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

Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report No.16 (1 October to 31 December 2019)

February 2020

 

355482

06/15/13

A

 

 

 

 

Mott MacDonald

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

Abbreviations

Executive Summary

1       Introduction

1.1     Background

1.2     Scope of this Report

1.3     Project Organisation

1.4     Contact information for the Project

1.5     Summary of Construction Works

1.6     Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

2       Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

2.1     Air Quality Monitoring

2.1.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.1.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.1.3       Conclusion

2.2     Noise Monitoring

2.2.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.2.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.2.3       Conclusion

2.3     Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.3.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.3.3       Conclusion

2.4     Waste Monitoring

2.4.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.4.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5     Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

2.5.1       Action and Limit Levels

2.5.2       Summary of Monitoring Results

2.6     Environmental Site Inspection

2.7     Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

2.8     Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

2.9     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 7

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project 9

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

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations  13

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

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

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations  14

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

Table 2.6: General Meteorological Condition During Impact Noise Monitoring  15

Table 2.7: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring  15

Table 2.8: Action and Limit Levels for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  16

Table 2.9: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for General Water Quality Monitoring and Regular DCM Monitoring  17

Table 2.10: Percentage of Water Quality Monitoring Results within Action and Limit Levels  18

Table 2.11: General Weather Condition and Sea Condition During Impact Water Quality Monitoring  18

Table 2.12: Summary of SS Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Ebb Tide) 18

Table 2.13: Summary of SS Results Triggering Action or Limit Level (Mid-Flood Tide) 18

Table 2.14: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste  20

Table 2.15: Construction Waste Statistics  20

Table 2.16: Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Station Details  21

Table 2.17: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring  21

Table 2.18: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period  22

Table 2.19: 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  24

Table 2.20: Summary of Photo Identification  28

Table 2.21: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey  29

Table 3.1: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring  34

Table 3.2: Statistics for Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Prosecution  35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figures

Figure 1.1

Locations of Key Construction Activities

Figure 2.1

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

Figure 2.2

Water Quality Monitoring Stations 

Figure 2.3

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

Figure 2.4

Land based Dolphin Monitoring Locations in Baseline and Construction Phases

Figure 2.5

Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins

Figure 2.6

 

Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins with Different Group Sizes

Figure 2.7

Sighting Locations of Chinese White Dolphins Engaged in Different Behaviours

Figure 2.8

Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs

Figure 2.9

 

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

Figure 2.10

Location for Passive Acoustic Monitoring

 

Appendices

Appendix A

Project Organisation Chart

Appendix B

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) for Construction Phase

Appendix C

Monitoring Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Abbreviations

3RS

Three-Runway System

AAHK

Airport Authority Hong Kong

AECOM

AECOM Asia Company Limited

AFCD

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

AIS

Automatic Information System

ANI

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphins

APM

Automated People Mover

AW

Airport West

BHS

Baggage Handling System

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CAR

Contamination Assessment Report

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

MTCC

Marine Traffic Control Centre

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 16th 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 October 2019 to 31 December 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 including 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

56

Water quality monitoring

40

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

Marine Traffic Control Centre for Monitoring Construction Vessels

Toolbox Training Conducted by Contractor

Sorting Facility on the Existing Airport Island

Key examples of good site practices implemented in the Project are highlighted here:

1.     Contractors’ representatives were stationed in Marine Traffic Control Centre to ensure their construction vessels comply with the requirements of the Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessels (MTRMP-CAV) including speed control and predefined routes.

2.     Regular Toolbox Trainings were conducted by contractors to enhance the understanding of their frontline staff on the regulatory requirements of environmental related issues and provide information on practical measures to minimise environmental impacts.

3.     Sorting facilities were set up on the existing airport island to step up the reuse of excavated materials from 3RS and other AAHK’s contracts.

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 dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, total alkalinity, nickel 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 suspended solid (SS), some testing results triggered the relevant Action or Limit Level, 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

 

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

Nil

Remarks:

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

1        Introduction

1.1      Background

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

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

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

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

The updated overall phasing programme of all construction works was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 7 and the contract information was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 46.

1.2      Scope of this Report

This is the 16th 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 October 2019 to 31 December 2019.

