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

Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.65 (For May 2021)

June 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

Abbreviations

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    Action and Limit Levels

2.2    Monitoring Equipment

2.3    Monitoring Methodology

2.3.1     Measuring Procedure

2.3.2     Maintenance and Calibration

2.4    Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5    Conclusion

3      Noise Monitoring

3.1    Action and Limit Levels

3.2    Monitoring Equipment

3.3    Monitoring Methodology

3.3.1     Monitoring Procedure

3.3.2     Maintenance and Calibration

3.4    Summary of Monitoring Results

3.5    Conclusion

4      Water Quality Monitoring

4.1    Action and Limit Levels

4.2    Monitoring Equipment

4.3    Monitoring Methodology

4.3.1     Measuring Procedure

4.3.2     Maintenance and Calibration

4.3.3     Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

4.4    Summary of Monitoring Results

4.5    Conclusion

5      Waste Management

5.1    Action and Limit Levels

5.2    Waste Management Status

5.3    Marine Sediment Management

6      Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

6.1    Action and Limit Levels

6.2    CWD Monitoring Transects and Stations

6.2.1     Small Vessel Line-transect Survey

6.2.2     Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

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 Survey

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 Survey

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    Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

7.3    Land Contamination Assessment

7.4    Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

7.5    Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

7.6    Implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone 

7.7    Status of Submissions under Environmental Permits

7.8    Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

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

7.9.1     Complaints

7.9.2     Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

7.9.3     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

8.4    Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report

9      Conclusion and Recommendation

 

 

Tables

Table 1.1: Summary of status for all environmental aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual 9

Table 2.1:  Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  12

Table 2.2:  Action and Limit Levels of Air Quality Monitoring  12

Table 2.3:  Air Quality Monitoring Equipment 12

Table 2.4: Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Results  13

Table 3.1: Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  14

Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Noise Monitoring  14

Table 3.3: Noise Monitoring Equipment 15

Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results  16

Table 4.1: Monitoring Locations and Parameters of Impact Water Quality Monitoring  17

Table 4.2: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  19

Table 4.3: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  19

Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment 20

Table 4.5: Other Monitoring Equipment 20

Table 4.6: Laboratory Measurement/ Analysis of SS and Heavy Metals  21

Table 4.7: Summary of SS Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide) 22

Table 4.8: Summary of Findings from Investigation of SS Monitoring Results  22

Table 5.1: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  24

Table 5.2: Construction Waste Statistics  25

Table 6.1: Derived Values of Action and Limit Levels for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  26

Table 6.2: Coordinates of Transect Lines in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL Survey Areas  27

Table 6.3: Land-based Theodolite Survey Station Details  28

Table 6.4: Comparison of CWD Encounter Rates of the Whole Survey Area with Action Levels  32

Table 6.5: Summary of Photo Identification  33

Table 6.6: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking  33

Table 7.1: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary  36

Table 7.2: Examples of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in the Reporting Period  37

Table 7.3: Monitoring Programme for Landscape and Visual 38

Table 7.4: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual 39

Table 7.5: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period  39

Table 7.6: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period  40

Table 7.7: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees  42

Table 7.8: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan  43

Table 7.9: Status of Submissions under Environmental Permit 44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figures

Figure 1.1

Locations of Key Construction Activities

Figure 2.1

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

Figure 4.1

Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Figure 6.1

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

Figure 6.2

Land based Dolphin Monitoring in Baseline and Construction Phases

Figure 6.3

Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

Figure 6.5

Location for Autonomous Passive Acoustic Monitoring

 

Appendices

Appendix A

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix B

Monitoring Schedule

Appendix C

Monitoring Results

Appendix D

Calibration Certificates

Appendix E

Status of Environmental Permits and Licences

Appendix F

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbreviations

3RS

Three-Runway System

AAHK

Airport Authority Hong Kong

AECOM

AECOM Asia Company Limited

AFCD

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

AIS

Automatic Information System

ANI

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphins

APM

Automated People Mover

AW

Airport West

BHS

Baggage Handling System

C&D

Construction and Demolition

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CAR

Contamination Assessment Report

CTCC

Construction Traffic Control Centre

CWD

Chinese White Dolphin

DCM

Deep Cement Mixing

DEZ

Dolphin Exclusion Zone

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

EPSS

Emergency Power Supply Systems

ET

Environmental Team

FCZ

Fish Culture Zone

HKBCF

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

HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport

HOKLAS

Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme

HSF

High Speed Ferry

HVS

High Volume Sampler

IEC

Independent Environmental Checker

LKC

Lung Kwu Chau

MMHK

Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited

MMWP

Marine Mammal Watching Plan

MSS

Maritime Surveillance System

MTRMP-CAV

Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel

NEL

Northeast Lantau

NWL

Northwest Lantau

PAM

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

PM

Project Manager

SC

Sha Chau

SCLKCMP

Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

SS

Suspended Solids

SSSI

Site of Special Scientific Interest

STG

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings

SWL

Southwest Lantau

T2

Terminal 2

The Project

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

The SkyPier Plan

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

The Manual

The Updated EM&A Manual

TSP

Total Suspended Particulates

WL

West Lantau

WMP

Waste Management Plan


 

Executive Summary

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

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

This is the 65th Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 May 2021.

Key Activities in the Reporting Period  

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-based works. Works in the reclamation areas included deep cement mixing (DCM) works, marine filling, seawall and facilities construction, together with runway and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works, foundation and substructure work for Terminal 2 expansion, modification and tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS), and preparation work for utilities, with activities include site establishment, site office construction, road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition, piling, and excavation works.

EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period

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

Monitoring Activities

Number of Sessions

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

30

Noise monitoring

16

Water quality monitoring

13

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

2

Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring

2

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

Snapshots of EM&A Activities in the Reporting Period

Impact Water Quality Monitoring conducted by ET

On-site Checking of WetSep Maintenance Record

Inspection of the Control Room of Asphalt Plant

Results of Impact Monitoring

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

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

One monitoring result of construction noise exceeded the relevant Limit Level, and the corresponding investigation was conducted as stipulated in the EM&A programme. The investigation findings concluded that the exceedance was not due to the Project.

