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

Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report No.21 (1 January to 31 March 2021)

June 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

Abbreviations

Executive Summary

1       Introduction

1.1     Background

1.2     Scope of this Report

1.3     Project Organisation

1.4     Contact information for the Project

1.5     Summary of Construction Works

1.6     Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

2       Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

2.1     Air Quality Monitoring

2.1.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.1.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.1.3       Conclusion

2.2     Noise Monitoring

2.2.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.2.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.2.3       Conclusion

2.3     Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.3.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.3.3       Conclusion

2.4     Waste Monitoring

2.4.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.4.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.4.3       Marine Sediment Management

2.5     Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

2.5.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.5.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.6     Environmental Site Inspection

2.6.1       Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

2.6.2       Land Contamination Assessment

2.7     Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

2.8     Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

2.9     Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report

3       Report on Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

3.1     Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

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

3.2.1       Complaints

3.2.2       Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

3.3     Cumulative Statistics

4       Conclusion and Recommendation

 

Tables

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel 8

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project 11

Table 1.3: Summary of Status for All Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual 12

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  15

Table 2.2: Percentage of Air Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  15

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Air Quality Monitoring  15

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  16

Table 2.5: Percentage of Noise Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  16

Table 2.6: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Noise Monitoring  17

Table 2.7: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring  17

Table 2.8: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  19

Table 2.9: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  19

Table 2.10 : Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  20

Table 2.11: General Weather Condition and Sea Condition during Impact Water Quality Monitoring  20

Table 2.12: Summary of Chromium Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide) 20

Table 2.13: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  21

Table 2.14: Construction Waste Statistics  22

Table 2.15: Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Station Details  23

Table 2.16: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  23

Table 2.17: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period  24

Table 2.18: Summary of Monthly and Running Quarterly STG and ANI of Chinese White Dolphin for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period  26

Table 2.19: Summary of Photo Identification  30

Table 2.20: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey  31

Table 2.21: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary  35

Table 2.22: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period  36

Table 2.23: Summary of the Tree Status Updated in the Reporting Period  37

Table 2.24: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period  37

Table 2.25: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period  39

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints  42

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring  46

Table 3.3: Statistics for Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecution  46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figures

Figure 1.1

Locations of Key Construction Activities

Figure 2.1

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

Figure 2.2

Water Quality Monitoring Stations 

Figure 2.3

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

Figure 2.4

Land based Dolphin Monitoring Locations in Baseline and Construction Phases

Figure 2.5

Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

Figure 2.6

 

Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins with Different Group Sizes

Figure 2.7

Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins Engaged in Different Behaviours

Figure 2.8

Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs

Figure 2.9

 

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

Figure 2.10

Location for Passive Acoustic Monitoring

 

Appendices

Appendix A

Project Organisation Chart

Appendix B

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix C

Monitoring Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Abbreviations

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

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CAR

Contamination Assessment Report

CTCC

Construction Traffic Control Centre

CWD

Chinese White Dolphin

DCM

Deep Cement Mixing

DEZ

Dolphin Exclusion Zone

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

EAR

Ecological Acoustic Recorder

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

EMIS

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

ET

Environmental Team

FCZ

Fish Culture Zone

HKBCF

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities

HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport

HSF

High Speed Ferry

IEC

Independent Environmental Checker

LKC

Lung Kwu Chau

MMHK

Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited

MMWP

Marine Mammal Watching Plan

MSS

Maritime Surveillance System

MTRMP-CAV

Updated Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel

NEL

Northeast Lantau

NWL

Northwest Lantau

PAM

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

SC

Sha Chau

SCZ

Speed Control Zone

SCLKCMP

Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

SS

Suspended Solids

STG

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings

SWL

Southwest Lantau

The Manual

The Updated EM&A Manual

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

TSP

Total Suspended Particulates

WL

West Lantau

WMP

Waste Management Plan

 

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 21st Construction Phase Quarterly 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 January 2021 to 31 March 2021.  

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 such as bored piling for approach lights. 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 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

96

Noise monitoring

52

Water quality monitoring

38

Vessel line-transect surveys for Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) monitoring

6

Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring

6

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 Good Environmental Practices in the Reporting Period

Water browsers were installed in vehicles equipped with GPS for tracking of water spraying on haul roads

Operation of on-site wastewater treatment facility

Use of desalinated seawater for construction operations

Key examples of good site practices implemented in the reclamation areas of the Project are highlighted as below:

1.     Water browsers were installed in vehicles equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) for effective tracking on the implementation of water spraying on haul roads for fugitive dust suppression.

2.     Provision of wastewater treatment facility for the on-site treatment of sewage and wastewater generated from the facility buildings, which consisted of site office with washroom facilities, canteen and site laboratories.   

3.     Membrane desalinization of seawater used for water spraying at haul roads, laundry of site workers clothes and toilet flushing.

Summary Findings of the EM&A Programme

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 monitoring did not trigger the corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.

The water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except chromium, 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 chromium, one of the testing results triggered the relevant Action Level, and the corresponding investigation was conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the case was 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.

The key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period is summarised as below:

 

 

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

Complaints Received

 

A complaint regarding dust issue was received on 25 Jan 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractor to provide information related to the complaint. During a joint ad-hoc inspection, dust emission from the vehicular movements was observed but was rectified as observed in the subsequent inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly and adequately implement dust suppression measures to prevent air pollution on site. The case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding dust issue was received on 25 Jan 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. During regular site inspections, no dust issue was observed at the alleged area. In view of the information provided by the contractors and findings from ET’s inspections and investigation, the case might be due to operation at a cement mixing barge, and the potential contractor related to the case was reminded to provide mitigation measures to prevent any recurrence. ET requested the contractor to continue implementing and strengthening their environmental mitigation measures on construction dust control to prevent any recurrence. The case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding refuelling was received on 25 Jan 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. Regular site inspections and night-time ad-hoc inspections were also conducted by ET during which no occurrence regarding fuel spillage onto sea surface was observed. ET also conducted an investigation on the reclaimed land, in particular the alleged area, during which no refuelling activities and environmental malpractice leading to fuel spillage onto seawater was observed. All contractors were reminded to continue with their current proper practice in handling of fuel to prevent spillage. The case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding dust issue at the North Eastern Quay of 3RS project was received on 1 Feb 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. During regular site inspections, dust emissions were observed in the alleged area from cement mixing activities and general dust control management on site, and were rectified by the Contractors afterwards. The Contractors implemented water spraying according to their dust control management plans. All contractors were reminded to properly and adequately implement dust suppression measures to prevent air pollution on site. The case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding improper fuelling operation at 3RS project area was received on 2 Feb 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. Regular site inspections and ad-hoc inspections were also conducted by ET during which no occurrence regarding fuel spillage onto sea surface was observed. Furthermore, no environmental malpractice leading to fuel spillage onto seawater was observed at the alleged area. All contractors were reminded to properly handle fuel on site and implement their respective contractor-specific spill response plan including spill drills trainings and provision of sufficient spills kits. The case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding improper fuelling operation and high sulphur content fuel at 3RS project area was received on 3 Feb 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. Regular site inspections and night-time ad-hoc inspections were also conducted by ET during which no occurrence regarding fuel spillage onto sea surface was observed. Furthermore, no environmental malpractice on the handling of fuel was observed at the alleged area. All contractors were reminded to properly handle fuel on site and implement their respective contract-specific spill response plan. The case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding soil/muddy water from vehicles of 3RS Project was received on 9 Feb 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. A joint ad-hoc inspection was conducted at the landing site where no dust related issue was observed. Besides, no observation related to dust issue was recorded during regular site inspections at the loading sites. All contractors were reminded to strictly conduct suppressing measures and maintain good housekeeping at all times. The case was considered closed.

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

No notification of summons or prosecution were received.

Nil

Changes that affect the EM&A

 

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

Nil

Remarks:

^Only triggering of Action or Limit Level found related to Project works is counted as Breach of Action or Limit Level.

 

 

1        Introduction

1.1      Background

On 7 November 2014, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (Register No.: AEIAR-185/2014) for the “Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System” (the Project) was approved and an Environmental Permit (EP) (Permit No.: EP-489/2014) was issued for the construction and operation of the Project.

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) commissioned Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for carrying out the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) works during the construction phase of the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual (the Manual) submitted under EP Condition 3.1[1]. AECOM Asia Company Limited (AECOM) was employed by AAHK as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) for the Project.

