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.

This is the 16^th 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 16^th 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
Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System (VISH Consortium)	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	500

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
Monitoring Station		Coordinates Easting Northing
C1	Control Station	804247	815620	General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS DCM Parameters Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals⁽²⁾
C2	Control Station	806945	825682
C3⁽³⁾	Control Station	817803	822109
IM1	Impact Station	807132	817949
IM2	Impact Station	806166	818163
IM3	Impact Station	805594	818784
IM4	Impact Station	804607	819725
IM5	Impact Station	804867	820735
IM6	Impact Station	805828	821060
IM7	Impact Station	806835	821349
IM8	Impact Station	808140	821830
IM9	Impact Station	808811	822094
IM10	Impact Station	809794	822385
IM11	Impact Station	811460	822057
IM12	Impact Station	812046	821459
SR1A⁽¹⁾	Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) Seawater Intake for cooling	812660	819977	General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
SR2⁽³⁾	Planned marine park / hard corals at The Brothers / Tai Mo To	814166	821463	General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS DCM Parameters Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾
SR3	Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park / fishing and spawning grounds in North Lantau	807571	822147	General Parameters DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS
SR4A	Sha Lo Wan	807810	817189
SR5A	San Tau Beach SSSI	810696	816593
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
DO in mg/L (Surface, Middle & Bottom)	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 2019^{2, 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)

Sha Chau (SC)

22° 20’ 43.5” N

113° 53’ 24.66” E

45.66

Lung Kwu Chau (LKC)

22° 22’ 44.83” N

113° 53’ 0.2” E

70.40

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)