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

Summary of Upcoming Key Issues

Reclamation Works:

Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works

    DCM works;

    Land-based ground improvement works;

    Seawall construction;

    Marine filling; and

    Sorting and reuse of inert waste from other 3RS contracts.

Airfield Works:

Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway

    Cable ducting works; and

    Paving works.

Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works

    Cable laying and ducting works;

    Backfilling and reinstatement works; and

    Piling and structure works.

Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works

    Land-based ground improvement works;

    Operation of asphalt plant;

    Footing and utilities work; and

    Cable laying and ducting works.

Contract 3305 Airfield Ground Lighting System

    Genset installation; and

    Site establishment.

Contract 3307 Fire Training Facility

    Architectural, Builder's and Finishing works;

    Drainage and utilities works; and

    Building construction. 

Third Runway Concourse:

Contract 3403 New Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works

    Architectural, Builder's Work and Finishing works;

    Underground utilities construction;

    Footing construction; and

    Pre-boring and sheetpiling works.

Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works

    Foundation works;

    Piling work;

    Excavation and backfilling; and

    Road formation.

Terminal 2 Expansion:

Contract 3503 Terminal 2 Foundation and Substructure Works

    T2 re-configuration;

    Excavation works;

    Utilities road work; and

    Piling and structure works.

Contract 3508 Terminal 2 Expansion Works

    Excavation and footing construction;

    Site formation;

    Piling work; and

    Builders’ works.  

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

Contract 3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line)

    Rebar fixing;

    Formwork erection and removal;

    Guidebeam installation; and

    Concreting work.

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

    Car modification; and

    Concreting work.

Construction Support (Facilities):

Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works

    Excavation and backfilling;

    Laying of drainage pipes and ducts; and

    Road works.

Contract 3722 Construction Support Facilities

    Foundation works;

    Erection of superstructure; and

    Site establishment.

Contract 3723 Construction Support Facilities

    Foundation works;

    Erection of superstructure; and

    Site establishment.

Airport Support Infrastructure:

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

    Formwork and rebar fixing;

    Construction of working platform;

    Cofferdam for shaft;

    Site clearance; and

    Demolition works.

Contract 3802 APM and BHS Tunnels and Related Works

    Construction of Airside Fire Station and marine sediment treatment plant;

    Installation of sheet pipes and dewatering well;

    Pre-drilling; and

    Ducting works.

Construction Support (Services / Licences):

Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility

    Plant operation; and

    Material conveyor belt construction.

Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility

    Plant operation; and

    Foundation works for conveyor belt.

Summary Table

The following table summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period:

 

Yes

No

Details

Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions

Breach of Limit Level^

 

No breach of Limit Level was recorded.

Nil

Breach of Action Level^

 

No breach of Action Level was recorded.

Nil

Complaint Received

 

In the previous reporting period, a complaint regarding alleged dusty and muddy vehicles was received on 20 April 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information related to the complaint. Regular site inspections were conducted in which

wheel washing on vehicles prior to leaving their works area was observed. For ad hoc inspections, soil and sands on road surface in Tuen Mun Public Cargo Working Area and dusty surfaces at North Eastern Quay on 3RS reclaimed land were both observed.  To follow up, the contractors are reminded to ensure the wheels of outgoing vehicles from their site area are properly washed. Haul road connected to the quay would be paved and manual wheel washing would be implemented continuously. In the long term, an enhanced wheel washing measure is planned at the quays. The case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding dust issue was received on 14 May 2021.

ET requested the relevant contractor to provide information related to the complaint. Regular site inspections and joint inspections were conducted in which sprinklers and water trucks were observed operating. ET also checked the wind speed at the Chek Lap Kok wind station and the result might suggest the presence of sudden gust. Based on the information provided by the contractor and ET’s findings, the dust generation might be caused by sudden gust. Nevertheless, the contractor was reminded to continue implementing mitigation measures on dust control. The case was considered closed.

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

No notification of summons or prosecution was received.

Nil

Change that affect the EM&A

 

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

Nil

Note:     

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

 

1        Introduction

1.1          Background

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

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

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

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

The summary of construction works programme can be referred to Section 1.4.

1.2          Scope of this Report

This is the 65th Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 May 2021.

1.3          Project Organisation

The Project’s organisation structure presented in Appendix B of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.1 remained unchanged during the reporting period. Contact details of the key personnel presented in Section 1.3 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.64 remained unchanged during the reporting period.  

1.4          Summary of Construction Works

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-based works. Works in the reclamation areas included DCM works, marine filling, seawall and facilities construction, together with runway and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved mainly airfield works, foundation and substructure work for Terminal 2 expansion, modification and tunnel work for APM and BHS systems, and preparation work for utilities, with activities include site establishment, site office construction, road and drainage works, cable ducting, demolition of existing facilities, piling, and excavation works.

The locations of key construction activities are presented in Figure 1.1.

1.5          Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status for all environmental aspects are presented in Table 1.1. The EM&A requirements remained unchanged during the reporting period.

Table 1.1: Summary of status for all environmental aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual        

Parameters

EM&A Requirements

Status

Air Quality

Baseline Monitoring

At least 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction work

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

Impact Monitoring

At least 3 times every 6 days

On-going

Noise

Baseline Monitoring

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

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

Impact Monitoring

Weekly

On-going

Water Quality

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

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

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

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

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

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

Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring

At least four weeks

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

Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring

Three times per week until completion of DCM works.

On-going

Sewerage and Sewage Treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waste Management

Waste Monitoring

At least weekly

On-going

Land Contamination

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

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

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

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Golf Course

CAR to be submitted for golf course

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

Contamination Assessment Reports (CAR) for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems

CAR to be submitted for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems

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

Terrestrial Ecology

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

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

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

Ecological Monitoring

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

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

Marine Ecology

Pre-Construction Phase Coral Dive Survey

Prior to marine construction works

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

Coral Translocation

-

The coral translocation was completed.

Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring

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

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

Chinese White Dolphins (CWD)

Baseline Monitoring

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

Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month;

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

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

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

Impact Monitoring

Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month;

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

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

On-going

Landscape & Visual

 

 

Landscape & Visual Plan

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

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

Baseline Monitoring

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

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

Impact Monitoring

Weekly

On-going

Environmental Auditing

 

 

Regular site inspection

Weekly

On-going

Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF) implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Construction and Associated Vessels Implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Silt Curtain Deployment Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Spill Response Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Complaint Hotline and Email channel

Construction phase

On-going

Environmental Log Book

Construction phase

On-going

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

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

    Two skipper training sessions provided by ET: 12 and 24 May 2021; and

    Seventeen environmental management meetings for EM&A review with works contracts: 6, 7, 11, 12, 17, 18, 21, 24, 26, 27 and 28 May 2021.

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 A.

 

2        Air Quality Monitoring

Air quality monitoring of 1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) was conducted three times every six days 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

2.1          Action and Limit Levels

In accordance with the Manual, baseline air quality monitoring of 1-hour TSP levels at the two air quality monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. 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.  

Table 2.2:  Action and Limit Levels of Air Quality Monitoring

Monitoring Station

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

306

500

AR2

298

2.2          Monitoring Equipment

Portable direct reading dust meter was used to carry out the air quality monitoring. Details of equipment used in the reporting period are given in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3:  Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model                  

Last Calibration Date                  

Calibration Certificate Provided in

Portable direct reading dust meter (Laser dust monitor)

SIBATA LD-3B-2     (Serial No. 296098)

20 Oct 2020

Monthly EM&A Report No. 58, Appendix E

SIBATA LD-3B-1

(Serial No. 597337)

10 May 2021

Appendix D

2.3          Monitoring Methodology

2.3.1      Measuring Procedure

The measurement procedures involved in the impact air quality monitoring can be summarised as follows: 

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

2.3.2      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 record of the HVS provided in Appendix D, and the calibration certificates of portable direct reading dust meters listed in Table 2.3 are valid in the reporting period.

2.4          Summary of Monitoring Results

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

The air quality monitoring results in the reporting period are summarised in Table 2.4. Detailed impact monitoring results are presented in Appendix C.

Table 2.4: Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Results

Monitoring Station

1-hr TSP Concentration Range (mg/m3)

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

14 - 74

306

500

AR2

12 - 36

298

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

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

2.5          Conclusion

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

 

3        Noise Monitoring

Noise monitoring in the form of 30-minute measurements of Leq, L10, and L90 levels was conducted once per week between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays at four representative monitoring stations in the vicinity of noise sensitive receivers in Tung Chung and villages in North Lantau in accordance with the Manual. Table 3.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.

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(2)

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.

(2)    According to Section 4.3.3 of the Manual, the noise monitoring at NM3A was temporarily suspended starting from 1 September 2018 and would be resumed with the completion of the Tung Chung East Development.

3.1          Action and Limit Levels

In accordance with the Manual, baseline noise levels at the noise monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report. 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.

Table 3.2: Action and Limit Levels for Noise Monitoring

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

75dB(A)(1)

Note:

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

3.2          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 used in the reporting period are given in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3: Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Last Calibration Date

Calibration Certificate Provided in

Integrated Sound Level Meter

Rion NL-52

(Serial No. 00998505)

20 Mar 2021

Monthly EM&A Report No. 63, Appendix E

Rion NL-52

(Serial No. 01287679)

21 Jun 2020

Monthly EM&A Report No. 54, Appendix E

Acoustic Calibrator

Casella CEL-120/1 (Serial No. 2383737)

12 Sep 2020

Monthly EM&A Report No. 57, Appendix D

Castle GA607 (Serial No. 040162)

20 Mar 2021

Monthly EM&A Report No. 63, Appendix E

3.3          Monitoring Methodology

3.3.1      Monitoring Procedure

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

a.   The sound level meter was set on a tripod at least a height of 1.2m above the ground for free-field measurements at monitoring stations NM1A, NM4, NM5 and NM6. A correction of +3dB(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 1dB(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, when higher than the baseline monitoring levels, 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.

3.3.2      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 listed in Table 3.3 are valid in the reporting period.

3.4          Summary of Monitoring Results

The noise monitoring schedule involved in the reporting period is provided in Appendix B.

The noise monitoring results in the reporting period are summarised in Table 3.4. Detailed impact monitoring results are presented in Appendix C.

Table 3.4: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results

Monitoring Station

Noise Level Range, dB(A)

Leq (30mins)

Limit Level, dB(A)

Leq (30mins)

NM1A(1)(3)

70 - 76

75

NM4(1)

60 - 66

70(2)

NM5(1)(3)

57 - 62

75

NM6(1)(3)

60 - 65

75

Notes:

(1)    +3dB(A) Façade correction included;

(2)    Reduced to 65dB(A) during school examination periods at NM4. School examination took place from 31 May to 4 June 2021.

(3)    Some of the noise measurement results were higher than the baseline monitoring levels. In order to reduce the influence of non-Project related noise on the monitoring results, these measurement results were corrected with reference to the baseline monitoring levels.

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

One of the monitoring results triggered the corresponding Limit Level at NM1A on 28 May 2021. In accordance with Event and Action Plan stipulated in the Manual, EPD, IEC and Contractor were informed when the corresponding Limit Level was triggered.

It was confirmed from the on-site observation by monitoring team during the whole period of monitoring that the major noise source was from cicadas chirping. Moreover, no major construction noise was observed during the whole monitoring period. As confirmed with the contractors, noise mitigation measures were implemented for their construction works during the monitoring period.

Therefore, the case was considered not due to Project activities. The mitigation measures that have been implemented were considered effective and will be implemented continuously.

3.5          Conclusion

During the reporting period, it is noted that the vast majority of monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while only one result triggered the corresponding Limit Level, and investigation was conducted accordingly.

Based on the investigation findings, the result that triggered the corresponding Limit Level was not due to the Project. Therefore, the Project did not cause adverse impact at the noise sensitive receivers. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan were followed. This case appeared to be due to other sources not related to the Project.

