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

Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report
No.27 (1 July to 30 September 2022)

November 2022

 

 

 

 

 


  

 

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Contents

Abbreviations  1

Executive summary  3

1       Introduction   6

1.1      Background  6

1.2      Scope of this Report 6

1.3      Project Organisation  6

1.4      Contact information for the Project 10

1.5      Summary of Construction Works  10

1.6      Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements  11

2       Environmental Monitoring and Auditing  14

2.1      Air Quality Monitoring  14

2.1.1         Action and Limit Levels  14

2.1.2         Summary of Monitoring Results  14

2.1.3         Conclusion  15

2.2      Noise Monitoring  15

2.2.1         Action and Limit Levels  15

2.2.2         Summary of Monitoring Results  15

2.2.3         Conclusion  16

2.3      Water Quality Monitoring  16

2.3.1         Action and Limit Levels  17

2.3.2         Summary of Monitoring Results  18

2.3.3         Conclusion  19

2.4      Waste Monitoring  20

2.4.1         Action and Limit Levels  20

2.4.2         Summary of Monitoring Results  20

2.4.3         Marine Sediment Management 21

2.5      Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  21

2.5.1         Action and Limit Levels  21

2.5.2         Summary of Monitoring Results  22

2.6      Sewage Flow Monitoring  30

2.6.1         Brief Summary of the Agreed Method  30

2.6.2         Desk-Based Monitoring Result 31

2.7      Environmental Site Inspection  31

2.7.1         Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures  32

2.7.2         Land Contamination Assessment 37

2.8      Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries  37

2.9      Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels  38

2.10     Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report 38

3       Report on Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions  39

3.1      Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements  39

3.2      Analysis and Interpretation of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions  39

3.2.1         Complaints  39

3.2.2         Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution  40

3.3      Cumulative Statistics  40

4       Conclusion and Recommendation  42

 

Tables

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel 7

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project 10

Table 1.3: Summary of Status for All Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual 11

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  14

Table 2.2: Percentage of Air Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  14

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Air Quality Monitoring  14

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  15

Table 2.5: Percentage of Noise Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  15

Table 2.6: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Noise Monitoring  16

Table 2.7: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring  16

Table 2.8: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring  17

Table 2.9: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring  17

Table 2.10: Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  18

Table 2.11: General Weather Condition and Sea Condition during Impact Water Quality Monitoring  18

Table 2.12: Summary of DO (Surface and Middle) Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide) 19

Table 2.13: Summary of DO (Bottom) Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide) 19

Table 2.14: Summary of DO (Surface + Middle) Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide) 19

Table 2.15: Summary of DO (Bottom) Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide) 19

Table 2.16: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  20

Table 2.17: Construction Waste Statistics  20

Table 2.18: Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Station Details  21

Table 2.19: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  22

Table 2.20: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period  22

Table 2.21: 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  24

Table 2.22: Summary of Photo Identification  28

Table 2.23: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey  29

Table 2.24: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary  32

Table 2.25: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period  34

Table 2.26: Summary of the Tree Status Updated in the Reporting Period  34

Table 2.27: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period  34

Table 2.28: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees Inspected in the Reporting Period  36

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints  39

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring  40

Table 3.3: Statistics for Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecution  41

 

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

(Not used)

Figure 2.10

Location for Passive Acoustic Monitoring

Figure 2.11

Schematic Diagram for Sewerage System Flow Monitoring

Figure 2.12

Sewerage System Collecting Sewage from Airport

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

C&D

Construction and Demolition

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CAR

Contamination Assessment Report

CTCC

Construction Traffic Control Centre

CWD

Chinese White Dolphin

DCM

Deep Cement Mixing

DEZ

Dolphin Exclusion Zone

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

EMIS

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

EPSS

Emergency Power Supply Systems

ET

Environmental Team

FCZ

Fish Culture Zone

HKBCF

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

HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport

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

T2

Terminal 2

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 27th 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 July 2022 to 30 September 2022.  

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 filling, seawall construction and land-based ground improvement works, together with runway, taxiways, concourse and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works, Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities include road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition, piling, and excavation works.

EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period

The 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

50

Water quality monitoring

37

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 the information including ET’s observations, records of Maritime Surveillance System (MSS), and contractors’ site records, it is noted that environmental pollution control and mitigation measures were properly implemented and construction activities of the Project in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impacts to the sensitive receivers.

In accordance with Section 6.2.1.1 of the Manual, the methodology of annual sewage flow monitoring for the existing gravity sewer from the airport discharge manhole to Tung Chung Sewage Pumping Station (TCSPS) should be prepared and submitted to EPD one year before the scheduled commencement of operation of the proposed third runway. As such, the sewage flow monitoring methodology paper was prepared, submitted and subsequently approved by EPD on 21 June 2021. The annual sewage flow monitoring has also been started since June 2021. According to the daily flow monitoring record of Sewage Pumping Station 1 (SPS-1) located at the Airport from July to September 2022 (see Appendix C), the daily average flow of 14,728 m3/day for July 2022, 15,116 m3/day for August 2022 and 12,232 m3/day for September 2022 were well below 80% of pipe full flow capacity of 53,395.2 m3/day as defined in Section 2.6.3 of the approved sewage flow monitoring methodology paper. For the subsequent sets of sewage flow monitoring data for SPS-1, it will be presented in upcoming Quarterly and Annual EM&A Reports.

Snapshots of Good Environmental Practices in the Reporting Period

Use of green mesh to minimise soil erosion and surface runoff

Use of solar-lighting along the  haul road of construction site

Provision of sedimentation pit for the reuse of treated construction wastewater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

1.     Green mesh was placed at the edge of excavation zone to minimise soil erosion and surface runoff.

2.     Solar street lights were installed and implemented along the haul road of construction site to reduce energy consumption and provided an eco-friendly lighting service.