The Project covers the expansion of the existing airport into a three-runway system (3RS) with key project components comprising land formation of about 650 ha and all associated facilities and infrastructure including taxiways, aprons, aircraft stands, a passenger concourse, an expanded Terminal 2, all related airside and landside works and associated ancillary and supporting facilities. The submarine aviation fuel pipelines and submarine power cables also require diversion as part of the works.

Construction of the Project is to proceed in the general order of diversion of the submarine aviation fuel pipelines, diversion of the submarine power cables, land formation, and construction of infrastructure, followed by construction of superstructures.

The summary of construction works programme can be referred to the corresponding Monthly EM&A Reports. Description of relevant contracts in the reporting period was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 63.

1.2      Scope of this Report

This is the 21st Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2021.

1.3      Project Organisation

The Project’s organisation structure is provided in Appendix A. Contact details of the key personnel have been updated and provided in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Project Manager’s Representative

(Airport Authority Hong Kong)

Principal Manager, Environmental Compliance, Sustainability

Lawrence Tsui

2183 2734

Environmental Team (ET)

(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Terence Kong

2828 5919

Deputy Environmental Team 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

 

 

Reclamation Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3206

Main Reclamation Works (ZHEC-CCCC-CDC Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Alan Mong

3763 1352 

 

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

Contract 3307 Fire Training Facility

(Paul Y. Construction Company Limited)

Project Manager

Steven Meredith

6109 1813

Environmental Officer

Albert Chan

9700 1083

  

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

Ray Cheung

9785 1566

Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works

(China Road and Bridge Corporation – Bachy Soletanche Group Limited – LT Sambo Co., Ltd. Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Francis Choi

9423 3469

Environmental Officer

Jacky Lai

9028 8975

Contract 3408

Third Runway Concourse and Apron Works

(Beijing Urban Construction Group Company Limited and Chevalier (Construction) Company Limited Joint Venture)

Assistant Project Manager

Qian Zhang

5377 7976

Environmental Officer

Malcolm Leung

7073 7559

 

Terminal 2 (T2) Expansion:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3503 Terminal 2 Foundation and Substructure Works

(Leighton – Chun Wo Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Eric Wu

3973 1718

Environmental Officer

Gomez Yuen

9098 7807

Contract 3508 Terminal 2 Expansion Works

(Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited)

Project Director

Richard Ellis

6201 5637

Environmental Officer

Gena Tsang

9511 2283

 

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

 

P L Wong

 

9143 2185

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

(Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kunihiro Tatecho

9755 0351

Environmental Officer

Carrie Kwan   

9276 0551

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

Jay Chua

 

9752 9118

Contract 3723

Eastern Support Area – Construction Support Facilities

(Tapbo Construction Company Limited and Konwo Modular House Ltd. Joint Venture.)

Deputy Project Director

Philip Kong

9049 3161

Environmental Officer

Jay Chua

9752 9118

Contract 3728 Minor Site Works

(Shun Yuen Construction Company Limited)

Contract Manager

C K Liu

9194 8739

Environmental Officer

K F Li

9086 1793

 

Airport Support Infrastructure:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

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

Project Manager

Kingsley Chiang

9424 8437

Environmental Officer

Federick Wong

9842 2703

Contract 3802 APM and BHS Tunnels and Related Works

(Gammon Construction Limited)

Project Director

John Adams

6111 6989

Environmental Officer

Phoebe Ng

9869 1105

 

Construction Support (Services / Licences):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility

(K. Wah Concrete Company Limited)

Project Manager

Benedict Wong

9553 2806

Environmental Officer

C P Fung

9874 2872

Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility

(Gammon Construction Limited)

Senior Project Manager

Gabriel Chan

2435 3260

Environmental Officer

Rex Wong

2695 6319

 

1.4      Contact information for the Project

The contact information for the Project is provided in Table 1.2. The public can contact us through the following channels if they have any queries and comments on the environmental monitoring data and project related information.

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project

Channels

Contact Information

Hotline

3908 0354

Email

env@3rsproject.com

Fax

3747 6050

Postal Address

Airport Authority Hong Kong

HKIA Tower

1 Sky Plaza Road

Hong Kong International Airport

Lantau

Hong Kong

Attn: Environmental Team Leader Mr Terence Kong

c/o Mr Lawrence Tsui (TRD)

1.5      Summary of Construction Works

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 such as bored piling for approach lights. 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 the key construction activities are presented in Figure 1.1.

1.6      Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status for all environmental aspects is presented in Table 1.3. The EM&A requirements remained unchanged during the reporting period.

Table 1.3: Summary of Status for All Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual

Parameters

EM&A Requirements

Status

Air Quality

 

 

Baseline Monitoring

At least 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction work

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

Impact Monitoring

At least 3 times every 6 days

On-going

Noise

 

 

Baseline Monitoring

Daily for a period of at least two weeks prior to the commencement of construction works

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

Impact Monitoring

Weekly

On-going

Water Quality

 

 

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

Three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, for at least four weeks prior to the commencement of marine works.

The baseline water quality monitoring result 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

Three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides.

On-going for reclamation works. General impact water quality monitoring for water jetting works was completed on 23 May 2017.

Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring

At least four weeks

The Initial Intensive DCM Monitoring Report was submitted and approved by EPD in accordance with the Detailed Plan on DCM.

Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring

Three times per week until completion of DCM works.

On-going

Sewerage and Sewage Treatment

Methodology for carrying out annual sewage flow monitoring for concerned gravity sewer

Methodology to be prepared and submitted to EPD at least one year before commencement of the operation of 3RS.

The proposed methodology of the annual sewage flow monitoring was submitted to EPD.

Details of the routine H2S monitoring system for the sewerage system of 3RS

Details to be prepared and submitted to EPD at least one year before commencement of the operation of 3RS.

To be prepared and submitted to EPD

Waste Management

 

 

Waste Monitoring

At least weekly

On-going

Land Contamination

 

 

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

At least 3 months before commencement of any soil remediation works.

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

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR)

CAR to be submitted for golf course

The CAR for Golf Course was submitted to EPD.

CAR to be submitted for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems

 

The CARs for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems were submitted to EPD.

Terrestrial Ecology

 

 

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

Once per month in the breeding season between April and July, prior to the commencement of HDD drilling works.

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

Ecological Monitoring

Monthly monitoring during the HDD construction works period from August to March.

The terrestrial ecological monitoring at Sheung Sha Chau was completed in January 2019.

Marine Ecology

 

 

Pre-Construction Phase Coral Dive Survey

Prior to marine construction works

The Coral Translocation Plan was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.12.

Coral Translocation

-

The coral translocation was completed on 5 January 2017.

Post-translocation Monitoring

As per an enhanced monitoring programme based on the Coral Translocation Plan

The post-translocation monitoring programme according to the Coral Translocation Plan was completed in April 2018.

Chinese White Dolphins (CWD)

 

Baseline Monitoring

6 months of baseline surveys before the commencement of land formation related construction works.

Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month;

Land-based theodolite tracking surveys: Two days per month at the Sha Chau station and two days per month at the Lung Kwu Chau station; and

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM): For the whole duration of baseline period.

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

Impact Monitoring

Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month;

Land-based theodolite tracking surveys: One day per month at the Sha Chau station and one day per month at the Lung Kwu Chau station; and

PAM: For the whole duration for land formation related construction works.

On-going

Landscape and Visual

 

 

Landscape and Visual Plan

At least 3 months before the commencement of construction works on the formed land of the Project.

The Landscape & Visual Plan was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.18

Baseline Monitoring

One-off survey within the Project site boundary prior to commencement of any construction works

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

Impact Monitoring

Weekly

On-going

Environmental Auditing

 

Regular site inspection

Weekly

On-going

Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF) implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Construction and Associated Vessels implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Silt Curtain Deployment Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Spill Response Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Complaint Hotline and Email Channel

Construction phase

On-going

Environmental Log Book

Construction phase

On-going

Taking into account the construction works in the 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 ET for the checking of implementation of 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:

   Seven skipper trainings provided by ET;

   Three environmental briefings on EP and EM&A requirements of the 3RS provided by ET; and

   Fifty environmental management meetings for EM&A review with works contracts.

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              Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

2.1      Air Quality Monitoring

Impact 1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) monitoring was conducted three times every six days at two representative monitoring stations during the reporting period. The locations of monitoring stations are described in Table 2.1 and presented in Figure 2.1.

2.1.1      Action and Limit Levels

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 2.1 for reference.

