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

Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report No.11 (1 July to 30 September 2018)

November 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                          


Abbreviations

Executive Summary

1       Introduction

1.1     Background

1.2     Scope of this Report

1.3     Project Organisation

1.4     Contact information for the Project

1.5     Summary of Construction Works

1.6     Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

2       Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

2.1     Air Quality Monitoring

2.1.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.1.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.1.3       Conclusion

2.2     Noise Monitoring

2.2.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.2.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.2.3       Conclusion

2.3     Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.3.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.3.3       Conclusion

2.4     Waste Monitoring

2.4.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.4.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5     Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

2.5.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.5.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.6     Weekly Environmental Site Inspection

2.7     Terrestrial Ecological Monitoring

2.8     Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

2.9     Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

2.10    Coral Post-Translocation Monitoring

2.11    Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report

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

3.1     Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

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

3.2.1       Complaints

3.2.2       Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

3.3     Cumulative Statistics

4       Conclusion and Recommendation

 

Tables

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel 6

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project 9

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

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  13

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

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

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  14

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

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

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

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

Table 2.9: Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  18

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

Table 2.11: Summary of DO (Surface and Middle) Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide) 18

Table 2.12: Summary of DO (Surface and Middle) Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide) 19

Table 2.13: Summary of DO (Bottom) Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide) 19

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

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

Table 2.16:Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide) 20

Table 2.17: Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide) 20

Table 2.18: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  21

Table 2.19: Construction Waste Statistics  21

Table 2.20: Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Station Details  22

Table 2.21: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  22

Table 2.22: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period  23

Table 2.23: Summary of Monthly and Running Quarterly STG and ANI of Chinese White Dolphin for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period  25

Table 2.24: Summary of Photo Identification  29

Table 2.25: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey  30

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints  36

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring  37

Table 3.3: Statistics for Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecution  37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figures

Figure 1.1- 1.2

Locations of Key Construction Activities in this reporting period

Figure 2.1

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

Figure 2.2

Locations of Water Quality Monitoring Stations  

Figure 2.3

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

Figure 2.4

Land based Dolphin Monitoring Locations in Baseline and Construction Phases

Figure 2.5

Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

Figure 2.6

 

Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins with Different Group Sizes

Figure 2.7

Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins Engaged in Different Behaviours

Figure 2.8

Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs

Figure 2.9

 

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

Figure 2.10

Location for Passive Acoustic Monitoring

 

Appendices

Appendix A

Project Organization Chart

Appendix B

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix C

Monitoring Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbreviations

3RS

Three-Runway System

AAHK

Airport Authority Hong Kong

AECOM

AECOM Asia Company Limited

AFCD

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

AIS

Automatic Information System

ANI

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphins

APM

Automated People Mover

AW

Airport West

BHS

Baggage Handling System

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CAR

Contamination Assessment Report

CNP

Construction Noise Permit

CTP

Coral Translocation Plan

CWD

Chinese White Dolphin

DCM

Deep Cement Mixing

DEZ

Dolphin Exclusion Zone

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

EAR

Ecological Acoustic Recorder

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

ET

Environmental Team

FCZ

Fish Culture Zone

HDD

Horizontal Directional Drilling

HKBCF

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

HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport

HSF

High Speed Ferry

IEC

Independent Environmental Checker

LKC

Lung Kwu Chau

MMHK

Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited

MMWP

Marine Mammal Watching Plan

MSS

Marine Surveillance System

MTRMP-CAV

Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel

NEL

Northeast Lantau

NWL

Northwest Lantau

PAM

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

PVD

Prefabricated Vertical Drain

SC

Sha Chau

SCLKCMP

Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

SS

Suspended Solids

STG

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings

SWL

Southwest Lantau

The Project

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

The SkyPier Plan

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

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 11th Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 July 2018 to 30 September 2018.  

Key Activities in the Reporting Period

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

EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period

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

Monitoring Activities

Number of Sessions

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

102

Noise monitoring

61

Water quality monitoring

37

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

6

Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring

15

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

Snapshots of EM&A Activities in the Reporting Period

Checking of Wastewater Treatment Facilities

C&D Waste Delivery Record Checking

Small Vessel Line-transect Survey of Chinese White Dolphin

Summary Findings of the EM&A Programme

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

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

The monthly terrestrial ecology monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau in August and September observed that there was no encroachment of any works upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to ardeids at Sheung Sha Chau by the works.

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

 

 

Yes

No

Details

Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions

Breach of Limit Level^

 

No breach of Limit Level was recorded.

Nil

Breach of Action Level^

 

No breach of Action Level was recorded.

Nil

Complaints Received

 

A complaint on suspected effluent discharge from a construction vessel was received on 3 Jul 2018. 

Based on site investigation and contractor’s records, no evidences were found related to the suspected effluent discharge.

A complaint relating to the DEZ monitoring schedule for DCM works was received on 27 Aug 2018.

ET recommended the contractor to maintain good communication with dolphin observers and conduct regular review/training on contingency arrangement for different operational scenarios.

A complaint relating to exhaust gas and dust emission from a construction vessel was received on 21 Sep 2018.

Site inspections which covered all environmental aspects arising from Project’s activities are routinely undertaken by ET. As the anonymous complainant did not provide any specific information for investigation, the complaint was considered closed. However, ET would continue reminding all contractors to regularly maintain their construction vessels and continue the regular site inspection to ensure contractors’ measures are properly implemented and reminding all contractors to regularly maintain their construction vessels.

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

No notification of summons or prosecution were received.

Nil

Changes that affect the EM&A

 

Starting from 1 Sep 2018, noise monitoring at NM3A was suspended.

Nil

Remarks:

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

1        Introduction

1.1      Background

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

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

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

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

The updated overall phasing programme of all construction works was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 7 and the contract information was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 32.

1.2      Scope of this Report

This is the 11th Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 July 2018 to 30 September 2018.