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 cicadas chirping and traffic noise near NM1A, school activities at NM4 and aircraft noise near NM5 and NM6 during this reporting period. It is considered that the monitoring work during the reporting period was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to the Project activities.

 

4        Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality monitoring of DO, pH, temperature, salinity, turbidity, suspended solids (SS), total alkalinity, chromium, and nickel was conducted three days per week, at mid-ebb and mid-flood tides, at a total of 23 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 12 impact (IM) stations, 8 sensitive receiver (SR) stations and 3 control (C) stations in the vicinity of water quality sensitive receivers around the airport island in accordance with the Manual. The purpose of water quality monitoring at the IM stations is to promptly capture any potential water quality impact from the Project before it could become apparent at sensitive receivers (represented by the SR stations). Table 4.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 4.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.

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

 

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Parameters

 

 

Easting

Northing

 

C1

Control Station

804247

815620

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

DCM Parameters

Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)

C2

Control Station

806945

825682

C3(3)

Control Station

817803

822109

IM1

Impact Station

807132

817949

IM2

Impact Station

806166

818163

IM3

Impact Station

805594

818784

IM4

Impact Station

804607

819725

IM5

Impact Station

804867

820735

IM6

Impact Station

805828

821060

IM7

Impact Station

806835

821349

IM8

Impact Station

808140

821830

IM9

Impact Station

808811

822094

IM10

Impact Station

809794

822385

IM11

Impact Station

811460

822057

IM12

Impact Station

812046

821459

SR1A(1)

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

812660

819977

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

SR2(3)

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

 

 

 

 

814166

821463

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

DCM Parameters

Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)(4)

SR3

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

807571

822147

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

 

 

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

SR4A

Sha Lo Wan

807810

817189

SR5A

San Tau Beach SSSI

810696

816593

SR6A(5)

Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI

814739

817963

SR7

Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)

823742

823636

SR8(6)

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

811623

820390

 

Notes:                                                                                   

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

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

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

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

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

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

4.1          Action and Limit Levels

In accordance with the Manual, baseline water quality levels at the above-mentioned representative water quality monitoring stations were established as presented in the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report. The Action and Limit Levels of 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 provided in Table 4.2. The control and impact stations during ebb tide and flood 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 SR1A & SR8)

General Water Quality Monitoring

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

Surface and Middle

4.5mg/l

Surface and Middle

4.1mg/l

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

Bottom

3.4mg/l

Bottom

2.7mg/l

Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/l

23

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

37

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

Turbidity in NTU

22.6

36.1

Regular DCM Monitoring

Total Alkalinity in ppm

95

99

Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring (Chromium) in µg/l

0.2

0.2

Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring (Nickel) in µg/l

3.2

 

3.6

 

Action and Limit Levels SR1A

 

 

 

SS (mg/l))

33

 

42

 

Action and Limit Levels SR8

 

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

52

 

60

 

Notes:

(1)    For DO measurement, 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 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, SR6A, SR8

Ebb Tide

 

C1

SR4A, SR5A, SR6A

C2

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

Note:

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

4.2          Monitoring Equipment

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

Table 4.4: Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Last Calibration Date

Calibration Certificate Provided in

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

YSI 6920V2 (Serial No. 0001C6A7)

22 Apr 2021

Monthly EM&A Report No. 64, Appendix E

YSI 6920V2 (Serial No. 0001CF6C)

20 May 2021

Appendix D

YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 17H105557)

3 Feb 2021 (1)

Monthly EM&A Report No. 62, Appendix D

YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 18A104824)

25 Feb 2021 (1)

Monthly EM&A Report No. 62, Appendix D

YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 15M100005)

25 Mar 2021

Monthly EM&A Report No. 63, Appendix E

YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 16H104234)

22 Apr 2021

Monthly EM&A Report No. 64,

Appendix E

YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 16H104233)

20 May 2021

Appendix D

YSI ProDSS (Serial No. 17E100747)

25 Mar 2021

Monthly EM&A Report No. 63, Appendix E

Digital Titrator (measurement of total alkalinity)

Titrette Bottle-top Burette, 50ml

(Serial No. 10N64701)

24 May 2021

Appendix D

Note:

(1)    The monitoring equipment was not used in the reporting period after the expiry date of the calibration certificate.

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

4.3          Monitoring Methodology

4.3.1      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, alkalinity 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 4şC without being frozen), delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

4.3.2      Maintenance and Calibration

Calibration of In-situ Instruments

All in-situ monitoring instrument was 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 SS (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 reporting period are listed in Table 4.4.

4.3.3      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

SS

Analytical Balance

APHA 2540D

2mg/l

Heavy Metals

 

 

 

Chromium (Cr)

ICP-MS

USEPA 6020A

0.2µg/l

Nickel (Ni)

ICP-MS

USEPA 6020A

0.2µg/l

4.4         Summary of Monitoring Results

The water quality monitoring schedule for the reporting period is updated and provided in Appendix B.

The water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except SS, obtained during the reporting period were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels. The detailed monitoring results are presented in Appendix C.

For SS, a testing result triggered the corresponding Action Level, and investigation was conducted accordingly.

Table 4.7 presents the summary of the SS compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-ebb for the reporting period.

Table 4.7: Summary of SS Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Note: Detailed results are presented in Appendix C.

Legend:

 

The monitoring results were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels

D

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

 

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

One of the monitoring results triggered the corresponding Action Level on 27 May 2021. In accordance with Event and Action Plan stipulated in the Manual, IEC and Contractor were informed when the corresponding Action or Limit Levels were triggered.

Investigation focusing on the case which occurred at monitoring station located downstream of the Project was carried out. Details of the Project’s marine construction activities and site observations on the concerned monitoring day were collected. Findings were summarized in Table 4.8.

Table 4.8: Summary of Findings from Investigation of SS Monitoring Results

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

Action or Limit Level triggered due to Project

27/05/2021

No marine construction works

Not applicable

Not applicable

No

No

No

For SS result recorded in ebb tide at SR2 on 27 May 2021 which triggered the corresponding Action Level, no silt plume was observed at this monitoring station and appropriate mitigation measures were implemented properly by contractors. No construction vessel was observed in the vicinity of SR2 during monitoring. It is noted that no marine construction activity was conducted for the whole project on that day and no abnormal observation was identified on the same day. Furthermore, all monitoring results recorded at IM stations, which are located closer to the Project Area, were within the Action and Limit Levels. Therefore, the case was considered unlikely due to the Project.

