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

Construction Phase Annual EM&A Report No.7

July 2023

 

 

 


 

Contents

Executive summary

1       Introduction

1.1      Background

1.2      Scope of this Report

1.3      Project Organization

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         Monitoring Results

2.1.3         Conclusion

2.2      Noise Monitoring

2.2.1         Action and Limit Levels

2.2.2         Monitoring Results

2.2.3         Conclusion

2.3      Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1         Action and Limit Levels

2.3.2         Monitoring Results

2.3.3         Conclusions

2.4      Waste Monitoring

2.4.1         Action and Limit Levels

2.4.2         Summary of Monitoring Results

2.4.3         Marine Sediment Management

2.5      Chinese White Dolphins

2.5.1         Action and Limit Levels

2.5.2         Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5.3         Discussion on CWD Monitoring Results

2.5.4         Conclusions of CWD Monitoring Results

2.5.5         Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

2.6      Sewage Flow Monitoring

2.6.1         Brief Summary of the Agreed Method

2.6.2         Desk-Based Monitoring Result

2.7      Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

2.8      Environmental Site Inspection

2.9      Audit of the SkyPier High Speed Ferries

2.10     Audit of the Construction and Associated Vessels

2.11     External Stakeholder Engagement

2.11.1       Community Liaison Groups

2.11.2       Professional Liaison Group and Green Non-Governmental Organizations

2.11.3       Fishermen Liaison

2.11.4       Other Stakeholders

2.12     Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report

2.13     Key Environmental Issues for the Coming Reporting Period

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 10

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project 13

Table 1.3: Summary of Status for All Environmental Aspects under the Manual 15

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  18

Table 2.2: Percentage of Air Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  18

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Air Quality Monitoring  19

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  19

Table 2.5: Percentage of Noise Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  19

Table 2.6: General Weather Condition during Impact Noise Monitoring  20

Table 2.7: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring  21

Table 2.8: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  22

Table 2.9: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  23

Table 2.10: General Weather Condition and Sea Condition during Impact Water Quality Monitoring  23

Table 2.11: Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  23

Table 2.12: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  25

Table 2.13: Statistics of Construction Waste Generated in the Reporting Period  25

Table 2.14: Universal Treatment Standards for On-site Reuse of Sediment Treated by Cement Mixing and Stabilization  27

Table 2.15: Summary of Marine Sediment Testing Result for the Reclaimed Land Area with Ground Improvement 28

Table 2.16: Land-based Survey Station Details  31

Figure 2.17: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  31

Table 2.18: Summary of daily average flow at Sewage Pumping Station 1 (SPS1) 48

Table 2.19: Monitoring Programme for Landscape and Visual 48

Table 2.20: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual 49

Table 2.21: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary  49

Table 2.22: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees as of December 2022  51

Table 2.23: Summary of the Tree Status Changes between end 2021 and end 2022  52

Table 2.24: Summary of the Transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period  52

Table 2.25: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period 55

Table 2.26: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan  59

 

Figures

Figure 1.1

Locations of Key Construction Activities

Figure 2.1

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

Figure 2.2a

Water Quality Monitoring Stations (before 25 January 2022)

Figure 2.2b

Water Quality Monitoring Stations (on and after 25 January 2022)

Figure 2.3

Overall Sampling Grids for the Newly Reclaimed Area

Figure 2.4

The Backfilling Locations for Treated Marine Sediment

Figure 2.5

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

Figure 2.6

Land based Dolphin Monitoring in Baseline and Construction Phases

Figure 2.7

Location for Autonomous Passive Acoustic Monitoring

Figure 2.8

Schematic Diagram for Sewerage System Flow Monitoring

Figure 2.9

Sewerage System Collecting Sewage from Airport

 

 

Appendices

Appendix A

Contract Description

Appendix B

Project Organization Chart

Appendix C

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix D

Monitoring Results

Appendix E

Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring Results

Appendix F

Summary of Environmental Complaints and Cumulative Statistics on Exceedances, Notification of Summons, and Prosecution

Appendix G

Tree Schedule

 

 