1.3      Project Organisation

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

Joe Wong

6182 0351

Contract 3302 Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works

(China Road and Bridge Corporation)

 

Project Manager

Wan Cheung Lee

6100 6075

Environmental Officer

Dennis Ho

5645 0563

Contract 3303 Third Runway and Associated Works

(SAPR Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Andrew Keung

6277 6628

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

Malcolm Leung

3973 0850

 

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

Yolanda Gao

5399 3509

 

 

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 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works

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

Site Agent

Thomas Lui

9011 5340

Environmental Officer

Gary Hong

6015 0795

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

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

Project Manager

Tony Wong

9642 8672

Environmental Officer

Fredrick Wong

9842 2703

1.4      Contact information for the Project

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

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project

Channels

Contact Information

Hotline

3908 0354

Email

env@3rsproject.com

Fax

3747 6050

Postal Address

Airport Authority Hong Kong

HKIA Tower

1 Sky Plaza Road

Hong Kong International Airport

Lantau

Hong Kong

Attn: Environmental Team Leader Mr Terence Kong

c/o Mr Lawrence Tsui (TRD)

1.5      Summary of Construction Works

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation works and land-side works. Reclamation works included deep cement mixing (DCM) works, marine filling, 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.

1.6      Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

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

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

Parameters

EM&A Requirements

Status

Air Quality

 

 

Baseline Monitoring

At least 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction work

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

Impact Monitoring

At least 3 times every 6 days

On-going

Noise

 

 

Baseline Monitoring

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

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

Impact Monitoring

Weekly

On-going

Water Quality

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

On-going

Initial Intensive Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Water Quality Monitoring

At least four weeks

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

Regular DCM Water Quality Monitoring

Three times per week until completion of DCM works.

On-going

Waste Management

 

 

Waste Monitoring

At least weekly

On-going

Land Contamination

 

 

Supplementary Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP)

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

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

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR)

CAR to be submitted for golf course

The CAR for Golf Course was submitted to EPD.

CAR to be submitted for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply System No.1 (Volume 1)

The CAR for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply System No.1 (Volume 1) was submitted to EPD pursuant to EP Condition 1.9.

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:

   Ten skipper trainings provided by ET;

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

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

2              Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

2.1      Air Quality Monitoring

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

2.1.1      Action and Limit Levels

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

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AR1A

Man Tung Road Park

306

500

AR2

Village House at Tin Sum

298

2.1.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The air quality monitoring results in the reporting period are 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

Oct 2019

100%

100%

Nov 2019

100%

100%

Dec 2019

100%

100%

Overall

100%

100%

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

Sep 2019

Sunny to Drizzle

Northwest

Oct 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

Southeast

Nov 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

Northwest

Dec 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

Northwest

2.1.3      Conclusion

No dust emission source from Project and other activities was observed at the monitoring stations during impact air quality monitoring. It is considered that the monitoring work in the reporting period was effective and there was no adverse impact attributable to the Project activities.

2.2      Noise Monitoring

Impact noise monitoring was conducted at 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.

2.2.1      Action and Limit Levels

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

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

Action Level

Limit Level

NM1A

Man Tung Road Park

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

75 dB(A)

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).

2.2.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

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

Oct 2019

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nov 2019

100%

100%

100%

100%

Dec 2019

100%

100%

100%

100%

Overall

100%

100%

100%

100%

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

Sep 2019

Sunny to Drizzle

Oct 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

Nov 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

Dec 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

2.2.3      Conclusion

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

2.3      Water Quality Monitoring

During the reporting period, water quality monitoring was conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, at a total of 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 existing 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 2.2 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.

Table 2.7: Monitoring Locations and Parameters for Impact Water Quality Monitoring

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Easting                                 Northing

Parameters

 

 

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

SR6A(5)

Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI

814739

817963

SR7

Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)

823742

823636

SR8(6)

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

811623

820390

 

Notes:

(1)    With the operation of HKBCF, water quality monitoring at SR1A station was commenced on 25 October 2018.

(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.

2.3.1      Action and Limit Levels

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

2.3.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

The summary or results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period are presented in Table 2.10. 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

Oct 2019

100%

100%

99.1%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nov 2019

100%

100%

99.8%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Dec 2019

100%

100%

98.8%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Overall

100%

100%

99.2%

100%

100%

100%

100%

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

Sep 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

Calm to Rough

Oct 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

Calm to Rough

Nov 2019

Sunny to Cloudy

Calm to Rough

Dec 2019

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

The monitoring results for DO, turbidity, total alkalinity, nickel 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 SS, 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 SS are presented in Table 2.12 to Table 2.13.

