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

Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report No.5 (1 January to 31 March 2017)

June 2017

Contents

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

2.2 Noise Monitoring

2.3 Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1 Monitoring Schedule

2.3.2 Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.3 Summary of Monitoring Results

2.4 Waste Monitoring

2.5 CWD Monitoring

2.5.1 Summary of Monitoring Requirements

2.5.2 Summary of Monitoring Results

2.6 Weekly Environmental Site Inspection

2.7 Ecological Monitoring

2.8 Audit of the SkyPier Plan

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 5

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project 7

Table 1.3: Summary of Status for All Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual 8

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  11

Table 2.2: Impact Noise Quality Monitoring Stations  12

Table 2.3: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring  13

Table 2.4: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  15

Table 2.5: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  15

Table 2.6: Summary of Turbidity Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Ebb Tide) 16

Table 2.7: Summary of Turbidity Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Flood Tide) 16

Table 2.8: Summary of SS Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Ebb Tide) 17

Table 2.9: Summary of SS Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Flood Tide) 17

Table 2.10: Summary of Nickel Compliance Status at IM Stations (Mid-Ebb Tide) 19

Table 2.11: Summary of Nickel Compliance Status at IM Stations (Mid-Flood Tide) 19

Table 2.12: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  20

Table 2.13: Land-based Survey Station Details  21

Table 2.14: Derived Values of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  21

Table 2.15: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of CWD Individuals for Previous Quarters and Current Reporting Quarter. 22

Table 2.16: Summary of Monthly and Running Quarterly STG and ANI of Chinese White Dolphin for Previous and Current Reporting Quarters  24

Table 2.17: Summary of Photo Identification  28

Table 2.18: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking  29

Table 2.19: Summary of the Post-Translocation Monitoring Surveys Completed in this Reporting Quarter 35

Table 3.1:  Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring  37

Table 3.2:  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 2.3a         Vessel based Dolphin Monitoring Transects in Baseline Monitoring

Figure 2.3b         Vessel based Dolphin Monitoring Transects in Construction, Post-construction and Operation Phases

Figure 2.4           Land based Dolphin Monitoring Locations

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        Contract Description

Appendix B        Project Organization Chart

Appendix C        Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix D        Graphical Plots of Water Quality Monitoring Results

Appendix E        Summary of Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring Results

Appendix F        Location Plans of Coral Translocation

Appendix G       Summary of Ecological Monitoring Results

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.  

This is the 5^th 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 January 2017 to 31 March 2017.  

Key Activities in the Reporting Period

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

Advanced Works:

Contract P560 (R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works

· Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) works;

· Pipeline supporting works; and

· Stockpiling of excavated materials from HDD operation.

DCM Works:

Contracts 3201 to 3205 Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Works

· Coring works;

· Site office establishment;

· Laying of geotextile and sand blanket; and

· DCM trials and works.

Reclamation Works:

Contract 3206 Main Reclamation Works

· Site office establishment; and

· Laying of geotextile and sand blanket.

EM&A Activities Conducted in the Reporting Period

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

Monitoring/ Audit Activities	Number of Sessions
1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) Air Quality Monitoring	99
Noise Monitoring	65
Water Monitoring	38
Ecological Monitoring	3
Vessel line-transect surveys for Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) monitoring	6
Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring	15
Coral Post-translocation Monitoring	3

Ecological Monitoring	Toolbox Talk Training to Site Staff by Contractor	Meeting with SkyPier Ferry Operator Representatives

In total, 2,511 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai / Macau were audited in the reporting period. All High Speed Ferries (HSFs) travelled through the Speed Control Zone (SCZ) with average speeds within 15 knots, which complied with the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan). Four ferry movements had minor deviations from the diverted route during the reporting period and all of them were related to public safety / emergency situations.

During the reporting period, ET conducted weekly audit of relevant information to ensure the contractors complied with the requirements of the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel (MTRMP-CAV). A total of 13 skipper training workshops were held by ET during the reporting period with concerned captains of construction vessels associated with 3RS contracts. Another 8 skipper training workshops were held by contractors’ Environmental Officers (EO) and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET. The upgraded Maritime Surveillance System (MSS) was launched in March 2017. The MSS automatically recorded deviation cases such as speeding, entering no entry zone, and not traveling through the designated gates. These recorded cases were cross checked with construction and associated vessel records provided by the contractors to ensure the MSS recorded all deviation cases accurately.

On the implementation of Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP), silt curtains were in place by the contractors for sand blanket laying works and dolphin observers were deployed in accordance with the plan. On the implementation of Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for DCM works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with the training records kept by the ET.  From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains, whilst there was one record of dolphin sighting within the DEZ of DCM works in this reporting quarter. Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were also carried out by the ET.

In accordance with the Coral Translocation Plan, translocation of 384 gorgonian coral colonies from the donor site along the existing northern seawall of the airport island to the recipient site at Yam Tsai Wan was completed in January 2017. A total of 85 translocated coral colonies and 20 indigenous colonies as control corals were selected and tagged for post-translocation monitoring. The monitoring was conducted as per an enhanced monitoring programme based on the Coral Translocation Plan. Three rounds of monitoring were conducted and completed in January, February and March 2017 respectively. No exceedances of the Action or Limit levels in percentage of partial mortality of the translocated coral colonies were recorded during the reporting period.

Review of Environmental Quality Performance Limits (Action and Limit levels)

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

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

Implementation Status and Review of Environmental Mitigation Measures

Weekly site audits were carried out during the reporting period to confirm the implementation measures undertaken by the contractors. Environmental issues related to construction activities, including construction dust, construction noise, construction waste, terrestrial ecology and CWD were monitored and/or reviewed.  

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

Summary Findings of the EM&A Programme

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

	Yes	No	Details	Analysis / Recommendation / Remedial Actions
Breaches of Limit Level^		ü	No project-related limit level exceedance was recorded.	Nil
Breaches of Action Level^		ü	No project-related action level exceedance was recorded.	Nil
Complaints Received	ü		A complaint of night time work and construction wastewater at Sheung Sha Chau was received on 19 Jan 2017.	Complaint investigation was carried out in accordance with the Complaint Management Plan. The investigation details are presented in S3.2.1.
Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions		ü	Neither notifications of summons nor prosecution were received.	Nil
Changes that affect the EM&A		ü	There was no change to the construction works that may affect the EM&A	Nil

Remarks: ^ Only exceedance of Action or Limit Level related to the Project will be highlighted. 

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

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

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) commissioned Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for carrying out the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) works during the construction phase of the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual (the Manual) submitted under EP Condition 3.1. The Manual is available on the Project’s dedicated website (accessible at: http://env.threerunwaysystem.com/en/index.html). AECOM Asia Company Limited (AECOM) was employed by AAHK as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) for the Project.

