Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System |
Contents
3RS |
Three-Runway System |
AAHK |
Airport Authority Hong Kong |
AECOM |
AECOM Asia Company Limited |
AFCD |
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
AIS |
Automatic Information System |
ANI |
Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphins |
APM |
Automated People Mover |
AW |
Airport West |
BHS |
Baggage Handling System |
C&D |
Construction and Demolition |
CAP |
Contamination Assessment Plan |
CAR |
Contamination Assessment Report |
CNP |
Construction Noise Permit |
CWD |
Chinese White Dolphin |
DCM |
Deep Cement Mixing |
DEZ |
Dolphin Exclusion Zone |
DO |
Dissolved Oxygen |
EAR |
Ecological Acoustic Recorder |
EIA |
Environmental Impact Assessment |
EM&A |
Environmental Monitoring & Audit |
EP |
Environmental Permit |
EPD |
Environmental Protection Department |
ET |
Environmental Team |
FCZ |
Fish Culture Zone |
HDD |
Horizontal Directional Drilling |
HKBCF |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities |
HKIA |
Hong Kong International Airport |
HOKLAS |
Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme |
HSF |
High Speed Ferry |
HVS |
High Volume Sampler |
IEC |
Independent Environmental Checker |
LKC |
Lung Kwu Chau |
MTCC |
Marine Traffic Control Centre |
MMHK |
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited |
MMWP |
Marine Mammal Watching Plan |
MSS |
Maritime Surveillance System |
MTRMP-CAV |
Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel |
NEL |
Northeast Lantau |
NWL |
Northwest Lantau |
PAM |
Passive Acoustic Monitoring |
SC |
Sha Chau |
SCLKCMP |
Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park |
SS |
Suspended Solids |
SSSI |
Site of Special Scientific Interest |
STG |
Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings |
SWL |
Southwest Lantau |
T2 |
Terminal 2 |
The Project |
The Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System |
The SkyPier Plan |
Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier |
The Manual |
The Updated EM&A Manual |
TSP |
Total Suspended Particulates |
WL |
West Lantau |
WMP |
Waste Management Plan |
The “Expansion of Hong Kong International
Airport into a Three-Runway System” (the Project) serves to meet the future air
traffic demands at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). On 7 November 2014,
the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (Register No.: AEIAR-185/2014)
for the Project was approved and an Environmental Permit (EP) (Permit No.:
EP-489/2014) was issued for the construction and operation of the Project.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) commissioned
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) to undertake the role of Environmental
Team (ET) for carrying out the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A)
works during the construction phase of the Project in accordance with the
Updated EM&A Manual (the Manual).
This is the 53rd Construction Phase
Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the monitoring results
and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1
to 31 May 2020.
Key Activities in the Reporting Period
The key activities of the Project
carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-based
works. Works in the reclamation areas included deep cement mixing (DCM) works,
marine filling, seawall and facilities construction, together with runway and
associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly
airfield works, foundation and substructure work for Terminal 2 expansion,
modification and tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage
Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities
include site establishment, site office construction, road and drainage works,
cable ducting, demolition, piling, and excavation works.
EM&A
Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period
The monthly EM&A programme was
undertaken in accordance with the Manual of the Project. Summary of the monitoring
activities during this reporting period is presented as below:
Monitoring Activities |
Number of Sessions |
1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) air quality monitoring |
30 |
Noise monitoring |
16 |
Water quality monitoring |
13 |
Vessel line-transect surveys for Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) monitoring |
2 |
Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring |
2 |
Environmental auditing works, including
weekly site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET and bi-weekly
site inspections conducted by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC),
audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF), audit of construction and associated vessels, and
audit of implementation of Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) and Dolphin
Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan, were conducted in the reporting period. Based on
information including ET’s observations, records of Maritime Surveillance
System (MSS), and contractors’ site records, it is noted that environmental
pollution control and mitigation measures were properly implemented and
construction activities of the Project in the reporting period did not
introduce adverse impacts to the sensitive receivers.
Snapshots of EM&A Activities in the
Reporting Period
|
|
|
Chemical Spill Drill conducted by Contractor |
Photo Shoot for Photo Identification of CWD |
Impact Water Quality Monitoring conducted by ET |
Results of Impact Monitoring
The monitoring works for construction dust, construction
noise, water quality, construction waste, landscape
& visual, and CWD were conducted during the reporting period in
accordance with the Manual.
Monitoring results of construction dust,
construction noise, construction waste, and CWD did not trigger the
corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.
The water quality monitoring results for all
parameters, except dissolved oxygen (DO) and suspended solids (SS), obtained
during the reporting period were within the corresponding Action and Limit
Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. Relevant investigation and
follow-up actions will be conducted according to the EM&A programme if the
corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For DO and SS, some of the
testing results triggered the relevant Action and Limit Level, and the
corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation
findings concluded that the cases were not related to the Project. To conclude,
the construction activities in the reporting period did not introduce adverse
impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.
Summary of Upcoming Key Issues
Advanced Works:
Contract P560 (R) Aviation Fuel
Pipeline Diversion Works
● Stockpiling of construction
materials
Reclamation Works:
Contract 3205 DCM works
● DCM works
Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works
● Land-based ground improvement works;
● Seawall construction;
● Marine filling; and
● Sorting and reuse of inert waste
from other 3RS contracts.
Airfield Works:
Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover
Taxiway
● Cable ducting works; and
● Subgrade compaction and
paving works.
Contract 3302 Eastern
Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works
● Cable laying and ducting
works;
● Trench excavation works;
● Backfilling and
reinstatement works;
● Piling and structure
works; and
● Site establishment.
Contract 3303 Third Runway and
Associated Works
● Plant and equipment
mobilisation;
● Footing and utilities
work;
● Preparation works for
box culvert construction;
● Bored pilling work; and
● Site establishment.
Third Runway Concourse:
Contract 3402 New
Integrated Airport Centres Enabling Works
● Potable water and
seawater works;
● Road works; and
● Sewerage and pipe works.
Contract 3403 New
Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works
● Site establishment; and
● Foundation works.
Contract 3405 Third
Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works
● Bored pilling work; and
● Site establishment.
Terminal 2 Expansion:
Contract 3501 Antenna
Farm and Sewage Pumping Station
● Site clearance.
Contract 3503 Terminal 2
Foundation and Substructure Works
● T2 demolition;
● Site establishment;
● Excavation works
● Utilities, drainage, and road work;
and
● Piling and structure works.
Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS):
Contract
3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line)
● Construction of site office.
Contract
3602 Existing APM System Modification Works
● Modification works at
APM depot.
Construction Support
(Facilities):
Contract 3721
Construction Support Infrastructure Works
● Site clearance and establishment;
● Excavation for utilities
works; and
● Construction of
utilities and logistic facilities.
Contract 3722
Construction Support Facilities
● Formboard erecting and
concreting;
● Superstructure; and
● Site Establishment.
Airport Support
Infrastructure:
Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels
on Existing Airport Island
● Construction
of temporary traffic steel deck;
● Cofferdam installation
for box culvert;
● Rising main
installation;
● Drilling and grouting
works;
● Piling and foundation
works; and
● Site clearance.
Construction Support
(Services / Licences):
Contract 3901A/ B
Concrete Batching Facility
● Footing
construction;
and
● Erection of steelwork.
The
following table summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during
the reporting period:
Yes |
No |
Details |
Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions |
|
Breach of Limit Level^ |
|
√ |
No breach of Limit Level was recorded. |
Nil |
Breach of Action Level^ |
|
√ |
No breach of Action Level was recorded. |
Nil |
|
√ |
No construction activities - related complaint was received |
Nil |
|
Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions |
|
√ |
No notification of summons or prosecution was received. |
Nil |
Change that affect the EM&A |
|
√ |
There was no change to the construction works that may affect the EM&A. |
Nil |
Note:
^ Only
triggering of Action or Limit Level found related to Project works is counted
as Breach of Action or Limit Level.