Abbreviations

3RS

Three-Runway System

AAHK

Airport Authority Hong Kong

AECOM

AECOM Asia Company Limited

ABWF

Architectural, Builder's Work and Finishing Works

ACE

Advisory Council on the Environment

AFCD

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

AIS

Automatic Information System

ANI

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphins

APM

Automated People Mover

AW

Airport West

BHS

Baggage Handling System

C

Control

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CAR

Contamination Assessment Report

CDS

Conventional Distance Sampling

CLGs

Community Liaison Groups

COVID

Coronavirus Disease

CTP

Coral Translocation Plan

CWD

Chinese White Dolphin

CV

Coefficient of Variation

DCM

Deep Cement Mixing

DEZ

Dolphin Exclusion Zone

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

DPD

Detection Positive Days

DPM

Detection Positive Minutes

DPSE

Number of Dolphins per 100 Units of Survey Effort

EAR

Ecological Acoustic Recorder

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

EVT

Eastern Vehicular Tunnel

ET

Environmental Team

FCZ

Fish Culture Zone

HDD

Horizontal Directional Drilling

HKBCF

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

HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport

HOKLAS

The Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme

HSF

High Speed Ferry

HZMB

Hong-Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

IEC

Independent Environmental Checker

IM

Impact Station

LKC

Lung Kwu Chau

MCDS

Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling

MTCC

Marine Traffic Control Centre

MMHK

Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited

MMWP

Marine Mammal Watching Plan

MSS

Maritime Surveillance System

MTRMP-CAV

Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel

NEL

Northeast Lantau

NWL

Northwest Lantau

PAM

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

PM

Partial Mortality

PVD

Prefabricated Vertical Drain

RBRGs

Risk Based Remediation Goals

SC

Sha Chau

SCLKCMP

Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

SCZ

Speed Control Zone

SPSE

Number of On-effort Sightings per 100 Units of Survey Effort

SPS-1

Sewage Pumping Station 1

SR

Sensitive Receiver

SS

Suspended Solids

STG

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings

SWL

Southwest Lantau

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

T2

Terminal 2

T2C

Terminal 2 Concourse

TCLP

Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure

TCSPS

Tung Chung Sewage Pumping Station

TSP

Total Suspended Particulates

UCS

Unconfined Compressive Strength

WL

West Lantau

WMP

Waste Management Plan

WVT

Western Vehicular Tunnel


 

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 7th Construction Phase Annual 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 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Key Activities in the Reporting Period

Key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period were related to the following contracts:

Reclamation Works:

Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works

    Seawall construction; and

    Backfilling works.

Airfield Works:

Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway

    Cabling works; and

    Stockpiling.

Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works

    Construction of tunnel structure;

    Pipe and drainage diversion works;

    Excavation and lateral support systems installation;

    Utilities and backfilling works; and

    Stockpiling.

Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works

    Architectural, Builder's and Finishing works;

    Footing and utilities work;

    Excavation and concreting works;

    Piling work;

    Pavement work;

    Operation of asphalt plant; and

    Cable laying and ducting works.

Contract 3305 Airfield Ground Lighting System

    Cabling works;

    Network installation;

    Genset installation;

    Enhanced vehicular warning light hardware installation;

    Modification works;

    Rectification work for airfield ground lighting system; and

    Software development.

Contract 3306 Observation Facility Control System Supporting Interim 2RS and 3RS

    Equipment installation;

    Cabling works; and

    Installation of temporary site accommodation.

Contract 3307 Fire Training Facility

    Architectural, builder’s and finishing works;

    Excavation works;

    Building construction; and

    Drainage and utilities works.

Contract 3308 Foreign Object Debris Detection System

    Drilling of earthing and lightning pit;

    Lightning and earthing pits installation;

    Foreign Object Debris Tower installation;

    Cable laying, connection and termination works;

    Calibration and site acceptance test for foreign object debris detection sensor;

    Rectification work for handover sensor system; and

    Site formation.

Contract 3310 North Runway Modification Works

    Architectural, builder's work and finishing works;

    Land-based ground improvement works;

    Pre-boring;

    Excavation and footing construction;

    Seawall construction;

    Construction of columns, walls and slabs;

    Construction of stormwater drainage;

    Cutter soil mixing;

    Deep cement mixing;

    Sheet piles and pipe pile installation; and

    Backfilling works.

Third Runway Concourse:

Contract 3403 New Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works

    Architectural, builder's work and finishing works;

    Excavation;

    Steel frame and steel fence installation;

    Roofing installation and steel frame erection of covered walkway;

    Cladding;

    Drainage and ducting;

    Road works;

    Cabling works;

    Demolition works;

    Underground utilities construction; and

    Backfilling.

Contract 3404 Integrated Airport Control System

    Equipment installation;

    Console configuration and system setup;

    Cable laying; and

    System maintenance.

Contract 3405 Three Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works

    Excavation and backfilling;

    Road formation;

    Sheet piling and bored piling; and

    Structure works.

Contract 3408 Third Runway Concourse and Apron Works

    Site setup works;

    Excavation and lateral support works;

    Building construction; and

    Reinforced concrete works.

Terminal 2 (T2) Expansion:

Contract 3508 Terminal 2 Expansion Works

    Architectural, Builder's Work and Finishing works;

    Excavation and footing construction;

    Block wall construction;

    Viaduct pier construction;

    Pump station and electrical station construction;

    Temporary road construction;

    Bridge demolition;

    Tunnel boring machine mobilization;

    Piling works;

    Drainage works; and

    Backfilling.

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

Contract 3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line)

    Pull out test for guideway;

    Guidebeam installation; and

    Concreting work.

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

    Car modification;

    Concrete plinth and stitch construction;

    Contact grouting;

    Erection and fixing of power rail; and

    Erection of guide rail.

 

 

 

Baggage Handling System (BHS) Works:

Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System

    BHS installation.

Construction Support (Facilities):

Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works

    Laying of drainage pipes, ducts, road work, and water mains;

    Paving works;

    Road works;

    Watermain connection works; and

    Site clearance.

Contract 3723 Construction Support Facilities

    E&M installation;

    Internal ABWF works;

    Footing works;

    Reinforced concrete works;

    Clearance works;

    Operation of centralized power supply building; and

    Operation of sewage treatment plant.

Airport Support Infrastructure:

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

    Excavation;

    Parapet wall construction;

    U-channel and tunnel construction;

    Ventilation ducts construction;

    Walkway construction;

    Wall construction;

    Demolition works;

    Falseworks and formworks;

    Erection of scaffolding;

    Rebar fixing and formwork erection;

    Mass concreting;

    Box jacking operation; and

    Backfilling works.

Contract 3802 APM and BHS Tunnels and Related Works

    Excavation and lateral supports;

    Deep jet mixing;

    Demolition works;

    Fencing erection;

    Pipe pile and sheet pile works;

    Tunnel construction; and

    Wall and slab construction.

