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

Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report No.12 (1 October to 31 December 2018)

March 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

Abbreviations

Executive Summary

1       Introduction

1.1     Background

1.2     Scope of this Report

1.3     Project Organisation

1.4     Contact information for the Project

1.5     Summary of Construction Works

1.6     Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

2       Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

2.1     Air Quality Monitoring

2.1.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.1.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.1.3       Conclusion

2.2     Noise Monitoring

2.2.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.2.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.2.3       Conclusion

2.3     Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.3.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.3.3       Conclusion

2.4     Waste Monitoring

2.4.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.4.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5     Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

2.5.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.5.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.6     Environmental Site Inspection

2.7     Terrestrial Ecological Monitoring

2.8     Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

2.9     Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

2.10    Coral Post-Translocation Monitoring

2.11    Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report

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

3.1     Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

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

3.2.1       Complaints

3.2.2       Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

3.3     Cumulative Statistics

4       Conclusion and Recommendation

 

Tables

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel 6

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project 9

Table 1.3: Summary of Status for All Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual 10

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  13

Table 2.2: Percentage of Air Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  13

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition During Impact Air Quality Monitoring  13

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  14

Table 2.5: Percentage of Noise Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  14

Table 2.6: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring  15

Table 2.7: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  16

Table 2.8: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  17

Table 2.9: Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  17

Table 2.10: General Weather Condition and Sea Condition During Impact Water Quality Monitoring  18

Table 2.11: Summary of Turbidity Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide) 18

Table 2.12: Summary of SS Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide) 18

Table 2.13: Summary of SS Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide) 18

Table 2.14: Summary of Chromium Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide) 19

Table 2.15: Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide) 19

Table 2.16: Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide) 19

Table 2.17: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  20

Table 2.18: Construction Waste Statistics  20

Table 2.19: Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Station Details  21

Table 2.20: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  21

Table 2.21: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period  22

Table 2.22: 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  25

Table 2.23: Summary of Photo Identification  29

Table 2.24: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey  30

Table 2.25: Summary of the 7th Post-Translocation Monitoring Survey  36

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints  38

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring  39

Table 3.3: Statistics for Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecution  39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figures

Figure 1.1- 1.2

Locations of Key Construction Activities in this reporting period

Figure 2.1

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

Figure 2.2

Locations of Water Quality Monitoring Stations  

Figure 2.3

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

Figure 2.4

Land based Dolphin Monitoring Locations in Baseline and Construction Phases

Figure 2.5

Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

Figure 2.6

 

Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins with Different Group Sizes

Figure 2.7

Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins Engaged in Different Behaviours

Figure 2.8

Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs

Figure 2.9

 

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

Figure 2.10

Location for Passive Acoustic Monitoring

 

Appendices

Appendix A

Project Organization Chart

Appendix B

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix C

Monitoring Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbreviations

3RS

Three-Runway System

AAHK

Airport Authority Hong Kong

AECOM

AECOM Asia Company Limited

AFCD

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

AIS

Automatic Information System

ANI

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphins

APM

Automated People Mover

AW

Airport West

BHS

Baggage Handling System

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CAR

Contamination Assessment Report

CTP

Coral Translocation Plan

CWD

Chinese White Dolphin

DCM

Deep Cement Mixing

DEZ

Dolphin Exclusion Zone

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

EAR

Ecological Acoustic Recorder

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

EMIS

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

ET

Environmental Team

FCZ

Fish Culture Zone

HKBCF

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

HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport

HSF

High Speed Ferry

IEC

Independent Environmental Checker

LKC

Lung Kwu Chau

MMHK

Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited

MMWP

Marine Mammal Watching Plan

MSS

Marine 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

PVD

Prefabricated Vertical Drain

SC

Sha Chau

SCZ

Speed Control Zone

SCLKCMP

Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

SS

Suspended Solids

STG

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings

SWL

Southwest Lantau

The Manual

The Updated EM&A Manual

The Project

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

The SkyPier Plan

Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier

TSP

Total Suspended Particulates

WL

West Lantau

WMP

Waste Management Plan

 

Executive Summary

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

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) commissioned Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for carrying out the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) works during the construction phase of the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual (the Manual).

This is the 12th Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2018.  

Key Activities in the Reporting Period

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-side works. Reclamation works included deep cement mixing (DCM) works, marine filling, seawall construction, laying of sand blanket, and prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) installation. Land-side works involved mainly foundation and substructure work for Terminal 2 expansion, modification and tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities include site establishment, site office construction, road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition of existing facilities, piling, and excavation works.

EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period

The EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the Manual of the Project. Summary of the monitoring activities during this reporting period is presented as below:

Monitoring Activities

Number of Sessions

1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) air quality monitoring

96

Noise monitoring

52

Water quality monitoring

39

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

6

Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring

15

Terrestrial ecology monitoring

3

Additional coral post-translocation monitoring

1

Environmental auditing works, including weekly site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET and bi-weekly site inspections conducted by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC), audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF), audit of construction and associated vessels, and audit of implementation of Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) and Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan, were conducted in the reporting period. Based on information including ET’s observations, records of Marine Surveillance System (MSS), and contractors’ site records, it is noted that environmental pollution control and mitigation measures were properly implemented and construction activities of the Project in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impacts to the sensitive receivers.

Snapshots of Good Environmental Practices in the Reporting Period

Sorting facilities at TKOFB

Monitoring of DEZs through CCTV system by contractor

Environmental Recognition Scheme – effective dust suppression in tight work area and schedule environment

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

1.     In order to maximize the utilization of public fill, the AAHK has been working closely with government departments in setting up sorting facilities in Tseung Kwan O Fill Bank (TKOFB) and Tuen Mun Fill Bank.

2.     A contractor of DCM contract has started using technology-based solutions to implement DEZ monitoring. Combining the use of weatherproof and high image quality network cameras, and monitoring at site office, the solution has improved manpower deployment and monitoring during adverse weather. 

3.     The AAHK launched an Environmental Recognition Scheme for the Project since July 2018 to promote environmental awareness and good environmental practices in construction sites. Four contractors have been awarded for their good environmental performance.

