Expansion of Hong Kong |
Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report No.15 (1 July to 30 September 2019) |
|
Contents
3RS |
Three-Runway System |
AAHK |
Airport Authority Hong Kong |
AECOM |
AECOM Asia Company Limited |
AFCD |
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
AIS |
Automatic Information System |
ANI |
Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphins |
APM |
Automated People Mover |
AW |
Airport West |
BHS |
Baggage Handling System |
CAP |
Contamination Assessment Plan |
CAR |
Contamination Assessment Report |
CTP |
Coral Translocation Plan |
CWD |
Chinese White Dolphin |
DCM |
Deep Cement Mixing |
DEZ |
Dolphin Exclusion Zone |
DO |
Dissolved Oxygen |
EAR |
Ecological Acoustic Recorder |
EIA |
Environmental Impact Assessment |
EM&A |
Environmental Monitoring & Audit |
EMIS |
Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule |
EP |
Environmental Permit |
EPD |
Environmental Protection Department |
ET |
Environmental Team |
FCZ |
Fish Culture Zone |
HKBCF |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities |
HKIA |
Hong Kong International Airport |
HSF |
High Speed Ferry |
IEC |
Independent Environmental Checker |
LKC |
Lung Kwu Chau |
MMHK |
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited |
MMWP |
Marine Mammal Watching Plan |
MSS |
Maritime Surveillance System |
MTRMP-CAV |
Updated Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel |
NEL |
Northeast Lantau |
NWL |
Northwest Lantau |
PAM |
Passive Acoustic Monitoring |
SC |
Sha Chau |
SCZ |
Speed Control Zone |
SCLKCMP |
Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park |
SS |
Suspended Solids |
STG |
Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings |
SWL |
Southwest Lantau |
The Manual |
The Updated EM&A Manual |
The Project |
The Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System |
The SkyPier Plan |
Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier |
TSP |
Total Suspended Particulates |
WL |
West Lantau |
WMP |
Waste Management Plan |
Executive
Summary
The “Expansion of Hong Kong International
Airport into a Three-Runway System” (the Project) serves to meet the future air
traffic demands at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). On 7 November 2014,
the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (Register No.: AEIAR-185/2014)
for the Project was approved and an Environmental Permit (EP) (Permit No.:
EP-489/2014) was issued for the construction and operation of the Project.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) commissioned
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) to undertake the role of Environmental
Team (ET) for carrying out the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A)
works during the construction phase of the Project in accordance with the
Updated EM&A Manual (the Manual).
This is the 15th Construction Phase
Quarterly 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 July 2019 to 30 September 2019.
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, and seawall construction. 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, piling, and excavation
works.
EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period
The EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance
with the Manual of the Project. Summary of the monitoring activities during
this reporting period is presented as below:
Monitoring Activities |
Number of Sessions |
1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) air quality monitoring |
96 |
Noise monitoring |
52 |
Water quality monitoring |
38 |
Vessel line-transect surveys for Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) monitoring |
6 |
Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring |
9 |
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 Good Environmental Practices in
the Reporting Period
|
|
|
Pay for Environmental Scheme to Promote Contractors’ Environmental Performance |
Safety Sand Berm Constructed along Seawall |
Support and Enhance On-going Fisheries Operations |
Key examples of good site practices
implemented in the Project are highlighted here:
1. AAHK initiated an incentive scheme, called Pay for
the Environmental Scheme to promote best environmental implementation practices
and to enhance contractors’ environmental awareness and performance.
2. Safety sand berm was constructed along
partially completed seawall for safety reason, as well as to prevent site
runoff from leaking into marine waters.
3. Pilot tests on re-stocking suitable fish fry
have commenced with an aim of contributing to enhancing marine ecology and
fisheries resources in North Lantau waters.
Summary Findings of the EM&A Programme
The
monitoring works for construction dust, construction noise, water quality,
construction waste, landscape & visual, and CWD were conducted during the
reporting period in accordance with the Manual.
Monitoring
results of construction dust, construction noise, construction waste, and CWD
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 were within the corresponding Action and
Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. Relevant investigation and
follow-up actions will be conducted according to the EM&A programme if the
corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For dissolved oxygen (DO),
suspended solid (SS) and nickel, some testing results triggered the relevant
Action or Limit Levels, and the corresponding investigations were 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.
The key findings of the EM&A programme during the
reporting period is summarised 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 |
|
√ |
No construction activities-related complaint was received |
Nil |
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 8 Aug 2019, one of the water quality sensitive receiver stations was relocated. |
Nil |
Remarks:
^Only
triggering of Action or Limit Level found related to Project works is counted
as Breach of Action or Limit Level.
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. 42.
This is the 15th Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report
for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme
during the reporting period from 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2019.