Details of the investigation findings were presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 46, 47 and 48, which concluded that all results triggering the Action or Limit Level were not related to the Project.

Table 2.12: 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

SR6A

SR7

SR8

29/10/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16/11/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28/12/2019

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

 

Table 2.13: 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

SR6A

SR7

SR8

15/10/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29/10/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

D

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

17/12/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28/12/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

0

1

2

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

0

0

 

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

 

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

 

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

2.3.3      Conclusion

In the reporting period, it is noted that most monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels, while only a minor number of results triggered their corresponding Action or Limit Level, and investigations were conducted accordingly. Based on the findings presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 46, 47 and 48, 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.

2.4      Waste Monitoring

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

2.4.1      Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels of the construction waste are provided in Table 2.14.

Table 2.14: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste

Monitoring Stations

Action Level

Limit Level

Construction Area

When one valid documented complaint is received

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

2.4.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

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

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 2.15.

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 2.15: 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)

Oct 20192, 3

1,948

*19,316

*0

3,600

0

3,000

796

Nov 20192

1,403

26,774

0

3,380

90

6,600

680

Dec 20192

835

30,475

0

3,027

70

7,000

779

Total

4,186

76,565

0

10,007

160

16,600

2,255

 

Notes:

1.     C&D refers to Construction and Demolition.

2.     Paper, metals and/or plastics were recycled in the reporting period.

3.     Updated figures in the past month are reported and marked with an asterisk (*). Updated figures for earlier months will be reported in the forthcoming Annual EM&A Report.

2.5      Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

CWD monitoring was conducted by vessel line transect survey at a frequency of two full surveys per month, supplemented by land-based theodolite tracking survey and PAM. The frequency of the land-based theodolite tracking survey during the construction phase was one day per month at both Sha Chau (SC) and Lung Kwu Chau (LKC) stations as stipulated in the Manual. 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 October to December 2019 are shown in Figure 2.3, whilst the land-based theodolite tracking survey stations are described in Table 2.16 and depicted in Figure 2.4. The location of the PAM device is shown in Figure 2.10.

Table 2.16: Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Station Details

Stations

Location

Geographical Coordinates

Station Height (m)

Approximate Tracking Distance (km)

D

Sha Chau (SC)

22° 20’ 43.5” N

113° 53’ 24.66” E

45.66

2

E

Lung Kwu Chau (LKC)

22° 22’ 44.83” N

113° 53’ 0.2” E

70.40

3

2.5.1           Action and Limit Levels

The Action Level and Limit Level for CWD monitoring were formulated by an action response approach using the running quarterly dolphin encounter rates (STG and ANI) derived from baseline monitoring data, as presented in the CWD Baseline Monitoring Report. The derived values of Action and Limit Levels for CWD monitoring are shown in Table 2.17.

Table 2.17: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

 

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

Action Level

Running quarterly STG < 1.86 & ANI < 9.35

Limit Level

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

2.5.2      Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5.2.1            Vessel Line Transect Survey

Survey Effort

During the October to December 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 1,362 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 96.9% 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 October to December 2019, there were a total of 38 sightings of CWDs, with 110 dolphins sighted (Table 2.18). Amongst these sightings, 37 sightings with 108 dolphins were recorded during on-effort searches under favourable weather condition.

When breaking down the sightings by survey areas, 10 sightings with 26 dolphins, 21 sightings with 71 dolphins and 7 sightings with 13 dolphins were recorded in NWL (including AW transects), WL and SWL survey areas respectively during the current reporting period. No CWD was sighted in NEL survey area.

Compared with the last quarter (i.e. July to September 2019), there is an overall decrease in terms of both number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins (decreased by around 45% and 61% respectively). WL and SWL both showed drastic decreases in terms of both number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins, and such decreases were most remarkable in SWL as the number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins decreased by around 72% and 87% respectively. On the other hand, NWL experienced an observable increase in terms of both number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins by 200% and 375% respectively.

Compared with the same quarter of last year in 2018 (i.e. October to December 2018), there is an overall decrease in both number of CWD sightings and number of dolphins by 10% and 21% respectively. The decrease is mainly contributed by NWL and WL areas.