 

Summary Findings of the EM&A Programme

The monitoring works for construction dust, construction noise, water quality, construction waste, landscape & visual, terrestrial ecology, and CWD were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Manual. An additional coral post-translocation monitoring survey was also conducted in the reporting period.

Monitoring results of construction dust, construction noise, construction waste, CWD, and coral post-translocation monitoring did not trigger the corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.

The water quality monitoring results for dissolved oxygen (DO) and total alkalinity obtained during the reporting period did not trigger their 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 turbidity, suspended solids (SS), chromium, and nickel, some of the testing results triggered the relevant Action or Limit Levels in the reporting period and 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 monthly terrestrial ecology monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau observed that there was no encroachment of any works upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to ardeids at Sheung Sha Chau by the works.

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

 

 

Yes

No

Details

Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions

Breach of Limit Level^

 

No breach of Limit Level was recorded.

Nil

Breach of Action Level^

 

No breach of Action Level was recorded.

Nil

Complaints Received

 

A complaint regarding dust nuisance from sand barges in Tuen Mun was received on 6 Nov 2018.

ET found that there was one contractor deployed sand delivery vessels for the Project in recent months. Photo records provided by the contractor confirmed that dust mitigation measures were implemented during stopover/anchored at Tuen Mun Anchorage Area. ET will keep reminding contractors to continue the implementation of dust mitigation measures and conduct regular training for all frontline staff.

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

No notification of summons or prosecution were received.

Nil

Changes that affect the EM&A

 

Starting from 25 Oct 2018, water quality monitoring at SR1A was commenced.

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 updated overall phasing programme of all construction works was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 7 and the contract information was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 36.

1.2      Scope of this Report

This is the 12th Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2018.

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 and Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Project Manager’s Representative

(Airport Authority Hong Kong)

Principal Manager, Environment

Lawrence Tsui

2183 2734

Environmental Team (ET)

(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Terence Kong

2828 5919

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Heidi Yu

2828 5704

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Daniel Sum

2585 8495

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

Independent Environmental Checker

Jackel Law

3922 9376

 

Deputy Independent Environmental Checker

Roy Man

3922 9348

 

 

Advanced Works:

 

 

 

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract P560(R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works

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

Project Manager

Wei Shih

2117 0566

Environmental Officer

Lyn Liu

5172 6543

 

Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3201 DCM (Package 1)

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

Project Director

Tsugunari Suzuki

9178 9689

Environmental Officer

Hiu Yeung Tang

 

6329 3513

Contract 3202 DCM (Package 2)

(Samsung-BuildKing Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Ilkwon Nam

9643 3117

Environmental Officer

David Man

 

6421 3238

Contract 3203 DCM (Package 3)

(Sambo E&C Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Eric Kan

9014 6758

Environmental Officer

David Hung

9765 6151

Contract 3204 DCM (Package 4)

(CRBC-SAMBO Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Kyung-Sik Yoo

9683 8697

Environmental Officer

Kanny Cho

6799 8226

Contract 3205 DCM (Package 5)

(Bachy Soletanche - Sambo Joint Venture)

Deputy Project Director

Min Park

9683 0765

Environmental Officer

Margaret Chung

9130 3696

 

 

Reclamation Works:

 

 

 

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3206

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

Project Manager

Kim Chuan Lim

3763 1509

Environmental Officer

Kwai Fung Wong

3763 1452

 

Airfield Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway

(FJT-CHEC-ZHEC Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Kin Hang Chung

9412 1386

Environmental Officer

Nelson Tam

9721 3942

 

Third Runway Concourse and Integrated Airport Centers Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3402 New Integrated Airport Centers

Enabling Works

(Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.)

Construction Manager

Michael Kan

9206 0550

 

 

 

 

Terminal 2 Expansion Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3501 Antenna Farm and Sewage Pumping Station

(Build King Construction Ltd.)

Project Manager

Raymond Au

6985 8860

Environmental Officer

Edward Tam

9287 8270

Contract 3502 Terminal 2 APM Depot Modification Works

(Build King Construction Ltd.)

Project Manager

David Ng

9010 7871

Environmental Officer

Chun Pong Chan

9187 7118

Contract 3503 Terminal 2 Foundation and Substructure Works

(Leighton – Chun Wo Joint Venture)

Construction Manager

Eric Wu

3973 1718

Environmental Officer

Stephen Tsang

5508 6361

Contract 3505 Terminal 2 Spectrum Lighting Mock-Ups (Union Contractors Ltd.)

Project Manager

Wylar Chan

9107 5920

Environmental Officer

Kelvin Lam

9379 2446

 

Automated People Mover (APM) Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

(Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kunihiro Tatecho

9755 0351

Environmental Officer

Arthur Wong

9170 3394

 

Baggage Handling System (BHS) Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System (VISH Consortium)

Project Manager

Andy Ng

9102 2739

Environmental Officer

Eric Ha

9215 3432

 

Airport Support Infrastructure and Logistic Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

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

Project Manager

Tony Wong

9642 8672

Environmental Officer

Fredrick Wong

9842 2703

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-side works. Reclamation works included deep cement mixing (DCM) works, marine filling, seawall construction, laying of sand blanket, and prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) installation. Land-side works involved mainly foundation and substructure work for Terminal 2 expansion, modification and tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities include site establishment, site office construction, road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition of existing facilities, piling, and excavation works.

The locations of the works areas are presented in Figure 1.1 to Figure 1.2.

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

Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring

At least four weeks

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

Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring

Three times per week until completion of DCM works.

On-going

Waste Management

 

 

Waste Monitoring

At least weekly

On-going

Land Contamination

 

 

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

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

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

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Golf Course

CAR to be submitted for golf course first; programme for submission of supplementary CAR at the other areas to be agreed.

The CAR for Golf Course was submitted to EPD.

Terrestrial Ecology

 

 

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

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

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

Ecological Monitoring

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

On-going

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 to 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

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, terrestrial ecology, landscape & visual, and CWD were carried out in the reporting period. Upon completion of coral translocation in January 2017, a summary of the ensuing post-translocation monitoring is reported quarterly.