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

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

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

1.2 Scope of this Report

This is the 5^th 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 January 2017 to 31 March 2017.

1.3 Project Organisation

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

Table 1.1: Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party	Position	Name	Telephone
Project Manager’s Representative (Airport Authority Hong Kong)	Principal Manager, Environment	Lawrence Tsui	2183 2734
Environmental Team (ET) (Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)	Environmental Team Leader	Terence Kong	2828 5919
	Deputy Environmental Team Leader	Heidi Yu	2828 5704
	Deputy Environmental Team Leader	Keith Chau	2972 1721
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) (AECOM Asia Company Limited)	Independent Environmental Checker	Jackel Law	3922 9376
	Deputy Independent Environmental Checker	Joanne Tsoi	3922 9423
Advanced Works:
Contract P560(R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works (Langfang Huayuan Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd.)	Project Manager	Wei Shih	2117 0566
	Environmental Officer	Lyn Lau	5172 6543
DCM Works:
Contract 3201 DCM (Package 1) (Penta-Ocean-China State-Dong-Ah Joint Venture)	Project Director	Tsugunari Suzuki	9178 9689
	Environmental Officer	Sze Ming Chan	9384 5494
Contract 3202 DCM (Package 2) (Samsung-BuildKing Joint Venture)	Project Manager	Ilkwon Nam	9643 3117
	Environmental Officer	Dickson Mak	9525 8408
Contract 3203 DCM  (Package 3) (Sambo E&C Co., Ltd.)	Project Manager	Seong Jae Park	9683 8693
	Environmental Officer	Calvin Leung	9203 5820
Contract 3204 DCM  (Package 4) (CRBC-SAMBO Joint Venture)	Project Manager	Kyung-Sik Yoo	9683 8697
	Environmental Officer	Kanny Cho	9019 1962
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:
Contract 3206 (ZHEC-CCCC-CDC Joint Venture)	Project Manager	Kim Chuan Lim	3693 2288
	Environmental Officer	Kwai Fung Wong	3693 2252
Other Works:
Contract 3213 CLP Cable Diversion Enabling Works (Wing Hing Construction Company)	Project Manager	Michael Kan	9206 0550
	Environmental Officer	Ivy Tam	2151 2090

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 during the reporting period included five DCM contracts, an advanced works contract, and a reclamation contract. The DCM contracts involved coring works, site office establishment, laying of geotextile and sand blanket, and DCM trials and works; the advanced works contract involved HDD works, pipeline supporting works, and stockpiling of excavated materials from HDD operation; and the reclamation contract involved site office establishment, and laying of geotextile and sand blanket.

The locations of the works areas are presented in Figure 1.1 to Figure 1.2. Some site investigation works were carried out during the reporting period.

1.6 Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status for all environmental aspects is presented in Appendix A. 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	Initially started in late March 2017. Due to the changes in DCM works areas, the monitoring programme is subject to review.
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.	To be submitted with the relevant construction works.
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 revised Egretry Survey Plan was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.14.
Ecological Monitoring	Monthly monitoring during the HDD construction works period from August to March.	On-going
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	On-going
Chinese White Dolphins (CWD)
Baseline Monitoring	6 months of baseline surveys before the commencement of land formation related construction works. Vessel surveys: Two full surveys per month; Land-based theodolite tracking: Two days per month at the Sha Chau station and two days per month at the Lung Kwu Chau Station; and 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 surveys: Two full surveys per month; Land-based theodolite tracking: 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 Plan (DEZP) 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 during the reporting period, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, ecology, 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. In order to enhance environmental awareness and closely monitor the environmental performance of the contractors, environmental briefings and regular environmental management meetings were conducted.

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

2 Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

2.1 Air Quality Monitoring

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

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station	Location	Action Level (mg/m^3)	Limit Level (mg/m^3)
AR1A	Man Tung Road Park	306	500
AR2	Village House at Tin Sum	298

The graphical plot of impact air quality monitoring results during the reporting period is presented in Graph 1.

Graph 1: Graphical Plot of 1-hour TSP concentration at AR1A and AR2 during the Reporting Period

No exceedance of the Action and Limit Level was recorded at AR1 and AR2 in the reporting period.

The weather varied from sunny to rainy during the reporting period. Wind direction was mainly north or east in the reporting period. 

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period are summarised in Section 1.5. Those works were not likely to cause adverse dust pollution.

The active construction site is around 3 km away from the nearest air sensitive receiver in Tung Chung. The major dust sources during the reporting period were observed to be 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 works of the Project.

2.2 Noise Monitoring

Impact noise monitoring was conducted at five representative monitoring stations once per week during 0700 and 1900 during the reporting period. The locations of monitoring stations are described in Table 2.2 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 2.2 for reference.

The graphical plot of impact noise quality monitoring results during the reporting period is presented in Graph 2.

Table 2.2: Impact Noise Quality 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	Site Office		75 dB(A)
NM4^(i)	Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School		65dB(A) / 70 dB(A)
NM5	Village House in Tin Sum		75 dB(A)
NM6	House No. 1, Sha Lo Wan		75 dB(A)
Note: ^(i) Reduce to 70dB(A) for school and 65dB(A) during school examination periods.

Graph 2: Graphical Plot of Leq _(30min) at NM1A, NM3A, NM4, NM5 and NM6 during the Reporting Period

Note: The examination period for NM4 was from 27 March 2017 to 31 March 2017 in the reporting period.

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

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period are summarised in Section 1.5. Those works were not likely to cause adverse noise impact.

The active construction work is around 900 m away from the nearest noise sensitive receivers in the villages in North Lantau. The major noise sources during the reporting period were observed to be road traffic at NM1A, aircrafts at NM3A, school activities at NM4, aircrafts, helicopters, and dog barking at NM5, and aircrafts, helicopters, and marine vessels at NM6. It is considered that the monitoring work in the reporting period was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to the works of the Project.

2.3 Water Quality Monitoring

During the reporting period, water quality monitoring was conducted at a total of 22 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 12 impact (IM) stations, seven sensitive receiver (SR) stations, and three control 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 2.3 describes the details of the monitoring stations. Figure 2.2 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.