1.3      Project Organisation

The Project’s organisation structure is provided in Appendix A. Contact details of the key personnel have been updated and provided in and Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Project Manager’s Representative

(Airport Authority Hong Kong)

Principal Manager, Environment

Lawrence Tsui

2183 2734

Environmental Team (ET)

(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Terence Kong

2828 5919

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Heidi Yu

2828 5704

Deputy Environmental Team Leader

Daniel Sum

2585 8495

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

Independent Environmental Checker

Jackel Law

3922 9376

 

Deputy Independent Environmental Checker

Roy Man

3922 9348

 

 

Advanced Works:

 

 

 

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract P560(R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works

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

Project Manager

Wei Shih

2117 0566

Environmental Officer

Lyn Liu

5172 6543

 

Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3201 DCM (Package 1)

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

Project Director

Tsugunari Suzuki

9178 9689

Environmental Officer

Hiu Yeung Tang

 

6329 3513

Contract 3202 DCM (Package 2)

(Samsung-BuildKing Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Ilkwon Nam

9643 3117

Environmental Officer

David Man

 

6421 3238

Contract 3203 DCM (Package 3)

(Sambo E&C Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Eric Kan

9014 6758

Environmental Officer

David Hung

9765 6151

Contract 3204 DCM (Package 4)

(CRBC-SAMBO Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Kyung-Sik Yoo

9683 8697

Environmental Officer

Kanny Cho

6799 8226

Contract 3205 DCM (Package 5)

(Bachy Soletanche - Sambo Joint Venture)

Deputy Project Director

Min Park

9683 0765

Environmental Officer

Margaret Chung

9130 3696

 

 

Reclamation Works:

 

 

 

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3206

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

Project Manager

Kim Chuan Lim

3763 1509

Environmental Officer

Kwai Fung Wong

3763 1452

 

Airfield Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3301 North Runway Crossover Taxiway

(FJT-CHEC-ZHEC Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Kin Hang Chung

9412 1386

Environmental Officer

Nelson Tam

9721 3942

 

Terminal 2 Expansion Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3501 Antenna Farm and Sewage Pumping Station

(Build King Construction Ltd.)

Project Manager

Raymond Au

6985 8860

Environmental Officer

Edward Tam

9287 8270

Contract 3502 Terminal 2 APM Depot Modification Works

(Build King Construction Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kivin Cheng

9380 3635

Environmental Officer

Chun Pong Chan

9187 7118

Contract 3503 Terminal 2 Foundation and Substructure Works

(Leighton – Chun Wo Joint Venture)

Construction Manager

Stephen O’Donoghue

9732 6787

Environmental Officer

Stephen Tsang

5508 6361

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

Project Manager

Wylar Chan

9107 5920

Environmental Officer

Kelvin Lam

9379 2446

 

Automated People Mover (APM) Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works

(Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kunihiro Tatecho

9755 0351

Environmental Officer

Arthur Wong

9170 3394

 

Baggage Handling System (BHS) Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System (VISH Consortium)

Project Manager

Andy Ng

9102 2739

Environmental Officer

Eric Ha

9215 3432

 

Airport Support Infrastructure and Logistic Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

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

Project Manager

Tony Wong

9642 8672

Environmental Officer

Fredrick Wong

9842 2703

1.4      Contact information for the Project

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

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project

Channels

Contact Information

Hotline

3908 0354

Email

env@3rsproject.com

Fax

3747 6050

Postal Address

Airport Authority Hong Kong

HKIA Tower

1 Sky Plaza Road

Hong Kong International Airport

Lantau

Hong Kong

Attn: Environmental Team Leader Mr Terence Kong

c/o Mr Lawrence Tsui (TRD)

1.5      Summary of Construction Works

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

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

1.6      Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status for all environmental aspects is presented in Table 1.3. The EM&A requirements remained unchanged during the reporting period.

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

Parameters

EM&A Requirements

Status

Air Quality

 

 

Baseline Monitoring

At least 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction work

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

Impact Monitoring

At least 3 times every 6 days

On-going

Noise

 

 

Baseline Monitoring

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

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

Impact Monitoring

Weekly

On-going

Water Quality

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

On-going

Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring

At least four weeks

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

Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring

Three times per week until completion of DCM works.

On-going

Waste Management

 

 

Waste Monitoring

At least weekly

On-going

Land Contamination

 

 

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

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

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

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Golf Course

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

The CAR for Golf Course was submitted to EPD.

Terrestrial Ecology

 

 

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

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

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

Ecological Monitoring

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

The ecological monitoring has been resumed since August 2018.

Marine Ecology

 

 

Pre-Construction Phase Coral Dive Survey

Prior to marine construction works

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

Coral Translocation

-

The coral translocation was completed on 5 January 2017.

Post-translocation Monitoring

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

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

Chinese White Dolphins (CWD)

 

Baseline Monitoring

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

Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month;

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

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

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

Impact Monitoring

Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month;

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

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

On-going

Landscape and Visual

 

 

Baseline Monitoring

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

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

Impact Monitoring

Weekly

On-going

Environmental Auditing

 

Regular site inspection

Weekly

On-going

Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF) implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Construction and Associated Vessels implementation measures

Monitor and check

On-going

Complaint Hotline and Email Channel

Construction phase

On-going

Environmental Log Book

Construction phase

On-going

Taking into account the construction works in the reporting period, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, terrestrial ecology, landscape and visual, and CWD were carried out in the reporting period. Upon completion of coral translocation in January 2017, a summary of the ensuing post-translocation monitoring is reported quarterly.

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

    Three dolphin observer trainings provided by ET;

    Five skipper trainings provided by ET;

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

    One training workshop for contractor on construction noise permit requirements provided by ET; and

    Two EPD sharing sessions on key issues of environmental and waste management.

The EM&A programme has been following the recommendations presented in the approved EIA Report and the Manual. A summary of implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures for the construction phase of the Project during the reporting period is provided in Appendix B.

 

2              Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

2.1      Air Quality Monitoring

Impact 1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) monitoring was conducted three times every six days at two representative monitoring stations during the reporting period. The locations of monitoring stations are described in Table 2.1 and presented in Figure 2.1.

2.1.1      Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 2.1 for reference.

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

Man Tung Road Park

306

500

AR2

Village House at Tin Sum

298

2.1.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The air quality monitoring results in the reporting period are summarized in Table 2.2 and the graphical plot is presented in Appendix C.