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

Man Tung Road Park

306

500

AR2

Village House at Tin Sum

298

2.1.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The air quality monitoring results in the reporting period are summarised in Table 2.2 and the graphical plot is presented in Appendix C.

Table 2.2: Percentage of Air Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels

 

AR1A

AR2

Jan 2021

100%

100%

Feb 2021

100%

100%

Mar 2021

100%

100%

Overall

100%

100%

Note: The percentages are calculated by dividing the number of monitoring results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels by the total number of monitoring results.

All monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.

General meteorological conditions in the last month of the previous quarter and this reporting period were recorded and summarised in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Air Quality Monitoring

 

Weather

Dominant Wind Direction

Dec 2020

Sunny to Cloudy

Northeast

Jan 2021

Sunny to Cloudy

Northwest

Feb 2021

Sunny to Cloudy

Northwest

Mar 2021

Cloudy

Southwest

2.1.3      Conclusion

No dust emission source was observed at the monitoring stations during the monitoring sessions. As the sensitive receivers were far away from the construction activities, with the implementation of dust control measures, there was no adverse impact at the sensitive receivers attributable to the works of the Project.

2.2      Noise Monitoring

Impact noise monitoring was conducted at four representative monitoring stations once per week during 0700 and 1900 in the reporting period. The locations of monitoring stations are described in Table 2.4 and presented in Figure 2.1.

2.2.1      Action and Limit Levels

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 2.4 for reference.

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Action Level

Limit Level

NM1A

Man Tung Road Park

When one documented complaint is received from any one of the sensitive receivers

75 dB(A)

NM4

Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School

65dB(A) / 70 dB(A) (i)

NM5

Village House in Tin Sum

75 dB(A)

NM6

House No. 1, Sha Lo Wan

75 dB(A)

Note:

 (i) 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).

2.2.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The noise monitoring results in the reporting period are summarised in Table 2.5 and the graphical plot is presented in Appendix C.

Table 2.5: Percentage of Noise Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels

 

NM1A

NM4

NM5

NM6

Jan 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Feb 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Mar 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Overall

100%

100%

100%

100%

Note: The percentages are calculated by dividing the number of monitoring results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels by the total number of monitoring results.

No complaints were received from any sensitive receiver that triggered the Action Level. All monitoring results were also within the corresponding Limit Levels at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.

General meteorological conditions in the last month of the previous quarter and this reporting period were recorded and summarised in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Noise Monitoring

 

Weather

Dec 2020

Sunny to Cloudy

Jan 2021

Sunny to Cloudy

Feb 2021

Sunny to Cloudy

Mar 2021

Cloudy

2.2.3      Conclusion

Major sources of noise dominating the monitoring stations observed during the construction noise impact monitoring were traffic noise near NM1A and aircraft noise near NM6. As the sensitive receivers were far away from the construction activities, with the implementation of noise control measures, there was no adverse impact at the sensitive receivers attributable to the works of the Project.

2.3      Water Quality Monitoring

During the reporting period, water quality monitoring was conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb 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 the water quality sensitive receivers around the existing 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 impacts from the Project before the impacts could become apparent at sensitive receivers (represented by the SR stations). Table 2.7 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.2 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.

In view of the construction programme for marine-based DCM works, regular DCM monitoring was ceased since 14 January 2021 and resumed at all monitoring stations starting from 2 February 2021.

Table 2.7: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Easting                                 Northing

Parameters

 

 

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

 

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.

(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.

2.3.1      Action and Limit Levels

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 2.8. The control and IM stations during flood tide and ebb tide for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring are presented in Table 2.9.

Table 2.8: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level

Limit Level

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

(excluding SR1A & 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

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 regular DCM monitoring

(Chromium)(6)

0.2

0.2

Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring

(Nickel) (6)

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, Action or Limit Level is triggered when monitoring result is lower than the limits.

2. For parameters other than DO, Action or Limit Level of water quality results is triggered 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.

6. In view of the construction programme for marine-based DCM works, regular DCM monitoring was ceased since 14 January 2021 and resumed at all monitoring stations starting from 2 February 2021.

Table 2.9: 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

SR21

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 Sep 2016 onwards.

2.3.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The summary or results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period are presented in Table 2.10. The weather and sea conditions in the last month of the previous quarter and this reporting period were recorded and summarised in Table 2.11.

Table 2.10: Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels

 

General Water Quality Monitoring

Regular DCM Monitoring

DO

(Surface and Middle)

DO

(Bottom)

SS

Turbidity

Alkalinity

Chromium

Nickel

Jan 2021

100%

(455/455)

100%

(455/455)

100%

(507/507)

100%

(455/455)

100%

(120/120)

99.2%

(119/120)

100%

(120/120)

Feb 2021

100%

(420/420)

100%

(420/420)

100%

(468/468)

100%

(420/420)

100%

(288/288)

100%

(288/288)

100%

(288/288)

Mar 2021

100%

 (455/455)

100%

 (455/455)

100%

(507/507)

100%

(455/455)

100%

(312/312)

100%

(312/312)

100%

(312/312)

Overall

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

99.9%

100%

Note: The percentages are calculated by dividing the number of depth-averaged results complying with their corresponding Action and Limit Levels by the total number of depth-averaged results.

Table 2.11: General Weather Condition and Sea Condition during Impact Water Quality Monitoring

 

Weather

Sea Condition

Dec 2020

Sunny to Cloudy

Calm to Rough

Jan 2021

Sunny to Cloudy

Calm to Rough

Feb 2021

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Mar 2021

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

The monitoring results for all parameters, except chromium, obtained during the reporting period were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. The detailed monitoring results are presented in Appendix C. 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 chromium, one of the testing results triggered the corresponding Action Level in the reporting period, and investigation was conducted accordingly. Summary of the result triggering Action Level for chromium is presented in Table 2.12.

Details of the investigation findings were presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 61, which concluded that the result triggering the Action Level was not related to the Project.

Table 2.12: Summary of Chromium Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

02/01/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

Note: The monitoring results compiled with their corresponding Action or Limit Levels are presented in Appendix C.

Legend:

 

Result within corresponding Action and Limit Levels

 

Result triggered the Action Level 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

 

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

2.3.3      Conclusion

During the reporting period, it is noted that most monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while only one result triggered the corresponding Action Level, and investigation was conducted accordingly. Based on the findings presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 61, the case that triggered the corresponding Action Level was not related to the Project. Hence, the Project did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan were followed.

Nevertheless, the non-project related trigger was attended to and initiated corresponding action and measures. 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 inspections and regular environmental management meetings. These include maintaining mitigation measures properly for reclamation works including DCM works, marine filling, seawall construction, and bored piling for approach lights as recommended in the Manual.

2.4      Waste Monitoring

In accordance with the Manual, waste generated from construction activities was audited once per week to determine if wastes were 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.

2.4.1      Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels of the construction waste are provided in Table 2.13.

Table 2.13: 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

2.4.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

Weekly monitoring of the Project construction works was carried out by the ET in the reporting period to check and monitor the implementation of proper waste management practices.

Recommendations made by the ET 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 contractors’ information, summary of construction waste generated in the reporting period is presented in Table 2.14. Proactive measures have been undertaken during the re-configuration of T2 building.  The contractor has established the recycling strategy for C&D materials with proper planning and design to maximize recycling and reuse.  Dedicated recyclers were employed for different kinds of recyclable materials by the contractor, and ET and IEC have carried out site visits to recyclers’ facilities to review recycling process.  Recycling materials before leaving the site are weighted by a weight bridge and monitored by CCTV system. Dedicated areas for sorting of materials are established on site. Recyclable materials such as steel, reinforcement bar, structural steel, aluminium, copper, other metals and glass are sorted on-site and transported off-site for recycling. ET and IEC have carried out site audits regularly and reviewed the trip ticket system.  

Table 2.14: 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(3)

(m3)

Chemical Waste

(kg)

Chemical Waste

(l)

General Refuse (tonne)

Jan 2021(2)

10,198

49,932

0

5,780

0

2,800

1,696

Feb 2021(2)

17,660

34,759

0

3,083

0

600

1,209

Mar 2021(2)

13,487

60,721 

0

7,984

1,400

62,640

1,838

Total

41,345

145,412

0

16,847

1,400

66,040

4,743

Notes:

1.      C&D refers to Construction and Demolition.

2.      Paper, metals and/or plastics were recycled in the reporting period.

3.      C&D materials not suitable for reuse on-site, including asphalt waste and sediment slurry, were transferred to public fill during the reporting period.