3.     Sedimentation pit was provided for the storage of treated construction wastewater. All stored wastewater was reused subsequently for dust suppression and other construction activities.

 

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 dissolved oxygen (DO), obtained during the reporting period were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. Relevant investigation and follow-up actions will be conducted according to the EM&A programme if the corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For DO, some testing results triggered the relevant Action and Limit Levels, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the cases were not related to the Project. To conclude, the construction activities in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.

The key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period are 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 in previous reporting period

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received on 28 June 2022.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. During regular site inspections, dust was observed when there were vehicle movements on haul roads and was rectified by the relevant contractor. A joint site inspection was conducted subsequently in which no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads was wet during the inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed.

 

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received on 28 June 2022.

ET requested the relevant contractor to provide information related to the complaint. During regular site inspections, dust was observed when there were vehicle movements on haul roads and was rectified by the relevant contractor. A joint site inspection was conducted subsequently in which no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads was wet during the inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed.

 

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received on 30 June 2022.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. During regular site inspections, fugitive dust was observed at haul roads and stockpile areas and were rectified by the relevant contractors. A joint site inspection was conducted in which no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads was wet during the inspection. Having said that, at another joint site inspection, fugitive dust was observed at stockpile area and was being rectified by the related contractor. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Complaint received in this reporting period

 

No construction activities-related complaint was received in this reporting period.

Nil

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

No notification of summons nor prosecution was 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. 81.

1.2        Scope of this Report

This is the 27th 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 July 2022 to 30 September 2022.

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 Leaders

Heidi Yu

2828 5704

Ken Wong

2828 5817

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

Independent Environmental Checker

Roy Man

3922 9376

 

Deputy Independent Environmental Checker

Jackel Law

3922 9141

 

 

Reclamation Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3206

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

Project Manager

Alan Mong

3763 1352 

 

Environmental Officer

Zhang Bin Wang

3763 1525

 

Airfield Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3302

Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works

(China Road and Bridge Corporation)

Project Manager

Dickey Yau

5699 4503

Environmental Officer

Dennis Ho

5645 0563

Contract 3303

Third Runway and Associated Works

(SAPR Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Andrew Keung

6277 6628

Environmental Officer

Gabriel Wong

6114 9590

Contract 3305

Airfield Ground Lighting System

(ADB Safegate Hong Kong Limited)

Project Manager

Allam Al-Turk

2944 9725

Environmental Officer

Calvin Sze

9205 9277

Contract 3306

Observation Facility Control System Supporting Interim 2RS and 3RS

(Chinney Alliance Engineering Limited)

Project Director

Dennis Yam

9551 9920

Environmental Officer

Richard Liu

9216 8990

Contract 3307

Fire Training Facility

(Paul Y. Construction Company Limited)

Project Manager

Ken Tang

9640 5397

Environmental Officer

 

 

Ferddy Leung

5585 6746

Contract 3308

Foreign Object Debris Detection System

(DAS Aviation Services Group)

Project Manager

Jeffrey Yau

9873 7422

Contract 3310

North Runway Modification Works

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

Project Manager

Kingsley Chiang

9424 8437

Environmental Officer

Federick Wong

9842 2703

 

Third Runway Concourse:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3402 New Integrated Airport Centres Enabling Works

(Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Wyman Lau

6112 9753

Health Safety Environmental Manager

Mike Leung

6625 2550

Contract 3403 New Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works

(Sun Fook Kong Construction Limited)

Project Manager

Alice Leung

9220 3162

Environmental Officer

Ray Cheung

9785 1566

Contract 3404

Integrated Airport Control System

(Shun Hing Systems Integration Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Andy Ng

9102 2739

Safety Officer

Keith Chau

9620 7515

Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works

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

Project Manager

Francis Choi

9423 3469

Environmental Officer

Jacky Lai

9028 8975

Contract 3408

Third Runway Concourse and Apron Works

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

Assistant Project Manager

Qian Zhang

5377 7976

Environmental Officer

Malcolm Leung

7073 7559

 

Terminal 2 (T2) Expansion:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3508 Terminal 2 Expansion Works

(Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited)

Project Director

Richard Ellis

6201 5637

Environmental Officer

Fanny Law

6184 4650

 

Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line)

(CRRC Puzhen Bombardier Transportation Systems Limited and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd. Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Hongdan Wei

158 6180 9450

Environmental Officer

 

H Y Yue

 

 

 

 

9185 8186

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

(Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kunihiro Tatecho

9755 0351

Environmental Officer

Y M Tong   

5316 9801

Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System (VISH Consortium)

Project Manager

K C Ho

9272 9626

Environmental Officer

Richard Ng

9802 9577

 

Construction Support (Facilities):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works

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

Senior Project Manager

Thomas Lui

9011 5340

Environmental Officer

John Mak

6273 8703

Contract 3723

Eastern Support Area – Construction Support Facilities

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

Deputy Project Director

Philip Kong

9337 8700

Environmental Officer

Eddie Suen

 

6338 8862

Contract 3728 Minor Site Works

(Shun Yuen Construction Company Limited)

Contract Manager

C K Liu

9194 8739

Environmental Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Leung

6856 5899

Contract 3733 Emergency Repair Service

(Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.)