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 9141
|
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 3205 DCM (Package 5) (Bachy Soletanche - Sambo Joint Venture) |
Deputy Project Director |
Min Park |
9683 0765 |
Environmental Officer |
William Chan |
5408 3045 |
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) |
Deputy Project Director |
Kin Hang Chung |
9800 0048 |
Environmental Officer |
Nelson Tam |
9721 3942 |
|
Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works (China Road and Bridge Corporation)
|
Project Manager |
Wan Cheung Lee |
6100 6075 |
Environmental Officer |
Wilmer Ng |
3919 9421 |
|
Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works (SAPR Joint Venture) |
Project Manager |
Steven Meredith |
6109 1813 |
Environmental Officer |
Pan Fong |
9436 9435 |
Third Runway Concourse and Integrated Airport Centres Works: |
|||
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3402 New Integrated Airport Centres Enabling Works (Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.) |
Contract Manager |
Michael Kan |
9206 0550 |
Environmental Officer |
Lisa He |
5374 3418 |
Terminal 2 Expansion Works: |
|||
Party |
Position |
Name |
Telephone |
Contract 3501 Antenna Farm and Sewage Pumping Station (Build King Construction Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
Vincent Kwan |
9833 1313 |
Environmental Officer |
Edward Tam |
9287 8270 |
|
Contract 3502 Terminal 2 APM Depot Modification Works (Build King Construction Ltd.) |
Project Manager |
David Ng |
9010 7871 |
Environmental Officer |
Chun Pong Chan |
9187 7118 |
|
Contract 3503 Terminal 2 Foundation and Substructure Works (Leighton – Chun Wo Joint Venture) |
Construction Manager |
Eric Wu |
3973 1718 |
Environmental Officer |
Stephen Tsang |
5508 6361 |
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 |
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 |
|
|
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) |
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, and
seawall construction. 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 key construction
activities are presented in Figure 1.1.
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 |
The CAR for Golf Course was submitted to EPD. |
Programme for submission of supplementary CAR at the other areas to be agreed. |
On-going |
|
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 on 5 January 2017. |
Post-translocation Monitoring |
As per an enhanced monitoring programme based on the Coral Translocation Plan |
The post-translocation monitoring programme according to the Coral Translocation Plan was completed in April 2018. |
Chinese White Dolphins (CWD) |
|
|
Baseline Monitoring |
6 months of baseline surveys before the commencement of land formation related construction works. Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month; Land-based theodolite tracking surveys: Two days per month at the Sha Chau station and two days per month at the Lung Kwu Chau station; and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM): For the whole duration of baseline period. |
Baseline CWD results were reported in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD in accordance with EP Condition 3.4. |
Impact Monitoring |
Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month; Land-based theodolite tracking surveys: One day per month at the Sha Chau station and one day per month at the Lung Kwu Chau station; and PAM: For the whole duration for land formation related construction works. |
On-going |
Landscape and Visual |
|
|
Landscape and Visual Plan |
At least 3 months before the commencement of construction works on the formed land of the Project. |
The Landscape & Visual Plan was submitted to EPD under EP Condition 2.18 |
Baseline Monitoring |
One-off survey within the Project site boundary prior to commencement of any construction works |
The baseline landscape & visual monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4. |
Impact Monitoring |
Weekly |
On-going |
Environmental Auditing |
|
|
Regular site inspection |
Weekly |
On-going |
Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
SkyPier High Speed Ferries (HSF) implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
Construction and Associated Vessels implementation measures |
Monitor and check |
On-going |
Complaint Hotline and Email Channel |
Construction phase |
On-going |
Environmental Log Book |
Construction phase |
On-going |
Taking into account the construction works in
the reporting period, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality,
waste management, 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 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 summarised as below:
● Two skipper trainings provided by
ET;
● One dolphin observer training
session provided by ET;
● Twenty-five environmental management
meetings for EM&A review with works contracts
● Eight environmental briefing on EP
and EM&A requirements of the 3RS provided by ET;
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.
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.
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 |
The air quality monitoring results
in the reporting period are summarised 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 2019 |
100.0% |
100.0% |
Aug 2019 |
100.0% |
100.0% |
Sep 2019 |
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 in the last month of the previous quarter and this reporting period
were recorded and summarised in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition
During Impact Air Quality Monitoring
|
Weather |
Dominant Wind Direction |
Jun 2019 |
Sunny to Cloudy |
Southwest |
Jul 2019 |
Sunny to Cloudy |
Southwest |
Aug 2019 |
Sunny to Rainy |
Southwest |
Sep 2019 |
Sunny to Drizzle |
Northwest |
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.
Impact noise monitoring was
conducted at four representative monitoring stations once per week during 0700
and 1900 in the reporting period. The locations of monitoring stations are
described in Table 2.4 and presented in Figure 2.1.
The Action and Limit Levels of the noise
monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant
investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are provided in Table 2.4 for
reference.
Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Station |
Location |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
NM1A |
Man Tung Road Park |
When one documented complaint is received from any one of the sensitive receivers |
75 dB(A) |
NM4 |
Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School |
65dB(A) / 70 dB(A) (i) |
|
NM5 |
Village House in Tin Sum |
75 dB(A) |
|
NM6 |
House No. 1, Sha Lo Wan |
75 dB(A) |
|
Note: (i) 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). |
The noise monitoring results in the reporting
period are summarised in Table
2.5 and the graphical plot is presented in Appendix C.
Table 2.5: Percentage of
Noise Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels
|
NM1A |
NM4 |
NM5 |
NM6 |
Jul 2019 |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
Aug 2019 |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
Sep 2019 |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
Overall |
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. |
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.
General meteorological conditions in the last
month of the previous quarter and this reporting period were recorded and
summarised in Table 2.6.
Table 2.6: General Meteorological Condition During
Impact Noise Monitoring
|
Weather |
Jun 2019 |
Sunny to Cloudy |
Jul 2019 |
Sunny to Cloudy |
Aug 2019 |
Sunny to Drizzle |
Sep 2019 |
Sunny to Drizzle |
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 traffic noise near NM1A,
school activities at NM4, and aircraft and helicopter noise near NM5 and NM6. It is considered that the monitoring work in the
reporting period was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to
the Project activities.