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

 

AR1A

AR2

Jul 2018

100.0%

100.0%

Aug 2018

100.0%

100.0%

Sep 2018

100.0%

100.0%

Overall

100.0%

100.0%

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

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

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

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition During Impact Air Quality Monitoring

 

Weather

Wind Direction

Jun 2018

Sunny to Rainy

South or Southwest

Jul 2018

Sunny to Cloudy

South or Southwest

Aug 2018

Sunny to Rainy

South or Southwest

Sep 2018

Sunny to Rainy

South or Southwest

2.1.3      Conclusion

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

2.2      Noise Monitoring

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

2.2.1      Action and Limit Levels

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

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Action Level

Limit Level

NM1A

Man Tung Road Park

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

75 dB(A)

NM3A(i)

Site Office

75 dB(A)

NM4

Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School

65dB(A) / 70 dB(A) (ii)

NM5

Village House in Tin Sum

75 dB(A)

NM6

House No. 1, Sha Lo Wan

75 dB(A)

Note:

(i) With the commencement of construction works of Tung Chung East Development near NM3A, the monitoring results obtained at NM3A would be affected by other construction project. According to Section 4.3.3 of the Manual, the noise monitoring at NM3A was suspended starting from 1 Sep 2018 and would be resumed with the completion of the Tung Chung East Development.

(ii) Reduced to 70dB(A) for school and 65dB(A) during school examination periods at NM4. No examination was held in the reporting period.

2.2.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The noise monitoring results in the reporting period are summarized in Table 2.5 and the graphical plot is presented in Appendix C.

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

 

NM1A

NM3A

NM4

NM5

NM6

Jul 2018

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Aug 2018

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Sep 2018

100.0%

N/A*

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Overall

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Note:

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

*Noise monitoring at NM3A was suspended starting from 1 Sep 2018.

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

2.2.3      Conclusion

As the construction activities were far away from the monitoring stations, major sources of noise dominating the monitoring stations observed during the monitoring sessions were road traffic and aircraft noise near NM1A, noise from construction vessel at NM3A, school activities at NM4, and aircraft and helicopter noise at NM3A, NM4, NM5, and NM6. It is considered that the monitoring work in the reporting period was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to the Project activities.

2.3      Water Quality Monitoring

During the reporting period, water quality monitoring was conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, at a total of 22 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 12 impact (IM) stations, 7 sensitive receiver (SR) stations, and 3 control (C) stations in the vicinity of the water quality sensitive receivers around the airport island in accordance with the Manual. The purpose of water quality monitoring at the IM stations is to promptly capture any potential water quality impacts from the Project before the impacts could become apparent at sensitive receivers (represented by the SR stations). Table 2.6 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.2 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.

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

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Parameters

 

 

Easting

Northing

 

C1

Control Station

804247

815620

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

DCM Parameters

Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)

C2

Control Station

806945

825682

C3(3)

Control Station

817803

822109

IM1

Impact Station

807132

817949

IM2

Impact Station

806166

818163

IM3

Impact Station

805594

818784

IM4

Impact Station

804607

819725

IM5

Impact Station

804867

820735

IM6

Impact Station

805828

821060

IM7

Impact Station

806835

821349

IM8

Impact Station

808140

821830

IM9

Impact Station

808811

822094

IM10

Impact Station

809794

822385

IM11

Impact Station

811460

822057

IM12

Impact Station

812046

821459

SR1A(1)

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

812586

820069

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

 

SR2(3)

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

814166

821463

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

DCM Parameters

Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals(2)(4)

SR3

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

807571

822147

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

SR4A

Sha Lo Wan

807810

817189

SR5A

San Tau Beach SSSI

810696

816593

SR6

Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI

814663

817899

SR7

Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)

823742

823636

SR8(5)

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

811418

 

820246

 

Notes:

(1)    The seawater intakes of SR1A for the future HKBCF is not yet in operation, hence no water quality impact monitoring was conducted at this station. The future permanent location for SR1 during impact monitoring is subject to finalisation after the HKBCF seawater is commissioned.

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

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

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

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

2.3.1      Action and Limit Levels

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

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

Parameters

Action Level

Limit Level

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

(excluding SR1& SR8)

DO in mg/L

(Surface, Middle & Bottom)

Surface and Middle

4.5 mg/L

Surface and Middle

4.1 mg/L

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

 

Bottom

3.4 mg/L

Bottom

2.7 mg/L

SS in mg/L

23

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

37

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

Turbidity in NTU

22.6

36.1

Total Alkalinity in ppm

95

99

Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring

(Chromium)

0.2

0.2

Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring

(Nickel)

3.2

 

3.6

 

Action and Limit Levels SR1

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

33

42

Action and Limit Levels SR8

 

 

 

 

SS (mg/l)

52

 

60

 

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Control Station

Impact Stations

Flood Tide

 

C1

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

SR21

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

Ebb Tide

 

C1

SR4A, SR5A, SR6

C2

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

Note:

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

2.3.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The summary or results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period are presented in Table 2.9. The weather and sea conditions from June to September 2018 were recorded and summarized in Table 2.10. It should be noted that Tropical Storm Sou-Tinh, Severe Tropical Storm Bebinca, Tropical Storm Barijat, and Super Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong during the reporting period, and water quality monitoring results might be affected by these weather events.

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

 

General Water Quality Monitoring

Regular DCM Monitoring

DO

(Surface and Middle)

DO

(Bottom)

SS

Turbidity

Alkalinity

Chromium

Nickel

Jul 2018

99.5%

100.0%

99.1%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Aug 2018

97.6%

98.8%

99.1%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Sep 2018

99.5%

100.0%

98.5%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

96.0%

Overall

98.9%

99.6%

98.9%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

98.6%

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

 

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

 

Weather

Sea Condition

Jun 2018

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Jul 2018

Sunny to Cloudy

Calm to Rough

Aug 2018

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

Sep 2018

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

The monitoring results for turbidity, total alkalinity, and chromium obtained in the reporting period were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. Relevant investigation and follow-up actions will be conducted according to the EM&A programme if the corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For DO, SS, and nickel, some of the testing results triggered the relevant Action or Limit Level in the reporting period, and investigations were conducted accordingly.

Summaries of results triggering Action or Limit Level for DO, SS, and nickel are presented in Table 2.11 to Table 2.17.

Details of the investigation findings were presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 31, 32, and 33, which concluded that all results triggering the Action or Limit Level were not related to the Project.