 

Project Manager

Michael Kan

9206 0550

SHE Manager

Mike Leung

6625 2550  

 

Airport Support Infrastructure:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

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

Project Manager

Kingsley Chiang

9424 8437

Environmental Officer 

Eunice Kwok

9243 1331

Contract 3802 APM and BHS Tunnels and Related Works

(Gammon Construction Limited)

Project Director

John Adams

6111 6989

Environmental Officer

Phoebe Ng

9869 1105

 

Construction Support (Services / Licences):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility

(K. Wah Concrete Company Limited)

Project Manager

Benedict Wong

9553 2806

Environmental Officer

C P Fung

9874 2872

Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility

(Gammon Construction Limited)

General Manager

Gabriel Chan

2435 3260

Environmental Officer

Rex Wong

2695 6319

Contract 3913  Asphalt Batching Plant

(SPR Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Xie Yi Sheng

6580 6005

Environmental Officer

Kenneth Chan

9300 2182

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 filling, seawall construction and land-based ground improvement works, together with runway, taxiways, concourse and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works, Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for APM and BHS systems, and preparation work for utilities, with activities include road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition, 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.

Due to the completion of all marine-based DCM works within April 2022, regular DCM monitoring was ceased at all monitoring stations starting from 28 April 2022 and would be resumed if there are marine-based DCM works in the coming future.

Sewerage and Sewage Treatment

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

Methodology to be prepared and submitted to EPD one year before the scheduled commencement of operation of the proposed third runway.

The proposed methodology of the annual sewage flow monitoring was approved by EPD. The annual flow monitoring has been started since June 2021.

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

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

The details of the routine H2S monitoring system will be prepared and submitted to EPD at least one year before commencement of operation of 3RS.

Waste Management

 

 

Waste Monitoring

At least weekly

On-going

Land Contamination

 

 

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

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

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

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Golf Course

CAR to be submitted for golf course

The CAR for Golf Course was submitted and accepted by EPD.

CAR for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply System

CAR to be submitted for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems

 

The CARs for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems were submitted and accepted by EPD.

Terrestrial Ecology

 

 

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

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

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

Ecological Monitoring

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

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

Marine Ecology

 

 

Pre-Construction Phase Coral Dive Survey

Prior to marine construction works

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

Coral Translocation

-

The coral translocation was completed 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:

   Fifty-two 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

Jul 2022

100%

100%

Aug 2022

100%

100%

Sep 2022

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

Jun 2022

Sunny to Overcast

Southwest

Jul 2022

Sunny to Overcast

Southwest

Aug 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Southeast to Southwest

Sep 2022

Sunny

South to 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

Jul 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Aug 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Sep 2022

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.

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

Jun 2022

Sunny to Overcast

Jul 2022

Sunny to Overcast

Aug 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Sep 2022

Sunny

2.2.3         Conclusion

Major sources of noise dominating the monitoring stations observed during the construction noise impact monitoring were traffic noise near NM1A, school activities near NM4, 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. Water quality monitoring was undertaken at a total of 14 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 6 impact (IM) stations, 5 sensitive receiver (SR) stations, and 3 control (C) stations in the vicinity of 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.

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

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Parameters

 

 

Easting

Northing

 

C1

Control Station

804247

815620

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

C2

Control Station

806945

825682

C3(2)

Control Station

817803

822109

IM1(4)

Impact Station

806458

818351

IM2(4)

Impact Station

806236

819183

IM7(4)

Impact Station

806835

821349

IM10(4)

Impact Station

809838

822240

IM11(4)

Impact Station

810545

821501

IM12(4)

Impact Station

811519

821162

SR1A(1)

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

812660

819977

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

SR2

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

814166

821463

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

SR3

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

807571

822147

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

SR4A

Sha Lo Wan

807810

817189

SR8(3)

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

811623

820390

Notes:

(1)    With the operation of HKBCF, water quality monitoring at SR1A station was commenced on 25 October 2018. To better reflect the water quality in the immediate vicinity of the intake, the monitoring location of SR1A has been shifted closer to the intake starting from 5 January 2019.

(2)    According to the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report, C3 station is not adequately representative as a control station of impact/ SR stations during the flood tide. The control reference has been changed from C3 to SR2 from 1 September 2016 onwards.

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

(4)    With the seawall completion and removal of enhanced open sea silt curtains, these monitoring stations were relocated back to their original locations. For IM2, there was minor adjustment of the monitoring location.

2.3.1         Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels for general water quality 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 are presented in Table 2.9.

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

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring

(excluding SR1A & SR8)

General Water Quality Monitoring

DO in mg/l (Surface, Middle & Bottom)

Surface and Middle

4.5mg/l

Surface and Middle

4.1mg/l

Bottom

3.4mg/l

Bottom

2.7mg/l

Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/l

23

or 120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher

37

or 130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher

Turbidity in NTU

22.6

36.1

Action and Limit Levels SR1A

 

 

 

SS (mg/l))

33

 

42

 

Action and Limit Levels SR8

 

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

52

 

60

 

Notes:

1. For DO measurement, 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.

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

Control Station

Impact Stations

Flood Tide

 

C1

IM1, IM2, IM7, SR3

SR21

IM7, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR3, SR4A, SR8

Ebb Tide

 

C1

SR4A

C2

IM1, IM2, IM7, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR2, SR3, SR8

Notes:

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.

(1) 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.

(2) The number in the bracket under the percentage represents the total number of depth-averaged results complying with their corresponding Action and Limit Levels over the total number of depth-averaged results.

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

General Water Quality Monitoring

DO

(Surface and Middle)

DO

(Bottom)

SS

Turbidity

Jul 2022

97.5%

(199/204)

87.3%

(178/204)

100%

(252/252)

100%

(204/204)

Aug 2022

100%

(204/204)

99.5%

(203/204)

100%

(252/252)

100%

(204/204)

Sep 2022

100%

(221/221)

100%

(221/221)

100%

(273/273)

100%

(221/221)

Overall

99.2%

95.7%

100%

100%

Notes:

(1) 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.

