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

Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.15 (For March 2017)

April 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

Executive Summary

1      Introduction

1.1    Background

1.2    Scope of this Report

1.3    Project Organisation

1.4    Summary of Construction Works

1.5    Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

2      Air Quality Monitoring

2.1    Monitoring Stations

2.2    Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

2.3    Monitoring Equipment

2.4    Monitoring Methodology

2.4.1     Measuring Procedure

2.4.2     Maintenance and Calibration

2.5    Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

3      Noise Monitoring

3.1    Monitoring Stations

3.2    Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

3.3    Monitoring Equipment

3.4    Monitoring Methodology

3.4.1     Monitoring Procedure

3.4.2     Maintenance and Calibration

3.5    Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

4      Water Quality Monitoring

4.1    Monitoring Stations

4.2    Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

4.2.1     Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

4.3    Monitoring Equipment

4.4    Monitoring Methodology

4.4.1     Measuring Procedure

4.4.2     Maintenance and Calibration

4.4.3     Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

4.5    Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

4.5.1     Summary of Monitoring Results

4.5.2     Summary of Findings for Investigation of Exceedances

5      Waste Management

5.1    Monitoring Requirements

5.2    Waste Management Status

6      Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

6.1    CWD Monitoring Requirements

6.2    CWD Monitoring Transects and Stations

6.2.1     Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

6.2.2     Land-based Theodolite Tracking

6.3    CWD Monitoring Methodology

6.3.1     Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

6.3.2     Photo Identification

6.3.3     Land-based Theodolite Tracking

6.4    Monitoring Results and Observations

6.4.1     Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

6.4.2     Photo Identification

6.4.3     Land-based Theodolite Tracking

6.5    Progress Update on Passive Acoustic Monitoring

6.6    Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

6.7    Timing of Reporting CWD Monitoring Results

6.8    Summary of CWD Monitoring

7      Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

7.1    Environmental Site Inspection

7.2    Audit of Route Diversion and Speed Control of the SkyPier High Speed Ferries

7.3    Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

7.4    Implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone

7.5    Ecological Monitoring

7.6    Status of Submissions under Environmental Permits

7.7    Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

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

7.8.1     Complaints

7.8.2     Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

7.8.3     Cumulative Statistics

8      Future Key Issues and Other EIA & EM&A Issues

8.1    Construction Programme for the Coming Reporting Period

8.2    Key Environmental Issues for the Coming Reporting Period

8.3    Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Reporting Period

9      Conclusion and Recommendation

 

 

Tables

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel 4

Table 1.2: Summary of status for all environmental aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual 6

Table 2.1:  Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  8

Table 2.2:  Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP  8

Table 2.3:  Air Quality Monitoring Equipment 8

Table 2.4: Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results  9

Table 3.1: Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  10

Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise  10

Table 3.3: Noise Monitoring Equipment 11

Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results  12

Table 4.1: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring  13

Table 4.2: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  14

Table 4.3: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  15

Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment 15

Table 4.5: Other Monitoring Equipment 15

Table 4.6: Laboratory Measurement/ Analysis of SS and Heavy Metals  17

Table 4.7: Summary of Turbidity Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Flood Tide) 17

Table 4.8: Summary of Findings from Investigations of Turbidity Exceedances during Mid-Flood Tide  18

Table 4.9: Summary of SS Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Ebb Tide) 19

Table 4.10: Summary of SS Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Flood Tide) 19

Table 4.11: Summary of Findings from Investigations of SS Exceedances during Mid-Flood Tide  20

Table 4.12: Summary of Nickel Compliance Status at IM Stations (Mid-Flood Tide) 21

Table 4.13: Summary of Findings from Investigations of Nickel Exceedances during Mid-Flood Tide  22

Table 5.1: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  23

Table 6.1: Derived Values of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  24

Table 6.2: Coordinates of Transect Lines in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL Survey Areas  25

Table 6.3: Land-based Survey Station Details  26

Table 6.4: Comparison of CWD Encounter Rates of the Whole Survey Area with Action Levels  30

Table 6.5: Summary of Photo Identification  31

Table 6.6: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking  31

Table 7.1: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan  35

Table 7.2: Status of Submissions under Environmental Permit 37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figures

Figure 1.1- 1.2

Key Construction Areas in this reporting period

Figure 2.1

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

Figure 3.1

Figure 6.1

Figure 6.2

Figure 6.3

Figure 6.4


Figure 6.5

 

Figure 7.1

Locations of Water Quality Monitoring Stations 

Vessel based Dolphin Monitoring Transects in Baseline Monitoring

Land based Dolphin Monitoring in Baseline and Construction Phases

Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

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

Location for Autonomous Passive Acoustic Monitoring in Baseline and Construction Phases

Duration of the SkyPier HSFs travelled through the SCZ for 1 – 31 March 2017

 

Appendices

 

 

 

 

Appendix A

Contract Description

Appendix B

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix C

Monitoring Schedule

Appendix D

Monitoring Results

Appendix E

Status of Environmental Permits and Licences

Appendix F

Cumulative Statistics on Exceedances, Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions

Appendix G

Data of SkyPier HSF Movements to/from Zhuhai and Macau (between 1 and 31 March 2017)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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 15th Construction Phase Monthly 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 to 31 March 2017.

Key Activities in the Reporting Period  

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included five deep cement mixing (DCM) contracts, an advanced works contract and a reclamation contract. The DCM contracts involved DCM works and trials, site office establishment, laying of geotextile and sand blanket; the advanced works contract involved horizontal directional drilling (HDD) works and pipeline supporting works; and the reclamation contract involved site office establishment and laying of sand blanket.

EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period

The monthly EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with Manual of the Project. During the reporting period, the ET conducted 36 sets of construction dust measurements, 24 sets of construction noise measurements, 13 events of water quality measurements, one round of terrestrial ecology monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau Island, two complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys and five days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) monitoring and waste monitoring.

Weekly site inspections of the construction works were carried out by the ET to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. Bi-weekly site inspections were also conducted by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC).  Observations have been recorded in the site inspection checklists and provided to the contractors together with the appropriate follow-up actions where necessary. 

On the implementation of Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP), silt curtains were in place by the contractors for sand blanket laying works and dolphin observers were deployed in accordance with the Plan. On the implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for DCM works 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 DEZs in this reporting month. Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were also carried out by the ET. 

On the implementation of the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan), the daily movements of all SkyPier high speed ferries (HSFs) in March 2017 were in the range of 85 to 94 daily movements, which are within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements. A total of 860 HSF movements under the SkyPier Plan were recorded in the reporting period. All HSFs had travelled through the Speed Control Zone (SCZ) with average speeds under 15 knots (6.1 to 14.2 knots), which were in compliance with the SkyPier Plan.  One ferry movement with minor deviation from the diverted route is under investigation by ET. The investigation result will be presented in the next monthly EM&A report. In summary, the ET and IEC have audited the HSF movements against the SkyPier Plan and conducted follow up investigation or actions accordingly.

On the implementation of the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel (MTRMP-CAV), the upgraded Marine Surveillance System (MSS) was launched in March 2017. The MSS automatically recorded the deviation case such as speeding, entering no entry zone, not traveling through the designated gate.  ET conducted cross checking with construction and associated vessel records provided by the contractors to ensure the MSS records all deviation cases accurately. Training has been provided for the concerned skippers to facilitate them in familiarising with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. 3-month rolling programmes for construction vessel activities were also received from contractors. ET reminded contractors that all vessels shall avoid entering the Brothers Marine Park, which has been designated since 30 December 2016.

 Results of Impact Monitoring

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

No exceedance of the Action or Limit Levels in relation to the construction dust, construction noise, construction waste and CWD monitoring was recorded in the reporting month. 

The water quality monitoring results for DO, total alkalinity, and chromium obtained during the reporting period were in compliance with their corresponding Action and/or Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme if being exceeded. For turbidity, SS and nickel, some of the testing results exceeded the relevant Action or Limit Levels, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the exceedances were not due to the Project.

The monthly terrestrial ecology monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau Island observed that HDD works were conducted at the daylighting location and there was no encroachment upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the egrets at Sheung Sha Chau by the works. At the HDD daylighting location, neither nest or breeding activity of bird were found during the monthly ecological monitoring and weekly site inspection in the reporting month.

Summary of Upcoming Key Issues

Key activities anticipated in the next reporting period for the Project will include the following:

Advanced Works:

Contract P560 (R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works

    HDD works; and

    Stockpiling of excavated materials from HDD operation.

Contract 3212 11kV Submarine Cable Diversion

    Forming of marine approach trench; and

    Cable laying.

DCM Works:

Contract 3201 to 3205 DCM Works

    Laying of geotextile and sand blanket;

    Site office establishment; and

    DCM works and trials.