Contract 3804 East and Landside Fire Stations

    Site setup and formation works;

    Preparation works of bored pile; and

    Excavation.

Construction Support (Services / Licences):

Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility

    Material conveyor belt construction;

    Testing and commissioning for conveyor belt; and

    Operation of concrete batching plant, and material conveyor belt.

Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility

    Cement tube conveyor trial;

    Testing and commissioning for conveyor belt; and

    Operation of concrete batching plant and material conveyor belt.

Contract 3913 Asphalt Batching Plant

    Operation of asphalt batching plant.

 

EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period

 

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

Monitoring/ Audit Activities

Number of Sessions

Air Quality Monitoring

384

Noise Monitoring

208

Water Quality Monitoring

153

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

24

Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring

24

 

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

 

In accordance with Section 6.2.1.1 of the Manual, the methodology of annual sewage flow monitoring for the existing gravity sewer from the airport discharge manhole to Tung Chung Sewage Pumping Station (TCSPS) should be prepared and submitted to EPD one year before the scheduled commencement of operation of the proposed third runway. As such, the sewage flow monitoring methodology paper was prepared, submitted and subsequently approved by EPD on 21 June 2021. The annual sewage flow monitoring has also been started since June 2021. According to the daily flow monitoring record of Sewage Pumping Station 1 (SPS-1) located at the Airport from January to December 2022, the daily average flow ranged from 10,610 (m3/day) to 15,116 (m3/day), which were well below 80% of pipe full flow capacity of 53,395.2 m3/day as defined in Section 2.6.3 of the approved sewage flow monitoring methodology paper. As the purpose of the sewage flow monitoring is to inform the timing of commencement of planning for the sewer upgrading works and considering that AAHK has initiated to start planning its construction, the annual monitoring was completed in 2022.

Summary Findings of the EM&A Programme

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

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

One monitoring result of construction waste triggered the relevant Action Level, and the corresponding investigation was conducted as stipulated in the EM&A programme. Follow-up actions was carried out by ET and the related contractor, and the case was considered closed.

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

 

Summary Table

The Key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period are summarised as below:

 

Yes

No

Details

Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions

Breach of Limit Level^

 

No exceedance of project-related Limit Level was recorded.

Nil

Breach of Action Level^

 

A complaint regarding general refuse was received in this reporting period.

Follow-up actions have been made by ET and the related contractor, and the case was considered closed.

Complaints Received

 

Eleven complaints were received in 2022: 18 Feb, 22 Mar, 24 Mar, 25 Apr, 16 May, 28 Jun (2 complaints), 30 Jun, 3 Oct, 16 Nov and 19 Dec.

The complaint investigations were   carried out in accordance with the Complaint Management Plan. Details are presented in S3.2.1.

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

No notification of summons nor prosecution was received.

Nil

Changes that affect the EM&A

 

Starting from 25 Jan 2022, 6 water quality impact monitoring stations and 3 sensitive receiver stations were terminated, with the impact monitoring stations relocated back to their original locations and minor adjustment for one of the impact monitoring stations.

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 Manual[1] submitted under EP Condition 3.1. 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 hectares and all associated facilities and infrastructure including taxiways, aprons, aircraft stands, a passenger concourse, an expanded Terminal 2, all related airside and landside works and associated ancillary and supporting facilities. The existing submarine aviation fuel pipelines and submarine power cables also require diversion as part of the works. 

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

The summary of construction works programme can be referred to the corresponding Monthly EM&A Reports. Description of relevant contracts in the reporting period is presented in Appendix A.

1.2        Scope of this Report

This is the 7th Construction Phase Annual EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.  

1.3        Project Organization

The Project’s organization structure and the contact details of the key personnel are provided in Appendix B and Table 1.1 respectively.


 

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Project Manager’s Representative

(Airport Authority Hong Kong)

Principal Manager, Environmental Compliance, Sustainability

Lawrence Tsui

2183 2734

Environmental Team (ET)

(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Terence Kong

2828 5919

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Heidi Yu

2828 5704

Ken Wong

2828 5817

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

Independent Environmental Checker

Roy Man

 

3922 9141

 

Deputy Independent Environmental Checker

Jackel Law

3922 9376

 

Reclamation Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works

(ZHEC-CCCC-CDC Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Alan Mong

3763 1352

Environmental Officer

Zhang Bin Wang

3763 1451

 

Airfield Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway

(FJT-CHEC-ZHEC Joint Venture)

Deputy Project Director

Kin Hang Chung

9800 0048

Environmental Officer

Joe Wong

6182 0351

Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works

(China Road and Bridge Corporation)

Project Manager

 

Dickey Yau

5699 4503

Environmental Officer

Dennis Ho

5645 0563

Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works

(SAPR Joint Venture)

Project Manager

 

Andrew Keung

6277 6628

Environmental Officer

 

Gabriel Wong

6114 9590

Contract 3305 Airfield Ground Lighting System

(ADB Safegate Hong Kong Limited)

Project Manager

 

Allam Al-Turk

2944 9725

Environmental Officer

 

Ivan Ting

9222 9490

Contract 3306 Observation Facility Control System Supporting Interim 2RS and 3RS

(Chinney Alliance Engineering Limited)

Project Director

Dennis Yam

9551 9920

 

Environmental Officer

Richard Liu

9216 8990

 

Contract 3307 Fire Training

Facility

(Paul Y. Construction

Company Limited)

Project Manager

 