4.5         Conclusion

During the reporting period, it is noted that the vast majority of monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while only one result triggered the corresponding Action Level, and investigation was conducted accordingly.

Based on the investigation findings, the result that triggered the corresponding Action Level was not due to the Project. Therefore, the Project did not cause adverse impact at the water quality sensitive receivers. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan were followed. These case appeared to be due to natural fluctuation or other sources not related to the Project.

Nevertheless, as part of the EM&A programme, the construction methods and mitigation measures for water quality will continue to be monitored and opportunities for further enhancement will continue to be explored and implemented where possible, to strive for better protection of water quality and the marine environment.

In the meantime, the contractors were reminded to implement and maintain all mitigation measures during weekly site inspection and regular environmental management meetings. These include maintaining mitigation measures properly for reclamation works including DCM works, marine filling and seawall construction as recommended in the Manual.

 

5        Waste Management

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.

5.1          Action and Limit Levels

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 made included provision and maintenance of proper chemical waste storage area, as well as handling, segregation, and regular disposal of general refuse. The contractors have taken actions to implement the recommended measures. Waste management audits were carried out by ET according to the requirement of the Waste Management Plan, Updated EM&A Manual and the implementation schedule of the waste management mitigation measures in Appendix A.

Based on updated information provided by contractors, construction waste generated in the reporting period is summarised in Table 5.2.  Proactive measures have been undertaken during the re-configuration of T2 building.  The contractor has established the recycling strategy for C&D materials with proper planning and design to maximize recycling and reuse.  Dedicated recyclers were employed for different kinds of recyclable materials by the contractor, and ET and IEC have carried out site visit to recyclers’ faciltities to review recycling process.  Recycling materials before leaving the site are weighted by a weight bridge and monitored by CCTV system. Dedicated areas for sorting of materials are established on site. Recyclable materials such as steel, reinforcement bar, structural steel, aluminum, copper, other metals and glass are sorted on-site and transported off-site for recycling. ET and IEC have carried out site audits regularly and reviewed the trip ticket system.  

Table 5.2: Construction Waste Statistics

 

C&D(1) Material Stockpiled for Reuse or Recycle

(m3)

C&D Material Reused in the Project

(m3)

C&D Material Reused in other Projects

(m3)

C&D Material Transferred to Public Fill

(m3)

Chemical Waste

(kg)

Chemical Waste

(l)

General Refuse

(tonne)

 

April

2021(2)(3)

*26,029

*57,644

*1,766

4,140

0

0

1,194

May

2021(2)(4)

14,776

153,950

1,444

10,375

0

2,800

1,080

Notes:

(1)    C&D refers to Construction and Demolition.

(2)    Metals, paper and/or plastics were recycled in the reporting period.

(3)    Updated figure for the previous month is reported and marked with an asterisk (*). Updated figures for earlier months will be reported in the forthcoming Quarterly and Annual EM&A Reports.

(4)    The data was based on the information provided by contractors up to the submission date of this Monthly EM&A Report, and might be updated in the forthcoming Monthly EM&A Report.

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

Along with the design and construction progress, further development on the treatment level/details and the re-use mode for marine sediment generated from 3RS Project has been conducted according to the EIA recommendation.

5.3          Marine Sediment Management

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

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

 

 

6        Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

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

The small vessel line-transect survey should be conducted at a frequency of two full surveys per month, while land-based theodolite tracking survey should be conducted at a frequency of one day per month per station at Sha Chau (SC) and Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) during the construction phase as stipulated in the Manual.

6.1         Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels 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 Action and Limit Levels for CWD monitoring were summarised in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1: Derived Values of Action and Limit Levels for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

 

NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL as a Whole

Action Level(3)

Running quarterly(1) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35

Limit Level(3)

Two consecutive running quarterly(2) (3-month) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35

Notes: (referring to the baseline monitoring report)

(1)    Action Level – running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI of this month will be calculated from the reporting period and the two preceding survey months.

(2)    Limit Level – two consecutive running quarters mean both the running quarterly encounter rates of the preceding month and the running quarterly encounter rates of this month.

(3)    Action Level and/or Limit Level will be triggered 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 conducted 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 the addition of AW). The AW transect has not been previously surveyed in the AFCD programme due to the restrictions of HKIA Approach Area, 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 also provided a larger sample size for estimating the density, abundance and patterns of movements in the broader study area of the project.

The planned vessel survey transect lines following the waypoints set for construction phase monitoring as proposed in the Manual are 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 Survey

Land-based theodolite tracking survey 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 Theodolite 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, AW, WL and SWL areas as proposed in the Manual, which 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 going around 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 pairs. 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 15-20m vessel with a flying bridge observation platform about 4 to 5m 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 were lost from view.  At that point, the boat returned (off effort) to the survey line at the closest point after obtaining photo records of the dolphin group and began to survey on effort again. 

Focal follows of dolphins would be used for providing supplementary information only 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 would involve the boat following (at an appropriate distance to minimise 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 photograph 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 Project during the baseline monitoring stage.

6.3.3      Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Land-based theodolite tracking survey 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 (>1-3km, 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 2-3km 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 period, two complete sets of small vessel line-transect surveys were conducted on the 6, 11, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28 May 2021, covering all transects in NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL survey areas for twice.

A total of around 450.37 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys and around 83.8% of the survey effort was 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 C.

Sighting Distribution

In May 2021, 12 sightings with 31 dolphins were sighted. Amongst these sightings, 11 sightings with 29 dolphins are on-effort records under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility). Details of cetacean sightings are presented in Appendix C.

Distribution of all CWD sightings recorded in May 2021 is illustrated in Figure 6.3. In WL, two CWD sightings were recorded at Tai O and one sighting was recorded at Peaked Hill. In SWL, the majority of the CWD sightings were recorded in the western part of the survey area. No CWD sightings were recorded in neither NEL nor NWL survey areas during the reporting period.