Table 2.3:    Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring

Monitoring Stations	Description	Coordinates		Parameters
		Easting	Northing
C1	Control	804247	815620
C2	Control	806945	825682
C3^(3)	Control	817803	822109
IM1	Impact	806458	818351	DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS, Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals^(2)
IM2	Impact	806193	818852
IM3	Impact	806019	819411
IM4	Impact	805039	819570
IM5	Impact	804924	820564
IM6	Impact	805828	821060
IM7	Impact	806835	821349
IM8	Impact	807838	821695
IM9	Impact	808811	822094
IM10	Impact	809838	822240
IM11	Impact	810545	821501
IM12	Impact	811519	821162
SR1^(1)	Future Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) Seawater Intake for cooling	812586	820069	DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
SR2^(3)	Planned marine park / hard corals at The Brothers / Tai Mo To	814166	821463
SR3	Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park / fishing and spawning grounds in North Lantau	807571	822147
SR4A	Sha Lo Wan	807810	817189
SR5A	San Tau Beach SSSI	810696	816593
SR6	Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI	814663	817899
SR7	Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)	823742	823636
SR8	Seawater Intake for cooling at Hong Kong International Airport (East)	811593	820417

Notes:

⁽¹⁾     The seawater intakes of SR1 for the future HKBCF are not yet in operation, the future permanent location for SR1 during impact monitoring is subject to finalisation after the HKBCF seawater intake is commissioned.

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

⁽³⁾ According to the baseline water quality monitoring report, C3 station is not adequately representative as a control station of impact/ SR stations during the flood tide. The control reference has been changed from C3 to SR2 from 1 September 2016 onwards.

2.3.1 Monitoring Schedule

During the reporting period, general water quality monitoring was conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, at the 22 water quality monitoring stations.

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

2.3.2 Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

The Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme are presented in Table 2.4. The control and impact stations during flood tide and ebb tide for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring are presented in Table 2.5.

Table 2.4:    Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

Parameters	Action Level (AL)		Limit Level (LL)
Action and Limit Levels for general water quality monitoring and regular DCM monitoring (excluding SR1& SR8)
DO in mg/L (Surface, Middle & Bottom)	Surface and Middle 4.5 mg/L		Surface and Middle 4.1 mg/L 5 mg/L for Fish Culture Zone (SR7) only
	Bottom 3.4 mg/L		Bottom 2.7 mg/L
Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/L	23	or 120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher	37	or 130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher
Turbidity in NTU	22.6		36.1
Total Alkalinity in ppm	95		99
Representative Heavy Metals for early regular DCM monitoring (Chromium)	0.2		0.2
Representative Heavy Metals for early regular DCM monitoring (Nickel)	3.2		3.6
Action and Limit Levels SR1
SS (mg/l)	To be determined prior to its commissioning		To be determined prior to its commissioning
Action and Limit Levels SR8
SS (mg/l)	52		60

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

Table 2.5:    The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring

Control Station	Impact Stations
Flood Tide
C1	IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4, IM5, IM6, IM7, IM8, SR3
SR2^^1	IM7, IM8, IM9, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR3, SR4A, SR5A, SR6, SR8
Ebb Tide
C1	SR4A, SR5A, SR6
C2	IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4, IM5, IM6, IM7, IM8, IM9, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR2, SR3, SR7, SR8

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

2.3.3 Summary of Monitoring Results 

The monitoring results for DO, total alkalinity, and chromium obtained during the reporting period were in compliance with their corresponding Action and/or Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme for triggering the relevant investigation and follow-up procedures under the programme if being exceeded. For turbidity, SS and nickel, some of the testing results exceeded the relevant Action and Limit Levels, and the corresponding investigations were conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that all exceedances were not due to the Project. Summaries of turbidity, SS, and nickel compliance status are presented in Table 2.6 to 2.10.

Findings for Turbidity Exceedances

Table 2.6 and Table 2.7 presents a summary of the turbidity compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-ebb and mid-flood tide for the reporting quarter.

Table 2.6: Summary of Turbidity Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Date	IM1	IM2	IM3	IM4	IM5	IM6	IM7	IM8	IM9	IM10	IM11	IM12	SR2	SR3	SR4A	SR5A	SR6	SR7	SR8
31/01/2017
02/02/2017
14/02/2017
No. of Turbidity Exceedances	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	2	2	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0

Table 2.7: Summary of Turbidity Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Flood Tide)

Date	IM1	IM2	IM3	IM4	IM5	IM6	IM7	IM8	IM9	IM10	IM11	IM12	SR2	SR3	SR4A	SR5A	SR6	SR7	SR8
02/02/2017
11/02/2017
14/02/2017
16/02/2017
02/03/2017
No. of Turbidity Exceedances	0	0	0	1	2	0	1	0	0	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0

Note: The monitoring dates that are not presented in the above tables were in full compliance with their corresponding Action and Limit Levels. Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

No exceedance of Action Level and Limit Level

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

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

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

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

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

Investigations were conducted for each of the exceedances and details of the investigation findings are presented in the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report no. 13, 14, and 15. All exceedances were found to be not due to the Project.

IM Stations

Some of the turbidity exceedances at downstream IM stations occurred with nearby upstream IM stations during the same monitoring period. Based on the investigation findings and given that the upstream stations would unlikely be affected by the Project, these exceedances were possibly due to natural fluctuation of the corresponding areas. Other turbidity exceedances that occurred in this reporting period appeared to be isolated cases with neither temporal nor spatial trend to indicate any effect due to Project activities. Taking into account the investigation findings which showed no construction vessel, DCM work, nor silt plume in the vicinity, the exceedances were considered to be not due to the Project.

SR Stations

The turbidity exceedances at SR stations in the reporting period occurred only when the respective SR stations were located upstream of the Project. As these upstream stations were unlikely affected by the Project, the exceedances were considered to be not due to the Project.

Findings for SS Exceedances

Table 2.8 and Table 2.9 presents a summary of the SS compliance status at IM and SR stations during mid-ebb and mid-flood tide for the reporting quarter.

Table 2.8: Summary of SS Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Date	IM1	IM2	IM3	IM4	IM5	IM6	IM7	IM8	IM9	IM10	IM11	IM12	SR2	SR3	SR4A	SR5A	SR6	SR7	SR8
14/01/2017
17/01/2017
31/01/2017
02/02/2017
11/02/2017
14/02/2017
02/03/2017
15/03/2017
No. of SS Exceedances	0	1	1	0	1	5	5	2	2	0	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0

Table 2.9: Summary of SS Compliance Status at IM and SR Stations (Mid-Flood Tide)

Date	IM1	IM2	IM3	IM4	IM5	IM6	IM7	IM8	IM9	IM10	IM11	IM12	SR2	SR3	SR4A	SR5A	SR6	SR7	SR8
03/01/2017
12/01/2017
17/01/2017
19/01/2017
24/01/2017
02/02/2017
11/02/2017
14/02/2017
16/02/2017
21/02/2017
02/03/2017
11/03/2017
15/03/2017
28/03/2017
No. of SS Exceedances	1	4	3	2	1	2	0	0	0	2	1	1	0	0	1	1	7	0	0

Note: The monitoring dates that are not presented in the above tables were in full compliance with their corresponding Action and Limit Levels. Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

No exceedance of Action Level and Limit Level

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

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

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

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

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

Investigations were conducted for each of the exceedances and details of the investigation findings are presented in the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report no. 13, 14, and 15. All exceedances were found to be not due to the Project.