During the reporting period, water quality
monitoring was conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides,
at a total of 23 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 12 impact (IM)
stations, 8 sensitive receiver (SR) stations, and 3 control (C) stations in the
vicinity of the water quality sensitive receivers around the airport island in
accordance with the Manual. The purpose of water quality monitoring at the IM
stations is to promptly capture any potential water quality impacts from the
Project before the impacts could become apparent at sensitive receivers
(represented by the SR stations). Table 2.7 describes the details of the monitoring
stations. Figure 2.2a shows the locations of the
monitoring stations. The monitoring location for SR6 has been relocated to SR6A
since 8 August 2019. The updated monitoring locations are presented in Figure 2.2b from that day onwards.
Table 2.7: Monitoring Locations and
Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring
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
|
SR4A |
Sha Lo Wan |
807810 |
817189 |
|
SR5A |
San Tau Beach SSSI |
810696 |
816593 |
|
SR6(5) |
Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI |
814663 |
817899 |
|
SR6A(5) |
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.
(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.
The Action and Limit Levels for general water quality
monitoring and regular DCM monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for
triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the
programme are presented in Table
2.8. The control and IM stations during flood tide and ebb
tide for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring are
presented in Table 2.9.
Table 2.8: Action and Limit Levels for
General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring
Parameters |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
||
Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring (excluding SR1A & SR8) |
||||
DO in mg/L (Surface, Middle & Bottom) |
Surface and Middle 4.5 mg/L |
Surface and Middle 4.1 mg/L 5 mg/L for Fish Culture Zone (SR7) only |
||
Bottom 3.4 mg/L |
Bottom 2.7 mg/L |
|||
SS in mg/L |
23 |
or 120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher |
37 |
or 130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher |
Turbidity in NTU |
22.6 |
36.1 |
||
Total Alkalinity in ppm |
95 |
99 |
||
Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring (Chromium) |
0.2 |
0.2 |
||
Representative Heavy Metals for regular DCM monitoring (Nickel) |
3.2 |
|
3.6 |
|
Action and Limit Levels SR1A |
|
|
|
|
SS (mg/l) |
33 |
42 |
||
Action and Limit Levels SR8 |
|
|
|
|
SS (mg/l) |
52 |
|
60 |
|
Notes:
1. For DO measurement, Action or Limit Level is triggered when monitoring
result is lower than the limits.
2. For parameters other than DO, Action or Limit Level of water quality
results is triggered when monitoring results is higher than the limits.
3. Depth-averaged results are used unless specified otherwise.
4. Details of selection criteria for the two heavy metals for regular DCM
monitoring refer to the Detailed Plan on Deep Cement Mixing available on the
dedicated 3RS website http://env.threerunwaysystem.com/en/ep-submissions.html)
5. The Action and Limit Levels for the two representative heavy metals
chosen will be the same as that for the intensive DCM monitoring.
Table
2.9: The Control
and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality
Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring
Control Station |
Impact Stations |
Flood Tide |
|
C1 |
IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4, IM5, IM6, IM7, IM8, SR3 |
SR21 |
IM7, IM8, IM9, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR3, SR4A, SR5A, SR6, SR6A, SR8 |
Ebb Tide |
|
C1 |
SR4A, SR5A, SR6, 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 Sep 2016
onwards.
The summary or results within their
corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period are presented in Table 2.10. The
weather and sea conditions in the last month of the previous quarter and this
reporting period were recorded and summarised in Table 2.11.
Table 2.10: 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 2019 |
98.5% |
91.4% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
Aug 2019 |
100.0% |
100.0% |
99.6% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
98.7% |
Sep 2019 |
99.5% |
100.0% |
98.7% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
99.7% |
Overall |
99.3% |
97.1% |
99.5% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
99.5% |
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 2.11: General Weather Condition and Sea
Condition During Impact Water Quality Monitoring
|
Weather |
Sea Condition |
Jun 2019 |
Sunny to Rainy |
Calm to Rough |
Jul 2019 |
Sunny to Rainy |
Calm to Rough |
Aug 2019 |
Sunny to Rainy |
Calm to Rough |
Sep 2019 |
Sunny to Cloudy |
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 and nickel are presented in Table 2.12 to
Table 2.19.
Details of the investigation findings were
presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 43, 44 and 45,
which concluded that all results triggering the Action or Limit Level were not
related to the Project.
Table 2.12: 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/ SR6A* |
SR7 |
|
11/7/2019 |
|
D |
D |
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
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/ SR6A* |
SR7 |
|
11/7/2019 |
D |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
D |
|
|
|
D |
|
|
D |
13/7/2019 |
|
|
D |
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D |
|
|
|
27/7/2019 |
|
D |
D |
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D |
|
|
D |
No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
Table 2.14:
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 |
SR2 |
SR3 |
SR4A |
SR5A |
SR6/ SR6A* |
SR7 |
|
11/7/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/9/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Table 2.15:
Summary of DO (Bottom) Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood
Tide)
IM1 |
IM2 |
IM3 |
IM4 |
IM5 |
IM6 |
IM7 |
IM8 |
IM9 |
IM10 |
IM11 |
IM12 |
SR2 |
SR3 |
SR4A |
SR5A |
SR6/ SR6A* |
SR7 |
|
11/7/2019 |
|
|
|
|
D |
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13/7/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27/7/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level |
1 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Table 2.16:
Summary of SS Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide)
IM1 |
IM2 |
IM3 |
IM4 |
IM5 |
IM6 |
IM7 |
IM8 |
IM9 |
IM10 |
IM11 |
IM12 |
SR1A |
SR2 |
SR3 |
SR4A |
SR5A |
SR6/ SR6A* |
SR7 |
SR8 |
|
31/8/2019 |
|
|
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D |
|
|
3/9/2019 |
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28/9/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Table 2.17:
Summary of SS Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide)
IM1 |
IM2 |
IM3 |
IM4 |
IM5 |
IM6 |
IM7 |
IM8 |
IM9 |
IM10 |
IM11 |
IM12 |
SR1A |
SR3 |
SR4A |
SR5A |
SR6/ SR6A* |
SR7 |
SR8 |
|
3/9/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28/9/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Table 2.18:
Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide)
IM1 |
IM2 |
IM3 |
IM4 |
IM5 |
IM6 |
IM7 |
IM8 |
IM9 |
IM10 |
IM11 |
IM12 |
|
12/9/2019 |
|
|
|
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Table 2.19: Summary of Nickel Results Triggering Action
or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide)
IM1 |
IM2 |
IM3 |
IM4 |
IM5 |
IM6 |
IM7 |
IM8 |
IM9 |
IM10 |
IM11 |
IM12 |
|
10/8/2019 |
|
|
|
|
D |
D |
D |
|
|
|
|
|
No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Note:
The monitoring results on monitoring dates not presented in the above tables did
not trigger their corresponding Action or Limit Levels. Detailed results are
presented in Appendix C.