On 7 November 2014, the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Report (Register No.: AEIAR-185/2014) for the “Expansion of
Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System” (the Project) was
approved and an Environmental Permit (EP) (Permit No.: EP-489/2014) was issued
for the construction and operation of the Project.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) commissioned
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) to undertake the role of Environmental
Team (ET) for carrying out the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A)
works during the construction phase of the Project in accordance with the Updated
EM&A Manual (the Manual) submitted under EP Condition 3.1[1].
AECOM Asia Company Limited (AECOM) was employed by AAHK as the Independent
Environmental Checker (IEC) for the Project.
The Project covers the expansion of the
existing airport into a three-runway system (3RS) with key project components
comprising land formation of about 650 ha and all associated facilities and
infrastructure including taxiways, aprons, aircraft stands, a passenger
concourse, an expanded Terminal 2, all related airside and landside works and
associated ancillary and supporting facilities. The submarine aviation fuel
pipelines and submarine power cables also require diversion as part of the
works.
Construction of the Project is to proceed in
the general order of diversion of the submarine aviation fuel pipelines,
diversion of the submarine power cables, land formation, and construction of
infrastructure, followed by construction of superstructures.
The 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.
This is the 53rd Construction Phase
Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of
the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 May 2020.
The Project’s organisation structure presented
in Appendix B of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.1 remained
unchanged during the reporting period. Contact details of the key personnel are
presented in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key
Personnel
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Project Manager’s Representative (Airport Authority Hong Kong) |
Principal Manager, 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 |
Daniel Sum |
2585 8495 |
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) (AECOM Asia Company Limited) |
Independent Environmental Checker |
Jackel Law |
3922 9376
|
|
Deputy Independent Environmental Checker |
Roy Man |
3922 9141 |
Advanced Works:
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
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
|
Reclamation
Works:
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3205 DCM (Package 5) (Bachy Soletanche - Sambo Joint Venture) |
Deputy Project Director |
Min Park |
9683 0765 |
Environmental Officer |
William Chan |
5408 3045 |
|
Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works (ZHEC-CCCC-CDC Joint Venture)
|
Project Manager |
Kim Chuan Lim
|
3763 1509 |
Environmental Officer |
Kwai Fung Wong |
3763 1452 |
Airfield Works:
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway (FJT-CHEC-ZHEC Joint Venture) |
Deputy Project Director |
Kin Hang Chung |
9800 0048 |
Environmental Officer |
Joe Wong |
6182 0351 |
|
Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works (China Road and Bridge Corporation) |
Project Manager
|
Dickey Yau
|
5699 4503
|
Environmental Officer |
Dennis Ho |
5645 0563 |
|
Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works (SAPR Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Andrew Keung |
6277 6628 |
Environmental Officer |
Max Chin |
6447 5707 |
Third Runway Concourse:
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3402 New Integrated Airport Centres Enabling Works (Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.) |
Contract Manager |
Michael Kan |
9206 0550 |
Environmental Officer |
Lisa He |
5374 3418 |
|
Contract 3403 New Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works (Sun Fook Kong Construction Limited) |
Project Manager |
Alice Leung |
9220 3162 |
Environmental Officer |
Alpha Chia |
9626 1114 |
|
Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works (China Road and Bridge Corporation – Bachy Soletanche Group Limited – LT Sambo Co., Ltd. Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Francis Choi |
9423 3469 |
Environmental Officer |
Cecilia Choi |
9265 9352 |
Terminal 2 (T2) Expansion:
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3501 Antenna Farm and Sewage Pumping Station (Build King Construction Ltd.) |
Contracts Manager
|
Vincent Kwan
|
9833 1313
|
Environmental Officer |
Edward Tam |
9287 8270 |
|
Contract 3503 Terminal 2 Foundation and Substructure Works (Leighton – Chun Wo Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Eric Wu |
3973 1718 |
Environmental Officer |
Malcolm Leung |
3973 0850 |
Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS):
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line) (CRRC Puzhen Bombardier Transportation Systems Limited and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd. Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Hongdan Wei |
158 6180 9450 |
Environmental Officer |
K F Li |
9086 1793 |
|
Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works (Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
Kunihiro Tatecho |
9755 0351 |
Environmental Officer |
Yolanda Gao |
5399 3509 |
|
Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System (VISH Consortium) |
Project Manager |
K C Ho |
9272 9626 |
Environmental Officer |
Eric Ha |
9215 3432 |
Construction Support (Facilities):
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.) |
Site Agent |
Thomas Lui |
9011 5340 |
Environmental Officer |
Xavier Lam |
9493 2944 |
|
Contract 3722 Western Support Area – Construction Support Facilities (Tapbo Construction Company Limited and Konwo Modular House Limited Joint Venture) |
Deputy Project Director |
Philip Kong |
9049 3161 |
Environmental Officer |
Sampson Lo |
9752 9118 |
Airport Support Infrastructure:
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
Tony Wong |
9642 8672 |
Environmental Officer |
Federick Wong |
9842 2703 |
Construction Support (Services / Licences):
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility (K. Wah Concrete Company Limited) |
Project Manager |
Benedict Wong |
9553 2806 |
Environmental Officer |
C P Fung |
9874 2872 |
|
Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility (Gammon Construction Limited) |
Senior Project Manager |
Gabriel Chan |
2435 3260 |
Environmental Officer |
Rex Wong |
2695 6319 |
The key activities of the
Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and
land-based works. Works in the reclamation areas included DCM works, marine
filling, seawall and facilities construction, together with runway and
associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly
airfield works, foundation and substructure work for Terminal 2 expansion,
modification and tunnel work for APM and BHS systems, and preparation work for
utilities, with activities include site establishment, site office
construction, road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition of existing
facilities, piling, and excavation works.
The locations of key construction
activities are presented in Figure 1.1.
The status for all environmental
aspects are 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 |
The Initial Intensive DCM Monitoring Report was submitted and approved by EPD in accordance with the Detailed Plan on DCM. |
Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring |
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. |
Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply System No.1 (Volumes 1 and 2) |
The CAR for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply System No.1 (Volumes 1 and 2) 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 |
The terrestrial ecological monitoring at Sheung Sha Chau was completed in January 2019. |
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 |
The post-translocation monitoring programme according to the Coral Translocation Plan was completed in April 2018. |
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 |
|
Landscape & Visual Plan |
The Landscape & Visual Plan was submitted to EPD under EP Condition 2.18 |
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 (DEZ) Plan 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, landscape & visual, and CWD were carried out in the
reporting period.
The EM&A programme also involved weekly
site inspections and related auditing conducted by the ET for checking the
implementation of the required environmental mitigation measures recommended in
the approved EIA Report. To promote the environmental awareness and
enhance the environmental performance of the contractors, environmental
trainings and regular environmental management meetings were conducted
during the reporting period, which are summarised as below:
● Two skipper training sessions
provided by ET: 13 and 27 May 2020;
● Two dolphin observer training
sessions provided by ET: 5 and 18 May 2020;
● Thirteen environmental management
meetings for EM&A review with works contracts: 4, 7, 12, 13, 20, 22, 25,
26, 27 and 29 May 2020.
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.
Air quality monitoring of 1-hour Total
Suspended Particulates (TSP) was conducted three times every six days at two
representative monitoring stations in the vicinity of air sensitive receivers
in Tung Chung and villages in North Lantau in accordance with the Manual. Table 2.1
describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the
monitoring stations.
