’s record was checked by the ET during site inspection. Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were also carried out by the ET. 

On the implementation of the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan), the daily movements of all SkyPier high speed ferries (HSFs) in October 2017 were in the range of 1 to 87 daily movements, which are within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements. A total of 693 HSF movements under the SkyPier Plan were recorded in the reporting period. All HSFs had travelled through the Speed Control Zone (SCZ) with average speeds under 15 knots (9.3 to 14.0 knots), which were in compliance with the SkyPier Plan. Two ferry movements with minor deviation from the diverted route are under investigation by ET. The investigation result will be presented in the next monthly EM&A report. In summary, the ET and IEC have audited the HSF movements against the SkyPier Plan and conducted follow up investigation or actions accordingly.

On the implementation of the MTRMP-CAV, the MSS automatically recorded the deviation case such as speeding, entering no entry zone, not traveling through the designated gate. ET conducted checking to ensure the MSS records all deviation cases accurately. Training has 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, entry from non-designated gates, and entering no-entry zones were reviewed by ET. All the concerned captains were reminded by the contractor’s MTCC representative to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. ET reminded contractors that all vessels shall avoid entering the no-entry zone, in particular the Brothers Marine Park. 3-month rolling programmes for construction vessel activities, which ensures the proposed vessels are necessary and minimal through good planning, were also received from contractors.