Ken Tang

9640 5397

Environmental Officer

Ferddy Leung

5585 6746

Contract 3308 Foreign Object Debris Detection System

(DAS Aviation Services Group)

Project Manager

 

Jeffrey Yau

9873 7422

Contract 3310

North Runway Modification Works

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

Project Manager

 

 

Kingsley Chiang

9424 8437

Environmental Officer

Federick Wong

9842 2703

 

Third Runway Concourse:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3402 New Integrated Airport Centres Enabling Works

(Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Wyman Lau

6112 9753

Health Safety Environmental Manager

Mike Leung

6625 2550

Contract 3403 New

Integrated Airport Centres

Building and Civil Works

(Sun Fook Kong

Construction Limited)

Project Manager

Alice Leung

9220 3162

Environmental Officer

Ray Cheung

9785 1566

Contract 3404 Integrated Airport Control System

(Shun Hing Systems Integration Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Andy Ng

 

9102 2739

Safety Officer

Keith Chau

9620 7515

Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works

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

Project Manager

 

Francis Choi

9423 3469

Environmental Officer

Jacky Lai

 

9028 8975

Contract 3408

Third Runway Concourse and Apron Works

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

Assistant Project Manager

Qian Zhang

 

 

 

5377 7976

Environmental Officer

Malcolm Leung

7073 7559

 

Terminal 2 (T2) Expansion Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3508 Terminal 2

Expansion Works

(Gammon Engineering &

Construction Company

Limited)

Project Manager

Richard Ellis

6201 5637

Environmental Officer

Fanny Law

6184 4650

 

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

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3601 New

Automated People Mover

System (TRC Line)

(CRRC Puzhen Bombardier

Transportation Systems

Limited and CRRC Nanjing

Puzhen Co., Ltd. Joint

Venture)

Project Manager

Hongdan Wei

158 6180 9450

Environmental Officer

H Y Yue

 

 

 

 

9185 8186

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

(Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kunihiro Tatecho

9755 0351

Environmental Officer

Y M Tong   

5316 9801

Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System (VISH Consortium)

Project Manager

 

K C Ho

9272 9626

Environmental Officer

 

Richard Ng

9802 9577

 

Construction Support (Facilities):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works

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

Site Agent

Thomas Lui

9011 5340

Environmental Officer

John Mak

6273 8703

Contract 3723

Eastern Support Area – Construction Support Facilities

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

Deputy Project Director

Philip Kong

 

 

9337 8700

Environmental Officer

Eddie Suen

6338 8862

Contract 3728 Minor Site Works

(Shun Yuen Construction Company Limited)

Contract Manager

C K Liu

9194 8739

Environmental Officer

Dan Leung

6856 5899

Contract 3733 Emergency Repair Service

(Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.)

 

Project Manager 

Michael Kan

 

9206 0550

Health Safety Environmental Manager

Mike Leung

6625 2550

 

Airport Support Infrastructure:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3801 APM and

BHS Tunnels on Existing

Airport Island

(China State Construction

Engineering (Hong Kong)

Ltd.)

Project Manager

 

 

 

Kingsley Chiang

9424 8437

Environmental Officer

 

 

 

Eunice Kwok

9243 1331

Contract 3802 APM and

BHS Tunnels and Related

Works

(Gammon Engineering &

Construction Company

Limited)

Project Manager

John Adams

6111 6989

Environmental Officer

Phoebe Ng

9869 1105

Contract 3804 East and Landside Fire Stations

(Beijing Urban Construction Group Company

Limited -

Beijing Urban Construction International Company Limited - Kin Shing

(Leung's)

General Contractors Ltd

Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Mr. Zhang Xianda

4661 6818

Environmental Officer

Ms. Kimberly Wong

5542 1669

 

 

Construction Support (Services / Licences):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3901A Concrete

Batching Facility (K. Wah

Concrete Company Limited)

Project Manager

Benedict Wong

9553 2806

Environmental Officer

C P Fung

9874 2872

Contract 3901B Concrete

Batching Facility (Gammon

Construction Limited)

Project Manager

 

 

Gabriel Chan

2435 3260

Environmental Officer

 

 

Rex Wong

2695 6319

Contract 3913 Asphalt Batching Plant

(SPR Joint Venture)

 

 

Project Manager

Xie Yi Sheng

6580 6005

Environmental Officer

Kenneth Chan

9300 2182

1.4        Contact Information for the Project

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

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project                            

Channels

Contact Information

Hotline

3908 0354

Email

env@3rsproject.com

Fax

3747 6050

Postal Address

Airport Authority Hong Kong

HKIA Tower

1 Sky Plaza Road

Hong Kong International Airport

Lantau

Hong Kong

Attn: Environmental Team Leader Mr Terence Kong

c/o Mr Lawrence Tsui (TRD)

 

 

 

1.5        Summary of Construction Works

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period are located in reclamation areas and existing airport island respectively. Works in the reclamation areas included excavation, road and cabling works, and construction of underground utilities for Terminal 2 Concourse (T2C), ground improvement works, DCM works, backfilling works, seawall, and facilities construction, together with runway and associated works such as box culvert construction, cable laying and ducting works etc. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works, excavation, footing, and piling works for Terminal 2 expansion, modification works for Automated People Mover (APM) and installation works for Baggage Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities include cabling, pipe and drainage diversion, ducting, excavation, and backfilling works.