Table 2.1:
Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Station |
Location |
AR1A |
Man Tung Road Park |
AR2 |
Village House at Tin Sum |
In accordance with the Manual, baseline air
quality monitoring of 1-hour TSP levels at the two air quality monitoring
stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. The
Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring stipulated in the
EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up
procedures under the programme are provided in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2: Action and Limit Levels
of Air Quality Monitoring
Monitoring Station |
Action Level (mg/m3) |
Limit Level (mg/m3) |
AR1A |
306 |
500 |
AR2 |
298 |
Portable direct reading dust meter was used to carry
out the air quality monitoring. Details of equipment used in the reporting
period are given in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3: Air Quality Monitoring
Equipment
Brand and Model |
Last Calibration Date |
Calibration Certificate Provided in |
|
Portable direct reading dust meter (Laser dust monitor) |
SIBATA LD-3B-2 (Serial No. 296098) |
24 Oct 2019 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 46, Appendix E |
The
measurement procedures involved in the impact air quality monitoring can be
summarised as follows:
a.
The portable direct
reading dust meter was mounted on a tripod at a height of 1.2m above the
ground.
b.
Prior to the measurement,
the equipment was set up for 1 minute span check and 6 second background check.
c.
The one hour dust
measurement was started. Site conditions and dust sources at the nearby area
were recorded on a record sheet.
d.
When the measurement
completed, the “Count” reading per hour was recorded for result calculation.
The portable direct reading dust
meter is calibrated every year against high volume sampler (HVS) to check the
validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method. The
calibration record of the HVS provided in Appendix E of the Construction Phase
Monthly EM&A Report No. 46, and the calibration certificates of portable direct reading dust meters listed in Table 2.3 are
valid in the reporting period.
The air quality monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is
provided in Appendix C.
The air
quality monitoring results in the reporting period are summarised in Table 2.4.
Detailed impact monitoring results are presented in Appendix D.
Table 2.4: Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Results
Monitoring Station |
1-hr TSP Concentration Range (mg/m3) |
Action Level (mg/m3) |
Limit Level (mg/m3) |
AR1A |
18 - 75 |
306 |
500 |
AR2 |
18 - 66 |
298 |
The monitoring results were within the
corresponding Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations in the
reporting period.
General meteorological conditions throughout the
impact monitoring period were recorded. Wind data including wind speed and wind
direction for each monitoring day were collected from the Chek Lap Kok Wind
Station.
No dust emission source was observed at the
monitoring stations during the monitoring sessions. As the sensitive receivers
were far away from the construction activities, with the implementation of dust
control measures, there was no adverse impact at the sensitive receivers
attributable to the works of the Project.
Noise monitoring in the form of 30-minute
measurements of Leq, L10, and L90 levels was
conducted once per week between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays at four
representative monitoring stations in the vicinity of noise sensitive receivers
in Tung Chung and villages in North Lantau in accordance with the Manual. Table 3.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the
monitoring stations.
Table 3.1: Locations of Impact Noise
Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Station |
Location |
Type of measurement |
NM1A |
Man Tung Road Park |
Free field |
NM2(1) |
Tung Chung West Development |
To be determined |
NM3A(2) |
Site Office |
Facade |
NM4 |
Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School |
Free field |
NM5 |
Village House in Tin Sum |
Free field |
NM6 |
House No. 1, Sha Lo Wan |
Free field |
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.
(2) According to Section
4.3.3 of the Manual, the noise monitoring at NM3A was temporarily suspended
starting from 1 September 2018 and would be resumed with the completion of the
Tung Chung East Development.
In accordance
with the Manual, baseline noise levels at the noise monitoring stations were
established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. The Action and
Limit Levels of the noise monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for
triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the
programme are provided in Table
3.2.
Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Noise Monitoring
Monitoring Stations |
Time Period |
Action Level |
Limit Level, Leq(30mins) dB(A) |
NM1A, NM2, NM3A, NM4, NM5 and NM6 |
0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays |
When one documented complaint is received from any one of the sensitive receivers |
75dB(A)(1) |
Note:
(1) The Limit Level for NM4 is reduced to 70dB(A) for being an educational
institution. During school examination period, the Limit Level is further
reduced to 65dB(A).
Noise monitoring was performed using sound
level meter at each designated monitoring station. The sound level meters
deployed comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications
651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications. Acoustic calibrator was
used to check the sound level meters by a known sound pressure level for field
measurement. Details of equipment used in the reporting period are given
in Table 3.3.
Table 3.3: Noise Monitoring
Equipment
Equipment |
Brand and Model |
Last Calibration Date |
Calibration Certificate Provided in |
Integrated Sound Level Meter |
Rion NL-52 (Serial No. 00998505) |
24 Mar 2020 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 52, Appendix D |
Acoustic Calibrator |
Casella CEL-120/1 (Serial No. 2383737) |
21 Sep 2019 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 45, Appendix D |
Castle GA607 (Serial No. 040162) |
14 Jul 2019 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 43, Appendix D |
The monitoring
procedures involved in the noise monitoring can be summarised as follows:
a. The sound level meter was set on a tripod at
least a height of 1.2m above the ground for free-field measurements at
monitoring stations NM1A, NM4, NM5 and NM6. A correction of +3dB(A) was applied
to the free field measurements.
b. Façade measurements were made at the monitoring
station NM3A.
c. Parameters such as frequency weighting, time
weighting and measurement time were set.
d. Prior to and after each noise measurement, the
meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator. If the difference in
the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1dB(A), the
measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would
be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.
e. During the monitoring period, Leq, L10
and L90 were recorded. In addition, site conditions and noise
sources were recorded on a record sheet.
f. Noise measurement results 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.
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
valid in the reporting period.
The noise monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is
provided in Appendix C.
The noise monitoring results in the reporting
period are summarised in Table
3.4.
Detailed impact monitoring results are presented in Appendix D.
Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results
Monitoring Station |
Noise Level Range, dB(A) Leq (30mins) |
Limit Level, dB(A) Leq (30mins) |
NM1A(1) |
66 - 72 |
75 |
NM4(1) |
59 - 66 |
70(2) |
NM5(1) |
53 - 59 |
75 |
NM6(1) |
62 - 66 |
75 |
Notes:
(1)
+3dB(A) Façade
correction included;
(2)
Reduced to 65dB(A) during
school examination periods at NM4. No school examination took place during this
reporting period.
No complaints were received from any sensitive
receiver that triggered the Action Level. All monitoring results were also
within the corresponding Limit Levels at all monitoring stations in the
reporting period.
As the construction activities were far away
from the monitoring stations, major sources of noise dominating the monitoring
stations observed during the construction noise impact monitoring were traffic
noise near NM1A and aircraft noise near NM5 and NM6 during this reporting
period. It is considered that the monitoring work during the reporting period
was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to the Project
activities.
Water quality monitoring of DO, pH,
temperature, salinity, turbidity, suspended solids (SS), total alkalinity,
chromium, and nickel was conducted three days per week, at mid-ebb and
mid-flood tides, at a total of 23 water quality monitoring stations, comprising
12 impact (IM) stations, 8 sensitive receiver (SR) stations and 3 control (C)
stations in the vicinity of water quality sensitive receivers around the
airport island in accordance with the Manual. The
purpose of water quality monitoring at the IM stations is to promptly capture
any potential water quality impact from the Project before it could become
apparent at sensitive receivers (represented by the SR stations). Table 4.1 describes the details of the
monitoring stations. Figure 4.1 shows the locations of the
monitoring stations.