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.

2.4.3           Marine Sediment Management

Marine sediment is managed according to the EIA Report, Updated EM&A Manual and Waste Management Plan of the Project. The sampling process, storage conditions of the excavated marine sediment, treatment process, final backfilling location as well as associated records were inspected and checked by ET and verified by IEC to ensure they were in compliance with the requirements as stipulated in the Waste Management Plan.

Sampling works for marine sediment generated from the reclaimed land area was on-going during the reporting period. The details of the marine sediment sampling, treatment and backfilling will be reported in the subsequent EM&A Reports upon completion.

2.5      Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

CWD monitoring was conducted by vessel line transect survey at a frequency of two full surveys per month, supplemented by land-based theodolite tracking survey and PAM. The frequency of the land-based theodolite tracking survey during the construction phase was one day per month at both Sha Chau (SC) and Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) stations, as stipulated in the Manual. The vessel survey transects followed the transect lines proposed in the Manual and are consistent with those used in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) long-term CWD monitoring programme. The transect locations of CWD monitoring by vessel line transect survey conducted from January to March 2021 are shown in Figure 2.3, whilst the land-based theodolite tracking survey stations are described in Table 2.15 and depicted in Figure 2.4. The location of the PAM device is shown in Figure 2.10.

Table 2.15: Land-based Theodolite Tracking 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

2.5.1           Action and Limit Levels

The Action Level and Limit Level for CWD monitoring were formulated by an action response approach using the running quarterly dolphin encounter rates (STG and ANI) derived from baseline monitoring data, as presented in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report. The derived values of Action and Limit Levels for CWD monitoring are shown in Table 2.16.

Table 2.16: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level 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

2.5.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5.2.1            Vessel Line Transect Survey

Survey Effort

During the January to March 2021 reporting period, a total of six sets of vessel line transect survey covering all transects in Northeast Lantau (NEL), Northwest Lantau (NWL), Airport West (AW), West Lantau (WL) and Southwest Lantau (SWL) survey areas were conducted at a frequency of twice per month, in each survey area.

A total of around 1,338 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 93.0% 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 data are presented in Appendix C.

CWD Sighting

From January to March 2021, there were a total of 43 sightings of CWDs, with 158 dolphins sighted (Table 2.17). All these sightings were recorded during on-effort searches under favourable weather condition.

When breaking down the sightings by survey areas, 14 sightings with 65 dolphins were recorded in NWL, 23 sightings with 82 dolphins were recorded in WL, while 6 sightings with 11 dolphins were recorded in SWL during the current reporting period. No CWD was sighted in NEL survey area.

Compared with the last quarter (i.e. October to December 2020), the total number of CWD sightings slightly decreased by two, but the total number of dolphins increased by around 15%. There was an increase in both number of sightings and number of dolphins in NWL but a decline in both numbers in SWL.

Compared with the same quarter of last year (i.e. January to March 2020), there is an increase in terms of both the total number of CWD sightings and the total number of dolphins by 13% and 26% respectively, mainly contributed by the increase in sightings and dolphins in NWL survey areas.

Table 2.17 below shows the comparison of the numbers of sightings and dolphins amongst the current reporting period, last quarter, and the same quarter of last year.

Table 2.17: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period

 

Same Quarter of Last Year

Previous Reporting Period

Current Reporting Period

 

January to March 2020

October to December 2020

January to March 2021

NEL

0 (0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

NWL

4 (16)

2 (2)

14 (65)

AW

1 (6)

2 (4)

0 (0)

WL

25 (79)

27 (88)

23 (82)

SWL

8 (24)

14 (43)

6 (11)

Total

38 (125)

45 (137)

43 (158)

Note: Values in ( ) represent number of dolphins

The distribution of CWD sightings recorded from January to March 2021 is illustrated in Figure 2.5. In NWL (including AW transects), the majority of the CWD sightings were recorded within and around SCLKCMP, with a few sightings located at the southwestern corner of the survey area, close to Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road. In WL, CWD sightings were scattered throughout the survey area with the majority clustered near Tai O and scattered from Peaked Hill to Fan Lau. In SWL, dolphin sightings were recorded in the relatively offshore waters between Fan Lau and Soko Islands. No CWD sightings were recorded in NEL survey area. Details of the sighting data are presented in Appendix C.

Figure 2.5: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins from January to March 2021

Remarks: (1) Please note that there are 43 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 sighting distribution map. (2) Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

Encounter Rate

The dolphin encounter rates for the number of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km survey effort (STG) and for the total on-effort number of dolphins per 100 km survey effort (ANI) in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL) for January, February and March 2021 are summarised in Table 2.18.

In this reporting period, both the running quarterly STG and ANI increased from January to February 2021 but followed by a drop in March 2021. No Action Level for CWD monitoring was triggered during the reporting period. For both the monthly STG and ANI, however, there were significant drop from 4.19 and 17.44 in January 2021 to 1.97 and 4.42 in March 2021 respectively.

Compared with the previous reporting period (i.e. October to December 2020), the running quarterly STG slightly decreased from 3.71 in December 2020 to 3.45 in March 2021 while the running quarterly ANI on the other hand increased from 11.64 in December 2020 to 12.69 in March 2021. While comparing with the same quarter of last year (i.e. January to March 2020), both the running quarterly STG and ANI increased, from 2.82 to 3.45 and from 9.17 to 12.69 respectively. Encounter rates for these periods are summarised in Table 2.18 and graphical presentation is provided in Appendix C.  

Table 2.18: Summary of Monthly and Running Quarterly STG and ANI of Chinese White Dolphin for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period

 

Same Quarter of Last Year

Previous Reporting Period

Current Reporting Period

 

Jan 20

Feb 20

Mar 20

Oct 20

Nov 20

Dec 20

Jan 21

Feb 21

Mar 21

Monthly STG

2.89

3.13

2.42

3.89

3.30

3.99

4.19

4.17

1.97

Monthly ANI

11.32

8.43

7.76

17.80

10.37

7.19

17.44

15.93

4.42

Running Quarterly STG

2.65

2.86

2.82

2.24

2.73

3.71

3.82

4.12

3.45

Running Quarterly ANI

7.86

8.89

9.17

9.54

10.52

11.64

11.87

13.76

12.69

Note:    For detailed calculations of encounter rates STG and ANI for the current reporting period, please refer to the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report Nos. 61, 62 and 63.

Group Size

Between January and March 2021, the group size of CWD sightings ranged from 1 to 12 dolphins. The average group size of CWDs was 3.67 dolphins per group, which is larger than that of the last quarter (3.0 dolphins per group). The average group size of CWDs in this reporting quarter is also slightly larger than that of the same quarter of last year (3.3 dolphins per group).

In this reporting quarter, the number of CWD sightings with medium group size (i.e. 3-9 dolphins; 19 sightings) was slightly lower than that with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins; 21 sightings). There were three CWD sightings with large group size (i.e. 10 or more dolphins) recorded in this reporting period.

There are no observable difference in the distribution pattern between small-sized and medium-sized dolphin groups as they all scattered amongst NWL, WL and SWL survey areas. However, all the three sighting with large group size were exclusively recorded in NWL survey area only. Sighting locations of CWD groups with different group sizes are depicted in Figure 2.6.

Figure 2.6: Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins with Different Group Sizes

Remarks: (1) Please note that there are 43 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 sighting distribution map. (2) Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

From January to March 2021, seven sightings of CWDs were recorded with feeding activities.  Amongst these sightings, three were observed in association with operating gillnetter in WL and SWL.

The number of sightings with feeding recorded in the current reporting period is higher than that in the previous reporting period (i.e. only four sighting involved feeding activities between October and December 2020). The number of CWD sightings with feeding activities is the same as that in the same quarter of last year (i.e. seven sightings between January and March 2020).

The sighting locations of CWDs engaged in different behaviours during the current reporting period are illustrated in Figure 2.7.

Figure 2.7: Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins Engaged in Different Behaviours

Remarks: Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.


Mother-calf Pairs

From January to March 2021, ten sightings of CWDs were recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted juvenile pairs (no mother-and-unspotted calf pairs observed), which is more than that recorded in the previous reporting quarter (i.e. seven sightings between October and December 2020). The number of CWD sightings with the presence of mother-calf pairs is higher than that recorded in the same quarter of last year (i.e. two sightings between January and March 2020). These ten sightings were recorded in NWL and WL.