Overall, the construction of the Third Runway was substantially completed in late May 2022. AAHK conducted a series of pre-operation drills and the new Integrated Airport Centre of HKIA  commenced operation in June 2022. After successful completion of related drills, the Third Runway commenced operation familiarisation on 8 July 2022 and was formally commissioned for operation with effect from 25 November 2022.

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

1.6        Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status for all environmental aspects is presented in Table 1.3.

 


 

Table 1.3: Summary of Status for All Environmental Aspects under the 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 results were 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 results were 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 results were reported in Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4.

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

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

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

Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring

At least four weeks

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

Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring

Three times per week until completion of DCM works.

In view of the resumption of DCM works, regular DCM monitoring was resumed since 11 January 2022. As of April 2022, the aforementioned marine-based DCM works were completed, hence the regular DCM monitoring was ceased at all monitoring stations starting from 28 April 2022 and would be resumed if there are marine-based DCM works in the coming future.

Sewerage and Sewage Treatment

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

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

The proposed methodology of the annual sewage flow monitoring was approved by EPD. The annual flow monitoring was completed in December 2022.

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

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

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

Waste Management

Waste Monitoring

At least weekly

On-going

Land Contamination

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

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

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

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR)

CAR to be submitted for golf course

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

CAR to be submitted for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems

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

Terrestrial Ecology

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

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

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

Ecological Monitoring

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

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

Marine Ecology

Pre-Construction Phase Coral Dive Survey

Prior to marine construction works

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

Coral Translocation

-

The coral translocation was completed on 5 January 2017.

Coral 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

Silt Curtain Deployment Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Spill Response Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

 

Taking into account the construction works in the reporting period, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, landscape and visual, and CWD were carried out in the reporting period.

The EM&A programme also involved weekly site inspections and related auditing conducted by the ET for checking the implementation of the required environmental mitigation measures as recommended in the approved EIA Report. To promote the environmental awareness and enhance the environmental performance of the contractors, environmental briefings, environmental trainings, and regular environmental management meetings were conducted during the reporting period which are summarized as below:

§  3 skipper trainings provided by ET;

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

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

The EM&A programme has been undertaken in accordance with the recommendations presented in the approved EIA Report and the Manual. Despite that, the implementation of the EM&A programme was slightly affected by various events in the reporting period. In view of the local COVID-19 pandemic situation, special work arrangement, such as working from home, was implemented among government departments in several periods to reduce the flow of people and social contacts in the community. Besides, inclement weather events including tropical cyclones, rainstorms, and thunderstorms were also affected the regular schedules for water quality monitoring and site inspections. 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 C.

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.

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        Monitoring Results

The graphical plots of impact air quality monitoring results during the reporting period are presented in Appendix D. Percentage of monitoring results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period are presented in Table 2.2.

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

AR1A

AR2

Jan 2022

100%

100%

Feb 2022

100%

100%

Mar 2022

100%

100%

Apr 2022

100%

100%

May 2022

100%

100%

Jun 2022

100%

100%

Jul 2022

100%

100%

Aug 2022

100%

100%

Sep 2022

100%

100%

Oct 2022

100%

100%

Nov 2022

100%

100%

Dec 2022

100%

100%

Overall

100%

100%

Note:

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

 

All monitoring results at AR1A and AR2 were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels.

General meteorological conditions throughout the impact monitoring period were recorded and summarized in Table 2.3.


 

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Air Quality Monitoring

Weather

Wind Direction

Jan – Mar 2022

Sunny to Drizzle

Northwest or Northeast

Apr – Jun 2022

Sunny to Drizzle

Southeast or South

Jul – Sep 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Southeast or Southwest

Oct – Dec 2022

Sunny to Drizzle

Northeast or Northwest

2.1.3        Conclusion

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

2.2        Noise Monitoring

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

2.2.1        Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit levels of the noise monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Action Level

Limit Level

NM1A

Man Tung Road Park

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

75 dB(A)

NM4

Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School

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

NM5

Village House in Tin Sum

75 dB(A)

NM6

House No. 1, Sha Lo Wan

75 dB(A)

Note:

 (i) The Limit Level for NM4 is reduced to 70dB(A) for being an educational institution. During school examination period, the Limit Level is further reduced to 65dB(A).

2.2.2        Monitoring Results

The graphical plots of impact noise quality monitoring results during the reporting period are presented in Appendix D. Percentage of monitoring results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period are presented in Table 2.5.

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

 

NM1A

NM4

NM5

NM6

Jan 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Feb 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Mar 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Apr 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

May 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Jun 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Jul 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Aug 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Sep 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Oct 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nov 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Dec 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Overall

100%

100%

100%

100%

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

 

No complaints were received from any sensitive receiver that triggered the Action Level.

General weather conditions throughout the impact monitoring period were recorded and summarized in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6: General Weather Condition during Impact Noise Monitoring

Weather

Jan – Mar 2022

Sunny to Drizzle

Apr – Jun 2022

Sunny to Drizzle

Jul – Sep 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Oct – Dec 2022

Sunny to Drizzle

2.2.3        Conclusion

Major sources of noise dominating the monitoring stations observed during the construction noise impact monitoring were road traffic noise near NM1A, school activities at NM4, and aircraft noise near NM6 during the reporting period. As the sensitive receivers were far away from the construction activities, with the implementation of noise control measures, there was no adverse impact at the sensitive receivers attributable to the works of the Project.