Table 2.11: Summary of DO (Surface and Middle) Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

03/07/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

07/08/2018

D

D

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

D

 

 

D

13/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

3

 

Table 2.12: Summary of DO (Surface and Middle) Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

03/07/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Table 2.13: Summary of DO (Bottom) Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

07/08/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

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

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

SR8

17/07/2018

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

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

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR3

SR4A

SR5A

SR6

SR7

SR8

12/07/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24/07/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26/07/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

09/08/2018

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28/08/2018

 

 

 

 

D

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

08/09/2018

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

1

1

2

2

3

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

1

1

0

0

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

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

11/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

Table 2.17: Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM4

IM5

IM6

IM7

IM8

IM9

IM10

IM11

IM12

01/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

D

D

 

 

04/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

D

D

 

 

06/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

18/09/2018

 

 

 

 

D

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

0

0

2

1

2

0

2

2

2

0

0

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

 

Legend:

 

Result within corresponding Action and Limit Levels

 

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

D

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

 

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

D

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

 

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

 

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

2.3.3      Conclusion

In the reporting period, it is noted that most monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while minor number of results triggered their corresponding Action or Limit Level, and investigations were conducted accordingly. Based on the findings presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 31, 32, and 33, all cases that triggered the corresponding Action or Limit Level were not related to the Project; hence, the Project did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan were followed.

Nevertheless, the non-project related triggers were attended to and initiated corresponding action and measures. As part of the EM&A programme, the construction methods and mitigation measures for water quality will continue to be monitored and opportunities for further enhancement will continue to be explored and implemented where possible, to strive for better protection of water quality and the marine environment.

In the meantime, the contractors were reminded to implement and maintain all mitigation measures during weekly site inspections. These include maintaining the silt curtain for sand blanket laying properly and maintaining the levels of materials on barges to avoid overflow as recommended in the Manual.

2.4      Waste Monitoring

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

2.4.1      Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels of the construction waste are provided in Table 2.18.

Table 2.18: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste

Monitoring Stations

Action Level

Limit Level

Construction Area

When one valid documented complaint is received

Non-compliance of the WMP, contract-specific WMPs, any statutory and contractual requirements

2.4.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

Weekly monitoring of the Project construction works was carried out by the ET in the reporting period to check and monitor the implementation of proper waste management practices during the construction phase.

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

Based on updated contractors’ information, summary of construction waste generated in the reporting period is presented in Table 2.19.

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

Table 2.19: Construction Waste Statistics

 

C&D1 Material Transferred to Temporary Stockpiling Area (m3)2

C&D Material Reused in the Project (m3)

C&D Material Transferred to Public Fill (m3)

Chemical Waste (kg)

Chemical Waste (L)

General Refuse (tonne)3

Jul 2018

1,916

1,952

15,104

1,870

54,400

408

Aug 2018

2,283

3,340

10,365

588

25,400

248

Sep 2018

4,245

3,330

5,688

1,870

22,720

434

Total

8,444

8,622

31,157

4,328

102,520

1,090

Notes:

1.     C&D refers to Construction and Demolition.

2.     The stockpiled material will be reused in the Project.

3.     Figures are rounded off to the nearest tonne.

4.     Paper and metals were recycled in the reporting period.

2.5      Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

CWD monitoring was conducted by vessel line transect survey at a frequency of two full surveys per month, supplemented by land-based theodolite tracking survey and PAM. The frequency of the land-based theodolite tracking survey during the construction phase was one day per month at both Sha Chau (SC) and Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) stations as stipulated in the Manual. Additional theodolite tracking surveys for one day at SC station and two days at LKC station were conducted on a voluntary basis to collect supplementary information for the Project, such that a total of two tracking days at SC station and three tracking days at LKC station were conducted per month. The vessel survey transects followed the transect lines proposed in the Manual and are consistent with those used in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) long-term CWD monitoring programme. The transect locations of CWD monitoring by vessel line transect survey conducted from July to September 2018 are shown in Figure 2.3, whilst the land-based theodolite tracking survey stations are described in Table 2.20 and depicted in Figure 2.4. The location of the PAM device is shown in Figure 2.10.

Table 2.20: Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Station Details

Stations

Location

Geographical Coordinates

Station Height (m)

Approximate Tracking Distance (km)

D

Sha Chau (SC)

22° 20’ 43.5” N

113° 53’ 24.66” E

45.66

2

E

Lung Kwu Chau (LKC)

22° 22’ 44.83” N

113° 53’ 0.2” E

70.40

3

2.5.1           Action and Limit Levels

The Action Level and Limit Level for CWD monitoring were formulated by an action response approach using the running quarterly dolphin encounter rates (STG and ANI) derived from baseline monitoring data, as presented in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report. The derived values of Action and Limit Levels for CWD monitoring are shown in Table 2.21.

Table 2.21: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

 

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

Action Level

Running quarterly STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35

Limit Level

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

2.5.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5.2.1            Vessel Line Transect Survey

Survey Effort

During the reporting period, six complete sets of vessel line transect surveys were conducted from July to September 2018 to cover all transects in Northeast Lantau (NEL), Northwest Lantau (NWL), Airport West (AW), West Lantau (WL) and Southwest Lantau (SWL) survey areas for twice per month.

A total of around 1,358 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 94.7% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather condition (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with favourable visibility). Details of the survey effort data are presented in Appendix C.

CWD Sighting

From July to September 2018, there were a total of 64 sightings of CWDs, with 201 dolphins sighted (Table 2.22). Amongst the sightings of CWDs, 62 sightings with 197 dolphins were made during on-effort searches under favourable weather conditions.

When breaking down the sightings by survey areas, 11 sightings with 29 dolphins, 40 sightings with 137 dolphins and 12 sightings with 34 dolphins were recorded in NWL, WL and SWL survey areas respectively during the current reporting period. One CWD sighting consisting of a single individual was recorded in NEL survey area in August 2018, which was the first CWD sighting of NEL area since the commencement of CWD monitoring for the EM&A programme of 3RS dated back to December 2015. No CWD was sighted on AW transects.

Compared with the last quarter (i.e. April to June 2018), there is an overall observable increase in terms of both number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins (increased by around 45% and 42% respectively). Both NWL and WL showed significant increases in terms of number of CWD sightings (increased by around 83% and 90% respectively). WL in particular has a remarkable increase of 104% in terms of number of dolphins. On the contrary, there is a decrease in CWDs recorded in SWL in terms of both number of sightings and number of dolphins by around 29% and 38% respectively.