Reclamation Works:

Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works

    Site office establishment; and

    Laying of sand blanket.

The key environmental issues will be associated with construction dust, construction noise, water quality, construction waste management and CWD. The implementation of required mitigation measures by the contractor will be monitored by the ET.

IMG_0626

IMG-20170410-WA0004

Ecological Monitoring

Dolphin Observer Training

Toolbox Talk Training to Site Staff by Contractor

Summary Table

The following table summarizes the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 March 2017:

 

Yes

No

Details

Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions

Exceedance of Limit Level^

 

ü

No exceedance of project-related limit level was recorded.

Nil

Exceedance of Action Level^

 

ü

No exceedance of project-related action level was recorded.

Nil

Complaints Received

 

ü

No construction activities related complaints were received.

Nil

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

ü

No notifications of summons or prosecution were received. 

Nil

Changes that affect the EM&A

 

ü

There were no changes to the construction works that may affect the EM&A

Nil

Remarks:   ^ only exceedance of action/ limit level related to Project works will be highlighted. 

 

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

1.2         Scope of this Report

This is the 15th Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 March 2017.

1.3         Project Organisation

The Project’s organization structure presented in Appendix B of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.1 remained unchanged during the reporting month. Contact details of the key personnel have been updated and is presented in Table 1.1

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Project Manager’s Representative

(Airport Authority Hong Kong)

Principal Manager, Environment

Lawrence Tsui

2183 2734

Environmental Team (ET)

(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Terence Kong

2828 5919

 

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Heidi Yu

2828 5704

 

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Keith Chau

2972 1721

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

Independent Environmental Checker

Jackel Law

3922 9376

 

 

Deputy Independent Environmental Checker

Joanne Tsoi

3922 9423

Advanced Works:

 

 

 

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 Lau

 

5172 6543

 

DCM Works:

 

 

 

Contract 3201 DCM (Package 1)

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

Project Director

 

Tsugunari Suzuki

 

9178 9689

 

Environmental Officer

 

Kanny Cho

 

9019 1962

Contract 3202 DCM (Package 2)

(Samsung-BuildKing Joint Venture)

Project Manager

 

Ilkwon Nam

 

9643 3117

 

Environmental Officer

 

Dickson Mak

 

9525 8408

Contract 3203 DCM  (Package 3)

(Sambo E&C Co., Ltd)

Project Manager

 

Seong Jae Park

 

9683 8693

 

Environmental Officer

 

Calvin Leung

 

9203 5820

Contract 3204 DCM  (Package 4)

(CRBC-SAMBO Joint Venture)

Project Manager

 

Kyung-Sik Yoo

 

9683 8697

 

 

Environmental Officer

Calvin So

9724 6254

Contract 3205 DCM (Package 5)

(Bachy Soletanche - Sambo Joint Venture)

Deputy Project Director

Min Par

9683 0765

 

Environmental Officer

Margaret Chung

9130 3696

Reclamation Works:

 

 

 

Contract 3206

(ZHEC-CCCC-CDC Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Kim Chuan Lim

 

3693 2288

 

Environmental Officer

Kwai Fung Wong

3693 2252

 

1.4         Summary of Construction Works

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included five DCM contracts, an advanced works contract and a reclamation contract. The DCM contracts involved DCM works and trials, site office establishment, laying of geotextile and sand blanket; the advanced works contract involved HDD works and pipeline supporting works; and the reclamation contract involved site office establishment and laying of sand blanket.

The active construction site is around 3 km and 900m away from the nearest air and noise sensitive receivers in Tung Chung and the villages in North Lantau. The locations of the works areas are presented in Figure 1.1 to Figure 1.2.

1.5         Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status for all environmental aspects is presented Table 1.2. The EM&A requirements remained unchanged during the reporting period and details can be referred to Table 1.2 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 1.

Table 1.2: Summary of status for all environmental aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual        

Parameters

Status

Air Quality

 

Baseline Monitoring

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

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Noise

 

Baseline Monitoring

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

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Water Quality

 

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

The baseline water quality monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition

3.4.

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

On-going

Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring

Initially started in late March 2017.  Due to the changes in DCM works areas, the monitoring programme is subject to review.

Early/ Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring

On-going

Waste Management

 

Waste Monitoring

On-going

Land Contamination

 

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

To be submitted with the relevant construction works.

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Golf Course

The CAR for Golf Course was submitted to EPD.

Terrestrial Ecology

 

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

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

Ecological Monitoring

On-going

Marine Ecology

 

Pre-Construction Phase Coral Dive Survey

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

Coral Translocation

The coral translocation was completed.

Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring

On-going

Chinese White Dolphins (CWD)

Vessel Survey, Land-based Theodolite Tracking and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)

Baseline Monitoring

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

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Landscape & Visual

 

Baseline Monitoring

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

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Environmental Auditing

 

Regular site inspection

On-going

Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures

On-going

Dolphin Exclusion Zone Plan (DEZP) implementation measures

On-going

SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF) implementation measures

On-going

Construction and Associated Vessels Implementation measures

On-going

Complaint Hotline and Email channel

On-going

Environmental Log Book

On-going

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

The EM&A programme also involved weekly site inspections and related auditing conducted by the ET for checking the implementation of the required environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report.  In order to enhance environmental awareness and closely monitor the environmental performance of the contractors, environmental briefings and regular environmental management meetings were conducted.

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        Air Quality Monitoring

2.1         Monitoring Stations

Air quality monitoring was conducted at two representative monitoring stations in the vicinity of air sensitive receivers in Tung Chung and villages in North Lantau in accordance with the Manual. Table 2.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.

Table 2.1:  Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

AR1A

Man Tung Road Park

AR2

Village House at Tin Sum

2.2         Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

In accordance with the Manual, baseline 1-hour total suspended particulate (TSP) levels at the two air quality monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. Impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted for three times every 6 days. The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 2.2

The air quality monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is provided in Appendix C.

Table 2.2:  Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

306

500

AR2

298

2.3         Monitoring Equipment

Portable direct reading dust meter was used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring. Details of equipment are given in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3:  Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model                  

Last Calibration Date                  

Portable direct reading dust meter (Laser dust monitor)

SIBATA LD-3B-002

(Serial No. 974350)

26 Oct 2016

2.4         Monitoring Methodology

2.4.1      Measuring Procedure

The measurement procedures involved in the impact 1-hr TSP monitoring can be summarised as follows: 

a.   The portable direct reading dust meter was mounted on a tripod at a height of 1.2 m above the ground.

b.   Prior to the measurement, the equipment was set up for 1 minute span check and 6 second background check.

c.   The one hour dust measurement was started. Site conditions and dust sources at the nearby area were recorded on a record sheet.

d.   When the measurement completed, the “Count” reading per hour was recorded for result calculation.

2.4.2      Maintenance and Calibration

The portable direct reading dust meter is calibrated every year against high volume sampler (HVS) to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method. The

calibration certificates of the portable direct reading dust meter and calibration record of the  HVS provided in Appendix B of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.11 are still valid. Any updates of calibration certificates will be reported in the Monthly EM&A report if necessary.

2.5         Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP are summarized in Table 2.4. Detailed impact monitoring results are presented in Appendix D.

Table 2.4: Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results

Monitoring Station

1-hr TSP Concentration Range (mg/m3)

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

33 - 193

306

500

AR2

16 - 112

298

No exceedance of the Action / Limit Level was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.

General meteorological conditions throughout the impact monitoring period were recorded. Wind data for each monitoring day including wind speed and wind direction was collected from the Chek Lap Kok Wind Station.

 

3        Noise Monitoring

3.1         Monitoring Stations

Noise monitoring was conducted at five representative monitoring stations in the vicinity of noise sensitive receivers in Tung Chung and villages in North Lantau in accordance with the Manual. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations and these are described in Table 3.1 below. As described in Section 4.3.3 of the Manual, monitoring at NM2 will commence when the future residential buildings in Tung Chung West Development become occupied.

Table 3.1: Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Type of measurement

NM1A

Man Tung Road Park

Free field

NM2(1)

Tung Chung West Development

To be determined

NM3A

Site Office

Facade  

NM4

Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School

Free field

NM5

Village House in Tin Sum

Free field

NM6

House No. 1, Sha Lo Wan

Free field

Note: (1) As described in Section 4.3.3 of the Manual, noise monitoring at NM2 will only commence after occupation of the future Tung Chung West Development.

3.2         Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

In accordance with the Manual, baseline noise levels at the noise monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. Impact noise monitoring was conducted once per week in the form of 30-minute measurements of Leq, L10 and L90 levels recorded at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays. The Action and Limit levels of the noise monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 3.2. The construction noise monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is provided in Appendix C.

Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise

Monitoring Stations

Time Period

Action Level

Limit Level, Leq(30mins) dB(A)

NM1A, NM2, NM3A, NM4, NM5 and NM6

0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays

When one documented

complaint is received from

any one of the sensitive

receivers

75 dB(A)(i)

Note: (i) reduce to 70dB(A) for school and 65dB(A) during school examination periods.

3.3         Monitoring Equipment

Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meter at each designated monitoring station.  The sound level meters deployed comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications.  Acoustic calibrator was used to check the sound level meters by a known sound pressure level for field measurement.  Details of equipment are given in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3: Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Last Calibration Date

Integrated Sound Level Meter

B&K 2238 (Serial No. 2800932)

19 Jul 2016

B&K 2238 (Serial No. 2381580)

8 Sep 2016

 

Acoustic Calibrator

B&K 4231 (Serial No. 3003246)

16 May 2016

B&K 4231 (Serial No. 3004068)

19 Jul 2016

3.4         Monitoring Methodology

3.4.1      Monitoring Procedure

The monitoring procedures involved in the noise impact monitoring can be summarised as follows: 

a.   The sound level meter was set on a tripod at least a height of 1.2 m above the ground for free-field measurements at monitoring stations NM1A, NM4, NM5 and NM6. A correction of +3 dB(A) was applied to the free field measurements.

b.   Façade measurements were made at the monitoring station NM3A.

c.   Parameters such as frequency weighting, time weighting and measurement time were set.

d.   Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator.  If the difference in the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

e.   During the monitoring period, Leq, L10 and L90 were recorded.  In addition, site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a record sheet.

f.    Noise measurement results were corrected with reference to the baseline monitoring levels.

g.   Observations were recorded when high intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) was observed during the monitoring.

3.4.2      Maintenance and Calibration

The maintenance and calibration procedures are summarised below:

a.   The microphone head of the sound level meter was cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.

b.   The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier or laboratory accredited under Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.

Calibration certificates of the sound level meters and acoustic calibrators used in the noise monitoring provided in Appendix B of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.8 & 9 are still valid. Any updates of calibration certificates will be reported in the Monthly EM&A report if necessary.

3.5         Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

The construction noise monitoring results are summarized in Table 3.4 and the detailed monitoring data are provided in Appendix D.

Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results

Monitoring Station

Noise Level Range, dB(A)

Leq (30 mins)

Limit Level, dB(A)

Leq (30 mins)

NM1A(i)

71 - 73

75

NM3A

57 - 63

75

NM4(i)

60 - 66

70(ii)

NM5(i)

53 - 61

75

NM6(i)

66 - 70

75

Note:      (i) +3 dB(A) Façade correction included;

               (ii) Reduced to 65 dB(A) during school examination periods at NM4 from 27 to 31 March 2017. 

As the construction activities were far away from the monitoring stations, major sources of noise dominating the monitoring stations observed during the construction noise impact monitoring were road traffic noise at NM1A, aircraft noise at NM3A, school activities at NM4, helicopter noise and dog barking at NM5, and aircraft, helicopter, and marine vessel noise at NM6 in this reporting month. 

No exceedance of the Action/ Limit Level was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.

 

4        Water Quality Monitoring

4.1         Monitoring Stations

Water quality monitoring was conducted at a total of 22 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 12 impact stations, seven sensitive receiver stations and three control stations in the vicinity of water quality sensitive receivers around the airport island in accordance with the Manual. Table 4.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 3.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations. 

Table 4.1: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring

 

Monitoring Stations

Description

Coordinates

Parameters

Easting

Northing

C1

Control

804247

815620

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS, Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)

C2

Control

806945

825682

C3(3)

Control

817803

822109

IM1

Impact

806458

818351

IM2

Impact

806193

818852

IM3

Impact

806019

819411

IM4

Impact

805039

819570

IM5

Impact

804924

820564

IM6

Impact

805828

821060

IM7

Impact

806835

821349

IM8

Impact

807838

821695

IM9

Impact

808811

822094

IM10

Impact

809838

822240

IM11

Impact

810545

821501

IM12

Impact

811519

821162

SR1(1)

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

812586

820069

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

SR2(3)

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

814166

821463

SR3

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

807571

822147

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

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

811593

820417

Notes:   

(1) The seawater intakes of SR1 for the future HKBCF is not yet in operation, hence no water quality impact monitoring was conducted at this station. The future permanent location for SR1 during impact monitoring is subject to finalisation after the HKBCF seawater is commissioned.

(2) Details of selection criteria for the two heavy metals for early 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.

4.2         Monitoring Requirements and Schedule

In accordance with the Manual, baseline water quality levels at the abovementioned representative water quality monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report.

General water quality monitoring were conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, at the 22 water quality monitoring stations during the reporting period. The sea conditions varied from calm to rough, and the weather conditions varied from sunny to rainy during the monitoring period.

Early regular DCM water quality monitoring were conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, at the 22 water quality monitoring stations from 1 to 21 March 2017.  It was suspended after 21 March 2017 because initial intensive DCM monitoring was tentatively started in late March 2017.  

The water quality monitoring schedule for the reporting period is provided in Appendix C.

4.2.1      Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

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 4.2. The control and impact stations during flood tide and ebb tide for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring are presented in Table 4.3.

Table 4.2: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

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

(excluding SR1& 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

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

Total Alkalinity in ppm

95

99

Representative Heavy Metals for early regular DCM monitoring

(Chromium)

0.2

0.2

Representative Heavy Metals for early regular DCM monitoring

(Nickel)

3.2

 

3.6

 

Action and Limit Levels SR1

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

To be determined prior to its commissioning

To be determined prior to its commissioning

Action and Limit Levels SR8

 

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

52

 

60

 

Notes:

(1) For DO measurement, non-compliance occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.

(2)For parameters other than DO, non-compliance of water quality results when monitoring results is higher than the limits.

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

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

(5)The action and limit levels for the two representative heavy metals chosen will be the same as that for the intensive DCM monitoring.

Table 4.3: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

 

Control Station

Impact Stations

Flood Tide

 

C1

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

SR2^1

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

^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.

4.3         Monitoring Equipment

Table 4.4 summarises the equipment used for monitoring of specific water quality parameters under the impact water quality monitoring programme.

Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Last Calibration Date

Multifunctional Meter (measurement of DO, pH, temperature, salinity and turbidity)

YSI 6920 V2  (serial no. 11F100014)

4 Jan 2017

YSI 6920 V2  (serial no. 16G104518)

4 Jan 2017

YSI 6920 V2  (serial no. 0001C6A7)

4 Jan 2017

YSI 6920       (serial no. 000109DF)

4 Jan 2017

Digital Titrator (measurement of total alkalinity)

Titrette Digital Burette 50ml Class A

(serial no.10N65665)

5 Jan 2017

Other equipment used as part of the impact water quality monitoring programme are listed in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5: Other Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Water Sampler

Van Dorn Water Sampler

Positioning Device (measurement of GPS)

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

Current Meter (measurement of current speed and direction, and water depth)

Sontek HydroSurveyor

4.4         Monitoring Methodology

4.4.1      Measuring Procedure

Water quality monitoring samples were taken at three depths (at 1m below surface, at mid-depth, and at 1m above bottom) for locations with water depth >6m. For locations with water depth between 3m and 6m, water samples were taken at two depths (surface and bottom). For locations with water depth <3m, only the mid-depth was taken. Duplicate water samples were taken and analysed.

The water samples for all monitoring parameters were collected, stored, preserved and analysed according to the Standard Methods, APHA 22nd ed. and/or other methods as agreed by the EPD. In-situ measurements at monitoring locations including temperature, pH, DO, turbidity, salinity and water depth were collected by equipment listed in Table 4.4 and Table 4.5. Water samples for heavy metals and SS analysis were stored in high density polythene bottles with no preservative added, packed in ice (cooled to 4 ºC without being frozen), delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

4.4.2      Maintenance and Calibration

Calibration of In-situ Instruments

All in-situ monitoring instrument were checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS before use. Responses of sensors and electrodes were checked with certified standard solutions before each use.

Wet bulb calibration for a DO meter was carried out before commencement of monitoring and after completion of all measurements each day. Calibration was not conducted at each monitoring location as daily calibration is adequate for the type of DO meter employed. A zero check in distilled water was performed with the turbidity probe at least once per monitoring day. The probe was then calibrated with a solution of known NTU. In addition, the turbidity probe was calibrated at least twice per month to establish the relationship between turbidity readings (in NTU) and levels of suspended solids (in mg/L).  Accuracy check of the digital titrator was performed at least once per monitoring day.