 

Figure 6.3: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

 
Remarks: (1) Please note that there are 12 pink circles on the map indicating the sighting locations of CWDs. Some of them were very close to each other and therefore may appear overlapped on this distribution map. (2) Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

Encounter Rate

Two types of dolphin encounter rates were calculated based on the vessel survey data. 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 were used)

In May 2021, a total of around 377.52 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 11 on-effort sightings with 29 dolphins were sighted under such condition. Calculation of the encounter rates for the month are shown in Appendix C.

For the running quarter of the reporting period (i.e., from March to May 2021), a total of around 1130.01 km of survey effort were conducted under Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility, whilst a total number of 26 on-effort sightings and a total number of 70 dolphins from on-effort sightings were obtained under such condition. Calculation of the running quarterly encounter rates are shown in Appendix C.

The STG and ANI of CWD in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL) during the month of May 2021 and during the running quarter are presented in Table 6.4 below and compared with the Action Level. Although the running quarterly encounter rate ANI fall below the Action Level, the Action Level is not triggered as the running quarterly STG remain 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)

May 2021

2.91

7.68

Running Quarter from March to May 2021(1)

2.30

6.19

Action Level

Running quarterly(1) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35

Note: (1) Running quarterly encounter rates STG & ANI were calculated from data collected in the reporting period and the two preceding survey months, i.e. the data from March to May 2021, containing six sets of transect surveys for all monitoring areas. Action Level will be triggered if both STG and ANI fall below the criteria.

Group Size

In May 2021, 12 groups of 31 dolphins in total were sighted, and the average group size of CWDs was 2.58 dolphins per group. Sightings with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins) were dominant. There were no CWD sightings with large group size (i.e. 10 or more dolphins).

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

Two CWD sightings were recorded engaging in feeding activities in May 2021 but no association with operating fishing boats was observed.

Mother-calf Pair

In May 2021, there was one CWD sighting recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted juvenile pair of which the sighting was recoded in SWL.

6.4.2      Photo Identification

In May 2021, a total number of 18 different CWD individuals were identified for totally 21 times. A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 6.5. Representative photos of these individuals are given in Appendix C.

Table 6.5: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of Sighting (dd-mmm-yy)

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

Individual ID

Date of Sighting (dd-mmm-yy)

Sighting Group No.

Area

NLMM061

26-May-21

2

SWL

 

WLMM004

25-May-21

7

SWL

SLMM003

25-May-21

6

SWL

 

 

26-May-21

3

SWL

SLMM010

25-May-21

4

SWL

 

WLMM007

25-May-21

4

SWL

 

28-May-21

2

WL

 

WLMM018

25-May-21

7

SWL

SLMM030

25-May-21

5

SWL

 

WLMM061

11-May-21

1

WL

SLMM034

25-May-21

6

SWL

 

WLMM063

25-May-21

7

SWL

SLMM037

25-May-21

6

SWL

 

 

26-May-21

3

SWL

SLMM045

28-May-21

1

WL

 

WLMM065

26-May-21

2

SWL

SLMM049

25-May-21

4

SWL

 

WLMM079

26-May-21

3

SWL

SLMM052

25-May-21

6

SWL

 

WLMM135

26-May-21

3

SWL

WLM0027

25-May-21

3

SWL

 

 

 

 

 

6.4.3      Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Survey Effort

Land-based theodolite tracking surveys were conducted at SC on 13 May 2021 and at LKC on 25 May 2021, with a total of two days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort accomplished in this reporting period. No CWD groups were tracked during the reporting period. Information of survey effort and CWD groups are presented in Table 6.6. Details of the survey effort are presented in Appendix C.

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

1

6:00

0

0

Sha Chau

1

6:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

0

0

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. During this reporting period, the C-POD was retrieved on 20 May 2021 and the F-POD was deployed and positioned at south of Sha Chau Island inside the SCLKCMP (Figure 6.5). Both C-POD and F-POD are considered as effective PAM devices in detecting CWD occurrence, and F-POD was the main PAM device deployed where feasible. Acoustic data would be reviewed to give an indication of CWDs occurrence patterns and anthropogenic noise information. Analysis would involve use of proprietary software for objective automated data analyses and experienced analysts to perform visual validation for assessment of dolphin detection. As the period of data collection and analysis takes about four months, PAM results could not be reported in monthly intervals but report for supplementing the annual CWD monitoring analysis.

6.6         Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

During the reporting period, silt curtains were in place by the contractor for marine filling, in which dolphin observers were deployed by contractor in accordance with the MMWP. Overall, 2 to 5 dolphin observation stations and teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for DCM works and seawall construction works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers on the implementation of MMWP and DEZ monitoring were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with a cumulative total of 704 individuals being trained and the training records kept by the ET. From the contractors’ MMWP observation records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains. As for DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the DEZs in this reporting month. These contractors’ records were also audited by the ET during site inspection.

Audits of acoustic decoupling measures 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 7.4 and Section 7.5 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 survey 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 two days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort as scheduled. The running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI in the reporting period did not trigger the Action Level for CWD monitoring.

 

7        Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

7.1         Environmental Site Inspection

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

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

·         The EIA and EM&A requirements;

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

·         The EP conditions and other submissions under the EP;

·         Monitoring results of EM&A programme;

·         Works progress and programme;

·         Proposal of individual works;

·         Contract specifications on environmental protection; and

·         Previous site inspection results.

Good site practices were observed in site inspections during the reporting period. Advice were given when necessary to ensure the construction workforce were familiar with relevant procedures, and to maintain good environmental performance on site. Regular toolbox talks on environmental issues were organised for the construction workforce by the contractors to ensure understanding and proper implementation of environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures.

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

7.2         Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Implementation of applicable landscape and visual mitigation measures (reference to the environmental protection measures CM1 – CM10 in Appendix A) was monitored in accordance with the Manual. All measures undertaken by both the contractor and the landscape contractor during the construction phase and first year of the operation phase shall be audited by a landscape architect, as a member of the ET, on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the measures. Site inspections shall be undertaken at least once every two months during the operation phase.