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 summarized as below:

    Three dolphin observer trainings provided by ET;

    Five skipper trainings provided by ET;

    Two meetings with High Speed Ferry operators for experience sharing and recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier;

    Twenty-one environmental management meetings for EM&A review with works contracts;

    One EPD sharing on key issues of waste management and construction dust control.

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 summarized 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

Oct 2018

100.0%

100.0%

Nov 2018

100.0%

100.0%

Dec 2018

100.0%

100.0%

Overall

100.0%

100.0%

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 from the last month of previous quarter to this reporting period were recorded and summarized in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition During Impact Air Quality Monitoring

 

Weather

Dominant Wind Direction

Sep 2018

Sunny to Rainy

South or Southwest

Oct 2018

Sunny to Rainy

North or East

Nov 2018

Sunny to Rainy

East

Dec 2018

Sunny to Cloudy

North or Northwest

2.1.3      Conclusion

No dust emission source from Project activities was observed during impact air quality monitoring. Major sources of dust observed at the monitoring stations during the monitoring sessions were local air pollution and nearby traffic emissions. It is considered that the monitoring work in the reporting period was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to the Project activities.

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) Reduced to 70dB(A) for school and 65dB(A) during school examination periods at NM4. School examination took place from 9 to 15 November in this reporting period.

2.2.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The noise monitoring results in the reporting period are summarized 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

Oct 2018

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Nov 2018

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Dec 2018

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Overall

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

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

2.2.3      Conclusion

As the construction activities were far away from the monitoring stations, major sources of noise dominating the monitoring stations observed during the monitoring sessions were road traffic and aircraft noise near NM1A, school activities at NM4, and aircraft and helicopter noise near NM5 and NM6. It is considered that the monitoring work in the reporting period was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to the Project activities.

2.3      Water Quality Monitoring

During the reporting period, water quality monitoring was conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, at a total of 23 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 12 impact (IM) stations, 8 sensitive receiver (SR) stations, and 3 control (C) stations in the vicinity of the water quality sensitive receivers around the 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 2.6 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.2 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.

Table 2.6: 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

 

DCM Parameters

Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)

C2

Control Station

806945

825682

C3(3)

Control Station

817803

822109

IM1

Impact Station

807132

817949

IM2

Impact Station

806166

818163

IM3

Impact Station

805594

818784

IM4

Impact Station

804607

819725

IM5

Impact Station

804867

820735

IM6

Impact Station

805828

821060

IM7

Impact Station

806835

821349

IM8

Impact Station

808140

821830

IM9

Impact Station

808811

822094

IM10

Impact Station

809794

822385

IM11

Impact Station

811460

822057

IM12

Impact Station

812046

821459

SR1A(1)

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

812586

820069

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

 

SR2(3)

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

814166

821463

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

DCM Parameters

Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)(4)

SR3

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

807571

822147

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

SR4A

Sha Lo Wan

807810

817189

SR5A

San Tau Beach SSSI

810696

816593

SR6

Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI

814663

817899

SR7

Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)

823742

823636

SR8(5)

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

811418

 

820246

 

Notes:

(1)    With the operation of HKBCF, water quality monitoring at SR1A station was commenced on 25 October 2018.

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

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

(4)    Total alkalinity and heavy metals results are collected at SR2 as a control station for regular DCM monitoring.

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

2.3.1      Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are presented in Table 2.7. The control and IM stations during flood tide and ebb tide for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring are presented in Table 2.8.

Table 2.7: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level

Limit Level

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

(excluding SR1A & SR8)

DO in mg/L

(Surface, Middle & Bottom)

Surface and Middle

4.5 mg/L

Surface and Middle

4.1 mg/L

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

 

Bottom

3.4 mg/L

Bottom

2.7 mg/L

SS in mg/L

23

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

37

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

Turbidity in NTU

22.6

36.1

Total Alkalinity in ppm

95

99

Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring

(Chromium)

0.2

0.2

Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring

(Nickel)

3.2

 

3.6

 

Action and Limit Levels SR1A

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

33

42

Action and Limit Levels SR8

 

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

52

 

60

 

Notes:

1. For DO measurement, Action or Limit Level is triggered when monitoring result is lower than the limits.

2. For parameters other than DO, Action or Limit Level of water quality results is triggered when monitoring results is higher than the limits.

3. Depth-averaged results are used unless specified otherwise.

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

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

Table 2.8: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

 

Control Station

Impact Stations

Flood Tide

 

C1

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

SR21

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

Ebb Tide

 

C1

SR4A, SR5A, SR6

C2

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

Note:

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

2.3.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The summary or results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period are presented in Table 2.9. The weather and sea conditions from September to December 2018 were recorded and summarized in Table 2.10. It should be noted that Super Typhoon Yutu affected Hong Kong from 1 to 2 November 2018 and water quality monitoring results might be affected by this weather event.

Table 2.9: Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels

 

General Water Quality Monitoring

Regular DCM Monitoring

DO

(Surface and Middle)

DO

(Bottom)

SS

Turbidity

Alkalinity

Chromium

Nickel

Oct 2018

100.0%

100.0%

99.1%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

98.3%

Nov 2018

100.0%

100.0%

98.4%

98.6%

100.0%

100.0%

98.0%

Dec 2018

100.0%

100.0%

99.8%

100.0%

100.0%

99.0%

99.4%

Overall

100.0%

100.0%

99.1%

99.5%

100.0%

99.7%

98.6%

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

 

Table 2.10: General Weather Condition and Sea Condition During Impact Water Quality Monitoring

 

Weather

Sea Condition

Sep 2018

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Oct 2018

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Nov 2018

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Dec 2018

Sunny to Cloudy

Calm to Rough

The monitoring results for DO and total alkalinity obtained in the reporting period were within their 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 turbidity, SS, chromium, and nickel, some of the testing results triggered the relevant Action or Limit Level in the reporting period, and investigations were conducted accordingly.

Summaries of results triggering Action or Limit Level for turbidity, SS, chromium, and nickel are presented in Table 2.11 to Table 2.16.

Details of the investigation findings were presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 34, 35 and 36, which concluded that all results triggering the Action or Limit Level were not related to the Project.