Table 2.18 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 2.18: 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

 

October to December 2018

July to September 2019

October to December 2019

NEL

1 (1)

0 (0)

0 (0)

NWL

12 (35)

3 (4)

9 (19)

AW

0 (0)

0 (0)

1 (7)

WL

24 (89)

41 (182)

21 (71)

SWL

5 (15)

25 (97)

7 (13)

Total

42 (140)

69 (283)

38 (110)

Note: Values in ( ) represent number of dolphins

The distribution of CWD sightings recorded from October to December 2019 is illustrated in Figure 2.5. In NWL survey area including AW transects, CWD sightings were mostly recorded around Lung Kwu Chau and at the southwestern part of NWL survey area, around the waters between the 3RS works area and the coast of Northwest Lantau. In WL, CWD sightings distributed from the northernmost part of the survey area to the south off Fan Lau, with the majority recorded between Tai O and Peaked Hill. In SWL, CWD sightings distributed along the coast from Fan Lau to Lo Kei Wan. No CWD sightings were recorded in NEL survey area. Details of the sighting data are presented in Appendix C.

Figure 2.5: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins from Oct to Dec 2019


Remarks: Please note that there are 38 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 October, November and December 2019 are summarised in Table 2.19.

In this reporting period, the monthly STG and ANI decreased from October to November, especially remarkable for ANI (from 12.00 to 5.46), but then remained relatively steady in December 2019. The running quarterly STG and ANI decreased from October to December. Although the running quarterly ANI in December fell below the action level (i.e. ANI < 9.35), the running quarterly STG remained above the action level (i.e. STG ≥ 1.86), therefore the Action Level for CWD monitoring was not triggered.

Compared with the previous reporting period, there are drastic decreases in both running quarterly STG (from 5.36 to 2.80) and running quarterly ANI (from 21.98 to 8.18). While comparing with the same quarter of last year (i.e. October to December 2018), both the running quarterly STG and ANI slightly decreased from 3.16 to 2.80 and from 10.36 to 8.18 respectively. As there is no significant change in deployment of works vessels and barges in this quarter comparing with the same quarter of last year (although there were comparatively more marine filling barges and reduced ground improvement works barges operating in this year), there is no obvious relationship between 3RS marine works activities and the decrease of running quarterly encounter rates in this reporting period. It is also important to note that dolphins move around within their habitat across the Pearl River Estuary Region due to both natural and anthropogenic factors and thus there is possible fluctuations of CWD numbers from year to year. Detailed analysis will be provided in the Annual Report.     

Table 2.19: 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

 

Oct 18

Nov 18

Dec 18

Jul 19

Aug 19

Sep 19

Oct 19

Nov 19

Dec 19

Monthly STG

3.07

4.85

1.67

7.64

3.95

4.47

3.33

2.50

2.56

Monthly ANI

8.97

14.28

8.10

31.72

16.50

17.63

12.00

5.46

6.98

Running Quarterly STG

4.19

4.29

3.16

4.37

4.92

5.36

3.91

3.42

2.80

Running Quarterly ANI

13.71

13.19

10.36

17.72

19.69

21.98

15.32

11.63

8.18

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. 46, 47 and 48.

Group Size

Between October and December 2019, the group size of CWD sightings ranged from 1 to 14 dolphins. The average group size of CWDs was 2.9 dolphins per group which is smaller than that of the last quarter which was 4.1. The average group size of CWDs in this reporting quarter is also smaller than that of the same quarter of last year (3.3 dolphins per group).

In this reporting quarter, CWD sightings with small group size (i.e. 1-2 dolphins) were dominant. Amongst all 38 sightings, there was only one sighting with large group size (i.e. 10 or more dolphins). The large CWD group was sighted in WL.

There were no distinct distribution patterns of small-sized and medium-sized CWD groups observed in the current reporting period. 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

Remarks: Please note that there are 38 circles on the map indicating the sighting locations of CWD. Some of them were very close to each other and therefore appear overlapped on this sighting distribution map.

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

During October to December 2019, four sightings of CWDs were recorded with feeding activities.  One of these sightings was observed in association with operating gillnetter in SWL.

The number of sightings with feeding recorded in the current reporting period is much lower than the last reporting period (18 sightings involved feeding activities without association with fishing boat between July and September 2019). The number of CWD sightings with feeding activities is also lower compared with the data in the same quarter of last year (i.e. 10 sightings between October and December 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 October to December 2019, three sightings of CWDs were recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted calf and/or mother-and-unspotted juvenile, which is fewer than that of the last reporting quarter (i.e. 11 sightings between July and September 2019). The number is also fewer than that recorded in the same quarter of last year (i.e. six sightings between October and December 2018). All 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 October to December 2019, a total number of 56 different CWD individuals were identified altogether for 83 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 56 different CWD individuals, 20 animals (i.e. NLMM004, NLMM006, NLMM013, NLMM016, NLMM018, NLMM019, SLMM003, SLMM010, SLMM012, SLMM014, SLMM028, SLMM037, SLMM049, SLMM052, SLMM053, SLMM060, WLMM007, WLMM008, WLMM029 and WLMM054) were sighted for more than once.