Calibration certificates of the monitoring equipment used in the monitoring provided in Appendix B of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.13 are still valid. Any updates of calibration certificates will be reported in the Monthly EM&A report if necessary.

4.4.3      Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

Analysis of SS and heavy metals have been carried out by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory, ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd (Reg. No. HOKLAS 066). Sufficient water samples were collected at all the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory SS and heavy metals determination. The SS and heavy metals determination works were started within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. The analysis of SS and heavy metals have followed the standard methods summarised in Table 4.6. The QA/QC procedures for laboratory measurement/ analysis of SS and heavy metals were presented in Appendix F of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.8.

Table 4.6: Laboratory Measurement/ Analysis of SS and Heavy Metals

Parameters

Instrumentation

Analytical Method

Reporting Limit

Suspended Solid (SS)

Analytical Balance

APHA 2540D

2 mg/L

Heavy Metals

 

 

 

Chromium (Cr)

ICP-MS

USEPA 6020A

0.2 µg/L

Nickel (Ni)

ICP-MS

USEPA 6020A

0.2 µg/L

4.5         Analysis and Interpretation of Monitoring Results

4.5.1      Summary of Monitoring Results 

The water quality monitoring results for DO, total alkalinity, and chromium obtained during the reporting period were in compliance with their corresponding Action and Limit Levels. For turbidity, SS and nickel, some of the testing results exceeded the relevant Action or Limit Levels. Details of the exceedances are presented in Section 4.5.2.

4.5.2      Summary of Findings for Investigation of Exceedances

During the reporting month, water quality monitoring was conducted at 12 impact stations (IM), seven sensitive receiver (SR) stations and three control stations 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).

During the monitoring period in March 2017, testing results exceeding the corresponding Action or Limit Levels were recorded on five monitoring days. Details of the exceedance cases are presented below.

Findings for Turbidity Exceedances (Mid-Flood Tide)

Table 4.7 presents a summary of the turbidity compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-flood tide for the reporting month.

Table 4.7: Summary of Turbidity Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Flood Tide)

Date

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

SR8

02/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

04/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

09/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of  Turbidity Exceedances

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Note: Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

 

No exceedance of Action Level and Limit Level

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located downstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located upstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Upstream station with respect to 3RS Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow

IM Stations

As shown in Table 4.7, exceedances of Action Level at IM stations were recorded on 2 March 2017. Repeat turbidity measurement was conducted at IM10, IM11 and IM12 on 3 March 2017 during flood tide in accordance with the Event and Action Plan of the Manual. The exceedances recorded at IM11 and IM12 on 2 March 2017 were located upstream of the 3RS Project during flood tide. As such upstream stations would unlikely be affected by the Project, the investigation focused on the exceedance at IM station located downstream of the Project and hence might be affected by the Project’s construction activities.

As part of the investigation on the downstream exceedance event, details of the Project’s marine construction activities on that monitoring day were collected, as well as any observations during the monitoring. The findings are summarised in Table 4.8.

Table 4.8: Summary of Findings from Investigations of Turbidity Exceedances during Mid-Flood Tide

Date

Marine construction works nearby

Approximate distance from marine construction works*

Status of water quality measures (if applicable)

Construction vessels in the vicinity

Turbidity / Silt plume observed near the monitoring station

Exceedance due to Project

02/03/2017

DCM works

Around 1km

Silt curtain deployed

No

No

No

Note:

*This refers to the approximate distance between the DCM works and the nearest monitoring stations with exceedance

According to the investigation findings summarized in Table 4.8, it was confirmed that silt curtains were deployed for DCM works as additional measures and the silt curtains were maintained properly. Besides, high levels of turbidity were also recorded at nearby upstream stations (IM11 and IM12) on the same monitoring period. Given that IM11 and IM12 are located upstream of the Project during flood tide, and high turbidity levels were recorded at IM11 and IM12 (which would unlikely be affected by the Project), the exceedance at IM10 was possibly due to natural fluctuation in this area. Furthermore, no exceedance was recorded at other downstream monitoring stations, including IM9, which was closer to the active DCM works during the same monitoring period. Based on these findings, this exceedance was considered not due to the Project. No exceedance was recorded during the repeat turbidity measurements.

SR Stations

There was no turbidity exceedance recorded at SR Stations during the reporting period.

Findings for SS Exceedances (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Table 4.9 presents a summary of the SS compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-ebb tide for the reporting month.

Table 4.9: Summary of SS Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Date

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

SR8

02/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

04/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

09/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of  SS Exceedances

0

0

0

0

1

1

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Note: Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

 

No exceedance of Action Level and Limit Level

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located downstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located upstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Upstream station with respect to 3RS Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow

IM Stations

As shown in Table 4.9, exceedances of Action Levels at IM stations were recorded on two monitoring days. However, all of the exceedances occurred at monitoring stations which were located upstream of the 3RS Project during ebb tide and would unlikely be affected by the Project. Nevertheless as a prudent measure, the Project’s activities on these monitoring days were investigated and it was confirmed that silt curtains were deployed and maintained properly.

SR Stations

There was no SS exceedance recorded at SR stations during ebb tide in the reporting period.

Findings for SS Exceedances (Mid-Flood Tide)

Table 4.10 presents a summary of the SS compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-flood tide for the reporting month.

Table 4.10: Summary of SS Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Flood Tide)

Date

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

SR8

02/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

04/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

09/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30/03/3017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of  SS Exceedances

1

1

1

1

1

2

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

Note: Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

 

No exceedance of Action Level and Limit Level

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located downstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located upstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Exceedance of Limit Level recorded at monitoring station located downstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Exceedance of Limit Level recorded at monitoring station located upstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Upstream station with respect to 3RS Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow

IM Stations

As shown in Table 4.10, exceedances of Action or Limit Levels at IM stations were recorded on four monitoring days. Some exceedances occurred at monitoring stations which were located upstream of the 3RS Project during flood tide. As such upstream stations would unlikely be affected by the Project, the investigation focused on the exceedances at IM stations located downstream of the Project and hence might be affected by the Project’s construction activities.

As part of the investigation on the downstream exceedance events, details of the Project’s marine construction activities on these monitoring days were collected, as well as any observations during the monitoring. The findings are summarised in Table 4.11.

Table 4.11: Summary of Findings from Investigations of SS Exceedances during Mid-Flood Tide

Date

Marine construction works nearby

Approximate distance from marine construction works*

Status of water quality measures (if applicable)

Construction vessels in the vicinity

Turbidity / Silt plume observed near the monitoring station

Exceedance due to Project

02/03/2017

DCM works

Around 1km

Silt curtain deployed

No

No

No

15/03/2017

DCM works

Around 1km

Silt curtain deployed

No

No

No

28/03/2017

DCM works

Around 1km

Silt curtain deployed

No

No

No

According to the investigation findings summarized in Table 4.11, it was confirmed that silt curtains were deployed for DCM works as additional measures and the silt curtains were maintained properly.

For the exceedance at IM10 on 2 March 2017, it is noted from Table 4.10 that the exceedance appeared to be an isolated case with no observable temporal and spatial trend to indicate any effect due to Project activities. Furthermore, no exceedance was recorded at other downstream monitoring stations, including IM9, which was closer to active DCM works during the same monitoring period. Based on these findings, the exceedance was considered not due to the Project.

For the exceedances at IM5 and IM6 on 15 March 2017, high level of SS was also recorded at nearby upstream station (IM4) on the same monitoring period. Given that IM4 is located upstream of the Project during flood tide, and high SS level was recorded at IM4 (which would unlikely be affected by the Project), the exceedances at IM5 and IM6 were possibly due to natural fluctuation in this area. Based on these findings, these exceedances were considered not due to the Project.

For the exceedance at IM6 on 28 March 2017, it is noted from Table 4.10 that the exceedance appeared to be an isolated case with no observable temporal and spatial trend to indicate any effect due to Project activities. Furthermore, no exceedance was recorded at other downstream monitoring stations, including IM5, which was closer to active DCM works during the same monitoring period. Based on these findings, the exceedance was considered not due to the Project.

SR Stations

At SR stations, exceedances were observed at SR4A and SR6 on one monitoring day. However, these stations are located upstream of the Project during flood tide, and there were no project-related SS exceedances at any IM stations on that monitoring day, hence the exceedances at these stations were unlikely to be due to the Project. The exceedances at SR4A and SR6 might be due to natural fluctuation.

Findings for Nickel Exceedances (Mid-Flood Tide)

Table 4.12 presents a summary of the nickel compliance status at IM stations during mid-flood tide for the reporting month.