Compared with the same quarter of last year (i.e. July to September 2017), there is an overall decrease of CWD records, in terms of both number of sightings (about 31%) and number of dolphins (about 24%). Such decrease is most observable in SWL with a drop of about 65% of number of sightings and a drop of about 69% in terms of number of dolphin.

Table 2.22 below shows the comparison of the numbers of sightings and dolphins amongst the current reporting period, last quarter, and the same quarter of year 2017.

Table 2.22: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period

 

Same Quarter of Last Year

Previous Reporting Period

Current Reporting Period

 

July to September 2017

April to June 2018

July to September 2018

NEL

0 (0)

0 (0)

1 (1)

NWL

16 (40)

6 (20)

11 (29)

AW

1 (1)

0 (0)

0 (0)

WL

42 (116)

21 (67)

40 (137)

SWL

34 (109)

17 (55)

12 (34)

Total

93 (266)

44 (142)

64 (201)

Note: Values in ( ) represent number of dolphins

Distribution of CWD sightings recorded from July to September 2018 is illustrated in Figure 2.5. In NEL, the single sighting was recorded on the westernmost transect and it was around 770 m away from the northwestern corner of the Brothers Marine Park. In NWL, majority of the sightings was located at the southwestern corner of the survey area. Other sightings in NWL were scattered within and around SCLKCMP and Urmston Road. No CWD was sighted in close vicinity to the 3RS works area. In WL, CWD sightings were scattered over the entire survey area. While in SWL, CWD sightings were also scattered over the survey area in relatively coastal waters, with several sightings recorded around the Soko Islands. Details of the sighting data are presented in Appendix C.

Figure 2.5: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins from July to September 2018


Remarks: Please note that there are 64 pink circles on the map indicating the sighting locations of CWD. Some of them were very close to each other and therefore appear overlapped on this sighting distribution map.

Encounter Rate

The dolphin encounter rates for the number of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km survey effort (STG) and for the total on-effort number of dolphins per 100 km survey effort (ANI) in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL) for July, August and September 2018 are summarized in Table 2.23.

In this reporting period, the monthly STG remained relatively steady from July to September 2018 and the monthly ANI experienced an overall increase. The running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI both have overall increasing trends. Action Level (running quarterly STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35) was not triggered.

Compared with the previous reporting period, both the running quarterly STG and ANI increased from 3.19 to 4.82 and from 10.72 to 15.32 respectively. While comparing with the same quarter of last year, monthly STG and ANI of July, August and September were lower than last year. The running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI lowered from 6.68 to 4.82 and 19.97 to 15.32 respectively when compared to the same quarter of last year.

Table 2.23: Summary of Monthly and Running Quarterly STG and ANI of Chinese White Dolphin for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period

 

Same Quarter of Last Year

Previous Reporting Period

Current Reporting Period

 

Jul 17

Aug 17

Sep 17

Apr 18

May 18

Jun 18

Jul 18

Aug 18

Sep 18

Monthly STG

6.76

8.11

5.32

3.38

1.90

4.48

5.04

4.48

4.97

Monthly ANI

18.45

24.06

17.73

11.28

4.51

17.36

13.86

15.67

16.26

Running Quarterly STG

5.73

7.03

6.68

4.18

3.04

3.19

3.74

4.66

4.82

Running Quarterly ANI

20.95

20.30

19.97

12.54

8.74

10.72

11.57

15.58

15.32

Note:    For detailed calculations of encounter rates STG and ANI, please refer to the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 31, 32 and 33.

Group Size

Between July and September 2018, the group size of CWD sightings ranged from 1 to 15 dolphins. The average group size of CWDs was 3.1 dolphins per group while that of the last quarter was 3.2, which is quite similar. The average group size of CWDs of this reporting quarter is slightly higher than that of the same quarter of last year (2.9 dolphins per group).

In this reporting quarter, CWD sightings with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins) were dominant. Amongst all 64 sightings, there were four sightings with large group size (i.e. 10 or more dolphins). Three of these large CWD groups were sighted in WL while the remaining one was observed in NWL. Sighting locations of CWD groups with different group sizes are depicted in Figure 2.6.

In NWL, all sightings were having small group size except one large sized sighting recorded at the southwestern corner of the survey area. In WL, there are more sightings with small group size than medium group size. Both small-sized and medium-sized sightings were scattered over the entire WL survey area. In SWL, the number of sightings with small group size and the number of sightings with medium group size were similar. Sightings with small group size appeared mostly at the waters between Lantau and the Soko Islands while most of the medium sized sightings in SWL were observed at the western end near around Fan Lau Tung Wan.

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

Remarks: Please note that there are 64 circles on the map indicating the sighting locations of CWD. Some of them were very close to each other and therefore appear overlapped on this sighting distribution map.

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

During July to September 2018, 12 sightings of CWDs were recorded with feeding activities.  None of these sightings was observed in association with operating fishing boats.

The number of sightings with feeding recorded in the current reporting period is slightly higher when compared to the last reporting period (10 sightings involved feeding activities with two of them observed in association with operating fishing boats from April to June 2018).

Compared with the data in the same quarter of last year, CWD sightings with feeding activities were the same. The sighting locations of CWDs engaged in different behaviours during the current reporting period are illustrated in Figure 2.7.

Figure 2.7: Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins Engaged in Different Behaviours


Mother-calf Pairs

From July to September 2018, 11 sightings of CWDs were recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted calf, mother-and-unspotted juvenile and/or mother-and-spotted juvenile. Seven of these sightings were recorded in WL while others were sighted in NWL and SWL. The sighting locations of mother-calf pairs are shown in Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.8: Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs


Photo Identification

During July to September 2018, a total number of 92 different CWD individuals were identified altogether for 133 times. Re-sighting information of CWD individuals provides an initial idea of their range use and apparent connection between different areas around Lantau. Amongst these 92 different CWD individuals, 29 animals (i.e. NLMM001, NLMM006, NLMM013, NLMM015, NLMM023, NLMM043, NLMM067, SLMM003, SLMM010, SLMM019, SLMM045, SLMM060, WLMM006, WLMM009, WLMM013, WLMM027, WLMM029, WLMM043, WLMM048, WLMM053, WLMM060, WLMM063, WLMM065, WLMM071, WLMM081, WLMM114, WLMM115, WLMM116 and WLMM122) were sighted for more than once.