The implementation status of the environmental protection measures are summarized below in Table 7.1. Examples of landscape and visual mitigation measures are shown in Table 7.2. The monitoring programme for detailed design, construction, establishment works and long term management (10 years) stages is presented in Table 7.3. Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual impacts is stated in Table 7.4.

Table 7.1: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary 

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures during Construction

Implementation Status

Relevant Contract(s) in the Reporting Period

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

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

3RS Project contracts

CM2 – Reduction of construction period to practical minimum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

3302, 3503, 3508, 3602, 3801

 

3802 (To be implemented)

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

3503, 3508, 3801

 

3802 (To be implemented)

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

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

To be implemented

Table 7.2: Examples of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in the Reporting Period

Erection of site hoardings around works area in unobtrusive colours (CM5)

Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of site buildings (CM6)

Control of night-time lighting by hooding and minimisation of night working period (CM7)

A picture containing tree, sky, outdoor, plant

Description automatically generated

 

General view of Tree Protection Zone for retained tree (CM8)

General view of a transplanted tree (CM9)

 

 

In accordance with the EM&A Manual, all existing trees shall be protected carefully during construction. Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical. In this reporting period, the cumulative total number of retained and transplanted trees under the Project were 98 and 14, respectively. A works area including 4 retained trees was handed over from Contract 3801 to Contract 3508 during the reporting period. Moreover, Contract 3801 has reviewed their initial tree survey areas and confirmed that some of the surveyed areas were not to be their works areas and therefore 41 retained trees were excluded from the Project. One retained tree was removed due to safety concern of Airport Express Line (AEL) operation. Details of the retained trees, transplanted trees and to-be-transplanted trees under the Project are summarized in Table 7.5. Photos of transplanted trees are presented in Table 7.7.

Details of the retained trees are to be discussed in the Quarterly EM&A reports.

Table 7.3: Monitoring Programme for Landscape and Visual

Stage

Monitoring Task

Monitoring Report

Form of Approval

Frequency

Detailed Design

Checking of design works against the recommendations of the landscape and visual impact assessments within the EIA shall be undertaken during detailed design and tender stage, to ensure that they fulfil the intention of the mitigation measures. Any changes to the design, including design changes on site shall also be checked.

Report by AAHK / PM confirming that the design conforms to requirements of EP.

Approved by Client

 

 

 

At the end of the Detailed Design Phase

Construction

Checking of the contractor’s operations during the construction period.

Report on Contractor's compliance, by ET

Counter signature of report by IEC

Weekly

Establishment Works

Checking of the planting works during the twelve-month Establishment Period after completion of each batch of transplanting works.

Report on Contractor's compliance, by ET

Counter signature of report by IEC

Every two months

Long Term Management (10 year)

Monitoring of the long-term management of the planting works in the period up to 10 years after completion of each batch of transplanting works.

Report on

Compliance by ET or Maintenance Agency as appropriate

Counter signature of report by Management Agency

Annually

 

Table 7.4: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual

Event Action Level

Action

 

ET

IEC

AAHK / PM

Contractor

Design Check

Check final design conforms to the requirements of EP and prepare report.

Check report.

Recommend remedial design if necessary.

Undertake remedial design if necessary.

 

Non-conformity on one occasion

Identify source.

Inform IEC and AAHK / PM.

Discuss remedial actions with IEC, AAHK / PM and Contractor.

Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed.

Check report.

Check Contractor’s working method.

Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures.

Advise AAHK / PM on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures.

Check implementation of remedial measures.

Notify Contractor.

Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented.

Amend working methods to prevent recurrence of non-conformity.

Rectify damage and undertake additional action necessary.

Repeated Non-conformity

Identify source.

Inform IEC and AAHK / PM.

Increase monitoring frequency.

Discuss remedial actions with IEC, AAHK / PM and Contractor.

Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed.

If non-conformity stops, cease additional monitoring.

Check monitoring report.

Check Contractor’s working method.

Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures.

Advise AAHK / PM on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures.

Supervise implementation of remedial measures.

Notify Contractor.

Ensure remedial measures area properly implemented.

Amend working methods to prevent recurrence of non-conformity.

Rectify damage and undertake additional action necessary.

 

Table 7.5: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period

Existing

 

 

 

Contract

Retain (nos.)

Transplanted (nos.)

To-be-transplanted

(nos.)

Establishment Period

Maintenance Period

3302

9

0

0

0

3503

19

6

3

0

3508(1)

25

0

0

12

3602

2

0

0

0

3801

43

0

5

0

Sub-total

98

6

8

12

Provisional

 

 

 

Contract

Retain (nos.)

Transplanted (nos.)

To-be-transplanted (nos.)

3508(1)

130

0

10

Sub-total

130

0

10

Grand Total

228

14

22

 Notes:                                                         

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

Summary of the updated transplanted trees and photos are presented in Table 7.6 and Table 7.7 respectively.

Table 7.6: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period

Tree ID

Transplant Date

Management Stage

Management Agency

Remarks

CT276

 

3 May 2018

 

Establishment period

4 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

Next inspection will be conducted in February 2022. Photos of the last inspection in February 2021 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.62.

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

CT1253

 

4 May 2018

 

Establishment period

5 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

T835

22 Jan 2020

Establishment period

23 Jan 2020 – Jan 2021

Contract 3503

 

Next inspection will be conducted in February 2022. Photos of the last inspection in February 2021 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.62.

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

T836

13 Dec 2019

Establishment period

14 Dec 2020 – Jan 2021

Contract 3503

 

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

T838

22 Jan 2020

Establishment period

23 Jan 2020 – Jan 2021

Contract 3503

 

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

T812

21 Dec 2020

Establishment period

22 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

Contract 3503

Next inspection will be conducted in June 2021. Photos of the last inspection in May 2021 were shown in Table 7.7.