IM Stations

Overall, it was observed that the SS exceedances during this reporting period occurred frequently at those IM stations which are located upstream of the 3RS Project. Such exceedances at upstream stations would unlikely be affected by the Project.

Separately, on most dates with exceedances at downstream IM stations, it was observed that exceedances occurred at both upstream and downstream stations on the same monitoring day. Such concurrent (upstream and downstream) exceedances observed at these IM stations on the same monitoring day suggest that there might be other sources of SS that were not related to the Project. Other SS exceedances at downstream IM stations appeared to be isolated cases with neither temporal nor spatial trend to indicate any effect due to Project activities. Taking into account the investigation findings, the details of which are reported in the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report no. 13, 14, and 15, the exceedances were considered to be not due to the Project.

SR Stations

Most of the SS exceedances occurred when the respective SR stations were located upstream of the Project. As these upstream stations were unlikely affected by the Project, the exceedances were considered to be not due to the Project.

For the SS exceedance at SR4A during mid-ebb tide, no temporal trend can be observed to indicate any effect due to Project activities. Besides, no similar exceedance at IM stations located between the Project and SR4A was observed in the same monitoring period. It is also noted that similarly high SS levels were observed at the SR station during baseline monitoring, which suggests that such SS elevations are not uncommon under ambient condition due to natural fluctuation.

Findings for Nickel Exceedances

Table 2.10 and Table 2.11 presents a summary of the nickel compliance status at IM stations during mid-flood tide for the reporting quarter.

Table 2.10: Summary of Nickel Compliance Status at IM Stations (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Date	IM1	IM2	IM3	IM4	IM5	IM6	IM7	IM8	IM9	IM10	IM11	IM12
21/01/2017
No. of nickel Exceedances	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Table 2.11: Summary of Nickel Compliance Status at IM Stations (Mid-Flood Tide)

Date	IM1	IM2	IM3	IM4	IM5	IM6	IM7	IM8	IM9	IM10	IM11	IM12
07/01/2017
21/03/2017
No. of nickel Exceedances	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0

Note: The monitoring dates that are not presented in the above table were in full compliance with their corresponding Action and Limit Levels. Detailed results are presented in Appendix D.

Legend:

No exceedance of Action Level and Limit Level

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

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

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

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

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

Investigations were conducted for each of the exceedances and details of the investigation findings are presented in the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report no. 13 and 15. All exceedances were found to be not due to the Project.

IM Stations

For the nickel exceedance at IM5 during mid-ebb tide, the exceedance occurred when IM5 was located upstream of the Project. As the upstream station was unlikely affected by the Project, the exceedance was considered to be not due to the Project.

For the nickel exceedances at IM8 during mid-flood tide, the exceedances appeared to be isolated cases with no observable temporal and spatial trend to indicate any effect due to Project activities. Furthermore, based on investigation findings, no exceedance was recorded at other downstream IM stations that were similarly close, if not closer to the active DCM works during the same monitoring period. Therefore, the exceedances were considered to be not due to the Project.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the exceedance investigations presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report no. 13, 14 and 15, it was concluded that the exceedances during this reporting quarter were not due to the Project. Hence no SR stations were adversely affected by the Project. All required actions under the Event and Action Plan had been followed. Exceedances appeared to be due to natural fluctuation (such as naturally higher baseline SS levels at individual SR stations) or other sources not related to the Project.

Nevertheless, recognising that the IM stations represent a ‘first line of defence’, the non-project related exceedances identified at IM stations have been attended to as triggers of precautionary measures. As part of the EM&A programme, the construction methods and mitigation measures for water quality will continue to be monitored and opportunities for further enhancement will continue to be explored and implemented where possible, to strive for better protection of water quality and the marine environment. 

In the meantime, the contractors were reminded to implement and maintain all mitigation measures during weekly site inspection. 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, the 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 2.12.

Table 2.12:       Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste

Monitoring Stations	Action Level	Limit Level
Construction Area	When one valid documented complaint is received	Non-compliance of the WMP, contract-specific WMPs, any statutory and contractual requirements

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

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

Based on the contractor’s information, about 1578m³ of excavated materials were produced from the HDD launching site and Sheung Sha Chau under P560(R) during the reporting period. The generated excavated materials were temporarily stored at storage and stockpiling area. The excavated material will be reused in the Project.

During the reporting period, around 88 tonnes of general refuse was disposed of to the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill by the advance works contract and DCM contracts. Around 927m³ of Construction and Demolition (C&D) material generated from the DCM contracts was disposed of as public fill in the reporting period. No chemical waste was disposed off-site during the reporting period.

No exceedance of the Action or Limit Levels was recorded in the reporting period.

2.5 CWD Monitoring

2.5.1 Summary of Monitoring Requirements

CWD monitoring was conducted by vessel line-transect survey at a frequency of two full survey per month, supplemented by land-based theodolite tracking and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). The frequency of the theodolite tracking 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 requirement. Additional theodolite tracking at SC station and LKC station (in total 2 tracking days and 3 tracking days per month at respective stations) were also conducted on a voluntary basis to collect supplementary information for the project. Monitoring was fully completed in the reporting period. The vessel survey transect lines were in line with those proposed in the Manual, which are consistent with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) long-term monitoring programme. For the Northwest Lantau (NWL) area, in the previous reporting quarters the transect lines within the works area could largely followed the waypoints conducted for baseline monitoring. However, there was safety concern on the CWD survey vessel travelling within the 3RS works area in this reporting quarter. Therefore, the transect lines for the NWL area were reviewed in February 2017 to follow the waypoints set for construction phase monitoring as proposed in the Manual to avoid entering 3RS works area, with the total length being shorter than previous quarters. The locations of CWD monitoring by vessel survey transect conducted in January 2017 and February to March 2017 are shown in Figure 2.3a and Figure 2.3b respectively, whilst the land-based survey stations are described in Table 2.13 and depicted in Figure 2.4. Location of Passive Acoustic Monitoring is shown in Figure 2.10.

Table 2.13:  Land-based Survey Station Details

Stations	Location	Geographical Coordinates	Station Height (m)	Approximate Tracking Distance (km)
D	Sha Chau (SC)	22° 20’ 43.5” N 113° 53’ 24.66” E	45.66	2
E	Lung Kwu Chau (LKC)	22° 22’ 44.83” N 113° 53’ 0.2” E	70.40	3

The Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) 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 AL and LL for CWD monitoring are shown in Table 2.14.