The locations of CWD sightings with the presence of mother-and-unspotted juvenile pairs are shown in Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.8: Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs

Remarks: (1) Please note that there are seven circles on the map indicating the sighting locations of Mother-Calf pair. (2) Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

Photo Identification

Between January and March 2021, a total number of 74 different CWD individuals were identified altogether for 127 times. Re-sighting information of CWD individuals provides an initial idea of their range use and apparent connection between different areas of Lantau waters. Amongst these 74 different CWD individuals, 29 animals (i.e. NLMM009, NLMM021, NLMM023, NLMM052, NLMM076, SLMM007, SLMM012, SLMM014, SLMM031, SLMM035, SLMM037, SLMM058, SLMM060, SLMM071, SLMM073, WLMM001, WLMM006, WLMM028, WLMM029, WLM047, WLMM052, WLMM055, WLMM056, WLMM071, WLMM107, WLMM114, WLMM131, WLMM136 and WLMM149) were sighted for more than once.

Twelve individuals including NLMM076, SLMM012, SLMM014, SLMM031, SLMM037, SLMM058, WLMM001, WLMM071, WLM107, WLMM114, WLMM131 and WLMM149 were re-sighted in different survey areas during this reporting period. Amongst these 12 individuals, NLMM076, SLMM058, WLMM001, WLMM0071, WLMM107 and WLNN149 occurred in both NWL and WL while others occurred in both WL and SWL. The most frequently re-sighted individuals in this reporting quarter are SLMM014 and WLMM001 that both have been encountered five times each. The number of CWD individuals re-sighted more than once and the number of CWD individuals showing cross-area movement in the current reporting period are both higher than those of the previous reporting quarter from October to December 2020 (21 and 10 individuals respectively).

A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 2.19. Representative photos of the 74 identified individuals and figures depicting the sighting locations of the aforementioned 29 re-sighted individuals recorded in this reporting period are presented Appendix C.

Table 2.19: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

Individual
ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

NLMM001

19-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

SLMM073

05-Feb-21

4

WL

NLMM009

19-Jan-21

2

NWL

 

 

 

5

WL

 

 

3

NWL

 

WLMM001

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

 

4

NWL

 

 

27-Jan-21

1

WL

NLMM020

20-Jan-21

2

NWL

 

 

 

3

WL

NLMM021

19-Jan-21

2

NWL

 

 

05-Feb-21

4

WL

 

 

3

NWL

 

 

 

5

WL

NLMM023

19-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

WLMM006

18-Jan-21

2

WL

 

20-Jan-21

2

NWL

 

 

16-Feb-21

3

WL

 

17-Feb-21

1

NWL

 

WLMM008

27-Jan-21

5

WL

NLMM027

19-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

WLMM013

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

NLMM039

20-Jan-21

2

NWL

 

WLMM028

18-Jan-21

2

WL

NLMM052

19-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

 

16-Feb-21

4

WL

 

20-Jan-21

2

NWL

 

WLMM029

18-Jan-21

2

WL

 

17-Feb-21

1

NWL

 

 

16-Feb-21

3

WL

NLMM055

19-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

WLMM030

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

NLMM058

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

 

WLMM039

16-Feb-21

2

WL

NLMM060

16-Feb-21

1

WL

 

WLMM040

27-Jan-21

5

WL

NLMM063

19-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

WLMM043

15-Mar-21

1

WL

NLMM075

19-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

WLMM047

05-Feb-21

4

WL

NLMM076

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

 

 

5

WL

 

05-Feb-21

4

WL

 

WLMM051

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

 

 

5

WL

 

WLMM052

20-Jan-21

2

NWL

NLMM077

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

 

 

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

NLMM078

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

 

WLMM054

16-Mar-21

1

NWL

NLMM079

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

 

WLMM055

27-Jan-21

1

WL

NLMM080

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

 

 

 

3

WL

NLMM081

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

 

WLMM056

16-Feb-21

3

WL

SLMM007

05-Feb-21

4

WL

 

 

09-Mar-21

1

WL

 

 

5

WL

 

 

15-Mar-21

2

WL

SLMM010

05-Feb-21

6

WL

 

WLMM064

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

SLMM012

15-Jan-21

2

SWL

 

WLMM065

08-Feb-21

2

NWL

 

09-Mar-21

1

WL

 

WLMM067

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

15-Mar-21

2

WL

 

WLMM071

19-Jan-21

1

NWL

SLMM014

15-Jan-21

3

SWL

 

 

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

05-Feb-21

7

WL

 

 

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

 

16-Feb-21

3

WL

 

 

16-Feb-21

1

WL

 

09-Mar-21

1

WL

 

WLMM079

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

15-Mar-21

3

WL

 

WLMM083

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

SLMM022

27-Jan-21

5

WL

 

WLMM086

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

SLMM023

16-Feb-21

3

WL

 

WLMM090

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

SLMM025

09-Mar-21

1

WL

 

WLMM097

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

SLMM027

16-Feb-21

5

WL

 

WLMM107

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

SLMM029

05-Feb-21

2

WL

 

 

27-Jan-21

1

WL

SLMM030

16-Mar-21

2

NWL

 

 

 

3

WL

SLMM031

18-Jan-21

2

WL

 

 

16-Feb-21

2

WL

 

26-Jan-21

8

SWL

 

WLMM114

15-Jan-21

2

SWL

 

15-Mar-21

2

WL

 

 

27-Jan-21

5

WL

SLMM035

27-Jan-21

5

WL

 

 

16-Feb-21

3

WL

 

15-Mar-21

2

WL

 

WLMM118

16-Feb-21

4

WL

SLMM037

15-Jan-21

2

SWL

 

WLMM131

26-Jan-21

8

SWL

 

16-Feb-21

3

WL

 

 

27-Jan-21

4

WL

 

15-Mar-21

2

WL

 

 

05-Feb-21

2

WL

SLMM049

27-Jan-21

5

WL

 

WLMM136

20-Jan-21

2

NWL

SLMM052

27-Jan-21

5

WL

 

 

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

SLMM055

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

 

WLMM138

08-Feb-21

1

NWL

SLMM058

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

WLMM141

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

27-Jan-21

1

WL

 

WLMM147

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

 

 

3

WL

 

WLMM149

20-Jan-21

1

NWL

SLMM060

26-Jan-21

2

SWL

 

 

27-Jan-21

1

WL

 

 

7

SWL

 

 

 

3

WL

 

17-Mar-21

14

SWL

 

 

16-Feb-21

2

WL

SLMM066

26-Jan-21

8

SWL

 

 

 

 

 

SLMM071

08-Feb-21

3

NWL

 

 

 

 

 

 

16-Mar-21

2

NWL

 

 

 

 

 

2.5.2.2            Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Survey Effort

Between January and March 2021, a total of six days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort were completed, including three days on Lung Kwu Chau and three days on Sha Chau. In total, four CWD groups were tracked from the Lung Kwu Chau station while no CWD groups were tracked from the Sha Chau station, with an overall 0.11 CWD groups sighted per survey hour.

Information on survey effort and CWD groups sighted during land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 2.20. Details on the survey effort and CWD groups tracked are presented in Appendix C. The first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked between January and March 2021 are shown in Figure 2.9.

Table 2.20: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Land-based Station

# of Survey Sessions

Survey Effort (hh:mm)

# CWD Groups Sighted

CWD Group Sighting per Survey Hour

January 2021

Lung Kwu Chau

1

06:00

3

0.5

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

3

0.25

February 2021

Lung Kwu Chau

1

06:00

1

0.17

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

1

0.08

March 2021

Lung Kwu Chau

1

06:00

0

0

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

0

0

OVERALL

6

36:00

4

0.11

 

Figure 2.9:       Plots of First Sightings of All CWD Groups from Land-based Stations

Remark: Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

2.5.2.3            Progress Update on PAM

PAM device has been deployed and positioned to the south of Sha Chau Island inside the SCLKCMP (Figure 2.10), supplement the detection of CWD presence in the south Sha Chau area that are not recorded visually by the land-based theodolite tracking survey and to coincide the theodolite data when there is sighting from the land-based station at Sha Chau. In this reporting period, Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) has been retrieved on 14 January 2021 for analysis of data for year 2020. To improve the length of deployments, speed of data gathering, and efficiency in data analysis, C-POD and its successor F-POD which can record the click trains of cetaceans automatically has been proposed in replacement of the previous EAR at the same location with effective from January 2021. A F-POD was deployed at the location on 30 December 2021. It was retrieved and subsequently redeployed on 24 February 2021. A C-POD has been deployed in replace of the F-POD on 08 March 2021. As the period of data collection and analysis takes more than four months, PAM results could not be reported in quarterly intervals but report for supplementing the annual CWD monitoring analysis.