Table 4.1: Monitoring Locations and Parameters of Impact Water Quality
Monitoring
Monitoring Station |
Description |
Coordinates |
Parameters |
|
|
|
Easting |
Northing |
|
C1 |
Control Station |
804247 |
815620 |
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
DCM Parameters Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2) |
C2 |
Control Station |
806945 |
825682 |
|
C3(3) |
Control Station |
817803 |
822109 |
|
IM1 |
Impact Station |
807132 |
817949 |
|
IM2 |
Impact Station |
806166 |
818163 |
|
IM3 |
Impact Station |
805594 |
818784 |
|
IM4 |
Impact Station |
804607 |
819725 |
|
IM5 |
Impact Station |
804867 |
820735 |
|
IM6 |
Impact Station |
805828 |
821060 |
|
IM7 |
Impact Station |
806835 |
821349 |
|
IM8 |
Impact Station |
808140 |
821830 |
|
IM9 |
Impact Station |
808811 |
822094 |
|
IM10 |
Impact Station |
809794 |
822385 |
|
IM11 |
Impact Station |
811460 |
822057 |
|
IM12 |
Impact Station |
812046 |
821459 |
|
SR1A(1) |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) Seawater Intake for cooling |
812660 |
819977 |
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS |
SR2(3) |
Planned marine park / hard corals at The Brothers / Tai Mo To
|
814166 |
821463 |
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
DCM Parameters Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)(4) |
SR3 |
Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park / fishing and spawning grounds in North Lantau |
807571 |
822147 |
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
|
SR4A |
Sha Lo Wan |
807810 |
817189 |
|
SR5A |
San Tau Beach SSSI |
810696 |
816593 |
|
SR6A(5) |
Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI |
814739 |
817963 |
|
SR7 |
Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ) |
823742 |
823636 |
|
SR8(6) |
Seawater Intake for cooling at Hong Kong International Airport (East) |
811623 |
820390 |
Notes:
(1) With the operation of HKBCF, water quality monitoring at SR1A station
was commenced on 25 October 2018. To better reflect the water quality in the
immediate vicinity of the intake, the monitoring location of SR1A has been
shifted closer to the intake starting from 5 January 2019.
(2) Details of selection criteria for the two heavy metals
for 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)
Total alkalinity and heavy metals results are collected at SR2 as a
control station for regular DCM monitoring.
(5)
As the access to SR6 was obstructed by the construction activities and
temporary structures for Tung Chung New Town Extension, the monitoring location
has been relocated to SR6A starting from 8 August 2019.
(6)
The monitoring location for SR8 is subject to further
changes due to silt curtain arrangements and the progressive relocation of this
seawater intake.
In accordance with the Manual, baseline water
quality levels at the above-mentioned representative water quality monitoring
stations were established as presented in the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring
Report. The
Action and Limit Levels of general water quality monitoring and regular DCM
monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant
investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 4.2. The
control and impact stations during ebb tide and flood tide for general water
quality monitoring 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 SR1A & SR8) |
|||||
General Water Quality Monitoring |
DO in mg/l (Surface, Middle & Bottom) |
Surface and Middle 4.5mg/l |
Surface and Middle 4.1mg/l 5mg/l for Fish Culture Zone (SR7) only |
||
Bottom 3.4mg/l |
Bottom 2.7mg/l |
||||
Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/l |
23 |
or 120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher |
37 |
or 130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher |
|
Turbidity in NTU |
22.6 |
36.1 |
|||
Regular DCM Monitoring |
Total Alkalinity in ppm |
95 |
99 |
||
Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring (Chromium) in µg/l |
0.2 |
0.2 |
|||
Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring (Nickel) in µg/l |
3.2 |
|
3.6 |
|
|
Action and Limit Levels SR1A |
|
|
|
||
SS (mg/l)) |
33 |
|
42 |
|
|
Action and Limit Levels SR8 |
|
|
|
|
|
SS (mg/l) |
52 |
|
60 |
|
Notes:
(1)
For DO measurement,
non-compliance occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.
(2) For parameters other than DO, non-compliance of
water quality results when monitoring results is higher than the limits.
(3) Depth-averaged results are used unless
specified otherwise.
(4) Details of
selection criteria for the two heavy metals for 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, SR6A, SR8 |
Ebb Tide |
|
C1 |
SR4A, SR5A, SR6A |
C2 |
IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4, IM5, IM6, IM7, IM8, IM9, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR2, SR3, SR7, SR8 |
Note:
(1) As per findings of
Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report, the control reference has been
changed from C3 to SR2 from 1 September 2016 onwards.
Table
4.4 summarises the
equipment used in the reporting period for monitoring of specific water quality
parameters under the water quality monitoring programme.
Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment
Brand and Model |
Last Calibration Date |
Calibration Certificate Provided in |
|
Multifunctional Meter (measurement of DO, pH, temperature, salinity and turbidity) |
YSI 6920V2 (Serial No. 0001C6A7) |
21 Apr 2020 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 52, Appendix D |
YSI 6920V2 (Serial No. 00019CB2) |
21 Apr 2020 |
||
YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 17H105557) |
11 Mar 2020 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 51, Appendix E |
|
YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 16H104234) |
11 Mar 2020 |
||
YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 17E100747) |
11 Mar 2020 |
||
YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 18A104824) |
11 Mar 2020 |
||
Digital Titrator (measurement of total alkalinity) |
Titrette Bottle-top Burette, 50ml (Serial No. 10N60623) |
5 Mar 2020 |
Monthly EM&A Report No. 51, 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 |
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, alkalinity 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 4ºC
without being frozen), delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of
collection.
Calibration
of In-situ Instruments
Wet bulb calibration for a DO meter was carried
out before commencement of monitoring and after completion of all measurements
each day. Calibration was not conducted at each monitoring location as daily
calibration is adequate for the type of DO meter employed. A zero check in
distilled water was performed with the turbidity probe at least once per
monitoring day. The probe was then calibrated with a solution of known NTU. In
addition, the turbidity probe was calibrated at least twice per month to
establish the relationship between turbidity readings (in NTU) and levels of SS
(in mg/l). 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 are listed in Table 4.4.
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 |
SS |
Analytical Balance |
APHA 2540D |
2mg/l |
Heavy Metals |
|
|
|
Chromium (Cr) |
ICP-MS |
USEPA 6020A |
0.2µg/l |
Nickel (Ni) |
ICP-MS |
USEPA 6020A |
0.2µg/l |
The water
quality monitoring schedule for the reporting period is updated and provided in
Appendix C. Monitoring session during mid-flood tide
on 21 May 2020 was cancelled due to red rainstorm warning signal in force.
The water quality monitoring results for all
parameters, except DO and SS, obtained during the reporting period were within
their corresponding Action and Limit Levels. The detailed monitoring results are presented in Appendix D.
For DO and SS, some of the testing
results triggered the corresponding Action and Limit Levels, and investigations
were conducted accordingly.
Table 4.7 presents the summary of the DO
compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-ebb tide for the reporting
period.
Table 4.7: Summary of DO (Surface and Middle)
Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)
Note: Detailed results are presented in Appendix D. |
|
Legend: |
|
|
The monitoring results were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels |
D |
Monitoring result triggered the Limit Level at monitoring station located downstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow |
|
Upstream station with respect to the Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow |
Monitoring result triggered
the Limit Level on one monitoring day at a SR station located downstream of the
Project. However, all monitoring results recorded at the IM stations, which
were located closer to active construction activities, were within the Action
and Limit Levels. Therefore, the case was considered not due to the Project.
Table 4.8 presents the summary of the SS compliance
status at IM and SR stations during mid-flood tide for the reporting period.
Table 4.8: Summary of SS Compliance Status
(Mid-Flood Tide)
Legend: |
|
|
The monitoring results were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels |
D |
Monitoring result triggered the Action Level at monitoring station located downstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow |
|
Upstream station with respect to the Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow |
Action Level was
triggered on 9 May 2020. Investigation focusing on that case which occurred at
monitoring station located downstream of the Project was carried out. Details
of the Project’s marine construction activities and site observations on the
concerned monitoring day were collected. Findings were summarised in Table 4.9
Table 4.9: Summary of Findings from Investigation of SS Monitoring Results
Date |
Marine construction works nearby |
Approximate distance from marine construction works
|
Status of water quality measures (if applicable) |
Construction vessels in the vicinity |
Turbidity / Silt plume observed near the monitoring station |
Action or Limit Level triggered due to Project |
9/5/2020 |
Marine filling works |
Around 1km |
Relevant section of seawalls partially completed |
No |
No |
No |
The investigation confirmed that
marine filling works were operating normally. Relevant section of seawalls was
also partially completed with rock core to high tide mark and filter layer on
the inner side, which could contain the SS generated from marine filling
activities within the reclamation area.