Table 2.14:  Derived Values of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL) for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

	NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL as a Whole
Action Level	Running quarterly STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35
Limit Level	Two consecutive running quarterly (3-month) STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35

2.5.2 Summary of Monitoring Results

Vessel Line-transect Survey

Survey Effort

During the reporting period, six complete sets of vessel line-transect surveys were conducted from January to March 2017 to cover all transects in Northeast Lantau (NEL), NWL, Airport West (AW), West Lantau (WL) and Southwest Lantau (SWL) survey area twice per month.

A total of around 1,375 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 83.3% 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 were presented in Appendix E.

CWD Sighting

From January to March 2017, 54 groups of CWDs with 185 individuals were sighted. Amongst the sightings of CWDs, 46 groups with 170 individuals were made during on-effort search under favourable weather condition.

When breaking down the sightings by survey areas, 5 sightings with 16 individuals, 2 sightings with 5 individuals, 33 sightings with 126 individuals and 14 sightings with 38 individuals were recorded in NWL, AW, WL and SWL respectively during the current reporting quarter. No CWD was sighted in NEL survey area. Compared to both last quarter (i.e. October to December 2016) and the same quarter in year 2016 (i.e. January to March 2016), there was a drastic decline of CWD records in NWL, meanwhile a very significant increase in WL. Table 2.15 below shows the comparison of the numbers of sightings and individuals between the current reporting quarter, last quarter and the same quarter of year 2016.

Table 2.15:  Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of CWD Individuals for Previous Quarters and Current Reporting Quarter.

	Jan to Mar 2016	Oct to Dec 2016	Jan to Mar 2017
NEL	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)
NWL	12 (47)	18 (59)	5 (16)
AW	3 (14)	0 (0)	2 (5)
WL	7 (29)	25 (63)	33 (126)
SWL	11 (50)	16 (34)	14 (38)
Total	33 (140)	59 (156)	54 (185)

Note: Values in ( ) represent number of CWD individuals

Distribution of CWD sightings recorded from January to March 2017 during on-effort search under favourable weather condition are illustrated in Figure 2.5. CWD sightings were more frequent in WL than in NWL and SWL. In NWL, sightings were mainly recorded around Lung Kwu Chau particularly the western side. Two sightings were recorded in AW survey area with one of them located close to the boundary of 3RS temporary works area. In WL survey area, CWD sightings were quite evenly distributed in both coastal and off-shore waters from the waters north to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road alignment to Fan Lau, with relatively more sightings recorded between Tai O and Yi O. In SWL waters, CWDs sighting locations ranged from Fan Lau to Cheung Sha with several sightings scattered around Soko Islands. Details of the sighting data were presented in Appendix E.

Figure 2.5:        Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

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

Encounter Rate

The dolphin encounter rates for the number of dolphin sightings per 100 km survey effort (STG) and for the total number of dolphins per 100 km survey effort (ANI) in the whole survey area (i.e. NEL, NWL, AW, WL and SWL) for January, February and March 2017 are summarized in Table 2.16.

In this reporting quarter, both the monthly and running quarterly encounter rates STG and ANI increase from January to February 2017 followed by a decline in March 2017. Comparing with the previous reporting quarter, the running quarterly STG remains at 4.02 while the running quarterly ANI increases from 10.95 to 14.85.

Table 2.16: Summary of Monthly and Running Quarterly STG and ANI of Chinese White Dolphin for Previous and Current Reporting Quarters

	Previous Reporting Quarter			Current Reporting Quarter
	Oct 16	Nov 16	Dec 16	Jan 17	Feb 17	Mar 17
Monthly STG	4.65	2.54	4.89	4.41	6.08	1.99
Monthly ANI	9.81	7.11	15.96	15.78	21.12	8.97
Running Quarterly STG	3.84	3.55	4.02	3.96	5.04	4.02
Running Quarterly ANI	13.02	10.74	10.95	13.02	17.31	14.85

Notes: For detailed calculations of encounter rates STG and ANI, please refer to the Monthly EM&A Reports No. 13, No. 14 and No. 15.

Group Size

Between January and March 2017, the group size of CWDs ranged from 1 to 14 individuals per group. The average group size of CWDs was 3.4 individuals per group while that of last quarter was 2.7. Half of the CWD sightings (i.e. 27 groups) were in small group size (i.e. 1-2 individuals). There were four CWD sightings with large group size (i.e. 10 or above individuals) in this reporting quarter.

In NWL (including AW), CWD sightings with medium group size (i.e. 3-9 individuals) dominated in this reporting quarter. While in WL, CWD groups with small group size were dominant. In SWL, more small-sized CWD groups were recorded. Sighting locations of CWD groups with different group sizes were depicted in Figure 2.6.

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

[Pink circle: Sighting locations of CWD with group size from 1 to 2 individuals, Green circle: Sighting locations of CWD with group size from 3 to 9 individuals, Red circle: Sighting locations of CWD with group size of 10 or above, White line: Vessel survey transects, Blue polygon: Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP), Green polygon: Brothers Marine Park (BMP), Red polygon: 3RS land-formation footprint, Yellow line: 3RS temporary works area boundary]

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

During January to March 2017, 15 groups of CWDs were sighted with feeding activities.  Amongst these 15 groups of feeding CWDs, 10 groups were observed in association with operating pair fishing boats including gillnetters, purse seiners and pair trawlers in AW, WL and SWL survey areas. The sighting locations of CWDs engaged in different behaviours during the reporting quarter were illustrated in Figure 2.7.

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

[Indigo rhombus: Foraging, Green circle: Socializing, Pink square: Milling/Resting, Yellow triangle: Travelling, White line: Vessel survey transects, Blue polygon: Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP), Green polygon: Brothers Marine Park (BMP), Red polygon: 3RS land-formation footprint, Yellow line: 3RS temporary works area boundary]

Mother-calf Pairs

From January to March 2017, seven sightings of mother-and-unspotted juvenile pairs were recorded. Amongst these seven sightings, a mother-and-unspotted juvenile pair (WLMM071 and WLMM060) were recorded twice, in AW and WL survey areas. The sighting locations of  mother-and-unspotted juvenile pairs were shown in Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.8:        Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs

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

Note: Only on-effort sightings under Beaufort 3 or below were presented in the figure.

Photo Identification

During January to March 2017, a total number of 48 different CWD individuals sighted altogether 83 times were identified. Re-sighting information of CWD individuals provides an initial idea of their range use and apparent connection between different areas around Lantau. Amongst these 48 different CWD individuals, 22 animals (i.e. NLMM004, NLMM015, NLMM017, NLMM037, SLMM010, SLMM011, SLMM014, SLMM015, SLMM018, SLMM021, SLMM031, SLMM036, SLMM037, SLMM049, SLMM052, WLMM001, WLMM007, WLMM008, WLMM043, WLMM060, WLMM068 and WLMM071) were sighted more than once. Nine individuals including SLMM010, SLMM011, SLMM014, SLMM021, SLMM031, SLMM037, WLMM007, WLMM060 and WLMM071 were re-sighted in different survey areas within this reporting quarter. The number of CWD individuals re-sighted more than once and the number of CWD individuals re-sighted in different survey areas during the current reporting quarter were both higher than those of last quarter (i.e. October to December 2016).