Table 2.11: Summary of Turbidity Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

27/11/2018

 

 

 

 

D

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

Table 2.12: Summary of SS Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR1A

SR2

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

SR8

01/12/2018

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Table 2.13: Summary of SS Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR1A

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

SR8

09/10/2018

 

 

 

 

D

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/10/2018

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13/10/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

08/11/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

10/11/2018

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27/11/2018

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29/11/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

0

1

4

1

0

0

1

1

1

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

Table 2.14: Summary of Chromium Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

22/12/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

D

27/12/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

Table 2.15: Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

25/10/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

D

17/11/2018

D

D

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

1

1

0

1

0

0

1

2

1

2

1

1

Table 2.16: Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

4/12/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

D

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

Note: The monitoring results on monitoring dates not presented in the above tables did not trigger their corresponding Action or Limit Levels. Detailed results 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

D

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

 

No water quality monitoring conducted at SR1A before the operation of HKBCF.

 

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

In the reporting period, it is noted that most monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while minor number of results triggered their corresponding Action or Limit Level, and investigations were conducted accordingly. Based on the findings presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 34, 35 and 36, all cases that triggered the corresponding Action or Limit Level 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 triggers were 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. These include maintaining the silt curtain for sand blanket laying properly and maintaining the levels of materials on barges to avoid overflow 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 2.17.

Table 2.17: 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 during the construction phase.

Recommendations made included provision and maintenance of proper chemical waste storage area, as well as handling, segregation, and regular disposal of general refuse. The contractors had taken actions to implement the recommended measures.

Based on updated contractors’ information, summary of construction waste generated in the reporting period is presented in Table 2.18.

There were no complaints, non-compliance of the WMP, contract-specific WMPs, statutory and contractual requirements that triggered Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.

Table 2.18: Construction Waste Statistics

 

C&D1 Material Stockpiled for Reuse or Recycle

(m3)

C&D Material Reused in the Project (m3)

C&D Material Reused in other Projects (m3)

C&D Material Transferred to Public Fill

(m3)

Chemical Waste

(kg)

Chemical Waste

(L)

General Refuse (tonne)2

Oct 20183

4,146

5,400

-

5,746

11,485

27,280

445

Nov 20183

3,107

3,719

1,238

9,440

180

9,440

519

Dec 20183

5,965

3,849

-

4,362

2,700

12,000

354

Total

13,218

12,968

1,238

19,548

14,365

48,720

1,318

 

Notes:

1.     C&D refers to Construction and Demolition.

2.     Figures are rounded off to the nearest tonne.

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

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. Additional theodolite tracking surveys for one day at SC station and two days at LKC station were conducted on a voluntary basis to collect supplementary information for the Project, such that a total of two tracking days at SC station and three tracking days at LKC station were conducted per month. The vessel survey transects followed the transect lines proposed in the Manual and are consistent with those used in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) long-term CWD monitoring programme. The transect locations of CWD monitoring by vessel line transect survey conducted from October to December 2018 are shown in Figure 2.3, whilst the land-based theodolite tracking survey stations are described in Table 2.19 and depicted in Figure 2.4. The location of the PAM device is shown in Figure 2.10.

Table 2.19: 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 2.20.

Table 2.20: 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 October to December 2018 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 1,345 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 91.8% 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 October to December 2018, there were a total of 42 sightings of CWDs, with 140 dolphins sighted (Table 2.21). Amongst the sightings of CWDs, 39 sightings with 128 dolphins were made during on-effort searches under favourable weather conditions.

When breaking down the sightings by survey areas, 12 sightings with 35 dolphins, 24 sightings with 89 dolphins and 5 sightings with 15 dolphins were recorded in NWL, WL and SWL survey areas respectively during the current reporting period. In addition, one CWD sighting consisting of a single individual was recorded in NEL survey area in October 2018, which was the second CWD sighting of NEL survey area for the CWD monitoring of 3RS Project after the first sighting made in August 2018. No CWD was sighted on AW transects.

Compared with the last quarter (i.e. July to September 2018), there is an overall observable decline in terms of both number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins (decreased by around 34% and 30% respectively). Both WL and SWL showed observable decline in terms of both number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins (WL: decreased by around 40% and 35% respectively; SWL: decreased by around 58% and 56% respectively). On the contrary, the number of CWD sighting in NWL remained similar to the last quarter and there was even an increase in terms of number of dolphins (i.e. increased by around 21%). The decrease in the number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins in the fourth quarter is primarily due to seasonal variation, making reference to previous AFCD marine mammals monitoring records, the third quarter has normally been the peak season for CWDs in Hong Kong (Figure 4.2 of the 3RS CWD Baseline Monitoring Report refers).

Compared with the same quarter of last year in 2017 (i.e. October to December 2017), there is an overall slight decrease of CWD records, in terms of both the number of sightings (about 11%) and the number of dolphins (about 17%). The decrease is most pronounced in NWL in terms of the number of dolphins (about a 44% decrease).

Table 2.21 below shows the comparison of the numbers of sightings and dolphins amongst the current reporting period, last quarter, and the same quarter of year 2017.

Table 2.21: 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

 

October to December 2017

July to September 2018

October to December 2018

NEL

0 (0)

1 (1)

1 (1)

NWL

13 (62)

11 (29)

12 (35)

AW

2 (10)

0 (0)

0 (0)

WL

24 (78)

40 (137)

24 (89)

SWL

8 (18)

12 (34)

5 (15)

Total

47 (168)

64 (201)

42 (140)

Note: Values in ( ) represent number of dolphins

The distribution of CWD sightings recorded from October to December 2018 is illustrated in Figure 2.5. In NEL, the single sighting was recorded on the second transect from the western side of the transect area within the Brothers Marine Park. In NWL, the majority of the sightings were located within and around SCLKCMP, particularly the northern part; a few CWD sightings were recorded in the southwestern corner of the survey area, while no CWD was sighted in close vicinity to the 3RS works area. In WL, CWD sightings were distributed across the entire survey area with more sightings recorded in the waters from Peaked Hill to Fan Lau. In SWL, CWD sightings were all towards the western side of the transect area. Details of the sighting data are presented in Appendix C.

Figure 2.5: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins from October to December 2018


Remarks: Please note that there are 42 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.

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 October, November and December 2018 are summarized in Table 2.22.