Table 4.12: Summary of Nickel Compliance Status at IM Stations (Mid-Flood Tide)

Date

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

02/03/2017

04/03/2017

 

07/03/2017

09/03/2017

11/03/2017

15/03/2017

 

 

 

17/03/2017

19/03/2017

21/03/2017

No. of  Nickel Exceedances

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

Note: The initial intensive DCM monitoring was tentatively started in late March 2017 and since then the early regular DCM monitoring had been suspended according to the approved Detailed Plan on DCM.  However, the initial intensive DCM monitoring could not be continued as planned due to changes in DCM works areas.  Therefore, continuation of the initial intensive DCM monitoring is subject to review, and the early regular DCM monitoring will be resumed in April 2017. Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

 

No exceedance of Action Level and Limit Level

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located downstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Exceedance of Action Level recorded at monitoring station located upstream of the 3RS Project based on dominant tidal flow

 

Upstream station with respect to 3RS Project during the respective tide based on dominant tidal flow

IM Stations

As shown in Table 4.12, an exceedance of Action Level at IM8 was recorded on one monitoring day. As it is a located downstream of the Project during flood tide which might be affected by the Project’s construction activities, exceedance investigation was carried out.

As part of the investigation on the downstream exceedance events, details of the Project’s marine construction activities on the monitoring day were collected, as well as any observations during the monitoring. The findings are summarised in Table 4.13.

Table 4.13: Summary of Findings from Investigations of Nickel Exceedances during Mid-Flood Tide

Date

Marine construction works nearby

Approximate distance from marine construction works*

Status of water quality measures (if applicable)

Construction vessels in the vicinity

Turbidity / Silt plume observed near the monitoring station

Exceedance due to Project

21/03/2017

DCM works

Around 500m

Silt curtain deployed

No

No

No

According to the investigation findings summarized in Table 4.13, it was confirmed that silt curtains were deployed for DCM works as additional measures and the silt curtains were maintained properly.

For the exceedance at IM8 on 21 March 2017, it is noted from Table 4.12 that the exceedance appeared to be an isolated case with no observable temporal and spatial trend to indicate any effect due to Project activities. Furthermore, no exceedance was recorded at other downstream monitoring stations. Based on these findings, the exceedance was considered not due to the Project.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the exceedance investigations, it is concluded that the exceedances were not due to the Project. Hence no SR stations were adversely affected by the Project. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan were followed. Exceedances appeared to be due to natural fluctuation (such as naturally high baseline SS levels at individual SR stations) or other sources not related to the Project.

Nevertheless, recognising that the IM stations represent a ‘first line of defence’, the non-project related exceedances identified at IM stations were attended to as a precautionary measure. 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 for DCM works and sand blanket laying works properly as recommended in the Manual.

 

5        Waste Management

5.1         Monitoring Requirements

In accordance with the Manual, the waste generated from construction activities was audited once per week to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with the Waste Management Plan (WMP) prepared for the Project, contract-specific WMP, and any statutory and contractual requirements. All aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage, transportation and disposal were assessed during the audits. The Action and Limit levels of the construction waste are provided in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste

Monitoring Stations

Action Level

Limit Level

Construction Area

When one valid documented complaint is

received

Non-compliance of the WMP, contract-specific

WMPs, any statutory and contractual

requirements

5.2         Waste Management Status

Weekly monitoring on all works contracts were carried out by the ET to check and monitor the implementation of proper waste management practices during the construction phase.

Recommendations including provision and maintenance of spill kits and provision of chemical waste storage area for chemical waste. In addition, the relevant contractors were reminded to provide recycling bins for the segregation of recyclables from general refuse. The contractors had taken actions to implement the recommended measures. 

Based on the Contractor’s information, about 789m3 of excavated materials were produced from the HDD launching site and Sheung Sha Chau under P560(R) in March 2017. The generated excavated materials were temporarily stored at the stockpiling area. The excavated material will be reused in the Project.

Based on the updated information, around 185m3 of Construction and Demolition (C&D) material generated from the DCM contracts for site office establishment was disposed of as public fill in February 2017.

Around 27 tonnes of general refuse was disposed of to the WENT Landfill by the advanced works contract and DCM contracts in March 2017. Around 718m3 of Construction and Demolition (C&D) material generated from the DCM contracts for site office establishment was disposed of as public fill in the reporting month. No chemical waste was disposed off-site during the reporting month.

No exceedances of the Action or Limit Levels were recorded in the reporting period.

 

6        Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

6.1         CWD Monitoring Requirements

In accordance with the Manual, Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) monitoring by small vessel line-transect survey supplemented by land-based theodolite tracking and passive acoustic monitoring should be conducted during construction phase.

The small vessel line-transect survey as proposed in the Manual should be conducted at a frequency of two full survey per month while land-based theodolite tracking should be conducted at a frequency of one day per month per station during the construction phase. In addition to the land-based theodolite tracking required for impact monitoring as stipulated in the Manual, supplemental theodolite tracking have also been conducted during the implementation for the SkyPier HSF diversion and speed control in order to assist in monitoring the effectiveness of these measures, i.e. in total twice per month at the Sha Chau station and three times per month at the Lung Kwu Chau station.

The Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) for CWD monitoring were formulated by the action response approach using the running quarterly dolphin encounter rates STG and ANI derived from the baseline monitoring data, as presented in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report. The derived values of AL and LL for CWD monitoring were summarized in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1: Derived Values of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) 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

[Notes for Table 6.1 (referring to the baseline monitoring report):

*Action Level – running quarterly STG & ANI will be calculated from the three preceding survey months. For CWD monitoring for March 2017, data from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2017 will be used to calculate the running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI; 

^Limit Level – two consecutive running quarters mean both the running quarterly encounter rates of the preceding month February 2017 (calculated by data from December 2016 to February 2017) and the running quarterly encounter rates of this month (calculated by data from January 2017 to March 2017).

AL and/or LL will be exceeded if both STG and ANI fall below the criteria.]

6.2         CWD Monitoring Transects and Stations

6.2.1      Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

Small vessel line-transect surveys were conduct along the transects covering Northeast Lantau (NEL), Northwest Lantau (NWL), Airport West (AW), West Lantau (WL) and Southwest Lantau (SWL) areas as proposed in the Manual, which are consistent with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) long-term monitoring programme (except AW). The AW transect has not been previously surveyed in the AFCD programme due to the restrictions of HKIA Exclusion Zone, nevertheless, this transect was established during the EIA of the 3RS Project and refined in the Manual with the aim to collect project specific baseline information within the HKIA Approach Area to fill the data gap that was not covered by the AFCD programme. This provided a larger sample size for estimating the densities and patterns of movements in the broader study area of the project.

The planned vessel survey transect lines follow the waypoints set for construction phase monitoring as proposed in the Manual and depicted in Figure 6.1 with the waypoint coordinates of all transect lines given in Table 6.2, which are subject to on-site refinement based on the actual survey conditions and constraints.

Table 6.2: Coordinates of Transect Lines in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL Survey Areas

Waypoint

Easting

Northing

Waypoint

Easting

Northing

NEL

1S

813525

820900

6N

818568

824433

1N

813525

824657

7S

819532

821420

2S

814556

818449

7N

819532

824209

2N

814559

824768

8S

820451

822125

3S

815542

818807

8N

820451

823671

3N

815542

824882

9S

821504

822371

4S

816506

819480

9N

821504

823761

4N

816506

824859

10S

822513

823268

5S

817537

820220

10N

822513

824321

5N

817537

824613

11S

823477

823402

6S

818568

820735

11N

823477

824613

NWL

1S

804671

814577

5S

808504

821735

1N

804671

831404

5N

808504

828602

2Sb

805475

815457

6S

809490

822075

2Nb

805476

818571

6N

809490

825352

2Sa

805476

820770

7S

810499

822323

2Na

805476

830562

7N

810499

824613

3S

806464

821033

8S

811508

821839

3N

806464

829598

8N

811508

824254

4S

807518

821395

9S

812516

821356

4N

807518

829230

9N

812516

824254

AW

1W

804733

818205

2W

805045

816912

1E

806708

818017

2E

805960

816633

WL

1W

800600

805450

7W

800400

811450

1E

801760

805450

7E

802400

811450

2W

800300

806450

8W

800800

812450

2E

801750

806450

8E

802900

812450

3W

799600

807450

9W

801500

813550

3E

801500

807450

9E

803120

813550

4W

799400

808450

10W

801880

814500

4E

801430

808450

10E

803700

814500

5W

799500

809450

11W

802860

815500

5E

801300

809450

12S/11E

803750

815500

6W

799800

810450

12N

803750

818500

6E

801400

810450

 

 

 

SWL

1S

802494

803961

6S

807467

801137

1N

802494

806174

6N

807467

808458

2S

803489

803280

7S

808553

800329

2N

803489

806720

7N

808553

807377

3S

804484

802509

8S

809547

800338

3N

804484

807048

8N

809547

807396

4S

805478

802105

9S

810542

800423

4N

805478

807556

9N

810542

807462

5S

806473

801250

10S

811446

801335

5N

806473

808458

10N

811446

809436

6.2.2      Land-based Theodolite Tracking

Land-based theodolite tracking stations were set up at two locations, one facing east/south/west on the southern slopes of Sha Chau (SC), and the other facing north/northeast/northwest at Lung Kwu Chau (LKC). The stations (D and E) are depicted in Figure 6.2 and shown in Table 6.3 with position coordinates, height of station and approximate distance of consistent theodolite tracking capabilities for CWD.