 

T814

20 Dec 2020

Establishment period

21 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

Contract 3503

T815

15 Dec 2020

Establishment period

16 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

Contract 3503

T829

18 Dec 2020

Establishment period

19 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

Contract 3503

T830

14 Dec 2020

Establishment period

15 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

Contract 3503

T831

19 Dec 2020

Establishment period

20 Dec 2020 – Dec 2021

Contract 3503

CT1194

4 May 2018

Establishment period

5 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

NA

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

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

CT1794

3 May 2018

Establishment period

4 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

NA

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

AsiaWorld-Expo

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

CT1795

3 May 2018

Establishment period

4 May 2018 – May 2019

Contract 3801

NA

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

AsiaWorld-Expo

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

 

Table 7.7: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees

Under 12-month Establishment Period:

 

 

 

T812

T814

T815

 

 

 

T829

T830

T831

7.3         Land Contamination Assessment

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

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

7.4         Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

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

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all SkyPier HSF services to/from Zhuhai and Macau have been suspended from 25 March 2020 until further notice. No ferry movement between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai and Macau was recorded in May 2021. 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 summarised in Table 7.8.

The daily movement of all SkyPier HSFs, including those not using the diverted route, in this reporting period (i.e., 2 to 3 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.

As updated by CLP Power, the construction works of the Hong Kong Offshore LNG Terminal Project may affect the route diversion operation of the SkyPier HSFs from Q3 to Q4 2021. The captains were informed on the issue and ET will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the SkyPier Plan in the period.

Table 7.8: Summary of Key Audit Findings against the SkyPier Plan

Requirements in the SkyPier Plan

1 to 31 May 2021

Total number of ferry movements recorded and audited for HSF to/from Zhuhai and Macau

0

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

0 deviation

Daily Cap for all SkyPier HSFs including those not using diverted route        

 

2 to 3 daily movement (within the maximum daily cap - 125 daily movements)

7.5          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 May 2020 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:

·         Deviations such as speeding in the works area, entered no entry zone, and entering from non-designated gates were identified. All the concerned contractors were reminded to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV during the bi-weekly Construction Traffic Control Centre (CTCC) audit.

7.6          Implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone

The DEZ Plan was submitted in accordance with EP Condition 3.1 (v) requirement and Section 10.3 of the 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 and seawall construction according to their Method Statement for DEZ Monitoring that followed the specifications and requirements of the DEZ Plan.

During the reporting period, ET was notified that no dolphin sightings were recorded within the DEZ by the contractors. The ET checked the dolphin sighting record and relevant records by the contractors to audit the implementation of DEZ.

7.7          Status of Submissions under Environmental Permits

The current status of submissions under the EP up to the reporting period is presented in Table 7.9

Table 7.9: 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

2.16

Spill Response Plan

2.17

Detailed Plan on Deep Cement Mixing

2.18

Landscape & Visual Plan

2.19

Waste Management Plan

2.20

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan

3.1

Updated EM&A Manual

3.4

Baseline Monitoring Reports

7.8          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 period are presented in Appendix E.

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

7.9.1      Complaints

Complaint received in the previous reporting period

For the complaint received on 20 April 2021 regarding alleged dusty and muddy vehicles from 3RS Project at Tuen Mun Public Cargo Working Area (TMPCWA), the case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. The ET requested the related 3RS contractors to provide more information regarding the complaint. According to the information provided by the contractors, the ET identified the relevant contractor and noted the alleged vehicle was a cement truck transported by RoRo barge service running between the 3RS reclaimed land and TMPCWA.  Based on ET’s regular site inspections on this contract in April 2021, it was observed that the contractor had conducted wheel washing on vehicles prior to leaving the works area.

An ad hoc inspection at TMPCWA was arranged after receiving the complaint. While no RoRo barge was observed at TMPCWA during the inspection, soil and sand were observed on the road surface. Another ad hoc inspection at North Eastern Quay on 3RS reclaimed land, the location of the said RoRo barge service, was conducted in early May 2021 where dusty surfaces at the quay area was observed. The ET reminded the quay-managing contractor to provide adequate water spraying at the quay area. Having said that, it was noted that all air quality monitoring results of the Project in April 2021 were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations.

To follow up, individual contractors were reminded to properly wash the wheels of outgoing trucks from their respective construction sites. In the short term, a section of haul road connected to the quay would be paved to reduce fugitive dust generation and manual wheel washing would be implemented continuously. In the long term, an enhanced wheel washing measure is planned at both the North Eastern and Western Quay on the 3RS reclaimed land. ET and IEC would continue to monitor the wheel washing performance of all the contractors during the environmental site inspections. The complaint case was considered closed.

Complaint received in this reporting period

For the complaint received on 14 May 2021 regarding dust issue at 3RS construction site area, the case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. The anonymous complainant provided photos and did not provide any details on the complaint such as time and location of the observation. The ET recognized the concerned area and identified one related 3RS contractor and requested the contractor to provide information regarding the complaint. The contractor replied they had enhanced dust suppression measures by installing 360-degree water sprinklers. They also provided water spraying record of May and their dust control management plan. After receiving the complaint, a joint inspection by ET, IEC and AAHK was arranged, in which sprinklers and water trucks were both observed operating, and the installation of more sprinklers was underway at the concerned area. Nonetheless, ET reminded the contractor to enhance dust mitigation measures at the concerned area and review the dust control management plan regularly. Proper dust mitigation measures were observed during another joint inspection by ET, AAHK and EPD in late May 2021. In parallel, ET checked the daytime wind speed for 12 May 2021 at Chek Lap Kok wind station of Hong Kong Observatory. It was noted that the wind speed reached 26-27km/hr for several periods of time which might suggest the presence of sudden gust at the concerned area. Moreover, all air quality monitoring results of the Project in May 2021 were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations. In view of the information mentioned above, the dust generation might be caused by sudden gust. Having said that, ET reminded the contractor to regularly review and update their dust control management plan and continue implementing dust mitigation measures according to the plan. ET and IEC would continue to monitor the related contractor’s dust mitigation measures during the environmental site inspections. Hence, the complaint case was considered closed.

7.9.2      Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

Neither notification of summons nor prosecution was received during the reporting period.

7.9.3      Cumulative Statistics

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

 

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