SS result recorded at IM5 on 9 May
2020 during mid-flood was within its baseline range. The
station was also located around 1km away from the nearest marine construction
activities so it was unlikely to be affected. Given that mitigation measures
were properly implemented and no silt plume was observed, it is considered as
an isolated case due to external factors but not due to the Project.
During the reporting period, it is noted that
the vast majority of monitoring results were within their corresponding Action
and Limit Levels, while only a minor number of results triggered the
corresponding Action and Limit Levels, and investigations were conducted
accordingly.
Based on the investigation findings, the
results that triggered the corresponding Action and Limit Levels were not due
to the Project. Therefore, the Project did not cause adverse impact at the
water quality sensitive receivers. All required actions under the Event and
Action Plan were followed. The cases appeared to be due to natural fluctuation
or other sources not related to the Project.
Nevertheless, as part of the EM&A
programme, the construction methods and mitigation measures for water quality
will continue to be monitored and opportunities for further enhancement will
continue to be explored and implemented where possible, to strive for better
protection of water quality and the marine environment.
In the meantime, the contractors were reminded
to implement and maintain all mitigation measures during weekly site inspection
and regular environmental management meetings. These include maintaining
mitigation measures properly for reclamation works including DCM works, marine
filling, and seawall construction as recommended in the Manual.
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 |
Weekly monitoring on all works contracts were carried
out by the ET to check and monitor the implementation of proper waste
management practices during the construction phase.
Recommendations made included provision and
maintenance of proper chemical waste storage area, as well as handling,
segregation, and regular disposal of general refuse. The contractors had taken
actions to implement the recommended measures. Waste management audits were
carried out by ET according to the requirement of the Waste Management Plan,
Updated EM&A Manual and the implementation schedule of the waste management
mitigation measures in Appendix B.
Based on updated information provided by
contractors, construction waste generated in the reporting period is summarised
in Table 5.2.
There were no complaints, non-compliance of the
WMP, contract-specific WMPs, statutory and contractual requirements that
triggered Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.
Along with the design and construction
progress, further development on the treatment level/details and the re-use
mode for marine sediment generated from 3RS Project has been conducted
according to the EIA recommendation.
Table 5.2: Construction Waste Statistics
|
C&D(1) Material Stockpiled for Reuse or Recycle (m3) |
C&D Material Reused in the Project (m3) |
C&D Material Reused in other Projects (m3) |
C&D Material Transferred to Public Fill (m3) |
Chemical Waste (kg) |
Chemical Waste (l) |
General Refuse (tonne) |
|
May 2020(2)(3) |
3,424 |
34,956
|
0 |
2,871 |
60 |
2,000 |
1131 |
|
Notes: (1) C&D refers to Construction and Demolition. (2) Metals, paper and/or plastics were recycled in the reporting period. (3) The data was based on the information provided by contractors up to the submission date of this Monthly EM&A Report, and might be updated in the forthcoming Monthly EM&A Report. |
In accordance with the Manual, CWD monitoring by small vessel
line-transect survey supplemented by land-based theodolite tracking survey and
passive acoustic monitoring should be conducted during construction phase.
The small vessel line-transect survey should be
conducted at a frequency of two full surveys per month, while land-based
theodolite tracking survey should be conducted at a frequency of one day per
month per station at Sha Chau (SC) and Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) during the
construction phase as stipulated in the Manual.
The Action and Limit Levels for CWD monitoring
were formulated by the action response approach using the running quarterly
dolphin encounter rates STG and ANI derived from the baseline monitoring data,
as presented in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report. The derived values of
Action and Limit Levels for CWD monitoring were summarised in Table 6.1.
Table
6.1: Derived Values
of Action and Limit Levels for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring
|
NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL as a Whole |
Action Level(3) |
Running quarterly(1) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35 |
Limit Level(3) |
Two consecutive running quarterly(2) (3-month) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35 |
Notes: (referring to the baseline monitoring report) (1) Action Level – running quarterly STG & ANI will be calculated from the three preceding survey months. (2) Limit Level – two consecutive running quarters mean both the running quarterly encounter rates of the preceding month and the running quarterly encounter rates of this month. (3) Action Level and/or Limit Level will be triggered if both STG and ANI fall below the criteria. |
Small vessel line-transect surveys
were conducted along the transects covering Northeast Lantau (NEL), Northwest
Lantau (NWL), Airport West (AW), West Lantau (WL) and Southwest Lantau (SWL)
areas as proposed in the Manual, which are consistent with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Department (AFCD) long-term monitoring programme (except the addition of AW).
The AW transect has not been previously surveyed in the AFCD programme due to
the restrictions of HKIA Approach Area, nevertheless, this transect was
established during the EIA of the 3RS Project and refined in the Manual with
the aim to collect project specific baseline information within the HKIA
Approach Area to fill the data gap that was not covered by the AFCD programme.
This also provided a larger sample size for estimating the density, abundance
and patterns of movements in the broader study area of the project.
The planned vessel survey transect lines following
the waypoints set for construction phase monitoring as proposed in the Manual
are depicted in Figure 6.1 with the waypoint coordinates
of all transect lines given in Table
6.2, which are subject to on-site refinement based on the
actual survey conditions and constraints.
Table 6.2: Coordinates of Transect Lines in NEL, NWL,
AW, WL and SWL Survey Areas
Waypoint |
Easting |
Northing |
Waypoint |
Easting |
Northing |
NEL |
|||||
1S |
813525 |
820900 |
6N |
818568 |
824433 |
1N |
813525 |
824657 |
7S |
819532 |
821420 |
2S |
814556 |
818449 |
7N |
819532 |
824209 |
2N |
814559 |
824768 |
8S |
820451 |
822125 |
3S |
815542 |
818807 |
8N |
820451 |
823671 |
3N |
815542 |
824882 |
9S |
821504 |
822371 |
4S |
816506 |
819480 |
9N |
821504 |
823761 |
4N |
816506 |
824859 |
10S |
822513 |
823268 |
5S |
817537 |
820220 |
10N |
822513 |
824321 |
5N |
817537 |
824613 |
11S |
823477 |
823402 |
6S |
818568 |
820735 |
11N |
823477 |
824613 |
NWL |
|||||
1S |
804671 |
814577 |
5S |
808504 |
821735 |
1N |
804671 |
831404 |
5N |
808504 |
828602 |
2Sb |
805475 |
815457 |
6S |
809490 |
822075 |
2Nb |
805476 |
818571 |
6N |
809490 |
825352 |
2Sa |
805476 |
820770 |
7S |
810499 |
822323 |
2Na |
805476 |
830562 |
7N |
810499 |
824613 |
3S |
806464 |
821033 |
8S |
811508 |
821839 |
3N |
806464 |
829598 |
8N |
811508 |
824254 |
4S |
807518 |
821395 |
9S |
812516 |
821356 |
4N |
807518 |
829230 |
9N |
812516 |
824254 |
AW |
|||||
1W |
804733 |
818205 |
2W |
805045 |
816912 |
1E |
806708 |
818017 |
2E |
805960 |
816633 |
WL |
|||||
1W |
800600 |
805450 |
7W |
800400 |
811450 |
1E |
801760 |
805450 |
7E |
802400 |
811450 |
2W |
800300 |
806450 |
8W |
800800 |
812450 |
2E |
801750 |
806450 |
8E |
802900 |
812450 |
3W |
799600 |
807450 |
9W |
801500 |
813550 |
3E |
801500 |
807450 |
9E |
803120 |
813550 |
4W |
799400 |
808450 |
10W |
801880 |
814500 |
4E |
801430 |
808450 |
10E |
803700 |
814500 |
5W |
799500 |
809450 |
11W |
802860 |
815500 |
5E |
801300 |
809450 |
12S/11E |
803750 |
815500 |
6W |
799800 |
810450 |
12N |
803750 |
818500 |
6E |
801400 |
810450 |
|
|
|
SWL |
|||||
1S |
802494 |
803961 |
6S |
807467 |
801137 |
1N |
802494 |
806174 |
6N |
807467 |
808458 |
2S |
803489 |
803280 |
7S |
808553 |
800329 |
2N |
803489 |
806720 |
7N |
808553 |
807377 |
3S |
804484 |
802509 |
8S |
809547 |
800338 |
3N |
804484 |
807048 |
8N |
809547 |
807396 |
4S |
805478 |
802105 |
9S |
810542 |
800423 |
4N |
805478 |
807556 |
9N |
810542 |
807462 |
5S |
806473 |
801250 |
10S |
811446 |
801335 |
5N |
806473 |
808458 |
10N |
811446 |
809436 |
Land-based theodolite tracking survey
stations were set up at two locations, one facing east/south/west on the
southern slopes of Sha Chau (SC), and the other facing
north/northeast/northwest at Lung Kwu Chau (LKC). The stations (D and E) are depicted in Figure 6.2 and shown in Table 6.3 with position coordinates,
height of station and approximate distance of consistent theodolite tracking
capabilities for CWD.