Table 6.3: Land-based 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

6.3         CWD Monitoring Methodology

6.3.1      Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

Small vessel line-transect surveys provided data for density and abundance estimation and other assessments using distance-sampling methodologies, specifically, line-transect methods.

The surveys involved small vessel line-transect data collection and have been designed to be similar to, and consistent with, previous surveys for the AFCD for their long-term monitoring of small cetaceans in Hong Kong. The survey was designed to provide systematic, quantitative measurements of density, abundance and habitat use.

As mentioned in Section 6.2.1, the transects covered NEL, NWL covering the AW, WL and SWL areas as proposed in the Manual and are consistent with the AFCD long-term monitoring programme (except AW). There are two types of transect lines:

    Primary transect lines: the parallel and zigzag transect lines as shown in Figure 6.1; and

    Secondary transect lines: transect lines connecting between the primary transect lines and crossing islands.

All data collected on both primary and secondary transect lines were used for analysis of sighting distribution, group size, activities including association with fishing boat, and mother-calf pair. Only on-effort data collected under conditions of Beaufort 0-3 and visibility of approximately 1200 m or beyond were used for analysis of the CWD encounter rates.

A 15-20 m vessel with a flying bridge observation platform about 4 to 5 m above water level and unobstructed forward view, and a team of three to four observers were deployed to undertake the surveys.  Two observers were on search effort at all times when following the transect lines with a constant speed of 7 to 8 knots (i.e. 13 to 15 km per hour), one using 7X handheld binoculars and the other using unaided eyes and recording data.

During on-effort survey periods, the survey team recorded effort data including time, position (waypoints), weather conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility) and distance travelled in each series with assistance of a handheld GPS device. The GPS device also continuously and automatically logged data including time, position (Latitude and longitude) and vessel speed throughout the entire survey.

When CWDs were seen, the survey team was taken off-effort, the dolphins were approached and photographed for photo-ID information (using a Canon 7D [or similar] camera and long 300 mm+ telephoto lens), then followed until they left the study area or were lost.  At that point, the boat returned (off effort) to the next survey line and began to survey on effort again. 

Focal follows of dolphins were conducted where practicable (i.e. when individual dolphins or small stable groups of dolphins with at least one member that could be readily identifiable with unaided eyes during observations and weather conditions are favourable). These involved the boat following (at an appropriate distance to minimize disturbance) an identifiable individual dolphin for an extended period of time, and collecting detailed data on its location, behaviour, response to vessels, and associates.

6.3.2      Photo Identification

CWDs can be identified by their unique features like presence of scratches, nick marks, cuts, wounds, deformities of their dorsal fin and distinguished colouration and spotting patterns.

When CWDs were observed, the survey team was taken off-effort, the dolphins were approached and photographed for photo-ID information (using a Canon 7D [or similar] camera and long 300 mm+ telephoto lens). The survey team attempted to photo both sides of every single dolphin in the group as the colouration and spotting pattern on both sides may not be identical. The photos were taken at the highest available resolution and stored on Compact Flash memory cards for transferring into a computer.

All photos taken were initially examined to sort out those containing potentially identifiable individuals. These sorted-out images would then be examined in detail and compared to the CWD photo-identification catalogue established for 3RS during the baseline monitoring stage.

6.3.3      Land-based Theodolite Tracking

Land-based monitoring obtains fine-scale information on the time of day and movement patterns of the CWDs.  A digital theodolite (Sokkia/Sokkisha Model DT5 or similar equipment) with 30-power magnification and 5-s precision was used to obtain the vertical and horizontal angle of each dolphin and vessel position. Angles were converted to geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) and data were recorded using Pythagoras software, Version 1.2. This method delivers precise positions of multiple spatially distant targets in a short period of time.  The technique is fully non-invasive, and allows for time and cost-effective descriptions of dolphin habitat use patterns at all times of daylight.

Three surveyors (one theodolite operator, one computer operator, and one observer) were involved in each survey. Observers searched for dolphins using unaided eyes and handheld binoculars (7X50). Theodolite tracking sessions were initiated whenever an individual CWD or group of CWDs was located.  Where possible, a distinguishable individual was selected, based on colouration, within the group.  The focal individual was then continuously tracked via the theodolite, with a position recorded each time the dolphin surfaced. In case an individual could not be positively distinguished from other members, the group was tracked by recording positions based on a central point within the group whenever the CWD surfaced. Tracking continued until animals were lost from view; moved beyond the range of reliable visibility (>1-3 km, depending on station height); or environmental conditions obstructed visibility (e.g., intense haze, Beaufort sea state >4, or sunset), at which time the research effort was terminated.  In addition to the tracking of CWD, all vessels that moved within 2-3 km of the station were tracked, with effort made to obtain at least two positions for each vessel.

Theodolite tracking included focal follows of CWD groups and vessels. Priority was given to tracking individual or groups of CWD. The survey team also attempted to track all vessels moving within 1 km of the focal CWD.

6.4         Monitoring Results and Observations

6.4.1      Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

Survey Effort

Within this reporting month, two complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys were conducted on the 6th,10th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 23rd and 24th March 2017, covering all transects in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL survey areas for twice.

A total of 458.78 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 87.49% 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 are given in Appendix D.

Sighting Distribution

In March 2017, 8 groups of CWDs with 36 individuals were sighted. All of these sightings were recorded during on-effort search under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility). Details of cetacean sightings are presented in Appendix D.

Distribution of all CWD sightings recorded in March 2017 is illustrated in Figure 6.3. In March 2017, CWDs were more frequently sighted in WL than in NWL and SWL. There were two sightings in NWL in this reporting month, both of them were located around Lung Kwu Chau. In WL survey area, CWD sightings scattered from waters near Tai O to Fan Lau. While in SWL, two CWD sightings were recorded in waters near Fan Lau Tung Wan and Soko Islands respectively. No sightings of CWDs were recorded in the vicinity of or within the 3RS land-formation footprint.

 

Figure 6.3: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

[Pink circle: Sighting locations of CWD, White line: Vessel survey transects, Blue polygon: Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP), Green polygon: Brothers Marine Park (BMP) Red polygon: 3RS land-formation footprint, Yellow line: 3RS temporary works area boundary]

 

Encounter Rate

Two types of dolphin encounter rates were calculated based on the data from March 2017. They included the number of dolphin sightings per 100 km survey effort (STG) and total number of dolphins per 100 km survey effort (ANI) in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL). In the calculation of dolphin encounter rates, only survey data collected under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility) were used. The formulae used for calculation of the encounter rates are shown below:

Encounter Rate by Number of Dolphin Sightings (STG)

Encounter Rate by Number of Dolphins (ANI)

(Notes:    Only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition was used)

In March 2017, a total of 401.40 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 8 on-effort sightings with a total number of 36 dolphins from on-effort sightings were obtained under such condition. Calculation of the encounter rates in March 2017 are shown in Appendix D.

For the running quarter of the reporting month (i.e., from January 2017 to March 2017), a total of 1144.90 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 46 on-effort sightings and a total number of 170 dolphins from on-effort sightings were obtained under such condition. Calculation of the running quarterly encounter rates are shown in Appendix D.

The STG and ANI of CWD in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL) during the month of March 2017 and during the running quarter are presented in Table 6.4 below and compared with the Action Level. The running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI did not trigger the Action Level (i.e., remained above the Action Level).

Table 6.4: Comparison of CWD Encounter Rates of the Whole Survey Area with Action Levels

 

Encounter Rate (STG)

Encounter Rate (ANI)

March 2017

1.99

8.97

Running Quarter from January 2017 to March 2017*

4.02

14.85

Action Level

1.86

9.35

*Running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI were calculated from data collected in the reporting month and the two preceding survey months, i.e. the data from January 2017 to March 2017, containing six sets of transect surveys for all monitoring areas.