Note*: SR6 has been relocated to SR6A starting from 8 August 2019 |
|
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 |
In the reporting period, it is noted that most
monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels,
while 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. 43, 44 and 45, 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 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.
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.
The Action and Limit Levels of the construction
waste are provided in Table
2.20.
Table 2.20: 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 |
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.
Recommendations made by the ET 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 2.21.
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 2.21: Construction Waste Statistics
|
C&D1 Material Stockpiled for Reuse or Recycle (m3) |
C&D Material Reused in the Project (m3) |
C&D Material Reused in other Projects (m3) |
C&D Material Transferred to Public Fill (m3) |
Chemical Waste (kg) |
Chemical Waste (L) |
General Refuse (tonne) |
Jul 20192 |
4,821 |
4,568 |
665 |
4,627 |
200 |
9,040 |
399 |
Aug 20192 |
7,766 |
5,568 |
0 |
3,447 |
200 |
7,200 |
827 |
Sep 20192 |
4,369 |
499 |
11,672 |
3,963 |
75 |
3,600 |
748 |
Total |
16,956 |
10,635 |
12,337 |
12,037 |
475 |
19,840 |
1,974 |
|
Notes: 1. C&D refers to Construction and Demolition. 2. Paper, metals and/or plastics were recycled in the reporting period. |
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. Since January 2019, additional theodolite tracking survey for
one day at LKC station was conducted on a voluntary basis to collect
supplementary information for the Project, such that a total of one tracking
day at SC station and two 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
2019 are shown in Figure 2.3, whilst the land-based
theodolite tracking survey stations are described in Table 2.22 and depicted in Figure 2.4. The location of the PAM
device is shown in Figure 2.10.
Table 2.22: 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 |
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 2.23.
Table 2.23: 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 |
Survey Effort
During the July to September 2019 reporting
period, a total of six sets of vessel line transect survey covering all
transects in Northeast Lantau (NEL), Northwest Lantau (NWL), Airport West (AW), West Lantau (WL) and Southwest
Lantau (SWL) survey areas were conducted at a frequency of twice per month, in
each survey area.
A total of around 1,347 km of survey effort was
collected from these surveys, with around 95.6% 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 2019, there were a total
of 69 sightings of CWDs, with 283 dolphins sighted (Table
2.24).
All these sightings were made during on-effort searches under favourable
weather condition.
When breaking down the sightings by survey
areas, 3 sightings with 4 dolphins, 41 sightings with 182 dolphins and 25
sightings with 97 dolphins were recorded in NWL, WL and SWL survey areas
respectively during the current reporting period. No CWD was sighted in NEL or
AW survey areas.
Compared with the last quarter (i.e. April to
June 2019), there is an overall increase in terms of both number of CWD
sightings and number of dolphins (increased by around 97% and 110%
respectively). WL and SWL both showed drastic increases in terms of both number
of CWD sightings and number of dolphins, and such increases were most
remarkable in SWL as the number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins
increased by around 317% and 471% respectively. On the other hand, NWL
experienced an observable decline in terms of both number of CWD sightings and
number of dolphins by about 67% and 82% respectively.
Compared with the same quarter of last year in
2018 (i.e. July to September 2018), there were an overall increase in both
number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins by 8% and 41% respectively. The
increase is mainly contributed by SWL waters with the number of CWD sightings
and number of dolphins increased by around 108% and 185% respectively. On the
other hand, NWL showed a decline in both numbers of sightings and dolphins by
73% and 86% respectively.
Table
2.24 below shows
the comparison of the numbers of sightings and dolphins amongst the current
reporting period, last quarter, and the same quarter of year 2018.
Table 2.24: 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 2018 |
April to June 2019 |
July to September 2019 |
NEL |
1 (1) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
NWL |
11 (29) |
9 (22) |
3 (4) |
AW |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
WL |
40 (137) |
20 (96) |
41 (182) |
SWL |
12 (34) |
6 (17) |
25 (97) |
Total |
64 (201) |
35 (135) |
69 (283) |
Note: Values
in ( ) represent number of dolphins
The distribution of CWD sightings recorded from
July to September 2019 is illustrated in Figure 2.5. In NWL, one CWD sighting was
recorded off the northwestern corner of Lung Kwu Chau while the remaining two
CWD sightings were recorded at the southwestern corner of the survey area. In
WL, CWD sightings distributed from the northern part of survey area around the
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road to Fan Lau, with more
sightings clustered at waters near Tai O, Yi O, Peaked Hill and Fan Lau. In
SWL, CWD sightings scattered over the relatively inshore waters from Fan Lau to
Shui Hau, with more sightings recorded at waters around the Soko Islands. No
CWD sightings were recorded in NEL or in close vicinity of the 3RS works area.