In this reporting period, both the monthly STG and ANI increased from October to November but then decreased substantially in December. The running quarterly STG and ANI encounter rates declined, although the Action Level (running quarterly STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35) was not triggered.

Compared with the previous reporting period, the running quarterly STG decreased from 4.82 to 3.16 and the ANI from 15.32 to 10.36, which is likely due to seasonal variation that, making reference to previous AFCD marine mammals monitoring records, where the third quarter has normally been the peak season for encountering CWDs as mentioned in the previous section. While comparing with the same quarter of last year (i.e. October to December 2017), both running quarterly STG and ANI in each month were lower than the same period in 2017, from 4.05 to 3.16 and 14.75 to 10.36 respectively. As there is no significant change in deployment of works vessels and barges in this quarter comparing with the previous reporting quarter and the same quarter of last year (although there were notably reduced ground improvement works barges operating in the period), there is no obvious relationship between 3RS marine works activities and the decrease of running quarterly encounter rates in this reporting period. It is also worth noting there was a rise in monthly STG and ANI levels recorded in November 2018 that contrasts significantly with the drop in both as recorded in November 2017.    

Table 2.22: 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

 

Oct 17

Nov 17

Dec 17

Jul 18

Aug 18

Sep 18

Oct 18

Nov 18

Dec 18

Monthly STG

4.54

2.07

5.33

5.04

4.48

4.97

3.07

4.85

1.67

Monthly ANI

16.02

6.82

20.77

13.86

15.67

16.26

8.97

14.28

8.10

Running Quarterly STG

5.90

4.09

4.05

3.74

4.66

4.82

4.19

4.29

3.16

Running Quarterly ANI

19.05

13.91

14.75

11.57

15.58

15.32

13.71

13.19

10.36

Note:    For detailed calculations of encounter rates STG and ANI, please refer to the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 34, 35 and 36.

Group Size

Between October and December 2018, the group size of CWD sightings ranged from 1 to 11 dolphins. The average group size of CWDs was 3.3 dolphins per group while that of the last quarter was 3.1, which is quite similar. The average group size of CWDs in this reporting quarter is slightly lower than that of the same quarter of last year (3.6 dolphins per group).

In this reporting quarter, the numbers of CWD sightings with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins) and medium group size (i.e. 3-9 dolphins) were the same. Amongst all 42 sightings, there were two sightings with large group size (i.e. 10 or more dolphins). These two large CWD groups were sighted in WL and SWL respectively. Sighting locations of CWD groups with different group sizes are depicted in Figure 2.6.

In NWL, medium-sized CWD groups tended to appear in the waters north to Lung Kwu Chau. In WL, CWD sightings with medium group size were scattered over the survey area while small-sized groups were mostly recorded around Peaked Hill. The larger CWD group encountered in WL was recorded in waters between Peaked Hill and Fan Lau. In SWL, all sightings were small-sized except for one large CWD group, and all these groups were restricted to western side of the survey area.

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

Remarks: Please note that there are 42 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.

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

During October to December 2018, 10 sightings of CWDs were recorded with feeding activities.  None of these sightings was observed in association with operating fishing boats.

The number of sightings with feeding recorded in the current reporting period is slightly lower when compared to the last reporting period (12 sightings involved feeding activities with no association with operating fishing boats from July to September 2018).

Compared with the data in the same quarter of last year, CWD sightings with feeding activities decreased by 4 sightings. 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


Mother-calf Pairs

From October to December 2018, 10 sightings of CWDs were recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted calf, mother-and-unspotted juvenile and/or mother-and-spotted juvenile, which is slightly fewer than the last reporting quarter (i.e. 11 sightings between July and September 2018). The number is higher than the same quarter of last year (i.e. 8 sightings between October and December 2017). These pairs were sighted in NWL, WL and SWL survey areas as shown in Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.8: Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs


Photo Identification

During October to December 2018, a total number of 62 different CWD individuals were identified altogether for 95 times. Re-sighting information of CWD individuals provides an initial idea of their range use and apparent connection between different areas around Lantau. Amongst these 62 different CWD individuals, 23 animals (i.e. NLMM004, NLMM006, NLMM013, NLMM015, NLMM018, NLMM023, NLMM063, SLMM003, SLMM007, SLMM014, SLMM028, SLMM053, WLMM001, WLMM028, WLMM029, WLMM056, WLMM060, WLMM065, WLMM071, WLMM078, WLMM079, WLMM114 and WLMM127) were sighted for more than once.

Seven individuals including NLMM063, SLMM014, SLMM028, WLMM001, WLMM060, WLMM071 and WLMM114 were re-sighted in different survey areas during this reporting period. Amongst these seven animals, NLMM063, SLMM028, WLMM060 and WLMM071 had cross-area movement between NWL and WL survey areas, whilst SLMM014, WLMM001 and WLMM114 had cross-area movement between WL and SWL. The most frequently re-sighted individual in this reporting quarter was WLMM001 which has been encountered in each month of the current reporting quarter for altogether 6 times. The number of re-sighted CWD individuals and the number of CWD individuals showing cross-area movement from October to December 2018 were both lower than the last reporting quarter.

A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 2.23. Representative photos of the 62 identified individuals and figures depicting the sighting locations of the aforementioned 23 re-sighted individuals recorded in this reporting period are presented Appendix C.