Group Size

In March 2017, 8 groups of CWDs with 36 individuals were sighted, and the average group size of CWDs was 4.50 individuals per group. CWD groups with medium-sized (i.e. 3-9 individuals) were dominant. A large CWD group with 13 individuals was sighted in this reporting month in WL.

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

Six out of eight sightings of CWDs were recorded engaging in feeding activities in March 2017. Four out of these six sightings were recorded in association with operating fishing boats. One of these sightings was associated with operating gill-netter in SWL survey area. The remaining three sightings were associated with operating purse seiners in WL. One CWD group sighted associated with purse seiner in WL had a large group size of 13 individuals.

Mother-calf Pair

In March 2017, no sightings of CWDs were recorded with the presence of neither mother-and-calf nor mother-and-unspotted juvenile pairs.

6.4.2      Photo Identification

In March 2017, a total number of 19 different CWD individuals were identified for totally 27 times. A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 6.5. Representative photos of these individuals are given in Appendix D.

Table 6.5: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of Sighting (dd/mm/yyyy)

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

 

Individual ID

Date of Sighting (dd/mm/yyyy)

Sighting Group No.

Area

NLMM004

23/03/2017

1

NWL

 

SLMM021

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

 

 

2

NWL

 

 

 

3

WL

 

NLMM015

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

SLMM028

21/03/2017

1

WL

 

NLMM017

23/03/2017

1

NWL

 

SLMM030

21/03/2017

1

WL

 

 

 

2

NWL

 

SLMM031

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

NLMM019

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

SLMM036

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

NLMM020

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

SLMM037

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

NLMM037

23/03/2017

1

NWL

 

WLMM008

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

 

 

2

NWL

 

 

 

3

WL

 

SLMM011

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

WLMM011

21/03/2017

1

WL

 

 

 

3

WL

 

WLMM043

21/03/2017

1

WL

 

SLMM014

20/03/2017

1

SWL

 

WLMM074

21/03/2017

3

WL

 

 

 

3

SWL

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLMM015

21/03/2017

2

WL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

WL

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.4.3      Land-based Theodolite Tracking

Survey Effort

Land-based theodolite tracking surveys were conducted at LKC on 20th, 21st and 28th March 2017 and at SC on 24th and 29th March 2017, with a total of 5 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort accomplished in this reporting month. In total, 6 CWD groups were tracked at LKC station during the surveys. Information of survey effort and CWD groups sighted during these land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 6.6. Details of the survey effort and CWD groups tracked are presented in Appendix D. The first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked at LKC station during land-based theodolite tracking surveys in March 2017 were depicted in Figure 6.4. No CWD group was sighted from SC station in this reporting month.

Table 6.6: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking

Land-based Station

No. of Survey Sessions

Survey Effort (hh:mm)

No. of CWD Groups Sighted

CWD Group Sighting per Survey Hour

Lung Kwu Chau

3

18:00

6

0.33

Sha Chau

2

12:00

0

0

TOTAL

5

30:00

6

0.2

Figure 6.4: Plots of First Sightings of All CWD Groups obtained from Land-based Stations

[Green triangle: LKC station; Green square: CWD group off LKC; Blue line: SCLKCMP boundary]

Notes: A CWD group was sighted at a location to the northwest of LKC outside the HKSAR boundary on 28 March 2017. This group of sighting was beyond the usual tracking distance due to the good visibility and sea state condition (Beaufort ranged 2-3) on that day whilst this CWD group was spotted with surfacing for several times. Although this sighting was beyond the usual tracking distance and even outside the HKSAR boundary, it was recorded with the purpose of gathering more CWD information. 

6.5         Progress Update on Passive Acoustic Monitoring

Underwater acoustic monitoring using Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) should be undertaken during land formation related construction works. In this reporting month, the Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) has been retrieved on 17 March 2017 and will be re-deployed and positioned at south of Sha Chau Island with 20% duty cycle (Figure 6.5). The EAR deployment is generally for 4-6 weeks prior to data retrieval for analysis. Acoustic data is reviewed to give an indication of CWDs occurrence patterns and to obtain anthropogenic noise information simultaneously. Analysis (by a specialized team of acousticians) involved manually browsing through every acoustic recording and logging the occurrence of dolphin signals. All data will be re-played by computer as well as listened to by human ears for accurate assessment of dolphin group presence. As the period of data collection and analysis takes more than two months, PAM results could not be reported in monthly intervals.

6.6         Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

During the reporting period, silt curtains were in place by the contractors for sand blanket laying 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 by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) for DCM works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers on the implementation of MMWP and DEZ monitoring were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with a cumulative total of 252 individuals being trained and 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 DEZs in this reporting month. These 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 the observations are summarised in Section 7.1. Audits of SkyPier high speed ferries route diversion and speed control and construction vessel management are presented in Section 7.2 and Section 7.3 respectively. 

6.7         Timing of Reporting CWD Monitoring Results

Detailed analysis of CWD monitoring results collected by small vessel line-transect survey will be provided in future quarterly reports. Detailed analysis of CWD monitoring results collected by land-based theodolite tracking and PAM will be provided in future annual reports after a larger sample size of data has been collected.

6.8         Summary of CWD Monitoring

Monitoring of CWD was conducted with two complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys and five days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort as scheduled.  The running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI in the reporting month did not trigger the Action Level for CWD monitoring.

 

7        Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

7.1         Environmental Site Inspection

Weekly site inspections of the construction works for the advanced works contract and DCM contracts were carried out by the ET to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. The weekly site inspection schedule of the construction works is provided in Appendix C. Bi-weekly site inspections were also conducted by the IEC.  Observations have been recorded in the site inspection checklists and provided to the contractors together with the appropriate follow-up actions where necessary. 

The key observations from site inspection and associated recommendations were related to improvement of dust suppression measures; provision of drip trays; and implementation of preventive measures for runoff and dark smoke emission. In addition, recommendations were also provided during site inspection on barges. These included display of NRMM labels on relevant mechanical equipment; display of relevant licences on barges; provision and maintenance of spill kits and chemical toilets; provision of storage area for inert and non-inert waste; implementation of acoustic decoupling measures, proper wastewater treatment, dust suppression measures, spill and runoff preventive measures, dark smoke preventive measures, as well as proper installation and maintenance of silt curtains.

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.

7.2         Audit of Route Diversion and Speed Control of the SkyPier High Speed Ferries

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

Key audit findings for the SkyPier HSFs travelling to/from Zhuhai and Macau against the requirements of the SkyPier Plan during the reporting period are summarized in Table 7.1.  The daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in March 2017 (i.e., 85 to 94 daily movements) were within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements. Status of compliance with the annual daily average of 99 movements will be further reviewed in the annual EM&A Report.

In total, 860 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai / Macau were recorded in March 2017 and the data are presented in Appendix G. The time spent by the SkyPier HSFs travelling through the SCZ in March 2017 were presented in Figure 7‑1.  It will take 9.6 minutes to travel through the SCZ when the SkyPier HSFs adopt the maximum allowable speed of 15 knots within the SCZ.  Figure 7‑1 shows that all the SkyPier HSFs spent more than 9.6 minutes to travel through the SCZ.

Figure 7‑1 Duration of the SkyPier HSFs travelling through the SCZ for March 2017

Note: Data above the red line indicated that the time spent by the SkyPier HSFs travelling through the SCZ is more than 9.6 minutes, which is in compliance with the SkyPier Plan. 

One ferry was recorded with minor deviation from the diverted route on 29 March 2017. A notice was sent to the ferry operator (FO) and the case is under investigation by ET. The investigation result will be presented in the next monthly EM&A report.

The case of minor deviation from the diverted route recorded on 25 February 2017 was followed up after receiving further information from the FO. ET’s investigation found that the vessel captain had to give way to a vessel to ensure safety. After that, the HSF had returned to the normal route following the SkyPier Plan.

Table 7.1: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan

Requirements in the SkyPier Plan

1 March to 31 March 2017

Total number of ferry movements recorded and audited

860

Use diverted route and enter / leave SCZ through Gate Access Points

1 deviation, which is under investigation

Speed control in speed control zone

The average speeds taken within the SCZ of all HSFs were within 15 knots (6.1 knots to 14.2 knots), which complied with the SkyPier Plan. The time used by HSFs to travel through SCZ is presented in Figure 7‑1.

Daily Cap (including all SkyPier HSFs) 

 

85 to 94 daily movements (within the maximum daily cap  - 125 daily movements).