Twelve individuals including NLMM013, NLMM043, NLMM067, WLMM006, WLMM029, WLMM053, WLMM060, WLMM071, WLMM081, WLMM114, WLMM115 and WLMM116 were re-sighted in different survey areas during this reporting period. Amongst these eight animals, NLMM013, NLMM043, NLMM067, WLMM006, WLMM029, WLMM053, WLMM081, and WLMM115 had cross-area movement between NWL and WL survey areas, whilst WLMM060, WLMM071, WLMM114 and WLMM116 had cross-area movement between WL and SWL. The most frequently re-sighted individuals were NLMM013, WLMM071 and WLMM116 that they all have been sighted for 4 times during this reporting period. The number of re-sighted CWD individuals and the number of CWD individuals showing cross-area movement from July to September 2018 were both higher than the last reporting quarter.

A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 2.24. Representative photos of the 92 identified individuals and figures depicting the sighting locations of the aforementioned 29 re-sighted individuals recorded in this reporting period are presented Appendix C.

Table 2.24: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

Individual
ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

NLMM001

20-Sep-18

1

WL

 

WLMM028

21-Aug-18

2

WL

 

 

4

WL

 

WLMM029

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

NLMM005

21-Sep-18

4

WL

 

 

21-Aug-18

2

WL

NLMM006

20-Jul-18

2

NWL

 

WLMM043

21-Aug-18

5

WL

 

 

3

NWL

 

 

21-Sep-18

4

WL

 

26-Sep-18

3

NWL

 

WLMM048

11-Jul-18

7

WL

NLMM012

21-Sep-18

1

WL

 

 

 

8

WL

NLMM013

20-Jul-18

2

NWL

 

WLMM049

21-Sep-18

3

WL

 

 

3

NWL

 

WLMM051

11-Jul-18

4

WL

 

14-Sep-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM053

17-Jul-18

1

WL

 

20-Sep-18

2

WL

 

 

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

NLMM015

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM056

19-Sep-18

1

SWL

 

 

3

NWL

 

WLMM060

11-Jul-18

8

WL

NLMM016

11-Jul-18

2

WL

 

 

23-Aug-18

2

SWL

NLMM019

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

 

20-Sep-18

2

WL

NLMM020

19-Sep-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM062

11-Jul-18

8

WL

NLMM023

11-Jul-18

7

WL

 

WLMM063

11-Jul-18

7

WL

 

20-Sep-18

3

WL

 

 

21-Aug-18

4

WL

NLMM033

21-Aug-18

5

WL

 

WLMM065

21-Aug-18

6

WL

NLMM040

26-Sep-18

1

NWL

 

 

 

7

WL

NLMM041

26-Sep-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM067

21-Aug-18

5

WL

NLMM043

11-Jul-18

7

WL

 

WLMM071

11-Jul-18

6

WL

 

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

 

 

8

WL

NLMM052

26-Sep-18

4

NWL

 

 

23-Aug-18

2

SWL

NLMM056

21-Aug-18

1

WL

 

 

20-Sep-18

2

WL

NLMM058

20-Sep-18

1

WL

 

WLMM075

11-Jul-18

6

WL

NLMM059

30-Jul-18

4

SWL

 

WLMM076

20-Sep-18

6

WL

NLMM063

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM078

7-Aug-18

4

WL

NLMM066

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM079

21-Aug-18

5

WL

NLMM067

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM081

11-Jul-18

3

WL

 

21-Aug-18

5

WL

 

 

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

SLMM002

21-Aug-18

8

WL

 

 

20-Sep-18

6

WL

SLMM003

11-Jul-18

7

WL

 

WLMM083

7-Aug-18

2

WL

 

21-Aug-18

8

WL

 

WLMM085

11-Jul-18

7

WL

SLMM010

21-Aug-18

7

WL

 

WLMM086

20-Sep-18

2

WL

 

 

8

WL

 

WLMM087

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

SLMM019

30-Jul-18

3

SWL

 

WLMM089

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

23-Aug-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM090

20-Sep-18

2

WL

 

 

2

SWL

 

WLMM091

20-Sep-18

2

WL

SLMM012

21-Aug-18

8

WL

 

WLMM092

20-Sep-18

2

WL

SLMM027

17-Jul-18

5

WL

 

WLMM096

21-Aug-18

2

WL

SLMM028

30-Jul-18

3

SWL

 

WLMM103

17-Jul-18

1

WL

SLMM034

19-Sep-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM107

11-Jul-18

7

WL

SLMM045

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM114

21-Aug-18

9

WL

 

26-Sep-18

2

NWL

 

 

19-Sep-18

1

SWL

SLMM049

19-Sep-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM115

20-Jul-18

1

NWL

SLMM053

21-Aug-18

2

WL

 

 

2-Aug-18

2

NWL

SLMM057

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

 

7-Aug-18

2

WL

SLMM060

19-Sep-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM116

11-Jul-18

7

WL

 

 

2

SWL

 

 

 

8

WL

SLMM064

11-Jul-18

7

WL

 

 

30-Jul-18

2

SWL

SLMM066

26-Jul-18

1

SWL

 

 

 

4

SWL

WLMM001

11-Jul-18

8

WL

 

WLMM117

11-Jul-18

7

WL

WLMM004

11-Jul-18

7

WL

 

WLMM118

17-Jul-18

5

WL

WLMM005

11-Jul-18

8

WL

 

WLMM119

7-Aug-18

4

WL

WLMM006

17-Jul-18

3

WL

 

WLMM120

7-Aug-18

4

WL

 

2-Aug-18

1

NWL

 

WLMM121

21-Aug-18

5

WL

WLMM007

19-Sep-18

1

SWL

 

WLMM122

20-Sep-18

1

WL

WLMM008

7-Aug-18

4

WL

 

 

 

4

WL

WLMM009

17-Jul-18

3

WL

 

WLMM123

20-Sep-18

4

WL

 

21-Aug-18

2

WL

 

WLMM124

20-Sep-18

6

WL

WLMM013

20-Sep-18

1

WL

 

WLMM125

20-Sep-18

6

WL

 

 

5

WL

 

WLMM126

20-Sep-18

6

WL

WLMM020

11-Jul-18

7

WL

 

WLMM127

21-Sep-18

3

WL

WLMM027

30-Jul-18

2

SWL

 

WLMM128

21-Sep-18

3

WL

 

 

4

SWL

 

WLMM129

21-Sep-18

6

WL

 

22-Aug-18

1

SWL

 

 

 

 

 

2.5.2.2            Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Survey Effort

During July to September 2018, a total of 15 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort were completed, including nine days on Lung Kwu Chau and six days on Sha Chau. In total, 25 CWD groups were tracked from the Lung Kwu Chau station while no CWD groups were tracked from the Sha Chau station, with an overall 0.28 CWD groups sighted per survey hour.