2.5.2.4            Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

During the reporting period, silt curtains were in place by the contractors for marine filling works and bored piling, 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 2 to 5 dolphin observation stations by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by all contractors for DCM works, seawall construction and bored piling 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 703 individuals being trained and the training records were 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 DEZ in this reporting period. The 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 summarised in Section 2.6. Summary of audits of SkyPier HSFs route diversion and speed control and construction vessel management are presented in Section 2.7 and Section 2.8 respectively.

2.6      Environmental Site Inspection

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. 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 appropriate 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 implemented in the project to enhance environmental performance. Key examples implemented in the reclamation areas of the Project are highlighted as below:

1.     Water browsers were installed in vehicles equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) for effective tracking on the implementation of water spraying on haul roads for fugitive dust suppression.

2.     Provision of wastewater treatment facility for the on-site treatment of sewage and wastewater generated from the facility buildings, which consisted of site office with washroom facilities, canteen and site laboratories.  

3.     Membrane desalinization of seawater used for water spraying at haul roads, laundry of site workers clothes and toilet flushing.

Water browsers were installed in vehicles equipped with GPS for tracking of water spraying on haul roads

Operation of on-site wastewater treatment facility

Use of desalinated seawater for construction operations

Besides, advice was given when necessary to ensure the construction workforce were familiar with relevant procedures, and to maintain good environmental performance on site. Regular toolbox talks on environmental issues were organised for the construction workforce by the contractors to ensure understanding and proper implementation of environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures.

A summary of implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures for the construction phase of the Project during the reporting period is provided in Appendix B.

2.6.1           Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Implementation of applicable landscape and visual mitigation measures (reference to the environmental protection measures CM1 – CM10 in Appendix B) is monitored regularly in accordance with the Manual. The implementation status of the environmental protection measures is summarised in Table 2.21. For trees which were managed under the Project during the reporting period, relevant measures have been implemented by Contracts 3302, 3503, 3508, 3602 and 3801. Contract 3802 would begin to undertake tree management measures subject to the handover of site area. Those trees which were within the Project boundary yet to be taken care by existing 3RS Contractors during the reporting period were managed by AAHK. The total number of retained trees, transplanted trees and to-be-transplanted trees under the management of Project are summarized in Table 2.22.

The total number of retained trees of the Project as of March 2021 was 140. Compared to 118 retained trees reported in the previous reporting quarter, the change in number was due to the following reasons:

·         Some trees next to East Coast Road and Sky City Interchange were handed over to Contract 3508 in March 2021 and the status of those trees were confirmed to be retained (+21 nos.); and

·         ET and Contractor’s recent on-site inspections confirmed that the status of 1 no. of tree near the Airport North Interchange should be retained tree (+1 no.).

Table 2.23 lists the affected tree ID together with the reasons for change of retained tree status of the Project. 

The cumulative total number of transplanted trees of the Project remained unchanged (i.e. 14 nos.) comparing with previous reporting quarter. Three trees under Contract 3503 transitioned from establishment period to long term management period during the reporting period and managed by Contract 3503 currently. Moreover, Contract 3508 commenced the maintenance of twelve to-be-transplanted trees during the reporting period. The summary of transplanted trees is shown in Table 2.24. Photos of the transplanted trees are presented in Table 2.25.

Table 2.21: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures during Construction

Implementation Status

Implementation Status

Relevant Contract(s) in the Reporting Period

CM1- The construction area and contractor’s temporary works areas shall be minimised to avoid impacts on adjacent landscape.

The implementation of mitigation measures were checked by ET during weekly site inspection and clarified by the Contractors during the monthly Environmental Management Meetings.  Implementation of the measures CM5, CM6 and CM7 by Contractors was observed.

3RS Project contracts

CM2 – Reduction of construction period to practical minimum.

CM3 – Phasing of the construction stage to reduce visual impacts during the construction phase.

CM4 – Construction traffic (land and sea) including construction plants, construction vessels and barges shall be kept to a practical minimum.

CM5 – Erection of decorative mesh screens or construction hoardings around works areas in visually unobtrusive colours.

CM6 – Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of site buildings and structures

CM7 – Control of night-time lighting by hooding all lights and through minimisation of night working periods

CM8 – All existing trees shall be carefully protected during construction.  Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification. Under this specification, the Contractor shall be required to submit, for approval, a detailed working method statement for the protection of trees prior to undertaking any works adjacent to all retained trees, including trees in contractor’s works areas

Tree Protection Specifications have been provided in the relevant Contract Specifications respectively for implementation by the Contractors under the Project. 

 

The Contractors’ performance on the implementation of the trees maintenance and protection measures were observed and checked by the ET weekly during construction period.

3302, 3503, 3508, 3602, 3801

 

3802

(To be implemented)

CM9 – Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical.  A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification, if applicable. Sufficient time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed in the project programme

Tree Transplanting Specifications have been provided in the relevant Contract Specifications respectively for implementation by the Contractors under the Project where trees will unavoidably be affected by the construction works. 

 

The Contractors were required to submit Method Statements for tree transplanting prior to the transplanting works. Tree inspections were conducted by ET to check the tree transplanting works implemented by the Contractors on site.

 

The Contractors’ performance on the implementation of trees maintenance and protection measures on transplanted trees were observed and checked by the ET bi-monthly during the 12-month establishment period after the completion of each batch of transplanting works.

 

Long term management of the transplanted trees were currently monitored by ET annually.  

3503, 3801

 

3508, 3802

(To be implemented)

CM 10 – Land formation works shall be followed with advanced hydroseeding around taxiways and runways as soon as practical

To be implemented around taxiways and runways as soon as practicable.

To be implemented

Table 2.22: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period

Existing

 

 

 

Contract

Retain (nos.)

Transplanted (nos.)

To-be-transplanted (nos.)

Establishment Period

Maintenance Period

3302

9

0

0

0

3503

19

6

3

0

3508(1)

21

0

0

12

3602

2

0

0

0

3801

89

0

5

0

Sub-total

140

6

8

12

Provisional

 

 

 

Contract

Retain (nos.)

Transplanted (nos.)

To-be-transplanted (nos.)

3508(1)

134

0

10

Sub-total

134

0

10

Grand Total

274

14

22

Note:

(1)    As some of the site areas have been handed over to Contract 3508, Contractor of Contract 3508 is currently managing some of the trees.  Existing trees to be managed by Contract 3508 is subject to change after initial tree surveys for each batch of site areas have been conducted by the Contractor.

Table 2.23: Summary of the Tree Status Updated in the Reporting Period

Tree ID(s)

Contract

 

Previous

Status (Dec 2020)

Current Status (Mar 2021)

Remarks

Impact to Retain Tree Number

T1491, T1492, T1506, T1507, T1508, T1509, T1512, T1514, T1515, T1518, T1519, T1521, T1522, T1524, T1525, T1527, T1528. T1531, T1532, T1536,

A2

3508

NA

 

Retain

21 nos. of trees were handed over to Contract 3508 in Mar 2021

+ 21 nos.

CT1379

3801

Fell

Retain

The status of one tree was updated to retain during site inspection in Feb 2021.

+ 1 no.

 

Table 2.24: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period

Tree ID

Transplant Date

Management Stage

Management Agency

Remarks

CT276

3 May 2018

Establishment period

4 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

Next inspection will be conducted in February 2022. Photos of the last inspection in February 2021 were shown in Table 2.25.

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

CT1253

4 May 2018

Establishment period

5 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

T812

21 Dec 2020

Establishment period

22 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

Contract 3503

 

 

Next inspection will be conducted in April 2021. Photos of the last inspection in March 2021 were shown in Table 2.25.

T814

20 Dec 2020

Establishment period

21 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

T815

15 Dec 2020

Establishment period

16 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

T829

18 Dec 2020

Establishment period

19 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

T830

14 Dec 2020

Establishment period

15 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

T831

19 Dec 2020

Establishment period

20 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

T835

22 Jan 2020

Establishment period

23 Jan 2020 – Jan 2021

Contract 3503

 

Next inspection will be conducted in February 2022. Photos of the last inspection in February 2021 were shown in Table 2.25

 

 

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

T836

13 Dec 2019

Establishment period

14 Dec 2020 – Jan 2021

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

T838

22 Jan 2020

Establishment period

23 Jan 2020 – Jan 2021

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

CT1194

4 May 2018

Establishment period

5 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

NA

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

Uprooted and collapsed due to Typhoon Higos on 18 August 2020. Tree removal was conducted as recommended by tree specialist of the contractor of Southern Landside Petrol Filing Station.