(2) The number in the bracket under the percentage represents the total number of depth-averaged results complying with their corresponding Action and Limit Levels over the total number of depth-averaged results.

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

 

Weather

Sea Condition

Jun 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Jul 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Aug 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Sep 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

The monitoring results for all parameters, except dissolved oxygen (DO), 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 DO, some of the testing results triggered the corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period, and investigations were conducted accordingly. Summaries of results triggering Action and Limit Levels for DO are presented in Table 2.12 to Table 2.15.

Details of the investigation findings were presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 79 & 80, which concluded that all results triggering the Action and Limit Levels were not related to the Project.

Table 2.12: Summary of DO (Surface and Middle) Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM7

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

28/07/2022

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

30/07/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

Table 2.13: Summary of DO (Bottom) Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM7

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

23/07/2022

D

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

26/07/2022

D

D

 

 

D

 

 

 

D

28/07/2022

D

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

23/08/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

3

3

2

1

1

0

0

1

4

Table 2.14: Summary of DO (Surface + Middle) Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM7

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR3

SR4A

26/07/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

Table 2.15: Summary of DO (Bottom) Compliance Status (Mid-Flood Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM7

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR3

SR4A

23/07/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

26/07/2022

 

 

 

D

 

 

D

 

28/07/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

2

3

0

1

1

0

3

2

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

D

Result triggered the Action Level at monitoring station located downstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Result triggered the Limit Level at monitoring station located upstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow

D

Result triggered the Limit Level at monitoring station located downstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

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

 

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 of the monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while some results triggered the corresponding Action and Limit Levels, and investigations were conducted accordingly. Based on the findings presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 79 & 80, the cases that triggered the corresponding Action and Limit Levels were 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 filling, seawall construction and ground improvement works 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 2.16.

Table 2.16: 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 2.17. ET and IEC have carried out site audits regularly and reviewed the trip ticket system.

The contractors have 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 contractors. Dedicated areas for sorting of materials are established on site. Recyclable materials such as steel bar, metal strip, aluminium, paper and plastic are sorted on-site and transported off-site for recycling during this reporting period.

Table 2.17: 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(2)

(m3)

Chemical Waste

(kg)

Chemical Waste

(l)

General Refuse (tonne)

Jul 2022

44,288

4,682

30,029

11,485

0

0

1,953

Aug 2022

19,018

72,312

2,990

9,006

0

0

1,915

Sep 2022

7,051

77,917 

11,226

5,452

240

3,800

1,857

Total

      70,357

154,911

44,245

25,943

240

3,800

5,725

Notes:

1.      C&D refers to Construction and Demolition.

2.      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 this 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 and the proposal of Further Development on Treatment Level / Details and the Reuse Mode for Marine Sediment (hereinafter referred to as “Further Development Proposal”) of the Project. The sampling process, storage conditions of the excavated marine sediment, treatment process, final backfilling location as well as associated records were inspected and checked by ET and verified by IEC to ensure they were in compliance with the requirements as stipulated in the Waste Management Plan and Further Development Proposal.

Sampling works and backfilling works for marine sediment generated from the reclaimed land area were conducted during the reporting period. The details of the marine sediment sampling, treatment and backfilling can be referred to Annual EM&A Reports No.6.

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 are shown in Figure 2.3, whilst the land-based theodolite tracking survey stations are described in Table 2.18 and depicted in Figure 2.4. The location of the PAM device is shown in Figure 2.10.

Table 2.18: 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 2.19.

Table 2.19: 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 July to September 2022 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 1,327 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 98.3% 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 July to September 2022, there were a total of 58 sightings of CWD, with 186 dolphins sighted (Table 2.20: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period). Amongst these sightings, 57 sightings with 185 dolphins were recorded during on-effort searches under favourable weather condition.

When breaking down the sightings by survey areas, two sightings with three dolphins, 24 sightings with 101 dolphins and 32 sightings with 82 dolphins were recorded in NWL, WL and SWL respectively during the current reporting period. No CWD was sighted in AW transects or NEL survey area.

Compared with the previous quarter (i.e. April to June 2022), both the total number of CWD sightings and total number of the dolphins increased by 29% and 12% respectively. These results were attributed to a notable increase of the dolphin sightings in SWL survey area and increase of the number of dolphins in WL survey area. In contrast, the number of sightings and number of dolphins in NWL decreased slightly from last quarter.

Compared with the same quarter of last year (i.e. July to September 2021), there were increases in both the total number of sightings and the total number of dolphins by 14% and 13% respectively. The most noticeable increase was reflected from the SWL survey area, while decreases in the total number of sightings and the total number of dolphins in NWL survey area were observed.

Table 2.20 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 2.20: 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

 

July to September 2021

April to June 2022

July to September 2022

NEL

0 (0) 

0 (0)

0 (0)

NWL

9 (20) 

4 (8)

2 (3)

AW

0 (0) 

0 (0)

0 (0)

WL

29 (105) 

25 (83)

24 (101)

SWL

13 (39)

16 (75)

32 (82)

Total

51 (164)

45 (166)

58 (186)

Note: Values in ( ) represent number of dolphins

The distribution of CWD sightings recorded from July to September 2022 is illustrated in Figure 2.5. In NWL, there were CWD sightings recorded near Lung Kwu Chau. In WL, CWD sightings were scattered over the waters from North of Tai O to Fan Lau, with relatively more sightings clustered around Peaked Hill and Fan Lau. In SWL, CWD sightings were scattered amongst the entire survey area. No CWD sightings were recorded in NEL survey area during the reporting period. Details of the sighting data are presented in Appendix C.