A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 2.17. Representative photos of the 48 identified individuals and figures depicting the sighting locations of the aforementioned 22 re-sighted individuals recorded in this reporting quarter are presented Appendix E.

Table 2.17:  Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID	Date of sighting	Sighting Group No.	Area	Individual ID	Date of sighting	Sighting Group No.	Area
NLMM004	12/01/2017	1	NWL	SLMM036	05/01/2017	1	WL
	23/03/2017	1	NWL		16/02/2017	10	WL
		2	NWL		21/03/2017	2	WL
NLMM015	05/01/2017	1	WL	SLMM037	19/01/2017	6	SWL
	21/03/2017	2	WL		21/03/2017	2	WL
NLMM016	05/01/2017	1	WL	SLMM047	16/02/2017	10	WL
NLMM017	12/01/2017	1	NWL	SLMM049	16/02/2017	3	WL
	23/03/2017	1	NWL			10	WL
		2	NWL	SLMM052	05/01/2017	7	WL
NLMM019	21/03/2017	2	WL		16/02/2017	10	WL
NLMM020	21/03/2017	2	WL	WLMM001	05/01/2017	6	WL
NLMM037	12/01/2017	1	NWL		19/01/2017	8	WL
	23/03/2017	1	NWL	WLMM003	16/02/2017	10	WL
		2	NWL	WLMM007	13/01/2017	1	SWL
SLMM002	05/01/2017	7	WL			2	SWL
SLMM007	05/01/2017	7	WL		16/02/2017	10	WL
	06/02/2017	3	WL	WLMM008	21/03/2017	2	WL
SLMM010	05/01/2017	5	WL			3	WL
	19/01/2017	6	SWL	WLMM011	21/03/2017	1	WL
	16/02/2017	10	WL	WLMM017	16/02/2017	10	WL
SLMM011	17/02/2017	2	SWL	WLMM021	06/01/2017	1	SWL
	21/03/2017	2	WL	WLMM025	16/02/2017	10	WL
		3	WL	WLMM043	16/02/2017	4	WL
SLMM014	05/01/2017	7	WL		21/03/2017	1	WL
	16/02/2017	10	WL	WLMM056	16/02/2017	10	WL
	20/03/2017	1	SWL	WLMM060	19/01/2017	3	WL
		3	SWL		16/02/2017	1	AW
SLMM015	21/03/2017	2	WL	WLMM063	19/01/2017	3	WL
		3	WL	WLMM064	05/01/2017	1	WL
SLMM018	17/02/2017	2	SWL	WLMM065	05/01/2017	1	WL
		3	SWL	WLMM066	05/01/2017	1	WL
SLMM021	19/01/2017	6	SWL	WLMM067	05/01/2017	2	WL
	21/03/2017	2	WL	WLMM068	05/01/2017	2	WL
		3	WL		19/01/2017	3	WL
SLMM022	16/02/2017	10	WL	WLMM069	13/01/2017	2	SWL
SLMM025	16/02/2017	11	WL	WLMM070	13/01/2017	2	SWL
SLMM028	21/03/2017	1	WL	WLMM071	19/01/2017	3	WL
SLMM030	21/03/2017	1	WL		06/02/2017	1	WL
SLMM031	17/02/2017	2	SWL		16/02/2017	1	AW
		3	SWL	WLMM072	19/01/2017	3	WL
	21/03/2017	2	WL	WLMM073	16/02/2017	10	WL
				WLMM074	21/03/2017	3	WL

Land-based Theodolite Tracking

Survey Effort

During January to March 2017, a total number of 15 days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort was completed, including nine days on Lung Kwu Chau and six days on Sha Chau. In total, 40 CWD groups were tracked during the surveys at Lung Kwu Chau station, with overall about 0.4 group of CWD sighted per hour. No CWDs were sighted at Sha Chau station during the current reporting period.

Information on survey effort and CWD groups sighted during these land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 2.18. Details on the survey effort and CWD groups tracked are presented in Appendix E. The first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked during land-based theodolite tracking surveys between January and March 2017 are shown in Figure 2.9.

Table 2.18:  Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking

Land-based Station	# of Survey Sessions	Survey Effort (hh:mm)	# CWD Groups Sighted	CWD Group Sighting per Survey Hour
January 2017
Lung Kwu Chau	3	18:00	10	0.56
Sha Chau	2	12:00	0	0
TOTAL	5	30:00	10	0.33
February 2017
Lung Kwu Chau	3	18:15	24	1.32
Sha Chau	2	12:00	0	0
TOTAL	5	30:15	24	0.79
March 2017
Lung Kwu Chau	3	18:00	6	0.33
Sha Chau	2	12:00	0	0
TOTAL	5	30:00	6	0.20
OVERALL	15	90:15	40	0.4

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

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

Progress Update on Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)

An Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) has been deployed and positioned to the south of Sha Chau Island with 20% duty cycle (Figure 2.10) with data from the EAR intended primarily to supplement the data collected from the land-based theodolite station on Sha Chau. The EAR deployment generally lasts around 4-6 weeks followed by a period of data retrieval for subsequent analysis. As the data analysis takes more than two months after retrieval, PAM results are not suitable for reporting in quarterly reports.  Detailed analysis of PAM data will be presented in the annual CWD report to coincide and supplement the data collected from the land-based theodolite survey station at Sha Chau.

Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

During this reporting quarter, silt curtains were in place by the contractors for sand blanket laying works, in which at least two dolphin observers were deployed by each contractor in accordance with the MMWP. Teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for DCM works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers on the implementation of MMWP and DEZ monitoring were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with a cumulative total of 252 individuals being trained and the training records kept by the ET.  From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains, whilst there was one record of dolphin sighting within the DEZ of DCM works in this reporting quarter. According to contractors’ site records, DCM works were suspended in this dolphin sighting event until the DEZ was clear of dolphin for a continuous period of 30 minutes. These contractors’ records were also audited by the ET during site inspection.

Audits of acoustic decoupling for construction vessels were carried out during weekly site inspection and summarised in Section 2.6. Summary of audits of SkyPier High Speed Ferries 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. Observations have been recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the contractor together with the appropriate recommended mitigation measures where necessary.

The key observations from site inspection and associated recommendations were related to:

● proper storage of construction materials;

● improvement of spill preventive and dust suppression measures;

● implementation of preventive measures for runoff and dark smoke emission

● provision of drip trays;

● removal of oil stains at construction sites; and

● separation of recyclables from general refuse.