Information on survey effort and CWD groups sighted during land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 2.25. Details on the survey effort and CWD groups tracked are presented in Appendix C. The first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked between July and September 2018 are shown in Figure 2.9.

Table 2.25: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Land-based Station

# of Survey Sessions

Survey Effort (hh:mm)

# CWD Groups Sighted

CWD Group Sighting per Survey Hour

July 2018

Lung Kwu Chau

3

18:00

11

0.61

Sha Chau

2

12:00

0

0

TOTAL

5

30:00

11

0.37

August 2018

Lung Kwu Chau

3

18:00

3

0.17

Sha Chau

2

12:00

0

0

TOTAL

5

30:00

3

0.10

September 2018

Lung Kwu Chau

3

18:00

11

0.61

Sha Chau

2

12:00

0

0

TOTAL

5

30:00

11

0.37

OVERALL

15

90:00

25

0.28

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

Remarks: Please note that there are 25 green circles on the map indicating the first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked off Lung Kwu Chau. Some of them were very close to each other and therefore appear overlapped on this map.

2.5.2.3            Progress Update on PAM

An Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) has been deployed and positioned to the south of Sha Chau Island inside the SCLKCMP (Figure 2.10) with 20% duty cycle, while data from the EAR intended primarily to supplement the data collected from the land-based theodolite tracking survey station on Sha Chau. In this reporting period, the EAR has been retrieved on 20 July and 4 September 2018 for data collection and subsequently redeployed. After the EAR unit was retrieved on 4 September 2018, it was found that no acoustic data had been recorded since the last deployment on 20 July 2018. The EAR unit was checked for the reason of malfunction, and the connector part to the battery was found faulty. This EAR unit was later repaired by carrying out change of replacement connector. Nevertheless, another EAR unit was deployed and positioned at south of Sha Chau on 5 September 2018. To prevent / minimise similar incident of the loss of data collected by PAM as far as practicable, the connector part of each EAR unit was specifically inspected and changed with replacement connector as needed. The EAR deployment is generally for 6 weeks prior to data retrieval for analysis. As the period of data collection and analysis takes more than four months, PAM results could not be reported in quarterly intervals but report for supplementing the annual CWD monitoring analysis.

2.5.2.4            Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

During the reporting period, silt curtains were in place by the contractors for sand blanket laying works, in which dolphin observers were deployed by each contractor in accordance with the Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP). Teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed at 12 to 23 dolphin observation stations by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by all contractors for ground improvement works (DCM works and PVD installation) and seawall construction in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers on the implementation of MMWP and DEZ monitoring were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with a cumulative total of 647 individuals being trained and the training records kept by the ET. Observations were recorded on DEZ monitoring in this reporting period during site inspection by the ET and IEC. The contractors had taken actions to implement the recommended measures. From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains or the DEZ in this reporting period. The contractors’ records were also audited by the ET during site inspection.

Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were carried out during weekly site inspection and summarized in Section 2.6. Summary of audits of SkyPier HSFs route diversion and speed control and construction vessel management are presented in Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 respectively.

2.6      Weekly Environmental Site Inspection

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

During site inspections, environmental situation, status of implementation of pollution control and mitigation measures were observed both within the site area as well as outside the project sites which was likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, by the site activities. Environmental documents and site records, including waste disposal record, maintenance record of environmental equipment, and relevant environmental permit and licences, were also checked on site. Observations were recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the contractor together with the appropriate recommended mitigation measures where necessary in order to advise contractors on environmental improvement, awareness and on-site enhancement measures. The observations were made with reference to the following information during the site inspections:

·         The EIA and EM&A requirements;

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

·         The EP conditions and other submissions under the EP;

·         Monitoring results of EM&A programme;

·         Works progress and programme;

·         Proposal of individual works;

·         Contract specifications on environmental protection; and

·         Previous site inspection results.

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

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

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

2.7      Terrestrial Ecological Monitoring

No construction works were conducted on Sheung Sha Chau Island in July 2018 (i.e. during the ardeid's breeding season) in accordance with the Manual. Monthly ecological monitoring was carried out in August and September 2018 on Sheung Sha Chau Island. No encroachment of any works upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the ardeids on the island by the works was recorded during ecological monitoring. Sign of a few nursery activities by Little Egret was observed in August on trees located at the previously identified egretry area where it is at the southern side of Sheung Sha Chau Island. At the HDD daylighting location, neither nest nor breeding activity of ardeids were found during the monthly ecological monitoring and weekly site inspections in August and September 2018. The site photos and location map regarding the ecological monitoring for HDD daylighting location and egretry area are provided in Appendix C for reference.

2.8      Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

In total, 2,570 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai / Macau were audited in the reporting period. The daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in the reporting period ranged between 12 and 99, which fell within the maximum daily cap number of 125.

All HSFs travelled through the SCZ with average speed within 15 knots (9.0 knots to 14.0 knots), which complied with the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan). Six ferry movements were recorded with minor deviations from the diverted route during the reporting period. Notices of deviation were sent to the ferry operators and the cases have been investigated. All cases were due to public safety considerations or emergency situations, i.e., giving way to other vessels to ensure safety, and the HSFs had returned to the normal route following the SkyPier Plan as soon as practicable. The summary of the SkyPier Plan monitoring result is presented in Graph 3.

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

Graph 3: Summary of SkyPier High Speed Ferries Monitoring Results

In addition, the dolphin habitat index was reviewed based on AFCD recent marine mammals monitoring report findings and historical dolphin density records, and the grids for dolphin hotspot remain unchanged. AAHK will continue to implement the SkyPier HSF route diversion and speed restriction according to the approved SkyPier Plan in the coming contract renewal with the ferry operators.