Seven individuals including NLMM004, NLMM018, NLMM019, SLMM010, SLMM012, SLMM049 and WLMM054 were re-sighted in different survey areas during this reporting period. NLMM004, NLMM018 and NLMM019 had cross-area movement between NWL (including AW transects) 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 NLMM004 which has been encountered altogether for 5 times. The number of re-sighted CWD individuals and the number of CWD individuals showing cross-area movement from October to December 2019 are both lower than those of the last reporting quarter (36 and 14 individuals respectively).

A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 2.20. Representative photos of the 56 identified individuals and figures depicting the sighting locations of the aforementioned 20 re-sighted individuals recorded in this reporting period are presented Appendix C.

Table 2.20: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

Individual
ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

 NLMM001

18-Dec-19

3

WL

 

SLMM037

3-Oct-19

7

WL

NLMM004

3-Oct-19

1

AW

 

12-Nov-19

1

WL

2

WL

 

SLMM044

18-Dec-19

3

WL

10-Oct-19

3

NWL

 

SLMM049

3-Oct-19

8

WL

11-Nov-19

3

NWL

 

22-Nov-19

6

SWL

16-Dec-19

3

NWL

 

SLMM050

18-Dec-19

3

WL

NLMM006

10-Oct-19

3

NWL

 

SLMM052

3-Oct-19

4

WL

16-Dec-19

2

NWL

 

12-Nov-19

1

WL

NLMM013

10-Oct-19

3

NWL

 

SLMM053

3-Oct-19

8

WL

11-Nov-19

3

NWL

 

22-Nov-19

4

WL

16-Dec-19

2

NWL

 

SLMM060

2-Oct-19

3

SWL

NLMM016

3-Oct-19

6

WL

 

21-Nov-19

2

SWL

18-Dec-19

2

WL

 

WLMM001

22-Nov-19

2

WL

NLMM018

3-Oct-19

1

AW

 

WLMM003

10-Dec-19

3

SWL

2

WL

 

WLMM006

22-Nov-19

2

WL

NLMM019

3-Oct-19

1

AW

 

WLMM007

3-Oct-19

8

WL

11-Nov-19

1

NWL

 

18-Dec-19

5

WL

22-Nov-19

4

WL

 

WLMM008

22-Nov-19

5

WL

NLMM020

11-Nov-19

1

NWL

 

18-Dec-19

5

WL

NLMM023

10-Oct-19

2

NWL

 

WLMM011

3-Oct-19

6

WL

NLMM052

3-Oct-19

1

AW

 

WLMM018

3-Oct-19

8

WL

NLMM053

3-Oct-19

1

AW

 

WLMM027

18-Dec-19

1

WL

NLMM063

16-Dec-19

3

NWL

 

WLMM029

3-Oct-19

8

WL

NLMM068

3-Oct-19

1

AW

 

22-Nov-19

2

WL

NLMM071

3-Oct-19

1

AW

 

WLMM049

10-Oct-19

1

NWL

NLMM072

16-Dec-19

3

NWL

 

WLMM054

4-Oct-19

5

SWL

SLMM003

3-Oct-19

7

WL

 

11-Oct-19

1

WL

12-Nov-19

1

WL

 

2

WL

SLMM010

3-Oct-19

8

WL

 

18-Dec-19

1

WL

10-Dec-19

2

SWL

 

WLMM056

21-Nov-19

4

SWL

SLMM011

11-Nov-19

1

NWL

 

WLMM063

22-Nov-19

2

WL

SLMM012

21-Nov-19

4

SWL

 

WLMM065

18-Dec-19

3

WL

18-Dec-19

3

WL

 

WLMM067

18-Dec-19

3

WL

SLMM014

3-Oct-19

8

WL

 

WLMM071

3-Oct-19

5

WL

18-Dec-19

4

WL

 

WLMM073

3-Oct-19

7

WL

SLMM022

3-Oct-19

8

WL

 

WLMM078

3-Oct-19

8

WL

SLMM025

3-Oct-19

8

WL

 