2.3        Water Quality Monitoring

Impact water quality monitoring of the Project commenced on 4 Aug 2016. The monitoring was conducted three days per week, at mid-ebb and mid-flood tides, at 23 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 12 impact (IM) stations, 8 sensitive receiver (SR) stations, and 3 control (C) stations in the vicinity of the water quality sensitive receivers around the existing airport island in accordance with the Manual. The purpose of water quality monitoring at the IM stations is to promptly capture any potential water quality impacts from the Project before the impacts could become apparent at sensitive receivers (represented by the SR stations). With the resumption of DCM works, the regular DCM monitoring was conducted from 11 January 2022 onwards. As of April 2022, the aforementioned marine-based DCM works were completed, hence the regular DCM monitoring was ceased at all monitoring stations starting from 28 April 2022. In view of the progress of 3RS land formation with majority of seawall completion, reduction of IM and SR stations for impact water quality monitoring was proposed to EPD with approval granted on 22 December 2021. The reduction of IM and SR stations was effective from 25 January 2022, in which the remaining IM stations were relocated back to their original locations according to coordinates provided in Table 5.2 of the Updated EM&A Manual, with slight modifications to the location of IM2. After the reduction of monitoring stations, there was a total of 14 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 6 impact (IM) stations, 5 sensitive receiver (SR) stations and 3 control (C) stations. Table 2.7 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.2a shows the locations of the monitoring stations before the reduction of IM and SR stations, and Figure 2.2b shows the locations of the remaining monitoring stations on and after 25 January 2022.

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

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Parameters

 

 

Easting

Northing

 

 

 

Before 25 Jan 2022

After 25 Jan 2022

Before 25 Jan 2022

After 25 Jan 2022

 

C1

Control Station

804247

804247

815620

815620

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

DCM Parameters

Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)

C2

Control Station

806945

806945

825682

825682

C3(3)

Control Station

817803

817803

822109

822109

IM1(8)

Impact Station

807132

806458

817949

818351

IM2(8)

Impact Station

806166

806236

818163

819183

IM3(7)

Impact Station

805594

N/A

818784

N/A

IM4(7)

Impact Station

804607

N/A

819725

N/A

IM5(7)

Impact Station

804867

N/A

820735

N/A

IM6(7)

Impact Station

805828

N/A

821060

N/A

IM7(8)

Impact Station

806835

806835

821349

821349

IM8(7)

Impact Station

808140

N/A

821830

N/A

IM9(7)

Impact Station

808811

N/A

822094

N/A

IM10(8)

Impact Station

809794

809838

822385

822240

IM11(8)

Impact Station

811460

810545

822057

821501

IM12(8)

Impact Station

812046

811519

821459

821162

SR1A(1)

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

812660

812660

819977

819977

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

SR2

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

814166

814166

821463

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

807571

822147

822147

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

SR4A

Sha Lo Wan

807810

807810

817189

817189

SR5A(7)

San Tau Beach SSSI

810696

N/A

816593

N/A

SR6A(5) (7)

Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI

814739

N/A

817963

N/A

SR7(7)

Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)

823742

N/A

823636

N/A

SR8(6)

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

811623

811623

820390

820390

Notes:

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

(2)   Details of selection criteria for the two heavy metals for early regular and 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 IM / 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 (i.e. Nickel and Chromium) results are collected at SR2 as a control station for regular DCM monitoring.

(5)   As the access to SR6 was obstructed by the construction activities and temporary structures for Tung Chung New Town Extension, the monitoring location was relocated to SR6A starting from 8 August 2019.

(6)      The monitoring station for SR8 is subject to future changes due to silt curtain arrangements and the progressive relocation of this seawater intake.

(7)      In view of the progress of 3RS land formation with majority of seawall completion, these monitoring stations for impact water quality monitoring were terminated from 25 January 2022 onwards.

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

 

2.3.1        Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are presented in Table 2.8. The control and impact stations during flood tide and ebb tide for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring are presented in Table 2.9. The weather and sea conditions during the reporting period were recorded and are summarized in Table 2.10.

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

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

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

(excluding SR1A & SR8)

General Water Quality Monitoring

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

Surface and Middle

4.5 mg/l

Surface and Middle

4.1 mg/l

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

Bottom

3.4 mg/l

Bottom

2.7 mg/l

Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/l

23

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

37

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

Turbidity in NTU

22.6

36.1

Regular DCM Monitoring(6)

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 the 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 (i.e. Nickel and Chromium) for early regular and 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 2.9: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

Control Station

Impact Stations

Flood Tide

 

C1

IM1, IM2, IM3(2), IM4(2), IM5(2), IM6(2), IM7, IM8(2), SR3

SR2 (1)

IM7, IM8(2), IM9(2), IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR3, SR4A, SR5A(2), SR6A(2), SR8

Ebb Tide

 

C1

SR4A, SR5A(2), SR6A(2)

C2

IM1, IM2, IM3(2), IM4(2), IM5(2), IM6(2), IM7, IM8(2), IM9(2), IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR2, SR3, SR7(2), SR8

Notes:

(1)     As per findings of Baseline Water Quality Report, the control reference was changed from C3 to SR2 from 1 September 2016 onwards.

(2)     The general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring at IM3, IM4, IM5, IM6, IM8, IM9, SR5A, SR6A & SR7 were terminated from 25 January 2022 onwards.      

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

Weather

Sea Condition

Jan – Mar 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Apr – Jun 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Jul – Sep 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Oct – Dec 2022

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

2.3.2         Monitoring Results

Percentage of monitoring results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period are presented in Table 2.11. It should be noted that Hong Kong was under the effect of tropical cyclones from 1 to 2 July, 24 to 25 August, 17 to 18 October, and 1 to 3 November 2022 respectively, and the water quality monitoring results during the said periods might be affected by the inclement weather.