 

7.3         Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

The updated Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel (MTRMP-CAV) was submitted and approved in November 2016 by EPD under EP Condition 2.9. The approved Plan is available on the dedicated website of the Project.

ET carried out the following actions during the reporting period:

·         Five skipper training sessions were held for contractors’ concerned skippers of relevant construction vessels to familiarize 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. The list of all trained skippers was properly recorded and maintained by ET.

·         Four skipper training sessions were held by contractor’s Environmental Officer. Competency test was subsequently conducted with the trained skippers by ET.

·         79 skippers were trained by ET / contractor’s Environmental Officer in March 2017. In total, 564 skippers were trained from August 2016 to March 2017.

·         The upgraded Marine Surveillance System (MSS) was launched in March 2017. The MSS automatically recorded deviation cases such as speeding, entering no entry zone, not traveling through the designated gate. ET conducted cross checking of construction and associated vessel records as provided by the contractors to ensure the MSS records all deviation cases accurately.

·         Deviations such as speeding in the works area, entering from non-designated gates and entering no-entry zones were identified. All the concerned contractors were reminded to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV during the weekly MTCC audit.

·         3-month rolling programmes (one month record and two months forecast) for construction vessel activities were received from the contractors in order to help maintain the number of construction and associated vessels on site to a practicable minimal level.

 

The IEC of the Project had performed audit on the compliance of the requirements as part of the EM&A programme.

7.4         Implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone 

The Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan was submitted in accordance with EP Condition 3.1 (v) requirement and Section 10.3 of the Updated EM&A Manual, and approved in April 2016 by EPD. The 24-hour DEZs with a 250m radius for marine works were established and implemented by the contractors for DCM works in accordance with the DEZ Plan.

During the reporting period, ET has been notified that no dolphins were sighted within the DEZ by the contractors. ET has checked the relevant records to audit the implementation of DEZ.

7.5         Ecological Monitoring

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, ecological monitoring shall be undertaken monthly at the HDD daylighting location on Sheung Sha Chau Island to identify and evaluate any impacts with appropriate actions taken as required to address and minimise any adverse impact found. During the reporting month, the monthly ecological monitoring at the HDD daylighting location on Sheung Sha Chau observed that HDD works were ongoing under the Contract P560(R) at the daylighting location, and there was no encroachment of any works upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the egrets on the island by the works. Sign of early breeding activities by Black-crowned Night Heron and Little Egret were observed on trees located at the previously identified egretry area where it is at the southern side of Sheung Sha Chau Island. At the HDD daylighting location, neither nest nor breeding activity of bird were found during the monthly ecological monitoring and weekly site inspections in the reporting month. The site photos and location map regarding the monthly ecological monitoring for the HDD works and egretry area are provided in Appendix D for reference. All works on Sheung Sha Chau had been retreated on 31 March 2017. No works will be conducted on Sheung Sha Chau Island during the ardeid’s breeding season.

7.6         Status of Submissions under Environmental Permits

The current status of submissions under the EP up to the reporting period is presented in Table 7.2

Table 7.2: Status of Submissions under Environmental Permit

EP Condition

Submission

Status

2.1

Complaint Management Plan

Accepted / approved by EPD

2.4

Management Organizations

2.5

Construction Works Schedule and Location Plans

2.7

Marine Park Proposal

2.8

Marine Ecology Conservation Plan

2.9

Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessels

2.10

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

2.11

Marine Mammal Watching Plan

2.12

Coral Translocation Plan

2.13

Fisheries Management Plan

2.14

Egretry Survey Plan

2.15

Silt Curtain Deployment Plan

2.17

Detailed Plan on Deep Cement Mixing

2.16

Spill Response Plan

2.19

Waste Management Plan

3.1

Updated EM&A Manual

3.4

Baseline Monitoring Reports

7.7         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. The environmental licenses and permits which are valid in the reporting month are presented in Appendix E.

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

7.8.1      Complaints

During the reporting period, no construction activities related complaints were received.

7.8.2      Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

During the reporting period, neither notifications of summons nor prosecution were received.

7.8.3      Cumulative Statistics

Cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and status of prosecutions are summarized in Appendix F.

 

8        Future Key Issues and Other EIA & EM&A Issues

8.1         Construction Programme for the Coming Reporting Period

Key activities anticipated in the next reporting period for the Project will include the following:

Advanced Works:

Contract P560 (R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works

    HDD works on existing airport island; and

    Stockpiling of excavated materials from HDD operation on existing airport island.

 

Contract 3212 11kV Submarine Cable Diversion

    Forming of marine approach trench; and

    Cable laying.

 

DCM Works:

Contract 3201 to 3205 Deep Cement Mixing Works

    Laying of geotextile and sand blanket;

    Site office establishment; and

    DCM works.

 

Reclamation Works:

Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works

    Site office establishment; and

    Laying of sand blanket.

 

8.2         Key Environmental Issues for the Coming Reporting Period

The key environmental issues for the Project in the coming reporting period expected to be associated with the construction activities include:  

    Generation of dust from construction works and stockpiles;

    Noise from operating equipment and machinery on-site;

    Generation of site surface runoffs and wastewater from activities on-site;

    Water quality from laying of sand blankets, DCM works and water jetting works for submarine cable diversion;

    DEZ monitoring for DCM works and implementation of MMWP for silt curtain deployment by the contractors’ dolphin observers;

    Sorting, recycling, storage and disposal of general refuse and construction waste;

    Management of chemicals and avoidance of oil spillage on-site;  and

    Acoustic decoupling measures for equipment on marine vessels.

The implementation of required mitigation measures by the contractors will be monitored by the ET.

8.3      Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Reporting Period

A tentative schedule of the planned environmental monitoring work in the next reporting period is provided in Appendix C.

 

9        Conclusion and Recommendation

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included five DCM contracts, an advanced works contract and a reclamation contract. The DCM contracts involved DCM works and trials, site office establishment, laying of geotextile and sand blanket; the advanced works contract involved HDD works and pipeline supporting works; and the reclamation contract involved site office establishment and laying of sand blanket.

All the monitoring works for construction dust, construction noise, water quality, construction waste, terrestrial ecology and CWD were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.

No exceedance of the Action or Limit Levels in relation to the construction dust, construction noise, construction waste and CWD monitoring was recorded in the reporting month. 

The water quality monitoring results for DO, total alkalinity, and chromium obtained during the reporting period were in compliance with their corresponding Action and/or Limit Levels. For turbidity, SS and nickel, some of the testing results exceeded the relevant Action or Limit Levels. Investigations were carried out immediately for each of the exceedance cases. The investigation findings concluded that the exceedances were not due to the Project.

The monthly terrestrial ecology monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau Island observed that HDD works were conducted at the daylighting location and there was no encroachment upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the egrets at Sheung Sha Chau by the works. At the HDD daylighting location, neither nest or breeding activity of bird were found during the monthly ecological monitoring and weekly site inspection in the reporting month.

Weekly site inspections of the construction works were carried out by the ET to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. Bi-weekly site inspections were also conducted by the IEC.  Observations have been recorded in the site inspection checklists, including the observations on the conditions of silt curtains, which have been provided to the contractors together with the appropriate follow-up actions where necessary. 

On the implementation of Marine Mammal Watching Plan, silt curtains were in place by the contractors for sand blanket laying works and dolphin observers were deployed in accordance with the Plan. On the implementation of DEZ Plan, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for DCM works 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, and no dolphins were sighted within the DEZ. These contractors’ records were checked by the ET during site inspection. Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were also carried out by the ET. 

On the implementation of the SkyPier Plan, the daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in March 2017 were in the range of 85 to 94 daily movements, which are within the maximum daily cap of 125 daily movements. A total of 860 HSF movements under the SkyPier Plan were recorded in the reporting period. All HSFs had travelled through the SCZ with average speeds under 15 knots (6.1 to 14.2 knots), which were in compliance with the SkyPier Plan.  One ferry movement with minor deviation from the diverted route is under investigation by ET. The investigation result will be presented in the next monthly EM&A report. In summary, the ET and IEC have audited the HSF movements against the SkyPier Plan and conducted follow up investigation or actions accordingly.

On the implementation of the MTRMP-CAV, the upgraded MSS was launched in March 2017. The MSS automatically recorded deviation cases such as speeding, entering no entry zone, not traveling through the designated gate. ET conducted cross checking with construction and associated vessel records provided by the contractors to ensure the MSS records all deviation cases accurately. Training has been provided for the concerned skippers to facilitate them in familiarising with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. 3-month rolling programmes for construction vessel activities were also received from contractors. ET reminded contractors that all vessels shall avoid entering the Brothers Marine Park, which has been designated since 30 December 2016.