Table 2.23: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

Individual
ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

NLMM002

8-Oct-18

3

NWL

 

SLMM053

21-Dec-18

1

WL

NLMM004

8-Oct-18

4

NWL

 

 

 

2

WL

 

6-Nov-18

2

NWL

 

SLMM059

20-Nov-18

3

WL

NLMM006

8-Oct-18

5

NWL

 

SLMM067

4-Dec-18

1

SWL

 

6-Nov-18

2

NWL

 

WLMM001

24-Oct-18

2

WL

NLMM012

6-Nov-18

1

NWL

 

 

16-Nov-18

8

WL

NLMM013

8-Oct-18

5

NWL

 

 

4-Dec-18

1

SWL

 

6-Nov-18

2

NWL

 

 

20-Dec-18

1

WL

NLMM015

8-Oct-18

1

NWL

 

 

21-Dec-18

1

WL

 

 

3

NWL

 

 

 

2

WL

NLMM018

20-Nov-18

2

WL

 

WLMM007

16-Nov-18

8

WL

 

 

3

WL

 

WLMM018

20-Nov-18

4

WL

NLMM019

4-Oct-18

5

WL

 

WLMM019

8-Oct-18

1

NWL

NLMM020

4-Oct-18

5

WL

 

WLMM028

21-Dec-18

1

WL

NLMM023

5-Oct-18

1

NWL

 

 

 

2

WL

 

12-Nov-18

2

NWL

 

WLMM029

21-Dec-18

1

WL

NLMM037

6-Nov-18

2

NWL

 

 

 

2

WL

NLMM039

6-Nov-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM043

4-Oct-18

1

WL

NLMM040

8-Oct-18

3

NWL

 

WLMM056

24-Oct-18

1

WL

NLMM041

8-Oct-18

3

NWL

 

 

20-Nov-18

3

WL

NLMM043

5-Oct-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM060

4-Oct-18

5

WL

NLMM052

12-Nov-18

2

NWL

 

 

24-Oct-18

2

WL

NLMM058

8-Oct-18

1

NWL

 

 

12-Nov-18

1

NWL

NLMM059

12-Oct-18

1

NEL

 

WLMM063

16-Nov-18

3

WL

NLMM063

4-Oct-18

5

WL

 

WLMM065

4-Oct-18

1

WL

 

8-Oct-18

1

NWL

 

 

24-Oct-18

1

WL

 

 

3

NWL

 

WLMM069

4-Dec-18

1

SWL

NLMM068

6-Nov-18

2

NWL

 

WLMM071

4-Oct-18

5

WL

SLMM003

16-Nov-18

1

WL

 

 

24-Oct-18

2

WL

 

20-Nov-18

2

WL

 

 

12-Nov-18

1

NWL

SLMM007

24-Oct-18

2

WL

 

WLMM073

21-Dec-18

1

WL

 

16-Nov-18

1

WL

 

WLMM078

21-Dec-18

1

WL

SLMM010

4-Dec-18

1

SWL

 

 

 

2

WL

SLMM012

4-Dec-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM079

16-Nov-18

1

WL

SLMM014

21-Nov-18

1

SWL

 

 

 

8

WL

 

 

3

SWL

 

WLMM080

21-Dec-18

1

WL

 

4-Dec-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM089

5-Oct-18

1

NWL

 

21-Dec-18

2

WL

 

WLMM109

16-Nov-18

8

WL

SLMM019

4-Dec-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM114

4-Oct-18

3

WL

SLMM022

4-Dec-18

1

SWL

 

 

4-Dec-18

2

SWL

SLMM027

4-Oct-18

3

WL

 

WLMM119

24-Oct-18

2

WL

SLMM028

20-Nov-18

1

WL

 

WLMM125

20-Nov-18

3

WL

 

3-Dec-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM127

8-Oct-18

1

NWL

SLMM030

21-Dec-18

1

WL

 

 

 

2

NWL

SLMM034

21-Nov-18

2

SWL

 

 

6-Nov-18

2

NWL

SLMM037

20-Nov-18

2

WL

 

WLMM130

24-Oct-18

2

WL

SLMM044

4-Oct-18

5

WL

 

WLMM131

20-Nov-18

2

WL

SLMM052

16-Nov-18

1

WL

 

 

 

 

 

2.5.2.2            Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Survey Effort

During October to December 2018, a total of 15 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort were completed, including nine days on Lung Kwu Chau and six days on Sha Chau. In total, 31 CWD groups were tracked from the Lung Kwu Chau station while no CWD groups were tracked from the Sha Chau station, with an overall 0.34 CWD groups sighted per survey hour.

Information on survey effort and CWD groups sighted during land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 2.24. Details on the survey effort and CWD groups tracked are presented in Appendix C. The first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked between October and December 2018 are shown in Figure 2.9.

Table 2.24: 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

October 2018

Lung Kwu Chau

3

18:00

11

0.61

Sha Chau

2

12:00

0

0

TOTAL

5

30:00

11

0.37

November 2018

Lung Kwu Chau

3

18:00

12

0.67

Sha Chau

2

12:00

0

0

TOTAL

5

30:00

12

0.40

December 2018

Lung Kwu Chau

3

18:00

8

0.44

Sha Chau

2

12:00

0

0

TOTAL

5

30:00

8

0.27

OVERALL

15

90:00

31

0.34

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

Remarks: Please note that there are 31 green circles on the map indicating the first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked off Lung Kwu Chau. Some of them were very close to each other and therefore appear overlapped on this map.

2.5.2.3            Progress Update on PAM

An Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) has been deployed and positioned to the south of Sha Chau Island inside the SCLKCMP (Figure 2.10) with 20% duty cycle, while data from the EAR intended primarily to supplement the data collected from the land-based theodolite tracking survey station on Sha Chau. In this reporting period, the EAR has been retrieved on 16 October and 28 November 2018 for data collection and subsequently redeployed. The EAR deployment is generally for 6 weeks prior to data retrieval for analysis. 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 sand blanket laying and marine filling works, in which dolphin observers were deployed by each contractor in accordance with the Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP). Teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed at 12 to 18 dolphin observation stations by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by all contractors for ground improvement works (DCM works and PVD installation) and seawall construction in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers on the implementation of MMWP and DEZ monitoring were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with a cumulative total of 677 individuals being trained and the training records kept by the ET. Observations were recorded on DEZ monitoring in this reporting period during site inspection by the ET and IEC. The contractors had taken actions to implement the recommended measures. From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains or the 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 summarized in Section 2.6. 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      Environmental Site Inspection

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

During site inspections, environmental situation, status of implementation of pollution control and mitigation measures were observed. Environmental documents and site records, including waste disposal record, maintenance record of environmental equipment, and relevant environmental permit and licences, were also checked on-site. Observations were recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the contractor together with the appropriate recommended mitigation measures where necessary in order to advise contractors on environmental improvement, awareness and on-site enhancement measures. The observations were made with reference to the following information during the site inspections:

·         The EIA and EM&A requirements;

·         Relevant environmental protection laws, guidelines, and practice notes;

·         The EP conditions and other submissions under the EP;

·         Monitoring results of EM&A programme;

·         Works progress and programme;

·         Proposal of individual works;

·         Contract specifications on environmental protection; and

·         Previous site inspection results.