In addition, recommendations were provided during site inspection on construction vessels, which include:

● display of relevant licenses on barges;

● display of Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) labels for relevant mechanical equipment;

● provision and maintenance of storage area for inert and non-inert waste, and storage area for chemical waste;

● provision and maintenance of proper spill kits;

● provision of recycling bins for recyclables and suitable enclosed containers for general refuse collection;

● provision of proper acoustic decoupling for noisy equipment;

● proper implementation of wastewater treatment, dust suppression measures, spill and runoff preventive measures, and dark smoke preventive measures;

● proper implementation of DEZ monitoring; and

● installation and proper maintenance of silt curtains.

The daily visual inspection checklists for silt curtains and bi-weekly diver inspection records which were implemented by the contractors in accordance with the Silt Curtain Deployment Plan had been checked during site inspection and reviewed at the end of the reporting period, summarizing that the silt curtains were maintained in the correct positions and intact without obvious defects or damage.

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

2.7 Ecological Monitoring

In accordance with the Manual, ecological monitoring shall be undertaken monthly at the HDD daylighting location on Sheung Sha Chau Island to identify and evaluate any impacts with appropriate actions taken as required to address and minimise any adverse impact found.

Monthly ecological monitoring was carried out in January, February, and March 2017 on Sheung Sha Chau Island. No encroachment of any works upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the egrets on the island by the works was recorded during ecological monitoring. Sign of early breeding activities by Black-crowned Night Heron and Little Egret were observed in March 2017 on trees located at the previously identified egretry area where it is at the southern side of Sheung Sha Chau Island. At the HDD daylighting location, neither nest nor breeding activity of bird were found during the monthly ecological monitoring and weekly site inspections in the reporting quarter. The site photos and location map regarding the ecological monitoring for the HDD works and egretry area are provided in Appendix G for reference. All works on Sheung Sha Chau had been retreated on 31 March 2017. No works will be conducted on Sheung Sha Chau Island during the ardeid’s breeding season.

2.8 Audit of the SkyPier Plan

In total, 2,511 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 83 and 94, which falls within the maximum daily cap number of 125.

All the HSFs had travelled through the SCZ with average speeds within 15 knots (6.1 knots to 14.3 knots), which complied with the SkyPier Plan. Four ferry movements had deviations from the diverted route during the reporting period. Notices were sent to the ferry operators and the cases have been investigated. All the four cases were due to public safety considerations, i.e., giving way to other vessels, 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 (December 2016 to March 2017) is presented in Graph 3.

Insufficient Automatic Identification System (AIS) data were received from some HSFs during the reporting period. After investigation, it was found that missing of AIS data for the concerned ferries were due to interference effect of AIS signal as reported by the FO after checking the condition of the AIS transponders. Vessel captains were requested to provide the radar track photos which indicated the vessel entered the SCZ though the gate access points and no speeding in the SCZ. Ferry operator’s explanation has been accepted.

Graph 3:          Summary of SkyPier Plan Monitoring Results (December 2016 to March 2017)

2.9 Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

The audit of construction and associated vessels in accordance with the MTRMP-CAV has been started in August 2016. ET has conducted weekly audit of relevant information including AIS data, vessel tracks and other relevant records to ensure sufficient information has been provided by the contractors to the Marine Traffic Control Center (MTCC) and the contractors are complied with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. The contactors have submitted endorsed 3-month rolling programme for construction vessel activities to MTCC in order to help maintain the number of construction vessels to a practicable minimum. The IEC has also performed audit on the compliance of the requirements as part of the EM&A programme.

Between January and March 2017, deviations including speeding in the works area, entry from non-designated gates, not following the designated route and entering no-entry zones were identified. All the concerned contractors were reminded to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV during the weekly MTCC audit and such deviations were also reviewed during the Environmental Management Meeting.

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

A total of 13 skipper training workshops have been held by ET between January and March 2017 with 168 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 8 skipper training workshops have been held with 14 concerned captains by contractor’s EO and competency test had been conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET.

2.10 Coral Post-Translocation Monitoring

According to the approved Coral Translocation Plan (CTP), translocation of 384 gorgonian coral colonies from the donor site along the existing northern seawall of the airport island to the recipient site at Yam Tsai Wan was completed in January 2017. 370 and 14 suitable coral colonies were identified and translocated from the north-eastern airport island and during the additional search along the northern seawall respectively. Coral colonies attached on boulders of less than 50cm diameter were considered as suitable for translocation.

Location of Donor Site

The baseline coral dive survey in the CTP identified some coral colonies along the north-eastern side of the artificial seawall on the airport island (i.e. in the vicinity of D6, D7 and D8 in the baseline dive survey) as being suitable for translocation.  While the survey locations D6, D7 and D8 followed the same locations as in EIA study, the seawall / rocky shore at the north-eastern tip of the airport island were also re-checked for suitable corals. As coral colonies on small boulder were found in this area, the area around D6, D7 and D8 was identified as donor site.

Additional Search for Suitable Corals Along Northern Seawall

In addition to the donor site along the north-eastern seawall of the airport island, the seawall on the northern side of the airport island was also searched for additional suitable coral colonies so as to translocate as many coral colonies as possible. The additional search area for corals suitable for translocation is shown in Appendix F.  Fourteen additional coral colonies suitable for translocation were found around the boat launch area and the adjacent outfall in the mid-point of the northern seawall. These coral colonies were translocated immediately after they were located. The location of recipient site is shown in Appendix F.

Coral Tagging

According to the CTP, 10% of the translocated coral colonies and indigenous colonies as control corals would be tagged for post-translocation monitoring. To enable comprehensive monitoring of the post-translocated coral species, the sampling size was increased and additional tagging of translocated and control corals was carried out. Therefore, a total of 85 translocated corals and 20 control corals were selected and tagged for subsequent monitoring. The 85 tagged coral colonies constituted over 20% of the total number of translocated coral colonies. The control coral selection criteria were based upon the selected corals having similar size, partial mortality, and health condition to the translocated corals. The tagging work and surveys were carried out in December 2016 and January 2017.

Post-translocation Monitoring

The typical monitoring programme suggested in the CTP was reviewed and it was proposed to enhance the programme by extending the post-translocation monitoring period to 8 rounds of monitoring over 27 months.

In this reporting quarter, three rounds of post-translocation monitoring surveys were conducted:

· First round of survey – completed on 20 and 21 January 2017 (about 15 days after completion of translocation)

· Second round of survey – completed on 4 and 5 February 2017 (about 30 days after completion of translocation)

· Third round of survey – completed on 3 and 4 March 2017 (about two months after completion of translocation)

The results of the above three rounds of post-translocation monitoring are summarized in Table 2.19.  As can be seen from the table, there were no exceedances of the Action or Limit levels as defined in the approved CTP during the three rounds of monitoring.