Figure 2.5: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins from July to September 2022

Remarks: (1) Please note that there are 58 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 July, August and September 2022 are summarised in Table 2.21.

In this reporting period, both the monthly STG and ANI decreased from July to September 2022 (STG: from 7.24 to 2.32; ANI: from 20.31 to 7.42), causing a similar course in running quarterly STG and ANI. No Action Level for CWD monitoring was triggered during the reporting period.

Compared with the previous reporting period (i.e. April to June 2022), both the running quarterly STG and ANI increased from June to September 2022 (STG: from 3.50 to 4.37; ANI from 12.93 to 14.18). While comparing with the same quarter of last year (i.e. July to September 2021), both the running quarterly STG and ANI increased, from 3.84 to 4.37 and from 12.38 to 14.18 respectively. Encounter rates for these periods are summarised in Table 2.21 and graphical presentation is provided in Appendix C

Table 2.21: 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

 

Jul 21

Aug 21

Sep 21

Apr 22

May 22

Jun 22

Jul 22

Aug 22

Sep 22

Monthly STG

6.84

1.32

3.55

2.00

4.83

3.80

7.24

3.59

2.32

Monthly ANI

21.22

4.19

12.29

4.89

18.36

16.16

20.31

14.82

7.42

Running Quarterly STG

4.39

3.69

3.84

1.93

2.93

3.50

5.30

4.87

4.37

Running Quarterly ANI

12.98

11.32

12.38

7.02

11.19

12.93

18.29

17.07

14.18

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. 79, 80, and 81.

Group Size

Between July and September 2022, the group size of CWD sightings ranged from 1 to 15 dolphins. The average group size of CWD was 3.21 dolphins per group, which is smaller than that of the last quarter (3.69 dolphins per group). The average group size of CWD in this reporting quarter is similar to that of the same quarter of last year (3.22 dolphins per group).

In this reporting quarter, more than half of the CWD sightings are with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins). Amongst the 58 sightings, there were two CWD sightings with large group size (i.e. 10 or more dolphins) recorded in this reporting period. These two large CWD groups were sighted at waters around Fan Lau in both WL and SWL survey areas.

There are no observable differences in the distribution pattern between small-sized and medium-sized dolphin groups in WL as they all scattered. In SWL, the small groups appeared to distribute closer to the western part of survey area while medium groups appeared closer to the Soko Islands and Lo Kei Wan. In NWL, only small-sized dolphin groups were observed. 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 58 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 July to September 2022, 15 sightings of CWD were recorded with foraging activities. Amongst them, four sightings were observed associated with operating purse seiner in SWL survey area.

The number of sightings with foraging recorded in the current reporting period is higher than that in the previous reporting period (i.e. 13 sightings involved foraging activities between April and June 2022). The number of CWD sightings with foraging activities in this reporting period is also slightly higher than that in the same quarter of last year (i.e. 14 sightings between July and September 2021).

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 July to September 2022, eight sightings of CWD were recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted juvenile pairs and/or mother-and-unspotted calf pairs observed, which is lower than that recorded in the previous reporting quarter (i.e. 10 sightings between April and June 2022). The number of CWD sightings with the presence of mother-calf pairs is slightly higher than that recorded in the same quarter of last year (i.e. seven sightings between July and September 2021). These eight sightings were recorded in WL and SWL survey areas.

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

Figure 2.8: Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs

Remarks: (1) Please note that there are 8 circles on the map indicating the sighting locations of Mother-Calf pairs. (2) Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

Photo Identification

Between July and September 2022, a total number of 57 different CWD individuals were identified altogether for 87 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 57 different CWD individuals, 19 animals (i.e. NLMM015, NLMM085, SLMM002, SLMM014, SLMM023, SLMM029, SLMM035, SLMM037, SLMM044, SLMM049, WLMM003, WLMM007, WLMM018, WLMM049, WLMM056, WLMM063, WLMM067, WLMM083 and WLMM131) were sighted for more than once.

Eight individuals including SLMM002, SLMM029, SLMM035, SLMM044, SLMM049, WLMM003, WLMM063 and WLMM067 were re-sighted in different survey areas during this reporting period. The most frequently re-sighted individuals in this reporting quarter are SLMM002, SLMM014, SLMM037 and WLMM131, while all of them were successfully identified for four times. The number of CWD individuals re-sighted more than once is as same as that of previous reporting quarter from April to June 2022, while the number of CWD individuals showing cross-area movement in the current reporting period is lower.

A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 2.22. Representative photos of the 57 identified individuals and figures depicting the sighting locations of the aforementioned eight individuals re-sighted in different survey areas in this reporting period are presented in Appendix C.

Table 2.22: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

Individual
ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

NLMM013

9-Sep-22

2

NWL

 

WLMM003

11-Jul-22

1

WL

NLMM015

23-Aug-22

2

WL

 

 

13-Jul-22

7

SWL

 

19-Sep-22

1

WL

 

WLMM004

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

NLMM016

23-Aug-22

2

WL

 

WLMM007

23-Aug-22

5

WL

NLMM028

9-Sep-22

2

NWL

 

 

19-Sep-22

3

WL

NLMM039

22-Aug-22

2

WL

 

WLMM018

8-Jul-22

4

WL

NLMM040

22-Aug-22

4

WL

 

 

19-Sep-22

2

WL

NLMM058

11-Jul-22

2

WL

 

WLMM019

11-Jul-22

1

WL

NLMM061

12-Jul-22

15

SWL

 

WLMM029

23-Aug-22

5

WL

NLMM063

13-Jul-22

6

SWL

 

WLMM038

8-Jul-22

2

WL

NLMM085

12-Jul-22

3

SWL

 

WLMM043

20-Sep-22

1

WL

 