Table 6.3: Land-based Theodolite Survey Station
Details
Stations |
Location |
Geographical Coordinates |
Station Height (m) |
Approximate Tracking Distance (km) |
D |
Sha Chau (SC) |
22° 20’ 43.5” N 113° 53’ 24.66” E |
45.66 |
2 |
E |
Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) |
22° 22’ 44.83” N 113° 53’ 0.2” E |
70.40 |
3 |
Small vessel line-transect surveys provided
data for density and abundance estimation and other assessments using
distance-sampling methodologies, specifically, line-transect methods.
The surveys involved small vessel line-transect
data collection and have been designed to be similar to, and consistent with,
previous surveys for the AFCD for their long-term monitoring of small cetaceans
in Hong Kong. The survey was designed to provide systematic, quantitative
measurements of density, abundance and habitat use.
As mentioned in Section 6.2.1, the transects
covered NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL areas as proposed in the Manual, which are
consistent with the AFCD long-term monitoring programme (except AW). There are
two types of transect lines:
● Primary transect lines: the parallel
and zigzag transect lines as shown in Figure 6.1; and
● Secondary transect lines: transect
lines connecting between the primary transect lines and going around islands.
All data collected on both primary and
secondary transect lines were used for analysis of sighting distribution, group
size, activities including association with fishing boat, and mother-calf
pairs. Only on-effort data collected under conditions of Beaufort 0-3 and
visibility of approximately 1200 m or beyond were used for analysis of the CWD
encounter rates.
A 15-20m vessel with a flying bridge
observation platform about 4 to 5m above water level and unobstructed forward
view, and a team of three to four observers were deployed to undertake the
surveys. Two observers were on search effort at all times when following
the transect lines with a constant speed of 7 to 8 knots (i.e. 13 to 15 km per
hour), one using 7X handheld binoculars and the other using unaided eyes and
recording data.
During on-effort survey periods, the survey
team recorded effort data including time, position (waypoints), weather
conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility) and distance travelled in each
series with assistance of a handheld GPS device. The GPS device also
continuously and automatically logged data including time, position (latitude
and longitude) and vessel speed throughout the entire survey.
When CWDs were seen, the survey team was taken
off-effort, the dolphins were approached and photographed for photo-ID
information (using a Canon 7D [or similar] camera and long 300 mm+ telephoto
lens), then followed until they were lost from view. At that point, the
boat returned (off effort) to the survey line at the closest point after
obtaining photo records of the dolphin group and began to survey on effort
again.
Focal follows of dolphins would be used for
providing supplementary information only where practicable (i.e. when
individual dolphins or small stable groups of dolphins with at least one member
that could be readily identifiable with unaided eyes during observations and
weather conditions are favourable). These would involve the boat following (at
an appropriate distance to minimise disturbance) an identifiable individual
dolphin for an extended period of time, and collecting detailed data on its
location, behaviour, response to vessels, and associates.
CWDs can be identified by their
unique features like presence
of scratches, nick marks, cuts, wounds, deformities of their dorsal fin and
distinguished colouration and spotting patterns.
When CWDs were observed, the
survey team was taken off-effort, the dolphins were approached and photographed for photo-ID information
(using a Canon 7D [or similar] camera and long 300 mm+ telephoto lens). The
survey team attempted to photograph both sides of every single dolphin in the
group as the colouration and spotting pattern on both sides may not be
identical. The photos were taken at the highest available resolution and stored
on Compact Flash memory cards for transferring into a computer.
All photos taken were initially examined to
sort out those containing potentially identifiable individuals. These
sorted-out images would then be examined in detail and compared to the CWD photo-identification
catalogue established for 3RS Project during the baseline monitoring stage.
Land-based theodolite tracking survey obtains fine-scale
information on the time of day and movement patterns of the CWDs. A
digital theodolite (Sokkia/Sokkisha Model DT5 or similar equipment) with 30-power magnification and 5-s precision was
used to obtain the vertical
and horizontal angle of each dolphin and vessel
position. Angles were converted to geographic coordinates (latitude
and longitude) and data were recorded using Pythagoras software, Version 1.2. This
method delivers precise positions of multiple
spatially distant targets in a short period of time. The
technique is fully non-invasive, and allows for time and cost-effective
descriptions of dolphin habitat use patterns at all times of daylight.
Three surveyors (one theodolite operator, one
computer operator, and one observer) were involved in each survey. Observers
searched for dolphins using unaided eyes and handheld binoculars (7X50).
Theodolite tracking sessions were initiated whenever an individual CWD or group
of CWDs was located. Where possible, a distinguishable individual was
selected, based on colouration, within the group. The focal individual
was then continuously tracked via the theodolite, with a position recorded each
time the dolphin surfaced. In case an individual could not be positively
distinguished from other members, the group was tracked by recording positions based
on a central point within the group whenever the CWD surfaced. Tracking
continued until animals were lost from view; moved beyond the range of reliable
visibility (>1-3km, depending on station height); or environmental
conditions obstructed visibility (e.g., intense haze, Beaufort sea state >4,
or sunset), at which time the research effort was terminated. In addition
to the tracking of CWD, all vessels that moved within 2-3km of the station were
tracked, with effort made to obtain at least two positions for each vessel.
Theodolite tracking included focal follows of
CWD groups and vessels. Priority was given to tracking individual or groups of
CWD. The survey team also attempted to track all vessels moving within 1 km of
the focal CWD.
Within this reporting period, two
complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys were conducted on the 4, 6,
7, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 20 May 2020, covering all transects in NEL, NWL, AW, WL
and SWL survey areas for twice.
A total of around 453.68 km of
survey effort was collected from these surveys and around 93.5% of the survey
effort was being conducted under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort
Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility). Details of the survey effort
are given in Appendix D.
Sighting Distribution
In May 2020, ten sightings with 60
dolphins were sighted. Amongst these sightings, nine sightings with 59 dolphins
are on-effort records under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort Sea
State 3 or below with favourable visibility). Details of cetacean sightings are
presented in Appendix D.
Distribution of all CWD sightings
recorded in May 2020 is illustrated in Figure 6.3. In WL, CWD
sightings scattered from north of Tai O to Peaked Hill with majority of the
sightings clustered at the waters between Tai O and Yi O. In SWL, CWD sightings
were recorded at the western end of the survey area, in waters off Fan Lau and
Kau Ling Chung. No sightings of CWD were recorded in NEL, NWL or AW survey area
Figure 6.3: Sightings Distribution of
Chinese White Dolphins
Remarks: (1) Please note that there are 10 pink circles on
the map indicating the sighting locations of CWDs. Some of them were very close
to each other and therefore may appear overlapped on this distribution map. (2)
Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the
high water mark along the coastline.