Table 2.19:  Summary of the Post-Translocation Monitoring Surveys Completed in this Reporting Quarter

	Colony Height (cm)	General Health Conditions^(a)	% Change in Partial Mortality^(b)	Exceedance of Action Level^(c)	Exceedance of Limit Level^(d)
First Round of Survey
Control gorgonian corals (tagged)	7-59	3-5	≤5% change for 10% of the tagged corals	No	No
Translocated gorgonian corals (tagged)	5-44	3-5	≤10% change for 18.8% of the tagged corals	No	No
Second Round of Survey
Control gorgonian corals (tagged)	7-59	3-5	≤5% change for 10% of the tagged corals	No	No
Translocated gorgonian corals (tagged)	5-44	3-5	≤10% change for 18.8% of the tagged corals	No	No
Third Round of Survey
Control gorgonian corals (tagged)	7-59	4-5	≤15% change for 95% of the tagged corals and >15% change for 5% of the tagged corals	No	No
Translocated gorgonian corals (tagged)	5-44	2-4	≤15% change for 91.8% of the tagged corals; and >15% change for 4.7% of the tagged corals	No	No

Notes:

(a) General health conditions of coral were measured on an ordinal scale of 0 to 5 (0=dead, 5=very healthy).

(b) The percentage change in partial mortality of the tagged translocated and control corals are both determined by comparing the partial mortality recorded during each post-translocation monitoring with reference to the partial mortality observed during the baseline conditions, as represented by the tagged coral survey results.

(c) As defined in the approved CTP, the Action Level is exceeded if during monitoring a 15% increase in the percentage of partial mortality occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the original (control) corals at the recipient site.

(d) As defined in the approved CTP, the Limit Level is exceeded if during monitoring a 25% increase in the percentage of partial mortality occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the original (control) corals at the recipient site.

(e) No sediment was detected on all colonies during all three rounds of survey.

(f) The remaining tagged corals were normal without mortality.

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

An environmental complaint was received on 29 December 2016 regarding night time work at Sheung Sha Chau. An investigation was conducted by the ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan (CMP) of the Project at the time of preparation of previous quarterly EM&A Report (for October – December 2016).  The complaint investigation was completed in January 2017 and reported in the monthly EM&A Report for January 2017. The contractor of Contract P560(R) Aviation Fuel Pipeline Diversion Works reported that emergency rescue works had to be carried out in view of the unexpected ground condition at Sheung Sha Chau. Such emergency rescue works were considered as crucial and vital in order to avoid building up of excessive drilling fluid pressure, which might lead to an uncontrollable spillage outside the contaminant pit, causing significant environmental impact at Sheung Sha Chau. Subsequent to the emergency rescues, the contractor has already taken immediate actions to improve the drilling fluid system as well as strengthen the control and communication measures with all relevant parties. ET will continue to closely monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the remedial measures in preventing reoccurrence of similar events.

Another environmental complaint was received on 19 January 2017 regarding night time work and construction wastewater at Sheung Sha Chau on 12 January 2017. An investigation was conducted by the ET in accordance with the Manual and the CMP of the Project. Based on the investigation results, it was found that there was a small amount (around 5 litres) of drilling fluid which overflown from the containment pit on Sheung Sha Chau on 12 January 2017 due to a malfunctioning level sensor. The contractor had immediately confined and removed the leakage, and replaced the sensor with enhanced detection function. ET will continue to closely monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the preventive measures. According to the site records provided by the contractor, no night time works were carried out at Sheung Sha Chau by the contractor on 12 January 2017. It is concluded that the alleged night-time work carried out at Sheung Sha Chau on 12 January 2017 is not justified.

3.2.2 Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

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

3.3 Cumulative Statistics

Cumulative statistics on exceedance, non-compliance, complaints, notifications of summons and status of prosecutions are summarized 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 Quarter	Total No. Recorded since the Project Commenced
1-hr TSP	Action	0	0
	Limit	0	0
Noise	Action	0	0
	Limit	0	0
Waste	Action	0	0
	Limit	0	0
Water	Action	0	0
	Limit	0	0
CWD	Action	0	0
	Limit	0	0

Remark: Exceedances, which are not project related, 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	1	0	0
From 28 December 2015 to end of the reporting period	0	2	0	0

4 Conclusion and Recommendation

In this quarterly period from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2017, the EM&A programme has been implemented as planned, including 99 sets of air quality measurements, 65 sets of construction noise measurements, 38 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, three ecological monitoring on Sheung Sha Chau Island, 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 five DCM contracts, an advanced works contract, and a reclamation contract. The DCM contracts involved coring works, site office establishment, laying of geotextile and sand blanket, and DCM trials and works; the advanced works contract involved HDD works, pipeline supporting works, and stockpiling of excavated materials from HDD operation; and the reclamation contract involved site office establishment, and laying of geotextile and sand blanket.

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

No breach of the Action or Limit Levels in relation to the construction dust, noise, waste and CWD monitoring were recorded during 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. No encroachment of any works upon the egretry area nor any significant disturbance to the egrets on the island by the works was recorded during monthly ecological monitoring.

In total, 2,511 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Zhuhai / Macau were audited in the reporting period. All the HSFs had travelled through the SCZ with average speeds within 15 knots, which complied with the SkyPier Plan. Four ferry movements had minor deviations from the diverted route during the reporting period and all of them are related to public safety / emergency situations.

Between January and March 2017, ET has conducted weekly audit of relevant information to ensure the contractors are fully complied with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV. A total of 13 skipper training workshops have been held by ET between January to March 2017 with concerned captains of construction vessels associated with 3RS contracts. Another 8 skipper training workshops have been held by contractors’ EO and competency test had been conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET. The upgraded MSS was launched in March 2017. The MSS automatically recorded deviation cases such as speeding, entering no entry zone, not traveling through the designated gate. ET conducted cross checking with construction and associated vessel records provided by the contractors to ensure the MSS records all deviation cases accurately.

On the implementation of MMWP, silt curtains were in place by the contractors for sand blanket laying works and dolphin observers were deployed in accordance with the plan. On the implementation of DEZ Plan, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for DCM works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. Trainings for the proposed dolphin observers were provided by the ET prior to the aforementioned works, with the training records kept by the ET.  From the contractors’ MMWP observation records and DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains, whilst there was one record of dolphin sighting within the DEZ of DCM works in this reporting quarter.

Translocation of 384 gorgonian coral colonies from the donor site along the existing northern seawall of the airport island to the recipient site at Yam Tsai Wan was completed in January 2017. A total of 85 translocated coral colonies and 20 indigenous colonies as control corals were selected and tagged for post-translocation monitoring. Upon completion of coral translocation, a summary of the ensuing post-translocation monitoring is reported quarterly.

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