 

6

SWL

 

WLMM047

12-Jul-22

10

SWL

SLMM002

12-Jul-22

2

SWL

 

WLMM049

12-Jul-22

13

SWL

 

 

4

SWL

 

 

13-Jul-22

10

SWL

 

13-Jul-22

4

SWL

 

WLMM052

8-Jul-22

2

WL

 

19-Sep-22

3

WL

 

WLMM056

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

SLMM003

2-Aug-22

1

SWL

 

 

3-Aug-22

3

SWL

SLMM014

12-Jul-22

2

SWL

 

 

6-Sep-22

12

SWL

 

 

7

SWL

 

WLMM063

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

 

13-Jul-22

3

SWL

 

 

23-Aug-22

5

WL

 

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

 

WLMM067

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

SLMM023

23-Aug-22

6

WL

 

 

23-Aug-22

2

WL

 

19-Sep-22

2

WL

 

 

 

3

WL

SLMM027

11-Jul-22

2

WL

 

WLMM076

12-Jul-22

13

SWL

SLMM029

12-Jul-22

8

SWL

 

WLMM079

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

 

19-Sep-22

3

WL

 

WLMM081

11-Jul-22

2

WL

SLMM035

23-Aug-22

5

WL

 

WLMM083

8-Jul-22

2

WL

 

6-Sep-22

12

SWL

 

 

 

3

WL

SLMM037

12-Jul-22

2

SWL

 

WLMM092

23-Aug-22

2

WL

 

2-Aug-22

1

SWL

 

WLMM109

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

 

 

2

SWL

 

WLMM114

19-Sep-22

3

WL

 

6-Sep-22

12

SWL

 

WLMM131

12-Jul-22

1

SWL

SLMM044

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

 

 

 

4

SWL

 

19-Sep-22

 

2

WL

 

 

6-Sep-22

12

SWL

 

3

WL

 

 

 

16

SWL

SLMM049

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

 

WLMM135

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

 

19-Sep-22

2

WL

 

WLMM151

23-Aug-22

5

WL

SLMM050

13-Jul-22

4

SWL

 

WLMM164

19-Sep-22

1

WL

SLMM052

2-Aug-22

2

SWL

 

WLMM176

8-Jul-22

2

WL

SLMM059

23-Aug-22

6

WL

 

WLMM177

8-Jul-22

1

WL

SLMM060

12-Jul-22

9

SWL

 

WLMM178

8-Jul-22

2

WL

SLMM074

8-Jul-22

4

WL

 

WLMM179

11-Jul-22

4

WL

SLMM075

22-Aug-22

4

WL

 

WLMM180

11-Jul-22

4

WL

SLMM076

22-Aug-22

4

WL

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5.2.2           Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Survey Effort

Between July and September 2022, 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. No CWD group was tracked from the Lung Kwu Chau and Sha Chau stations during the reporting quarter.

Information on survey effort and CWD groups sighted during land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 2.23. Details on the survey effort and CWD groups tracked are presented in Appendix C.

Table 2.23: 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

July 2022

Lung Kwu Chau

1

06:00

0

0

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

0

0

August 2022

Lung Kwu Chau

1

06:00

0

0

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

0

0

September 2022

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

0

0

2.5.2.3           Progress Update on PAM

PAM device has been deployed and positioned to the south of Sha Chau island within the SCLKCMP (Figure 2.10) to 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. Both C-POD and F-POD are considered as effective PAM devices in detecting CWD occurrence, and F-POD was the main PAM device deployed where feasible. In this reporting period, the F-POD was retrieved on 11 August 2022 for data collection and subsequently re-deployed. 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, in which dolphin observers were deployed by the contractor in accordance with the Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP). Teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed at 1 to 3 dolphin observation stations by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for seawall construction works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers on the implementation of MMWP and DEZ monitoring were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with a cumulative total of 704 individuals being trained and the training records were kept by the ET. From the contractors’ DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around 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 2.7. Summary of audits of SkyPier HSFs route diversion and speed control and construction vessel management are presented in Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 respectively.

2.6        Sewage Flow Monitoring

In accordance with the approved EIA Report (AEIAR-185/2014) for Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS), the gravity sewer from the airport discharge manhole to TCSPS was recommended to be upgraded by AAHK to cater for the ultimate design sewage flow from the expanded airport. It was recommended in section 6.2.1.1 of the Manual that AAHK should conduct annual monitoring for the sewage flow build-up of the gravity sewer from the airport discharge manhole to TCSPS one year before the scheduled commencement of operation of the proposed third runway. The annual monitoring results shall inform the timing of commencement of the planning of the sewer upgrading works. The sewage flow monitoring methodology paper (the Paper) was prepared, submitted and subsequently approved by EPD on 21 June 2021.

2.6.1         Brief Summary of the Agreed Method

With reference to the Paper, the existing sewer to be monitored is the section between FMH7042035 (reference point A) and FMH7043286 (reference point C). A schematic diagram of the sewage system between reference point A and C is presented in Figure 2.11. The locations of these reference points are presented in Figure 2.12. To determine if the threshold of 80% of the design capacity is being reached, an approach using the Colebrook-White equation was used.

Two pipe segments between reference points A and C were identified with the lowest flow capacity and therefore selected as the benchmark for comparing the actual sewage flow of the sewers for the flow monitoring:

    Segment 1: for sewage pipelines serving the airport – the critical segment is the 1050mm sewer between manholes FMH7042032 and FMH7042033, where the 80% threshold of full flow capacity is 53,395.2 m3/day; and

    Segment 2: for the sewage pipelines serving the airport and catchment L4 – the critical segment is the 1050mm sewer between manholes FMH7043288 and FMH7043287, where the of 80% threshold of full flow capacity is 57,628.8 m3/day.