CT1794

3 May 2018

Establishment period

4 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

NA

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

AsiaWorld-Expo

The tree within the land parcel was acquired by the government for construction of emergency hospital to handle COVID19 pandemic at AsiaWorld-Expo. The tree was felled in late 2020.

CT1795

3 May 2018

Establishment period

4 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

NA

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

AsiaWorld-Expo

The tree within the land parcel was acquired by the government for construction of emergency hospital to handle COVID19 pandemic at AsiaWorld-Expo. The tree was felled in late 2020.

 

Table 2.25: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period

Under 12-month Establishment Period:

A picture containing outdoor, nature, tree, plant

Description automatically generated

A picture containing outdoor, tree, nature, plant

Description automatically generated

T812

T814

T815

A picture containing tree, outdoor, nature, plant

Description automatically generated

A picture containing outdoor, tree, nature, plant

Description automatically generated

T829

T830

T831

 

Under 10-year Long-term Management:

A picture containing tree, outdoor, sky, plant

Description automatically generated

CT276

CT1253

T835

A picture containing tree, sky, outdoor

Description automatically generated

 

T836

T838

2.6.2           Land Contamination Assessment

The Supplementary CAP was submitted to EPD pursuant to EP Condition 2.20. The CARs for Golf Course and T2 Emergency Power Supply Systems (EPSS) were submitted to EPD in accordance with EP Condition 1.9 and the Supplementary CAP in which no land contamination issues were identified. EPD has issued no further comment for aforesaid CARs.  No leakage was found after the removal of underground fuel pipelines and all required additional photos have been submitted to EPD.

According to the approved supplementary CAP, there are 3 remaining locations where site re-appraisal / additional site investigation are proposed. Based on the latest construction information, which has been presented in Appendix A Implementation Schedule of the approved CARs for T2 EPSS, there is no development programme for these locations at this stage. As such, the status of site re-appraisal/ additional site investigation shall be further updated upon latest development programme is available.

2.7      Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

The Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan) was submitted to the Advisory Council on the Environment for comment and subsequently submitted to and approved by EPD in November 2015 under EP Condition 2.10. The approved SkyPier Plan is available on the dedicated website of the Project. In the SkyPier Plan, AAHK has committed to implement the mitigation measure of requiring HSFs of SkyPier travelling between HKIA and Zhuhai / Macau to start diverting the route with associated speed control across the area, i.e. Speed Control Zone (SCZ), with high CWD abundance. The route diversion and speed restriction at the SCZ have been implemented since 28 December 2015.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all SkyPier HSF services have been suspended from 25 March 2020 until further notice. Limited HSF services from another destination, which does not require the use of the diverted route, were provided starting from 28 October 2020.

No ferry movement between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai and Macau was recorded in the reporting period. The daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in the reporting period, including those not using the diverted route, ranged between 1 and 4, which fell within the maximum daily cap number of 125.

2.8      Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

On the implementation of the updated Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessels (MTRMP-CAV), the Maritime Surveillance System (MSS) automatically recorded deviation cases such as speeding, entering no entry zone, and not traveling through the designated gates. ET conducted bi-weekly audit of relevant information including AIS data, vessel tracks and other relevant records to ensure sufficient information were provided by the system and the contractors complied with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. The contactors submitted 3-month rolling vessel plans for construction vessel activities to AAHK in order to help maintain the number of construction vessels to a practicable minimum. The IEC also performed audit on the compliance of the requirements as part of the EM&A programme.

During the reporting period, deviations including speeding within the works area, entry from non-designated gates, and entering no-entry zones were identified. After investigation by the contractor’s Construction Traffic Control Centre (CTCC) representatives, all the concerned captains were reminded to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. 

A total of 7 skipper training workshops were held by ET during the reporting period and 36 concerned captains of construction vessels associated with the 3RS contracts were trained to familiarise them with the predefined routes, general education on local cetaceans, guidelines for avoiding adverse water quality impact, the required environmental practices / measures while operating construction and associated vessels under the Project, and guidelines for operating vessels safely in the presence of CWDs. Another 14 skipper training workshops were held with 38 captains by contractors’ Environmental Officers and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET.

2.9     Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report

With reference to Appendix E of the Manual, it is noted that the key assumptions adopted in approved EIA report for the construction phase are still valid and no major changes are involved. The environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report remain applicable and shall be implemented in undertaking construction works for the Project.

 

 

3              Report on Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

3.1         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.

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

3.2.1      Complaints

Seven environmental complaints were received in the reporting period. All environmental complaints were attended to and investigation was conducted by the ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan. The summary of the complaints and analysis is presented in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints

Date of Complaint Received

Details

Analysis/ Remedial Actions

Status

25 Jan 2021

A complaint regarding dust issue was received on 25 Jan 2021.

With the photo provided by the complainant, ET identified the related 3RS contractor and requested the contractor to provide more information regarding the complaint. According to the information provided by the contractor, the alleged area was under their management, yet the trucks in the photo were not operated by them. Water bowsers and manual water spraying were arranged within the alleged area. During a joint ad-hoc inspection of ET, AAHK and IEC on 25 January 2021, dust emission from the vehicular movements was observed and the contractor was advised to conduct water spraying at the alleged area. The issue was rectified as observed in the subsequent joint environmental site inspection on 1 February 2021, and the contractor was advised again to provide effective dust suppression measures on-site.

 

It was noted that all air quality monitoring results of the Project in January 2021 were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations. Nevertheless, the ET requested the contractor to provide their environmental mitigation measures for dust suppression and water spraying records for checking. The ET also reminded all contractors to properly and adequately implement dust suppression measures to prevent air pollution on site. ET and IEC would continue to monitor the related contractor’s environmental mitigation measures for dust suppression during the environmental site inspections. Hence, the complaint case was considered closed.

Closed

25 Jan 2021

A complaint regarding dust issue was received on 25 Jan 2021.

The ET identified the two related 3RS contractors and requested the contractors to provide more information regarding the complaint. Cement mixing activities were carried out at the alleged area and the condition of the filter for cement mixer and generator were unsatisfactory as reported by one of the contractors. The contractor reported that follow-up actions had been taken accordingly and would continue to conduct checking and maintenance of the cement mixing barge and keep procedural checklist as good practice. On the other hand, the other contractor had no works carried out at the alleged area during the alleged period and water spraying as set out in the contractor’s dust control management plan was implemented along main haul road. Based on ET’s regular site inspections in January 2021, no dust issue was observed at the alleged area.

 

In view of the information provided by the contractors and findings from ET’s inspections and investigation, the case might be due to operation at a cement mixing barge, and the potential contractor related to the case was reminded to provide mitigation measures to prevent any recurrence. It was noted that all air quality monitoring results of the Project in January 2021 were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations. Nevertheless, the ET requested the contractor to continue implementing and strengthening their environmental mitigation measures on construction dust control to prevent any recurrence. ET and IEC will continue to conduct inspections to ensure all similar cement mixing barges are maintaining good housekeeping and continue to monitor the Project’s air quality monitoring results. Hence, the complaint case was considered closed.

Closed

25 Jan 2021

A complaint regarding refuelling was received on 25 Jan 2021.

It was mentioned that the refuelling activities were observed at the shore of central northern area of the newly reclaimed land, where the ET identified the related 3RS contractors and requested the contractors to provide more information regarding the complaint. According to the information provided by the contractors, no fuel spillage incident was recorded in January 2021 which is in line with the ET’s checking of fuel spillage incident record. The contractors also reported no refuelling activities were carried out at the alleged area. Based on ET’s regular site inspections and night-time ad-hoc­ inspections in January and early February 2021, no occurrence regarding fuel spillage onto sea surface was observed. In addition, an investigation on the reclaimed land, in particular the alleged area, was conducted on 26 January 2021 during which no refuelling activities and environmental malpractice leading to fuel spillage onto seawater was observed.