Table 2.11: Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels

 

General Water Quality Monitoring

Regular DCM Monitoring

DO

(Surface and Middle)

DO

(Bottom)

SS

Turbidity

Alkalinity

Chromium

Nickel

 

Jan 2022

100%

100%

98.9%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 

Feb 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 

Mar 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 

Apr 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 

May 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

-

-

-

 

Jun 2022

100%

98.6%

99.6%

100%

-

-

-

 

Jul 2022

97.5%

87.3%

100%

100%

-

-

-

 

Aug 2022

100%

99.5%

100%

100%

-

-

-

 

Sep 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

-

-

-

 

Oct 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

-

-

-

 

Nov 2022

100%

100%

99.6%

100%

-

-

-

 

Dec 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

-

-

-

 

Overall

99.8%

98.8%

99.8%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 

Note:

The percentages are calculated by dividing the number of depth-averaged results within their corresponding Action and Limit Level by the total number of depth-averaged results.

 

The monitoring results for turbidity, total alkalinity, chromium and nickel obtained in the reporting period were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels.

For DO and SS, some of the testing results triggered the corresponding Action or Limit Levels in the reporting period. Investigations were conducted accordingly and the details were presented in the corresponding Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Reports. The status of each water quality parameter collected in the reporting period are presented graphically in Appendix D. Some of these cases were recorded at monitoring stations located upstream of the Project based on dominant tidal flow and were considered not affected by the Project. Based on respective investigation findings, cases triggering Action or Limit Level were found not related to the Project.

2.3.3        Conclusions

During the reporting period, it was noted that the vast majority of monitoring results (from 98.8% for DO (Bottom), 99.8% for DO (Surface and Middle) and SS, to 100% for turbidity, total alkalinity, chromium and nickel as presented in Table 2.11) were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while only a minor number of results triggered their corresponding Action or Limit Level, and investigations were conducted. Based on the findings of the investigations presented in the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Reports for 2022, all results that triggered the corresponding Action or Limit Level were not related to the Project. Therefore, the Project did not cause adverse impact at the water quality sensitive receivers. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan were followed. These cases were considered to be due to natural fluctuation or other sources not related to the Project.

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

2.4        Waste Monitoring

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

2.4.1        Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels of the construction waste are provided in Table 2.12.

Table 2.12: 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 on all works contracts were carried out by the ET in the reporting period to check and monitor the implementation of proper waste management practices.

Recommendations made included provision and maintenance of proper chemical waste storage area, as well as proper handling, segregation, and regular disposal of general refuse. Paper, plastics, and metals were recycled in the reporting period. The contractors implemented the recommended measures to improve waste management issues. Waste management audits were carried out by ET according to the requirement of the WMP, the Manual, and the implementation schedule of the waste management mitigation measures in Appendix C.

The construction waste generated in the reporting period is summarized in Table 2.13.

Table 2.13: Statistics of Construction Waste Generated in the Reporting Period

 

Construction and Demolition Material Stockpiled for Reuse or Recycle(1)

(m3)

Construction and Demolition Material Reused in the Project(2)  

(m3)

Construction and Demolition Material Reused in other Projects(2)  

(m3)

Construction and Demolition Material Transferred to Public Fill

(m3)

Chemical Waste

(kg)

Chemical Waste

(L)

               

General Refuse

(tonne)

Jan 2022

53,747

13,880

9,741

6,668

400

1,800

4,274

Feb 2022

       32,167

55,997

582

3,219

0

0

2,405

Mar 2022

52,788

14,390

957

5,867

0

2,800

1,901

Apr 2022

71,732

25,394

1,181

13,597

0

2,800

1,892

May 2022

73,565

24,722

938

8,313

20

0

3,358

Jun 2022

34,177

42,844

1,211

10,305

1,000

0

2,679

Jul 2022

44,288

33,586

1,125

11,485

0

0

1,953

Aug 2022

19,018

74,991

1,998

9,006

0

0

1,915

Sep 2022

7,051

92,604

1,207

5,452

240

3,800

1,857

Oct 2022

1,358

3,122

6,524

6,009

1,100

2,800

2,108

Nov 2022

1,364

1,667

745

5,515

210

0

2,493

Dec 2022

1,687

0

676

6,799

800

2,000

2,503

Total

392,942

383,200

26,890

92,235

3,770

16,000

29,337

Notes:

1.     The excavated materials were temporarily stored at stockpiling area and will be reused in the Project.

2.     According to latest update by Contractor, the values in Construction and Demolition Material Reused in the Projects and Construction and Demolition Material Reused in other Projects in 2022 are updated.

3.     Figures are rounded off to the nearest tonne.

 

A complaint regarding general refuse was received on 18 February 2022. This complaint triggered the relevant Action Level, and the corresponding investigation was subsequently conducted in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. The summary of this complaint and analysis can be found in Appendix F. On the other hand, there were no non-compliance of the WMP, contract-specific WMPs, statutory and contractual requirements that triggered Action and Limit Levels in this reporting period.

2.4.3        Marine Sediment Management

Marine sediment was managed according to the EIA Report, Updated EM&A Manual and WMP and the proposal of Further Development on Treatment Level / Details and the Reuse Mode for Marine Sediment (hereinafter referred to as “Further Development Proposal”) of the Project. Based on EIA requirements, marine sediments would be treated using cement mixing and stabilisation/solidification method. All these treated sediments would be reused on-site as backfilling materials. The sampling process, storage conditions of the excavated marine sediment, treatment process, final backfilling location as well as associated records were inspected and checked by ET and verified by IEC to ensure they were in compliance with the requirements as stipulated in the WMP and Further Development Proposal.