2.9      Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

On the implementation of MTRMP-CAV, the MSS automatically recorded deviation cases such as speeding, entering no entry zone, and not traveling through the designated gate. ET conducted bi-weekly audit of relevant information including AIS data, vessel tracks and other relevant records to ensure sufficient information were provided by the system and the contractors complied with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. The contactors submitted endorsed 3-month rolling vessel plan for construction vessel activities to AAHK in order to help maintain the number of construction vessels to a practicable minimum. The IEC also performed audit on the compliance of the requirements as part of the EM&A programme.

Between July and September 2018, deviations including speeding in the works area, entry from non-designated gates and entering no-entry zones were identified. All the concerned captains were reminded by the contractor’s MTCC representative to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV.

A total of 5 skipper training workshops were held by ET between July and September 2018 with 19 concerned captains of construction vessels associated with the 3RS Contracts to familiarise them with the predefined routes, general education on local cetaceans, guidelines for avoiding adverse water quality impact, the required environmental practices / measures while operating construction and associated vessels under the Project, and guidelines for operating vessels safely in the presence of CWDs. Another 14 skipper training workshops were held with 23 concerned captains by contractor’s Environmental Officers and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET.

2.10    Coral Post-Translocation Monitoring

In accordance with the approved Coral Translocation Plan (CTP), gorgonian corals suitable for translocation were translocated to the recipient site at Yam Tsai Wan (YTW), with translocation completed in January 2017. Since then the post-translocation monitoring programme has been undertaken and was completed in April 2018 according to the CTP. An additional monitoring survey will be carried out in October 2018 and the results will be presented in the next Quarterly EM&A Report.

2.11    Review of the Key Assumptions Adopted in the EIA Report

With reference to Appendix E of the Manual, it is noted that the key assumptions adopted in approved EIA report for the construction phase are still valid and no major changes are involved. The environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report remain applicable and shall be implemented in undertaking construction works for the Project.

 

 

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

3.1      Compliance with Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

During the reporting period, environmental related licenses and permits required for the construction activities were checked. No non-compliance with environmental statutory requirements was recorded.

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

3.2.1      Complaints

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

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints

Date of Complaint Received

Details

Analysis / Remedial Actions

Status

3 Jul 2018

A complaint was received regarding an incident of suspected effluent discharge from a construction vessel of Contract 3205.

Based on contractor’s records, deck cleaning due to minor overflow of cement grout was conducted on the vessel during the said incident, and the wash water was collected to an onboard wastewater treatment facility for treatment and reuse. ET conducted a site inspection on the vessel next day after receiving the complaint, where the wastewater treatment facility was found in normal operation and no discharge was observed. Nevertheless, ET in conjunction with the AAHK, gave further briefing to the contractor during the Environmental Management Meeting. ET would also continue the regular site audit to ensure the pollution control measures are properly implemented.

Closed

27 Aug 2018

A complaint was received relating to the DEZ monitoring schedule for DCM works.

Based on on-site inspection on the concerned barge Sambo 2HO in the Project area by ET and AAHK next day after receiving the complaint and the records provided by the contractor, the contractor had implemented DEZ monitoring for DCM works. Nevertheless, ET reminded the contractor to maintain good communication with dolphin observers and conduct regular review/training on contingency arrangement for different operational scenarios.

Closed

21 Sep 2018

A complaint was received relating to exhaust gas and dust emission from a Korean construction vessel.

The anonymous complainant did not provide any specific information (e.g. date, time, location, name of construction vessel) on the case. Site inspections which covered all environmental aspects arising from construction activities in the work site, including air pollution control measures of construction vessels, are routinely undertaken by ET in accordance with the requirements in the EM&A Manual. When air emission problem (e.g. dust, dark smoke) is identified by ET, the responsible contractor will be required to provide immediate rectification. The air quality monitoring data in September was also reviewed, where all monitoring results were within the Action and Limit Levels at all monitoring stations. ET will continue the regular site inspection to ensure contractors’ measures are properly implemented. In addition, ET will also continue reminding all contractors to conduct on-site training for frontline staff on related environmental issues and regularly maintain and check their construction vessels and equipment regularly.

Closed

3.2.2      Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

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

3.3     Cumulative Statistics

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

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring

 

 

Total No. Recorded in the Reporting Period

Total No. Recorded since the Project Commenced

1-hr TSP

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Noise

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Waste

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Water

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

CWD

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

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

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

Reporting Period

Cumulative Statistics

 

Non-compliance

Complaints

Notifications of Summons

Prosecutions

This reporting period

0

3

0

0

From 28 December 2015 to end of the reporting period

0

15

1

1


 

4        Conclusion and Recommendation

In this quarterly period from 1 July 2018 to 30 September 2018, the EM&A programme has been implemented as planned, including 102 sets of air quality measurements, 61 sets of construction noise measurements, 37 sets of water quality measurements, 6 complete sets of vessel line transect surveys and 15 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring, 2 rounds of terrestrial ecological monitoring, as well as environmental site inspections and waste monitoring for the Project’s construction works.

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

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

For water quality, the water quality monitoring results for turbidity, total alkalinity, and chromium obtained during the reporting period did not trigger their corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. Relevant investigation and follow-up actions will be conducted according to the EM&A programme if the corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For DO, SS, and nickel, some of the testing results triggered the relevant Action or Limit Levels in the reporting period, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the cases were not due to the Project. To conclude, the construction activities in the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.

In total, 2,570 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai / Macau were audited in the reporting period. All HSFs travelled through the SCZ with average speed within 15 knots, which complied with the SkyPier Plan. Six ferry movements had minor deviations from the diverted route during the reporting period. ET investigated the deviation cases and confirmed that all of them were related to public safety or emergency situations.

Between July and September 2018, ET conducted bi-weekly audit of the MSS to ensure the system recorded all deviation cases accurately and the contractors fully complied with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. A total of five skipper training workshops were held by ET between July and September 2018 for captains of construction vessels associated with 3RS contracts. Another fourteen skipper training workshops were held by contractors’ Environmental Officers and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET.

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

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

 



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