Details of the sighting data are presented in Appendix C.
Figure 2.5: Sightings Distribution of Chinese
White Dolphins from Jul to Sep 2019
Remarks:
Please note that there are 69 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 2019 are
summarised in Table 2.25.
In this reporting period, both the monthly STG
and ANI decreased from the exceptionally high records in July to August, but
rebounded in September. Both running quarterly STG and ANI increased from July
to September 2019.
Compared with the previous reporting period,
there are increases in both running quarterly STG (from 2.73 to 5.36) and
running quarterly ANI (from 10.54 to 21.98). While comparing with the same quarter of last year (i.e. July
to September 2018), both the running quarterly STG and ANI increased from 4.82
to 5.36 and from 15.32 to 21.98 respectively.
Table 2.25: 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 18 |
Aug 18 |
Sep 18 |
Apr 19 |
May 19 |
Jun 19 |
Jul 19 |
Aug 19 |
Sep 19 |
Monthly STG |
5.04 |
4.48 |
4.97 |
2.86 |
2.33 |
3.02 |
7.64 |
3.95 |
4.47 |
Monthly ANI |
13.86 |
15.67 |
16.26 |
10.78 |
10.72 |
10.07 |
31.72 |
16.50 |
17.63 |
Running Quarterly STG |
3.74 |
4.66 |
4.82 |
2.10 |
2.37 |
2.73 |
4.37 |
4.92 |
5.36 |
Running Quarterly ANI |
11.57 |
15.58 |
15.32 |
7.47 |
9.80 |
10.54 |
17.72 |
19.69 |
21.98 |
Note: For detailed
calculations of encounter rates STG and ANI for the current reporting period, please
refer to the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 43, 44 and 45.
Group Size
Between July and September 2019, the group size
of CWD sightings ranged from 1 to 17 dolphins. The average group size of CWDs
was 4.1 dolphins per group which is slightly larger than that of the last
quarter which was 3.9. The average group size of CWDs in this reporting quarter
is also larger that of the same quarter of last year (3.1 dolphins per group).
In this reporting quarter, the numbers of CWD
sightings with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins) and medium group size (i.e.
3-9 dolphins) were similar. Amongst all 69 sightings, there were six sightings
with large group size (i.e. 10 or more dolphins). The large CWD groups were
sighted in WL and SWL. In WL, there were four CWD sightings with large group
size and they scattered from Tai O to Fan Lau. In SWL, the two CWD sightings
with large group size were recorded at the central and western side of the Soko
Islands.
There were no distinct distribution patterns of
small-sized and medium-sized CWD groups observed in the current reporting
period. However, all CWD groups recorded in NWL were small-sized. Sighting
locations of CWD groups with different group sizes are depicted in Figure 2.6.
Figure 2.6: Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins with
Different Group Sizes
Activities
and Association with Fishing Boats
During July to September 2019, 18 sightings of
CWDs were recorded with feeding activities. None of these sightings were
observed in association with operating fishing boats.
The number of sightings with feeding recorded
in the current reporting period is higher than the last reporting period (11
sightings involved feeding activities with two sightings associated with
operating fishing boat in April to June 2019). The number of CWD sightings with
feeding activities is higher when compared with the data in the same quarter of
last year (i.e. 12 sightings in July to September 2018).
The sighting locations of CWDs engaged in
different behaviour 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 2019, 11 sightings of
CWDs were recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted calf and/or
mother-and-unspotted juvenile, which is more than that of the last reporting
quarter (i.e. 8 sightings between April and June 2019). The number is equal to
that recorded in the same quarter of last year (i.e. 11 sightings between July
and September 2018). The majority of these sightings were recorded in WL survey
area.
The locations of CWD sightings with the
presence of mother-and-unspotted calf and/or mother-and-unspotted juvenile are
shown in Figure 2.8.
Figure 2.8: Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs
Photo
Identification
During July to September 2019, a total number
of 104 different CWD individuals were identified altogether for 166 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 104 different CWD individuals, 36 animals (i.e. NLMM001, NLMM015,
NLMM063, SLMM003, SLMM007, SLMM012, SLMM022, SLMM029, SLMM037, SLMM049,
SLMM052, SLMM053, SLMM062, SLMM064, SLMM070, WLMM004, WLMM027, WLMM039,
WLMM043, WLMM049, WLMM056, WLMM065, WLMM067, WLMM069, WLMM078, WLMM079,
WLMM081, WLMM082, WLMM090, WLMM094, WLMM104, WLMM115, WLMM122, WLMM131, WLMM132
and WLMM147) were sighted for more than once.
Fourteen individuals including NLMM001,
NLMM015, NLMM063, SLMM049, SLMM053, SLMM064, WLMM004, WLMM056, WLMM065,
WLMM067, WLMM078, WLMM079, WLMM104 and WLMM115 were re-sighted in different
survey areas during this reporting period. NLMM063 and WLMM115 had cross-area
movement between NWL and WL survey areas, while the others had cross-area
movement between WL and SWL survey areas. The most frequently re-sighted
individual in this reporting quarter was WLMM079 which has been encountered
altogether for 6 times. The number of re-sighted CWD individuals and the number
of CWD individuals showing cross-area movement from July to September 2019 are
both higher than those of the last reporting quarter (29 and 12 individuals
respectively).
A summary of photo identification works is
presented in Table 2.26. Representative photos of the 104
identified individuals and figures depicting the sighting locations of the
aforementioned 36 re-sighted individuals recorded in this reporting period are
presented Appendix C.