Encounter Rate
Two types of dolphin encounter rates
were calculated based on the data from April 2020. They included the number of
dolphin sightings per 100 km survey effort (STG) and total number of dolphins
per 100 km survey effort (ANI) in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL
and SWL). In the calculation of dolphin encounter rates, only survey data
collected under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or
below with favourable visibility) were used. The formulae used for calculation
of the encounter rates are shown below:
Encounter Rate by Number of Dolphin
Sightings (STG)
Encounter Rate by Number of Dolphins
(ANI)
(Notes:
Only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition were used)
In May 2020, a total of around
424.26 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below
with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of nine on-effort sightings
with 59 dolphins were sighted under such condition. Calculation of the
encounter rates in May 2020 are shown in Appendix D.
For the running quarter of the
reporting period (i.e., from March 2020 to May 2020), a total of around 1279.92
km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with
favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 26 on-effort sightings and a
total number of 121 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 May 2020
and during the running quarter are presented in Table 6.4 below and compared with the Action Level.
The running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI remain above the Action
Level, thus the Action Level is not triggered.
Table 6.4: Comparison of CWD Encounter Rates
of the Whole Survey Area with Action Levels
|
Encounter Rate (STG) |
Encounter Rate (ANI) |
May 2020 |
2.12 |
13.91 |
Running Quarter from March 2020 to May 2020(1) |
2.03 |
9.45 |
Action Level |
Running quarterly(1) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35 |
|
Note: (1) Running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI were calculated from data collected in the reporting period and the two preceding survey months, i.e. the data from March 2020 to May 2020, containing six sets of transect surveys for all monitoring areas. Action Level will be triggered if both STG and ANI fall below the criteria. |
Group Size
In May 2020, ten groups of total 60
dolphins were sighted, and the average group size of CWDs was 6.0 dolphins per
group. Sightings with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins) accounted for half
of all sightings. The large average group size this month was mainly attributed
by the three records of CWD sighting with large group size (i.e. 10 or more
dolphins).
Activities and Association with Fishing Boats
Two sightings of CWDs were
recorded engaging in feeding activities in May 2020 and one of them was
observed in association with operating purse seiner.
Mother-calf
Pair
In May 2020, two CWD sightings
were recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted juvenile pair.
In
May 2020, a total number of 35 different CWD individuals were identified for
totally 50 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-mmm-yy) |
Sighting Group No. |
Area |
|
Individual ID |
Date of Sighting (dd-mmm-yy) |
Sighting Group No. |
Area |
SLMM002 |
12-May-20 |
5 |
SWL |
|
SLMM070 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
|
13-May-20 |
1 |
WL |
|
SLMM072 |
12-May-20 |
6 |
SWL |
|
|
3 |
WL |
|
|
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM003 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
WLMM001 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
WLMM005 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM007 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
WLMM006 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM010 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM007 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM012 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
|
|
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM014 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM009 |
07-May-20 |
2 |
WL |
SLMM023 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM018 |
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
13-May-20 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM027 |
07-May-20 |
1 |
WL |
|
|
3 |
WL |
|
|
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM025 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM028 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM030 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
WLMM029 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
13-May-20 |
4 |
WL |
|
WLMM070 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
SLMM031 |
12-May-20 |
5 |
SWL |
|
WLMM073 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
SLMM034 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
|
|
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
13-May-20 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM081 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
|
3 |
WL |
|
WLMM082 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM044 |
13-May-20 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM114 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
SLMM049 |
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
|
13-May-20 |
1 |
WL |
SLMM052 |
11-May-20 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM131 |
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
|
WLMM138 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM059 |
12-May-20 |
5 |
SWL |
|
WLMM150 |
07-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
SLMM068 |
12-May-20 |
5 |
SWL |
|
|
13-May-20 |
3 |
WL |
Survey Effort
Land-based
theodolite tracking surveys were conducted at LKC on 27 May 2020 and at SC
on 28 May 2020, with a total of two days of land-based theodolite tracking
survey effort accomplished in this reporting period. Only one CWD group was
tracked at LKC station during the survey. Information of survey effort and CWD
groups are presented in Table
6.6. Details of the survey effort and CWD group
tracked are presented in Appendix D. The first sighting locations
of CWD group tracked at LKC station during land-based theodolite tracking
surveys in May 2020 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 |
|
1 |
6:00 |
1 |
0.17 |
Sha Chau |
|
1 |
6:00 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
|
2 |
12:00 |
1 |
0.08 |
Figure 6.4: Plots of First Sightings of All
CWD Groups obtained from Land-based Stations
Remark: Marine park excludes land area and the landward
boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.
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) was retrieved on 27 May 2020 and
subsequently redeployed and positioned at south of Sha Chau Island inside the
SCLKCMP with 20% duty cycle (Figure 6.5). The EAR deployment is
generally for 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 specialised team
of acousticians) involved manually browsing through spectrograms of every
acoustic recording and logging the occurrence of dolphin signals. All potential
dolphin detections 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 four months, PAM results could not
be reported in monthly intervals but report for supplementing the annual CWD
monitoring analysis.
During the reporting period, silt curtains were
in place by the contractor for marine filling, in which dolphin observers were
deployed by contractor in accordance with the MMWP. Overall, 2 to 6 dolphin
observation stations and teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed
by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for DCM and seawall
construction works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed
dolphin observers on the implementation of MMWP and DEZ monitoring were
provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with a cumulative total
of 694 individuals being trained and the training records kept by the ET. From
the contractors’ MMWP observation records, no dolphin or other marine mammals
were observed within or around the silt curtains. As for DEZ monitoring
records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the
DEZs in this reporting month. These contractors’ records were also audited by
the ET during site inspection.
Audits of acoustic decoupling measures for
construction vessels were carried out during weekly site inspection and the
observations are summarised in Section 7.1. Audits of SkyPier high speed
ferries route diversion and speed control and construction vessel management
are presented in Section 7.2 and Section 7.3 respectively.
Detailed analysis of CWD monitoring results
collected by small vessel line-transect survey will be provided in future
quarterly reports. Detailed analysis of CWD monitoring results collected by
land-based theodolite tracking survey and PAM will be provided in future annual
reports after a larger sample size of data has been collected.
Monitoring of CWD was conducted with
two complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys and two days of
land-based theodolite tracking survey effort as scheduled. The running quarterly encounter
rates STG and ANI in the reporting period did not trigger the Action Level for
CWD monitoring.
Site inspections of the construction
works were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor 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. Besides, ad-hoc site inspections were
conducted by ET and IEC if environmental problems were identified, or subsequent
to receipt of an environmental complaint, or as part of the investigation work.
These site inspections provided a direct means to reinforce the specified
environmental protection requirements and pollution control measures in
construction sites.
During site inspections, environmental
situation, status of implementation of pollution control and mitigation
measures were observed. Environmental documents and site records, including
waste disposal record, maintenance record of environmental equipment, and
relevant environmental permit and licences, were also checked on site. Observations
were recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the contractor together
with the recommended mitigation measures where necessary in order to advise contractors on
environmental improvement, awareness and on-site enhancement measures.
The observations were
made with reference to the following information during the site inspections:
· The EIA and EM&A requirements;
· Relevant environmental protection
laws, guidelines, and practice notes;
· The EP conditions and other
submissions under the EP;
· Monitoring results of EM&A
programme;
· Works progress and programme;
· Proposal of individual works;
· Contract specifications on
environmental protection; and
· Previous site inspection results.
Good site practices were observed in site
inspections during the reporting period. Advice were given when necessary to
ensure the construction workforce were familiar with relevant procedures, and
to maintain good environmental performance on site. Regular toolbox talks on
environmental issues were organised for the construction workforce by the
contractors to ensure understanding and proper implementation of environmental
protection and pollution control mitigation measures.