 

It was noted that all water quality monitoring results of the Project from 1 to 23 January 2021 were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels, except one case of chromium exceedance at IM11 on 2 January 2021 which was considered not due to the Project based on investigation findings. Nevertheless, the ET will continue to remind the related contractors and all other contractors to properly handle fuel, including storage, refuelling and implement their respective contract-specific spill response plan involving the conducting of regular spill drills and trainings, and to provide sufficient spills kits on site to prevent fuel spillage. ET and IEC would continue to monitor the Project’s water quality, inspect contractors’ fuel spillage records and conduct site inspections to check contractors’ environmental practices and compliances. Hence, the complaint case was considered closed.

Closed

1 Feb 2021

A complaint regarding dust issue at the North Eastern Quay of 3RS project was received on 1 Feb 2021.

With the photos provided by the complainant, ET identified three related 3RS contractors and requested the contractors to provide more information regarding the complaint. According to the information received, one contractor carried out cement mixing activities with regular cleaning carried out and all valves closed properly. The other contractor was responsible for the management of the area and water spraying was implemented along the area as set out in the contractor’s dust control management plan. The third contractor had no works carried out at the alleged area during the alleged period and water spraying as set out in the contractor’s dust control management plan was implemented along the haul road. In January and early February 2021, dust emission was observed during ET’s regular site inspection at site area of two of the aforementioned contracts for which the contractors had rectified by covering dust collectors properly during cement mixing works and implementing adequate water spraying. In view of the information provided by the contractors and findings from ET’s inspections and investigation, the case might be due to loose pipe connections during cement delivery as well as general dust control management on site. ET reminded the contractor who carried out cement mixing works to enhance mitigation measures to prevent dust issues, and the other two contractors to continue implementing and strengthening the dust suppression measures in site areas under their management.

 

It was noted that all air quality monitoring results of the Project in January 2021 were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations. The ET reminded all contractors to properly and adequately implement dust suppression measures to prevent air pollution on site. ET and IEC would continue to monitor the related contractor’s environmental mitigation measures for dust suppression during the environmental site inspections. Hence, the complaint case was considered closed.

Closed

2 Feb 2021

A complaint regarding improper fuelling operation at 3RS project area was received on 2 Feb 2021.

No detail of the case such as date and time was provided in the complaint. With the photos provided by the complainant, ET identified the related 3RS contractor and requested the contractor to provide more information regarding the complaint. According to the information provided by the contractor, no fuel spillage incident was recorded in January 2021 which was in line with the ET’s checking of fuel spillage incident records. Based on ET’s regular site inspections and ad-hoc inspections in January and early February 2021, no occurrence regarding fuel spillage onto sea surface was observed. Furthermore, no environmental malpractice leading to fuel spillage onto seawater was observed.

 

The environmental monitoring results for water quality in January and early February 2020 were checked, where all the results were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels except one case of chromium exceedance on 2 January 2021. Based on the investigation on the exceedances, the cases were considered not due to the Project. In view of the information provided by the contractor and findings from ET’s inspections and investigation, there was no evidence indicating fuel operation leading to marine pollution at project area. Nevertheless, the ET reminded all contractors to properly handle fuel, including storage, refuelling and implement their respective contractor-specific spill response plan involving the conducting of regular spill drills and trainings, and to provide sufficient spills kits on site and to prevent fuel spillage. ET and IEC would continue to monitor the Project’s water quality, inspect contractors’ fuel spillage records and conduct site inspections to check contractors’ environmental practices and compliances. Hence, the complaint case was considered closed.

Closed

3 Feb 2021

A complaint regarding improper fuelling operation and high sulphur content fuel at 3RS project area was received on 3 Feb 2021.

No detail of the case such as date, time and name of the barge was provided in the complaint. It was mentioned that the improper fuelling operation and high sulphur content fuel were observed at the shore of central northern area of the newly reclaimed land, where the ET identified the related 3RS contractors and requested the contractors to provide more information regarding the complaint. All the contractors replied and provided relevant fuel purchasing records to prove that they had purchased Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) or equivalent such as EURO V which is in line with the ET’s checking of their fuel purchasing records since October 2020. Based on ET’s regular site inspections and night-time ad-hoc inspections in January 2021 and up to 10 February 2021, no occurrence regarding fuel spillage onto sea surface was observed. Furthermore, no environmental malpractice on the handling of fuel was observed at the alleged area.

 

In view of the information provided by the contractors and findings from ET’s inspections and investigation, there was no evidence indicating the use of high sulphur content fuel at the project area. Nevertheless, the ET will continue to remind all contractors to properly handle fuel on site and implement their respective contract-specific spill response plan. ET and IEC would continue to continue to check contractors’ fuel purchasing records and conduct site inspections to check contractors’ environmental practices and compliances. Hence, the complaint case was considered closed.

Closed

9 Feb 2021

A complaint regarding soil/muddy water from vehicles of 3RS Project was received on 9 Feb 2021.

No detail of the case such as date, time, name of the barge and type of vehicles was provided in the complaint. The ET identified the related 3RS contractors and requested the contractors to provide more information regarding the complaint. According to the information provided by the contractors, all vehicles were fully enclosed or covered with impervious sheeting with the wheel washed before leaving site area. During a joint ad-hoc inspection of ET, AAHK and IEC on 17 February 2021, no soil or muddy water at the alleged area was observed. However, it was observed that the landing site was an open area shared with other non-Project related vehicles. Besides, no observation related to dust issue was recorded during ET’s regular site inspection at the loading sites on the airport island used by the related contractors.

 

Although the landing site could be used by the public and other contractors not under the Project, the contractors under the Project who used the area in January 2021 were reminded to continue and strengthen their environmental mitigation measure for dust suppression, as well as to continue implementing good housekeeping practices during the entire periods of their operations at the alleged area. ET and IEC would check the training records of frontline staff for the related contractors with regards to the handling of dusty materials and reminded all contractors to strictly conduct suppression measures and maintain good housekeeping at all times. Hence, the complaint case was considered closed.

Closed

3.2.2      Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

No notification of summons nor prosecution was received during the reporting period.

3.3     Cumulative Statistics

Cumulative statistics on valid exceedance, non-compliance, complaints, notifications of summons and status of prosecutions are summarised in Table 3.2 and Table 3.3.

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring

 

 

Total No. Recorded in the Reporting Period

Total No. Recorded since the Project Commenced

1-hr TSP

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Noise

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Waste

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Water

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

CWD

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Remark: Non-project related triggers of Action or Limit Level are not shown in this table.

Table 3.3: Statistics for Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecution

Reporting Period

Cumulative Statistics

 

Non-compliance

Complaints

Notifications of Summons

Prosecutions

This reporting period

0

7

0

0

From 28 December 2015 to end of the reporting period

0

34

1

1


 

4        Conclusion and Recommendation

In this quarterly period from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2021, the EM&A programme has been implemented as planned, including 96 sets of air quality measurements, 52 sets of construction noise measurements, 38 sets of water quality measurements, 6 complete sets of vessel line transect surveys and 6 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring, as well as environmental site inspections and waste monitoring for the Project’s construction works.

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 such as bored piling for approach lights. 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, and preparation work for utilities, with activities include site establishment, site office construction, road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition, piling, and excavation works.

Monitoring results of construction dust, construction noise, construction waste, and CWD did not trigger the corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period. All site observations made by the ET were recorded in the site inspection checklists and passed to the contractor together with the recommended follow-up actions.

For water quality, the water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except chromium, 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 chromium, one of the testing results triggered the relevant Action Limit Level, and the corresponding investigation was conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the case was not related to the Project. In summary, the construction activities in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.

No HSF movement between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai and Macau was recorded during the reporting period. Therefore, no deviation was recorded in the HSF monitoring in the reporting period.  

During the reporting period, ET conducted bi-weekly audit of the MSS to ensure the system recorded all deviation cases accurately and the contractors fully complied with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. 7 skipper training workshops were held by ET and 14 skipper training workshops were held by contractors’ Environmental Officers during the reporting period and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained skippers by ET.

On the implementation of MMWP, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for laying of silt curtains for marine filling works and bored piling in accordance with the plan. On the implementation of DEZ Plan, dolphin observers were deployed for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by the contractors for DCM works, seawall construction and bored piling works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works. 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 DEZ in this reporting period. Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were also carried out by the ET.

The recommended environmental mitigation measures, as included in the EM&A programme, were effectively implemented during the reporting period. Also, the EM&A programme implemented by the ET has effectively monitored the construction activities and ensured the proper implementation of mitigation measures.


[1] The Manual is available on the Project’s dedicated website (accessible at: http://env.threerunwaysystem.com/en/index.html)