WLMM079

3-Oct-19

7

WL

SLMM028

3-Oct-19

8

WL

 

WLMM104

3-Oct-19

3

WL

22-Nov-19

1

WL

 

WLMM107

3-Oct-19

6

WL

SLMM029

3-Oct-19

8

WL

 

WLMM131

3-Oct-19

7

WL

SLMM031

21-Nov-19

4

SWL

 

WLMM132

3-Oct-19

7

WL

 

 

 

 

WLMM149

3-Oct-19

6

WL

2.5.2.2            Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Survey Effort

During October to December 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, 10 CWD groups were tracked from the Lung Kwu Chau station while no CWD groups were tracked from the Sha Chau station, with an overall 0.19 CWD groups sighted per survey hour.

Information on survey effort and CWD groups sighted during land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 2.21. Details on the survey effort and CWD groups tracked are presented in Appendix C. The first sighting locations of CWD groups tracked between October and December 2019 are shown in Figure 2.9.

Table 2.21: 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

October 2019

Lung Kwu Chau

2

12:00

5

0.42

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

3

18:00

5

0.28

November 2019

Lung Kwu Chau

2

12:00

2

0.17

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

3

18:00

2

0.11

December 2019

Lung Kwu Chau

2

12:00

3

0.25

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

3

18:00

3

0.17

OVERALL

9

54:00

10

0.19

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

2.5.2.3            Progress Update on PAM

An Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) has been deployed and positioned to the south of Sha Chau Island inside the SCLKCMP (Figure 2.10) with 20% duty cycle, while data from the EAR intended primarily to supplement the data collected from the land-based theodolite tracking survey station on Sha Chau. In this reporting period, the EAR has been retrieved on 23 October and 6 December 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.

2.5.2.4            Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

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 3 to 8 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, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the silt curtains. As for DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within the DEZs in this reporting period, whilst there was one record of dolphin sighting outside the DEZ of DCM works in December 2019. 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.

2.6      Environmental Site Inspection

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

During site inspections, environmental situation, status of implementation of pollution control and mitigation measures were observed. 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.     Contractors’ representatives were stationed in Marine Traffic Control Centre to ensure the travelling of their vessels in the vicinity of the Project Area comply with the requirements of MTRMP-CAV including speed control and predefined routes. 

2.     Regular Toolbox training on the control of the air exhaust from the marine vessel operation was conducted by contractor to enhance the understanding of their frontline staffs on the regulatory requirements of environmental related issues and provide information on practical measures to minimise environmental impacts from the operation of machineries.

3.     Sorting facilities were set up on the existing airport island to step up the reuse of excavated materials from 3RS and other AAHK’s contracts, thus reducing C&D waste being transferred to public fill facilities.

Marine Traffic Control Centre for Monitoring Construction Vessels

Toolbox Training Conducted by Contractor

Sorting Facility on the Existing Airport Island

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.

2.7      Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

In total, 1,571 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 78 and 102, 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 10.4 to 14.0 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).

One ferry movement was recorded with deviation from the diverted route. Notice of deviation was sent to the ferry operator and the case was investigated. The case was due to strong tidal wave and current. 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

2.8      Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

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 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 Marine Traffic Control Centre (MTCC) representatives, all the concerned captains were reminded to comply with the requirements of the MTRMP-CAV.  

A total of 10 skipper training workshops were held by ET during the reporting period with 94 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 5 skipper training workshops were held with 9 captains by contractors’ Environmental Officers and competency tests were conducted subsequently with the trained captains by ET.

2.9     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

No construction activities-related complaint was received during the reporting period.

3.2.2      Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution

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

3.3     Cumulative Statistics

Cumulative statistics on valid exceedance, non-compliance, complaints, notifications of summons and status of prosecutions are 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


 

4        Conclusion and Recommendation

In this quarterly period from 1 Oct 2019 to 31 December 2019, the EM&A programme has been implemented as planned, including 96 sets of air quality measurements, 56 sets of construction noise measurements, 40 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 DO, turbidity, total alkalinity, nickel 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 SS, 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, 1,571 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. One ferry movement had minor deviation from the diverted route during the reporting period. ET investigated the deviation case and confirmed that the case was related to strong tidal wave and current.

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 5 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 within the DEZ in this reporting period. Nevertheless, ET was notified by the contractor that there was one record of dolphin sighting outside the DEZ of DCM works by the contractor. 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)