Table 2.26: Summary of Photo Identification
Individual ID |
Date of sighting |
Sighting Group No. |
Area |
|
Individual |
Date of sighting |
Sighting Group No. |
Area |
NLMM001 |
16-Jul-19 |
6 |
WL |
|
WLMM039 |
16-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
18-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
8-Aug-19 |
7 |
WL |
||
3 |
SWL |
|
21-Aug-19 |
3 |
WL |
|||
NLMM012 |
21-Aug-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM040 |
17-Jul-19 |
6 |
SWL |
NLMM015 |
9-Sep-19 |
6 |
SWL |
|
WLMM043 |
16-Jul-19 |
1 |
WL |
12-Sep-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
25-Sep-19 |
6 |
WL |
||
NLMM020 |
9-Sep-19 |
6 |
SWL |
|
WLMM046 |
18-Jul-19 |
3 |
SWL |
NLMM021 |
21-Aug-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
WLMM049 |
16-Jul-19 |
3 |
WL |
NLMM027 |
21-Aug-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
25-Sep-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
NLMM033 |
8-Aug-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM051 |
8-Aug-19 |
1 |
WL |
NLMM037 |
24-Jul-19 |
1 |
NWL |
|
WLMM052 |
16-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
NLMM040 |
8-Aug-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
WLMM054 |
9-Sep-19 |
1 |
SWL |
NLMM041 |
8-Aug-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
WLMM056 |
17-Jul-19 |
2 |
SWL |
NLMM043 |
25-Sep-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
21-Aug-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
NLMM046 |
8-Aug-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
9-Sep-19 |
6 |
SWL |
|
NLMM049 |
23-Jul-19 |
6 |
WL |
|
WLMM060 |
12-Sep-19 |
3 |
WL |
NLMM056 |
8-Aug-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM062 |
25-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
NLMM061 |
17-Jul-19 |
9 |
SWL |
|
WLMM063 |
17-Jul-19 |
10 |
SWL |
NLMM063 |
24-Jul-19 |
1 |
NWL |
|
WLMM065 |
17-Jul-19 |
9 |
SWL |
21-Aug-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
12-Sep-19 |
3 |
WL |
||
12-Sep-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
25-Sep-19 |
5 |
WL |
||
NLMM067 |
8-Aug-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM067 |
17-Jul-19 |
2 |
SWL |
SLMM002 |
25-Sep-19 |
9 |
WL |
|
25-Sep-19 |
9 |
WL |
|
SLMM003 |
16-Jul-19 |
6 |
WL |
|
WLMM069 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
21-Aug-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
18-Jul-19 |
3 |
SWL |
||
12-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
WLMM071 |
12-Sep-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
3 |
WL |
|
WLMM075 |
25-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
||
SLMM007 |
16-Jul-19 |
6 |
WL |
|
WLMM078 |
18-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
12-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
25-Sep-19 |
8 |
WL |
||
25-Sep-19 |
9 |
WL |
|
WLMM079 |
18-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
SLMM010 |
21-Aug-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
3 |
SWL |
||
SLMM012 |
17-Jul-19 |
2 |
SWL |
|
23-Jul-19 |
7 |
WL |
|
18-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
21-Aug-19 |
5 |
WL |
||
9-Sep-19 |
6 |
SWL |
|
12-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
||
SLMM014 |
18-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
3 |
WL |
||
SLMM022 |
23-Jul-19 |
7 |
WL |
|
WLMM081 |
16-Jul-19 |
4 |
WL |
25-Sep-19 |
8 |
WL |
|
8-Aug-19 |
4 |
WL |
||
|
9 |
WL |
|
WLMM083 |
16-Jul-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
SLMM025 |
21-Aug-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
WLMM085 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
SLMM027 |
25-Sep-19 |
9 |
WL |
|
WLMM082 |
16-Jul-19 |
4 |
WL |
SLMM028 |
18-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
23-Jul-19 |
3 |
WL |
|
SLMM029 |
17-Jul-19 |
3 |
SWL |
|
8-Aug-19 |
4 |
WL |
|
18-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
WLMM086 |
17-Jul-19 |
11 |
SWL |
|
SLMM031 |
17-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
WLMM090 |
8-Aug-19 |
7 |
WL |
SLMM037 |
17-Jul-19 |
5 |
SWL |
|
12-Sep-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
|
18-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
WLMM094 |
16-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
|
3 |
SWL |
|
|
8-Aug-19 |
7 |
WL |
SLMM045 |
12-Sep-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
|
25-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
SLMM049 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM095 |
23-Jul-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
18-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
WLMM100 |
8-Aug-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
|
3 |
SWL |
|
WLMM102 |
23-Jul-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
25-Sep-19 |
9 |
WL |
|
WLMM104 |
18-Jul-19 |
2 |
SWL |
SLMM050 |
23-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
|
23-Jul-19 |
6 |
WL |
SLMM052 |
17-Jul-19 |
2 |
SWL |
|
|
8-Aug-19 |
7 |
WL |
|
|
5 |
SWL |
|
WLMM106 |
25-Sep-19 |
9 |
WL |
|
18-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
WLMM109 |
23-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
|
|
3 |
SWL |
|
WLMM114 |
25-Sep-19 |
9 |
WL |
SLMM053 |
18-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM115 |
22-Jul-19 |
1 |
NWL |
|
21-Aug-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
|
23-Jul-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
25-Sep-19 |
8 |
WL |
|
|
|
3 |
WL |
SLMM058 |
25-Sep-19 |
7 |
WL |
|
WLMM120 |
17-Jul-19 |
10 |
SWL |
SLMM062 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM121 |
8-Aug-19 |
4 |
WL |
|
18-Jul-19 |
3 |
SWL |
|
WLMM122 |
16-Jul-19 |
1 |
WL |
SLMM064 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
|
8-Aug-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
8-Aug-19 |
1 |
WL |
|
WLMM131 |
17-Jul-19 |
2 |
SWL |
SLMM068 |
17-Jul-19 |
2 |
SWL |
|
|
|
7 |