2.4.3.1     Reclaimed Land Area with Ground Improvement Works by Deep Cement Mixing

With reference to the Further Development Proposal approved on 17 January 2020, the marine sediment generated from the areas with ground improvement works of the 3RS Project was treated in-situ with cement by DCM, and the excavated materials would be reused on-site without disposal to sea, it was considered more appropriate to have the excavated materials tested against Risk Based Remediation Goals (RBRGs). Therefore, as an alternative to the testing arrangement presented in the 3RS EIA Report, the assessment approach provided in the EPD’s Practice Guide for Investigation and Remediation of Contaminated Land (hereafter referred to as “Practice Guide”) was adopted and the quality of excavated marine sediment was assessed against the most stringent RBRG limits (for Rural Residential Land Use) for eight heavy metals including Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Zinc and Copper.

If the testing results were below the RBRGs limits, no further environmental treatment would be required for the marine sediment materials excavated from the sampling grid. However, geotechnical treatment might require for marine sediment to improve the quality as backfilling materials. If there was RBRGs exceedance in a particular heavy metal at a certain sampling depth, only excavated sediment material from such sampling depth of the concerned sampling grid, would undergo further cement stabilization, before testing against the Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) limit of the concerned heavy metal (heavy metal parameter exceeded RBRGs) before reuse. For TCLP limits, please refer to Table 2.14 (Table 4.6 of the Practice Guide). The excavated sediment materials from such sampling depth with exceedance of RBRGs, would be tested against Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) after treatment. The UCS was defined based on respective engineering requirements. The testing frequency for TCLP was the same as that described in Section 10.5.1.14 of the approved EIA Report, i.e. one sample per 50 m3 for the first 1,000 m3 batch of excavated sediment materials. Provided that the samples meet the TCLP limit(s), the subsequent testing frequency would be reduced to be at least two samples per 10,000 m3 batch. In the event that the required level was not achieved, the concerned whole batch should be crushed and the material would be further handled and treated as necessary. The testing frequency should be revised to one sample per 50 m3 batch (with two further samples kept for contingency) and treated samples should be taken for laboratory testing. Once the concerned heavy metal complied with the particular TCLP limit, the previous sampling frequency of at least two samples per 10,000 m3 batch should be resumed.

Table 2.14: Universal Treatment Standards for On-site Reuse of Sediment Treated by Cement Mixing and Stabilization

Parameters(1)(2)

    TCLP Limit (mg/L)

Arsenic

5

Cadmium

0.11

Total Chromium

0.6

Lead

0.75

Mercury

0.025

Nickel

11

Zinc

4.3


Notes:

1.    Universal Treatment Standard – US 40 CFR 268.48

2.    For copper, it must be reduced by at least 90% in mobility for copper through cement stabilization/solidification remedial treatment. The reduction of mobility of copper (leachable metals contaminant) should be confirmed through TCLP tests (i.e. to carry out TCLP test for the untreated sediment and for the sediment after treatment and to compare the concentrations of copper in the leachates).

 

A sampling grid size of 100 m x 100 m was adopted for locating sampling points for areas where marine sediment to be excavated from the newly reclaimed area. One marine sediment sample was taken if the depth of marine sediment to be excavated was less than or equalled to 3 m. If the depth of marine sediment to be excavated was less than or equalled to 6 m, a sample was taken from the depth of 0 - 3 m, and 3 - 6 m. If the marine sediment to be excavated was more than 6 m, a sample was taken from three different depths including one in the depth of 0 - 3 m, 3 - 6 m, and 6 m to the bottom of the marine sediment to be excavated. All above testing should be carried out by HOKLAS laboratory, and the results were checked by ET and IEC.

The tentative location of sampling grids where marine sediment is to be excavated from the newly reclaimed area land was presented in Appendix A of the Further Development Proposal. Figure 2.3 shows all the sampling grids covering all the potential areas where marine sediment was excavated from the newly reclaimed land up to the end of the reporting period. The sampling grid for each area is denoted by specific colour, the sampling grids with light green and light red shaded represent all sampling layer(s) passed RBRGs limit(s) and sampling layer(s) with parameter(s) exceeding RBRGs limit(s), respectively. Details of sampling ID and sampling depths are also presented in each sampling grid. The number of grids for sampling for each area, the number of grids with pass and fail of the RBRGs results, the number of grids with marine sediment not encountered within the final excavation level and the number of grids to be sampled in future reporting period are all summarised in Table 2.15.

Table 2.15: Summary of Marine Sediment Testing Result for the Reclaimed Land Area with Ground Improvement

Sampling Area

Western Vehicular Tunnel

Eastern Vehicular Tunnel

Airport North Fire Station

Terminal 2 Concourse

APM/BHS Tunnel and Ancillary Building with Piled Foundation

Grid Sampling and Testing

Total No. of Grids for Areas where Marine Sediment was Excavated

(a)+(b)+(c)

15

11

1

36

33

No. of Grids with “Pass” RBRGs Results (a)

15

8

1

34

29

No. of Grids with “Fail” RBRGs Results (b)

0

0

0

2

3

No. of Grids with marine sediment not encountered within the final excavation level (c)

0