Implementation
of applicable landscape and visual mitigation measures (reference to the
environmental protection measures CM1 – CM10 in Appendix B) was monitored regularly in
accordance with the Manual. No non-conformity was recorded during the reporting
period. Based on the latest Contractors’ submitted records, a cumulative total
of 231 and 8 trees were retained and transplanted. The Contractors’ performance
on existing trees maintenance and protection measures on retained and
transplanted trees were regularly checked by the ET. In case of
non-conformity, specific recommendations would be made, and actions will be
carried out according to the Event and Action Plan.
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.
The Marine Travel Routes and
Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan) was
submitted to the Advisory Council on the Environment for comment and
subsequently submitted to and approved by EPD in November 2015 under EP
Condition 2.10. The approved SkyPier Plan is available on the dedicated website
of the Project. In the SkyPier Plan, AAHK has committed to implement the
mitigation measure of requiring HSFs of SkyPier travelling between HKIA and
Zhuhai / Macau to start diverting the route with associated speed control
across the area, i.e. Speed Control Zone (SCZ), with high CWD abundance. The
route diversion and speed restriction at the SCZ have been implemented since 28
December 2015.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all SkyPier HSF
services have been suspended from 25 March 2020 until further notice. No ferry
movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai and Macau was recorded in May 2020.
Key audit
findings for the SkyPier HSFs travelling to/from Zhuhai and Macau against the
requirements of the SkyPier Plan during the reporting period are summarised in Table 7.1. There were
no daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in this reporting period. Status of
compliance with the annual daily average of 99 movements will be further
reviewed in the annual EM&A Report.
Table 7.1: Summary of Key Audit Findings
against the SkyPier Plan
Requirements in the SkyPier Plan |
1 to 31 May 2020 |
Total number of ferry movements recorded and audited |
0 |
Use diverted route and enter / leave SCZ through Gate Access Points |
0 deviation |
Daily Cap (including all SkyPier HSFs)
|
0 daily movement (within the maximum daily cap - 125 daily movements). |
ET carried out the following actions during the
reporting period:
During the reporting period, ET was notified
that no dolphin sightings were recorded within the DEZ by the contractors. The ET checked the dolphin sighting record and relevant
records by the contractors to audit the implementation of DEZ.
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 |
|
2.18 |
Landscape & Visual Plan |
Submitted to EPD |
2.19 |
Waste Management Plan |
Accepted / approved by EPD |
2.20 |
Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan |
|
3.1 |
Updated EM&A Manual |
|
3.4 |
Baseline Monitoring Reports |
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 E.
No
construction activities-related complaint was received during the reporting
period.
Neither notification of summons nor prosecution
was received during the reporting period.
Cumulative
statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and status of prosecutions
are summarised in Appendix F.
Key
activities anticipated in the next reporting period for the Project will
include the following:
Contract P560 (R) Aviation Fuel
Pipeline Diversion Works
● Stockpiling of construction
materials
Reclamation Works:
Contract 3205 DCM works
● DCM works
Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works
● Land-based ground improvement works;
● Seawall construction;
● Marine filling; and
● Sorting and reuse of inert waste
from other 3RS contracts.
Airfield Works:
Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover
Taxiway
● Cable ducting works; and
● Subgrade compaction and
paving works.
Contract 3302 Eastern
Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works
● Cable laying and ducting
works;
● Trench excavation works;
● Backfilling and
reinstatement works
● Piling and structure
works; and
● Site establishment.
Contract 3303 Third Runway and
Associated Works
● Plant and equipment
mobilisation;
● Footing and utilities
work;
● Preparation works for
box culvert construction;
● Bored pilling work; and
● Site establishment.
Third Runway Concourse:
Contract 3402 New
Integrated Airport Centres Enabling Works
● Potable water and
seawater works;
● Road works; and
● Sewerage and pipe works.
Contract 3403 New
Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works
● Site establishment; and
● Foundation works.
Contract 3405 Third
Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works
● Bored pilling work; and
● Site establishment.
Terminal 2 Expansion:
Contract 3501 Antenna
Farm and Sewage Pumping Station
● Site clearance.
Contract 3503 Terminal 2
Foundation and Substructure Works
● T2 demolition;
● Site establishment;
● Excavation works
● Utilities, drainage, and road work;
and
● Piling and structure works.
Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS):
Contract
3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line)
● Construction of site office.
Contract
3602 Existing APM System Modification Works
● Modification works at
APM depot.
Construction Support
(Facilities):
Contract 3721
Construction Support Infrastructure Works
● Site clearance and
establishment;
● Excavation for utilities
works; and
● Construction of
utilities and logistic facilities.
Contract 3722
Construction Support Facilities
● Formboard erecting and
concreting;
● Superstructure; and
● Site Establishment.
Airport Support
Infrastructure:
Contract 3801 APM and
BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island
● Construction
of temporary traffic steel deck;
● Cofferdam installation
for box culvert;
● Rising main
installation;
● Drilling and grouting
works;
● Piling and foundation
works; and
● Site clearance.
Construction Support
(Services / Licenses):
Contract 3901A/ B
Concrete Batching Facility
● Footing
construction;
and
● Erection of steelwork.
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 DCM works and
marine filling;
● DEZ monitoring for ground
improvement works (DCM works) and seawall construction;
● Implementation of MMWP for silt
curtain deployment;
● 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.
A tentative schedule of the planned
environmental monitoring work in the next reporting period is provided in Appendix C.
With reference to Appendix E of the Manual, it is
noted that the key assumptions adopted in approved EIA report for the
construction phase are still valid and no major changes are involved. The
environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report remain
applicable and shall be implemented in undertaking construction works for the
Project.
The key activities of the Project
carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-based
works. Works in the reclamation areas included DCM works, marine filling,
seawall and facilities construction, together with runway and associated works.
Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works,
foundation and substructure work for Terminal 2 expansion, modification and
tunnel work for APM and BHS systems, and preparation work for utilities, with
activities include site establishment, site office construction, road and
drainage works, cable ducting, demolition of existing facilities, piling, and
excavation works.
All the monitoring works for construction dust,
construction noise, water quality, construction waste, landscape & visual,
and CWD were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the
Manual.
Monitoring results of construction
dust, construction noise, construction waste, and CWD did not trigger the corresponding Action and
Limit Levels during the reporting period.
The water quality monitoring results for all parameters,
except DO and SS, obtained during the reporting period were within the
corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme.
Relevant investigations and follow-up actions will be conducted according to
the EM&A programme if the corresponding Action and Limit Levels are
triggered. For DO and SS, some of the testing results triggered the relevant
Action and Limit Level, and the corresponding investigations were conducted
accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the cases were not
related to the Project. To conclude, the construction activities in the
reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality
sensitive receivers.
Weekly site inspections of the construction
works were carried out by the ET to audit the implementation of proper
environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project.
Bi-weekly site inspections were also conducted by the IEC. Site inspection
findings were recorded in the site inspection checklists and provided to the
contractors to follow up.
Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, all SkyPier HSF services have been
suspended from 25 March 2020 until further notice. No HSF movements under the
SkyPier Plan were recorded during the reporting period. Therefore, the daily movement
of HSF is within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements in May 2020.
On the implementation of MTRMP-CAV, the MSS
automatically recorded the deviation case such as speeding, entering no entry
zone and not travelling through the designated gates. ET conducted checking to
ensure the MSS records all deviation cases accurately. 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,
entered no entry zone, and entry from non-designated gates 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. The ET
reminded contractors that all vessels shall avoid entering the no-entry zone,
in particular the Brothers
Marine Park and the Sha Chau & Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. Three-month
rolling programmes for construction vessel activities, which ensures the
proposed vessels are necessary and minimal through good planning, were also
received from contractors.
[1] The Manual is available on the
Project’s dedicated website (accessible at: http://env.threerunwaysystem.com/en/index.html).