SWL |
SLMM069 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
|
|
10 |
SWL |
SLMM070 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM132 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
18-Jul-19 |
3 |
SWL |
|
|
18-Jul-19 |
3 |
SWL |
SLMM071 |
18-Jul-19 |
1 |
SWL |
|
WLMM133 |
25-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
SLMM072 |
22-Aug-19 |
2 |
SWL |
|
WLMM136 |
16-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
WLMM001 |
25-Sep-19 |
7 |
WL |
|
WLMM137 |
16-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
WLMM004 |
17-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM139 |
16-Jul-19 |
4 |
WL |
|
12-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
WLMM140 |
16-Jul-19 |
4 |
WL |
|
|
3 |
WL |
|
WLMM141 |
16-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
WLMM005 |
25-Sep-19 |
8 |
WL |
|
WLMM142 |
23-Jul-19 |
5 |
WL |
WLMM006 |
18-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
WLMM143 |
8-Aug-19 |
4 |
WL |
WLMM007 |
25-Sep-19 |
9 |
WL |
|
WLMM144 |
8-Aug-19 |
7 |
WL |
WLMM008 |
17-Jul-19 |
3 |
SWL |
|
WLMM145 |
21-Aug-19 |
2 |
WL |
WLMM027 |
17-Jul-19 |
6 |
SWL |
|
WLMM146 |
12-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
|
9-Sep-19 |
2 |
SWL |
|
WLMM147 |
12-Sep-19 |
2 |
WL |
WLMM029 |
18-Jul-19 |
4 |
SWL |
|
|
|
3 |
WL |
WLMM030 |
8-Aug-19 |
4 |
WL |
|
WLMM148 |
12-Sep-19 |
4 |
WL |
Survey Effort
During July to September 2019, a total of nine
days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort were completed, including
six days on Lung Kwu Chau and three days on Sha Chau. In total, 13 CWD groups
were tracked from the Lung Kwu Chau station while no CWD groups were tracked
from the Sha Chau station, with an overall 0.24 CWD groups sighted per survey
hour.
Information on survey effort and CWD groups sighted
during land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 2.27. 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 2019 are shown in Figure 2.9.
Table 2.27: 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 2019 |
||||
Lung Kwu Chau |
2 |
12:00 |
3 |
0.25 |
Sha Chau |
1 |
06:00 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
3 |
18:00 |
3 |
0.17 |
August 2019 |
||||
Lung Kwu Chau |
2 |
12:00 |
5 |
0.42 |
Sha Chau |
1 |
06:00 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
3 |
18:00 |
5 |
0.28 |
September 2019 |
||||
Lung Kwu Chau |
2 |
12:00 |
5 |
0.42 |
Sha Chau |
1 |
06:00 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
3 |
18:00 |
5 |
0.28 |
OVERALL |
9 |
54:00 |
13 |
0.24 |
Figure 2.9: Plots of First
Sightings of All CWD Groups from Land-based Stations
An Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) has been
deployed and positioned to the south of Sha Chau Island inside the SCLKCMP (Figure 2.10) with 20% duty cycle, while
data from the EAR intended primarily to supplement the data collected from the land-based
theodolite tracking survey station on Sha Chau. In this reporting period, the
EAR has been retrieved on 16 July and 11 September 2019 for data collection and
subsequently redeployed. The EAR deployment is generally for 6 weeks prior to
data retrieval for analysis. As the period of data collection and analysis
takes more than four months, PAM results could not be reported in quarterly
intervals but report for supplementing the annual CWD monitoring analysis.
During the reporting period, silt curtains were
in place by the contractors for marine filling works (similar to the previous
reporting period), 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 5 to 12 dolphin observation stations by
the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by all contractors for DCM
works and seawall construction that were similar to the previous reporting
period 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 679
individuals being trained and the training records were 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. 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 summarised in Section 2.6.
Summary of audits of SkyPier HSFs route diversion and speed control and
construction vessel management are presented in Section 2.7 and Section 2.8 respectively.
Site inspections of the construction
works were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of
proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project.
Bi-weekly site inspections were also conducted by the IEC. Besides, ad-hoc
site inspections were conducted by ET and IEC if environmental problems were
identified, or subsequent to receipt of an environmental complaint, or as part
of the investigation work. These site inspections provided a direct means to
reinforce the specified environmental protection requirements and pollution
control measures in construction sites.
During site inspections, environmental
situation, status of implementation of pollution control and mitigation
measures were observed. Environmental documents and site records, including
waste disposal record, maintenance record of environmental equipment, and
relevant environmental permit and licences, were also checked on-site. Observations
were recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the contractor
together with the appropriate recommended mitigation measures where necessary in order to advise contractors on
environmental improvement, awareness and on-site enhancement measures.
The observations were
made with reference to the following information during the site inspections:
· The EIA and EM&A requirements;
· Relevant environmental protection
laws, guidelines, and practice notes;
· The EP conditions and other
submissions under the EP;
· Monitoring results of EM&A
programme;
· Works progress and programme;
· Proposal of individual works;
· Contract specifications on environmental
protection; and
· Previous site inspection results.