According to the Paper, segment 1 would reach its 80% full flow capacity before segment 2. Hence, segment 1 was considered the critical segment within the section between reference points A and C, and it was agreed to conduct sewage flow monitoring for segment 1 only. With the daily flow rate of SPS-1, which collects sewage arising from the Airport, is available from AAHK, desk-based flow monitoring would be conducted by comparing the daily average flow rate of SPS-1 (i.e. Q1) against the threshold of 80% of pipe capacity of segment 1 (i.e. 53,395.2 m3/day) in accordance with the following criteria:

        If Q1 53,395.2 m3/day, planning of sewerage upgrading works can be on hold until results of next annual monitoring; and

        If Q1 > 53,395.2 m3/day, planning of sewerage upgrading works shall be considered to start and annual monitoring shall be discontinued.

Within the monitoring period, if the daily average flow rate of SPS-1 (i.e. Q1) is higher than the threshold of 53,395.2 m3/day, planning of sewerage upgrading works shall be considered to start and the annual monitoring shall be discontinued. The above approach was agreed to be adopted as part of annual monitoring for the sewage flow increment of the concerned gravity sewer in 2021 and 2022.

2.6.2         Desk-Based Monitoring Result

To fulfil the requirements as mentioned in previous section, the annual sewage flow monitoring has been started since June 2021. According to the daily flow monitoring record of SPS-1 from July to September 2022 (see Appendix C), the daily average flow of 14,728 m3/day for July 2022, 15,116 m3/day for August 2022 and 12,232 m3/day for September 2022 were well below the above-mentioned threshold of 53,395.2 m3/day. For the subsequent sets of sewage flow monitoring data for SPS-1, it would be presented in upcoming Quarterly and Annual EM&A Reports.

2.7        Environmental Site Inspection

Site inspections of the construction works to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project were conducted by ET and IEC on a weekly and bi-weekly basis, respectively. Besides, ad-hoc site inspections were also conducted by ET and IEC if environmental problems were identified, or subsequent to receipt of an environmental complaint, or as part of the investigation work. These site inspections provided a direct means to reinforce the specified environmental protection requirements and pollution control measures in construction sites.

During site inspections, environmental situation, status of implementation of pollution control and mitigation measures were observed. Environmental documents and site records, including waste disposal record, maintenance record of environmental equipment, and relevant environmental permit and licences, were also checked on-site. Observations were recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the contractor together with the 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 Project are highlighted as below:

1.     Green mesh was placed at the edge of excavation zone to minimise soil erosion and surface runoff.

2.     Solar street lights were installed and implemented along the haul road of construction site to reduce energy consumption and provided an eco-friendly lighting service.

3.     Sedimentation pit was provided for the storage of treated construction wastewater. All stored wastewater was subsequently being reused for dust suppression and other construction activities.

Use of green mesh to minimise soil erosion and surface runoff

Use of solar-lighting along the  haul road of construction site

Provision of sedimentation pit for the reuse of treated construction wastewater

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.

2.7.1         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 2.24. For trees which were managed under the Project during the reporting period, relevant measures have been implemented by Contracts 3302, 3303, 3508 and 3801. The total number of retained trees, transplanted trees and to-be-transplanted trees under the management of Project are summarized in Table 2.25.

The total number of retained trees of the Project as of September 2022 was 36. Compared to 45 retained trees reported in the previous reporting period, the change in number was due to the following reasons:

·         Some trees near Airport North Interchange under Contract 3801 were removed due to potential safety issues along Airport Express Line (AEL) railway track (-9 nos).

Table 2.26 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. 26 nos.) comparing with previous reporting quarter. Twelve trees under Contract 3508 transitioned from establishment period to long term management period during the reporting period and managed by Contract 3508 currently. Details of the summary of transplanted trees is shown in Table 2.27. Photos of the transplanted trees are presented in Table 2.28.

Table 2.24: 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.

All works contracts

CM2 – Reduction of construction period to practical minimum.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tree Protection Specifications 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, 3508, 3801

 

 

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

Tree Transplanting Specifications 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.  

3508, 3801

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

The Contractor’s performance on the implementation of advanced hydroseeding works was observed and checked by the ET during weekly site inspection.

3303

Table 2.25: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period

Existing

 

 

 

Contract

Retain (nos.)

Transplanted (nos.)

To-be-transplanted (nos.)

Establishment Period

Maintenance Period

3302

9

0

0

0

3503

0

0

9

0

3508(1)

24

0

12

0

3602

0

0

0

0

3801

3

0

   5 (2)

0

Sub-total

36

0

26

0

Provisional

 

 

 

Contract

Retain (nos.)

Transplanted (nos.)

To-be-transplanted (nos.)

3508(1)

50

0

10

Sub-total

50

0

10

Grand Total

86

26

10

 Notes:

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

(2)    Three transplanted trees (CT1194, CT1794 and CT1795) were subsequently fell after transplantation. Please refer to Table 2.27 for details.

Table 2.26: Summary of the Tree Status Updated in the Reporting Period

Tree ID(s)

Contract

 

Previous

Status

(June 2022)

Current

Status

(September 2022)

Remarks

Impact to Retain Tree Number

CT1406,

CT1407,

CT1411,

CT1413,

CT1414,

CT1415,

CT1416,

CT1418,

T6

3801

Retain

Fell

9 nos. of trees were removed due to potential safety issues along Airport Express Line (AEL) railway track.

-  9 nos.

Table 2.27: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period

Tree ID

Transplant Date

Management Stage

Management Agency

Remarks

CT276

3 May 2018

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

Next inspection will be conducted in February 2023. Photos of the last inspection in February 2022 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.74.