Good site practices were implemented in the project to enhance environmental performance. Key examples are highlighted here:

1.     In order to maximise the utilisation of public fill, sorting facilities were set up in Tseung Kwan O Fill Bank (TKOFB) in 2018.  AAHK is in close liaison with government departments on measures to facilitate the intake of the public fill material from TKOFB.  Another sorting facility is being set up in Tuen Mun Fill Bank to step up the use of public fill materials in reclamation works, with target commencement of operation in the first quarter of 2019.  With the setting up of more sorting facilities, AAHK aims to maximise the intake of suitable public fill materials in the 3RS project. Suitable C&D materials generated from other AAHK’s projects and local infrastructure projects are also being used as fill in reclamation works of 3RS Project.

 

2.     In December 2018, a contractor of DCM contract started using a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system combining high-resolution network cameras with high definition televisions (HDTV) and a management software to implement continuous DEZ monitoring instead of deploying dolphin observers on barges. The network cameras were fixed on DCM barges to overlook the DEZ, while dolphin observers monitored the live views of all DEZs at a work station in the site office comprising large HDTV displays. The weatherproof and high image quality cameras capture views of all DEZs for the monitoring by dolphin observers in daytime, night-time and even during adverse weather conditions. The CCTV system allows dolphin observers to control camera(s) for searching dolphin and to capture image from the live view whenever there is presence of suspected dolphin within or near the DEZ. The dolphin observers could inform the site supervision team immediately to instruct suspension of the works directly in the site office when dolphin was observed within the DEZ.

 

3.     From July 2018, the AAHK launched an Environmental Recognition Scheme for 3RS work contracts to promote environmental awareness and good environmental practices in construction sites. Four contractors have been awarded for their good environmental performance. The assessment criteria include site performance, environmental submissions, training effort to frontline staff, worker environmental awareness and outstanding environmental practices. Assessments were carried out in a quarterly basis.

 

Sorting facilities at TKOFB

Monitoring of DEZs through CCTV system by contractor

Environmental Recognition Scheme – effective dust suppression in tight work area and schedule environment

 

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

During the reporting period, implementation of recommended landscape and visual mitigation measures (CM1 – CM10) where applicable was monitored weekly in accordance with the Manual and no non-conformity was recorded. In case of non-conformity, specific recommendations will be made, and actions will be proposed according to the Event and Action Plan. The monitoring status is summarized in Appendix B.

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      Terrestrial Ecological Monitoring

Monthly ecological monitoring was carried out in October, November and December 2018 on Sheung Sha Chau Island in accordance with the Manual. No encroachment of any works upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the ardeids foraging at Sheung Sha Chau by the works were recorded during ecological monitoring. No signs of breeding or nursery activities were observed. At the HDD daylighting location, neither nest nor breeding activity of ardeids were found during the monthly ecological monitoring and weekly site inspections from October to December 2018. The site photos and location map regarding the ecological monitoring for HDD daylighting location and egretry area are provided in Appendix C for reference.

2.8      Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

In total, 2,663 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai / Macau were audited in the reporting period. The daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in the reporting period ranged between 86 and 102, which fell within the maximum daily cap number of 125.

The average speeds of all HSFs travelling through the Speed Control Zone (SCZ) ranged from 9.0 to 20.3 knots. Except two cases (one case on 06 November 2018 and one case on 18 December 2018), all HSFs travelled through the SCZ with average speed within 15 knots in compliance with the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan). For the case on 06 November 2018, ET reviewed the supplementary response provided by ferry operator and agreed the speeding was due to ferry operator fault.  For the case on 18 December 2018, ET’s investigation found that the deviation was due to giving way to a lot of fishing vessels.

Two ferry movements were recorded with minor deviations from the diverted route. Notices of deviation were sent to the ferry operators and the cases were investigated. The cases involved giving way to other vessels to ensure public safety, and the HSFs had returned to the normal route following the SkyPier Plan as soon as practicable after the incidents.

One ferry movement was recorded with deviations from the diverted route. The case involved a vessel suffering from serious rolling and pitching after failure of water jet pump, and the captain decided to finish the trip not via the SCZ to minimize travelling time and ensure safety. The summary of the SkyPier Plan monitoring result is presented in Graph 3.

Insufficient or no AIS data cases were received from some HSFs during the reporting period. After investigation, it was found that AIS data for the concerned ferries were missing due to signal interference as reported by the ferry operators after checking the condition of the AIS transponders. Vessel captains were requested to provide the radar track photos which indicated the vessels entered the SCZ through the gate access points and there was no speeding in the SCZ. Ferry operators’ explanations were accepted.

                                                                                                  

Graph 3: Summary of SkyPier High Speed Ferries Monitoring Results

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 Marine 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 endorsed 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 in the works area, entry from non-designated gates, and entering no-entry zones were identified. All the concerned captains were reminded by the contractor’s MTCC representative to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV.

A total of 5 skipper training workshops were held by ET during the reporting period with 18 concerned captains of construction vessels associated with the 3RS contracts to familiarise them with the predefined routes, general education on local cetaceans, guidelines for avoiding adverse water quality impact, the required environmental practices / measures while operating construction and associated vessels under the Project, and guidelines for operating vessels safely in the presence of CWDs. Another 11 skipper training workshops were held with 18 captains by contractors’ Environmental Officers and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET. It was observed that the number of deviation cases has gradually declined, which shows the reminders issued to and refresher training sessions provided by the Contractors had reinforced the skippers to follow the MTRMP-CAV requirements with improved performance.

2.10    Coral Post-Translocation Monitoring

In accordance with the approved Coral Translocation Plan (CTP), gorgonian corals suitable for translocation were translocated to the recipient site at Yam Tsai Wan (YTW), with translocation completed in January 2017. Since then the post-translocation monitoring programme has been undertaken and was completed in April 2018. Two additional monitoring surveys (beyond the CTP requirement) scheduled in October 2018 and April 2019 were proposed in the Detailed Coral Translocation Report. This quarterly report presents the results of the 7th post-translocation monitoring survey completed in October 2018 (Table 2.25 below).