Good site practices were implemented in the
project to enhance environmental performance. Key examples are highlighted
here:
1. An incentive scheme, called Pay for
Environmental Scheme, has been initiated by AAHK to promote best environmental
implementation practices and to enhance contractors’ environmental awareness
and performance. Incentive payments have been distributed to contractors
fulfilling various environmental requirements of their contract and providing
green initiatives.
2. Safety sand berm was constructed along the
partially completed seawall by a reclamation contractor. While originally
designed for safety reason, the sand berm could also serve as a barrier to
prevent site runoff from reaching the marine waters thus mitigating potential
water quality impact.
3. As part of the Marine Ecology and Fisheries
Enhancement Strategy, pilot tests on re-stocking suitable fish fry have
commenced with an aim of contributing to enhancing marine ecology and fisheries
resources in North Lantau waters. Before the bulk release of fish fry, the
fingerlings (yellowfin seabream, black seabream and green grouper) were
acclimatised at a local fish farm, and their health and sizes were closely
monitored. Bulk fish fry release was conducted in May and September 2019 in
waters close to the western artificial seawall of Hong Kong International
Airport. Post-release monitoring is on-going to determine the effectiveness of
the pilot tests.
|
|
|
Pay for Environmental Scheme to Promote Contractors’ Environmental Performance |
Safety Sand Berm Constructed along Seawall |
Support and Enhance On-going Fisheries Operations |
Besides, advices were given when necessary to
ensure the construction workforce were familiar with relevant procedures, and
to maintain good environmental performance on site. Regular toolbox talks on
environmental issues were organised 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 summarised 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.
In total, 1,852 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 33 and 95, which fell within the maximum daily cap number of 125.
The average speeds of
all HSFs travelling through the Speed Control Zone (SCZ) ranged from 9.8 to
14.4 knots. All HSFs travelled through the SCZ with average speed within 15
knots in compliance with the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High
Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan).
Six ferry movements were
recorded with
deviations from the diverted route. Notices of
deviation were sent to the ferry operators and the cases were investigated.
Five of the cases involved giving way to other vessels to ensure public
safety, and one was due to an emergency condition (failure at one of the HSF’s
engines). The
summary of the SkyPier Plan monitoring result is presented in Graph 1.
Insufficient AIS data
cases were received from some HSFs during the reporting period. After
investigation, it was found that AIS data for the concerned ferries were
missing due to signal interference as reported by the ferry operators after
checking the condition of the AIS transponders. Vessel captains were requested
to provide the radar track photos which indicated the vessels entered the SCZ
through the gate access points and there was no speeding in the SCZ. Ferry
operators’ explanations were accepted.
Graph 1: Summary of SkyPier High Speed
Ferries Monitoring Results
On the implementation of the updated Marine Travel Routes and Management
Plan for Construction and Associated Vessels (MTRMP-CAV), the Maritime Surveillance System (MSS) automatically recorded deviation
cases such as speeding, entering no entry zone, and not traveling through the
designated gates. ET conducted bi-weekly audit of
relevant information including AIS data, vessel tracks and other relevant
records to ensure sufficient information were provided by the system and the
contractors complied with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. The contactors
submitted endorsed 3-month rolling vessel plans for construction vessel
activities to AAHK in order to help maintain the number of construction vessels
to a practicable minimum. The IEC also performed audit on the compliance of the
requirements as part of the EM&A programme.
During the reporting
period, deviations including speeding within the works area, entry from
non-designated gates, and entering no-entry zones were identified. After
investigation by the contractor’s MTCC representatives, all the concerned
captains were reminded to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV.
A total of two skipper training workshops were
held by ET during the reporting period with
four concerned captains of construction vessels associated with the 3RS
contracts to familiarise them with the
predefined routes, general education on local cetaceans, guidelines for
avoiding adverse water quality impact, the required environmental practices /
measures while operating construction and associated vessels under the Project,
and guidelines for operating vessels safely in the presence of CWDs. Another 11
skipper training workshops were held with 22 captains by contractors’
Environmental Officers and competency tests were conducted subsequently with
the trained captains by ET.
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.
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.
No construction activities-related
complaint was received during the reporting period.
No
notification of summons nor prosecution was received during the reporting
period.
Cumulative statistics on valid exceedance,
non-compliance, complaints, notifications of summons and status of prosecutions
are summarised in Table 3.1
and Table 3.2.
Table 3.1: 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 3.2: 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 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
From 28 December 2015 to end of the reporting period |
0 |
17 |
1 |
1 |
In this quarterly period from 1 July 2019 to 30
September 2019, the EM&A programme has been implemented as planned,
including 96 sets of air quality measurements, 52 sets of construction noise
measurements, 38 sets of water quality measurements, 6 complete sets of vessel
line transect surveys and 9 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey
effort for CWD 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 and seawall construction.
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
did not trigger the corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting
period. All site observations made by the ET were recorded in the site
inspection checklists and passed to the contractor together with the
recommended follow-up actions.
For water quality, the water quality monitoring
results for turbidity, total alkalinity and chromium 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 DO, SS and nickel,
some testing results triggered the relevant Action or Limit Levels, and the
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.
In total, 1,852 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 in
compliance 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.
During the reporting period, ET
conducted bi-weekly audit of the MSS to ensure the system recorded all deviation cases
accurately and the contractors fully complied with
the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. A
total of two skipper training workshops were held by ET during the reporting
period for captains of construction vessels associated with 3RS contracts. Another 11 skipper training workshops
were held by contractors’ Environmental Officers and competency tests were
conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET.
On the implementation of MMWP, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for
laying of silt curtains for marine filling works in accordance with the plan. On the implementation of DEZ Plan, dolphin
observers were deployed for continuous monitoring of the DEZ by the contractors
for DCM works 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)