CT1253

4 May 2018

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

T835

22 Jan 2020

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

AAHK

 

Next inspection will be conducted in February 2023. Photos of the last inspection in February 2022 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.74.

T836

13 Dec 2019

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

AAHK

T838

22 Jan 2020

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

AAHK

T812

21 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

 

Next inspection will be conducted in December 2022. Photos of the last inspection in December 2021 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.72.

T814

20 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T815

15 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T829

18 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T830

14 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T831

19 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T1493

6 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

Next inspection will be conducted in July 2023. Photos of the last inspection in July 2022 were shown in Table 2.26.

T1494

6 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1495

10 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1496

5 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1497

5 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1498

29 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1499

29 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

T1500

30 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

T1501

30 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

T1502

5 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1503

6 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1504

24 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

CT1194

4 May 2018

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

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

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 2.28: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees Inspected in the Reporting Period

Under 10-year Long-term Management:

T1493

T1494

T1495

T1496

T1497

T1498

T1499

T1500

T1501

T1502

T1503

T1504

2.7.2         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 will be further updated upon latest development programme is available.

2.8        Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

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

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

No ferry movement between HKIA SkyPier to/from 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 3 and 8, which fell within the maximum daily cap number of 125.

The construction works of the Hong Kong Offshore LNG Terminal Project were carried out from Q1 to Q3 2022. However, there was no implication to the route diversion operation of the SkyPier HSFs since all SkyPier HSF services to /from Zhuhai and Macau were suspended. ET will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the SkyPier Plan.

2.9        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 6 skipper training workshops were held with 12 captains by contractors’ Environmental Officers and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET.

2.10     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

No environmental complaint was received during the reporting period. The environmental complaints as received in June 2022 were attended to and investigations were conducted by the ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan. A summary of the complaints and analyses is presented in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints

Date of Complaint Received

Details

Analysis/ Remedial Actions

Status

28 June 2022

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received.

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site area was received on 28 June 2022. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. From the photos provided by the complainant, ET recognized the locations, identified the related contractors and requested them to provide information regarding the complaint.

 

According to the information received, the contractors reported they had assigned water tankers to carry out water spraying to the concerned locations. The contractors also reviewed their dust control layout plan and provided enhanced mitigation measure such as refresher training to their water tanker drivers. At ET’s weekly site inspections, dust was observed when there were vehicle movements on haul roads and was rectified by the related contractor. At a subsequent joint site inspection, no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads were wet during inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance with the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

28 June 2022

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received.

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site area was received on 28 June 2022. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. From the photos provided by the complainant, ET recognized the location, identified a related contractor and requested them to provide information regarding the complaint.

 

The contractor replied they had arranged water trucks to carry out water spraying at the concerned location. The contractors also reviewed their dust control layout plan and provided enhanced mitigation measures such as refresher training to their water tanker drivers and added water tanker to the fleet. At ET’s weekly site inspections, dust was observed during vehicle movements on main haul roads and was rectified by the related contractor. At a subsequent joint site inspection, no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads were wet during inspection. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures, especially water spraying at haul roads in accordance with the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

30 June 2022

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received.

A complaint regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site was received on 30 June 2022.  The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. The ET recognized the location, identified related contractors and requested them to provide information regarding the complaint.

 

According to the information received, the contractors reported they had reviewed their dust control layout plan and provided their watering records and photo records to the ET. Review of the received records indicated the contractors had provided water spraying at the concerned location during the alleged period. Besides, the contractors had also conducted refresher training with their water truck drivers regarding the arrangement for water spraying at the site areas. At ET’s weekly site inspections, fugitive dust was observed at haul roads and stockpile areas, and were rectified by the related contractors. During a joint inspection, no fugitive dust was observed when there were vehicle movements at the concerned haul roads and the roads were wet during inspection. Having said that, at another joint site inspection, fugitive dust was observed at stockpile area and was being rectified by the related contractor. ET and IEC would continue to monitor contractors’ performance on dust suppression and mitigation in accordance with the respective dust control layout plan. All contractors were reminded to properly implement dust mitigation measures in accordance with the implementation schedule in the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

3.2.2         Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

Neither 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

1

 

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

0

0

0

From 28 December 2015 to end of the reporting period

0

55

2

2

 

4        Conclusion and Recommendation

In the third quarter of 2022, the EM&A programme has been implemented as planned, including 96 sets of air quality measurements, 50 sets of construction noise measurements, 37 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 filling, seawall construction and land-based ground improvement works, together with runway, taxiways, concourse and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island mainly involved airfield works, Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for APM and BHS, and preparation work for utilities, with activities include road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition, piling, and excavation works.

Monitoring results of construction dust, construction noise, construction waste and CWD monitoring did not trigger the corresponding Action and Limit Levels during the reporting period.

For water quality, the water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except DO, obtained during the reporting period were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. Relevant investigation and follow-up actions will be conducted according to the EM&A programme if the corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For DO, some testing results triggered the relevant Action and Limit Levels, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the cases were not related to the Project. In summary, the construction activities undertaken during the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.

Site inspections of the construction works to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project were conducted by ET and IEC on a weekly and bi-weekly basis, respectively. Site inspection findings were recorded in the site inspection checklists and provided to the contractors to follow up.

No HSF movement between HKIA SkyPier to/from Zhuhai and Macau was recorded during the reporting period. Therefore, no deviation was recorded in the HSF monitoring during 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. A total of 6 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 and DEZ Plan, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors in accordance with the plans. No dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the DEZ in this reporting period. Audits of contractors’ implementation and records, and also acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were carried out by the ET during site inspection.

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)