Table 2.25: Summary of the 7th Post-Translocation Monitoring Survey

 

General Health Conditions (a)

% Change in Partial Mortality (b)(c)

Triggering Action Level(d)

Triggering Limit Level(e)

Seventh Round of Survey in October 2018

Control gorgonian corals (tagged)

0-3

(Average: 1.6)

<25% change for 0% of the tagged corals and 25% for 94% of the tagged corals

(Average PM: 71.1%)

No

No

Translocated gorgonian corals (tagged)

0-4

(Average: 2.2)

<25% change for 5% of the tagged corals and 25% for 95% of the tagged corals

(Average PM: 74.6%)

Notes:

(a)     General health conditions of coral were measured on an ordinal scale of 0 to 5 (0=dead, 5=very healthy).

(b)     The percentage change in partial mortality of the tagged translocated and control corals are both determined by comparing the partial mortality recorded during each post-translocation monitoring with reference to the partial mortality observed during the baseline conditions, as represented by the tagged coral survey results. As with previous Quarterly EM&A Reports, the partial mortality is calculated based on baseline total length of each colony.

(c)      Coral showing no change in partial mortality is not presented in this account.

(d)     As defined in the approved CTP, the Action Level is triggered if during monitoring a 15% increase in the percentage of partial mortality occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the original (control) corals at the recipient site.

(e)     As defined in the approved CTP, the Limit Level is triggered if during monitoring a 25% increase in the percentage of partial mortality occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the original (control) corals at the recipient site.

 

On 16 September 2018, one month prior to the survey, Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong with wind speeds up to 250 km/h. Many areas in Hong Kong including the recipient site were affected. As a result, two control coral colonies and 25 translocated coral colonies were lost. Therefore, only 18 control corals colonies and 60 translocated colonies were surveyed.

Based on the results of the 7th post-translocation monitoring, ≥25% change was recorded on 57 out of 60 translocated corals (95% of the tagged translocated coral colony that were surveyed). Similarly, ≥25% change was recorded on 17 out of 18 control corals (94% of the tagged control coral colony that were surveyed) and no change in PM was recorded on one control coral. The health condition ranged from 0 to 3 for control corals and 0 to 4 for translocated corals. Other than the coral colonies that have been swept away during typhoon Mangkhut, the coral colonies (both control and translocated) that remain at the site have shown similar partial mortality to those recorded in April 2018 showing that the condition of coral colonies appear to have stabilized. Action and Limit Levels were not triggered during this round of monitoring.

2.11    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

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

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints

Date of Complaint Received

Details

Analysis / Remedial Actions

Status

6 Nov 2018

A complaint was received on 6 Nov 2018 regarding dust nuisance from sand barges at Tuen Mun.

Investigation was conducted by the ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. The anonymous complainant did not provide any specific information (e.g. date, time, name of vessels) on the case. In recent months, only one contractor has deployed sand delivery vessels for 3RS Project, and photo records of implementation of dust mitigation measure, such as water spraying, were provided by the contractor. Considering that Tuen Mun Anchorage Area is one of the designated anchorage areas for all vessels in Hong Kong waters, including construction vessels of various construction projects. Based on the information provided by the complainant, there were no evidences suggesting that the Project’s sand delivery vessels caused dust nuisance to nearby residence at Tuen Mun. Nevertheless, ET will continue reminding all contractors to continue the implementation of dust mitigation measures and to conduct regular training for all frontline staff to avoid dust nuisance to the public. ET will also continue to monitor the implementation of dust mitigation measures.

Closed

3.2.2      Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

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

3.3     Cumulative Statistics

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

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring

 

 

Total No. Recorded in the Reporting Period

Total No. Recorded since the Project Commenced

1-hr TSP

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Noise

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Waste

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Water

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

CWD

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

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

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

Reporting Period

Cumulative Statistics

 

Non-compliance

Complaints

Notifications of Summons

Prosecutions

This reporting period

0

1

0

0

From 28 December 2015 to end of the reporting period

0

16

1

1


 

4        Conclusion and Recommendation

In this quarterly period from 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2018, the EM&A programme has been implemented as planned, including 96 sets of air quality measurements, 52 sets of construction noise measurements, 39 sets of water quality measurements, 6 complete sets of vessel line transect surveys and 15 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring, 3 rounds of terrestrial ecological monitoring, 1 set of additional coral post-translocation 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-side works. Reclamation works included DCM works, marine filling, seawall construction, laying of sand blanket, and PVD installation. Land-side works involved mainly foundation and substructure work for Terminal 2 expansion, modification and tunnel work for APM and BHS, and preparation work for utilities, with activities include site establishment, site office construction, road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition of existing facilities, piling, and excavation works.

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

For water quality, the water quality monitoring results for DO and total alkalinity obtained during the reporting period did not trigger their 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 turbidity, SS, chromium, and nickel, some of the testing results triggered the relevant Action or Limit Levels in the reporting period, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the cases were not due to the Project. To conclude, the construction activities in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.

In total, 2,663 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai / Macau were audited in the reporting period. Except the two cases (one case on 06 November 2018, and one case on 18 December 2018), all HSFs travelled through the SCZ with average speed within 15 knots in compliance with the SkyPier Plan. Three ferry movements had deviations from the diverted route during the reporting period, where two of them were minor deviations. ET investigated the deviation cases and confirmed that all of them were related to public safety or emergency situations.

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 five skipper training workshops were held by ET during the reporting period for captains of construction vessels associated with 3RS contracts. Another 11 skipper training workshops were held by contractors’ Environmental Officers and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET.

On the implementation of MMWP, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for laying of silt curtains for sand blanket and marine filling works in accordance with the plan. On the implementation of DEZ Plan, dolphin observers were deployed for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by the contractors for ground improvement works (DCM works and PVD installation) and seawall construction in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with the training records kept by the ET.  From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains or the DEZ in this reporting period. Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were also carried out by ET.

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



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